Woman of Mystery

February has me thinking of Love...and Mystery! Being *a woman of mystery* is not in my nature, but it sounds so romantic. This woman would be smart (I.Q. and emotionally), elegant and confident. She'd speak more than one language fluently and she'd be organized. Yes, organized. Imagine a sexy, mysterious woman frantically digging in her floppy, over-stuffed handbag trying to find her car keys or contact case? 
She'd be cosmopolitan (not the magazine; the definition). Occasionally she'd wear a vintage hat that shows one smokey eye and a hint of her ruby lips as she descends a grand staircase. What kind of home would she live in? What's one word you'd use to describe the woman of mystery?

The Signs of Love

As a kid you found *love* was expressed in many unusual ways. Depending on your age, your admirer may have stuck his tongue out at you. This seems to be an enduring, international expression of love. *wink*   If you had long hair (like I did), he pulled your braids.  He may have passed you a note in class.  He may have shared his lunch. How about the Valentine class party? Your heart fluttered as you opened each cheap white envelope looking for HIS valentine. You read it and re-read it, right?  A *big spender* may give you a doll. There are endless expressions, but here are these examples.  Oh yeah, show me some love!

A Valentine Story with a Twist

He was truly in love with her, but he needed to show her in a tangible way. He was not a *man of means* so what could he offer her as a token of his love? He needed to REALLY impress her. The idea came to him and... It. Was. Brilliant...literally. The next day he felt the diamond ring. The yellow gold was so smooth....

"Hello. Is this Tony's mother?" the teacher asked.

"Yes it is."

"I thought I'd better call you. Your son brought a diamond ring to class today..." she began.

"A what?"

"Yes. He had it in his desk. He planned to give it to his little girlfriend," the teacher continued, "It looks like the engagement ring to a wedding set. It's a little extravagant for a first-grader." 

"A diamond ring....a DIAMOND ring...." Mom shook her head trying to comprehend it.

That night you better believe my brother was taught a lesson about love, giving and taking...especially his mom's first wedding set. Anyone else love diamonds or diamond-inspired decor? Diamond tufted headboard; Diamond-cut crystal votive; Diamond wallpaper; Diamond tufted footstool; Diamond pattern marble floor; Diamond tufted leather chair; Diamond patterned iron fence.

 

Married Forty Years Today.....Ruby Anniversary.

Today is our 40th wedding anniversary. How's that possible when my mind tells me I'm barely 40 years old...I said my MIND...not the calendar. Ha!  The 40th is the RUBY year. Yay!  So if I could do anything - within reason - I would....

• Get on a RUBY palm (#1) and see if I can rent a classic RUBY colored convertible (#2).  Drive to the nearest RUBY'S Diner (uh...Texas? Woohoo! #3) and have one double huge RUBY milkshake with two straws (#4). 
• We'd drive home with the radio blaring & then I'd soak in a RUBY tub (#5).
• Next, I'd swath on RUBY lipstick (#6) hoping for a Marilyn Monroe look (#7) rather than a RUBY Ann Boxcar look (#8).
• After I put my RUBY high heels on (#9) my honey and I would dance by the lake under RUBY lanterns (#10) and stroll home in the moonlight.
• We'd change into comfy clothes (#11) and hit RUBY Tuesdays for a late salad and dessert (haven't been there in ages #12)....and then see where it goes from there. Yes, that would be a day fit for a king or queen to me (#13).
• Do you have other RUBY suggestions?

 

What's Feminine To You?

One thing that I've always found feminine is a beautiful pressed powder compact. It used to be, if done delicately for a few seconds, it looked feminine to check your makeup in public.

It's not feminine to refresh makeup with violent jabs nor stir up a micro-tornado with the blush brush.  LOL.  

I've had a few compacts in my life and feel ready for another one.

Below are a few other things I also find feminine. Beautiful Derby hats thanks to "My Fair Lady," evening clutches, 100% silk and vanity chairs. What is "so very feminine" to you?Photos from top: Estee Lauder Pressed powder compact; Derby Hat by Maggie Mae; Clutch from Amazon; vanity chair-Horchow. 

Spicy Valentine Heart

Many years ago, for Valentine my honey bought me a very good quality creamy-colored faux pearl necklace at a major department store.  With his purchase came this lace heart attached to a "chain" of tiny faux pearls.  In the heart was the best scented potpourri!   Every time I opened the dresser drawer where it lay, I anticipated the fragrance.  It took me years to recognize the main ingredient was whole clove.  No kidding!
I'm now blessed to own four real pearl necklaces (two inherited from my mom) and a couple of pairs of real pearl earrings.
The original necklace was lost, but the faux pearl-lace heart still stays in a drawer I open daily.  Its scent has finally faded, but the dear memory of that Valentine's Day has not.    Do you have a "special" gift from Valentines Past? Photos from top: my faux pearl and lace heart; real pink pearl and gold bracelet; my real pearl earrings; real pearl necklace, faux pearls on gift (click here to link).

Beehive Hair May Be Hazardous!

Since I've had "bees on the brain," it got me thinking about the famous Beehive hairdo! My aunt's beehive hairdo was famous...or rather infamous.  Aunt Alma had flown from California to Missouri to attend a family reunion on July 4, 1966.  That evening one of my little brother's bottle rockets took off...well...like a rocket, right into Aunt Alma's dyed bright red  auburn, plastered well-sprayed beehive! The menfolk dived into her hair rather unceremoniously to retrieve the rocket. All the aunts started yelling to not "mess up her beehive!"  The men were afraid she'd get injured. The women afraid she'd get mad. What would she do until she went to her weekly beauty parlor appointment, for Pete's sake??   My aunts knew beauty can be painful - it's a fact of life - so what's a little bottle rocket compared to her perfectly coiffed hair? Men!    Here are few examples of past and present -- good and bad -- the last was the original beehive do.  Anyone ever have a beehive hairdo? Audrey Hepburn & Julia Roberts different interpretations of the BeeHive!