Shape up for summer

Can't fit into last year's summer clothes? Well I am sure that you are not alone but don't despair there still time to get in shape for summer. I have found skipping to be a very useful activity and have introduced 20 minutes per day of skipping into my daily routine as I find it more and more difficult to get to the gym. Always check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise program.

This talking digital skipping rope is ideal for burning calories and is fitted with moulded handles for better grip.

Count your steps and the calories you burn with this top of the range Tanita pedometer. Fitted with a metal clip, this handy gadget can be worn round your neck or on a belt loop. Designed to track your steps, distance and calories used, this pedometer also features a clock and a stopwatch.

Eternal re/turning

Burner, The at the helm of a rudderless ship once again. Steers, veers, and get used to it:






























You can dance if you want to.

Military style jackets and multi-pocketed jackets

If you are looking for some casual military style jackets for your wardrobe then take a look at this military style jacket in cavalry style by Nastrovje Potsdam

This khaki jacket is double breasted with attractive buttons and a stand up collar. Casual and fun style jacket.


I like this Tommy Hilfiger slim fittting blazer with flap pockets. The only thing military about this jacket are the buttons but it is really chic and teams well with jeans. The jeans detailing on the jacket at the cuffs, lapels and back makes this jacket a real find.



This multi pocketed ONeill jacket is made from high quality 100% cotton fabric. Buttons are imprinted with the O'Neill logo which is also embroidered on the breast of the jacket.

The Catwalk at Wimbledon 2009

Every year the warm up wardrobe at Wimbledon gets more fashionable and this year Wimbledon 2009 is no different. There are those who criticize this move to fashionable warm up wardrobe and find it rediculous. But when you think about it the grand slams and Wimbleton in particular is the biggest stage for world tennis. Let's face it else each game at a grand slam competition is a day at the office for the athletes. Who does not want to look their best on a stage such as this.

Wimbleton for tennis players is like the red carpet only for them it is green grass. So why not let the players have their moment on the grass courts?

picture from http://www.guardian.co.uk/


American tennis icon Serena Williams appeared wearing the classic trench coat. Serena's trench coat is short and white with a flared skirt and a bit reminiscent of Per Una Antibes Belted Mac.

The shimmering finish of this coat simply shouts class and quality. The long flared sleeves and flared skirtline is really feminine and flattering.



Next we have Maria Sharapova in her military-inspired belted jacket. The military look is a big trend for 2009 with looks ramging from rock chic military jackets to feminine military jackets as well as the bohemian look military jacket.

Military looks from Temperley, Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, Derek Lam & Collette Dinnigan.


Military jacket trend - street style. Photos by Garance Dore

If this were a contest Rodger Federer would win hands down with this multi-pocketed jacket one of the key men's wear products for spring/summer 2010.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Multi-pocketed jackets from Versace's autumn/winter 2009/2010 collection. Picture from http://www.fashionblog.it/

Technical Difficulties!

I know I said I would be posting more photos from Walnut today, but I am going to have to postpone that ~ hopefully I will be able to do it tomorrow as long as bookclub doesn't do me in for the night!

The scene below is similar to what surrounded me on my drive home from work this evening ~ shortly after I arrived home the rain hit and then the power went out. So much for cleaning and vacuuming ~ much less any time on the computer ~ the scots barely managed to scamper outside, take a whiz and race back inside before the downpour! D and I made the best of it ~ lit some candles, settled down with a drink and a rousing game of scrabble (I won this time!) ~ the power returned just about the time we finished the game.

So, now no more procrastinating ~ time to tidy up for my bookclub! I'm hoping for a nice evening so we can sit out on the deck and no one will have much opportunity to notice my poor housekeeping skills!

{image from stacked plates}

Walnut 2009 ~ The Journey

Armed with one of my newest and proudest purchases, Dick and I set out for Walnut, Iowa at the crack of dawn ~ at least for me, that means around 7ish. This is either our 6th or 7th year going to the Walnut Antiques Show ~ our first ever with a vintage rolling cart! Collapsible, no less!!! Looks like Dennis the Menace became a businessman ~ I must have missed that episode.

Once we loaded up and headed out, there were some beautiful sights to see along the way ~ gorgeous farms, tilled fields and old fashioned windmills sharing the view with the modern telephone pole and wires.

Stanton is a little town we decided to make a detour through as we didn't want to miss the largest coffee pot and cup and saucer! Not only does Stanton boast these roadside attractions, but it is also the birthplace of Mrs. Olsen of Folger's Coffee fame. We had hoped to dine at Susie's Kitchen in Stanton, but unfortunately, Susie's was closed due to illness ~ here's hoping you are feeling better Susie!

As Walnut is quite a distance for us to travel ~ and the antique show is too large to get through in one day, we usually camp out for one night at Lake Anita ~ in the tiny town of Anita ~ about 20 miles east of Walnut. I'm not a big camper (some day I will tell my spider story), but with views like these below it is quite enjoyable.

{view from our campsite}

{our campsite ~ good old #51!}

{even the picnic table was beautiful ~ love the weathered paint and the moss}

On the way from the campsite to Walnut, we pass through another small town called Atlantic ~ here a beautiful stone entrance to the town's cemetery. I noticed there was a section of the cemetery with a sign marked "Babyland" ~ I don't know that I have ever seen a cemetery with a specialized area like that ~ it made me feel sad for those families that had lost a member so young.

As we drove through Atlantic, we also passed the restaurant we planned to eat dinner at Friday evening ~ I think they knew we were coming! The Feed Lot is known for its prime rib, so that is what we both had ~ it was quite tasty and the place was very crowded ~ we waited just about an hour to get seated.

As we approached the town of Walnut, we noticed some new additions ~ modern windmills everywhere! I don't remember seeing any of these last year, so the windmill builders have been busy. These structures are actually somewhat mesmerizing ~ I found I just couldn't look away ~ they are massive in size ~ I think about 60 ft high ~ at some vantage points, windmills as far as the eye can see. I also found the juxtaposition of the old and new an interesting and quite harmonious contrast.

Finally, the Welcome to Walnut sign ~ time to unload the cart and get shopping! Tomorrow, tune in for some photos at the antique show!