inspirational woman over 40 – Ines de la Fressange

A woman who I have admired for a long time now, is of course a French fashion icon, Ines de la Fressange. I am not going to detail her bio on this blog entry, but will happily give you a link here  so that you can use it to get some background about her.

The interesting thing is that, she became well known around the fashion world as a result of her connection to Chanel throughout most of her 20s. Anyway, she had written a book a while back titled, Parisian Chic, which I have picked up and read from cover to cover, just so I can truly understand Parisian women, their style, even more so than I already do, in order to satisfy my obsession with the French lifestyle, culture, and fashion.

Of course the book validates the fact my core makeup and way of thinking and living  is French and I am very happy about that. The transition to living in France someday soon will be very easy for me.

So, check out the video here for a brief narrative of her book. Meanwhile here is the link if you are interested in buying or uploading her book.

recommended reads and e-books for springtime

I haven’t bought books for a while because I am toying with the idea of  ”e-booking” – but only for the novels and nothing else (Just in case you are wondering – cookbooks, photography and travel books, collectables I still want in hardcover form).

I don’t know, I am not sold on it yet, the e-booking thing, but either way I have made my list of books to read and recommend (above) for Springtime.

I would love to hear from those who have read the above books or if they recommend others.

2010 in a nutshell and happy new years

With a blink of an eye, 2010 comes to an end. This year was the most eventful for me because I celebrated a milestone birthday, lost a job, sold a house, lost a family member, rekindled relations with extended family as well  as travelled to some interesting destinations and some not so interesting. I admit I experienced too much and from it learned alot in the course of  365 days.

One thing I must say, thanks to maturity and an unexplainable sense of self-control (which I think is associated with maturity),  I was able to cope with the “personal” events which unfolded during  the course of the year  and in a way survived the outcome(s) with minimal damage to my mental health .

As I result of 2010,  I have decided to pass up on making New Years  resolutions altogether so that I am not too disappointed in myself, should I not be able to uphold the commitment.  Instead,  I have set some flexible goals for myself, which I am going to do everything in my power to reach throughout 2011, no matter what destiny has in store for me.

So, with that said, Happy New Year everyone!!! Have a safe and wonderful celebration no matter how you plan on ringing in the New year. Remember the basics, don’t drink and drive, take a moment to remember all our troops abroad and if there is room in your life, adopt a pet  from a shelter and if not, consider  planting a tree in memory of someone very special to you.

books i added to my to-read list

Here is a list of books I saw at Barnes and Nobles which I added to my to-read list for 2010.

1. Good To A Fault by Marina Endicott

2. Purge by Sofi Oksanen

3. A Happy Marriage by Rafael Iglesias

4. Lonely: A Memoir by Emily White

I would love to hear from anyone who has read any of the books. Are they a good read or not.

midlife crisis in film

I watch movies like it’s going out of style. I enjoy watching and reviewing them and of course often offer my two cents worth on a good movie which in my opinion go unnoticed as a result of all the 3D craze. Here is one I highly recommend for the woman over 40 and even some under 40, which in my opinion, although pretty predictable, is an eye opener for all of us who go through the crisis in either denial or in silence.

The film is called The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, which probably lasted in theatres about a week or so and since it was an independent film, it wasn’t marketed like Avatar and Alice In Wonderland and so not too many people have heard of it. The film stars the beautiful Robin Wright Penn, who at the time the film came out was going through her own personal struggles with Sean Penn. It is a simple film, very touching and one that alot of women can relate to one way or another. My recommendation for watching the film however, is to either do it by yourself or have a girls night out, just to not freak out your spouses with your choice of film for a couples night.

I loved the film and was actually hoping Robin Wright Penn would at least be nominated for her performance in the 2010 Oscars. Anyway, if you have seen the film, please let me know what you thought of it.

macbook pro and the possibilities

I have always been a fan of Apple. It mostly started with the design of their products (I am a sucker for quality design), then their advertising and marketing strategies swept me off my feet and of course I appreciated the streamlined retail outlets. So slowly but surely I just couldn’t resist anymore and I gave into the Macbook pro.

It was a struggle convincing my family and friends about my choice of a new laptop, but I knew what I wanted and for my new career endeavor, it had to be the mac.

My wonderful family chipped in and bought it for me as a birthday present and I almost fell off my chair when I opened the box and took out the MacBook. There was that sexy designed laptop in my hands and I just couldn’t believe it was all mine. 

The only decision I need to make is whether to purchase Apple’s version of word or Microsoft word for Apple? Since it hasn’t been installed, I have a few days to decide between the two. I am a firm believer of exploring and trying new things so I am leaning toward the Apple version but would love to hear from anyone who can give me their opinion on which is best?

exiting suburbia

After having spent eight years in a newly developed suburb 15 minutes outside a make-believe downtown Sacramento, California, and then experiencing the halt in development as a result of the housing crisis, I  have come to the realization that no matter how hard I tried, I cannot live outside a metropolitan city on a long-term basis. For a while there I was confusing escaping to the suburbs for a couple of days to clear my head with wanting to actually live there permanently. 

With that said, I will finally be handing over the keys to my property in suburbia this week and returning to my beloved city by the bay to once again become the city girl who I have always been.  It was an  eight year challenge and struggle to finally make this transition happen and believe me it couldn’t have come at a better time. 

I must say I am anxious and a bit nervous, but I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life to happen. Sometimes you have to experience what isn’t right for you in order to truly appreciate the best, which was there the whole time.  Stay tuned.