What goes around comes around...

More proof that what Dee always says: "You know, some people say there have been no new inventions since the Romans!" might actually be true. I remember when I was growing up, seeing Dee and her amigas in these blouses. Probably right around the same time they were all going to Jazzercise classes. Now, here they are twenty years later on the fashionistas of today. I hope Dee kept some, I may have to raid her closet.

From Who What Wear Daily:

Flying Dutchman

A NYC Public School teacher and his class singing Tori Amos' "Flying Dutchman". Love it.

Who vs. Whom

As the daughter of a former English teacher, I am often paranoid about grammar. So what do I do? Commit common errors to memory? Make up a helpful acronym for affect vs. effect? No, I go to Spark Notes online, a terrific resource for common grammar blunders. I keep this helpful little link in my "favorites" to guide me. It's like having Dee around all the time!

Madonna

Does anyone else think her left eye looks like it is sliding off her face. Look how far away the actual eye is from her brow bone. I keep seeing the picture of her in promotional materials for her latest album and I just can't get past it. Weird.

Mint Julep

I realize it's still 11 days until the big event, but I wanted everyone to be able to get a head start on prepping for a Derby celebration! Here's the mint julep recipe from the bartenders at Louisville's historic Brown Hotel:

1. Make simple syrup by taking equal parts of hot water and sugar. Stir.

2. Add fresh mint and muddle [mash, preferably with something like a pestle, otherwise use the back of a spoon].

3. Add crushed ice to an 8-ounce glass.

4. Add two ounces of simple syrup.

5. Top off with Kentucky Bourbon, and add a sprig of fresh mint.

6. ENJOY!

Amy Butler

I have loved Amy Butler's fabrics for some time now. I actually have no recollection of how I orignially found out about her. In addition to fabric, you can find Amy Butler stationary, bags and pillows. Visit her site.

Below are some pictures of Amy's studio in Ohio. What fun!

Here is a sample of her Midwest Modern line. It's my favorite, but you should check out her Nigella, Lotus and Belle collections as well.

Virtual Book Club

Last fall a friend turned me on to the website www.goodreads.com. The site provides a place online to keep track of what you have read, plan to read and, I think most importantly, what your friends are reading. Good Reads is a social networking site for readers. I use it as a central location to keep track of all things books. If someone suggests a book to me, I just go online and add it to my list before I forget the title, which I am prone to do. Members can also review books they have read, and read other's reviews before committing to a book. Check it out. Sign up, and be my friend!

The Purse Boutique

A dear friend K told me about this website last night. And by checking out the site this morning it looks like it's totally deserving of the rave reviews! These bags are knock-offs, but not the ones you get on M Street in Georgetown. In fact, K had her Goyard bag from this site sitting next to a real one and the owner (who paid $1,900 for hers) had no idea. She said she even liked K's better. Ha! The quality seems to be pretty unparalleled according to the testimonials, though let's face it, you have to take them with a grain of salt. Looks like they take customer service pretty seriously too. Bravo K! Thanks!

Desk Adornments

What's on your desk? I think making your office or cube a home is very important. Surrounding yourself with items that remind you of special times or people can brighten any rainy April day. I have take some photos of desk adornments around our office.

This is my desk.

Apologies for the picture quality. From left to right, a vine plant that has travelled with me from job to job. A glass canister and goblet from a discount store where I keep my markers (color-coding is pivotal in anything I do), a postcard from Dee's judicial campaign (circa 1983) for inspiration and a paper weight that holds my Grandfather Gene's Railroad Express business card. I'm sooo vintage. Oh, and an AARP card in my name. My membership was a mistake on their end, but the card was already in the mail. I get such a kick out of it.

This is Silvia's desk.

From left to right. A gorgeous mug she made in Senior year Ceramics class. She had put off the class for four years and ended up loving it. A flower pot she painted with aqua and purple glitter paint (the plant is a relative of mine) and a sneaker phone holder. So clever.

What's in your office?

Cindy Borders Jewelry

Emmy just began working for Cindy Borders, of Cindy Borders Jewelry. She is a Louisville designer who left her dental practice to pursue her dream of designing her own jewelry line. If only we (I) were so brave. I love her collection and was fortunate enough to receive a pair of earrings as gift. I love them because they are so versatile and are great for any event. My real admiration however is for Ms. Borders herself. She has just launched her line nationwide with a new website and marketing campaign. Bravo!

Free Rice Dot Com

You may have already seen this. But when you visit www.freerice.com and answer a question correctly, the site donates 20 grains of rice through the U.N. World Food Program to help end hunger. Great vocab lesson too!

Vanessa Paradis - L'incendie

I'm headed to Paris for a week in June and I have begun to try to absorb all things French. This is my latest favorite. I just wish I knew French! I think she is saying "Katherine, your blog is great, even if it makes you a giant tool". Something like that. Vanessa also happens to be Johnny Depp's wife. That's a lot of hotness under one roof.

Derby Poster Time!

There has been an official Kentucky Derby Festival poster every year since 1981. They have become iconic in Louisville. Kind of like this Louisville Ballet poster I love.

I'm not really feeling the official 2008 poster below. It makes me feel like I might have a seizure.

Though I am in love with this unofficial poster.

I think my favorite of all time might be 1987.

Or 1998...

Or even 2004, which is hanging in our apartment and looks great with an orange and red mat.

You can check out all the past posters at the Kentucky Derby Festival site. It's definitely a journey through time. The 1991 and 1996 posters might make you think of those Hyper Color or Varnet shirts you wore with pride. And hopefully 1997 and 2003 weren't bad years for you, like they were for the Festival poster. Ekkk!

Currently Coveting...

Last week, I had just finished reading in Domino (my all time fave), that "fish scales are in". They had some great examples which I have not been able to find online. In walks in Emmy, with these gorgeous fish scale print flats. Genius. Where were they from? Target. Of course!

Here are a few more Target finds I am currently coveting. Though don't get me started on their website. It can be VERY frustrating.


All great styles/prints and reasonably priced! Now I just have to wait for that next paycheck.

Mad Magazine Fold Ins

Im loving this post by Thrice-Told Tales today. All about the Mad Magazine fold ins. I wasn't familiar with them until now. Check it out.

Visited States

How many states have you been to?

I have been to the following states. Damn you Maine!

World Map Challenge

A dreary Monday needs some brain exercises. See how far you can get on this world map test. It's WAY harder than I thought it would be. But, it did help me on Jeopardy the other night. Yeah, I watch Jeopardy, and 60 Minutes, and ABC Specials on the British Monarchy.

How far did you get?

Autism: The Musical

Another gift from Daily Candy. You MUST watch this documentary on HBO. You can watch the entire thing online through Sunday, March 30th. The film follows five autistic kids and their parents as they take part in The Miracle Project and put together a musical. I am totally in love with all of these kids (although I have a special affinity for Wyatt - far right). No, seriously. Watch it.

Preview below.

Happy Birthday!

Four years ago today, in a trailer park in Northern Virginia, Atticus Finch Quigliasco and Sir Nigel Duke entered this world, and this world is undoubtedly a better place.

Nigel

Atty

Atty is a voracious reader like his momma.

And even has his own blog!

Last year to commemorate Atty's birth, Jefe wrote a little ditty I would like to share with you.

Atticus Finch

When I first showed up at Katherine's apartment,

I thought I stepped into a pet department.

I learned really fast who was the boss,

And I hoped that Atty wouldn't get cross.

But here we are now, a year and a half later,

And it is to Atticus that I now cater.

For since I met this cat - black and white,

Not a wink of sleep have I slept every night.

For Atticus Finch while I love thee so,

Not once in your life have you ever heard "no".

So on this very special day of your great birth,

Starting your third year on this big, green earth.

I hope you know that with all that you do,

I bought a contraption to scoop up your poo.

Happy birthday Atty, from the bottom of my heart,

And I hope at no point do our paths ever part.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATTY AND NIGEL!

*Photos taken by KT and Nicky Jay

Darfur Action Now

Check out what my cousin Q put together with her classmates...

Darfur Action Now Genocide Awareness Event

... AND Julian Bond, my favorite professor is the moderator!