"A throne is only a bench covered with velvet." Napoleon Bonaparte (I am not so cynical, but isn't that a great quote! No wonder he had a chip on his shoulder I am very pleased with my bench covered in velvet, thank you very much!)

The RAM on my computer is very pleased.  It’s being filled with wonderful gifts from fellow bloggers who have been kind and generous with their love and thoughts.  The uber-cool Forty Not Out (who has not only a really fab blog that will make you crack a smile with her humor and wicked wit but also, as a fellow blogger, will make you jealous of how good her design taste is—killer header woman!) has given me the “Queen of ALLL Things” award.  From a stylish lady who has pretty damned good taste, I’m taking this as a great sign that I’m still (kinda) hip.  So eat your heart out LIZ!  But, to boot, my best mate on the blogosphere, who has a blog I endlessly rave about, Life, The Universe And All Thats In It, doubly whammied  me and now I can say I am TRULY pretty in pink.  

I’ve said this before when I’ve been lucky enough to be given an award.  The best thing about being recognized by your fellow bloggers is that you know that like-minded and intelligent people, who are out there busting their balls doing exactly what you are trying to do, are giving you a virtual high-five.  It shows that there is no back-stabbing and bitchiness and that we all are rooting for each other.  I wish I was a better supporter when it came to blogging.  I LOVE the girls who I have on my blogroll and I read their entries daily—but often don’t leave a comment—which sucks because I know it makes MY day when THEY do.  So this award is going to reform me.  Knowing that I have this crown, I have a new duty.  To be a better comment leaver–I mean even the Queen takes the time to write you a letter when you turn 100 (well, she signs her bloody name).  But just know that every day I check up on you guys and I really keep up on your worlds.  In fact, I really want to broaden my horizons and make new blog buddies.  An award like this just reminds me about how important this has to be in my  life because blogging is such an integral part of my routine.  

I have no one new to pass this award on to.  I have recently received an award and dedicated it to everyone on my blogroll.  So, this is what I propose to do with my crown.  I want to dedicate this to the millions of bloggers who give their hearts and souls to their keyboards every day, week, month—sometimes never even getting a hit but always persevering because they love writing and have a passion they must express.  From the guy who writes a new chess move on his blog each day to the fashion photographer who posts her photos and  dreams of becoming the next Sartorialist.  Whatever our desires for doing this are, may they prevail and may all of us be around for a long time.

Thank you again for this wonderful recognition and for making me feel truly like a real Monarch of the Web for the day

Dedicatedly yours, 

—One of 365

This may look like a cartoon, but this is no joke. I mean business. I'm sick of people out in the world thinking they can abuse bloggers and THINK they can get away with it. Read on....and see that your "mouse" is gonna be trapped starting NOW.

Dear Ethers, 

My good friend Wildernesschic has a brilliant blog that I enjoy reading tremendously.  I like it because it’s written from the heart.  You never feel like she has a thesaurus sitting on her lap while she’s writing, her stories never cease to fascinate, and she writes with humor and wit that are honest and organic.  She’s also extremely supportive of other bloggers, never failing to visit sites leaving well thought out comments and taking an interest in the world of the blogosphere.   She’s a reliable source, in my opinion, on blogging.  

A few days ago she posted an entry called “What Is A Blog?”  It fascinated me.  Again, she wrote straight from the soul and really begged the question about what we bloggers are doing every time we hit that very scary publish button.  She mentions that her blog is her “…own Hyde Park Corner.  Where I can express my freedom of speech.”  I agree completely.  She, unlike myself, is NOT an anonymous blogger.  Every single time she puts out a post she is risking her neck.  Her friends and family read everything she writes—her name is completely exposed to the public. 

Recently, she received a barrage of E-mails that were abusive and hurtful about her writing.  Obviously I don’t know the intimate details, but I do know that she has taken down a certain post that she feels might have hurt someone’s feelings and feels more guarded with her special part of her “Hyde Park Corner.”  I think this is completely unacceptable.  I too have received hurtful E-mails and comments from people about my blog.  I’m not going to indulge these abusers by telling you the details, but they attack below the belt and use ones own words to be vicious and malicious.  I have since blocked them from access to my website, but I wonder, why do people feel the need to be so angry with a blogger when all we are doing is expressing our experience and our memories?  I can understand disagreeing with a point of view, but I cannot understand abuse.  If you have an issue, it is perfectly acceptable to leave a comment asking questions about the post and, indeed disagreeing with the bloggers point of view.  But to hurl abuse and to ensue fear into someone’s life is abhorrent. 

I don’t see the blogosphere’s manners as any different than the normal manners of society.  Just as you cannot harass someone or verbally abuse them or stalk them on the streets, you cannot do so on their blog.  There are ways of finding out who you are, for those of you who DO take advantage of the vulnerability of bloggers.  You are easy to track and it is illegal to leave a torrent of insults.  You can be arrested.  You are no different than a stalker.  You have to remember there is a huge difference between freedom of speech and threatening people.  Tread carefully.  Is it really worth it?  At the end of the day we are just people who take the time to write about our lives, our interests and our views.  If you disagree or have any gripes—-either leave a calm mannered comment that will allow a fair debate or walk away if you don’t think you can control yourself.  Think of it as hitting someone.  You wouldn’t just beat someone up if they said the wrong thing would you?  You’d take a deep breath and either walk or talk. Well, at least one would hope. 

I will be seeking anyone out who hurls abuse at me, WILL trace you through your internet provider and WILL call the authorities.  I have spoken to the police and they have said that this IS a crime and people HAVE been arrested.  I will not be censored or threatened.  I will write what I want without fear.  And so should every blogger.  I warn you again, tread lightly, because you will be caught and you’ll be eating YOUR words hopefully without ever hurting anyone else again.   

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Dear Ethers,

I’ve told you guys this before….I have no idea what the hell I’m doing with my blog.  I sit down and just write.  I lose followers I gain new ones.  My stats are all over the place.  I just don’t understand blogging. 

But what I really never understood what would happen is that I would make friends from blogging.  That I would meet other creative people spilling their souls, showing of their savvy style, sharing their expertise and taking beautiful pictures and contributing them to the world.  Some of these people are new friends that I really hope become solid and some are as old as my blog (LOL…about 3 months…ancient, eh?) and have stayed tried and true.  

Now, I know some might say “It’s bonkers that she thinks she’s made friends online!” But, it’s true.  We leave comments on each other’s sites, we Tweet, we e-mail…..some have been lucky enough to even rendezvous.  My buddies tend to be mainly in the UK or in other counties, though I’m starting to make a few in the States. I definitely intend to call upon my mates when I visit London this year. 

What is my point?  Well, we in the blogosphere don’t get Pulitzer Prizes for our work.  So, we have created our own awards and I have been incredibly lucky to have been given quite a few.  My newest prizes are: The “Circle of Friends Award” by Sharon Rose who has run a blog that is so successful and that I have admired for months….I really feel honored to be part of her new gang.  I have also been given the “Premio Blog Coracao de Ouro Award”  by the love of my life on the net, Wildernesschic/Life The Universe And All Thats In It, who I really wish would adopt me already!  She is the nicest, wittiest, most generous, soulful person and I cannot wait to meet her face to face and just have a good laugh.  

Thanks Sharon!!!!!!!!

Thanks Wildernesschic!!!!!!!!!!

I know with these awards I’m meant to pay it forward to other blogs and keep them to a limit, but I’ve decided to mention everyone on my blog roll as a celebration of friendship and a nod to everyone who keeps plugging away everyday without a paycheck or sometimes even a pat on the back from the public. Guys, this blogging thing it can be tough…we love it…but it ain’t easy   So, please view these sites from my cherished  blog roll and enjoy my friends.  They are all intelligent, smart, people who deserve a peek.  

 Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Please hover over each link for a little summary of each site

Backwards In High Heels

BeautyEditor.ca

BritishBeautyBlogger

Broken Postcard

Chic Mama

Forty Not Out

Helena Halme

LibertyLondonGirl

LIFE THE UNIVERSE AND ALL THATS IN IT

Looking Fab In Your Forties

MRS TREFUSIS TAKES A TAXI

Sharon Rose-Style, Thrifting, Fashion And Me

What Would Katharine Hepburn Do?

Dear Ether,

To keep on truckin’ with the beauty front, I’m going to insert a write-up I did on one of my favorite make-up must-haves for a page I did for a women’s magazine. I dunno, it felt so good to be writing about beauty again yesterday (Beauty Trend: Say “Da” For Russia!), I thought I’d go with the flow and finish the week with another fun one (tomorrow is “Fashion Friday’s” so technically the week ends then). I’d been looking at my sidebar and noticed that I had written so few things about beauty and thought it was really funny given I’m a beauty writer.  I guess I was so convinced that when I started this blog I was going to keep my day job out of things.  But you know what, I really love what I do and I’m going to try and include it more because it’s such a part of me.  Also, because I’m not writing beauty every single day like I used to, when I DO write about it, I’m reminded about how much I miss it.  So, this is short and sweet.  Really stylized and written in SUCH a women’s magazine format.  Reading it again I can’t help but laugh!  Okay, here’s a fun little piece on a favorite product of mine:

                                             Beauty Artillery                                                                                            

  Mission: Killer Eyes                   Weapon: Mac Eye Kohl “Smolder”

Be armed and dangerous ladies! Here is the sexiest secret in town. I think I've come across dozens of pencils in my day and NOTHING has even come close to a black liner like "Smolder." I always make sure to own at least 2 (1 for the kit at home and 1 for the on-the-go bag). If you wanna make those eyes stand out, there really is no better solution. Lock and load baby!

In this Lipstick Jungle, a poorly tinted lip “bomb” can ruin even the most vibrant pucker.  So, like a good soldier, you need to be armed with the right weapons to ensure that you’re ready for battle.  I mean, who wants to be taken captive by the wrong blush, powder or foundation?  Not you, my cute recruit.  Not you.  So listen up.  I have a little item that will keep you ready for action anytime.  

Mac Eye Kohl in “Smolder” (even the moniker is badass) takes your eyes from innocent peepers to sexy sleepers.  And, F-Y-Eye, even as far back as the Bronze Age, Egyptian queens applied Kohl not just to glam up their orbs, but also to ward off the sun’s glare.  To protect and to serve, right?  Old Cleopatra sure knew her stuff.  

“Smolder” is my chosen war paint because it’s the essential frame for your eye.  The consistency of the product is slick, and it glides on easily, making straight lines a snap (especially if you’ve got those pre-date jitters).  Kohl   is also a better alternative to a standard pencil because of its smudge-ability.  If you want that smoky-eyed, sultry look, this is one product worth fighting for.   

Mac offers the pencil in a variety of colors. It’s also ophthalmologist tested.  Visit their website at www.maccosmetics.com for more details.  Mac Eye Kohl “Smolder” $14.50 

Awwww, wasn’t that a bit of fun?  I love writing product write-ups for mags because you can totally be tongue and cheek, be a bit silly and go nuts with wordplay.  Sniffle.  I REALLY miss my 9-5.  Okay gang.  See you for “Fashion Fridays.”  I don’t know what I’m cooking up yet to wear, but hopefully it’ll be something fab. I better start thinking of a story now.  I’m debating putting a poll up—sigh—I think it might be a pointless endeavor.  But I hate to give in.  I’ve begged, pleaded.  But alas, no one will click a little button and VOTE!  I always think, “maybe this week they will.”  But always to my chagrin.  (Smile) We’ll see….

Dedicatedly yours, 

—One of 365

Okay, when I said I needed a hand finding a bra, I didn't mean literally! Wow! This would DEFINITELY not be a good T-Shirt bra--can you imagine the lines? Anyway, finding the perfect bra is a necessity and a mission. I think I found my new best spandex and nylon friend--if the bra in the above picture could gesture, he'd give me 2 thumbs up!

Dear Ether,

Okay. Finally. It has happened.  I have found the right bra.  This is shocking to me too.  As I sit here writing, breasts where they should be (and should’ve been for the past 16 years) I am feeling perky (truly).  I’m a woman who has NEVER skimped on a bra.  I have bought Wacoal, Lejaby, Elle Macpherson, Chantelle. I know what it means to own a good piece of underwire (I don’t know about you, but I can’t wear anything that doesn’t have support).  

I was given 200 pounds worth of gift vouchers from a Revlon event to go to Rigby & Peller (for those of you who are unfamiliar with this lingerie love-nest it is an English staple for any woman who thinks she has been wearing the right bra or 20+ years and then discovers with one quick glance of a pro’s eye that she hasn’t).  I walked into the shop off of Old Bond Street, ready with an appointment, and a very old woman gave me a look of dismay right away (and I was wearing a heavy sweater and a scarf—she must have had X-ray vision).  The whole experience is hilarious and degrading at the same time.  You go into a tiny room, take your top off in front of a total stranger, she looks you up and down and then claims you are a totally absurd bra size.  It’s so funny—you hear things from other booths like “38G—what! I’ve been a 34B my whole life.”  Or, “34B, YES! I thought I was a 34AA.  Wait until I tell my boyfriend!”  Well, my “girls” were sagging and my bras were looking tired and the lady told me that I was a 32C.  I actually wasn’t far off—I’d been wearing a 34D. LOL!  She explained something interesting that I didn’t know.  She said you should always buy a bra and wear it on the loosest hook because the bra will stretch and then you will need room to make it tighter.  If you’re wearing your bra on its tightest hook to start, the back is too big.  Good piece of FYI, right?  Anyway, Rigby & Peller is very expensive and I only walked away with 3 bras (seriously) for 200 quid and I didn’t want to waste the money on utility bras—I wanted them to be beautiful.  So, now that I knew my real bra size I knew I needed help!  

Months of sagging went by and I didn’t do anything about it until finally I looked in the mirror and saw myself in clothes and thought, “enough is enough!”  I was on a mission.  But here’s the deal—it is not an easy task finding a 32C.  I guess the back size and the cup size aren’t a usual match and I couldn’t get anything decent for the life of me.  Until….I hit of all places, The Gap!  English gent decided he wanted a nautical looking top and where better to go than the above (they’ve been pumping those suckers out since the bloody 80’s).  As he was looking around, I popped around to the back of the store near the storage area and noticed they had a body section.  I didn’t even know The Gap made loofahs let alone brassieres! I love a sale and all of their body section was having a blowout.  And what do they have an abundance of—32C’s!  Excited, I grabbed a lovely nude convertible bra and a sexy lilac convertible with lace.  With the help of a wonderful sales lady and a dressing room, I got my “boob” on!  Slipping these gorgeous and lightweight bras on that held me in like a corset but gave my boobs a lift and cleavage like a Miracle Bra—well, I just didn’t know something so vanilla as The Gap could dream up such things.  Originally priced at $40 I paid about $13 for each and they came with free clear straps so you could have a sheer line if you chose (I don’t care for that look but some people love it—I just think plastic, latex straps look tacky).  Unbelievable.  I have to say, I am so much more confident with my new boobs.  I have found in the nude seamless a great t-shirt bra or an ideal strapless piece and with the lilac lace, a lovely dressy bra and a fab halter or cross back in a feminine and unusual color.  

I have to say I have not been to The Gap in years, but I will definitely be going back for their lingerie (I also bought two pairs of adorable underpants, they had great bargains on those as well–5 pair for $20 and they were so comfy and with great patterns!).  They feel good and the price is right (even full price it’s a good buy) and the service was top-notch.  Oh, and I noticed they went from the tiny to the mighty in terms of bra sizes so there was something for everyone—and they had unusual sizes as well.  

So now that I have discovered The Gap, I no longer have a “gap” where my cleavage should’ve been all these months!  Excellent.  They shall sit delightfully next to my pricey Rigby & Peller’s.  I bet you the R&P’s will be resentful, but hey, if the job is done with cheaper labor—and we know they’ve raised the bar, in so many words, well, they’ll just have to stuff it (not with tissue I hope!). 

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365