The Weekend Update

Its been a long weekend. Jon's got allergy issues, Max has become more mischievous and has started detailing his toy truck he drives around (perfectionist). I have been fighting the diet that my Dr prescribed for my cholesterol. I find myself cheating at least 1x a week which isn't good at all. Yesterday I had 2 cookies (and I ate a small square of a peanut butter ad jelly sandwich). I want to lose this weight and I am starting to fear that I have no self control.

I also started trying on things in my closet. Some favorite dresses like the cream linen and black lace dress from summer 2003 which I could get on, and was tight. The black button front dress with the floral buttons and spaghetti straps from spring 2005 suddenly fits again (with spanx). Then there are the pieces that I wonder, why did I buy them? The Athena top. I loved it. Had to have it and have never worn it. Its sat on a hanger in my closet (and now my new closet) since I purchased it. Lets face it, I rarely war shorts or jeans, maybe it could look good with a skirt but for some reason I am not 100% sold. Birds of paradise camisole would be way better on someone younger and thinner, same with the bed jacket. Its sad. The print makes me so happy but it languishes in a drawer.

Its Sunday, last night we kept max out til 10:30! Took him to the starlight parade which was a mix of fun, freaks, music, floats. he had so much fun dancing. prior to the parade we went to Nancy's for a pre-party, max was dancing to some music being played from one of the floats and the people invited him on to play drums! Today is another 80+ day. Hopefully this afternoon I will find myself at Fleur's swimming.

Cake Wrecks 1, Kanye 0

Just read today's blog over on one of my favorite blogs, CAKE WRECKS.

The cakes decorated as books are awesome enough, but it was the remarks made by rapper Kanye West that just made me FUME! And this man is an inspiration and model for teens and young adults? Does he understand the term "hypocrisy"?

Check it out and see if you don't agree!

The story is here:
http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE54P5L820090526

Cake Wrecks is here:
http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2009/05/sunday-sweets-reading-rocks.html

May Flowers #31

Of course, I couldn't end the month without roses. And these star-shaped roses are so lovely and unique.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour!

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."
~Vince Lombardi~

1 Timothy 6:12 NIV
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

May Flowers #30

Hawaii is known for its large, beautiful hibiscus.

Mayle Isha Top In Black

On a troll through my closet I found the black Isha top from Holiday 07 that I am not wearing. Its a 2 in MINT condition and can be seen here (second look in after the Zandi dress) layered with a belt) http://www.mayleonline.com/holiday2007.html it was around $500, but make me an offer. Its cute but I am just not wearing it and one of you will treasure it more than I am.

details:
size 2
Gold and black art deco buttons on front
Button detail in back
Sleeveless (PERFECT for summer - work or play)with a slight ruffle.
silk

May Flowers #29

I thought this was a gorgeous bouquet.

Its 8PM but as light out as 8AM

I love summer. the weather today was beyond warm. I sat on my deck and worked on some proposals, did some museum volunteer work on my July event and had the committee over to my house (we has shrimp cocktail from whole foods and an organic rose from Washington state - and all in all enjoyed the day. Its almost like I could enjoy this weather forever and am hoping that it keeps up. its like SUMMER is finally here. I wore my green 1950's style mayle dress from 2006 spring with my black patent flats (wearing them to DEATH) and the black kimono cardigan....chic, spring feeling like a french lady who lunches.

I did do some impulse/essential shopping today at Gap - I needed another pair of black shorts and they were on sale for $21 and I love a Gap cardigan - I bought one of the gray ombre ones for a song. I love the cardigans at the Gap, they are cheap, cheerful and normally last for a few seasons - plus I do love ombre I just don't want to pay $1200 for one from Prada.

AND I am still waiting for my Ada dress to arrive from Washington... Hopefully tomorrow.

What Is Your Greatest Frustration Or Regret In Life?

What is your greatest frustration or regret in life? Could you share it with us?


Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters



Tags: Greatest Frustration, Regrets, Remorse, Mistake, Magnificent Obsession, Bittersweet Memories, Crying, Correction, Lost Opportunity, Lost Love, First Love

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

May Flowers #28

I got a real kick out of this. Gives a whole new meaning the to term "Flower Power in the 60s". ;)

Am i Mad About Minkinto?

I have owned this top three times. This one is an 8. I still cant decide if its flattering on me. Since this is a virtual forum, let me know your thoughts. Its such a tough top!

Acupuncture + Mayle Do Not Mix

I started going to acupuncture today for the first time in about 8 years. It was nice out so I wore my vivi dress, the new sweater that I scored last week and my red and gray python carribea wedges. I forgot just how stressful acupuncture can be , so as I laid on this table, feeling like Hellraiser with needles sticking out of my face and my head, my hands got super sweaty and clammy and my vivi dress became very uncomfortable. Yes I over dressed for acupuncture. The 30 minutes that I laid on the table seemed like an eternity though I do feel slightly better. I go back Friday, and have a feeling that flat shoes, shorts and maybe the sea foam green Mikinto top may be a better option.

Aaaaaaaaaaaack

You know when you just need to SCREAM, but can't. Well that's # 9 on the list of Reasons I Have a Blog. I vent, I call-out, I shout-out (so lame), I poke some fun, I ramble like a tool, but I also like to just scream on this here blog.

Never really fixes my problems... but hey, carte blanche I say.

If I sat down and actually wrote down all the fucking things I need to make lemonade out of... fuck, it would take a while. So let's scratch out the recent blog post about me being positive for just a second, because even being semi-positive is a struggle right now. Angry sex anyone? I actually want to break something.

OK, maybe not break something, that might fuck up my chances of angry sex...it is a general opinion that when men hear "I want to break something" they double over, cup their junk, and run in the opposite direction. Totally interferes in me getting some. Totally.

So um yeah... about the screaming part... I'll wait for a more appropriate time for that *wink*.

In all seriousness though... things are messed up. Too much really. Most unmentionable. Just fucked up. My lemonade making skills are lost in oblivion and the bathtub and Merlot are looking more and more desirable as a BFF. What's better than a daily ritual of a drunk-ass soak? (Other than angry sex but we already determined that).

See, I already feel better!

I think it might be time for the sexy pants too... I mean let's be honest, angry sex = some serious sexy pant usage.

AND GUESS WHAT? In all this shitty as talk about screaming, angry sex, breaking something, and my lemonade-making skills... I actually have good news. Shocking.

Diving into a new project at work that's quite exciting. May sound silly to some of you so I wont post it to save the ridicule...but I will mention being the Chair(wo)man of the Social Committee has some serious perks! When all the plans are in place I'll post a rambling about it... and may even ask for some input... but until then my lips are sealed.

Well sealed until angry sex, I need my mouth for that.

Happy Hump Day fuckers... now go get humped. (Preferably in a tub with merlot. Try it.)

Sylvana Top

I bought this over the phone the first day of the pop up shop- the girls there personally selected it for me. I am just not going to wear this top no matter how beautiful it is, no matter how much I am coveting Mayle. Its the same black lace as the Pina dress. The retail was $495, if your interested please send me an offer at mzimlin(at)gmail(dot) com

May Flowers #27

Miss Priss goes to AFRICA.....

This one is NOW on her way.Her bags are now all packed and in the bottom of a big ol'plane headed across the ocean..
Hopefully, all their bags will arrive when the team arrives tomorrow in Johannesburg, South Africa where they will spend the night....then get on a bus and head about 7 hours into Swaziland where they will be working. They will also spend some time in Mozambique doing a few projects there as well.

This one on the right hand side though,........just got back from Africa the end of last week.

He went to do this.......
And this.....
And this.....And some of this....
AND a whole bunch of other great things in Mozambique and Swaziland.

Miss Priss and Joshua had already been doing some great things together here in Baton Rouge before ever going off to Africa. Things like working with the "SERVE"team and passing out water on a hot day at one of the BUSIEST intersections in all of Baton Rouge.

THAT is why they both wanted to go to Africa in the first place...
To be able to SERVE the orphans and people that are in need.

AND to help and assist the International Relief workers that are already there working to make a difference in the lives of people in Swaziland, Mozambique and other countless countries on that huge continent....

So....

Then he left for Africa. Then he came home. Then she had to leave for Africa.

But not before they did this last Saturday night....
Joshua and Ariel going out on a date.

Does this sound like a drama?

These two tell me that "I am full of drama"......I tell them "to GET OVER IT because this is who I am.....and drama is my life."

Drama isn't going away ever in my house.

However.....we only have "GOOD drama," in our lives mind you.
I'm all about the drama.

Could you tell?

Good Pieces on Ebay

These are all not in my size of course but some Mayle you should be checking out!

Mayle Leopard Calendar Knit Cardigan $49.99 (medium)
Rose Yves Dress Size 2 (I own the 4. Its a great piece) $175
Black Mayle Jersey Skirt (like my leopard one) $9 (size 8)
Multi-print one shoulder top (from like 2000) $85 (size 4)
Black silk dress from holiday 06 (worn by Liya to the CFDA's) $16.50 (size 4 - I have this size its short!)
Cream linen + lace skirt from spring 2003 $21.50 (size 4-6)
Striped front kick pleat skirt spring 2001 $.99 (size 4 - runs small)
Red + White swirl skirt spring 2005 $.99 (size 4 , small and short - i owned this skirt and the dress but just never wore them... its a great piece)
Chocolate Brown skirt (like elvira dress) $49.00 (size 4)

Some Hot Finds At Ina

So I just spoke with Ruby at Ina on Prince Street. They have some Mayle knits for around $150-$175. The two they described to me were the Leopard cardigan from the calendar knit collection at Barneys size large, $175. The double breasted version of my kimono sweater (buttons on the waist) size large $160. They also have what I believe is the short sleeve coat from last holiday for $375 and a yellow top size 4 with some leopard trim.

I also spoke with Christos at Decades Two and apparently they aren't putting their Mayle for consignment on the floor. Its ebay only.

Check it out! And of course through my travels + phone calls I will let you guys know f I find any of the items that you are looking for.....

May Flowers #26

Imagine yourself walking down the middle of Main Street, USA...

Do You Believe In Black Magic?

Do you believe in black magic? Have you encountered an experience with it in your life? Please explain your answer.


Tags: Black Magic, Occult, Talisman, Seance, Tarot Cards, Medium, Voodoo, Witchcraft, Evil, Astral Plane, Astral Projection, Channeling, Possession, Evil Spirits, Imps, Poltergeists, Ghost, Clairvoyance, ESP, Vibrations

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

yup, all over the map. AGAIN.

It never ends.

One day, all is good...the next NOT so good. And I capitalized that because the bad almost always out-weighs the good, no?

Well it always seems to in my case!

Brief update: Job offer came through, I am now a permament employee with a new title, and new office. SWEET. (Had to throw in something good!)

Emotionally speaking, however, I think I am a mess. Too much is going on that sometimes I can't even get my head straight! Like decision making, I change those HOURLY. But I guess you can't call them decisions, because that requires an action and well, all talk-no action should have been my middle name. Outwardly, I don't seem to be a mess though... which is strangely out of character since I am told I wear my emotions on my sleeve. (heart, emotion, blah blah). I take back sentence one of this paragraph. I am NOT a mess!

Fuck, that whole paragraph is a mess.

Would like to now take this opportunity to thank my sister in law for helping me pick out the pink dress I wore on Saturday night by the way. Seriously, I felt beautiful in that dress...what a confidence booster to be out and about with your girlfriends and to be complimented by other WOMEN. (we are the toughest critics you know). I don't want to say I was feeling down on myself per sea... but I wasn't feeling my best you know?

Another Visual Representation

and here is the dress I am searching for - from the Mayle website...... HELP!

Happy Memorial Day

May Flowers #25

Bird of Paradise

Awesome Finds II!

Besides the shoes, they also had the very rare black version of my kimono sweater from spring 2005. This one is a small (versus my medium) and I like how shrunken it is, for $115 I could not even imagine finding a deal like this on ebay. I just hate ow time consuming it is to call the stores, fax them my details etc, but in the end its worth it (even with the $20 shipping fee)

Awesome Finds!

These are the amazing netting heels that I found in NYC (via the phone of course). $175! CANNOT WAIT to wear these.....

Just Putting It Out There

So I know that we are all holding onto our Mayle these days but I am looking for the following dress - I am so sad that I sold it last summer- it had fit issues but now that I have this new tailor I am loving I just KNOW she could make it work!

Its the dress in the photo that Jane's guest is wearing (I have the dress Jane is wearing and its a fave!). It came in black, blue and violet (I owned the black and violet and sold both) so I am looking for either color size 8 or 10. if you have this dress and would sell it let me know OR if you have seen it somewhere for sale in consignment please let me know. I think about it all the time.....

Mayle Sweater For Sale

I hate parting with my Mayle, but I do have the zebra and Ninon cardigans so I would like to find this one a good home. Its a wool and cashmere blend, short sleeves, cozy perfect for a summer night or layered in fall. Mint condition, no pulls, no fuzz, no pills. One that was not as nice and in a cream and tan color way just sold on Ebay for around $130 + shipping, so I am asking the same ($135). Its a medium and would fit a 4/6. Email me if your interested.

May Flowers #24

Remembering....

"The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children." -William Havard

It's not all about the "BBQ's" and the "Day off work bargain sales".........
Monday is "MEMORIAL DAY."

It's named that for a reason.

OMG! MSMPML Just Hit Best Seller Status On Fictionwise!!!

OHMYGOSH!

MY STRENGTH has just hit best seller status over on Fictionwise! It's #4 in erotica, out of over 8000 books! I have never achieved that high a rating before!

Thank you and Bless EVERYONE who bought a copy!

You can see it for yourself here!

May Flowers #23

This x-ray of an amaryllis is so ethereal and lovely!

Role Model?

I am not embarrassed to admit that I just watched Role Models (I LOVE Paul Rudd). The movie was so stupid funny ... if you need a laugh rent it.

Long Weekend

Friday! Whoo hoo! Today has been a long but short day with Jon getting out of work early. I threw on my Katia dress, the black patent flats (I cant stop wearing them) and a black cardigan. Max and I opened the clubhouse and hung out until 11:30 then stopped at whole foods got some lunch and also some yummy organic cherries (so excited). Jon came home, we went on our weekly run to Costco (Fruit! Gossip Magazines!) and then had dinner at Deschutes (I had french onion soup - so I cheated a little, salad, and some ribs). Otherwise I have eaten pretty clean today....now sitting back, trying to power thru the book "The Next Mrs Hedgefund" by Jill Kargman....

I will try to update this weekend, but if I don't have a great one!

7,000 Members!!

We've officially reached over 7,000 Hairlista Members! This is wonderful Phenomenal news!!! Continue to invite your friends and family we are only going to get bigger & better.

Happy 7 Months Hairlista!!

Happy Anniversary Hairlista! We`ve reached 7 months and STILL Growing at a RAPID RATE!! :-)

May Flowers #22

Thursday is the New Friday

Thursday my day to myself. It started off with my speed walk to the doctor. Last week the doctor called and told me that my cholesteral was out of control and we needed to talk. So this morning i speed walked to NW 23 (1.4 miles each way) and found out that i have to cut our all desserts, anything sweet and all pastas, breads and chips for three months. It going to be hard but its something that i have to do. After I walked back to the pearl, met Nancy for coffee chatted about a marketing plan for Isobels and then went to SmashCut to get my hair cut.

SmashCut was amazing! Kevin the creative director cut my hair and I have to say that for $85 I haven't had a haircut this good since Josh B in NYC. If you are in PDX, go there. Its amazing. After my haircut I met up with Caroline from PAM for sushi and then popped my head in the shops, mailed my mother-in-laws' bday gift and then met Bianca for a PAM meeting at Departure Lounge in the Nines Hotel.

All in all a relaxing day but looking forward to the weekend!

We're Up and Running Again =]

Hairlista Inc. was undergoing critical server maintenance (i.e. bug) and is now functioning properly. Sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused. We appreciate your patience.

Thank you :-)

Which Time Of The Day Are you Most Active?

Which time of the day are you most active and productive, night or day? Please explain your answer.

Tags: Productive, Active, Alive, Energetic, Full of Life, Night, Day, Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Twilight, Evening, Dawn, Hour, Man

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Hooray! WCPT Has Contracted RUNNER'S MOON: CHALLA!

YAYYYY! Whiskey Creek Press Torrid has contracted RUNNER'S MOON: CHALLA! This book is #4 in my "Runner's Moon" series, and will be released in 2010.
***
She was one of thirty-one aliens who escaped the slave ship where she had been kept captive for all of her life. Now she could live a quiet, peaceful existence on Earth, free from pain and misery. Or so she had hoped until the fateful night when she was caught in her true form. From that moment, Challa the Alien Girl became one of Lawson Hall’s best draws to his traveling sideshow carnival.

Compton Scott didn’t believe in aliens. He had enough on his plate without having to worry about being dragged out to some two-bit circus. Still, he got a kick out of the little freak show featuring the woman dressed in a green costume. But once he got home, she began to haunt his dreams and every waking minute.

It wasn’t long before Compton discovered the truth about the alien woman and his growing feelings for her. Unfortunately, Lawson Hall wasn’t about to give up his bread and butter without a fight.

Neither were the Arra.
***
I'll post more information as I receive it.

Stay tuned!

May Flowers #21

Flowerpots on the wall.

Dear Linda: Which character do you identify with the most?

Dear Linda,

I've always wondered ...which character out of all your books do you identify with the most? Or do you put some of your personality into each of the heroines? They always say, "Write what you know!"

Hmm, what an interesting question. I really put a little bit of myself in all my characters, but I think I identify most with Atty from THE BATTLE LORD'S LADY. She says and does what I have either done/said, or wished I could. :D

I Want To Thrown on My Justiana...

I once read an interview with Kate Moss in Vanity Fair after she did that short stint int the Priory (right after she and Johnny Depp broke up) and she talked about how sometimes she would sit around in couture or a ballgown, barefoot, drinking Pimms Cups and one of her fabulous friends who was an aristocrat would helicopter to her place and take her to a remote getaway where they would smoke and drink and have fun.

Today is one of those days that I wish I could thrown on my Justiana gown and sit on my balcony and drink singapore slings, listen to the Gossip (or spiritualized) and get away from it all.

Today has not been a good day. Max has been cranky and I feel like nothing that I do is good enough for him. Its been lots of tantrums, big wet sloppy tears. It has not been a day where he giggles "I love you so much mommy."

Its a beautiful day, in the 60's. I am wearing my black Astrid dress, black Marius jacket and the black patent flats from spring 06. People have stopped me about the dress. More than 10 people that is. People have told me I look so chic. What great style I have. blah blah blah.

I guess its better to look good than to feel good.

Mayle Billy Douce

I love this bag even though its a BOAT! I wish I had it in gray as well - and I really wish that I had snagged the agnyess and the romy....

Mayle Make Up Bags

Some delightful make up bags