Beyond Words

Happy last day of school for all my Austin and Cedar Park peeps!

Over the weekend a friend of mine told me how much he was enjoying the book “Killing Kennedy” by Bill O’Reilly. I asked him if he was going to also read Mr. O’Reilly’s “Killing Lincoln” and he said probably. It got me thinking about the famous similarities between the two U.S. presidents so I thought I’d share them today to give you, and anyone who’s not heard them, something to think about.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Lincoln was elected president in 1860.
Kennedy was elected president in 1960.

Both Lincoln and Kennedy were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Kennedy lost children while living in the White House.

Both presidents were shot on a Friday.

Both presidents were shot in the head.

Lincoln’s secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy’s secretary was named Lincoln.

Both Lincoln and Kennedy were succeeded in office by a man with the last name Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1939.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names and both of their names consisted of 15 letters.

Lincoln was shot in a theatre and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse.

Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theatre.

Both Oswald and Booth were assassinated before their trials.

Coincidence? Creepy? Astounding? Amazing? What do you think?

Also, have any of you read “Killing Lincoln” or “Killing Kennedy?” Would love your thoughts.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Sometimes you just need to kick your shoes off and enjoy life…

This is the time of year for graduations and weddings.  It’s also the time of year when you may be asking yourself, “what should  I wear to that event?”  “In Style” magazine recently had a great little feature on different wedding dress codes and I thought I’d share them with you.

What to wear when the dress code is “Casual”

Think “less formal” and avoid anything flashy.  Above-the-knee dresses and skirts are the way to go, just don’t go ultra-short.  As for shoes, heels are not suggested so pull out your favorite ballet flats or sandals with fun embellishments and details.  Hair and make-up should look natural and effortless.  While thinking “less formal,” however, don’t go too casual.  Denim is definitely out as is any type of weekend wear.  Even though the dress code is casual, the event is still an important one so dress for it!

What to wear when the dress code is “Semiformal”

Think fun but sophisticated.  Any conservative but fun cocktail dress in your favorite color will work.  Add a interesting statement necklace and some amazing shoes and you are good to go.  Little black dresses are no longer frowned upon, especially if you add a pop of color with a belt, scarf, or fun pumps.  Speaking of shoes, heels are the way to go, whether strappy or more conservative.  Flats would be flat out wrong!  Sequins and super fancy are not necessary though.  You never want to compete with the bridesmaids or mother-of-the bride!   For hair and make-up, add some glam touches like an updo with a fun clip or a bold lip color.

What to wear when the dress code is “Formal”

Now’s the time to wear that extra-special elegant dress, either long or short, but long is best for a more formal look.  If you do go short, make sure it’s knee-length and boasts some type of luxe details like ruffles or bling.  This is also the time to glam up with sparkly jewelry, sky-high shoes, and anything metallic.  A word of caution though:  avoid high slits, plunging necklines, or low-cut backs.  They may be okay for next week’s black tie event, but they are too sexy for a wedding.   A good way to evaluate what you’re thinking of is  if you’d wear it during the day, it’s too casual.  Hair and make-up should be chic and professionally done if possible.  Your goal is to feel sophisticated, not flashy.

Other wedding and graduation tips:

Always RSVP as soon as possible.  This is not an option!

Stick to the registry.  You may have something special in mind for a gift, but if you must, add it as a “bonus” gift, not the main one.

Arrive on time!

Avoid wearing white…even to the Rehearsal Dinner.  A nice cocktail dress works best for the dinner.

For any type of brunch, a casual top with nice shorts or cropped pants work well, depending on the venue.

Cheers and congrats to all the brides and graduates!

Remember the opening sequences of the popular ‘70s TV show “That Girl” and the more recent “Sex and the City 2” movie?  In case you don’t, here’s a hint:  they both prominently featured the iconic New York City department store Bergdorf Goodman.  To call “Bergdorf’s” a department store though, is somewhat blasphemous.

Today my daughter and I saw the new feature film/documentary called “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s.”  It a enjoyable and historical look at what many consider the store of all stores.  The movie consists of interviews with many well-known designers, including Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Tory Burch, and Oscar de la Renta to name but a few, all of whom credit Bergdorf’s with putting them on the fashion map.   Come to find out in the movie that, when and if Bergdorf’s agrees to stock your line, you are pretty much set as a designer, whether you produce cosmetics like Bobbi Brown, design shoes like Christian Louboutin, or create jewelry like Lorraine Schwartz, you hope and pray Bergdorf’s buyers give you the green light.

I find all of this fascinating not only because I love fashion, but because I’ve personally experienced some of that Bergdorf magic.  I remember buying my first  Tod’s bag at Bergdorf’s while visiting NYC with Smitty and Kristen, and just this past February during my annual college girls trip, the girls and I had a wonderful hour or two in the store’s famed shoe salon.  One of the salesmen featured in the movie was the very one who attended to our every need.  I was amazed to find out that he, like the very nice man who sold me my bag years ago, can make upwards of $500,000 a year!   When you watch Elizabeth Taylor’s mink ear muffs story in the film, as well as Yoko Ono’s fur coat splurge, you’ll understand how and why.

Founded in 1899 by French immigrant Herman Bergdorf, the luxury goods store is today owned by the Neiman Marcus group but stands on its own nonetheless.   Edwin Goodman, a young 23-year-old merchant worked as an apprentice for Bergdorf and within two years purchased a major interest in it, which was renamed Bergdorf Goodman in 1901.  In 1906 the store moved to 32^nd Street, but after Bergdorf’s subsequent retirement, Goodman, then a popular women’s tailor, decided to move his business uptown.  He constructed a five-story building at what is now Rockefeller Center and moved to the store’s present day location at 5^th and 58^th in 1928, building the famous Beaux-Arts style store on the site of the former Vanderbilt mansion.  Today the retail store and accompanying spa and popular Goodman’s Café take up a whole city block in Manhattan right on 5^th Avenue and adjacent to Central Park and The Plaza Hotel.  The fact that one family owned the coveted property is astonishing, but, even though what’s sold at Bergdorf’s is very selective, the family was reportedly more down-to-earth than you’d think and for years quietly and privately lived in a 16-room apartment on the top floor overlooking Central Park and Fifth Avenue.

In addition to its famed merchandise, level of service, and famous purple bags, Bergdorf’s is perhaps best known most for its innovative window displays.   “Bury My Ashes…” devotes quite a bit of time to these famous windows, which are seen by 1.5 million pairs of eyes a day and are considered New York tourist attractions all their own.  The Christmas windows are by far the most celebrated, taking months to create and produce and nearly two weeks just to assemble in each of the five street-side windows.   So important are these displays, that an entire staff at Bergdorf’s is dedicated to their production alone.

Most of the retailer’s staff follows the leads of Fashion Director Dawn Mello and the famously silver-bobbed “Jacqueline of all Trades” Linda Fargo.  Celebrities such as Cher and Susan Lucci sing their praises in the film, as does uber-stylist Rachel Zoe.  It’s Mello’s and Fargo’s fashion sense and fashion eyes that have made household names out of the likes of Michael Kors and others, and introduced Jackie Kennedy to then Bergdorf baby Halston.  His pink pillbox hat that Mrs. Kennedy wore on that fateful November day in Dallas will go down in history as perhaps the most famous hat ever.

It comes as no surprise that Bergdorf’s has been featured prominently in many films and television shows, including “How to Marry a Millionaire” starring Lauren Bacall, “That Touch of Mink” starring Doris Day and Cary Grant, the 1996 Natalie Wood film “Penelope,” 1970’s “Airport,” 1981’s “Arthur,” the legendary “North by Northwest, as well as TV’s “Boston Legal,” “The City,” “Sex and the City,” and “The Apprentice,” on which a winning team was given a shopping spree to Bergdorf’s.  Oh what Carrie Bradshaw would have done to win that!   And before I forget, the “That Girl” opening sequence I mentioned earlier?  It consisted of Marlo Thomas looking at a mannequin of herself in a Bergdorf store window.  We, like her character Ann Marie, may not be able to buy everything we want at Bergdorf’s, but we can certainly picture ourselves doing so.  Just look into one of their dream-like windows and smile!

Father, I ask you to bless my friends and relatives.  Show them a new revelation of your love and power.

Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit.  Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy.

Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace.  in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

A little bit freaky and funny at the same time!

With Memorial Day behind us, summer has unofficially arrived and with it comes short skirts, dresses, and shorts.  But, your legs may not have that summer glow to them yet, so here is a product I’m in love with.  Simply apply it like lotion on your legs and you will boast a temporary suntan look without any orangey-ness or striping.  It’s that simple!  Trust me!  I am not a self-tanner or even serious sun-tanner, but I do like a little color on my legs and this Jergens “Natural Glow” lotion is the way to go.  I have only used it on my legs, but if anyone tries it on your arms please let me know how it works.  Happy “tanning!”

“Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.”  Ronald Reagan

I’ve always loved that quote by President Reagan and thought that today, being Memorial Day, presented the perfect opportunity to use it.   Today we memorialize those who paid the ultimate price – their lives – serving our country and fighting to keep our nation safe.   They were brave and we are free because of them.

My dad served in the Navy and I will forever remember literally and physically jumping as they played Taps at his funeral in 1982.  He is buried in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe; a beautiful place and one of only a select few such cemeteries.  I don’t go there often because to me, he’s not there, but rather up in heaven with family, friends, and fellow veterans.  Still, I do think of him on Memorial Day and wish I could place a flag on his pristine white tombstone.

“A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.
Abraham Lincoln

To so many, Memorial Day is simply the unofficial start of summer and a day to host backyard bar-b-ques, open up swimming pools, go on picnics, and enjoy a day off from work.  What is the true meaning behind Memorial Day though, and how did it originate and why?

Celebrated the last Monday each May, what is today called Memorial Day was for many years referred to as Decoration Day.  It all started after the Civil War as a way to commemorate the more than 600,000 soldiers who died fighting for both the Union and the Confederacy.  It became an annual ritual to decorate these soldiers’ graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags.  In 1967, federal law officially declared it Memorial Day.

The practice of decorating a soldier’s grave with flowers is an ancient custom not unique to America and is common in places as traditional as China.  Stateside, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania promotes itself as the birthplace of Memorial Day, claiming women decorated graves on July 4, 1864.  However, the first well-known observance of Memorial Day is said to have been in Charleston, South Carolina in May of 1865.

Today it is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset.  The day is also usually marked with parades and personal visits to cemeteries across the country.  It is important not to confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day, however.  Memorial Day is a day of remembering those who died while serving in our nation’s armed forces, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, living or dead.

With recent headlines chronicling the rise of suicides and sexual assaults in the U.S. military, it’s easy to paint a negative picture of the world’s finest and most respected military,  but don’t.  Considering the nearly 1.5 active military members today, there are by far more upstanding members than those making those headlines.  Here then, is a brief synopsis of America’s military:

Our present military is the result of the National Security Act of 1947.  It was then that the “War Department” became today’s Department of Defense, which is headed by a civilian, the Secretary of Defense, who is appointed by the President of the United States.  The President serves as our country’s Commander in Chief, giving him command and authority over all military forces.  There are five military branches:  The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.  Each has their respective service secretary who helps make up the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The U.S. Army’s main function is to protect and defend the United States and its interests.  It is our nation’s main ground force and is the largest U.S. military service.  Established by the Continental Congress in June 1775, it is also the nation’s oldest military service.

Also established by the Continental Congress, the U.S. Navy works under its main mission of maintaining the freedom of the seas and making it possible for the U.S. to use the seas where and when our national interests dictate.  The Navy also supports the Air Force in times of conflict with naval aircraft carriers.  In addition, the Navy is primarily responsible for transporting Marines to areas of conflict.

The Marines were officially established in November 1775 to act as a landing force for the U.S. Navy but were named a separate service by Congress in 1798.  Often referred to as the “Infantry of the Navy,” Marines specialize in amphibious operations such as the capture and control of beaches.  The Marines thrive on being self-sufficient and boast their own air power.

The U.S. Air Force was created under the National Security Act of 1947 and is our nation’s youngest military service.  Prior to 1947, the Air Force was a separate corps of the Army, but World War II revealed solid air power was essential so the Air Force was established as a separate service.  Its primary mission is to defend the United States and its interests through exploitation of air and space.

The U.S. Coast Guard is the smallest military service and draws its roots from the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790.  It does not fall under the Department of Defense but is considered a military service because, during times of conflict, the president can transfer its duties and assets to the Department of the Navy.  In 1915 it was reformed as the Coast Guard under the Treasury Department, was transferred to the Department of Transportation in 1967, but as of 2002 it became an arm of the Department of Homeland Security.  During times of peace, its main mission is law enforcement, boating safety, sea rescue, and illegal immigration control.

So there you have it, a brief history of our distinguished and peerless armed forces.  As you enjoy your hot-dogs, potato salad, and cold beers today and as you serve your guests at your cook-out, take a moment to remember all those who served a much more vital item:  our country.  Thanks for serving and thanks for keeping us free.

Dateline Austin, Texas 1986. That’s when I officially moved to capital city of Texas. I was a newlywed working in the media and loving life. I also loved Austin. It was a medium-sized city with a small town, funky feel whose main attraction was (and still is) a colony of bats that fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. I reveled in the fact that the “never overdressed in Dallas” mantra was instead “never underdressed in Austin.” My husband and I frequented the many live music venues, ate at all the “in” places, and lived in a desirable neighborhood. Life was good.

Fast forward 27 years and that desirable neighborhood, which at the time was considered “northwest Austin,” is now pretty much smack dab in the middle of town. Actually it’s now a city; a really big and crowded city. Our home was near a convenient north-west artery called “Mopac,” which is now sadly called “Slow-pac.” A very pretty (as freeways go) alternative to the parallel nightmare known as I-35, Mopac (or as newcomers call it, Loop 1),  was designed by Lady Bird Johnson to be full of bluebonnets and free of billboards. Just next week major construction will commence on creating commuter lanes and sound barriers on Mopac. It’s just more proof that Austin being named the 11th biggest city in the country came as no surprise to its residents. It does come with some trepidation though.

Yes, today’s Austin enjoys a healthy job and real estate market, an enviable quality of life, and a young and educated population, but with the nearly 100 people who move here a day has come treacherous traffic, crowded restaurants, and a loss of what made Austin, well, Austin. Today, Austin is in many ways, just another big city, albeit with pretty landscaping and plenty of bike lanes.

I am not alone in this feeling. Blogger David Landsel at Airfarewatchdog.com, recently wrote about his “Ten Terribly Overrated Destinations.”  Asking the question “have you ever traveled somewhere that everyone told you was the absolute best only to find yourself wondering, is that all there is” (I felt that about San Diego myself), Landsel says the cities that made his list trade on reputations they no longer deserve and have fallen victim to hype.  Guess what city topped his list?  Yep, Austin!  Calling it a “legend in its own mind” and “one of those unfortunate places that seems really smashing on paper” but where “everyone walks around looking so stressed,” Landsel says Austin may be entertaining but is still a “city whose entire purpose for breathing is to not be like everything else around it.”

Don’t tell that to all the contractors building high-rise after high-rise of condos in downtown Austin and the owners of the multiple hot and trendy restaurants. Downtown Austin is now similar to any big city downtown. Simple and family-friendly Aquafest has morphed into the world-famous and ginormous South by Southwest and Austin City Limits is not just a classic TV show in a small UT studio, but a fortnight of concerts and a TV show in a beautiful theatre adjacent to the ultra-trendy W hotel. Money talks, and in Austin, it’s screaming! Job hunters and economic gurus love it and see Austin as example “A” of how to successfully emerge from a recession stronger and bigger. The whole region surrounding it boasts the same.

In fact, the 70-mile stretch between Austin and San Antonio (the nation’s 7th largest city) is busting at the seams. San Marcos is right on Interstate 35, is home to Texas State University, is in the middle of the two metro areas, and had the highest growth rate among all U.S. cities with at least 50,000 residents. My own little Cedar Park was the 4th fastest growing “small” city, while eight of the 15 fastest growing “big” cities were in Texas, with five making the top 10: Houston at #2, San Antonio at #4, Austin at #5, Dallas at #7, and Fort Worth at #10. These are the fastest growing cities, in terms of most populous, Texas boasts 3 of the top 10 and 4 of the top 15. Say what you will national media and pundits, but we must be doing something right in the Lone Star State!

How though, can a city as unique as Austin hold onto some of that uniqueness and quality of life while branding itself as the place in which to live and work? Maybe we can just shut the gates. Not likely. Maybe improvements could be made in traffic. Another list Austin found itself on recently is that of having the 4th worst traffic in the nation, ahead of infamous driving nightmares like New York City, D.C., and even Boston. As it stands, Austin (the 11th biggest city in the country, remember?!) has no east-west thoroughfare and thanks to our very “creative” and alternative hours type workforce, Austin traffic is not just during normal rush hours, but 24-7.

Despite all of this and despite being a Sooner, I do feel fortunate to live in Austin. I rarely go downtown though because it’s so crowded and “Aspenized” but every now and then I enjoy doing so. Most days I prefer to stay up in Cedar Park and in the northwest corridor of town. Oh no, but wait, that’s all growing too. Maybe it is time to shut those gates after all.