October Poll Results Are In...

The results for the October Poll are finally in! Here's what you Hairlista Divas voted for:

What Is Your Major Hair Issue At The Moment?

26% said: Slow Growth
25% said: Breakage
15% said: Shedding
14% said: Dryness
9% said: Limp/Weak/Thin Ends
7% said: None - My Hair Is Alright :)
4% said: Protein/Moisture Imbalance

Majority of the Hairlista Divas said Slow Growth was the major issue they are currently facing. For faster growth and length retention, feel free to join the Castor Oil Challenge & Healthy Ends Challenge.

Be sure to check out the new Poll for the month of November!

Hot Happenings In PDX This Week!

WEDNESDAY, NOV 4:

Lunch and tasting with Jimmy at Highland Still House in Oregon City, 201
South 2nd Street. Noon to 1:30pm
$10 plus gratuity

5 – 7:30pm Consumer tasting at Ten 01, 1001 NW Couch
Free

9:30pm: Meet and greet (and sip) with Jimmy at North 45, 517 NW 21st
Free

THURSDAY, NOV 5th

5 -6pm: Meet and Greet (and sip) at McMenamin’s Ringler’s Pub, 1332 W Burnside Street
Free

7pm: Light dinner & tasting at McMenamin’s Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland
$40 per plate

10pm: Last drink at Paddy’s, 65 SW Yamhill
Free

Halloween and Other Tricks or Treats!

First of all, happy Halloween! Max had a wonderful day (2nd year trick or treating!) again, he was Elmo, though this time he did not wear red Converse but some Nike Santa Cruz low tops in white.

We started off our day with some grocery shopping. As I am trying to "Shop my wardrobe" I decided to wear Katia. I hadn't worn it in nearly a year, and it was a nice piece to pair with black tights, heeled Mary Jane's and my Fletcher by Lyell cardigan (best $29.99 I have spent in a LONG time). I broke my antique locket chain a few months back, and haven't replaced it yet, so I paired an awesome black beaded necklace with it - photos to come.

Tonight we took Max trick or treating in our friend's building - Max went candy crazy!

And tomorrow, I am going to start (again) 30 outfits in 30 days. I will try to photograph them all (though the photos may be bad and taken in my bathroom).

I hope that you all have an amazing Halloween!

BEAUTIFUL Fall photos from Massachusetts

I have a little friend who lives outside of Boston.
She has seen on my blog how sad I am about the "dreadfully drab" Fall weather we have here in Lousiana......and she having lived here before....sent me some sweet "Fall RELIEF" through her photos.

Now....I could never live in Massachusettes personally.
For several reasons....mainly...it's too hard to spell.

And a bit too liberal of an area of the world for me. No offense to anyone from there that may be reading this.

However, I would LOVE to go visit one day and this is why......



Aren't these trees lovely.





I LOVE Pumpkin Patches......they are sooo fun and cute!


I told my husband I want to "Grow some Pumpkins next year"....but I don't know if we can fit this in.

We found out the date for the "next Wedding" today...which is going to be MAY 8th...then my husband and I are embarking on a BIG TRIP..planned for June.

Ugh...SOOOO....Pumpkins take a long time to grow...like over 100 days...I'm not sure I can fit them into my tight schedule....

One day though...maybe...if we don't keep on this track of "One wedding per year"....Because I have two boys left to marry off.
That alone could tie up my next TWO years...ugh.

Hummm....I have two boys left?? Any takers??? I might need to help speed this up so I can get on with my life. :~)

We have this one...Gabriel the oldest one up for grabs.....although he is currently dating someone.

And we have the youngest boy...Luke...who is single and not dating anyone. He's very kind and giving and lives at home with his PARENTS.
Which we are fine with though...that way we don't totally have an "empty nest" plus we have a built in "helper and "yard guy."

MY BOYS WOULD STRANGLE me if they knew I did this....so "shhhhh"....don't tell them. Just contact me and send me your "wedding qualifications" resume, if you want to marry one of them.....

***Everything has to "Be checked out and be cleared with the MAMA first" you know....

~Ya'll have a BLESSED DAY!~

Totally Random

When cruising the Wal-Mart website for the Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat I found the following photo of my friend Elisabet (and Icelandic model who used to date my friend Roger) modeling the cocoon sweater... so random. She had a son a few years back and has been mainly focusing on her photography. I had no idea that she was still modeling and this is a great surprise!

A Few Pieces Of Mayle Left At Odessa

For those of you looking for something NWT (and Mayle) a few pieces are left. I believe that they are 75% off.


Vera Coat size 10
Vita pant in black or ivory all sizes
Katia knit dress in brown, size M
Vincenzia short size 4

Current Covet

I was sad that Jen's dress was in olive as I would have snatched it up in a second. My current covet is a dress that I bought while pregnant, that I never got to wear and sold (for a fraction of what I paid). I am dying to get my hands on a Bahia in either navy or rio plata... and have been outbid both times I have seen it on eBay. If you have Bahia in navy or rio plata in a 6 or 8 let me know I would be willing to trade my black Jacinth size 8 (and super rare), or black Vanya, the leopard Marius or the Amandine + some cash...

The Past Few Days

The past few days have been a blur - lots of running errands, some rain and LOTS of coffee.

Yesterday I drove out to work with Jon and Max to meet Kathryn and do some shopping. Kathryn dropped Tilly in temp daycare for a few hours and we headed to Washington Square Mall to get a coffee at Starbucks, then drove over to Target where I exchanged one of my Anna Sui dresses for a smaller size (and it was marked down 30% so I got $20 back!). I also picked up a flannel shirt and some Thomas pj's for Max. When Kathryn and I got back into the city, I went over to her place to have some coffee and then met Nancy at Mario's.

Nancy is updating her wardrobe and asked me to help her pick out some key pieces. I saw an amazing 3.1 dress - it was navy with gold sequins but at $675? Not worth the money, and I would have to get it altered so maybe on sale... plus the sales people were BEYOND pushy. After shopping with Nancy I went to lunch at PF Chang's (big mistake, terrible stomach trouble post lunch) and then finished some laundry and then went to meet Catie and Jen Jacobs for dinner at Brasserie Monmartre (which just re-opened). The meal was fantastic and comped - all we had to pay for was our drinks (I had 3 glasses of rose $18). We shared a baked brie, fried artichokes, lobster tails and the duck confit, steak frittes, and halibut.

Today is my 5 year wedding anniversary. It's the first one where I am not receiving Mayle, so Jon is perplexed as to what to buy me. He is a great husband and is giving me $300 to shop so I am going to go look around Nordstrom, Odessa and Frances May to look for something great....

Happy anniversary Jon.

Always, Moss is Boss

Love this new YSL ad for the fragrance, Parisienne

Kate Moss, always boss.

Iconic Norma Kamali Sleepng Bag Coat at Wal-Mart?

I am sooo not a Wal-Mart shopper but wow - this Norma Kamali coat photographs well. I may have to drag Jon to a Wal-Mart and try it on. $35? A no-brainer!

TopShop Covet

Already sold out (but AMAZING) Kate Spade for TopShop Kimono... I would so pair this with a great dress and a belt/sash....

Covet: Alexander McQueen Brass Knuckles

I am a sucker for skulls and anything McQueen. Gorgeous.. I can only imagine the cost and the waiting list for this...

Haute Halloween

My friend Tracy sent me this - so funny and I love it....

Updates....

Nope, thankfully...we've had no "H1N1" here and we hope it doesn't visit our house.
We are just reeling with the "WEDDING FEVER" but are currently "adjusting" to this...again.
But it's all good.
Kolin and Caleb
And I think we have some "time" when it comes to this next wedding. Unlike the last one that took place in what...4 months?

So as I have been told....all I have to do is "SHOW UP" and trust me this time I....awwwww......never mind. I'm a HUGE "worker bee" so I will be helping out all along this next journey I suppose. Plus now I have a resume when it comes to "Wedding Planning."
It's not such a bad thing to do anyway now is it??

After all......this time we aren't paying so that helps out a bit.

Next...just wanted to let you all know that "Aaron".....who my sister calls by the pet name of "Mango"...(don't ask me why)is back at home and out of the hospital after his bout with "H1N1".

Hopefully he will get stronger and stronger every day.......and so will she.

Thanks to you all for praying and your concern! I deeply appreciate it.

And so does Mango......I mean Aaron. :~)

I have some lovely "Fall" photos to put on here that a little friend of mine sent me from the East Coast so hopefully in the next few days I will be doing that.

Come back and see me soon!

Coco Avant Chanel

I have decided to truly rest. Looking for a job is taking up alot of time, but I have decided that whatever free time I have I should enjoy. Today I did my usual job cruising on the web in the morning then met Tracy and Christina for coffee at Cafe Umbria. Since Karl, Jonas and Jon are all away or have work dinners, I invited Tracy + Kathryn over for dinner. I am making the only thing that I am good at cooking - yes you guessed it, Shepard's pie. I prepped the meat part during lunch and then on a whim (I was going to go Friday) decided to go to the movies and see Coco before Chanel.

I have been waiting two years for this movie. I love Chanel. I have always been inspired by Coco - an orphan, unloved creating this amazing dynasty that today still evoked elegance and style without even trying. The movie was amazing. The costumes, the story - Audrey Tatou who I adored from Amelie. I highly suggest going to see it.

Chanel Covets:
classic tweed jacket
gorgeous evening dress (sequined- black or with lace)

Of course these items are completely out of reach - even the vintage pieces that I once saw at Clingencourt flea market in Paris were insanely expensive.... but a girl can dream.

Surprises

Tuesday was again a mix bag with weather. Rain, then sunshine then more light rain while the sky was blue and the sun was shining...In the morning I grabbed a coffee at Cafe Umbria and put together my meeting outfit: I wore my Melia with a black v-neck JCrew cardigan from 2007, some tights and the three-strap Mary Jane's (I really need to buy some new comfy heels). I walked up to NW 23rd had my lunch meeting (which went well) and then walked back downtown to JCrew to exchange the tights that I bought last week. (Ah much needed exercise).

I was so excited that I received my dark burgundy JCrew cashmere cardigan (I bought a size small) and it fits well and the cashmere is beyond soft and cozy. Then stopped by Macy's and picked up the Hue metallic leggings in black.

At 6:30 Jon came home with Max and then we went to my friend Jen's house for cocktails and Mexican food - sadly Jon had to stay home and work so it was just Max and I. I ended up going to bed at 9:30 (sad I know) when I finally got Max to go to sleep.

The weather today so far has been nice (no rain). I had to cancel acupuncture because my stomach is bothering me - so I am sitting on the couch relaxing, job hunting and watching golden girls. Any day that starts out sunny is the start of a great day for me!

Hairlista Inc. Shop Udates - More Products

We've added some more products to the Hairlista Beauty Shop, feel free to check it out!

If you have any requests as to which products you would like to purchase in the shop, feel free to ask here → Product Suggestion

There isn't a lot to report I am sad to say... apparently when you are pregnant life sort of stands still. Nothing new and exciting happens cause everyone is too afraid to even go near you... you know, in this 'fragile' state.

Seriously.

I volunteered to sweep up some cigarette butts at work cause some fucking idiot has been tossing them in to the loading bay of the company next to ours and I was politely refused because of my 'condition'.

What?! Are you kidding?!? It's not like I am going to be picking them up, sniffing them, eating them, or even *gasp* re-lighting them for a buzz! Fucking-A I tell you!!!

Mind you, I should be happy that I can use this 'fragile condition' as an out for any kind of physical labor. I had someone flip a case of 12 bottles of wine for me actually, cause well. I shouldn't really be lifting anything, right? (when you bottle wine you have to leave them on their side after 3 or 4 days to keep the cork wet, in case you were wondering what the hell I was talking about)

Hmmmm this really could be used to my advantage! I have already tried a few on V, and while she is pretty accommodating, she has made it clear that she isn't going to fall for it for the whole nine months and I should be prepared for a solid beating after the baby is born if I in any way take deliberate advantage of HER. Who me?!?! Never **tsk tsk!**

Now, some advice for all you non-preggo's...

Do everything you can for your pregnant friends.

It's nice.

How Do You Describe Your Father?

How do you describe your father? What lasting influences did he bring to your life that have made you what you are now?


Papa Don't Preach - Madonna



Tags: Father, Papa, Dad, Daddy, Pops, Influence, Love, Caring, Nurture, Support, Discipline, Stern, Stoic, Passive, Role Model, Pedestal, Hero

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Gnomes!

My friend Tracy told me about these tables yesterday. I am sort of in love with them. I would love to buy one for Max's room. They run about $350 and are available at Hive .

A New Dawn Fades

Rainy Monday. Today was one of those days that I found unbelievably hard to get off the couch and even get dressed. I awoke to total darkness at 7:30 AM, got Max dressed and ready for school. The boys were out of the house by 8:15 - I was tired and wanted to go back to bed, but instead I went online and applied for about 15 jobs - one at the Oregon Symphony that I would be perfect for, On paper I am incredibly boring, but in person? when I meet with someone? I am awesome.

So as I applied for jobs and watched episode after episode of the Golden Girls I found it harder and harder to get off the couch. Finally around 1, I took a shower and went through my wardrobe trying to find something to wear, starting out with the Ilaria Pansy Net and ending up in the Amalfi Barcelona with thick tights, a JCrew cardigan and my three-strap heels.

I ended up going over to a friends house to hang out, shopped for some groceries at Safeway then came home.

Stressed over an outfit to wear to a second meeting for a potential job. I am torn between Adela in black, melia or another choice -one that is escaping me....

A Friend's Mayle For Sale

Hi guys- a friend asked me to post two Mayle items that they are sad to part with. I personally love both these items but they aren't in my desired color ways.

See below:

Thea (size 8) in putty last winter at the boutique. I paid full price (550), and since it has never been worn it is in perfect condition with the tag still attached. I love this dress but think it should go to someone who will actually wear it.

I also have this dress called either the Bahia or Varela (have seen it referred to by both names) in olive green silk (size 8) that I purchased from Septieme Etage this summer for 440. It has also never been worn. This is a great, versatile dress that is just a little snug in the waist for me. Even though this dress was from 2006, it is brand new since Septieme had an assortment of prior season Mayle backstock that they sold this past summer at the time of the re-editions.

Please email me at jennkeam[at]msn.com with any offers or questions. Thanks!

Fever........

Dear LORD!
Do we ever have some kind of fever going on in our family right now!!!

I just don't know what to do.
Because I'm already tired, and have been trying to recouperate.

And now this hit us tonight......

Mr. Caleb Mahan off and proposes to his girlfriend Kolin......


I sort of blame that Joshua and Ariel for all this spreading around of that"Wedding Fever".....don't ya'll agree??
Caleb and Joshua

Rosetta Now In My Life

Thanks to a great "virtual friend" and fellow Mayle enthusiast I was able to cross off another covet item - The Rosetta Cardigan. It's a large and a tad too big but I plan on layering and living in it this fall/winter. Above is the photo from the holiday 2007 look book - I acquired the black version which is very on trend as it has a bit of "sparkle"... again a million thanks - you know who you are!

FYI- current covets include:
spring 2007 Valentine dress in black size 8 or 10
fall 2006- Bahia dress in rio plata or navy size 6
spring 2007 - vincenesse dress in violet size 8 or 10
dark gold momo jacket from spring 2006 size 6

Merci!

Lazy Sunday - Literally.

I am embarrassed to say that Max and I did not get out of our pajamas until almost 2PM. It was a lazy Sunday - we woke up at 7:30 (rather max woke up and then said "Mommy, I am super hungry make me some breakfast"). So this morning Max watched some Yo Gabba Gabba, Dora and Little Bear. I cleaned the house, did some laundry and then at 12 made us lunch. I have been eating terribly all weekend. I have started to realize that I eat very healthy when I am alone, and then once Max figures into the equation it goes downhill. Lots of noodles, Mexican food and other things that just are not good for you is what I have consumed.

This week will be about getting healthy again. Of course I have also been obsessed with just consuming in general (some Jeffrey Montiero dresses, some Jeffrey Campbell shoes I saw at Nordstrom) which is bad. I have been better about not spending but it still doesn't stop that constant urge I have - the need I have to buy nice things. I thought that the tights and cardigan from JCrew would quench my thirst, but I was wrong. They were only band-aids on a much bigger shopping addiction. I keep thinking, skip that happy hour with so-and so and save that $30 towards something but with my constant obsession of having company and interacting with friends I am finding it to be a losing battle.

Around 2:30 I spoke with Tracy and made plans to meet her at Cafe Umbria at 3. It was cold out, and rather dreary so I wore my Vanya with gray tights and my Jeffrey Campbell 3-strap heels. My first coffee of the day - it was delicious. Now Max and I are just chilling, waiting for Jon to come home. And I am obsessing over my wardrobe. Thinking about pieces I have long gotten rid of from spring 2006 (the black 3/4 sleeve dress with the removable piece in front, and the green silk dress with spaghetti straps and cut out back, the dark gold jacket) and from 2006 fall (Bahia in Navy or Rio Plata) and wish they would pop back up on eBay or in my local consignment shop. A girl can only wish....

Update

Aaron...
My sister Jerri sent me this photo last night from the hospital.He's still in and can't keep any formula down yet unless it's mixed with pedialite.

Thank you all for praying...

Plowing Through The Weekend

Saturday night and I am in front of the TV watching last night's Law & Order. With Jon in Arizona for his 20th high school reunion it's been a LONG weekend. Today Max behaved like a little angel. Last night I had the girls over for some wine, cheese and snacks after Max went to bed. I threw on Tana and just enjoyed catching up with friends I hadn't seen in ages and unwind- especially because I was feeling so rundown yesterday.

Today turned out o be beautiful, one of those perfect fall days - a chunky cardigan, great scarf wrapped around your neck. I took Max out to lunch at the noodle place, and then we went for a ride on the street car to the toy store where I bought Max a new Thomas train - James (and his tender), then we went to Nordstrom to look around, visit Fleur, buy some tights, then walked over to Pioneer Place where we picked up a few things for Max at Gap Kids. It was a great day, he was so well behaved so I bought him a cupcake at Cupcake Jones, and then we went for dinner at Cha Cha Cha.

It's 9:20 and I am looking forward to Jon coming home tomorrow.

Oh yeah and a friend of mine has a few Mayle items she would like to sell - a Thea in Putty NWT size 8, an olive green Bahia dress in an 8 (NWT) - I will post them soon (when I get photos and more info)

Hope you are enjoying your evening as much as I am enjoying mine!

Freaky Friday

With Jon away at his high school reunion, I am in charge of mad Max for the next 50 hours or so (approximately). This means very little time to myself, which will ultimately lead to tantrums (max) and short tempers (mine). Today instead of sending Max out to school (what a schlep in rainy weather) I took him to clubhouse to play with his friends. It was great, Fleur/Nathan, Thandosie/Mahala, Kathryn/Tilly, Niki/Hollis, Tracy/Adelaide and Nancy were all there. After clubhouse we went over to Nancy's for lunch. The weather was so odd today so I wore my amandine skirt (still not sure its me) my favorite fall 06 aubergine lace cami and the fletcher by Lyell "college" sweater and my hunter boots.

Around 1 I took max home and wrestled him to nap for an hour. Then we went to post office to post the Rasia coat (if you are reading this you will be supper happy, its a good piece i just have no idea why I even bought it) and then up to nw 23rd on the streetcar. Fleur, Tracy, Kathryn and Christina are coming over tonight to have some drinks and catch up. I feel like crap but I really need the adult interaction. I have changed into my black Tana. and now only 40 some odd hours until Jon is home....i have no idea what to do or where to take max this weekend. a kids movie maybe in order.

PLEASE pray for Aaron...

Sweet little Aaron.
Please pray for my little "pumpkin" Aaron...he's my nephew.
He is very ill and in the hospital with "H1N1"...
Sad.

Pray for Jerri, my sister as well.....she's there with him 24/7 and needs strength.

I'll keep you all posted and will write about some more "pumpkins" I want to show you SOON!

Don't Forget About These Groups!

If you are into Coconut oil, Building a Regimen, Winterizing Your Hair or Getting Wild Growth, be sure to check out these groups located in the Group Section!

Went To A Party On A Thursday Night

Another beautiful day in PDX! I met up with Tracy and Kathryn for lunch and coffee (I wore my black Asia slip and new JCrew cardigan). We got Burgerville, and relaxed while the kids played. Tonight Fleur and I went to a party for a colleagues marketing firm. Even though there were so many people older than us, I felt so out of touch...i wore my dandy dress with black tights and heels. It was a fun night... more tomorrow.

Have You Experienced Going On A Blind Date Before?

Have you experienced going on blind date before? Could you share with us your experience?

Tags: Blind Date, Perfect Strangers, Love At First Sight, Fascination, Attraction, Likes, Perfect Harmony, In The Mood, Perfect Music, First Dance, Small Talk, Nervousness, Happy, Relax, Enjoy, Twilight, First Kiss

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla

Philippines

Viewpoint/Opinion

Me In The Rasia

I havent worn this yet. I am not sure it's me. I really need Jon's opinion....but here are some photos.