Holy Hammacher.

Tucked between Lexington and Third Avenues on 57th Street in New York City is a very awesome funland called Hammacher Schlemmer. Now, when you say "Hammacher Schlemmer" I feel it's important you put your back into it, if you know what I mean. Say that with purpose (and a German accent if at all possible). It is a wonderful, all-inclusive retail environment where you'll find the best of everything and the coolest doo-dads. Things you totally need but had no idea.

present picks from HS:

source.

"The Million Germ Eliminating Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer"
Every time you return to your newly cleaned hotel room and realize you left your toothbrush out. You will never really know what the maids did with it while you were out shopping. The horror.
This is for that.

source.

"The Wind Defying Packable Umbrella"
Hands down the best umbrella ever; I need a second. When I moved to New York I was quickly impressed with the need for a sturdy umbrella or mine would constantly end up on the street corner every time it rained, with the other sad umbrella skeletons. I straight up used this thing as a shield at times and it withstood the challenge. Plus, it's pretty solid so when it's packed up I'm quite sure you could use it as a beating mechanism, so to speak.

source.

"The Jeweler's Steam Cleaner"
My jewelry looks awful and ruddy because I can never figure out a permanent cleaning solution (so so sad). So I just want to cut to the chase on this deal. What I know works is a steamer, because I'd always prefer to have my stuff cleaned at an actual Jewelry store. Though I'm sure this will end in many steam burns, having access to a steamer at all times would be very convenient. I can't handle another disappointment in this department so I hope it's awesome.

You never know what you'll find at your neighborhood Hammacher Schlemmer. Actually there's only one location plus the online store. It's a bit of an institution, having been in business since 1848; basically you should go there or at least play on the website. It's fun.


bye,
jayteewo.

The carryall clutch.

I'm going crazy for the non-descript, plain leather pouch clutches that seem to be a trend right now. I've purchased my first one: the American Apparel Leather Carry-all Pouch. After agonizing over the color and size, I went with carmel in medium and I instantly regretted not going Large. Rather than deal with AA's annoying online merch return policy, I'm keeping it (that's what they want!) as I suspect I'll want another anyway. I do like it a lot, though; very roomy and it's cool because there are SO many colors and you don't get to choose your zipper color- I ended up with navy. Pretty! AA has three sizes in the leather, plus metallic and suede versions.

source.

I like this style because you can fold it over or just hold it as is. It's literally, a rectangular leather pouch with a zipper on one side. I think it's classy and I've seen some pretty cool versions of it, such as the below BEAUTYful metallic one from Gift Shop Brooklyn that has pockets inside. I also included a picture of the larger one she makes in bleach tie-dye. LOVE the juxtaposition of the sweet yet edgy top portion with a conservative, rustic leather base.

source.

source.

I truly think in my heart of hearts that if you are going to participate in this clutch trend, you need to own a plain black one. This one is much larger and perfect to fill that staple need. She has some very pretty colored suede ones, also.

source.

bye, 

jayteewo.

Movie Monday: Hanna.

source.

I got this damn movie for my dad for Christmas thinking it was sure to please and I was way off. Did. not. get good reviews from him. It's mine now, I guess.

I loved Hanna for some reason. It is full of action and has a very unusual storyline. Saoirse Ronan plays Hanna, the only child of an ex-CIA agent who has been simultaneously hiding out for x amount of years and teaching his daughter to be an assassin. They have an enemy. Something happened to Hanna's mother and Eric Bana's wife. What is it?! Go.


it's Monday,
jayteewo.

Red lipstick.

Ok. I will go OFF about red lipstick, or lipstick in general. Having realized I was woman enough to rock lipstick of any hue, I've found I automatically feel prettier wearing lipstick. Funny thing is, when I do wear lipstick I wear little else on the rest of my face and I still feel pretty. Lots of black mascara, an evened out complexion and a subtle pop of color on the apples of your cheeks and, boom. Nicely groomed and defined eyebrows sure as hell don't hurt either, baby.

The shade above is MAC Ruby Woo matte lipstick combined with a limited edish, thus no longer sold, called "Red She Said." "Ruby Woo," a bright red matte, is a solid staple to have in your collection. 

Here is a link to an article with tips on wearing red lipstick. I agree on all but the one towards the bottom about lip liner: Real Simple, you have this wrong: You actually cannot wear a nude liner under red, I don't give a shit how close to your natural lip color it is. Your natural lip color doesn't mix with the red, you idiots. AND I don't agree that you simply must have matching liner and lipstick. I frequently wear my Red lipliner beneath my Vegas Volt lipstick (both by MAC). It looks super pretty you just have to be sure to blend up to the edge of your lips so as to not look like a Boriqua. Unless you're into that. This is also a nice article from Allure, plus one from Elle on shades every gal should own. 

Here are a couple beautyful ladies looking fabuloso in red.

source. 

source.

I should note that, though I avoid using photos with this mug in it, it's really the only way to illustrate lipstick.. just so you know. Maquillaje is a great word.. also, just so you know. 

Some things to remember:

• Red is powerful. 
• Lipstick is a clever way to brighten up your face, if well executed. 
• It is important to line and fill in your lips with the liner and layer the lipstick on top of that if you actually want the color to stay throughout the day.
• reapply and blot. 
• don't be afraid to take it all off mid-day and start over, sometimes you just need to do that. This shit isn't magic.
• Do not wear nude liner under red, regardless of it's similarity to your natural lip color. 
• You can mix colors of liner and lipstick, if not only to expand your color options. Just be sure to blend up to the edge of your lips- avoiding the Boriqua look (again, unless that's your end goal).
• Lipstick is a big statement - keep the rest of your features in supporting roles so the lipstick can do its job.
• lots of black mascara, sans shadow
• an evened out complexion 
• a subtle pop of color on the apples of your cheeks 
• + nicely groomed/defined eyebrows. 
• Maquillaje is the Spanish word for make up (lapiz de labios is lipstick).
• Sorry about my face. 

see ya bitches, 

jayteewo. 

Etsy find!

So I think I should tell you guys about this Etsy find that I found. You will like it. Pieces & Chloe is a very sweet company that fashions "dainty, modern, simple, wristwear"  I say sweet because it is just that. They are threaded bracelets; very delicate and feminine.

Di is very thoughtful in her work and presentation, going so far as to include a personal handwritten note discussing the jewelry she'd made for me. I like the fineness of her pieces and you can mix and match all the pretty styles and color offerings which are very tasteful and muted.  I picked six styles and six colors and asked Di Kim to use her creative judgment on the combinations :) The company has a neat story also.. 

"Pieces & Chloe is named after [my] two furry loves: Chloe, a Jack Russell Terrier, and Reeses, a red Doberman Pinscher named after the PB-&-chocolate candy. Inevitably, "Reeses" became "Pieces", and the rest is history. Each "piece" has been named after one of the many canines who have brought joy, laughter, and inspiration to [my] world." 


You should definitely check it out. 


best,
jayteewo. 

Walking in the Air.

I am sorry to tell you we cannot be friends if you are not obsessed with 1982's animated, silent, but with a brief intro by David Bowie, film, The Snowman. I just realized that would really limit my companions so I may have to reconsider. Seriously, though, it is so weird and haunting and whimsical. Driven almost entirely by its score; visually it is quite dumbed down (Raymond Briggs both wrote and animated). It does such a good job, at least for me, at drawing the audience in and making you emotionally involved in the story. And the song, "Walking in the Air," is beautiful and a little (lot) creepy.. I'm sure you'll love it, though.


watch here.
buy here. 
read here.

Pierre says you'll be into it.

best,
jayteewo.

Movie: Now Voyager.

This movie is very multi-faceted and it covers a lot of time and transitions. It's based on the novel by Olive Higgins Prouty (loving the name Olive) who took her title from Walt Whitman's "The Untold Want" in Songs of Parting: "The Untold Want, By Life and Land Ne'er Granted,/Now, Voyager, Sail Thou Forth, to Seek and Find." 

It's about an ugly duckling, a manipulative parent and letting yourself be a doormat even though you know you're better than that. Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis) is the underdog in the family with zero social skills. Turns out she's also either having a nervous breakdown or just totally off her rocker in general. It takes the interest of a particular doctor to help her through her issues. As usual with Davis' films, it's great. Also per usual, Bette gets mouthy towards the end which, as you know, I love.

When Jeri (Paul Henreid) lights two cigarettes in his mouth and hands one to Charlotte.. Uhhhh. Hot. From IMDB: Henreid's "act of lighting two cigarettes at once caught the public's imagination and he couldn't go anywhere without being accosted by women begging him to light cigarettes for them." Not sure I'd want Henreid to do it, but I'm open to other applicants, surely. 

:)

jayteewo.

Movie: Sólo Con Tu Pareja.

I finally got around to the Español section of my queue (yes it's alphabetized). Sólo Con Tu Pareja (1991) is a Mexican film that I very much enjoyed. Tomás Tomás (Giménez Cacho) is a man whore publicist who banged Silvia Silva (Dobrina Liubomirova) and did her wrong. Silvia happens to be a nurse who gets her hands on his STD test results and marks "positive" on his AIDS test to scare the shit out of him. Tomás is a little bitch so he decides to off himself rather than face the music and notify all of his conquests. 

Clarissa (Claudia Ramírez), a flight attendant, finds out her fiance is cheating on her and now wants to end it as well. Tomás happens to be in love with Clarissa, however, so the adventure ensues. It's really artistic and stylized and its beautiful, instrumental score really impacted the film and gave it special personality. The film is laced with lovely, relevant quotes plus, there's a sexual tension theme where Tomás is like, always on.  

"For those sick of life, love is the cure."

sincerely,
jayteewo.

Movie: The Lion King.

Let's all give a 'what up!' to Disney's The Lion King. Lemme give you a little history here: The Lion King was originally released in 1994 when I was nine. Saturday night as part of my dear friend Kirstie Lu's 26th birthday celebration (Happy Birthday!) we saw this wonderful film in the theater again, 17 years later, but this time we did it big in 3D! Now I've given you the components of the equation so you figure that shit out. Let's just say it was a while back and it was a trip down memory lane, to say the least. Unlike everyone else in the audience, Kirstie Lu and I held back quoting the entire movie and singing along to the songs that we could easily sing on queue, a cappella, at any moment of any day. Either way, we had fun, what with all the wildebeests and lionesses flying at our face in the third dimension! We didn't have that business the first time around when I was a shy young girl of nine.

Now that I'm a shy young girl of ALMOST 26, I want to make a declarative statement here and if you're not comfortable with it you can throw it right back (I'll then likely return it until you accept it as fact): The Lion King is the most powerful Disney film of all time. I'm not saying it's my favorite, let's not get crazy, but it's the most powerful by far. It's about duty, honor, love, mortality (or whatever the animal version of that is), family and how all of those things overlap. It's about leadership. Damn. Aristocats doesn't have that shit. Deep stuff as illustrated by warthogs, lions, meerkats, hyenas and the rest of our friends from the Pride Land.

The real point of this post is to encourage you to go see The Lion King 3D in its limited two-week run in theaters. It's awesome. It's nostalgic. It's Disney. Do it.


best,
jayteewo.

Warmth.

When I think of the word 'warmth' I think of safety. All people want is to feel safe and at ease. I strive to create a comfy, cozy, happy home. That is not as easy to do as you might think. I think it's a challenge for and a talent of those who achieve it. You don't know if you possess the talent unless you have children and they tell you so- offspring sets it into place. My mom has that talent and more of it than one person usually does. Upon stepping into her home, you feel a warmth and calm come over you. I also attribute this to her aura which is a nurturing, maternal aura that just about everyone who meets her responds positively to; that is something you are born with and can't buy or imitate.

Butterscotch napkins/autumnal dishtowels from Crate & Barrel

Apricot Vanilla jam from Sunchowder's Emporia

My home (apartment) is as cozy as I can possibly make it. In fact, my little sister told me this weekend it is "cozy," one of the best compliments to receive. I have however used cool tones for my decor palette in the past and found that I do not feel comfortable with those colors around me. Somewhere I do feel consistently comfortable is my mom's house so I got to thinking, what does she do differently? Her walls are yellow her couch a mauve floral, the woods are warm and rich and she is there. Warmth that does not come from your aura (like my mom) has much to do with color.

From now on, I vow to bring only warm tones into my home. I will paint with golds and burgundy, terracotta, yellows, and coffee. I will eat citrus, peaches, and butternut squash. It doesn't take much in most cases.. a throw pillow here, a bowl of fruit there, a quilt from Mommy here.. It’s like a nest. Didn’t you feel great in the womb? I’ll answer that for you: yes, you did feel great cuz it was warm and pink in there- no vexing cool tones in sight. It's beginning to sound like I have a mommy complex but it’s true! I'm sure there are all sorts of theories on this but I don't care enough to research them. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm ready for Fall, baby! Bring in only warmth. ONLY. 

from Thank You Notes book by Jimmy Fallon p. 26

have a nice hot day!,

jayteewo.

Must Own: entry one.

I've been thinking about compiling a Jayteewo's "Must Own" Product List, but I don't want to plan anymore so I'm just gonna get it poppin. I might change the format as I go. It will contain but is not limited to general brand loyalty, justifications, explanations, suggestions, opinions..
Here we go:

Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System. There are a few versions but frankly, I am a new owner of the MIA and it is more than satisfactory. You don't really need more than that. Plus it comes in a bunch of cute colors now that you can personalize if you buy on their website. It really does make a difference with your skin. Not having a medical degree, I am still unsure if my skin is better or if it just feels better. But it does feel better and you can plainly see all of the makeup it got off. And it makes you feel like you're being proactive about skin care! so that's an additional benefit. Mine is yellow :) If I had to do it over I'd got with sapphire blue. 

The following are two I've mentioned before, but they deserve to be reorganized into this grouping because they really are the BEST.

Shu Umera Eyelash Curler. You can only buy them online now but they are worth it. Eyelashes are nothing without a curl, baby. Dispute it if you want to but you can't deny the affect a curled lash has on someone's face.

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers are the most excellent and sharpest tweezers in the land and they tweeze those brows and God knows what else like, whoa. Anything else is a waste of time. Why seek past perfect? I am really wanting this leopard pair!

regards, 

jayteewo.

Movie: Goodbye Again.

This is such a good movie, folks. Like, really good. Goodbye Again (1961) stars Ingrid Bergman, Yves Montand, and Anthony Perkins. Like many films of this era it was based on a best selling novel. Bergman plays Paula, an uptight 40 year old interior decorator living in Paris who is involved with playboy Roger, played by Montand. She encounters the 20-something son of a wealthy American woman on a decorating job, and a love triangle follows, despite Paula's devotion to Roger. It is engaging and ahead of it's time due to the scandalous age difference in the romance- of course, it's derived from a French novel. Great acting, music, scenery and a compelling storyline. So good. If you're still hanging tight with our dear friend Netflix, then you can watch it on instant, otherwise you can buy it here.


regards,
jayteewo.

Winter Park Farmers' Market.

I've lived in Orlando for almost six months and stupidly (and lazily) have not visited the Winter Park Farmers' Market. At last I went yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. I returned with a bevy of wonderful foodstuffs and some special treasures, too. I indulged in an on-the-go breakfast of a warm raspberry/cream cheese croissant and fresh squeezed lemonade. From now on I will be going each Saturday because it's silly not to. I left with a big smile in my heart and probably on my face, though I couldn't tell you for sure because I didn't have a mirror.

Presently I am having a tawdry love affair with two of the treasures I got yesterday. 1) Bleu Cheese from Winter Park Dairy (Florida's first raw milk cheesemaker) and 2) Peach Lavender Jam from Sunchowder's Emporia. Whoa, now. This is some good shit. I should probably have someone watch over me or call to check in periodically to monitor my addiction. I am eating this stuff like it's my business, and they don't exactly go well together by the way, as you might imagine.. These two items are particularly notable because if you know me, and I doubt you do, I'm not a big jam or bleu person. In fact, I never eat either. But I felt like being naughty and experimental (or maybe it was the scorching sun that affected my judgment) so I was compelled to taste-test everything. Now I'm into it in a BIG way. Just wanted to let you know. You can visit the dairy and buy the jams online. Today I'll be listening to Edith Piaf and painting (and eating peach jam and Bleu cheese, eu). How wonderful. See ya.


au revoir,
jayteewo.

In defense of eggplant.

Eggplant gets a bad rap because no one knows how to cook it right. Or maybe they just like it all mooshy and gross.. could be.

Here's the deal, it needs to be baked or cooked quickly because it is very porous and vulnerable to mooshiness due to it's moisture content. But it is very delish, you guys! Trust me. Here's a little snack that my dad has been making for years. It's very simple, as all of the recipes I post are. All it is is breaded eggplant that you bake and eat later with marinara. My dad also makes a tasty composed eggplant parmesan, but I'll leave it to him to blog about that (on his blog that he doesn't have).

What you need:

• 1 Eggplant
• 1 Egg
• Italian Breadcrumbs
• 1/8 Cup of Milk (I use soy)
• Salt
• Cooking Spray
• Marinara 

1. Slice your eggplant into discs about 1/3 inch thick. 

2. Set up a station (as seen above): one plate with the eggwash (egg + milk).

3. Dredge each slice of eggplant in eggwash and then cover both sides in breadcrumbs. 

4. Place on a cookie sheet that's been doused with cooking spray.

5. Repeat until all eggplant discs have been through the process.

6. Sprinkle with salt.

7. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes each side.

8. Dip in a ramekin of marinara and gobble 'em up.

Might not look perty but it shore tastes good. Plus, it's a much healthier snack than a lot of other things (I can't tell you what those things are.. it's embarrassing). 

Buen provecho,

jayteewo.

Movie Monday.

You should watch Arthur Penn's Bonnie and Clyde (1967). Those two are household names but few people nowadays are familiar with the movie that made them famous. I was totally one of them, so I'm not judging. Turns out, the movie actually is worth watching. Both Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty gave fine performances. It's especially cool because it's about real people who did all of this badass, yet criminal stuff. They weren't kidding. 

 

Their relationship was very compelling. The infamous duo were a mere 23 and 25 (respectively) when they died and the whole tale only spanned about four years, which isn't long for all of this shit to have happened. I like the lust-at-first-sight deal that leads into I'll-follow-you-into-battle-even-if-it's-batshit-crazy thing. Add on the jail time trauma and we've got a solid story cookin' here. It's helpful to know the backstory to gain perspective on Clyde, at the least. If you can get through Faye's accent then you're good to go (it really is kinda annoying but she's supposed to be a poor broad from Texas back in the day so give her a damn break). Give it a shot. 

adios, 

jayteewo.

Saturdays.

Things I do on a Saturday:

1. Why are you reading this? You know I do the same thing on a Saturday as I do any other day of the week. I'm unemployed, you idiot.

2. But still, it is the freakin' weekend. 

3. Drink bubbly. HELL yah.

4. Sit on my couch and watch Netflix instant.

5. Move from my couch to my kitchen (a whole 5 feet away) for necessary snackage.

6. Call my mom a lot.

7. Call my sisters/ text my sisters a lot.

8. Tweet WAY too much. 

9. Instagram WAY too much.

10. Take a nap on said couch because I'm tired from all the snacking. 

11. Wake up all groggy and muster the energy to make a run to Walgreen's for candy.
12. Think about going on a walk or some kind of adventure.

13. Not go on any adventures. Sounds stressful.

14. Consider vacuuming.

15. Do not vacuum.

16. Make a to-do list.

17. Do nothing on previously mentioned list. 

happy Saturday,

jayteewo.

R.I.P. Amy Winehouse

Well, it is sad that Amy didn't make it. We lost such a great talent and interesting person. I love this song, "Back to Black," and the video is ironic to look back at as it is about a funeral taking place. R.I.P. Amy Winehouse. You were a real weirdo and kind of manly, but also a true artist. 

Here's my other favorite.

:)

jayteewo.

Things.

I can't seem to get enough fruit lately. My body must need it.

Peaches and Pineapple are my favorite fruits.

Bradley Cooper is smokin' hot.

Accessories are more important to me than clothes.

I want to be an interior decorator.

I love men with beards (have I said that before? well it deserves repeating.)

Kurt Vonnegut is one of my favorite authors.

I want a kitty (that I know I've said before).

I love lipstick.

I collect original artwork.

I would live in Denver, CO if those winters weren't such a bitch.

peace,
jayteewo.

Things.

Just because you're a dude doesn't mean you don't have to tend to your feet.
Feet in general are pretty gross.
The only people whose feet don't gross me out are those of my two sisters.
I recently switched all of my underwear and pajama-wear to all black everything.
There are two kinds of faces: one kind that looks better from the side and one that looks better head-on.
I have a head-on face.
At the age of 25 I bought my first pair of short shorts and permitted a little young tummy to peak out every now and then.
The only tweezers that work are the Tweezerman Slant.
My eyes are black.
I can do anything I set my mind to.
I don't lotion my legs enough.
Gross.
Shaving is a pain in the ass.
First chance I get, I'm goin laser.
I never let anyone go near my eyebrows.
I'm an eyebrow snob.
Coconut in ice cream is worthless if it's not toasted.
As far as eyelashes go, it's more about the curl than the length.
The only eyelash curler worth having is by Shu Umera.
I think I think Joaquin Phoenix is attractive.
I need a facial once a month.
Most estheticians are pussies.
Lately, I don't feel like drinking at all.
Well, unless it's champagne.
Thank God no one can see me when I'm home alone.
I wish I were a badass like my little sister.
She takes cool photos (see above 3).


truly,
jayteewo.

Funny.

best regards,
jayteewo.