A Fascinating Story from Peculiar Photos

"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away."--Eudora Welty

Last year I posted about the Cottingley Fairies that turned out to be altered images in vintage photographs. To my surprise, I happened upon a book that has woven am interesting fictional story around peculiar vintage photographs.  The book is called Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and I just cannot put it down!

The book's main character is Jacob Portman who is on an adventure to discover the true origin and meaning of the magical stories and pictures his grandfather shared with him. His grandfather's last words before he dies encourages Jacob to travel to Wales to learn about his peculiar past. What Jacob discovers is much more peculiar than he could have imagined, but you will have to read the book to learn more! 

After reading this book, I was more curious about the author and wanted to learn more about him. I have always wondered about the discarded photos that I see in thrift and antique stores. They have always sparked emotions as well as questions in my mind as to who the people were and what happened to them that their memories have ended up for sale in a store. Turns out, Mr. Riggs collects these types photos as a hobby. He especially enjoys finding ones that include handwritten messages on them. He recently published a book called Talking Pictures: Images and Messages Rescued from the Past.  Just fascinating, but then again I love genealogy too! View the video below to learn more about the book. 

“All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life, there in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don't show the million decisions that led to that moment.”--Richard Bach

Meet My New Best Friend

I have a new best friend! Her name is Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System. A friend at work introduced us and we've been bffs ever since!

This product is inexpensive and easy to use. I bought it for right under $30 which is significantly less expensive than some similar products on the market. The brush is super soft which was an initial concern of mine since I have sensitive skin.

A sample size of the Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser comes with the system. This cleanser is very gentle and I have found it good for sensitive skin. i like to use the brush and the cleanser in the shower in the morning. The combination leaves my face feeling as if have had a mini facial each time I use it.  

I like to follow it up with the Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum and Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream as part of my anti-aging skin regimen.   

I highly recommend trying this product -- it's a great value and so far very effective! 

Do you have favorite anti-aging products? If so, leave me a comment with what it is and what you love about it! 

Weekend Adventures with the Travel Channel

“It is with true love as it is with ghosts; everyone talks about it, but few have seen it.” -- Francois de La Rochefoucauld


Lately the hubbs and I have become intrigued by Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel. I am still not sure that either of us quite believe in the existence of ghosts, but between the entertaining cast, their visits to historic places all over the world, and their approach  for obtaining evidence of paranormal activity, we can't help but watch! 

Nick Groff, Zak Bagans, and Aaron Goodwin

The Ghost Adventures Team is made up of Zak Bagans, Nick Groff, and Aaron Goodwin. The three lock themselves down from dusk to dawn in haunted locations after interviewing eyewitnesses and historians to learn about  history of the location and the paranormal experiences people have had there. The information they gather provides them with ammunition to provoke the ghosts with during their lockdowns. The team then analyzes their findings with experts in the paranormal field.

I have often wondered why these historic places would want to lend their name and their image to a show such as this one, but apparently this type of exposure is important to these places because they are often suffering financially.  I came across two articles in the Wall Street Journal that address this issue through the examples of the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut and  Edith Wharton's Estate and Gardens in Lenox, Massachusetts. Click here and here to read the articles from the Wall Street Journal online.

The Mark Twain House

The Mount, Edith Wharton's Estate and Gardens

The show is a lot of fun and you get to learn about the interesting and historic locations they visit! Check it out on the Travel Channel sometime!

"An idea, like a ghost, must be spoken to a little before it will explain itself." -- Charles Dickens

Social Stationery

 “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” -- Emily Post

I recently attended a writing etiquette workshop at a local stationery and gift store. The workshop focused on the importance of written correspondence and having social stationery on hand for all occasions.

We discussed the intricacies of addressing envelopes and the best formula for composing polished thank you notes.The workshop left me a little confused, since audience members seemed to disagree with the workshop leader's insights. Let's just say that I will continue to depend upon reference books to help me with my notes ! Here are a few of my favorite books to reference...

Manners by Kate Spade

                                                                      

How to Say It by Rosalie Maggio

Send by David Shipley and Will Schwalbe

The Etiquette Advantage In Business by Peggy Post and Peter Post

                             

The workshop did allow me to browse new stationery trends! Below are a few of my favorite stylish stationery brands...

Amy Butler

Jonathan Adler

Lilly Pulitzer

Kate Spade

“Those who have mastered etiquette, who are entirely, impeccably right, would seem to arrive at a point of exquisite dullness.”  -- Dorothy Parker

Cirque du Soleil

Hubbs and I had an amazing time at Cirque du Soleil's OVO the other night! It was truly a feast for all the senses! 


The show transported us into an environment teeming with all kinds of insects, brightly colored vegetation, and beautiful floral scents. The insects worked, played and loved with amazing energy before our eyes!  Incredible feats take place, fabulous music energizes the crowd, and there's some comedy in there too!


At one point in the show, we were introduced to the OVO, an egg which peaks the curiosity of the insects and encourages reflection upon the astounding cycle of life! I don't want to give anymore away -- you have to see it for yourself! 

 Check out a preview of the show below!

Celestial Seasonings

I like to think I am becoming a connoisseur of Celestial Seasonings Tea. I love to drink one of their herbal teas before bed. 

My all time favorite nighttime tea is  Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea. The calming effects of the chamomile and the sweetness of the orange blossoms is a winning combination. I am also a little nostalgic for it, since my grandparents would make it for me before bed at night. I think it continues to help me unwind and get a great night's sleep! Plus, I cannot resist the sleepy bear on the box! It's always been my trusty standby, but lately I have been a little adventurous, sampling a few of the other products Celestial Seasonings has to offer. 

Their Honey Vanilla Chamomile is another favorite. The sweet honey aroma and the creamy taste of vanilla helps me relax and enjoy the last couple minutes before bed time with some gingersnap cookies. It's also great to drink if I am feeling under the weather because of it's soothing qualities.  

Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer Tea  is my newest discovery. I love the aromas of cinnamon, licorice, lemon and peppermint that tickles my nose. The spicy ginger and cooling peppermint flavors revitalizes and invigorates me after a stressful day. I find myself always brewing another cup! 

Do you drink Celestial Seasonings Tea? What flavors do you enjoy?

Book Review:The Help

Got to finish The Help by Kathryn Stockett for my upcoming book club meeting, but first I must catch the premiere of White Collar with my hubbs.  Can't wait to see what happens to Mozzie after last season's cliffhanger! And of course, what will Neal be wearing??? 

But before I go, I wanted to share an interesting article that I stumbled upon on wsj.com. Click here to read about the Keeper of Curiosities, Janet Carding, director of the Royal Ontario Museum. What an interesting place and may a say one of the most exciting jobs I've come across recently! Thoughts?

By the way, I can't get over how infectious the song on the new Kindle commercial is! It's got the hubbs and I dancing in our living room! Check it out below! Two words -- more cowbell!