Merry Christmas!!

I want to wish all of you a merry Christmas! If you are traveling, have a safe trip to and back over the next few days. Hope all your Christmas dreams came true!!

Love, Ellen

Christman Memories

I remember when I was little about 6 or 7 my brother and I were trying to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. We must have slept in the same bedroom - all at once we heard sleigh bells outside - we both though it must be santa coming, we have to go to sleep quick. Later on when we were older my mother told us it was our father and some of his friends. They had a few drinks and decided to go around all the houses with children and ring the sleigh bells. I truly thought it was santa coming.

Girls Like Us - Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon - and the Journey of a Generation

I am reading this book. It is about Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon - it is great. It is about their lives and how they started out in the music world. Did you know that Carole King wrote or co-wrote 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and had her first #1 hit as a songwriter in 1961, at age 18 (Will you love me tomorrow). I had only listened to a few Carole King songs, have never listened to Joni Mitchell and love Carly Simon - have a few of her CDs. I am really enjoying this book. Very interesting lives so far. I will let you know what I think when I finish it - it is not a small book - about 600 pages.

Dad

I have been thinking about my dad recently. I don't know why maybe the holidays. He has been gone for over 17 years. My dad and I were so alike. We both had blue eyes, right-handed, tempers and we both were people persons. My love of reading and history came from my father. He was a history teacher for 37 years and loved to teach. He was always reading. He actually had a couple of books going at the same time.

I miss you Dad - Love Ellen

Trip back in time to the 80's

I received an early Christmas gift this week - the dvd Pretty in Pink - with Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy. I love this movie - Andie (Molly's character) lives on the wrong side of the tracks. She goes to the school where most of the rich kids go to. She just tries to get through the day there. I absolutely loved all her clothes. Duckie played by Jon Cryer is a great character - especially the dance scene in the record store - he hasn't changed much at all.

Another movie I got this weekend was Sixteen Candles - also with Molly Ringwald. I had never seen it all the way through - It was good - Her whole family forgets her birthday. it was great seeing the clothes, cars, etc from the 80s.

You should definitely rent them if you haven't seen them. Also they were done by John Hughes who did most of the successful films in the 80s.

Icicles

We have some major icicles hanging off the house - check this out!

Christmas is almost here

Christmas is only a week away - do you have all your shopping done, cards written, presents wrapped, baking done? I just finished wrapping my presents - about 20 years ago I made my own Christmas bags. After Christmas I went to the fabric store and bought Christmas fabric half off - different kind of ribbons and bells. I sewed up a lot of different size bags in different materials - made little cuts in them at the top about 1-2 inches from the top and threaded ribbon through. Tied the little bells on the ends - then I take my leftover Christmas cards and make little tags and tie them on. They have lasted over 20 years and still look brand new - you should try it - saves on wrapping and bows.

Star Sighting

One of my favorite people waited on Billy Baldwin this past weekend. Can you believe it? I was actually there but later in the day. So close !!

Eclipse

Did you get your copy of Eclipse yet - I put it on my christmas wish list and I think some of my favorite people are going to get it for me!! I can't wait - my goddaughter is coming to town so we will probably watch it!! Don't forget I have seen it already 4 times - but you can never have too much Twilight!!!

Christmas Cheer

I got together with my girlfriends from high school tonight. As usual we always have fun, laughing and talking and usually closing the place down - even the waiters and waitresses were going home. I can't believe that I have been friends with them for 35 years - boy does time fly!! What a nice time!!

House Rules - Jodi Picoult

I just finished reading this book - it was great. It is about a boy with Asperger's syndrome who is hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others. As with many children with As, he has a special focus on one thing - forensic analysis. He loves to listen to his police scanner and show up at crime scenes - he actually helps the police solve crimes. A terrible murder happens and Jacob's world is turned upside down. Did he commit the murder or not - I couldn't put it down. You should definitely read it.

The Last Airbender

We watched the Last Airbender tonight. I mostly wanted to see if for Jackson Rathbone of Twilight fame. He had one of the major roles in it. He did a good job. It was all right - kinda slow, reminded us of the chinese movies. I am glad I didn't pay full price to see it.

Holiday Finds for Under $100 - from Instyle

LOFT Sweater
Wool-acrylic, $70; visit anntaylorloft.com for stores.

LOFT Chain Necklace

Metal and crystal, $74.50; at anntaylorloft.com.

Zara Leopard Print Bag

Leather, $79.90; at zara.com.

Ami Clubwear Cuffs

Silver-textured metal, $15; at amiclubwear.com.
Express Sequin Front Tank
Cotton and synthetic, $39.90; at express.com.

Topshop Earrings
Metal and rhinestone, $30; at topshop.com.

The Help by Katherine Stockett

I just read this book - I actually couldn't put it down it was so good - I read it all weekend. This book is about a young white woman in the 1960's who lives in Mississippi just having graduated college and trying to decide what she is going to do next. She likes to write so she contacts a publisher who tells her to write about what disturbs her. She decides to write about the black ladies' maids who take care of all the white families. Set in the south and during the civil rights era it shows how life was for these maids. It really opened my eyes to what happened back then. I would recommend it to anyone. The author actually grew up in Mississippi.

Harry Potter Films

We have been watching the Harry Potter films - we started with the first and are on #5. They really are great films- the sets, actors, everything about them - especially the story. JK Rowling is a master.

The Karate Kid

We saw the Karate Kid with Jaden Smith over the weekend - I liked it - I thought Jackie Chan did a very good job. Nothing will ever take the place of the original though - and nobody can fill Ralph Macchio's shoes. They did film in China so there were some breathtaking locations. You should definitely watch it!!

Oscars 2011 - Anne Hathaway & James Franco

What do you think of these two being the hosts of the Oscars? I was a little shocked. I did like Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin also Jon Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Ellen DeGeneres. Maybe they are going for the young crowd this year - who knows - will you still watch? I will.

The Summer we Read Gatsby

I read this book this weekend - it was great. It is about two half sisters Peck & Cassie who come to the Hampton's after their Aunt dies and leaves them her house (Fools House). But Cassie and Peck can't afford the house, and they can't agree on anything, muchless what to do with the place. Along with the house, they've inherited an artist-in residence named Biggsy who seems to bring suspiciously bad luck wherever he goes. As these two likable sisters try to understand their aunt's puzzling instructions to "seek a thing of utmost value" from within the house, they're both distracted by romantic entanglements with men from their pasts. I would definitely give it two thumbs up.

Harry Potter

We watched the first and second Harry Potter films this weekend - it was so weird seeing them so young!! They were great movies - I really enjoyed them - have the next two coming from the library - can't wait. I am getting ready for the new one that is out.

Taylor & Jake

What do you think about Taylor Swift & Jake Gyllenhaal? They have been dating since mid October - actually spent Thanksgiving together and then jetted off to Nashville!! Do you think Jake is too old for Taylor? They do make a cute couple.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving weekend - I ate too much - dinner was great with lots of pies!! Did a little shopping this weekend, went for breakfast and coffee, and read a book - mostly just relaxed.

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Stieg Larsson

As you can tell by the books by the bed this is what I am now reading. It is the third book in the trilogy by Stieg Larsson. It is such a great book - I can't put it down. It is about Lisbeth Salander who recovering in a hospital and awaiting trial for three murders when she is released. Mikael Blomkvist must prove her innocence, but Lisbeth must be willing to share the details of her sordid experiences with the court. I would definitely recommend the series.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Have you gone to see Harry Potter yet this weekend. They made 65 million dollars on its first opening day - sweet. Can you believe that they have been filming those movies for the past 10 years - the three stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint started when they were 12,11 and 13 - they grew up right before our eyes - I will probably wait for the DVD.

Eva Longoria & Tony Parker

Hell hath no fury like a women scorned!! Eva Longoria filed for divorce after her husband was caught sending hundreds of texts on his phone to another NBA player's wife. Boy I wouldn't want to be Tony Parker right now. Let the firework's begin.

Congratulations Prince William & Kate!

Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement today. He gave her his mother's engagement ring, the sapphire and diamond ring that Princess Diana had over 30 years ago. I am so excited for another wedding in England. Where were you 30 years ago next summer? I was anxiously awaiting the wedding of Princess Diana & Prince Charles. My dad got up really early and taped the whole ceremony for me. It was truly a fairytale wedding.

Heidi Klum-Mondo Guerra

She said she would wear the black and white polka dot dress and she did!! Heidi ended up wearing a modified version of the polka-dot evening dress (sleeves were cut off) designed by Project Runway season 8 runner-up Mondo Guerra to the Los Angeles premiere of Black Swan. What do you think - do you like it better with sleeves or without?

Lachey vs. Simpson - Battle of the Engagement

First Nick Lachey got engaged to Vanessa Minnillo last week then this week Jessica Simpson got engaged to her boyfriend Eric Johnson - coincidental or just plan wacky!!
What's next them getting married within a week of each other. Here is a picture of the ring that Jessica received - very different, don't' know if I like the gold with the ruby and diamond.

Halloween

I am a little late for this picture but thought you might want to see my pumpkin. We got together for our yearly pumpkin carving with my favorite people. We usually eat lunch, carve our pumpkins and then have our dessert - pumpkin patch (pudding with oreo cookies and pumpkins-delicious!!)Here it is !! If you can't guess what it is - it is a witch stirring her cauldron with the smoke and the moon!

Congratulatons Taylor Swift!!

Taylor Swift‘s amazing week just keeps getting better. The latest edition of Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart features an incredible 11 appearances from Swift, all songs from her new album, Speak Now. This is a record on three counts.

First: Swift is the only female artist to have that many songs on the Hot 100 at once.

Second, this makes Swift the first artist ever to have this many simultaneously charting singles all drawn from a single album.

Third, Swift famously wrote all the songs on Speak Now by herself. So she’s also the only artist to have this many Hot 100 appearances all of which were written by the artist in question.

I love her music and think she is a genuinely nice person. She gives a lot of time to her fans and really appreciates them.

Bella's Wedding Dress?

Is This Bella’s Zac Posen-Designed Twilight Wedding Dress?


Twilight fans are buzzing about recent reports that Zac Posen will design Bella’s wedding dress for her fairytale wedding to Edward in Breaking Dawn! In the book, Bella’s dress is described as an early 1900s design that “stepped out of an Austen movie,” and Zac previously sketched for us the turn-of-the-century dress he would like to design for Bella, complete with corset, fishnets and lace-up boots. We can’t wait to see the dress, no matter who ends up designing it!

Designing Women - Elle Decor V

For another client in the Hamptons, Hagan created a relaxed dining area using natural textures, crisp shades of white, and tranquil black-and-white photographs. The dining table was designed by Hagan and the rattan chairs are from Homer. This dining room is so simple but yet classy too.

Designing Women - Elle Decor IV

Moss was inspired by one of history’s legendary female style icons when creating the master bedroom of her Aspen, Colorado, home. The branchlike iron canopy bed was based on one designed by Pauline de Rothschild, an idol of hers. The muted fabrics on the canopy and walls are by Chelsea Editions and Travers respectively. This bedroom is so calming - and I love the bed.

Designing Women - Elle Decor III

Charlotte Moss, recipient of ELLE DECOR’s 2009 Vision Award, is known for her timeless and elegant interiors. In her East Hampton living room, the designer created a comfortable haven with floor-to-ceiling bookcases for her library of design books, plenty of plush seating, and a grand custom-made mirror by John Rosselli. I love the pictures over the mantel - she has them arranged so perfect.

Designing Women - Elle Decor II

Architect Annabelle Selldorf, one of our 2008 honorees, showcased her minimal and restrained aesthetic in the Sag Harbor home of hairstylist Kevin Mancuso. The modern kitchen features Miele appliances and Corian countertops, while the wood-topped island designed by Selldorf adds a dose of natural warmth. I like the sleek look to the kitchen.

Designing Women - Elle Decor

Victoria Hagan, a 2010 honoree, is known for her simple yet eye-catching interiors, and this East Hampton children’s room is no exception. Hagan used a beachy blue-and-white color palette, including China Seas’ Seya linen for the curtains and bedding, navy director’s chairs, and a sleek white desk. I especially love this room and the blue and white palette.

Jill Clayburgh- RIP

Jill Clayburgh, who played hopeful and determined women in such '70s and '80s movies as An Unmarried Woman, Starting Over and It's My Turn, died at her Connecticut home on Friday from chronic leukemia, a disease she had quietly for 21 years. She was married to playwright David Rabe. She was 66.

In the winter of 1980 my brother and I went to NYC for president's weekend (at that time it was a four day holiday) Friday & Monday off. We stayed with my cousin - well that weekend was the Night of 100 Stars being held in NYC. We were walking down the street at night and Jill Clayburgh walked right past me - I remember it was her quite distinctly because she had sunglasses on a night. We also saw Richard Dreyfuss - he sat next to us at a play and we saw Ginger Rogers on a corner with fans around her. It was quite a memorable weekend.

Dark Shadows

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton are finally set to start production next April on their big-screen remake of the cult vampire TV series Dark Shadows. The daytime soap, which ran from 1966 to 1971, starred Jonathan Frid as the vampire Barnabas Collins and worked werewolves, ghosts, witches, zombies, and other gothic things into its storylines. This television show was actually a precursor for all the vampire and werewolf series that are on today. They started it all.

Some rather interesting tidbits - one of my good friends loves Dark Shadows and actually met Jonathan Frid. My best friend's father was a director and actually took the whole family to New York to the studio and watched one of the shows being taped. Mr. Frid was not there at that time but David Selby was there.

I only remember catching glimpses of the show. We were not allowed to watch it.

let's hope they make a great remake!!

Project Runway

Sorry it has taken me a whole week to write about this last show. I am in complete denial that Gretchen Jones has won. I cannot believe it. What were those judges thinking? Her clothes were awful - Nina said they were ready to wear, what was current now. They were granny dresses, drab, dull and boring. Mondo's clothes were upbeat, colorful, and so full of life. Heidi & Jessica Simpson (guest judge) went to bat for him but not enough. Personally - I think the public should have some say in who wins. I don't want to see something that I can buy at Walmart or Sears - I watch Project Runway to see fashion, couture, out of the ordinary. Mondo was all that and more - I am definitely not watching next season. Maybe if they change the judges - get rid of Nina and Michael Kors - get some new young blood in!! The only person I really like in the show was Tim Gunn. He is such a class act and always was nice and kind but also forceful and letting people know (especially Gretchen and her cronies from the team challenge) that what they did to Michael C was awful and was bullying. He should be the host. I think Heidi's time is over. Lets get a campaign going for Tim Gunn. I said my peace - I know Mondo will do well. Gretchen on the other hand - who knows. Here are my two favorite outfits - one is from his runway collection and the other is the Jackie Kennedy win.