Unexpected Happiness

This weeks post is a from a college girlfriend of mine. Both Allie and I are very similar in the fact that we're big dreamers, yogi's, and both of us took a step back recently and realized- there's beauty in the place we are in life.... It may not be the Editor in Chief of a respectable Magazine, or Head of Design at a Corporate Fashion house, but heck- we have so much to be thankful for and suddenly we realized, sometimes happiness can't be chased, sometimes happiness falls unexpectedly into place.

Thank you Allison- please be sure to check out her blog HERE.

There’s a little old saying that is one of my favorites: “Life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned.” If I had it my way, I’d have my own column in one of the hottest publications, I’d have two doggies at my feet when I write and I would be able to cook like Giada on a daily basis. My boy and I would be living comfortably in a two bedroom apartment over looking a park; we would have great friends and drink wine. You know, living the good life.

As I type, God is laughing at me. Hell, I’m laughing at myself. That’s not my life, and who’s to say I would be happy if it was? Right now, at this moment, I’m happy. Despite a monstrous headache from one too many vodka sodas last night-I have my cat sleeping next to me and I’m waiting for my boy to come home (to my Mom’s house) from a family gathering. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happiness to me isn’t measured by the things that you have (OK, maybe a REALLY cute pair of shoes) it’s by the things that you have. See the dilemma? For once in my life, all of the planets aligned correctly. I am happy at work and at play. It wasn’t always like this. It was either one or the other. I loved my job, but my relationship was crap. Or my relationship was great and my job was crap. For years, it was never perpendicular. I was dating a guy who I thought was the one, and doing a job that was in my projected major in college.

Now? I am dating a wonderful man that was one of my best friends for four years, and I am now working in non-profit. Complete opposites. It’s strange how happiness pops up unexpectedly. But I am right where I am supposed to be. I finally feel complete and I finally feel accomplished.

Would I mind having the “good life”? Of course not, I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t. But I am sublimely happy with the way things are right now. Happiness and life are two things that you cannot plan, they just happen. And to live a happy life, well…that’s the good life.

WOOF wOoF Wednesday! : Cutting Canine Nails

Hello Readers!

As most of you know I am an avid dog lover, and I am creating Woof Woof Wednesday’s to discuss all things canine! Feel free to chime, I mean Bark some comments my way!

This week I am pleased to introduce Christine, who is currently living in Sydney, Australia! She is the person I turn to ask dog advice; she is educated in training, grooming and she speaks all things doggie.

Thanks Christine for taking some time out of your busy schedule down under to give our readers some info! Arf Arf! So without further ado, I hand over the floor to Christine who will give us some magical tips on the dreaded topic: cutting doggy nails:


I will tell you that one of my biggest pet (pun intended) peeves are long toenails on pets. We will be talking about dogs today, but cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and the like, are all in need of a good nail trim from time to time. It’s your job to get that situation handled because not doing so can result in infected paw pads, over-extended joints, and the general discomfort of your pet. Before you go running to your vet once a month (yes, once a month.) keep in mind that most local groomers will do this for you for half the cost, and have you in and out in about 15 minutes.
All that being said, I completely understand this may be an expensive proposition, or simply a pain to fit into your schedule.

If so, I suggest you get pretty comfortable with trimming your dog's nails at home-- and I'm going to explain how.

First you will need nail clippers – you can find these at the pet store, and sometimes at your local Wal-Mart or Target. There are two types of clipper, and I am definitely opinionated about which I prefer. There is the guillotine style: which I am NOT a fan of. Or the scissor-style, which I find much more useful. If you’re at a pet store, look for Styptic Powder (sometimes called “Quick Stop”). We will talk about this later.

Be confident. Your dog will be able to tell if you're nervous about what's about to happen. And that will make him/her nervous, which will make this difficult. I suggest just going in for some nail ‘tipping’ the first time—where you only trim off the tip of the nail even if it is very long.

There are a few reasons for this. It will boost your confidence, because if your dog’s nails are very long and you’re only taking off a little bit, you will most likely not cut the vein (called the “quick”) in the nail—so don’t be scared. Tipping will require less precision, and therefore take much less time. If this first-ever nail trimming experience is short and sweet, odds are the next time will go the same way. If it’s a long, drawn-out, dramatic affair, it won’t matter if you’ve even gotten around to trimming a nail; the next time your dog sees those clippers, he’s outta there.

Get some help. At least the first time. Your mom, your boyfriend, your best friend, I don’t care who, should be there to hold your pup still. It’s not like your dog called you up to schedule a mani-pedi, picked a nail color, and is going to wait patiently still while you work your magic. She’s going to try to get away. And last time I check you need two hands to trim nails, leaving no hands for holding Foofi still. So bring a friend, snap a leash on your dog, and have them hold the leash pretty tight while you go in. They MAY need to help hold the leg (specifically, squeeze the muscle in your dog’s armpit to keep it from wiggling—you won’t hurt her, promise.

While we’re talking about wiggling pups, I should also mention that trying to get away is O.K., and to be expected. BITING, is not. If your dog is biter for things other than his nails, you’ve got bigger problems that I’m here to help you with. If your dog thinks it’s ok to try for his first nibble once you’ve got a firm hold of his paw, DO NOT tolerate it, and DEFINITELY do not let it stop you from the task at hand. It’s like letting your kids get out of doing chores if they have a temper tantrum. Not ok. Moving on.

I should say that MY dog, while being the most handsome, adorable, smart, little boy in thewholewideworld…. is also a big wuss about having his nails trimmed. If we try anything conventional (including having someone hold him still), he squirms and yells like you’re trying to take off his entire paw. BUT, I know this boy likes to cuddle, so one day I put him in my lap and flipped him upside down (he likes this, he’s weird), cut every nail, and he was completely fine with the whole thing.
My point is that you know YOUR dog. Maybe all it takes is some whispers in the ear to distract her, or treats, or anything. Just make it at little drama as possible.
Speaking of drama, the number one question I get from clients is: “What happens if I cut the quick?”

STAY. CALM. This is NOT a big deal.

And your dog won’t think it’s a big deal unless you freak out (which most people do, unfortunately). So calm down, grab the styptic powder (if you didn’t spring for it at the pet store, baking flour has a similar effect), and put it on the tip of the nail. All the while tell your dog what a good dog he is, and act like it’s all part of the plan. Nicking the quick is sort of like nicking yourself shaving: annoying, maybe a little painful, but nothing that requires a complete breakdown.

This pretty good link with good pictures, for your reference.


Thanks Christine for taking some time out of your busy schedule down under to give our readers some nail cutting tips! Arf Arf!

Manicure Monday

Although I wanted to keep up on the new & exciting nail polishes that have been coming out (and I have been scooping up) I opted to go back to an age old favorite. You Don’t Know Jacques! This is a dark gray color that blends well with my light skin, hair and green eyes. I feel that it has that chic sophistication of a black polish without the heaviness of black nail polish. It’s neutral tone and is a unique blend of purple, gray and even a bit of brown, huge perk is that it's a color that changes with the light. It’s nice to look at and two coats creates the perfect amount of luster and shine. I have both of these colors in regular and matte. Beware of OPI Matte collection- the polish chips quickly and does not stay on your nails well. I don’t even wear my Matte’s any more since they irritate me with the poor quality.

The original You Don’t Know Jacques is part of the OPI France collection; be sure to check it out!

my life.

Love.

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."

The Elephant's Trunk: Flea Market

With the warm spring air, and my man by my side we usually take a nice little Sunday drive to New Milford, CT where we enjoy the day at the Elephant's Trunk Flea Market. We bring back all sorts of goodies! Flowers, jewelery, tools, photographs, paintings, and all sorts of nick-knacks! This past Sunday was 85 degrees and I sported a short black wrap dress from Old Navy, my Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Reef flops (so comfy & it's always super dusty out) and my pride and joy Fedora.

The only thing I regret about this day was I left my sun screen in the car. Both my love and I are as Irish as they come and we got nasty sun burns that lasted all week long. Note: SUNBURNS ARE NOT CHIC.



Here I am on this fantastic Stiletto high heel chair! It was so fun, but too pricey for me. Instead, I opted for a photo- it'll last longer ;-)



Some lovely Buddha's, I cannot wait until I have my very own lawn. So Luke can come home and find the lawn covered in tacky lawn furniture [have i mention I love to play practical jokes on him?]



What is a perfect Flea Market without delicious treats?!




Some musical instruments for sale, at reasonable prices!



An example of an outstanding set up- something for everyone consider at this stand!

I can't wait for this Sunday. Oh! And I may even visit a brand new Flea Market! Stay tuned!

xoxo

Inspirational Interviews: Veronica from My Hands Made It

I am thrilled about our first interviewee on FULL OF VERVE! When I asked Veronica from MY HANDS MADE IT to share some insight on sewing, fabric, vintage-vibes and planning her wedding, I didn’t realize just what a treat I was in for. Her answers are inspiring and shed a whole new light on designing dresses. What a talented and special person, I feel lucky! Congratulations on your up and coming wedding Veronica, I look forward to following your blog.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m the Creative Director and Designer behind Coco Irene – an accessories line I produce with my friend Taryn Parker. I also design and construct custom vintage-style wedding gowns and plan to launch a line of vintage- and antique-style ready-to-wear gowns in the near future. I’m getting married next month – woo hoo! – to my sweet fiancé Keith. We live in Chicago in an apartment full of fabric.

How were you first introduced to sewing?
I would cross-stitch with my mom when I was very young – around six probably. I started pinning my clothes to look more vintage a few years later, but didn’t get behind a sewing machine until my Home Economics class in jr. high. The first real wearable garment I made was the summer before my Freshman year in high school. I was fixated on ‘70s fashion then and made myself a pair of wide leg pants in a horrible sunflower fabric. I wore them with a yellow halter top my first day of high school. So hideous. Soon after that, a family member gave me all of her patterns from the ‘60s and I was completely hooked.



For people out there who are new to sewing, do you have any advice on how to get into dress making?
Buy yourself a sewing book – I prefer the vintage books from the ‘60s personally, and you can usually find them at used book stores. They are full of step-by-step sewing techniques that will teach you things like inserting zippers. My dad bought me my first sewing book for $0.25 and I still reference it all of the time – I probably know it by heart now. Start by using simple store-bought patterns and just practice like crazy. Tip: Two patterns by the same manufacturer will usually fit together, so if you like the sleeves on one dress, but like the body of another, you will likely be able to piece it together. But start with the simple stuff first, and don’t be so discouraged that you give up. Expect to make a few duds first, but keep going, because being able to make your own clothes is AWESOME. Trust me.

Where do you look for inspiration?
Old movies mostly and old photographs. I don’t think I’ve ever watched an old movie and not wanted the clothes.



Do you have a favorite wedding dress designer?
Monique Lhuillier makes such stunning gowns – I’m always in complete awe. But frankly, give me any vintage wedding dress and it shoots to the top of my favorite dress list. I can’t help it.

I know by your blog that you are having a vintage themed wedding, how did you and your sweetie decide on what decade to use?
Poor Keith didn’t even try to get involved in the style of the wedding – I can be like a tornado of ideas and it’s probably safest to just step aside and let me go. He’s super supportive though and knows he can nix anything he totally hates (like decorating the bride and groom chair backs – he was totally against that!). But anyway, to answer your question, I knew I wanted a 1930’s style gown and then built from there. The altar is very ‘30s and Keith is wearing a Morning Suit which is also very ‘30s. But the decor of the tent is very lush – not deco at all. I kept picturing an overgrown Regency style – something out of a Jane Austen novel. But then the tabletops are more ‘40s and the bridesmaids are wearing chiffon gowns that look sort of Grecian. If I get my hands on it it’s going to look vintage – I can’t help myself – but I didn’t want anything to be costumey or too theatrical. I want everyone to feel very comfortable and very much in the present, just surrounded by sweet old-fashioned things.



What is your favorite time of year?
I love the beauty of spring, but my allergies don’t agree.

Where do you find your fabric?
There is an awesome fabric warehouse in Chicago called Discount Textile Outlet. It’s like my second home. It’s just filled to the brim with discounted fabrics and trimmings – some of that stuff you know is old, because it’s been stuck under a heap of fabric for years. I also shop online a lot for Coco Irene and hit antique stores for lace and trimmings.



Do you ever go through periods where there is a lack of inspiration, or you feel ‘stuck’? How do you get out of your “stuck” feeling?
I think everyone feels that way sometimes – for me, it’s usually when someone asks for something more contemporary and out of my comfort zone. It usually helps to just walk away for a bit and watch an old movie or move on to another project. I can also spend hours looking at vintage dresses online – I always see something I want to make.



What is your favorite part of designing and making dresses?
For sure my absolute favorite part is when the woman is thrilled with her dress. Honestly in that moment it’s so exciting to see her so excited that I kind of forget I made it for her. The most satisfying part for me personally though is working through the kinks and discovering a new technique. I’m a self-taught sewer, so it’s always rewarding when I know I’ve grown. There is always something new to learn.

Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful answers with us Veronica.

Review: Carolee Schneemann and Andy Warhol: Exhibits on view at The Samuel Dorsky Museum in New Paltz, NY

I am especially nostalgic when it comes to SUNY New Paltz, the college I attended. This weekend I was happy to give a younger friend of mine a tour of campus. She is a transfer student looking to transfer into the art dept at New Paltz. So, needless to say on our list included both art buildings and the Samuel Dorsky Museum.

I have always been amazed at the big names that this small state school is able to house in the on-campus museum. On view currently is Carolee Schneemann: Within and Beyond the Premises and Andy Warhol’s: Private and Public in 151 Photograph’s. I was so excited to see Andy Warhol’s small exhibit, and really intrigued to see Carolee Schneemann’s work, I had learned about her work “Meat Joy” as an Art History student and never had the opportunity to see her work in person.

Her exhibit consists of a mix of old and new work, dating from the 1960’s to current. One piece of work struck my fear of heights along with my sorrow over September 11th. It’s a photographic montage of people leaping off of the Twin Towers after they were hit. It struck such an emotional cord in my friend and I that we were entranced by the power of the multiple images. The viewer watched through photographs the journey of the suicide. It was interesting to me mostly because of the lack of view; you created how you felt over the image. The image itself wasn’t garish or hinting at anger, instead its poignancy is loud and the images: powerful. Conveying a clear message of reaction over terror. It spoke to both my friend and I in a way that I am not sure that after nine years, anyone is ready for.

On the other hand, it was refreshing to see Andy Warhol’s exhibit; mainly it was candid Polaroid snap shots of friends, colleagues, crowds, and strangers. They were mostly taken on the streets of New York, and from the mid 80’s. It gave you a voyeuristic feel into his glamorous life of fashion shows, elegance, fashionable people, poolside lounging and rock concerts. Each Polaroid was concentrated and interesting; you really felt the happenings of that moment in time. Intriguing, alluring and quite frankly fabulous! Andy Warhol has always spoken to me in a nonchalant, charming manor, and to me it speaks volumes.

As quoted: “I told them I didn’t believe in art, that I believed in photography.” –Andy Warhol. Check out the show before it’s too late, it ends mid September, you won't be dissapointed.