Sayonara, Simon!

I don't know about you, but I love the new panel of judges on this season of American Idol. There is such a happy, genuine feeling surrounding the show this year - and we all know how much I love happy, genuine feelings! Not only is the panel positive, but it is filled with true expertise from decades of experience in the field of the performing arts. If my intuition is accurate, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, are going to make a fabulous trio.

Personally, I am in awe that Jennifer agreed to do the show. In my eyes, she is one of the biggest superstars of our time. For the first time, an american idol is actually a judge on American Idol. During the premier of the show last week, I felt star-struck by her presence - even though I was sitting at home in my living room. I think she is one very big reason as to why the show will remain a success, regardless of Simon's absence from the show. And, in my opinion, she looks more beautiful than she ever has.

Not only is Randy the only original judge remaining on the panel, but he has been upgraded to Simon's chair - otherwise known as the final word. Although, I am not sure if he really has the final world since Jennifer and Steven seem to snag the spotlight. Randy does serve a very valuable purpose, though. Being the only veteran, he knows that you can't say "yes" to everybody. Everyone on the judges panel seems be level-headed about the whole process, but it is clear that Steven and Jennifer are more compassionate to the contestants and their touching stories. Someone has to be the voice of reason, and this year that voice comes from Randy.

And now I make my way to Mr. Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith. I have always loved Aerosmith's music, but now we get to better know their frontman - and he is an honest-to-goodness hoot. There is no one quite like him, which makes it fun to see what he will say next. He adds comedy, spontaneity and individuality to the panel. One of my favorite things about him is that he oftentimes starts singing and drumming along to the songs the contestants are singing. We surely haven't seen that before!

I have nothing against the original judges. They were a huge contribution in taking the show to where it is today. The long and short of it all is that I don't miss the old judges panel. I always appreciated Simon's professional and honest feedback, but sometimes it was just plain brutal. Paula had to overcompensate for Simon's harsh comments, and would usually just comment on the contestants appearance. People loved to hate Simon, but now I think they will love to love the new judges. I believe that the producers of this show have finally achieved the balance that America can relate to and appreciate. Instead of having to battle extremities, as Simon and Paula were, we have a judges panel that are all striving toward the same goal.

The reason I have written about the new judges panel on American Idol is because I have a feeling that it is going to be more successful than it ever has been - even though Simon will no longer be a part of it. Why is that something worth writing about? I am sure a majority of their viewers believed that the show would be nothing without him, without a brutally honest and sometimes cynically sensational character, crushing the dreams of many hopefuls. Thankfully, that does not look like it is going to be the case. There does not always have to be some negative spin in order to up the entertainment value or draw a bigger crowd. I am excited for the new season, and grateful for a breath of fresh air. (Picture provided by: cliqueclack.com.)

Think, Think, Think...

What do you think about in a day? No, really. What thoughts are harboring in your consciousness? Since it is impossible to stop thinking, we must always be thinking something. And if we are constantly thinking, those thoughts are either good or bad. I believe that how we think and what we think about has a lot to do with our outcomes and experience in life.

One thing that I am personally working on is keeping my thoughts in check with how I want to live. If I want to live a positive life, I should stop thinking negative thoughts. But, how do I stop myself from thinking negative thoughts when it is clear that negative things happen daily?

It is important to discern the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. But once we have made that distinction, we decide which avenue we want to go down in our own consciousness. Taking the right path, or the positive path, is proactive, problem-solving, and efficient. The wrong path, or negative path, is counterproductive, useless, and frustrating. Essentially, I am referring to the classic metaphor of the glass being either half full or half empty.

It is practically impossible to think only good thoughts. I assure you I am not living in a dream world. But wouldn't that be a wonderful goal? To fix your thought so that it would always keep moving you forward, rather than in reverse or stuck at a stagnant state, would be a wise goal for everyone. Whenever we attempt to do this, there will be obvious differences - for the better - in our lives.

It seems like some people love living in negativity. When joy surrounds them, they would rather it wouldn't. Maybe it is amusing to complain all of the time, or point out the bad in everything, but I think it is a terrible rut they have gotten themselves into.

But, look at what I am doing. I am putting these people in a negative light. If I think of them as negative, that means they can have a negative impact on my consciousness. I certainly don't want to be affected by other's negativity. What I should always try to establish for these people is to know that they have the freedom and same access to good that I have. I shouldn't hold them captive to misery in my own thought. If I free myself from their bad thoughts, I am also freeing them from their bad thoughts.

We shouldn't put limitations on ourselves or others. If it is obvious that we only think or act a certain way because of the people in our lives or our circumstances, we should challenge if that really is the right way to think. Sometimes it is very difficult to leave a negative state of thinking for the positive, because the positive way seems much more difficult. It is well known that the right way is rarely the easy way.

I hope what I have written today makes sense. It is difficult to write about abstract things, such as thoughts, but I believe this is an extremely important concept to explore. Let's keep our thoughts in check, and be unafraid to put off limitations and go forward in the new year.

Santa's Little Helper - Third Chapter

Hmm...which person to shop for next? I know! It's always challenging to come up with gifts that will meet the high standards of teenage girls, but here are a few ideas that are surely up to par.

"Strong, smart, and bold."

Any item from Margot Elena's personal care line, Love & Toast, is the perfect present for a pretty girl. Not only are the designs youthful and spunky, but the quality of the products even surpass the adorable packaging. This is an instance where you can judge a book by it's cover. The various fragrances mainly consist of fresh fruits and florals. Overall, they have a very clean scent.

It seems like every teenager has their very own camera these days, and now you can encourage them to bring their photos off of the computer and onto their walls with Butch and Harold Stickr Frames. Talk about convenient cuteness! These frames require zero hooks and hammers during the application process. They simply peel on and off of the walls; no fuss, no muss.

The sticker frames pictured on the right also come in pink and brown. There are other styles and textures, such as the metallic frames and dry erase board, that are a part of the framing collection as well. You can move the frames around about eight times before they start to lose their stick. As long as you don't mess with them, they seem to stick forever!

"I'm a hoot! Really."

Okay. How charming is that little owl in a bottle cap? Edgy Petal bottle cap necklaces are handmade from recycled materials. These necklaces sort of speak for themselves, so I'll try to keep it brief. It is difficult to find her products online, so the best way to retrieve such a charm would be to come visit us at Notice in either Lake Geneva or Highland Park.

Lauren Gauger, the creator of Edgy Petal, first began when she was only 20 years old. Her inspiration comes from many different directions. I own a Wizard of Oz necklace, with Glenda the good witch of the North inside, and another completely filled with sprinkles. My sister has one with a little skull with a bow on it that she got for the Halloween season. I could go on and on about all of the many designs she has produced, but the list would be too long! What's great about sporting these necklaces is that you are truly wearing art while being eco-friendly. Each necklace is one-of-a-kind, which makes finding the perfect one that much more of a treasure. Well, so much for keeping it brief!

Now that these girls will be getting the adorable bottle cap necklaces, they will need a proper place to store them. Umbra has a small collection of jewelry hangers, which is an ideal way to keep your jewelry organized. This is also a great way to avoid tangling, while making it easier to see what you are working with when you are getting ready in the morning!

The jewelry hanger pictured on the right has an adorable dish on the top and bottom to place rings and earrings, and the necklaces and bracelets can be hung by the sweet little birds and hooks under the top dish. We carry a version of this jewelry hanger at Notice, but ours also has branches coming out of the middle that are able to be moved around.

Last, but certainly not least, are the craze we call string dolls. This phenomenon has traveled all the way from Thailand, and I am sure it has only just begun. Each doll is handcrafted from only one piece of string, and the accessories are added later. Similar to the Momiji dolls aforementioned, "The 'Original' String Doll Gang" serves the dual purpose of being cute and bringing a specific charm to their owners life. For example...

&

Each string doll is approximately two to three inches in height, and the lobster claw key ring adds and additional two inches. Their specific charm - or message - is attached to the key ring on a double-sided tag. All of the string dolls bring comfort and optimism to your day. I own Lady Liberty and Elfy, both of which were given to me as presents by my manager, and I love them! Elfy is currently strapped onto my Mosey convertible bag. View the entire gang, and their good intentions, by visiting Notice at either of their two locations.

It's good to know that the items on this list are not exclusive to teenage girls, but bring joy to people of all ages. Click here to visit Notice's website, and search for your favorite items from this gift giving guide. (All of the pictures were provided by their given website.)

Santa's Little Helper - Second Chapter

Now that I have given a lot of attention to finding the perfect gift for the style-savvy women in our lives, I am now going to focus on the children. This is, after all, their holiday; filled with magic, anticipation and excitement! I remember being a young child on Christmas morning. I felt sorry for my parents who never seemed to get any presents under the tree. Good thing Santa liked me!

All of the toys at Notice are do-it-yourself, create-your-own, hands-on sorts of toys. They are a great alternative to all that is battery powered now-a-days. These toys have a funky twist on old school concepts. Unwrapping these presents are sure to make the light bulb go off and put a smile on their face.

For example, Seedling is a New Zealand based toy company that puts together creative kits for creative kids. The kit pictured on the left is complete with everything young girls would need to create their very own dolly. Not only do they give you a lot of fabric and yarn to work with, but they also give directions teaching girls how to sow. I should get this kit and learn a few things!

There are also a lot of fun kits for boys. They even have an outdoor explorer kit, which includes a nature journal, creepy crawly critters, and a headlamp for nighttime adventures. 

For the future mechanic, I re-introduce the ever-so-popular Automoblox. These award-winning toys are essentially a lego version of the classic matchbox cars. Most of their body is made from wood, the accessories from plastic, and the tires are made from a soft rubber - which is easy on the home. These toy cars come in a lot of different makes, models and colors. Built by the children themselves, these cars will cruise the floor with a new sense of accomplishment. When you purchase multiple cars in the same size, you can mix and match the parts to create your own model!

These toys are not only cool, but they are official. Don't forget to register your car at the Automoblox Owner's Club. You will then receive your custom 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), as well as many perks that only members have the privilege of getting.

Next on the nice list are the adorable, and irresistible Momiji dolls. Measuring in at approximately three inches tall, these hand-painted figures are sure to bring out the joyous child in all of us. Since they are collectables, their nature is timeless and their designs are classic. It is a great gift for the young girls, for it will teach them the importance of kindness and giving. How, you ask? Each Momiji doll has a folded card hidden inside, which serves the purpose of passing along your own secret message to a dear friend.

Each of my young-hearted friends should expect a Momiji doll from me this Christmas. They are too sweet not to share! What a perfect way to spread the cheer. Anything with a personal touch always adds to the sentimental value of a gift. Speaking of personal touch, each doll has specific characteristics that are fun to match up with your own friends. For example...Love, pictured above - holding the heart, likes lollypops and love letters. Hmm. Do I have a friend that likes lollypops and love letters?

The next gift that is sure to please are the robot-themed Piperoids. Origami is revived by these paper robots with pizazz and intrigue. Similar to the Momiji dolls, each Piperoid has individual traits specific to each character. In order to bring them to life, it is up to you to transform their paper pipes into the predetermined shape. No glue is required for them to maintain their form, and their movable joints allow you to adjust their pose when the inspiration strikes.

The two Piperoids above are
the rockin' out Guyzer and Bean.

Originally, they were designed to provide a childlike experience for adults. Although this may be true, I have noticed that people are typically buying them for children. Apparently, these little figures have the ability to bring out the child in all of us. And trust me...they look more complicated than they actually are, but the process is simple enough for children to understand. The only supplies needed are a pair of scissors and able fingers. These robots come in a thin envelope that would be ideal to use as stocking stuffers. They are also a great collectors item.

The next product, which is ideal for nurturing the artist in each child, is the Modern-Twist placemat for kidz. This item comes in a variety of art scenes, and should be colored on with washable or dry erase markers. Although, each placemat comes with a box of washable markers, you can still use your own. In order to avoid staining from the marker, it is wise to wash the placemats regularly.

By children using the Modern-Twist placemats, they are also contributing to a green way of living. This product is made from silky-food grade and hand silk-screened silicone, which makes it extremely durable and easy to travel with. Each placemat is sold individually, and is measured at 14 x 16 inches. This design-inspired company encourages children to "color again and again." The owl placemat is my personal favorite (pictured right), but there are so many adorable art scenes - it is difficult to even choose a favorite!

Question: What's hip from Holland? Answer: Three-dimensional puzzles...that's what! Each boxed set comes with a variety of puzzle pieces that can take shape in various objects and forms. Forget the old-fashioned puzzle that only gives you one picture to work towards. Now children have the ability to choose the fate of their puzzle.

Notice carries select products from the Totem Collection. The suggested age is six and up, but it was even a challenge for me to assemble the dragon - after accidentally knocking it off of the shelf. Probably something I shouldn't be bragging about, but at least I can say I was attempting to do it without the directions. Since these clever puzzle parts are a fun challenge, they make a great toy for the mind and soul. It is important that children experience the feeling of accomplishment that is achieved in a creative way, as the Hip from Holland toys provide.  

I hope this post has enlightened your thought on what is out there for children this holiday season. I believe that it is so important for children to actually play and use their imagination, rather than let the toy do all of the work. All of these toys nurture creativity, promote learning, and are loved by children and parents alike. Click here to visit Notice's website, or enjoy a day of shopping at either of their two locations. (All of the pictures were provided by their given website.)

Santa's Little Helper - First Chapter

Notice is located in Lake Geneva, WI,
and Highland Park, IL.

Since I currently work at a boutique that prides itself on having products that are ahead of the trends, I thought I would share some gift ideas for this holiday season - specifically from their store. I know some people have had all of their presents bought before Thanksgiving, but I know there are still a lot of us that aren't that efficient! For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle, I present the first chapter to a great giving guide for our loved ones.

I love shopping at boutiques - as opposed to department stores and shopping malls - because there is usually a lot of thought that goes into each product they carry. After all...it's the thought that counts. Shopping at boutiques won't ensure the best buy, but it will ensure that your gift recipient will feel special. Chances are you will be giving them a gift they hadn't even heard about yet, which is always exciting. At Notice, you are guaranteed to find a great gift for anyone on your list.

For women with style, and a flare for the up-and-coming, I would suggest any of the following designers. All of the mentioned products and designers can be found at notice-this.com.

Freshie & Zero is a jewelry line that is "made with love and a hammer." I'm serious! The metal of choice is often molded to the chain in this manner. She purposefully leaves the marks from the hammer in the newly shaped metal - it is her signature look.

My mother owns a Freshie & Zero lariat necklace and oval-shaped earrings that she absolutely adores. She cannot count all of the times that people have complimented her on them. This is the perfect jewelry line for every type of woman. Even women who are self-proclaimed "not big jewelry people" end up loving this line. The design aesthetic is clean and simple, with an artistic edge.

My favorite is the blue clutch.

Next we have the recycled-chic handbags from Escama Studio. These purses are handmade by women in Brazil from recycled pop tops. Not only are they unique, but purchasing them supports their economy and craft. People often remark that they could do the same, but forget to consider the great artisanship and quality that is given to each product. They're durable, flexible, and the aluminum will never tarnish.

I have to admit that I didn't have the love-at-first-sight reaction, but I sure love them now! They're different, but that is why they make such great conversation starters. Women who own them usually come back to get another for themselves, and their friends. They are handwoven with a variety of vibrant and earthy colors to choose from.

When it comes to fine leather goods, MyWalit is the one-stop shop. Known for their use of color, MyWalit has the brightest and best wallets on the market - in my opinion, of course. Depending on how much you are looking to spend, there are a variety of leather products that are suitable for anyone on your list.

One of my favorites is the Credit Card and I.D. Holder, which is a thin sleeve with just enough slots in it for a night out. There are definite times when you don't want to have to carry a purse or chunky wallet with you, and the many variations of the MyWalit sleeve is the perfect solution at a reasonable price! This particular product can be found under their 'men's wallet's' and 'ladies wallet's' sections of their website. Their extensive and eclectic color combinations are sure to match your recipients particular style - or yours, for that matter.

For the environmentally savvy consumer comes a handbag line made completely from recycled plastic bottles. Mosey is not only adorable and functional, but you are supporting Mother Earth by carrying these bags! I just bought the Convertible, their most popular bag, which is an over-the-shoulder bag that can be converted into a backpack. I love it! I mostly wear it as a backpack, which is much more comfortable when shopping than having to worry about a purse. There are so many different places to store all of your things, thus remaining organized, and you can avoid the difficult search of digging around in a bottomless pit!

Isn't that dog adorable?!

A lot of the women in my family own their own Mosey bags now, too. My grandma and my aunt have the Gadabout, while my mom has the Walkabout - pictured on the left. The Walkabout is great because it can be converted into either an over the shoulder handbag, clutch, or fanny pack. I know you don't think fanny packs are cool or acceptable, but trust me, this one is! Their is something so effortlessly chic about all of their handbags, as well as overnight bags. They have surely thought of a bag for every occasion, and they meet the many diverse needs of women on-the-go. They have a very sporty, down-to-earth look that is fit for most women. When visiting their site, pay close attention to the interesting color combinations of each bag - especially the lining.  

I will continue to post great giving ideas throughout the week, to help during this festive and busy time. For those who cannot make it out to boutiques, now is the ideal time to shop online. I encourage everyone to visit notice-this.com, while continuing to search for the perfect presents. They also have a page dedicated to great gift ideas. Happy shopping! (All of the pictures were provided by their given website.)

Thanks-living

In a hymn we sing at my church, it reads: "Gratitude is riches; complaint is poverty." When I first noticed this little note of inspiration, it was written on my dad's desk years ago. It is a saying that has really stuck in my mind, and for that I am truly grateful! It is such a great reminder that our wealth and value in life comes from how we look at it, which attitude we decide to bring to each situation. We mistakenly think of gratitude as an aftereffect, but it is actually an outlook that brings daily blessings that would otherwise go unnoticed.

I have a lot to be grateful for. It is a fact that simply cannot be argued. I try to express and acknowledge my gratitude daily. I believe that recognizing your blessings is the healthiest and happiest way to live life. It is so important to live in the moment, and notice that joy is attainable in the present - not something we have to anxiously wait for. We should not set ourselves up for failure by deciding that we will only be truly happy once we can afford designer products, marry Mr. or Mrs. Right, or get that dream job. If you cannot feel gratitude now, chances are you won't feel it once you attain whatever it is you thought you always wanted.

Today is Thanksgiving, but everyday is an opportunity for Thanks-living. Everyday there is something to be grateful for. Those who have the attitude of gratitude in the present, are sure to have gratitude for eternity. The instant we recognize the good we already have, it opens the door for more goodness to come our way. We don't always have the ability to change the situation we are in, but we always have the ability to change our attitude about it. What a freedom!            

We have all heard that good things happen to good people, and that is because these people are constantly expecting and discovering good for themselves and others. There is never a lack of goodness; and this goodness can be expressed at any time, at any place, by anyone. Even if we are momentarily feeling a lack of goodness or gratitude in our own lives, we can recognize the good in others lives and expressions. This will eventually lead us to the realization that good was never absent in our own life.        

I am grateful that we set aside specific days to celebrate and acknowledge the wholesomeness in our lives. Thanksgiving rings in the holiday season. It is a time I treasure. I believe that we are all aware of the great need to understand the deeper meaning of the holiday season. It is easy to become frazzled because of the high expectations during this busy time, but here is an idea that has always helped me in high-pressure situations: It is not about impressing, it is about expressing. I think this to myself any time I feel the need to re-prioritize my responsibilities.

I also wanted to share the following words of wisdom with you that one of my dear friends shared with me. I had told her that I hoped to write a post on Thanksgiving, and soon after she sent me a very helpful email. Her yoga instructor started one of her classes with these readings on the concept of gratitude.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow."

I end this post with warm wishes, and I hope that everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving. Let it be filled with love, life, and grateful expressions! However we choose to celebrate this great holiday, I know we will feel the love, give love, and acknowledge that love is ever-present.

Glamorous

Every month I look forward to receiving my Glamour subscription in the mail. I love magazines, but I especially love glamour and Glamour. It is sophisticated, fun and intriguing, without being trashy - like the ever-so-popular Cosmopolitan tends to be.

My career goal is to work for a magazine that has the same values and passions that I have. To me, magazines are the most creative and spontaneous publication out there. I love flipping through their glossy pages, admiring the layout, design, and content that continues to lure me in month after month. It is ever-changing, and yet there is a consistency that you can depend on. When I have felt isolated from society, particularly at my college that was out in the middle of nowhere, magazines were my connection back to it.

This month's issue of Glamour honored the "Women of the Year" for 2010, for the 20th time in the magazine's history. The cover was graced by Fergie, one of Glamour's featured "Women of the Year," for her many outstanding accomplishments. Some of the other honored women included Julia Roberts, Cher, Katie Spotz, and Queen Rania - to name a select few. None of these women are considered "Women of the Year" for superficial reasons, of course. They have each demonstrated true grace and good living, by challenging themselves to beat the odds.

In the magazine, Katie Couric interviewed Fergie about the wonderful year she had had. They also delved into her past, and how it has affected her present and future. While reflecting on her success, Fergie mentioned something that I definitely thought was worth sharing. She said, "[If] you start making the right choices for yourself...you'd be surprised how addicting high self-esteem is." Bingo! That is the message I always hope to send with this blog I have started.

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, yeah.

Fergie is a woman who has admittedly made some wrong decisions in her life, but she is not defined by them. She has turned her life around for the better, and that is admirable. We should never fear that our life has been imperfect, but rather challenge ourselves to live a life that's true and joyful. This does not have to be a challenge - per say, but it is wise to constantly have a higher goal before you.

I think we all can agree that it is a complete waste of time to sit around and worry about the past. We cannot go backward, we can only move forward. I have found that people are surprisingly forgiving, and truly want to see the best version of you. It is incredibly refreshing, as Fergie indicated, to live the right life.

I thank Glamour for continuing to highlight admirable women, instead of the women who thrive off of negative attention. I believe that it is so important to shine light on the good in this world. I would encourage everyone to pick up this month's issue - full of inspiration and style. Visit the website by going to glamour.com. (Picture provided by: accesshollywood.com.)