Monday, November 30, 2009

Home Sweet Home

I'm finally back home after being out of town for a week and a half. As much as I love traveling and visiting family and friends, I really, really love being home.

They say "Home is where the heart is," and I believe this is true. It's also true that "Home is where my kitties are," and I'm slightly out of sorts (more so than usual) when I'm not with them.

Here are a few pics of my visit to Denver. Some of the highlights included a party my family threw for me in honor of my receiving agent representation, getting to see my writer BFF, Julie, and, of course, spending time with my 11-week old niece, Devyn Rae.

What is it you love about your home? What is it that makes you love it more than any other place on earth? What, if anything, would you change if you could?

IN OTHER NEWS
Here's a link to my first "official" interview after signing with an agent. And here's a link to Writer's Digest where I'm also featured.

Also, as promised, my next post will be about how it felt to sign the agent/author contract (which I've reviewed via email and will receive in the mail this week) and what it was like to receive my first "Editorial Notes" from my agent.

...

The Hills 5x19

http://rapidshare.com/files/314433794/The_Hill_-_05_-_19.avi

The City 1x22

http://rapidshare.com/files/314520911/The_City_-_01_-_22.avi

Saturday, November 28, 2009

INCOMING!

Man Shops Globe- Sundance Channel


Keith Johnson- Anthropology Buyer

What more can anyone ask for when they're able to travel and shop??...To get paid for it! My new t.v. best friend Keith Johnson has the job of my dreams traveling all over the world searching for the perfect items to feature in the one of a kind store Anthropology. You can follow him while he travels to places from India to Argentina seeking out artifacts that holds true to the Anthropology style.

Natives from each destination act as guides for Johnson, taking him to overlooked artisan warehouses, small antique shops, or design conventions. The way he examines pieces and recontructs them to transform their purpose is amazing and inspiring. He instantly knows what does and doesn't work for his clientele and quickly moves to the next destination if nothing tickles his fancy.

The pressure of producing an interesting presentation for his bosses at Anthropology is the only thing that could possibly stop this from being the best job ever...but with his eye, it's a cake walk. Recently while in Chicago, I perused the Anthropology store in the Gold Coast and was so excited when I saw a birdcage from India that Johnson picked out on the show. I didn't think it would fit in my suitcase though.

If you haven't seen the show yet, catch up on Comcast On Demand or tune in to the Sundance channel Wednesday nights at 10pm.

-Doni W.

Item of the Day- Black Friday Find


 Click image to purchase
 
Normally, I refrain from the Black Friday madness--the shoving in line, the race to grab the last pair of sale jeans, and the hours of waiting in line before the store opens--not my cup of tea. But yesterday I did get out at a sensible time, 10:30, and hit a few stores to see what they had to offer.

Express had an amazing sale that I couldn't participate in because it ended at noon and the time was 11:32am and I just can't shop under that type of pressure. Forever21 did in fact have $6 jeans...that I already owned, so that didn't help, and I forgot to print off my Macy's coupon so I couldn't get a pair of Levi's for $19. Looks like I sould have taken my own sales advice. 

I did pick up this dress from Charlotte Russe for a steal! The original price was $32, but it rang up for $19 with an extra 25% off! That got me into the holiday spirit :-). Just in case you buy it too, just note that I will be wearing mine to Creme de la Ceme December 4th at GFAC. I don't mind telling you because this could prevent a disastrous situation (me wearing my dress better than you, lol...kidding).

See you there

-Doni W.

VBR


HQ/VBR

How it snows in California

Friday, November 27, 2009

Rebels


Seasonal pictorial

Peppermint Mochas.

Lyle's mother posses at Stats (she plays well with me).

Our Christmas tree has been purchased, lit, and will be flocked and delivered tomorrow!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Black Friday Sale Run-down

Everything you need to know about the big sales tomorrow!



Urban Outfitters: Free shipping on orders over $75. Enter FREEBIRD at checkout.

Charlotte Russe: Now through tomorrow 25% off everything and free shipping on orders over $60

American Eagle Outfitters: Thanksgiving Day Only 25% off of every order and Free Shipping

Karmaloop: Save 15%... use code ONEFIVE

Target: DVD's $3.99 while supplies last, 32' Flat Screen $246

Old Navy: Today Only $10 off purchases over $50, and all outerwear 50% off.



Jacket- Old Navy. Click image to purchase

Apple.com: A top secret one-day online shopping event. No details yet.

Oak Nyc: 20% off Clothing and Shoes now through Monday

Macy's: Save an extra $10 on any purchase over $25 (sale and clearance items included). Must print online coupon!

JcPenney: Online "Screen Buster" Deals, women's coats up to 65% off, and Door Busters in-store tomorrow starting at 5am

American Apparel: T-SHIRTS DOWN TO $5 RIGHT NOW!!

Bebe: Items starting at $29

Forever21: DENIM STARTING AT $6 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST


Jeans- Forever21 click image to purchase


Armani Exchange: $50 off purchases over $150

Hot Topic: Band Tee's buy one get one 50% off

Bakers Shoes: Buy one get one 50% off online NOW!

Nordstrom: Up to 50% off Women's items

Guess: 25% off full priced merchandise

No go SHOP SHOP SHOP!!!!

-Doni W.

Thanksgiving

With all this talk about what we should all be thankful for this week I wanted to share some part of a conversation I was having with my cousin Julie.

We were talking about cars and car colors. I mentioned that I had a real dislike of grey cars because when you drive them in the rain they blend in with the pavement, like where I grew up in the Pacific Northwest:
Although the rainy season can last as long as eight months or more, it is usually about six months long, leaving Bellingham with a picturesque late spring and mild, pleasant summer. Although Bellingham receives an average annual rainfall of 34.8 inches (880 mm), many long weeks of short and cloudy days are commonplace in winter.


At which point Julie points out to me that I don't live in the Pacific Northwest anymore.

And we start a discussion of things we are thankful for because she and I both no longer live in the Pacific Northwest.

Julie: The amount of sandals I can wear without my toes getting wet. The fact that if I want, I can buy suede or leather. I love the fact you could buy those boots (at H&M) – they would be ruined in 2.5 seconds in our home state.

Me: I can wear my shoes from one end of the house to the other, outside, to the store, back home and put my feet up on the ottoman without ever having to worry about getting mud on everything.

Julie: I can wear my hair curly or straight because the lack of humidity allows me to straighten it and not have it frizz all over!

Me: I’m wearing shorts the day before Thanksgiving.

Julie: I am in sandals and a sleeveless top – have a light jacket over it for court at 3pm. I still haven’t turned my heat on yet!

Me: I’m blond year round!

I promise there are many things I miss about The Great Wet North, first and foremost are my family and friends. But I want to remind all those relatives and friends that I have a guest room where it is always summer and I would be most thankful to host you here.

You're My Angels Here on Earth...

Today is a day to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. I'm grateful for so many people and things, I hardly know where to begin. Suffice it to say, I'm happy, healthy, and surrounded by love, support, and inspiration. These are greater blessings than I ever could have imagined.

And, I'm thankful for each of you. The readers of my blog are truly amazing. You bring smiles, wisdom, and laughter to my life, and for that, I will always be grateful. Thanks to you for making this past year one of the best of my life.

This is my small gift to you, my dear friends, for all that you have given me:

Angels On Earth
You are my brilliant angels, floating on your way
Dancing on your moonbeams, treasuring your days
I know you from a distance, I read your visions grand
You give me so much more than I could ever understand
Your presence is my blessing, your words I hold so dear
Your souls are perfect angels, beauty bringing me to tears
How can I express the many ways you've moved my soul?
The magic that I dance upon, the wisdom you bestow?
How can I ever thank you for your gifts so deep and bright?
To honor you, I'll carry on my journey towards The Light...

D.L.Schubert 11.26.09

Also, if you get the chance, hop on over to my MySpace and listen to the song, "Rooftops." That's my other gift to you.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Please know, I am deeply, deeply grateful.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Iem of the Day- Kate Spade Wallet







Click image to purchase
How small and cute? And the perfect gift for the holiday. For the New Yorker at heart (me!) or the true New York lady, this wallet is the perfect touch to add to her already fabulous bag and amazing shoes. Kate Spade is known for her clean, simple, and girly designs that can stand the test of time and trends. This is a perfect example of that aesthetic. Nothing will cheer a lady up faster than a shiny candy apple accessory. Click the image to purchase (it's super affordable).

-Doni W.





Tuesday, November 24, 2009

CHOOsey

Hey, remember when I slagged off on the Jimmy Choo collection debuting at H&M? Guess who went in today a week and half AFTER it launched and bought that pair of grey suede boots?

Oh heck, you already know the answer. They're a little tight and they were the LAST pair of them in the store. So I don't know if a half size up would have been better or totally loosey-goosey on me. What I do know is that I have a few days to test them out here at home on the carpet and then return them if I don't like them. Either way, I just love getting what I want.

No, they're not brown or beige. That's the reflection from the table. They are very much a grey suede. Ah suede... only in Los Angeles can you be considered a winter boot material...

Welcome To The Mad House


Some love her and some hate her. Some think she can't sing and some think she can. I for one, am a Rihanna fan but I am not putting her at the top of my list for greatest singers of this decade. I will say that lyrically this album takes the cake on a lot of album released this year. She channels all of her pain and anguish from a bad relationship (ahem! Chris Brown) and put it all into songs that anyone who has been hurt can feel, whether or not you think she can blow. The album opens up with a intro that is supposed to scare ("MAD HOUSE"), but in actuality, it makes me smile. I am loving this new, darker Rihanna! The promo single "Wait Your Turn" is the first song that invades your ears. I feel as though this song could have been left off the album, but she quickly makes up for it with the Young Jeezy featured single, "HARD". And this beat does indeed goes hard. Rihanna proclaims she is the "baddest chick in heels right here!" I'm sure you will find yourself nodding your head to this banger. "Stupid In Love" comes next and I think this song hits home for a lot of people who are vulnerable enough to go back to a bad relationship over and over again but then realize they are not stupid in love, just a little dumb. I Definitely could see this being a single. Gun N Roses Slash appears on the braggadocious single "Rock Star 101" and Ne-Yo pens the first single "Russian Roulette" which is Rihanna twelfth top ten hit. "Fire Bomb" comes next and this song seems to fit so well with Rihanna rough and nasally island-voice along with the ride or die song G4L (which stands for Gangster 4 Life) where she is simply saying she is going to ride or die for her best friend, no matter what. "I lick the gun when I'm done cuz you know that revenge is SWEET" the good girl gone NASTY sings.
Ms Fenty also shines on the Will.I.Am assisted single "Photographs" another song that shows that Rihanna has found the right sound for her voice. The song that really made this album pop! is the Y's produced "Cold Case Love" 6:04 of bleeding love gone wrong. The album ends with "The Last Song", a perfect way to end this dark and edgy sound that Rihanna is going for this time around. I'm not going to say this album is better than Good Girl Gone Bad but it is an improvement lyrically and image wise. Rihanna's got this in the bag!

Burn Rubber Causes a Frenzy on Black Friday




 
Sneaker feinds get ready, Burn Rubber Shoe Boutique in Royal Oak, MI is having a sale on Black Friday that I'm sure will wipe out their entire stock. They must want the rest of the weekend off because they have 50% off of the entire floor from 10:00-10:27am and for the remainder of the day the sales are as follows:
  • 60% Off Spring Jackets
  • 30% Off All Burn Rubber Hats 
  • All T-Shirts Buy One Get One 50% off
  • 40%-70% Off All Women’s Shoes
  • 30% Of Crewnecks & Hoodies
  • 10%-70% Off Men’s Shoes
  • 50% Off All Other Hats
  • 40% Off All Button Ups
  • 50% Off All G-Shocks 
  • 25% Off All Fall Outerwear 
  • 50% Off All Pants Including Levis & 10.Deep
  • Free Limited Edition “All Black Everything” Black Friday T-Shirt With Every Purchase Over $500
I wonder if this will get as crazy as the old women in Wal-Mart...we shall see.

-Doni W.

Item of The Day: Juicy Couture Doggie Pointelle Pyjama Set



Juicy Couture has a new set of thermals out. I'm not afraid to wear pink, but this is too much for me, so I guess I'd share it with the ladies. The top is embroidered with the predictable “Juicy” in sequin letters and the bottoms have "CHOOSE SLEEP" sewn across the waist band in a deep red.

Now if you have these, I hope you really don't JUST sleep in these. I mean, they're perfect for a slumber party event. Click items for pricing.

-Christopher Nic.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

full4lbuw


v0b


R4D4R V0B


3 V0B

$$$$$$$


1. (Fuck Him) He's A DJ (3:35)
2. Backstabber (3:09)
3. Blah Blah Blah (2:20)
4. Boots & Boys (3:24)
5. Chain Reaction (3:03)
6. Dinosaur (2:54)
7. Disgusting (4:19)
8. TiK ToK (3:19)


Saturday, November 21, 2009

LLE


T33N


2009


2008







Item of The Day: Topshop Chain Necklace



Okay, the necklace is not really metal chain. It's 100% plastic, but still super cute. The hot pink color makes it a great accessory to put a splash of color in your outfit. Available at Topshop.com, click the picture for pricing.


-Christopher Nic.

Can You Say "Thankful?" or Not Exactly Jerry Seinfeld

This post told me it feels like the comedian who has to go on stage following Jerry Seinfeld - not a good position to be in.

In all seriousness, the comments and well wishes from my agent-announcing post blew my mind. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing writing community. I must have done something right in a past life to have the privilege of "hanging out" with you in this one. I am blessed in so many ways, and am deeply thankful for your support.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
Here's a shortlist of things I'm most thankful for:
* Family
* Friends (in person and virtual)
* Health
* Talents
* My awesome new agent (*squee*!!!)
* Living in America (i.e., freedom)
* Beautiful home & food on the table
* My kids are not serial killers (at least, not that I know of, and where teenagers are concerned, I adhere to the motto "ignorance is bliss")

Again, this is a very short list. I mean, I didn't even mention my new rocking knee-high black boots or my monthly manis and pedis. (Please don't ask where they'd fall on the list! I'm not a very good liar.)

What are you thankful for this season?

DENVER AGAIN!
I arrived in Denver with my honey last night. I got to see my breathtakingly beautiful 10-week-old niece, Devyn, and many family members as well. Sadly, I didn't get to hold her in my arms and shower her with kisses since I've got an annoying cold, but I did a whole lot of staring. Here are a couple of pics of my honey holding her. Jealous? Who me?

I'll be kicking back and enjoying this week of Thanksgiving by hanging out with family and friends, eating lots of great food, and watching football. I'm excited to see my BFF Julie, since she'll also be out visiting family.

Next week, I'll get back into my regular blogging mode. Stay tuned for things like what it's like to receive your first Editorial Notes and Contract in the mail from your shiny new agent, how scary/awesome it is to have real deadlines, and how amazing it feels to (finally!) hold your precious niece in your arms.

Thanks, folks. I'll be appearing here every Thursday night right after Jerry. And remember, the more you drink, the funnier I sound! (ba-dop-bum!)

L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers Expand into the Tech World



For the love of Apple (and a very promising profit) Gwen Stefani is launching personal electronic accessories designed just for Apple products. Sold exclusively through Apple stores, online, and at retailers Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, and Macy's, the products will range from Macbook sleeves, iPhone clutches, and backpacks with built in laptop compartments. L.A.M.B. is the higher end line from Stefani so the prices range from $50-$400 and match the designs of her leather accessories and handbags available at Nordstroms and Bloomingdale's. The Harajuku Lovers line is priced at $30-$100. The Apple accessories will release just in time for Christmas and will make the perfect gift for any Machead.

-Doni W.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Rihanna Opens Up WIth Bravo Magazine

The pop chick with the center of attention sits down with Bravo and gets a lot more personal than we expected. Here's a little look at the interview:

Bravo: Respect! Rihanna, your interview about Chris Brown was really brave. But his friends don’t agree and say that you are a liar.
Rihanna: This doesn’t shock me at all. I know these people and you know what: Up yours! I gave this interview, because I want to encourage girls who have gone through such hard times like me. I do not want to destroy Chris’ career or make mine “higher,” because this is a relieve for me. Now I look forward and I will enjoy my life.

Bravo: Your outfits are hotter then never, with a see-through blouse or half naked. Are you looking for a new man right now?
Rihanna: (laughs) I love flirting at the moment. I’m single and I’m enjoying my freedom.

Bravo: You are the most wanted single woman in this world right now. Don’t you get many phone calls from men who wanna go out with you?
Rihanna: No calls, because I don´t give my phone number out that often. But if I’m dating, I check the boy from the top to the bottom. (giggles)

Bravo: What does a guy have to have to impress/get you?
Rihanna: (laughs) He has to be good in bed and the size matters.

Bravo: Excuse me?
Rihanna: You got what I mean. The inner beauty counts as well, but without toy, it doesn’t make fun. Right now I don’t want to have a serious relationship, I want to have fun.



Bravo: What’s your favorite flirt right now?
Rihanna: Well there’s this actor, his name is Jesse Williams (28), he played in “Grey´s Anatomy” and I have him in my music video for “Russian Roulette.” He’s soooo hot!

Bravo: Are your clothes always that sexy or do you like to wear casual at home?
Rihanna: (laughs) To be honest, I’m even hotter at home, because I´m always naked there. I’m from Barbados, that’s quite normal there. My pool boy saw me naked 5 times already.

Bravo: He must be the luckiest man in the world…
Rihanna: (laughs) Yeah, at first it was so embarrassing. I always forget when he comes. I’m so confused when I have a day off, I usually sleep until noon and when I wake up, I don´t even know what day it is. But he’s used to this view now. I even told my assistant to text me when he comes: “Rihanna get dressed, the pool boy is here!”
Bravo: Are there days where you don’t feel that comfortable?
Rihanna: Yes, of course. Everyone knows that, especially we girls. Some days I just feel fat, bloated and b*tchy. Those are my “ugly days.”

Bravo: And even then you look so perfect, how is this possible?
Rihanna: I shouldn’t tell you that, but in those days, I wear something that hides my stomach, under my outfit. I feel more comfortable with it.

Bravo: You are a style icon for years, who is your style icon?
Rihanna: Cruella de Vil, the bad lady from “101 Dalmatians.” Her style is edgy, dark and hot. Exactly what I love.


-Christopher Nic.

Get Your New Moon Fix

Almost every movie theatre in the nation was sold out this weekend, over the Twilight Saga: New Moon. I was able to catch the 3 a.m. show this Friday & I left highly satisfied. Dozens of people in the theatre wore shirts dedicated to the movie or towards being a vampire. They were extremely cute, just not my taste. So if you are into the whole vampire trend, but don't want to walk around with a "Team Edward" shirt on, there are other ways to show your style and look haute doing so. Here are a few pieces that I've found to add to your vampire fixation.


Check out Alloy's cheeky Vampire Love tee ($19.90; Alloy.com).


I love these hard-core Topshop Stud Fingerless Leather Gloves ($36; Topshop.com)


These dope Seychelles Vamp Booties ($128; UrbanOutfitters.com) must be on your feet.


This Km Rii Black Cobra Killer Bag ($622; OakNYC.com) screams killer.



-Christopher Nic.