Friday Musings

I can’t believe it’s Friday already. ALREADY!! Yeesh. Slow it down there Nelly!

Oh well. The week has flown and I feel I’ve gotten much of nothing done but have been so busy. Yeah, I’m sure there were a few things thrown in here and there, but for the life of me I can’t place them.

Just for fun I’ll share a pic of the Dear Twins birthday cake from their party last week. I decided to embarrass them once more and use the blog pics on their cake. I think it came out so cute and it was delish too. I still can't believe I have 16 year olds but all the teen drama tells me it is so. Sigh.

In other ramblings... are you watching Project Runway? I am but have the hardest time remembering it’s on Lifetime now. It’s so hard to break a habit. Hey, don’t my hips know it?
I thought Amy, Jay and Anthony rocked it this week and to me Amy made that burlap beautiful.

Best,
Kwana

Make it Work

What’s Jack up to? As I write this Jack is snoozing and has been trying to snooze for most of the day. I guess it’s because he was up at the crack of dawn on both Saturday and Sunday trying to wake me up. Um, we’ve got to amend this sleep schedule Jack. It’s not working for me.

I hope the weekend was good and you weren’t too distracted looking to the sky for runaway balloons. How teeth gnashing is that whole story? And possibility all to be on reality TV with no Tim Gunn? Pla-eaze!

Speaking of Tim Gunn I could use a little Tim in my life. How nice would it be to have Tim as the friendly pop over neighbor? Just a shout away when you are overwhelmed with so much on your to-do list like I am this week and you need a good “MAKE IT WORK” kick in the butt.

BTW: Any predictions on a winner for Project Runway at this point? I know Irina keeps coming on strong (and how)but I'm going to go for Carol Hannah or Althea from behind. But what do I know?

Wishing you a ‘make it work’ kind of week.

Best,
Kwana

Head Spinning- Spoiler alerts!

Hi all. Happy Friday!

First off thanks so much for all your comments and congrats yesterday on my 600th post. If you didn't comment there is still a little time to go here comment and enter for your chance to win a 20.00 gift card. So please follow and comment!

My head is still spinning today after my roller coaster rides and last night's TV watching did nothing to help. Project Runway is back! How awful is it for me that it's up against The Not so Real Housewives? Torture I tell ya!

So I watched Project Runway both the pre-show All Stars and the actual show.

I was thrilled to see Tim Gunn back. I've decided I need a Tim Gunn in my life as my writing coach. With him I'd never give up no matter how many rejections. I'd Make It Work despite all doubts.

I loved seeing the all stars back. Santino was a trip. I can't for the life of me figure out why Chris March was to tired or what was going on with Michael/Mychael Knight's name. Yeesh. Oh and Jeffery's stach just about cracked my up. Those zany all stars.























In the end I was totally disappointed with who the judges picked to win. Once again disappointing me and my girl Korto. I have a feeling there will be a lot of that this season. Look she still looks mad in this pic.





See they went for Daniel. Doesn't he look smug? I think they look these pics after the winner was chosen. Don't you? He's about to crack up here.



As for the Season premier I think they totally made the right decision and spared us a few episodes of general nuttiness in clothing by letting Ari go. That was no red carpet dress. Buh-bye.

I ended up taping The Real Housewives of ATL. Will save that hot mess for tonight. I'm spent.

9:21 Update: I watched. It was a hot mess. Kim doesn't know who King Tut is. And I can't sell a book. What is with the world? Sigh? I'm getting a blond Barbie wig maybe that will help.

best,
Kwana

Project Finito- Spoiler Alert!

Project Finale !

The debate is done Jack is snuggled beside me, I’m yawning, but I can’t sleep without watching Project Runway. So here I go.

Jerell is gone and it’s just the ladies off to Parsons. They each get to present 10 looks so they have to edit out 2.
Time to choose models.
Korto needs girls with hair. Leanne wants Aliens. Huh? And Kenley is bossy. Surprise, surprise.

Tim is walking through. First Kenley. Tim questioning the rope and Kenley is not hearing it. She’s not hearing anything. Tim walks away with THE best expression. Insert eye roll here.

Korto is scared to keep her wedding dress because it was not a winner. I hope she changes it..

Leanne has trouble editing. Too many good looks for her. Some problem to have.
Kenley stops Tim. She changes her mind and follows his advice. Could she be learning?
Korto is making 2 new looks at the last minute. Crazy! I hope crazy like a fox.

Sidebar: Korto is a total vixen going out to discuss makeup? Who's she going to see?

Back in the workroom Leanne and Kenley are talking about each other’s lines behind their backs. Eee Oww.
Quick hair consultation and back to work.
Korto is stressed. Of course.
Leanne’s model come is with a dog that poops in the workroom. Is she trying to say something about the collections?!
Gather round its Tim with the show order and words to make you cry. Nice Tim.
The Designers up at 3:05 am to go to the tents at Bryant Park. Ouch.
More testimonies and tears.

At the tents helpers arrive. Korto takes the help. Kenley says no one touches her garments. I see she’ll be fun to work for.
Almost Showtime and all the old PR faves are there. Are they paid for this?
Leanne has to switch a dress on a model and there are tears. There are always tears.
Everyone’s family is there.

Now it’s Showtime. Heidi is looking elegant. Love that dress. Anyone know who's dress it is?

Tim Gunn is the guest Judge since JLo bailed. Foot Problems. Sure. I've heard things.

Kenley comes out. She colorful and so are her dresses. 80’s meet 50’s pin-up girls. I like the fuchsia and black and the sleek black and the cream with floral.

Korto is next and she is feeling herself.
Love the first look. So sleek. And the new dress. Third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh in white. Awesome. Yellow is gorgeous. Green at the end beautiful. A knockout! Looks for so many women. I could wear this. Love her use of color. And she grabs her daughter to walk with her at the end. A tear from me. Perfect.

look it's Bianca from ANTM!

Next up Leanne. First look is pretty. Like the second. Fourth is pretty and fifth. I still love that wedding gown. I like her craftsmanship but wish for more variety in her palette and variation on the petals.


For me the winner is Korto. Let’s see who does win.

Now to the judges. Hey, Nina is smiling. Oh happy day.
They love Kenley’s painting. But another dress reminds them of a dress that’s out there. She's not winning.

Korto showed her heritage and did not make it into a costume, but some pieces are overworked. She needs to hold back.

Leanne had divine workmanship. They loved all her different pieces. Maybe too many petals. Um, yeah.
Judges deliberate. My heart is beating fast.

The winner is… not Kenley.
It’s… Leanne. I had a feeling it would be her. That’s the way the poll went. She had a lovely collection it just did not excite me with looks for so many real women like Korto’s did. Bummer. I never get the winner I want.

Congratulations Leanne! Fun season. I’m looking forward to Top Chef next month.

Best,
Kwana

P.S. Scroll down to talk politics if you're not over it.

Opinions please

So is this too close for comfort or A-OK?

Is Kenley's Wedding dress too close to the Alexander McQueen that the Project Runway judges were referring to last week?


Kenley's:


Alexander McQueen Fall 2008

Photos thanks to David Dust again. Loves him. I had not seen the McQueen last week but now that I have, I think it's too close for comfort. Now I come from a fashion background and have done plenty design "interpretation" in my day but this "interpretation" is pretty close to the line. Down to the flat shoes and the color of the feathers!

Check out Project Rungay for more thoughts on this subject. I do still think her bridesmaid dress was way cute though.

Best,

Kwana

Keep reading the day's not over...

Project Heartbreak

What's Jack up to? Jack was sleeping late on this school holiday morning just like the rest of us. Now he's up and chipper and ready to ROCK!


Project Runway starts with Heidi giving out cash and time for the designers to make a collection. The elimination challenge was to make a wedding dress that reflects their collection and Tim will be checking in.

We start with Kenley saying how she was sabotaged and walking away without a goodbye. Ugh!


First Visit- Korto in Little Rock.
Tim says, what is this place. So funny! Korto looks great.
The collection is very Korto. Nice palette. Ethnic, but not too much . Beautiful beading.
Tim is worried about the sexual shape. Oh Tim. Don't be scarrrred.
The wedding dress needs work. I agreee.

Tim meets hubby, daughter family and friends and Korto does a drum performance for Tim as a sweet suck up. Use what you got girl to get what you need!


Then it's on to Portland to see Leanne and her cute quiet boyfriend that looks just like her.
Leanne is all about water and waves.

Tim is concern with all the white. Tea dye it or something.

Then he goes bike riding with Leanee, scary, but cute. It's fun to se Tim out of his element. No family for Leanne. Where are they? No story for her either. She's the woman of mystery. Why am I not surprised?




On to Jerell in Los Angeles. Jerell is all evening. I feel like we're in the Bob Mackie showroom. Not that that's an all together bad thing. Bob in the right moment has been know to rock it. But Jerell needs to be careful.
Tim is concerned about the top if the wedding dress. I am too.

It's time for editing with all the pieces. There is a lot going on there.
Time to meet the family. Sister pretty. Love interest. Funny. Way to not commit Jerell. And Mom. Love the pics of Jerell and his Dad. That afro was a crack up.


Finally it was save the attitude for last and Kenley in Brooklyn.
She was all about saying she values Tim's opinion. Riiiight.
That photo of her grandmother totally shows where she gets her style.
Kenley handpainted the fabrics which was pretty ambitious and they came out lovely.
Then we could to the neck area the she has ropes on the neck. What? Hanging! Huh? Strange.
Tim loved the wedding dress. It's fun. Feathers. Can you say Christian?
Kenley cries tears of joy.
No family or even fiends visit. So sad but when you're not nice you can't even get friends to come by and be your friends with Tim Gunn.


Now were all back in NY. Whew. This is too long. Sorry. It's part one of the finally. The designers want to get their spaces before Kenley arrive. Jerell is stuck rooming with Kenley. When she arrives the reception is cold and she apologizes.


Doorbell with champagne and food and lighten.

They arrive at Parsons for the the designers to unpack. Time for a lookie. But Tim comes in with a whopper of another challenge. Design a bridesmaid dress to go with their wedding dress. Uh oh. It's on!

Tim walks through. Kenley ambitious. Jerell sloppy. Leanne now making music. Wow. Korto's dresses are in competition.

Tim makes a speech and gets weepy. Is it for the designers or the move to Lifetime? Hmmm...

Now to the runway show.


Jerell- I don't like the top of the wedding dress. Color of the bridesmaid is bad. I don't like iridescent. It looks cheap.


Kenley- wedding dress is very Kenley. Cute though. Fun Bridesmaid





Korto- Like wedding, but not the color and take a few of the pleats away please. I do like the bridesmaid dress.





Leanne- love wedding gorgeous architecture. The winner today. Bridesmaid. Delish. Cream puff. Bravo has these pics that show nothing. What does this mean?




I hate it when they do this so close to the end. It's a heart breaker. But Jerell is out. If someone had to go this week he was the one.

It's an all girl finale. Till next week.



Best,
Kwana

Which one? That one.

What's Jack up to? Jack's full of energy this morning. Running from one side of the bed to the other, all ready for a brisk walk in the cold air. Oh, Jack it was a late night last night I'm tired.

Did you watch the debate last night or are you over all this yet and you watched the New Real Housewives of Atlanta? I'm not going to hate. I DVR'd it and will be watching that un-beweavable hot mess asap. I saw the preview and those lades make the Real Housewives of New York look like paupers.

But that's not what I'm talking about today. Today is about last night. I went to sleep not knowing what I'd write about, but woke up still annoyed with one thought on my mind. That one. It really got under my skin when McCain had the nerve to say "That one" in reference to Barack Obama last night. In what context is that ok? In reference to a cup, a book, the fifth grandchild from the left, but not in reference to a Senator and candidate for President of the United States.

As soon as it was out I was taken aback. His low talking, condescending, "My Friend" way just gets gets under my skin. And how do you assume that the person who asked you a question about the failed economy doesn't know what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is? And you call the other guy the elitist? Pla-ease

All in all, once again there was no knock out, but another quiet win for the Obama camp. According to the early polls. CNN tracks it at 54 Obama and 3o McCain and the rest saying "Uh what?"

What say you about last night? You know what I say.

Sidebar:Funniest laugh from this morning. Joe Biden was on The Today Show doing his job and giving a shout out for his candidate. At the end of the interview Ann Curry said that Sarah Palin was invited to come on but declined. No surprise there. I made a comment to the DH about Sarah hiding and she should be doing her job and commenting on the debate.

Deadpan he says to me. "Maybe she didn't watch."

Ha! Who knows? Real Housewives of Atlanta was on!

Project Runway Tonight! Yippee.

Best,

Kwana

Project Meltdown

What's Jack up to? Good old, Jack has pulled the stuffing out of yet another stuffed toy. Looks like he's found a new game and I have a new habit to break. Oh joy. I had to get a dog, huh?


ANTM was all about the positive energy and poor Marjorie was embracing her wrecked nerves. She just didn’t understand all the positivity coming off the darn American girls. It was all an act, Marj. False bravado.
The girls meet Paulina for a self styling challenge, turning good to bad with clips and pins. Which is pretty normal on shoots. Marjorie cracked under the pressure of Paulina’s criticism, but Paulina comforted her as much as she could and she was cool for a sec. The winner of the challenge was McKey who just doesn’t do it for me. Anybody else getting a Joker feeling there? The loser was Samantha who once again turned the clothes into whatever she wanted and didn’t care for the design.

Now for the photo shoot and Mr. Jay comes out looking like The Predator from Predator vs. Alien.
The girls were giants and looked fab done up all mod. But it’s all about Marjorie this week and she was down on herself. But they could be fooling us because there is some Joclyn talk too. Will she be in the bottom with Marjorie? Or could it be Samantha with all her confidence? Surprise- Out this week is Clark. Winner one week and out the next. Buh Bye Clark.

Now for the main event

Project Runway starts with Korto again. That woman wants the tents BAD. I sure hope she makes it to the end, but I’m kinda of afraid to hope. Then its Kenley saying how she’s not talking to Leanne because she tried to sabotage her outfit. Pla-ease. Earth to Kenley. Then Jerell is all sad because he’s the only guy left and stuck with talking to his imaginary fruit “Suede”. I can’t even make a joke. Poor Jerell.

Time for a road trip to the NY Botanical Gardens and suddenly I want to take a trip. At the garden they get the challenge and it’s an L’Oreal challenge to make an evening gown using nature as your muse. The designers her given cameras and told to have at it.
The designers choose 1 photo and off to mood they run. Looks to me like somebody left their fabric at mood. Who could it have been? Oh boy, it was, Kenley. I just can’t feel bad about it now. That’s what you get for laughing on the runway chickie.

Day 2 and Kenley is mad, mad, mad and not talking to the other designers. Now she’s trying to buy tulle. But no designer will sell her any. Thank goodness for her Tim is so nice and letting her go back for it. Don’t you remember last week Tim and how she was taking to you? Oh well. I’m not in charge.

Collier Strong comes in to consult on makeup and do a long commercial.
Then it’s the Kenley sob story for a while with the other designers on one side and her on the other all sad and down and misunderstood. But really she’s not. She was mean to them the entire time. Face it.
Tim arrives for the walk through.
Korto’s lace is bothering him
Kenley loves her dress. Tim doesn’t like the scales and she won’t listen. It's just another day.
Jerell is unfinished. Get finished.
Leanne is looking very 'Hello Dolly'. I agree.

Poor Leanne with that seam ripper late at night really took me back. I feel your pain girl.
Now Jerell is crying. And Korto. Who do they have behind the camera, Barbara Walters?
I can’t believe this is the last runway show. This season went way too fast. I’m gonna cry too.
Time for the show. Hey Heidi’s in a suit. Hmm.


Korto-I like but it's just ok.


Leanne –Like the top but not hip and back of dress.


Jerell-My fave. Beautiful.


Kenley-ok but boring on top and don’t like bottom. I could buy this in a costume shop. Ugh. Why is she still arguing on the runway?


Heidi asks the question: Why should you move forward and who should go with you? The designers are breaking it down and letting the judges know how they really feel about Kenley. Uh oh. This is not pretty.
Kenley apologizes for being Kenley and then lets everyone know that Korto is not her favorite. Ouch.
It was the tensest waiting room ever with Korto ready to deliver the smackdown.
The judges deliberate and it’s all to keep us on our toes. I’m not even going to guess.


Yay, Jerell is the winner!
And the loser is... wait for it... Nobody. Huh? What?! They all get to make collections but only 3 will be in contention. I’m confused. Sigh, but what else is new?
Oh well, at least I’ll get to see another week of them all working on their collections. That will be fun. More drama and it's not mine. Bring it on!



Best,

Kwana

Project You've Got to be Kidding Me

What's Jack up to? Jack is chilling this morning. Eerily quiet which can only spell trouble or maybe he's just trying to figure out what's got me so in a snit with all my blog posts. I've been at the computer a lot. Scroll down further to read my other rants. Must go back to MJB, eh, Jack.


America’s Next Top Model gave up double eliminations for our hour this week. It started with a Runway challenge which taught future models to learn to walk at home. First the models met Ms. J at a bowling alley to learn to walk. It was clear from the start that Hannah had the most to overcome.



Then there was a runway show where they had to do the show blindfolded. And the worse model that not would be eliminated and not even get to do a photo shoot. It was poor Hannah who could not overcome years of that bad walk in one night. Buh-Bye.

Then the models were woken up early in the morning my Mr. J for which was all about the eyes and getting wet with Nigel. It was an interesting shoot but Isis struggled. She was too concerned with one of her three bottoms coming off and her bits falling out and shocking the crew. Well it showed in the eyes and you know Tyra is all about the eyes so Isis was out.



Project Runway starts and Korto says she is not about to go home. I hear ya girl. But Suede knows he has to step up to his game. Well, step it up Suede.
They head to the Runway to do the model trade off. Jerell keeps his model but Kenly dumps her girl, crushing her and take a new model. Jeanne follows suit steals Suede’s model. These girls are mean.
Then they find out the challenge is to design for each other. What? And it must rep a specific music genre
Suede for Jerell- Rock and Roll
Kenley for Leanne- Hip Hop
Korto for Suede- Punk
Jerell for Kenley-Pop
Leanne for Korto-Country

I don’t know why they had to do they model pick. I guess they didn’t want to pay the extra girls to hang around another week.
It’s going to be crazy seeing the designers walk down the runway this week. I’m excited.
Over at mood and Kenley is picking out a bright print. Hmm. No hip-hop there. Tim tries to tell her about it, but like a teenager she doesn’t listen. But she’s trying pants, albeit, very high waisted pants. Hey it’s not a hip-hop 50’s dress.
Jerell had Kenley all vixened up and it’s a little scary to see her that way. And yes there is head gear. But no feathers.
Leanne may be too subtle
Korto needs to go further. It’s too basic.
Suede silenced Tim. It was not amped up enough.

Now to Kenley…Tim had the nerve ask shouldn’t hip-hip be oversized and she went ga-ga. Well, Tim had to school her behind and tell her, “simmer down now” and cut the crap. It’s his workroom and he’s the King. She’s not listening. Oh well. Can we eliminate her right now before the runway show? Leanne doesn’t want to wear that outfit anyway.

So its runway day and the designers are all confidant. Especially Kenley. Why? Doesn’t she think Heidi swathe dailies from yesterday?
They all squeeze into their outfits and go to get made up. It’s so much fun to see them done up. Although I do feel for poor Korto. Really, County and that blouse is not her color. It’s not anybody’s color. Leanne should have known that.
Time for the show and yay, LL is there.

Leanne- ok for the skirt. Don’t like the belt or the scarf around the neck. Agree with LL looks Theme Parky.


Jerell- ok. More rock than pop to me but cute.

Kenley- ok but not hip hop and shut up with blaming the model for your design. Bad sewing too.
Korto- Yes! She went there. Very good. Suede looked better than normal. Pasty make up agrees with him. Suede-Yes. I can’t believe I like it. Judges think it was boring.

Could this be Kenley’s week? Please. Now crossing toes.
The winner is… Korto. See what happens when you listen to Tim?Yes! Told ya she made Suede look good.


And Aufed this week is… Ken- What! Suede!!! No way. I actually liked that outfit more than Kenley’s bad attitude and high waisted pants. I can’t take this mess. Sniff. Bye Suede. I may even miss the 3rd person speak. I know I'll miss it more than Kenley's bad attitude. Lord I'd trade Blayne for her.





Best,
Kwana

PS- Scroll down to chime in on politics. come on you know you want to.