I GOT GIFTED!!!

Back in February... my dog Charlie got caught red-pawed making a snack out of my

Cosabella panties, as chronicled here. This led to my discovery that the company

was going to redo the style I wear, the Soire Lowrider Boyleg. I was concerned since this is the

only underwear I've been wearing for years, having suffered thru years of trial and panty error,

including a few-years stint of wearing mens tightie whities.

sigh.

So imagine how delighted I was to get this lovely pair of the new style, the Soire Lowrider Hotpants,

to try along with a gift certificate for another pair! My first gift!!! And how do they fit and feel,

you may ask? Perfectly. My concerns allayed, I'm about to order my free pair! Hmm... what color?

MERCI DANKE GRAZIE COSABELLA!!!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

What The Waters and Frida Give Me

As a birthday treat to myself (Gemini's Rule!) I took a few days respite at one of my favorite

get-aways, The Spring in Desert Hot Springs. The hot mineral waters can cure a weary body and

the windy quiet (no children) combined with sounds of desert life can heal the psyche.

I like it particularly because it is small (12 rooms) and has a covered pool (in addition to 2 others),

so I can soak in minerals without soaking in sun on my porcelain complexion.

I took my Diana F+ with me (needed to finish off a year-old roll of film), so while contemplating

life and meaning in the universe, and liking how the nail polish (Geranium by Essie)

was set off by the blue water and tiles, I took this shot, inspired by this painting by Frida Kahlo.

May you all find creativity and inspiration in every moment!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Stylish Ode to Frida

While perusing the groovy vendor stalls at The Silverlake Jubilee,

my eyes caught this flash of blue calling to me... and for $15 they were mine!

I think of Frida Kahlo every time I wear them, my patron saint of creative living.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

All Sorts of Wrong

Imagine if you will...

Going to check out a new neighborhood joint, the Fat Dog, just north of Melrose on Fairfax...

Ordering the Fat Dog, described as a grilled beef hot dog w condiments...(nothing more)

Then watching your waitress cross the entire restaurant with a GIANT 12-inch hot dog on a small

6-inch bun that serves no other purpose, but to accentuate the size of this OBSCENE piece of meat.

I have never in my life EVER blushed at food, but there really is a first time for everything.

When the waitress asked if I needed anything else, I replied... my dignity back.

I promptly (faster than ever in my life) cut the damn thing in half, then half again

and tried vainly to make the hot dog fit somehow in the bun, but to no avail...

It was impossible to eat with any decorum and it wasn't tasty enough to compensate.

Enough meat for 2 hungry people - but only barely enough bun for 1/2

The bun isn't cut all the way thru, great for showing GIRTH, not so great for eating like a human being.

Not once was I told how big this monstrosity was going to be! I'm a small person, after all.

This is the most illogical and overpriced ($10 and $4 for ice tea, yeah) hotdog EVER.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

A Tale of Two Artworks

After following a nonsensical trail of arrows in my neighborhood last Sunday,

like Alice in a maze... I happened upon a sweet little garage sale.

Only $10 for this original vintage (60's?) 12x12 mixed media (paper/watercolors/wood) beauty!

With a BONUS personal note from the artist to the former owner.

This is one of the reasons I love vintage/2nd hand treasure...

discovering mysterious pieces to another's life! What's the story?

The tone of the lovely lady selling this painting and her willingness to unload it by

offering it for $5, gave me the impression that her ex painted this... in happier days.

Now the painting can be a source of happy again.

Charlie demanded to be in this pic and who am I to say no to such a stylish pooch?

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Melrose Trading Treasure

It's been a while since I had a good haul from The Melrose Trading Post,

but I hit the jackpot a few weeks ago!

At last, a mirror for the bedroom - $25!

I love the surreal Dali-effect on the right, that's distorting the

image of the cheap Ikea storage thingie I refinished years ago.

The tree branch on left is from the tree mentioned here.

Gorgeous, hand-blown and sunny little glasses (much smaller than they appear) - $10

Vintage Italian glass coasters - $10

These lovely silk scarves were a gift by the gentleman

who sold me the glasses and coasters! He used the scarves to wrap

and create a way to carry them. That's class.

A Citrine crystal pendant (good for third chakra - creativity) - $20

and an Ankh pendant made from recycled bullet shell casings - $3

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Life Can Be Sweet

La Tropezienne at Fig & Olive

Brioche + Sweet Mascarpone + Meyer Lemon Glazed Strawberries

= Heaven in my mouth

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Isabella Blow, A Life in Fashion

Isabella Blow was a fascinating woman who transformed her insecurities and pain into

a shield of artful fashion originality, thus carving herself a place in fashion history

that will continue to inspire and influence creative people for ages to come.

She was a tragic and beautiful muse...

befriending and promoting Alexander McQueen and

tomorrow's Royal Wedding Milliner, Philip Treacy.

A truly original character, who left the world,

sadly, more beautiful for her having been in it.

Even her flaws were larger than life and outrageous!

This is not a fluffy bio about fashion,

but a interesting look into a generation of British Nobility

that was raised to be ill-equipped to face any sort of reality,

as well as the take-over of the creative/fashion world by

corporate interests (in the 90's), more interested in bottom lines

than hemlines or the fragile personalities that worked in it.

I learned so much more than I anticipated when I picked this book

and I had a hard time putting it down. A very good sign!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Good For Earth = Good For All

A few easy everyday things that promote a healthier planet:

1. Eliminate toxic petroleum and chemical-based perfumes/candles and switch to

fragrances (body and home) that use nature-based ingredients.

I'm a big fan of Pacifica products!

2. Launder everything in cold water - saves energy/$ and fabrics last longer.

Use plant-based detergent and softeners.

3. Make QUALITY NOT QUANTITY your mantra.

I'd rather have nothing than something cheap, mass-marketed and disposable.

Love everything you wear or bring into your home!

Do some spring-cleaning, clear your space and mind, and donate your excess.

4. Bring your own bags when shopping.

I'm still waiting to win the Bag Raffle at Trader Joes...

after bringing my own bags for 8 years!!!

5. Plot a circular car-route when you go out to save time and gas.

6. Recycle everything.

7. Save money and express your individuality by buying vintage and second-hand

clothing and decor. Besides, nothing beats the thrill of the hunt!

We only have one planet and it's already in serious trouble.

It's so easy to make little changes that have large impacts.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Pretty Shoe Polaroids

Lanvin pony hair ballet flats - barely worn - $75 at Crossroads Trader

I rarely pay that much for shoes... But I could not resist the call of Lanvin!

(and they are so comfy!)

Donald J Pliner leather platforms sandals - love the subtle cheetah print -

$30 at Crossroads Trader

Recently realized about 85% of my total wardrobe is vintage or second-hand.

That's one way to reduce a carbon imprint in a stylish and creative way!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Rainy Day Fun

Playing in the first puddle with my new rainboots!

(on sale from Piperlime)

Rainy Day Still-life with Cactus Fruit

Another storm is approaching LA, and I may be the only person

who really loves all this glorious wet.

I enjoy taking long walks with Charlie after the rain...

breathing clean air, playing in puddles,

and searching for groovy shots to take!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Not Just Any Waffle...

This plate used to hold my first ever Liege Waffle savory sandwich (blackforest ham and smoked gouda cheese) from a new favorite cafe/restaurant, Shaky Alibi.

The red puddle at the top is actually Trappey's Hot Sauce that the gracious owner recommended to try with the waffle, and was he right!

Sweet, salty, smoky, with a touch of spicy sour heat... Perfection.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

First Redux of 2011!

Haven't had much luck of late at the flea markets and garage sales, so I've been

looking more and more on Etsy where I found these:

I saw a lot of potential with these vintage lovelies (made in Hong Kong!),

and even though I liked the colors that reminded me of Lifesavers fruit flavors

(kept me quiet in church for years), I had a better idea.

Now gracing my bathroom wall...

A little gold spray-paint makes a glamourous difference! All for under $30.

Merci to Endless Collectibles!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Cosabella Carnage

A few weeks ago I left the apt for 20 minutes, only to return and discover my rascally dog Charlie finishing off the crotch to my Cosabella panties, that he dug through and removed from my dirty laundry I naively left out.

BAD DOG!

This led me to order a few replacement pairs and discover they're discontinuing/retooling the style I wear, the Soire Lowrider Boyleg. I hope I still like them when they change, because nothing else fits me this perfectly.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

New Skincare for the New Year with Lily.B Giveaway!

The coming of a new year is the perfect time to assess what does/doesn't work

in our lives and make positive changes. For 2011 I urge all of you, dear readers,

to start being mindful of everything you're putting on your skin and start removing

the 100's of toxins and chemicals found in your beauty/skin products that are

mostly untested and unregulated.

Start by avoiding: All petroleum-based products (mineral oil, vaseline, petrolatum),

parabens, pthlalates, sulfates, fragrance, glycols and dyes.

With all this in mind, it's my pleasure to present a New Year's New You blog giveaway

with Lily.B, a nature-based skincare line I was introduced to through TwoPointOh!LA.

I've been loving the two products that work for my skin type,

the gentle and sweet smelling Rose Hip Infused Facial Wash

and the oil-free Red Tea Defense Booster Hydrating Serum.

On January 3rd, I'll pick a winner who'll receive:

A full-size Rose Hip Infused Facial Wash

A full-size 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer

and deluxe samples of:

Red Tea Hydrating Serum

Multi-Action Rescue Eye Cream

Botanical Rich Protection SPF 30 Ultra Defense

$115 value!

In order to win YOU MUST be a follower of this blog and you have to leave a comment

with your contact info AND why you want to win!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Yummy on a Bun x 2

Fresh lobster + toasty bun + butter = sheer shellfish heaven.

The lobster roll from the Lobsta Truck isn't cheap $11,

but a good value as the sweet lobster is generous. I've had it twice already!

My only complaint is waiting time seems longer than necessary.

I'm always on the lookout for a tasty hotdog and The Greasy Wiener is a new favorite.

For under $6 I got the original greasy wiener

(mustard, grilled onions and a pickle spear),

without any extra toppings (as I like my food simpler), and a soda.

It was so tasty (very flavorful/well seasoned dog), it really didn't need anything else.

I raved about this for days (and craving the next)... a hot dog!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

My First Blog Giveaway Winner Is...

Congratulations to Cindy, contestant #2!

The TMinx Gemini T-shirt is yours.

Stay tuned for my next giveaway, the week after Xmas with LilyB Skincare.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Paging Doctor Freud

I took the following pics, in order shown, as found,

on my poochie walk with Charlie, a few days ago in my neighborhood.

It wasn't until I looked at them in my iPhone did I detect a possible connection.

Is the universe or my subconscience telling me something? Or is a pickle just a pickle?

No jar, no glass... just flowers, cigarettes and a pretty pickle pattern.

These were found alone on the sidewalk, carefully placed there by somebody else.

My geeky little mind thinks of ancient Roman graffiti when I see this.

Wondering if this is an insult... or a compliment? HA!

So I leave it to you dear readers... What does it all mean??? ;)

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Blog Giveaway Contest With TMinx!

I am honored to present, for my first ever blog giveaway,

the LA designed, ultra-groovy t-shirts of TMinx, the treacherous minx!

I had the pleasure of meeting the designer, Yvonne, in October at

The Blogger's Cafe 05 for TwoPointOh!LA, when her vintage-inspired t-shirts caught my eye.

From now thru Friday, December 10th, followers of this blog can visit TMinx's website,

choose which style and size you would like from the Geometrics or Zodiac lines,

and leave a comment with your email. On December 11, I will randomly pick a winner

out of my fedora, with the help of my Charlie dog!

Make sure you also check out TMinx's fun and inspiring blog. She has great taste!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

I Met a Fashion Angel!

OR

How my 20 year old pick-up truck got me a free belt (a true fashion adventure)!

I've had a few groovy interactions due to driving my old white beast (name of Bettie),

but this was by far the best.

A few weeks ago I was gassing up Bettie on 3rd street, when this gentleman (60's ?) in all black, with a belt (like pictured) and cap to match, walked by and commented on how much he missed his old junker of a truck...and from there the conversation turned to how he's lived in LA for a long time, how he was once part of the music scene, and finally, how he designed the belt and hat he's wearing and that his stuff had been featured in Japanese magazines, etc.

He was real sweet (no smarm), no strange vibes (got LA radar for that), and he mixed in some great peace/love gems into the mix, so I was happy to listen and experience the genuine moment, one human connecting to another.

A few minutes went by, we said our good-bye and I was about to drive away,

when he flagged me to wait for a sec as he went to his Mustang

(he was waiting for it to get washed) and pulled out a stack of belts.

"What size are you?" and "More rock-ish or feminine?"

"Small and feminine"

He took one of the belts and gave it to me, then showed me the Japanese

magazine blurb. We chatted for a few more minutes, then I went on my way.

His name is Sky, and I love the belt.

Merci!!!

Now contemplating how I want to wear it. Will keep you posted!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe