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Charting the style of daily life...with the mouth of a sailor.

Fun!

Fashionable Friends...Lorin!

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I spotted Lorin before we ever met. We were in a college lecture hall with 46 other students and their parents for a London study abroad orientation. Lorin was asking all the right questions and sporting that season's colorful Gap sweater that was all the rage. You know, the striped one from Winter of 1999. Anyway, my mother told me I should make friends with this girl while I rolled my eyes. Once in London, I did in fact make friends with her and almost 13 years later, we're still close! 

Lorin is the kind of girl you'd be really jealous of (she's charming, insanely pretty, funny) if she wasn't so damn nice! She modeled and acted for years and after earning a degree in Marketing, is now a Registered Nurse, wife and mother. This girl does it all...including a killer Phoebe Buffay impression.

A candid shot from Lorin's wedding.

1. Three words to describe your style: classic, comfortable and covered in baby drool

2. Desert island beauty product: sunscreen

3. The outfit that never lets you down: jeans, white t shirt and fun jewelry 

4. Signature fragrance: Trish McAvoy Sexy #9 in the summer and Hanae Mori in the winter

5. Fashion Hero:  I wouldn't call her a hero, but I'm incredibly jealous of Gayle Spannaus, the Fashion Director of J.Crew.  Would love to have her closet! 

Thank you, Lorin!

xx JDF

gifts that give back...

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Now that Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have passed, you might have a few people left on your list that are a bit harder to buy for. Yes, sometimes I end a sentence with a preposition --- sue me.

Below is my tried and true list of gifts that give back and may speak to the passion or interest of those hard to buy for loved ones:

* Kiva is a rewarding and interactive way to help those who want to help themselves but need a little financial boost to get going. The money gets repaid and can be re-gifted to another person in need, making this a gift that truly keeps on giving.

* One of my dearest friends helped to start Drop in the Bucket, an organization that builds water wells in Africa. Every person on this planet deserves clean drinking water and giving a donation in someone's name will make everyone feel great. Give the gift card inside the sleek and attractive Drop in the Bucket glass bottle.

* I am super passionate about the rescue, protection and preservation of elephants and one of the best gifts I have ever received is the ongoing sponsorship of a sweet ele named Sities, through The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. A sponsorship of an ele or rhino would make a memorable and inspiring gift for an animal lover, especially when gifted with Dame Daphne Sheldrick's book, Love Life and Elephants, an African Love Story. Since I have your attention, please take a moment to read and sign the petition to halt the destructive ivory trade once and for all by visiting iWorry - Say NO to Ivory.

* Common Threadz is a non profit that focuses on helping children by supporting them and local communities in the developing world. The online shop has gobs of cool t shirts for sale that help fund their mission.

* Donors Choose is another fantastic and interactive way to give back because every single donation goes directly to a classroom project of your choosing. The recipient can narrow down the selection based on state, city, school, teacher and/or project. After the money is given to the project, the recipient will receive at least one letter from the teacher and classroom, expressing thanks or updating the progress or impact of their funded project.

The best Pin-tentions...

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After about a year on Pinterest, and then almost instantly forgetting about what I've pinned, I have decided to review my boards and start attempting the fab recipes, decor ideas and DIY crafts that always look so appealing.

I've zeroed in on my Food & Drink board first and here's what I've done so far:

Cinnamon, Sugar & Butter Crescent Rolls...So damn easy and fun to make. I think I'll try Nutella as a filling next time.

Caprese Lasagna Roll Ups...Again, super fun to make and awesomely delicious. I'm still perfecting my own marinara sauce so this time I used a jar from the market.

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes...I started this on Thanksgiving morning and had the perfect side dish by the time we sat down for our meal. This is THE way to make mashed pots, fo shizzle. I added whipped cream cheese instead of milk for a creamier and thicker texture. Diets, be damned!

Hard Boiled Eggs, in the oven...Clearly, I can't call these hard boiled but hard baked just doesn't sound right. I don't think I'll ever go back to the boil - this is just too simple.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits...I passed this recipe off to my husband who was happy to attempt these savory biscuits from Red Lobster. He said the recipe was ridiculously easy and I'm here to say they were ridiculously delicious! Instead of the oregano, Mr. Fox used fresh parsley (curly or flat, doesn't matter) and added a little Old Bay seasoning to the finishing butter.

What have been your favorite pins to tackle thus far? I'd love some more Pin-spiration!

why don't you...

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...breathe new life into an aging piece of furniture?

Many moons ago I was given an antique slipper chair that once belonged to a glamorous ancestor.  While pretty, over the years the chair took on a sad, threadbare appearance.  I decided a makeover was in order and picked out a wild and bright fabric!

Before

The cream satin was once bright and elegant but had become dull. The lumpy and worn out springs would groan when sat upon (no fat jokes please) and the legs of the chair were uninspiring in color, shape and condition.

After

I tried for green leopard but couldn't find a cost effective option so I went with green zebra.  The springs were replaced, matching buttons and cording created and a box pleat skirt added to hide the legs. Now THIS would make my glamcestor proud (just made that up on the spot, thank you)!

ps - Isn't my porcelain, flea market kitty adorable? My husband doesn't quite think so...

holiday shopping challenge...

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I believe it's terribly important to shop small and local - not just during the holidays but over the entire year. I admit to being an online shopper but only when I can't find the desired item in my city. There are many benefits to shopping small biz --- see for yourself by clicking here.

This year I suggest challenging yourself to shop small and local by using the following ideas for stocking stuffers, gifts and holiday trimmings:

* Patronize local boutiques, holiday markets and pop up shops.

* Shop local farm markets not only for your fruits and veggies but also small batch soaps and baked goods for fab hostess gifts.

* Check etsy for sellers in your area for unique handmade or vintage items which will allow you to take advantage of all the greatness of the site without shipping fees or wait time. Even if what you want on etsy is not in your local area, rest assured you're still supporting an independent seller.

* Buy gift memberships to local CSA's for the gourmand in your life.

* Local restaurant gift cards are always much appreciated gifts, especially when paired with an IOU for babysitting, if appropriate.

* Buy gift certificates for local experiences like winery tastings and tours, independent movie house tickets or a membership to a local museum.

Online Resources (just a few)

* Small Business Saturday is November 24th - check out the website for shops in your zip code and surrounding areas.

* American Design Club is an online shop dedicated to promoting independent artisans and crafters with an inventory of really rad items.

* Indie Collective is a "showcase of independent artists, artisans and designers."

Think big, shop small.

Thanksgiving, my favorite fall-iday...

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Thanksgiving just might be my favorite of all the holidays. Mashed potatoes, comfy clothes, lengthy naps with the sounds of football in the background and QT with loved ones makes for a pretty spectacular day.

My T Day always starts with the Macy's parade blasting while I pretend to work in the kitchen. I absolutely love watching the Rockettes kick those gams and last year, my son asked me why I wasn't dancing with them...sweet boy. The National Dog Show that runs after the parade is my cue to start consuming port wine cheese and crackers (and a cocktail when I'm not preg) while cheering for the English Springer Spaniel to take home Best In Show.

Dish

Mashed potatoes is always my favorite dish to make and eat for Thanksgiving but I can also whip up a mean cranberry relish. I saute one 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar and slices of about 6 clementines, peels on, 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of water, until the liquid is reduced. Feel free to play around with the measurements and some add ins like cinnamon or ginger...this recipe is almost goof proof and so much better than the canned ish.

Threads

My no fail Thanksgiving outfit is leggings or lounge pants with slippers, a roomy t shirt and an oversized cardigan. I keep jewels to a minimum for snag-free, spontaneous naps. These ballet flat style slippers are plush and cute, not sloppy or childish.

Give Thanks

Get creative with how you express your gratitude this year. Cut strips of pretty colored paper and place on an entryway table with metallic gold and silver pens. Ask guests to write down what they're thankful for this year. Using clear tape, create a chain garland with the completed strips to hang over a mantle or chandelier. After your meal is over, share the chain with the group and then keep it up for display throughout the holidays. You might even save the chain for some fun reminiscing the following year. 

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration!

xx JDF

Fashionable Friends...Jennie!

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A few years ago, my husband reconnected with an old friend who he'd not seen in almost 10 years and who had just moved with his new bride from LA to Boston (where we lived at the time).  After they settled into their new digs, we invited them over for pizza and beer...how chic and so, so original! Little did I know the girl I was about to meet would become a friend I would cherish forevermore. She is incredibly accomplished (ahem, a Doctorate from Harvard), has the most hilarious expressions and  slips into random voices during conversations. She is creative, compassionate and cultured. Plus, she's mother to ridiculously cute twin boys.

an American in Paris!

1. Three words to describe your style: eclectic, casual, off beat

2. Desert island beauty product: L'Occitane After Sun Lotion - I don't care how burned or dry your skin gets, this stuff is like magic potion for repair. I am worried it was discontinued as our supply comes mainly from pilfering it from the Four Seasons Hotel in Maui. Editor's note: I found it on the L'Occitane Middle Eastern website but not the US version.

3. The outfit that never lets you down: Ash high top sneakers in camo, dark wash skinny jeans, scoop neck black t shirt, a chunky black Theory cardigan and a besparkled pink cashmere beret. Throw on the right jewelry and I can go to work, out to dinner or grab my little ones and head to the playground.

4. Signature fragrance: My own funk. I am not a perfume person.

5. Fashion Hero (ES): Kate Moss - if only I could be so freaking cool. Bianca Jagger - she is so exotic and funky. My Mom - she was never afraid to wear what she liked (even if no one else did).

Thank you, Jennie!

xx JDF

baby...

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...I'm having one!

While being pregnant the first time was awesome, this time around I'm a little more tired, emotional and achy. To combat the not so hot symptoms of pregnancy I'm relying on the following staples:

* Origins Ginger Gloss - the scent of ginger helps ease nausea and this moisturizing body oil keeps my growing body moisturized! 

* Target now carries a diffusion line from Ingrid & Isabel called BeMaternity. The seamless leggings and ruched tank are perfect foundations for cardis, dresses and long blouses.

* I've stopped my regularly scheduled facial peels until this kid arrives so I've stepped up my manual exfoliation to compensate. Pangea Organics Facial Scrub is organic and gentle yet effective. 

* As for my nutrition, Luna Bars, Emergen-C packets and bottles of water stashed in my handbag, car and at home save me constantly.

More to come!

xx JDF

Why don't you...

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...dress up as PSY for Halloween? Grab some round, black sunglasses, find a colorful tux at a thrift shop, slick back your hair and learn the dance (if you haven't already).

OR

...dress up as Theresa Caputo, the Long Island Medium? Don the most gigantic faux nails you can find, grab a blonde wig and tease it high to the sky, practice a Long Island accent and learn her "reading" style.

OR

...transform yourself into Bea Arthur? Grab a caftan/muu muu/house dress, add some plastic beads or a boa and an old lady wig and you'll be set. Switch the grey wig for red, ditch the boa and add a colorful cat eye to become Endora from Bewitched.

Don't worry - there's still time to pull a fun and easy costume together before Halloween!

those beautiful Bluths...

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​I'm a big fan of Arrested Development and have often thought of the wonderful line of beauty & personal care products that could have graced the shelves of drugstores everywhere had the show not been cancelled...

Million F***ing Diamonds Anti Aging Cream - Imparts a luxurious and youthful shimmer. Use sparingly to avoid possible lung poisoning.

Blue Myself Cream Eye Shadow - Guaranteed to last through the most intense paint drum banging show.

Ostero Hair Gel - Give your brownish areas pretty points that will stand out at any charity gala! 

Leather Daddy Tanning Oil SPF 2 - Apply liberally for a healthy glow that says, "Daddy Likes Leather" skin..

Scholarly Pursuits Personal Lube - For those intimate moments....

Just Woke Up Hair-spray - Get that sexy bed-head chic look with this highly effective, aerosol spray.

Candy Beans Body Splash - Now you can smell like a whole thing of candy beans.

Gangee Artificial Tears - For when you'd like to cry but you just can't spare the moisture.

Glisten Toothpaste - New & improved with a flip top cap. Never leave the f***ing cap off again!

Fashionable Friends...Lyndsey!

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I met Lyndsey while enduring the cattle calls of sorority recruitment in college and then we both ended up pledging to Pi Beta Phi. That was, um...yeah, 15 years ago!?! Her cute and funky personal style is right in line with her cute and funky personality. Lyndsey is pint sized, her laugh is infectious, and she's a longtime Hillary Rodham Clinton admirer.

1. Three words to describe your style: classic, sporty, funky

2. Desert island beauty product: sunscreen

3. The outfit that never lets you down: swimsuit                                                                                Editor's note: uhhh...you know this chick is funky if this is her answer.

4. Signature fragrance: Dune by Dior

5. Fashion Hero: My best friend Morgan. She can make a slammin' look out of anything, at any time, with any amount of money.

​Thank you, Lyndsey! Pi Phi love forever...

xx JDF