At the HeART of Friendship

When I sat down to journal this morning, and play around with my Caran d'Ache crayons, I wasn't exactly sure what direction my pages would take me. As I worked on the background, moving around the color with my water-reservoir brush and letting it drip and pool, my mind began to wander. I thought of the many friends I have made in the online art world and the impact they have had on my strides as an artist. I am perpetually encouraged, by the most talented artists, to try more, stretch farther, grow and learn.



The journal page above was created with a particular person in mind. My very dear friend Pam Carriker is one of the most talented and hardest working artists I know. Pam is a prime example of someone who set her sights on a dream and never looked back. Any setbacks that Pam had along her artistic journey, merely fueled the fire within her to keep on striving toward her dream. And now that Pam is an accomplished instructor and has been published multiple times in magazines, she continues to look ahead at opportunities to share her love of art. She will be teaching a workshop in Paris this winter, and at about that time will see her first book, Art at the Speed of Life, hit the bookstands.

So, Pam, this page is for you and comes with thanks for inspiring me to dream big and have a brave heart.

© Nancy Lefko

Star Mela launch new collection and prepare for website re-launch

The new City to Sunshine collection from Star Mela aims to bridge the gap between the city and the beach. Co-founder, Amanda Winship, has drawn inspiration from her global travels to inspire the new collection and was determined to ensure all items look just as good in the office as they do on sand. This collection includes silk tops, kaftans, dresses, cover-ups and skirts alongside accessories such as hats, bags, sarongs, scarves and sandals. All items are available on Star Mela’s new website, www.starmela.com, which is re-launching next week. Anyone living in London has the new Star Mela Cruise Control delivery service available to them which offers immediate courier collection and drop-off.

Lynne Franks to host BLOOM Women’s Creative Leadership Retreat

This June business woman and lifestyle guru Lynne Franks is leading her latest programme in women’s personal and professional development. The BLOOM Women’s Creative Leadership Retreat will be hosted at Lynne’s home in Deia, Mallorca, where a group of women will have the opportunity to work with her unique coaching tools to break through their own barriers and make them real. Lynne believes that women hold back from fulfilling their potential for success either personally or professionally but can become motivated by joining together in small groups to share stories with other women. The week-long course examines all areas of life relevant to the modern woman including relationships, career, emotional wealth, and physical well-being. Lynne works with the participants on a one-to-one basis to guide them to create a new vision of their own true potential and aspirations and ensures that each woman in this intimate group will go home equipped with the energy, vision and practical tools to turn dreams into reality. The summer course in June has a few places left and bookings are being taken now for the next one in November. For details and further information, check out the workshops page at www.lynnefranks.com

Journal Fun

Very often I will begin to journal and the page will be finished, more or less, in one sitting.

And then there are times, like this week, when a journal spread has layer after layer after layer and takes almost an entire week to complete.

That was the scenario with this journal spread, as I experimented with different layers and textures and designs; thinking that one day I will re-create something similar on a canvas. Therein lies the beauty of an art journal; it's a playground of ideas.



© Nancy Lefko

New Sisley partnered U-Spa Barrière opens in Cannes

The new U-Spa Barrière, with which Sisley has signed a 3 year partnership, has just opened its doors at the Majestic Hotel, Cannes. Created by interior designer Pascal Desprez, it contrasts white marble with precious wood, in a minimalist aesthetic. 4 treatment rooms (including one double), sauna, hammam, relaxation room, fitness room and a water paradise cabin: a multi-sensorial journey under a series of showers with olfactory, auditive and visual environments to stimulate the senses. The Sisley Menu at the Majestic Barrière offers a wide range of facial and body treatments including phyto-aromatic facial and body treatments, targeted facials (youth, radiance, extreme comfort, restorative, pureness), Sisleÿa anti-aging facial or intensive hydrating anti-ageing facial, zen harmony body massage, intensive hydrating treatment, slimming and firming treatment, back treatment, exfoliating treatment and Sisley beauty rituals.

Pistol Panties designs exclusive collection for John Lewis

This season sees swimwear label, Pistol Panties design an exclusive collection of figure-enhancing swimwear for John Lewis. The eight piece assortment will be available in-store and online from 1 May. The brand is favoured by the fashion set including Jade Jagger, Kate Moss and Sophie Dahl. These high quality, engineered designs start at £55.00 for bikini sets and £65.00 for one piece swimsuits. Uncompromising on quality and style, the ‘Disco’ collection uses very fine micro-fibre which makes the fabric ultra soft and very supportive. The range of bikinis includes the halterneck ‘Brigitte’ with bow detail; the floral ‘Marilyn’ with tiered brief and the balconette ‘Betty’ in cute retro polka dot print. Sophisticated swimsuits include the classic cut ‘Jane’ halterneck and the ruffled one-shoulder ‘Lola’.

New make-up brand launches

The Bourjois Company introduce new make-up brand UNE to the market. The premise behind the brand is natural beauty with UNE aiming for 100% natural formulas where possible, using organic ingredients to create healthy, more environmentally-friendly products. Certified by ECOCERT, no synthetic colourings, parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrochemical oils or GMO's were used in the creation of the range. The debut UNE collection comprises 25 products and 148 shades. Key products include the Skin Glow Pencil which is priced at £6.99 and is available in four shades. 100% of the total ingredients are natural origin and 32.2% of total ingredients are from organic farming. The 100% Mineral Foundation is talc-free, creating a glow without a mask effect and is available in 9 shades priced at £9.99. Prices of the collection range from £4.99 for the Eye Pencil to £13.99 for the Soft Minerals Powder Foundation and Healthy-Glow Mineral Powder. UNE is available from May at Boots and Superdrug from September.

New Tamburlaine Autumn/Winter 2010 range launches next week

The launch of Tamburlaine’s Autumn/Winter 2010 collection takes place at the ROA Gallery in London SW1 next week (see DIARYdates), exhibiting photographs, videos and garments from the label. Having worked for the past 20 years as a designer in both Paris and London, including several years as Head of Design at Kenzo Homme in Paris, Tamburlaine Gorst launched the brand in 2007. The new collection offers a leather caban made from goat skin. The finished garment is washed after stitching to give the surface its rough, crinkled and worn look. The T-shirt is treated with a special dyeing technique called ‘cold-dye’. During this process the colour only penetrates the surface and hardly at all at the seams resulting in a finished product with an antique-looking patina. Also available is a tailored military parka, made from a blend of wool, linen and metal in a herringbone weave. The garment is tailored close to the body to reinvent the parka as an elegant coat. The Tamburlaine Autumn-Winter 2010-11 Collection will be available at Liberty of London. www.tamburlaine.co.uk

New Bib necklace from Kirsten Goss

Kirsten Goss exclusively designs and crafts in-house, using sterling Silver and 18kt gold vermeil alongside personally sourced semi-precious stones. This entirely in-house approach allows her to maintain absolute control, exclusivity and quality of the product. With an educated and erudite team of goldsmiths, she produces seasonal and trend led collections, designed to be worn and enjoyed and not shelved for being “too precious”. Collections can be exclusively purchased from boutiques in London and Durban, South Africa, as well as from representatives in the US and Johannesburg ,or directly from the website www.kirstengoss.com. Featured here we have the latest Bib necklace, priced at £875.00. It is a tangled 18kt gold vermeil chain with layered semi precious Pyrite.

Uniqlo announces new collaboration

Uniqlo has announced a new collaboration with video game publisher Konami Digital Entertainment to produce a collection of limited edition UT T-shirts, inspired by Konami’s forthcoming Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker video game for the Sony PSP. The 10 limited-edition T-shirts are exclusively available at selected stores and online from Saturday 19 June, priced at £12.99 each. Each comes with its own special code, that when entered into the game, unlocks the purchase so the T-shirt can worn by a character within the game. To celebrate the launch of the game and the Uniqlo UT collection, Hideo Kojima and lead artist Yoji Shinkawa will be making a one-off appearance at Uniqlo’s London flagship store on Oxford Street, on Saturday 19 June, where they will be signing copies of the new game and exclusive postcards. Both will sign one item per person and will be in-store from 11am to 1pm.

Wallpaper* launches iPhone application

Wallpaper* magazine is launching a free iPhone application in association with Swarovski Crystal Palace. The app – a daily edit of wallpaper.com will bring users the best from the worlds of art, fashion, travel, architecture and technology. As well as the latest stories, picture galleries and short form video content, the app will include the lowdown on all the major design fairs, fashion shows and exhibitions. The Wallpaper* iPhone app was developed by Umee. It is free and available to download now from the iPhone App Store.

Budgets budgets budgets

Being in the corporate dinner staff committee is no easy task as you're torn between giving your fellow colleagues what they want and maintaining the budget the company has allocated.

Some employees are very lucky to have a fully paid-for event. We've heard of companies where employees themselves have to pay for their own meals and accommodation yet the company calls it a staff event. I feel for those guys, I really do!

I might sound biased as I'm now within the event planning industry and I'll go all out promoting staff events but hear me out first! I used to work in a corporation where I was just a regular employee. Every year, my colleagues and I would look forward to dressing up and being entertained. It's just one day in a year, anyway (unless that company also organized team-building activities like my company did and we looked forward to that as well!).

Most staff work really hard and like any normal employee they have the tendency to complain about his job once in a while to let off some steam. Sometimes, when they feel under appreciated and irrelevant to the company over a long period of time, they leave. They feel they have nothing to lose.

I stayed with my old company for 8 years. My job was ok and I had my fair share of endless reports and weekend homework but I complained very little as I knew the company cared. The MD ran a tight ship but would bring us for special lunches every few months and talk to us.

If your company really has a tiny budget for social gatherings, do just this: Bring your staff to lunch somewhere near your office or even cater lunch for them and just watch a movie in the conference room (mind you, make it strictly clear that this is a treat and there are boundaries in the office!)

If you're having doubts about organizing your annual dinner this year. Here are some ideas to help you save cost written by Rob Hard:

Schedule the Party During the Day.

A general budgeting rule for business meals: lunch menus are always more cost effective than dinner menus from restaurants, hotel banquets or independent caterers.

For those organizations that typically hold employee parties in the evening, changing to an afternoon event is one of the most cost effective ways to manage expenses. Estimated Savings: 15-20%.

Pros:
•Eliminates the need to use personal time for a company event.
•Increases the number of venue options available to consider.
•Reminds everyone that they are at a company event, not a personal party.

Cons:
•Reduced attendance because many functions cannot fully shut down.
•Noticeable change that tells employees the organization is cutting costs.

2. Hold the Party in a Restaurant.

Many more restaurant venue options exist in any given area than traditional hotels and other venues that may require private catering (e.g., museums, libraries, etc.).

By considering restaurants, the planner is able to identify venues at different price points that may not otherwise be optional. And restaurants also have private event spaces. Estimated Savings: 15%.

Pros:

•Identifies a variety of ethnic and themed locations for consideration.
•Reduces the potential need to hire live entertainment.
•Offers staff an experience and service where they may not typically dine.

Cons:

•Required food and beverage minimums may be higher than hotel banquets.
•Potential of reduced intimacy for the group due to other diners.

3. Move the Event to the Office.

Many organizations already have dedicated space for all employee meetings, either using a lunchroom or auditorium after work.

Hosting the event on-site often requires additional decorating expenses that can drive up costs significantly vs. holding it off-site at a venue that is already decorated with a holiday theme. Estimated Savings: 5%.

Pros:

•Increased employee attendance.
•Ability to incorporate company themes and messages to the event.
•Reminds everyone that they are at a company event, not a personal party.

Cons:

•Increased production costs associated with theme and decorations.
•Reduced staff productivity from distractions during event preparation (but this is the same with off site venues anyway!).

4. Manage Catering Choices.

Small changes in the catering selections may be made that can result in measurable savings.

Examples: Plated vs. buffet style. Seven course meals may become five. Six pieced canapes may be reduced to five, with a small decrease in total pieces. Filet mignon may be replaced with lamb chops. Crab legs are more cost effective than lobster tail. Three dessert choices may be reduced to two. Bar selections may be predetermined in advance. Estimated Savings: 5-10%.

Pros:

•It is relatively easy to manage costs at the point of selecting catering.
•Venues and caterers usually have packaged options based on price.

Cons:

•Risk not pleasing everyone's taste preferences.

5. Hire a DJ Instead of a Band.

Band members typically get paid a minimum of RM4,000 for a three hours, four performers. On the other hand, a DJ charges about half that price. Estimated Savings: 50%.

Pros:

•Increased variety of music.
•Reduced expense associated with entertainment.

Cons:

•Risks allowing employees to request inappropriate music.
•Risks associated with creating too much of a casual party atmosphere.

6. Control Decorating Expenses.

Hotels and other venues are usually already be decorated in neutral holiday themes. Still, some expenses are difficult to avoid: centerpieces, linen rentals, etc.

Planners must still incorporate decorations that are sensitive to the all guests. Try to save money by using complimentary linens, and opt to replace flower centerpieces with colorful candles and bowls of candy when possible. Estimated Savings: 10%.

Pros:

•Subtle changes often go unrecognized by guests.
•Planner may incorporate company themes to decorations.

Cons:

•The party mood might be compromised when the decor is minimal
•Decoration expenses may be necessary to expand celebration themes.

7. Eliminate Employee Gifts at the Party.

Remember, the staff party is considered the employee gift, so it is not necessary to include party favors and other small appreciation gifts.

Some organizations feel it is necessary to give each employee some small gift for attending the event because they feel it is an important element of the event. If the business insists on gifts, opt for just Lucky Draw or game prizes. Estimated Savings: $10 per person.

Pros:

•This change often goes unnoticed.
•Reduces set-up time needed to showcase presents.
•Allows the planner to avoid other cost reductions (e.g., catering).

Cons:

•Employees who cannot attend (e.g., due to work) will feel they received nothing.
•Employee gifts can be perceived as another form of award.

8. Request Employees to Contribute for Guests.

This is a sensitive decision, but one that has become easier during the last several years. Remember that this is a business appreciation event for employees.

Although the decision is outside the scope of the planner, the accounting department will decide how much of the cost of the event is an allowable IRS deduction, and that is questionable around personal guests. Solution: establish a fee for personal guests. Estimated Savings: 20%.

Pros:

•Increases the accuracy to estimate attendance for budget.
•Identifies in advance everyone who is likely to attend.
•Increases accuracy of corporate budgets.

Cons:

•Perceived by employees as shifting the expense away from the organization.
•Reduction in the % of employees who may attend.

9. Hold the Party on a weekday (Mon-Thurs) and off peak seasons.

Event planners understand that they are facing a question of supply and demand. Event spaces quickly fill up in the months of November- January, and the most popular days are usually Tuesday through Thursday.

Little value may be gained by holding the event on a Friday or Saturday because those days quickly book up with social events at venues. The best option: consider a Monday. Estimated Savings: 0-5%.

Pros:

•You get to negotiate with the venues on better deals
Estimated Savings: 10%.

Cons:

•Employees prefer end-year parties as they feel more relaxed after a year of hard work.

10. Host Departmental Parties Instead.

The way to really reduce expenses is to shift the responsibility to each individual department. Smaller gatherings will always be more cost effective than larger ones.

Fewer details are needed, and the individuals within a department are more likely to do all the planning. However, more drawbacks exist with this decision. Estimated Savings: Whatever amount is determined; recommend 15%.

Pros:

•Reduced organization resources required.
•Employees will feel more involved within the department.

Cons:

•Most managers do not know how to organize employee events.
•Some departments will have better parties than others.
•Greater inconsistencies will exist across the organization.
•Senior management will likely not interact with employees.

When in doubt, call Best Events! We can recommend the activities that best suit your budget!

The Talent of Marsha Jorgensen

This magnificent world of blogs enables us to connect with people we would otherwise never meet. I am thankful every day for the many friendships I have made simply by chatting via blogs or forums.

One such friend I have had the good pleasure to "meet" is the amazingly talented Marsha Jorgensen of Tumble Fish Studio. Marsha has an extraordinary eye for color, composition and design and marries that with a terrific sense of humor. The result is some of the very best in collage art.

A while back I was the lucky recipient of two prints from Marsha's shop. They are the most fun and are a joy to see every day. Thank you, Marsha.

I encourage you to visit Marsha's shop and her blog. She is always up to something new and just a delight to visit.



Images © Marsha Jorgensen

Giles Deacon designs limited edition bags for label.m

British Designer Giles Deacon has designed three exclusive bags Summer 2010, as part of a collaboration with label.m Professional Haircare. Using his illustration skills, Giles has created an abstract-inspired print, reflecting one of Spring/Summer’s trends, which is applied to a microfibre canvas. Giles’ recognisable ‘eek’ emblem is juxtaposed against overlapping multicoloured loops. The design concept is enhanced by Grosgrain Black straps positioned to form a V shape, and is finished with a unique ‘Giles Designs for label.m’ logo. The limited edition fashion bags are available in June 2010 a special Gift with any label.m product purchased at TONI&GUY, essensuals and specially approved label.m salons nationwide.

Jade Jagger launches new fashion & music website

Jade Jagger’s new website IWantJezebel.com launches this week. The website features parties, music, clothing and jewellery as well as updates and information on everything that team Jezebel is up to. Videos, photos, news, and an interactive diary invite users to be part of the world of Jezebel. There is a newsletter as well as daily twitter updates to alert users to Jezebel parties. Monthly loft parties bring the Jezebel action to London at 77 Scrubs Lane, London NW10; the next one takes place on 28 May with secret acts to be announced over the coming weeks. For the first time online, the Jade Jezebel Jagger collection will be available to buy directly from the source. The Spring/Summer 2010 collection is currently available at www.IWantJezebel.com comprising distressed, deconstructed dresses, slouchy separates and bold jewellery.

New Cowshed Spa opens

A new Cowshed Spa has now opened alongside Shoreditch House, the third in London. Opened this month, the new, upgraded spa is open to all, offering Cowshed’s trademark social grooming in it’s signature ‘lived-in country’ style surroundings. The space is home to manicure/ pedicure stations, three multi purpose treatment rooms as well as a café style area serving bakery offerings and drinks. Cowshed’s own product ranges, which include organic, wild-crafted and fair trade botanicals from around the world, will be retailed in the Spa. To celebrate the launch Cowshed is introducing the limited edition ‘Morning After’ package. This treatment has been developed specifically for those who have ‘over-indulged’ the night before. The Morning After Package is priced at £32.00 and includes: The Morning After Facial – focusing on the eye area, incorporating lymphatic drainage and your choice of facial oil; A shot of espresso; and a breakfast pastry or muffin. The Cowshed spa is located right next door to Shoreditch House and is open Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm, Saturday 9am - 8pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm.

New e-commerce venture taking advantage of social media launches

A new partnership of internet businesses has recently launched a new e-commerce venture. Keynoir, as the collaboration is known, takes advantage of social networking and empowers people to group together via their networks and act as bulk-purchasers in order to secure offers on lifestyle experiences. The new company is the creation of Philip Wilkinson, Kelkoo director and pioneer of the first online price comparison site in the UK, Glen Drury, former CEO of Kelkoo and VP, Yahoo! Europe and Jan Riem, a technology corporate financier. The members-only buying club, which launched at the end of March in London, will expand across the rest of the UK and Europe by the end of the year, promote offers to users and encourage them to enjoy an aspirational lifestyle that Keynoir enables them to afford.

New menswear brand launches

Forgotten Future is a new premium menswear brand created by designer Richard Dawson. The Autumn/Winter 2010 collection was launched at this years On/Off event during London Fashion week. The collection, aimed at fashion conscious men, is influenced by Constructivist graphics and the underground ‘No Wave’ music scene in 1970s New York. Zip detailing enables proportional play and a versatile approach, blazers turn to boleros, long sleeves become short, T-shirts can be unzipped to create an alternative look. Complex patchwork emphasises the labels attention to detail with pleats and geometric graphics reinforcing the modern ethos. Aran knits are included in over and undersized styles. A vintage cardigan inspired the collections kaleidoscope colour palette of burgundy, purple, mustard and teal grounded with tonal greys, cream and black. Peached silk is used for shirting, high waisted pleat front trousers drape in soft wool flannel. Patchwork enables combinations of silk satin with jersey, corduroy gives a crisp but casual edge. Stockists for this collection will now include the premier menswear e-tailer Oki-Ni.

Young branded fashion grows at Pure London

This August, Pure London will welcome a number of young fashion brands in the UK, with Label and Spirit taking over the entire National Hall of Kensington Olympia. After the successful launch of Label last season, recent buyer research conducted by Pure London showed 92% of all respondents stated that they wanted to see Spirit and Label together under one roof. With this in mind Label will now have a new home sitting alongside Spirit, filling the entire National Hall with over 200 brands. Young branded fashion grows at Pure London Label is the home for predominately forward order men’s and women’s young brand fashion; while Spirit is for young womenswear brands that tend to work closer to season. The Spirit section will continue to offer up to the minute trend-led womenswear brands. Already confirmed include Rare, Forever Unique, Gia London, Pretty Disturbia, Yumi, Motel, Ruby Rocks, Darimeya and Orion London. Already signed to show under the Label section is regular to the show Desigual. Desigual will sit alongside branded fashion labels such as Iron Fist, Chimpanzee and Skunkfunk. The Young Fashion Catwalk will take place twice a day alongside a comprehensive Young Fashion seminar programme, providing unrivalled trend forecast predictions exclusively to retailers.

all for eve has now launched

New lifestyle brand all for eve, which launched yesterday, was founded by George Hammer in memory of his sister-in-law Nadia, who died of ovarian cancer in 2008. Gail Raymonde (publisher) and Holly Buckley (editor) of DIARY attended the launch last night at One Marylebone, where media, retailers and celebrities came together in support. All profits from sales are put in to the Eve Appeal to carry out research into gynaecological cancers. Products are available now through the website, allforeve.co.uk, and will be available to buy in Harrods on 1 May before being rolled out to other major retailers across the UK over the course of the year including, Fenwicks, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. all for eve won all four categories entered at this years CEW Awards on 19 April for ‘Best New Brand’ (Mass); ‘Best New Bath & Body’ (Mass); ‘Best New Make-Up Product’ (Mass); and ‘Best New Hand & Nail Care Product’ (Mass or Prestige). The initial capsule collection now launched is made up of luxury bath and body products created by Urban Retreat, including a bath and shower gel, a body lotion, a body butter, scrub and hand cream. A colour collection comprising of an eve red lipstick created by make-up artist Daniel Sandler; an eve red nail polish by the leading nail technician Sophy Robson and a Swarovski crystal nail file. all for eve is working towards launching a capsule fashion collection ready for Spring/Summer 2011 with first confirmed partner being Rock & Republic.

Uber quick for Uber cute

Ok so this a really quick post before i get caught blogging at work.


Perez Hilton just tweeted this image of some secret friend's Birkin Bag, everyone seems to be convinced it's Gaga's.. i frankly don't care whose it is ( although i adore Gaga and know for a fact it is hers) i just can't get over how bloody cute it is..
And hey with word out that there's no more waiting list for Birkins starting this year (Thank you economic crisis) why not buy one and personalise it.
Of course i'll be doing something similar to mine, you know the one i will own in a few hundred years ;)

New range of high-end luxury bodycare products launch

Spring 2010 sees the UK launch of the anticipated range of high-end luxury bodycare products from JENEUVE, Switzerland. Aimed at women seeking a highly desirable choice of luxury bodycare products, this new range not only leaves skin feeling smooth, but also helps with the battle against fat deposits, cellulite and dry lifeless skin. Swiss-based Laboratoire JENEUVE has developed a formula which plays a key part in the new ESTHETIC BODYSHAPE™ range of bodycare products – the Molecular Cell Booster™. The bio ferment complex of green algae is the all-important ingredient which helps to stimulate the skin’s own natural metabolism. Using bio-scientific plant and fruit-based formulas which amongst other ingredients include mangosteen, quince and caffeine, they work in harmony with the Molecular Cell Booster™ to create glowing and luminous skin. All body products in the range are gel-based, making application smooth and easy, giving a cool tingling feeling to the skin and no risk of getting a greasy film on your clothing.

Thank You, Crescendoh

Crescendoh, the inspirational website created by Jenny Doh, has graciously published my story of how art came back into my life after a long absence.

Crescendoh highlights artists and their "ART SAVES" stories and so much more. It is a place to learn from, and be inspired by, wonderful artists. I feel honored to share web space with some of the best.

I encourage you to visit Crescendoh. You'll be glad that you did.

Thank you, Crescendoh.

Strata - "Interpret This" April Challenge

I have loved this photo that I took of a crumbling bank while rafting the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2006.  The exposed strata of rocks, soil and roots above the clear running water intrigued me.  And of course, I knew just how I wanted to portray it for the Interpret This challenge.  But wait ... what I had in mind is what a lot of people would expect me to do.  I like a challenge, plus participation in this group is pushing me to stretch beyond my comfort zone.

Strata - 13"x 17"

All those round stones led to my remembering a selection of decorator fabrics featuring irregular circle designs that I had tucked away a number of years ago.  This led me to the idea of portraying the whole scene with circles.  What you see is not ALL that I did with this interpretation.  Go to "Interpret This" to read the rest of my story for the first reveal of this month's challenge.  Then continue going back to see the reveals by the rest of the group members:

April 26:  PM: Barbara

April 27:  AM: Judith
              PM: Kim

April 28: AM: Beverly
             PM:  Debra

April 29: AM:  Libby
              PM: Karen

April 30:  AM: Kay
                                            PM: Rian (as time allows)

The little heart that skipped away..

The worst thing ever happened about a month ago, my most beloved Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon heels went snap as i walked out of a movie theatre..
I dragged my foot to the first cab and sobbed all the way home.. true story!!

To my beloved, here's to happier times.

I'm thinking i need to own another pair... maybe in a different colour this time??

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ CHIT-CHAT

This week's challenge over at the Melange Team Blog is CHIT-CHAT. The text on this collage reads, "happy chit-chat between you and me." Chit-chat...what a great phrase. It's merely the beginning of a great girl gab.

Come on over and join in on the fun of the Melange challenges. They are posted at the blog every other Wednesday and are open to everyone. Hope to see you there!

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Wedding Procedures and Cultures

Both families have agreed that the two of you are ready to get hitched. Both families get along. What next? Different religions and cultures have different requirements. As long as you acknowldege this fact, there's no real reason for family wars to occur. To make your search on procedures easier, just click below:

http://www.gov.my/MyGov/BI/Directory/NonCitizen/nFamily/nMarriage/nMarriageProcedureInMalaysia/


It is safe to say that once all the paperwork is done, the fun begins...or does it? Let's just say that there is more work involved if you come from different religious backgrounds and cultures.


For example, if you're a Buddhist marrying a Christian, your families might want two types of ceremonies- one in a temple and one in a church. Or if you're a Malay getting married to a Chinese, there'll be two types of cultures involved- one involving perhaps Malay cultural dances and Bunga Manggar and kompang while the other involves the "bullying" of the groom as he steps into the bride's family home and perhaps a tea ceremony later. Malaysians generally solve these differences by having two separate receptions for the two families. This way everybody goes home happy and not offended.

The most important thing is to adapt and adapt some more! Remember, love is what brought you together in the first place so remember how much you love each other and other things won't matter as much.


Being in such a colourful society really makes Malaysian weddings very interesting. The current trend though is the white wedding. Here the wedding is kept simple and straight to the point with the Walk In, followed by the parents or best friend's speech, lunch or dinner, slideshow, cake cutting and photography session. Some might opt for an after-wedding party and perhaps fireworks for those who don't mind spending a little more.

Before Tying the Knot

You've dreamed of the moment where the two of you will spend the rest of your lives together. Now that it's actually happening, enjoy it! Weddings can be overwhelming. A wedding will probably be the biggest and most involved party or ritual either of you have ever put together. While you bask in the natural glow that you're bound to emit, take a deep breath, then do these ten things.

1.Enjoy being engaged
Jump up and down saying "We're engaged!" Stare at the engagement ring. Take the time to write down in detail how you got engaged. Contemplate the wonderful things ahead of you. Take pictures of yourselves with the engagement ring.

2.Tell your parents
You should tell your parents of your impending nuptials before anyone else. (Unless of course, you are estranged.) Both of you should be present and ideally you will tell them in person - they'll have a chance to see your happiness up close, look at the rock, and start talking about the wedding. Then share the news with a few close friends - the ones who are likely candidates for maid/matron of honor and best man, or definite attendants in some capacity.

3.Purchase a diary if you don't already have one or write a wedding blog
This will be a time of ten thousand moments you won't want to forget, as well as some frustrating times that you'll need to vent about, and not necessarily to your partner. The journal you keep while planning your wedding will not only help you through this time, but it will be something you cherish for the rest of your life.

4.Announce Your Engagement
Tell everyone the good news! There are many ways of doing this, and no way is more correct or better than another. Click here to read about engagement announcement etiquette and see samples of engagement announcements. Consider:

•E-Mailing or mailing announcements to your family and friends

•Creating a wedding website
•Just flash that ring around!

5.Set the Date
One of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding. Not only will it be the first question everyone will ask you, but you'd be surprised how difficult it will be to make any progress on planning your wedding without knowing the date.

6.Set the Tone of Your Event
This is the time to decide if you're having a formal wedding, a casual affair, or a theme wedding. It's also the time to decide on having a religious or secular ceremony. In short, you need to decide what you want your wedding to feel like. A good way to begin is to sit down with your partner and do some free writing about your ideal wedding. Look at the adjectives that each of you write and use them as a starting point.

7.Set the Budget
Start off by using a printable wedding budget worksheet. Look at your finances and figure out how much you already have in savings, and how much you can save each month. Talk to each of your parents and ask them if they'd like to contribute to your wedding, and either how much they'd like to give you, or what specific things they'd like to pay for. Lastly, decide how much you feel comfortable going into debt. Couples should avoid debt as much as possible. Since married couples fight about money more than anything else, why start marriage with debt on your backs? At this time you may consider opening a new credit card just for the wedding that will earn you airline miles, cash back, or other incentives. It's a good way for you to keep track of wedding expenses, and can help you pay for your honeymoon. Just try to pay it off in full each month. If you're not sure where to start, just send us an e-mail requesting for our Dream Wedding Scope form. It's free!

8.Choose Your Bridal Party
As your bridal party will do a lot more than just stand next to you on the day of the wedding, now is the time to get them involved. While some couples opt not to have any help at all, especially if they're having a casual event, most choose between 2 and 12 members of the bridal party. Look over these lists of responsibilities for bridesmaids and groomsmen before you make your final choices. If they live nearby, its nice to ask someone in person, but a phone call is fine for those who live far away. Do take note that the reception table should have a relative standing by to identify family members from the other guests.

9.Start Looking for Venues for Ceremony and Reception
Many venues are booked a year in advance, so the further in advance you start looking, the more likely you are to get the time, date, and cost that you've planned for.

10.Get Support
The successful bride and groom do not plan their wedding alone - they get help! This may be from professionals, respected publications, or trusted friends who've planned their own weddings. A good start is reading this blog!

•Consider hiring a wedding planner or consultant. Especially if you are a busy person, or just feel a little lost, a professional can be invaluable in putting together your ideal day, and can often save you money.

•Use checklists - they're especially helpful if you're planning with your mother or future spouse in another state. The most important of these forms is the overall wedding checklist which will help you stay on top of all of your important to dos. You can get a complete check list and constant reminders from BEST EVENTS once you engage our services.

•If you're like most couples, you'll come home from the bookstore with a few thousand pounds of wedding magazines - why not throw in a wedding planning book as well? While the internet offers many useful tools, a book is portable when you visit vendors and can accommodate the many brochures, swatches and other items you'll be collecting. If you are budget conscious, purchase a three ring binder, and build your own planner with printouts from the internet.

You can also get to discuss wedding matters with other brides in the forum below:

http://www.malaysiabrides.com/forum/

Now that you've made all these decisions, you have a solid foundation for your wedding! It's now time for the fun stuff - dresses, tuxes, flowers, music, favors and more! Remember to use a checklist to help yourself stay organized and on top of it all.

On a see-saw we saw the future..

Right, i'm not even gonna mention the lack of dishonesty in my last post concerning the deadly case of sporadic posting.. but... ah what the hell yes i didn't post, i got sucked down the drain of life once again and it sure has not been an easy journey back up. I've been getting a whole load of emails from some seriously amazing people that left me awe struck and determined to return. Thank you, love you all lots.
I bought this hat when it was a little colder and i can't help wanting to still wear it all the time.




(Hat: Element, Glasses: Vintage Emmanuel Khan, Dress: F21, Cardy vest: H&M, Jeggings: Lee Cooper, Sandals: online store, Bag: Prada)

Still trying to check out the million blogs on my reading list but it's become impossible to include time for comments in my "sneak-a-peak" time for blog surfing (working on it!!).
So since i'm totally dead and trying to become a zombie in the blogsphere, hit me up with a comment so i know you're blog is still active and make sure it's not one i miss reading.

What to wear?

I'm sure some of you remember the time when we loathed our school uniforms and looked forward to the day when the Malaysian Education Ministry would approve the request for no uniforms and we got to dress just like those 90210 kids on TV. Well, the day never came and in a way it's a good thing for both the school goer and the parents!

Imagine the amount of time (and money!) needed to dress up for school with already the bad- hair days to deal with! Now that we're all grown up, we find ourselves secretly saying "Why can't there be just a uniform to wear to work or to an event to save us all the trouble of deciding what to wear?" Oh but it won't be fun then! Decision making won't be fun anymore if it was always about what to cook, where to eat, when to pay the bills besides all the corporate decision making done every day.

Here are some tips from Vanessa Lausch to help you decide what is good to wear to a:

Daytime Wedding / Graduation Service / Funeral:

It seems odd to see these three events grouped in the same fashion category, but the same, simple dress can work for all three events. Look for a dark, sheath dress to keep in your closet as a stand-by. It can be simple and staid enough for solemn events like a religious service or funeral and can be dressed up with jewelry, make-up, and accessories for a wedding or graduation service.

Party / Date:

Never underestimate the power of pants for bringing together a sexy, laid-back appearance. Look for pants with a slim, elegant fit and pair them with a feminine blouse that shows a hint of skin. Finish the outfit with a pair of high heels, and you will turn heads without looking like you are trying too hard.

Baby Shower / Birthday Party / Luncheon:

For an event where you'd like to appear informal and feminine, look for a skirt or dress that offers movement and drape. You can pair the skirt with a simple tank sweater in a light, feminine color. Your end result will be soft, feminine, and casual.

Formal Cocktail Party / Evening Wedding / New Year's Eve Bash:

On the nights when you really want to make a statement in your outfit, look for a simple dress with a bit of shine or one interesting detail. You will be able to wear this dress to several events without feeling too conspicuous. To keep eyes on you, try showing a little bit of skin with a strapless style. Your shoulders and neck definitely deserve some attention, and a strapless dress is less flashy than a plunging or backless style.

Gala / Ball:

For true evening dress style, you will likely need to purchase a new gown before the event. In this case, look for a simple style such as an A-line or sheath dress that you will be able to find in nearly any evening dress boutique. You can always add glitz to your outfit with jewelry and accessories.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to avoid the last-minute hassle when shopping for your next formal wear clothing item.

For men, it's a whole new confusing ball game unless you're one who's born a metrosexual, of course. Here's something from the Ask Andy About Clothes website:

INVITATION TERMINOLOGY

When the invitation reads "Black Tie", "Black Tie Preferred", "Le Smoking", or "Smoking" for an evening semi-formal event or "White Tie" or "Full Dress" for an evening formal event, then your host is providing an elegant affair and expects you to dress according to fit the decor and ambiance of the evening.

When your invitation reads "Black Tie Optional", or "Black Tie Invited", the host is leaving the final decision up to you. Most men will be wearing tuxedos, however if you don’t have one you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable in a dark suit.


The big confusion with "Casual" on an invitation, comes from the fact that there are varying degrees of casual and just one word doesn’t cover it! Often the inviter has something in mind that isn’t properly communicated. "Informal" may mean "casual" to the inviter, but it is not!


PROPER FORMAL WEAR BY OCCASION:

What gentlemen wear depends upon the time of day and the occasion. A recent innovation of some wedding consultants to have the bridegroom wear one style of formal wear while the groomsmen and/or ushers wear another is a social blunder. (This is in reference to long jackets called Strollers or Walking coats). If you like, you can vary the look through different neckwear or boutonnieres.

DAY FORMAL: (Very formal diplomatic receptions) Black or Gray tailcoat, with matching trousers, gray double breasted vest, long gray tie, gray gloves, white boutonniere, gray homburg hat, pearl cufflinks and studs.

DAY SEMI-FORMAL: (weddings) Gray morning coat (cutaway), black or gray striped trousers, gray double breasted vest, gray long tie or pinned ascot, gray gloves, white boutonniere, gray top hat, spats, pearl cufflinks and studs.

EVENING FORMAL: (The Opera, charity ball) White tie and tails (black tailcoat), black trousers with two satin seams on the outside leg, white pique vest, white bow tie, white kid gloves, white boutonniere, black top hat, white silk scarf, black or gold cufflinks and studs.

EVENING SEMI-FORMAL: (weddings, theatre opening nights) Black dinner jacket or white in summer (tuxedo), black trousers with one satin seam on the outside leg, black vest or cummerbund, black bow tie, white silk scarf, black or gold cufflinks and studs.

DAY or EVENING INFORMAL (Don’t think casual!) also COCKTAIL, or BUSINESS ATTIRE: This requires a business suit, necktie, lace-up shoes, and for evening occasions a non-button-down collar dress shirt. Make certain that the person sending out the invitations really means informal and not casual since this is a common misconception!


CASUAL WEAR BY OCCASION:

Let’s separate casual into five degrees! Remember within these categories styles can range from dressy to sloppy! See the table below for examples of specific items of clothing.
The first two categories are acceptable for business and social occasions (office parties, functions at a friends house or a nice restaurant) where image is important.

1. BUSINESS, also EXECUTIVE- or CORPORATE CASUAL: The level beneath the business suit and tie, which can consist of a suit or sport jacket and/or sweater, and an optional tie. This is what you’d wear to a company party (retirement, holiday, etc.). The fabrics may be less dressy, and the tie a knit or novelty print. You may have slightly relaxed the look, but you’re still there for business.
In some cases you may want to wear a suit that’s a step up from business wear like your best Armani suit, French-cuff shirt, and Hermes tie just to show you have a life outside business!!

2. COUNTRY CLUB, or DRESSY, RESORT CASUAL, CASUAL CHIC: Apparel that you’d wear to a private country club for lunch or dinner. Dress trousers, sport shirt, dress shirt or knit polo shirt, a sweater or sport jacket and leather shoes/belt. It’s also appropriate for an off-site seminar, a party at a friend’s home or dinner at a nice restaurant. And yes the elements in your attire may have cost MORE than a good suit!!
Number 3 may be acceptable for certain businesses and some social functions.

3. SPORTY or RUGGED: The outdoor look! Off to the local pub to watch Monday night football with the guys, to a real game, when you’re invited to spend the weekend at one of Ralph Lauren’s homes, or third date out for pizza. Any activity where you might run into someone interesting. It’s more casual, but you still took some time to coordinate colors, and think about what elements you put together.
The following two categories are not acceptable for most businesses, or for any "important" social occasion (i.e. first date) where you’re concerned about your creditability, authority and/or image:

4. SATURDAY CASUAL OR LEISURE: What you wear on weekends, if you had to go out shopping or doing laundry, and there was even a remote chance of human contact.


5. ACTIVE: gear you’d wear to the gym, to play b-ball, washing your car, or gardening, but not stop off at the grocery store on the way home. It’s also what you might wear around the house if you weren’t expecting any visitors.


If you're not sure, it's always better to dress up than down. You can say you've got someplace important to go after this event!

Glorious Spring Flowers

We've had over two weeks of perfect weather with glorious spring flowers.

 It had been an exceptionally cool spring.  After the first few nice warm days every plant either bloomed or leafed out.  We've been living on our patio.  Presley, our female sheltie, has enjoyed being outdoors a lot, too.

This lavender azalea bush couldn't be more full of blossoms.

Tomorrow severe storms with lots of heavy rain is expected.  I'm  happy to have had so many days to enjoy Mother Nature's gifts.

  

Illustration Friday ~ AHEAD

If you 'believe in love,' you're already AHEAD of the game.

I encourage you to visit the Illustration Friday website, follow the links and find all of the wonderful artwork and blogs.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Kelly Hoppen designs debut fashion range for Earth Couture

Renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE is launching a home fashion collection for Earth Couture. The contemporary and versatile collection features stylish but casual everyday items in flattering silhouettes. Made with soft and stretchy organic fabrics, the items are coloured with natural dyes. All packaging is made from recycled materials and transport is by boat and road with carefully planned logistics to ensure minimum carbon footprint. With every purchase made from the collection, Earth Couture donate a natural plant-based mosquito coil to children in Africa to combat diseases such as malaria and aids. One coil gives 8-10 hours burning time and a child in Africa an uninterrupted night’s sleep. With items retailing between £55.00 to £225.00, the Home Fashion Collection will be available for purchase from the Earth Couture website and select stores throughout the UK from late Summer 2010.

Paris Hilton launches Beauty Collection in the UK

Paris Hilton is launching a new collection of false nails and lashes with UK leading beauty accessories brand Elegant Touch. Personally developed at her Beverly Hills home, Paris Hilton by Elegant Touch includes four different designs to reflect her very favourite beauty looks - Hollywood Glamour, Party Girl, Super Girly and Natural Beauty. Featuring four sets of nails and lashes, the new collection is available in Superdrug, Boots and New Look from 30 April.

New men's label launches into Matches this July

RAKE is a menswear collection of versatile separates that can be worn with their counterpart as a suit or separately with jeans, chinos, trainers or complementary pieces from the collection. The signature halo symbol has been subtly incorporated into shirting, appears as a buttonhole on jacket lapels and is embroidered onto trousers. After developing Richard James into an international brand during the period 1992 – 2002, Clive Darby bought Savile Row House, Kilgour, which was re-branded and re-launched in 2003, and is now an International menswear name. The experience Clive gained from these two menswear establishments has been integral to the concept and design of RAKE, which is due to launch into Matches this July. Collaborations for the Spring/Summer 2011 collection include a shoe by Lodger for RAKE and a leather shirt and jacket by Lot 78 for RAKE. These will be shown in conjunction with the collection during Paris Fashion Week at the Park Hyatt Vendome in June. In the future RAKE aims to open a retail space within Mayfair, to showcase the brand as part of a lifestyle concept store.

Bruce Willis set to launch his first fragrance

The cosmetics manufacturer LR Health & Beauty Systems is Germany’s leading network marketing enterprise for body care and beauty products - they are currently developing an exclusive fragrance for Hollywood star Bruce Willis’ first perfume. The official launch of the fragrance is planned for 1 July.