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Fabulous Friday Finds for Nov. 6
By JENNY WHITE
This weekend, you could buy and wear this:
From anthropologie.com for $58
and this:
Tissue t-shirt turtleneck (that’s a lot of t’s), $19.99, at gap.com
and this:
Stretch vintage cords, in pinebough, $19.99, from jcrew.com
and these:
Me Too flats, $19.99, at T.J. Maxx
Or, you could blow all that money (and a little more) and get these to-die-for jeans:
The Kelly bootcut jean by Citizens for Humanity, $150, at shopbop.com or Saks or maybe Stephanie’s in Rocky Mount (I think they carry Citizen’s jeans)
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Is there an anti-aging cream for this?
By JENNY WHITE
I’m not sure exactly when the transformation began.
Maybe it was slowly happening, and I just wasn’t paying attention.
But my 10-year-old has suddenly developed the personality of a 15-year-old.
I’m talking everything.
Eye rolling, the “You’re an idiot” grimace, the heavy sighs and heavy feet walking out of room, shoulder-shrugging, “whatever”/backtalking/one-word answers and the why-am-I-tortured-having-to-bear-these-horrible-parents-I-have attitude.
EVERYTHING (except for the S-E-X hormone stuff, THANK GOD).
With his Dad, the problem doesn’t seem to be quite as pronounced. It’s still there, but Ken…well….let’s just say….he’s not really into the “let’s talk this out” method. He’s much more into the “Hey, don’t be an idiot, do what I say or you’ll be sorry,” mindset.
And, now, I’d like to say, quite frankly, in a very humble voice, his way may have been right.
Thomas just doesn’t have any fear of me.
He’s grown an independent streak a mile wide and I have no leverage anymore.
The kids in Africa speech doesn’t work (did it ever?).
The threats of taking away playstation, bike, TV are having no effect whatsoever.
It used to really upset him if I was mad at him. Since he is in the realm of “parents are retarded and I’m never wrong,” me being mad at him has suddenly turned into a personal problem I suffer from, not really anything he needs to worry about.
Here’s an example of what I’m facing:
Me: Why are you standing there doing nothing? You’ve got five minutes to get dressed, put on shoes and brush your teeth!
Thomas: (Loooongggg Siiiighhhh as he slowly makes his way to his dresser) Mom, I can tell time.
Me: Oh. Really. Are you going to be able to tell the time this afternoon? When you’re in your room all afternoon, with no friends over? Because you made yourself and me late this morning?
Thomas: (Looks at me with what appears to be pity. PITY, PEOPLE!) Mom….just….whatever…I’m going to be ready on time (sadly shakes his head, seemingly compassionate for the poor retarded person he’s being forced to converse with).
AAAARRRRGGGGG!
If I had talked to my parents like that, I don’t think I’d be alive today.
Or, if he does properly understand he’s in trouble, we have to deal with the absolute other side of the spectrum:
Thomas: You and Dad just don’t even want me around. You just wish I wasn’t here. I’m leaving. I’m going to Grandma’s! You’re never going to see me again!
Me: Thomas, it’s just a spelling word. Isn’t the point of me going over your homework with you to make sure you’re getting it? If I see you’re spelling a word wrong, it’s my job to help you learn the right way. For God’s sake you’re just one letter off….
Thomas: You LIKE it when I get it wrong. You’re just waiting for me to get something wrong so you can make me spell it 5 times AGGGAAAIIINNNN (falls in a heap on the bed).
How do I even begin to answer that?
Usually by just leaving the room and taking some deep breaths.
And going back in.
And starting over.
Because, if I remember right, that’s what its all about. No matter how bad you are, your parents keep coming back.
At least until they’re 20-something (the kids, not the parents).
Who said love was easy?
And I am all about loving that obnoxious, smart, sweet, funny, goofball, freckle-face-bottomless-pit-of-a-stunt-man-kid I call mine.
I’d like to end this blog entry by sending my Mom and Dad a BIG THANK YOU!!!!
And can Thomas stay with you this weekend?
How did we go from this…….
to this, so fast…..
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You need a new purse
By JENNY WHITE
Does your purse look like this:
So sad, and floppy and dirty?
Well, lady…you need a new pocketbook!
Something, bright, and happy, and brand new.
Something to add a nice splash of color to your winter wardrobe days.
It’s got a nice, contrasting lining on the inside, and plenty of room for your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and all that other junk we women like to have with us at all times.
It’s still brand new, from T.J. Maxx, it’s been sitting in our Carolina Charm magazine closet for a few months. It’s just one of those things we didn’t have page space to feature last time, and because I love ya, I’m going to give it away.
Just shoot me an email with your name and phone number, and I’ll randomly pick a winner next week. I’ll take entries through noon on Monday, Nov. 9. In case the link doesn’t work (I’m not too good at that linking stuff) my email is jwhite@coxnc.com.
Good luck.
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TuTu Success
By JENNY WHITE
Well, I’ve been getting a few inquiries about whether Emma wore the TuTu on Saturday night and the answer is: YES.
She didn’t seem all that happy about it, but at least she didn’t try to eat it or become immobilized. Or cry.
Thomas secured us a good inventory of candy, that should last a few days.
I also took her into Dr. Grant’s office on Saturday morning, because we just couldn’t take the crying anymore her cold seemed to have escalated into something that was causing intense pain. I couldn’t believe how quicky I got to a live person on the phone in their office on Saturday morning and how quickly we were seen. Anyway, Dr. Grant made it all better.
So there you go, I sent her to daycare last week and she really did get sicker.
Bad Momma.
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Out of time
By JENNY WHITE
I’m always a little confused about the time changes.
Do we gain an hour, lose an hour, go forward or go back?
I just don’t have time to figure it all out.
All I know is in the fall, when I’m instructed, I will make all the clocks “fall” backwards on the designated weekend. I hear people talk about “daylight savings” and “losing time,” etc., but, frankly, I still have to get up at 6 a.m. and by the time I catch my breath after dinner, baby to bed and Thomas to bed, it’s dark outside. Same as it has been for the past several months. So, it all seems the same to me.
I sure hope I don’t literally lose time, because my husband apparently thinks I need more of it.
He, very helpfully, pointed out to me this weekend that I seem to be having trouble getting projects and/or tasks done and, politely, noted that maybe I could do a better job.
I, very politely, and straight-faced, stared at him and said:
“Excuse me?”
But this is what I was thinking: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MOTHER-@%&* MIND?!
Apparently so.
I think it was Sunday, which was day two of the ear-infection-screaming-baby-weekend-from hell, when he (unadvisably) brought this to my attention. He took it upon himself to explain himself by pointing out the Halloween cupcakes I had started frosting and stopped, the clothes I keep leaving in the dryer, some jumpers I had started sewing and didn’t finish and a ham I put in the oven and didn’t get out in time.
Now to Ken’s credit, the reason he mentioned these things is because, with the exception of the jumpers, he has come upon the unfinished tasks and projects and finished them for me.
So he gets credit for that.
He’s only at - 999 now.
Maybe when he came upon the cupcakes, he didn’t notice I had stopped to take care of the pumpkin guts in my kitchen sink while simultaneously feeding the baby before we took off for trick-or-treating.
Or when he had to get the clothes out the dryer, maybe he thought Emma and I were playing a fun game of “If you’re happy and you know it, scream your head off,” in her room when really I was trying to change a poopy diaper and trying to settle her for a nap.
The ham got left in the oven too long because the one hour of opportunity I had to go and sew the afore-mentioned jumpers at my mother-in-law’s house, happened to be the hour the ham was cooking.
And I was late because I suck at sewing.
I never have enough time. I am always late and always worrying about getting it all done.
I am going to be late getting home on time, because I’m trying to finish this blog entry that I have been meaning to write all day.
In fact, what pissed me off the most, wasn’t that he was complaining about the cupcakes, the ham, the sewing projects or the laundry. I think I was more insulted that he was just now noticing this is how my life has been for the last nine months. These days, if I don’t get partial credit for things I only do half-assed and halfway, I won’t get any credit at all.
I wish there was a time change you could opt for that just plain added another hour to the day.
Maybe I should just get an Espresso machine.
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Fabulous Friday Find
By JENNY WHITE
This week I have been toiling away on Carolina Charm magazine features. It’s been my sworn duty and job to shop and browse through all the glamorous party and holiday fashions in various boutiques and stores.
I agree with you, it does sound fun. And it is, most of the time.
Wednesday, while I was in Stephanie’s, (a great women’s boutique in Stoney Creek Shoppes) I came across a quirky little pair of flats and quickly asked my trusty sidekick/photographer Alan to take a quick picture of them. He acquiesced and voila, I have a professionally taken photo on today’s blog entry.
Don’t you like his pics better than my blurry, dark photos?
He’s so nice.
Though I am partial to earth tones, every now and then it’s nice to add an unexpected pop of color, like a pair of pink shoes, to an otherwise boring outfit. Red shoes are good for this effect too. And the good thing about flats, they add the color without a lot of fanfare, keeping the look fun, but subdued. Though Stephanie’s isn’t a go-to store for shoes, they do have a really nice, small collection of novelty flats. (Don’t get the pink ones in 7.5, THEY’RE MINE).
Available at Stephanie’s, these flats by Nicole are $79.
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Should I stay or should I go now……
BY JENNY WHITE
The only thing worse than having a sick child is having a “kind-of” sick child.
At least if you’re a working mom and you have to decide what to do with them at 7 a.m., before you’ve had coffee.
When they have a fever, or are puking their guts out, it’s easy to decide what to do. The answer is in technicolor, floating in the toilet or all over the sheets, or in a bright red display on the thermometer.
But when they appear to be OK, just fussy and congested and just-not-feeling-good, it gets a little gray. And no matter what you decide, it sucks.
If I stay home, usually the child in question makes a miraculous recovery and I wind up thinking I missed a day of work, for, well, pretty much no good reason (OF COURSE, my kids are a good reason, but you know what I mean).
If I go on to work and send child to school/daycare, the inevitable worry and guilt comes over me, wondering how my baby is doing and if he/she is OK. Wondering if they’re getting sicker and if it’s all my fault.
Then there’s this: Do they need to go the doctor?
It’s easier with Thomas, because he can talk to me. Usually if he’s complaining, he needs to see Dr. Grant, our pediatrician.
With Emma it’s harder because I don’t know if she’s crying because she’s mad her socks are on the wrong feet or if her head has a splitting headache. I KNOW she doesn’t feel good, but is it just a normal cold, or does she have pneumonia or something equally bad? Like the DREADED EAR INFECTION. For those that don’t know, ear infections can cause ear-splitting (pardon the pun) cries like you’ve never heard before. Pretty much continuously, until you get them on antibiotics. When Emma has an ear infection, we pretty much go straight from doctor’s office, to Almand’s drugstore to get prescription, to home, to getting the antibiotics in her system ASAP! There is no dropping off of prescription to pick up later. YOU GET THE PRESCRIPTION FILLED PRONTO!
I love Dr. Grant, but what seems like a “productive” cough to him always sounds like the worst case of bronchitis with pneumonia and croup and probably a little pleurisy thrown in too, to me. And don’t get me started on worrying about the Flu/H1N1. (My kids have been vaccinated, so they’re not supposed to get that, right?)
I know from experience with Thomas, that Dr. Grant is always right and it’s just a cold and goes away after a few weeks, but, still, even after ten years of this with Thomas, I hate not knowing exactly what’s wrong and “waiting it out.”
HATE IT!
Anyway, as you can tell, I’m here at work.
Feeling guilty.
Do you see this runny nose? I can’t believe my mom made me go to daycare today. I should be home in bed!
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Trick or Treat
By JENNY WHITE
I am so sorry I haven’t been in to chat much these past few weeks. Between working ahead on the next Charm, getting up a zillion photo galleries to help our site get 5 million + page views this month and making plans for a new content management system for the site, blogging, regrettably, gets pushed down to the bottom of the list of things to get done.
I can’t believe that October is almost over and Halloween is already upon us. It seems like school just started! How can it be almost November already?
Anyway, my house is candy stocked and all decked out for Halloween.
Due to their age difference, my kids’ Halloween costumes look more like a puzzle of “what’s wrong with this picture,” than two siblings from the same planet, much less the same family.
Thomas is a crazed killer. Yes, I said a crazed killer. Look, it’s Halloween and he knows he’s not really a crazed killer, so give me a break. And in my defense, last year when we bought the costume, I didn’t know about the fake blood special effect until we got it home. I’ve tried to figure out how to disable it, but somehow it always becomes enabled again.
I got Emma the most adorable orange and black tutu to wear with black and orange leggings and onesie. Check out this website if you’re in need of a TuTu. I would describe her as a Halloween sprite/fairy/ballerina person. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem to like the TuTu and when I put it on her she becomes immobilized, seemingly unable to move any part of her body, except for her mouth, which expresses extreme dislike of her first Halloween costume. Between my crazed killer and screaming, TuTu-clad baby, people are going to slam the door in our faces while we’re trick-or-treating Saturday night.
I am currently weighing my extreme pleasure in seeing her look so adorable against her extreme, and unexpected, dislike of the TuTu, and we’ll see which way we go on Saturday night. I’ll take pictures and post them.
In fact, let’s show off all the cute kids in their Halloween costumes. Email me your pics and we’ll post them for all to admire. I may even throw in a special giveaway for the best pic….like maybe…..a gently used cute orange and black TuTu…..
Email pics to jwhite@coxnc.com with the subject line of: Halloween
Happy Halloween!
Will she have it on, come Saturday night, or not? (Isn’t she so adorable?!?!)
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Accessories are a girl’s best friend
By JENNY WHITE
So I was thinking I might not have the necessary cash to buy all those fall fashion finds I have recommended.
Hmmmmmm.
What about some accessories?
When I don’t have the clothing budget needed for a new dress or a cashmere sweater, I gussy up what I already have in my closet and go out and buy accessories! ( I have A LOT of earrings.)
And to make it even easier on your pocketbook, Charm Chicks is giving away a beautiful Lia Sophia necklace to a lucky blog reader. The long, gold-tone necklace measures 38” - 41” long and retails for $130. It’s got gold links of different sizes and textures and is very sharp and modern. It’s perfect to wear with a turtleneck sweater.
If you want it, just email me at jwhite@coxnc.com (please, no more than once a day). Put “Lia Sophia” in the subject line and check back next Tuesday to see who the lucky winner is. If you like it, but don’t win it, contact Lesley Sharkey at thesharkeys501@gmail.com, and buy it for yourself. Go to liasophia.com to check out all the gorgeous (and reasonably priced) trinkets. (Sorry to all my stylish co-workers at the Telegram, you can’t enter this contest.)
This is the necklace we’re giving away next week. Email me your entry with “liasophia” in the subject line and I’ll announce the winner here on Tuesday, Oct.27.
Now, let’s take a look at some other accessory possibilities.
From BossyBoots Designs, this dreamy soft scarf is handmade and is called the “Cloud Nine scarf”. It’s $60.
I love this stretch belt from gojane.com. It’s $11.70.
This is my new favorite necklace. I wear it with everything. From Lia Sophia, it’s called The Chestnut necklace and it’s $88.
With a decidedly Moroccan flair, these dainty earrings will look great on just about everyone. They’re from modcloth.com and are $12.
The pleated details and striking red color, really make this bag stand out. It’s $258 at anthropologie.com.
Pink ballet flats from Nine West, $9.99 at ninewest.com.
Very sexy leather booties, $24, at gojane.com.
Don’t forget to register for the necklace giveaway!
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Miss you much
By JENNY WHITE
Me and best buddy Julia Curto Lowe at our high school graduation in 1989.
In honor of my upcoming 20-year high school reunion this weekend, here’s a little bit of Miss Jackson and her top song from the year 1989. Check back next week for more fashion postings, maybe a recipe or two and a great necklace we’re giving away to some lucky blog reader.
OK, like…have a good weekend! (that’s my Valley girl speak, circa 1989)
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You should wear this and this today
By JENNY WHITE
Today is a good day to wear these:
By Nine West, $325.
and this:
DKNY trench, $49.99 at T.J. Maxx
and this and this and this:
From modcloth.com, $68.
Perfect long sleeve t-shirt in blush, $19, from Gap.
A little splash of color on a gray day, blue pencil skirt, $118 from J. Crew.
and this:
Love, love this necklace, handcrafted out of a bunch of vintage jewelry pieces, $56. From my new favorite Web site, etsy. com., you can find this artist’s store (Teletestai) here.
Or, if you have decided not to venture out into the cold wet day, or you are working at home, I highly recommend wearing this:
$19.95 from Old Navy
and this (my favorite)
A rainy day is automatically better when you’re all cozy inside, wearing a cool rock-and-roll t-shirt. From slingshottshirts.com, it’s $20.99.
and these:
Cashmere socks, $24.99, from garnethill.com.
and maybe this, if you don’t have the heat on yet:
Pink pullover, $12.99, Old Navy.
Have a good day!
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Me=Barney Fife
By JENNY WHITE
While Thomas and his collection of Guitar Hero Playstation games has provided hours of fun for the whole family, there is one facet of the game that annoys the crap out of me.
THOMAS: “Mom, do you know the song, “Strutter?”
ME: “Yeah, I remember “Strutter.” By AC/DC?”
T: “No! It’s by Kiss. Do you know the song?”
ME: “Yeah….ummm….how does it start?”
T: ” ‘I know a thing or two about her….’”
ME:”OK, OK, it’s coming back to me. Ummm….’She’ll let you walk her home…something, something something?
T: “Mom, you don’t know this song at all.”
How did this kid get the idea that I know all the words to the Guitar Hero songs? Is it because they’re all “old” songs? It’s like he wants some kind of history lesson with all these songs from some long-ago bygone era.
Anyway, though I really want to tell him I don’t care about his Guitar Hero songs, I don’t, and continue to try to participate in some small way.
By messing up the words.
I’m channeling Barney, from “Andy Griffith.”
Last night, as I was attempting, again, to show some semblance of a memory of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (isn’t this game about playing the song, not knowing the words), I remembered this scene from one of my top ten “Andy Griffith” shows.
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Fall Must-have….Sweater Dress
By JENNY WHITE
I love the idea of a warm and cozy sweater dress.
Not sure how one would look on me and the remnants of my pregnancy belly.
One word is coming to mind: SPANX.
Anyway, sweater dresses seem to be a hot trend and I found a few you should check out.
Let’s start with the nicest and priciest one, shall we? By John Paul Gaultier, available at bluefly.com, for $495.
By Calvin Klein, $98, at Nordstrom.
You know I’m going to include something from my fave, J. Crew. This one is $128.
This would be nice for an evening out type dress (with a real warm jacket on top). By Ann Taylor, $125.
OK, I know what you’re thinking: HORIZONTAL STRIPES ON A SWEATER DRESS, IS SHE OUT OF HER MIND? You’re right, I’m out of my mind. But I like it on the model and it’s only $29 at Old Navy.
Want to know where I found the most sweater dresses in one place? victoriassecret.com Yep, who would have guessed that Victoria Secret would do the sweater dress right? I loved the color and variety of dresses available. Prices, from top, $68, $88 and $69.
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Most photogenic moments never make it into a photo (unless you know some good photographers)
By JENNY WHITE
As all parents know, the best pictures of your kids are the ones that didn’t get taken because you don’t have a camera on you or the dang batteries are dead. Again.
As kids hurtle through, at lightening speed, this unpredictable, hilarious, frustrating and wonderful thing called THEIR CHILDHOOD, the really award-winning pictures are the ones that are never snapped. Most of the time it’s because the perfect grin was there while your hands were full of a poopy diaper or you were frozen in terror during the freefalling part of the skateboard trick.
I always try to take advantage of our staff photographers, here at the paper, and finangle them into taking pics of my kids, for something or other.
The most pics we ever conned out of a photographer/friend were from my friend Joel. He hung out at one of Thomas’ birthday parties and snapped pics in between having to chat with BOTH sides of the family and stuffing his face. He got some awesome pics of Thomas and his friend David wrestling, sword-fighting, jumping off the beds (I must have been in the kitchen at that point), as well as a few family shots and some awesome stuffing-our-mouths-with cake pics. Anyway, what I really liked about all those pics was that the smiles were real, people were looking at each other and not at the camera and you could really get a sense of the fun and chaos at the party.
I wish I could take pics of these scenes at my house (or have Joel or Alan live with us for a few days and they could take them)
Emma, looking over her shoulder at me as Thomas is haphazhardly carrying her away. Her little brow is furrowed and she has a wincing look on her face, seeming to say: “Please stay close by, I think he may drop me.”
An action picture of Thomas, concentrating on landing a jump on his skateboard. Or even a series of jumping, falling and how he, amazingly, gets back up again, and grins goofily at us.
I’d love a photo of Emma and her toy eggs. She has this toy egg container with real-life-sized plastic eggs in them. It’s the most boring toy in her war chest of ziqqly, wiggly noisemakers, but she loves those eggs. I love to watch her perfect little hands, hold those perfect-sized little eggs. I know it’s strange, but I want some good pics of Emma and her eggs.
A picture of Ken when he’s trying to pick out something for Emma to wear for the day. He usually has to do this because I’m extraordinarily late, and I’d like to see exactly how he comes to the conclusions that he comes too. Or maybe just a collection of photos of some of the strange outfits he’s put together.
I hope, to somehow, get some pictures of Thomas and his best friend Tucker as they meander and explore the creek behind Tucker’s house. One day, years from now, they’ll say, “Remember when we used to hang out in that creek?” And, I’ll whip out the photos and we’ll all marvel at how nasty, dirty, wonderfully happy and entertained they were with some mud, rocks and water.
The best photo (though Joel would never get up early enough for it) would be of Emma, first thing in the morning. After her initial whiny face disappears, the most beautiful, amazing, splendid smile comes across her face. I’m not kidding. It’s usually dark (that’s what I mean about Joel not getting up early enough) and that smile can be seen in the dark. And though, the smile, simply says, “I love you so much,” without fail, a whirlwind of thoughts go through my head every time I see that first-thing-in-the-morning smile. All overwhelming me.
And I just don’t know what to say to that adorable smile.
So I just smile back and hug her real tight, in the dark.
We don’t need to talk.
Who wouldn’t want a picture of that?
Joel took these two photos (and a whole bunch of others) when I stopped by the office with Emma while I was on maternity leave.
My family all agrees, this photo is pure Thomas. Always in motion. This was shot by Alan Campbell, a Telegram photographer.
David Hahula (also a photographer for the paper) snapped this photo of my Thomas for me while on assignment for the Telegram, covering a local track meet.
“Joel, when are we leaving?”
I can’t remember where exactly this was, but somehow Joel was shooting something for the paper and simultaneously picking Thomas up for me, from somewhere.
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Forget that J.Crew jacket, I want an Outback (yes, the car)
By JENNY WHITE
In my other life, I’m also a car reviewer for the Telegram and other Cox papers.
I know, I know, it’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it.
Now most of you would think the highlight of my car review life would be the Corvette we had last week (my family didn’t fit in it) or the Jag XKR convertible (two doors, very bad for getting babies out of back seat), but noooooo……
So far, the hightlight of the 2010-model-car-test-driving-reviews is:
The all new Subaru Outback
Here’s the review that’s appearing in the Telegram on Sunday. (Except it’s not the same because it’s longer because I have more room here.)
Ahh, my favorite class of cars - family cars.
It’s no secret that I have a thing for station wagons.
I love the Chevy Traverse, the Toyota Venza, and don’t get me started on the Volvo V50 - XC70s.
I don’t care if it makes me square or dorky.
I care about getting all my stuff and family in a car that offers safe and comfortable transportation.
And that point is never driven home more than after a week in a two-seater sports car - pretty to look at, not so pretty trying to figure out how to get the family somewhere when we don’t all fit in the car.
The Subaru Outback was a welcome sight in my driveway when it was delivered.
I’ve always been an admirer of the Outback and the all new 2010 model doesn’t disappoint.
Subaru has given the Outback a new silhouette, more space and more features.
The Outback is noticably bigger. It was dark when it arrived at my house and at first I didn’t recognize it.
There’s an extra four inches in legroom inside and it’s taller off the ground now (8.7 inches).
The boxy compact look of past Outbacks is gone. The Outback looks like it got a conditioning coach and has put on some muscles.
Despite its increased dimensions, the Outback has gained little weight thanks to the added use of lightweight, high-tensile steel. This makes life easier for the four- and six-cylinder “boxer” engines.
The model I test drove had the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder powerbox offering up 170 horsepower. It was mated to an awesome six-speed manual transmission that made driving the Outback really fun. I don’t usually classify manual transmissions as “fun”, but this one was.
Mileage was a little on the light side, with 24 mpg for the week I drove it. It’s rated at 19/27 mpg.
If Subaru cold figure out how to eke a few more mpgs out of the Outback, I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated by all buyers.
For many, the attraction to the Outback is the AWD feature.
Popular in mountainous regions of the U.S., the Outback continues to excel in offering AWD on all models. The week I drove my test model, I didn’t come across any ravines or snowy roads to test out the AWD, but I think Subaru has a great reputation as far as building tough vehicles that can stand the strain of driving in rough terrain.
If I’d had $27,780, I would have given the car guy a check when he came back to get the Outback after a week, instead of giving the car back.
Base price for the Outback 2.5i Premium is $24,595. That’s a little less than what you’d pay for a comparable Toyota Venza or Volvo V50.
The Venza and Volvo offer a smoother ride and the Venza definitely has a more responsive feel to the driver on the roads. But the Outback wins, hands down, when it comes to ability to take on the rougher roads. I like the ruggedness of the Outback as well as all the creature comforts founds inside.
Go buy an Outback (for me).
Trim Levels The 2010 Subaru Outback is a five-passenger wagon available in six trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited.
The base 2.5i comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, adjustable roof rails and cross bars, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, height-adjustable driver seat and a four-speaker stereo with CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The 2.5i Premium (this is the model I test drove) adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, rear privacy glass, eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Optional on the Premium is an All-Weather package that adds heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. The optional Harman Kardon stereo includes nine speakers, a six-CD changer and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.
The 2.5i Limited adds the All-Weather package, Harman Kardon stereo, CVT, a four-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery.
Equipment for the Outback 3.6R trim levels generally mirrors that of the respective 2.5i trims. Optional on all but the base 2.5i is a sunroof.
Optional on the Limited models is a navigation system packaged with a back-up camera.
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There’s a Princess in the White House
By JENNY WHITE
As Emma approaches her 9-month anniversary of life with us (me, hubby and 10 year-old brother), I’ve come to the conclusion that she really is some kind of reincarnated princess.
She has all the mannerisms and personality traits of someone born into royalty. Trust me, we did not teach her this behavior. She just comes by it naturally.
Here’s how it works in our house:
We are the court jesters
Me, Ken and Thomas have somehow become assigned to keeping Emma entertained.
Happily entertained.
This means keeping a clean, varied supply of toys for her to gnaw on and bang as she wishes. AND, if she isn’t pleased with the supply, you must go, VERY QUICKLY, to find something else to occupy her hands.
If you can not please her highness with toys, you must start standing on your head and/or singing (preferably “The Wheels on the Bus” with sound effects) to keep her cute, little adorable mouth from frowning….frowning….opening…..and WAAAAH!
Oh, and the dog is also here for Emma’s enjoyment and entertainment, too. And, apparently, for some supplemental nutrition. Emma has decided she really likes a good handful of dog hair every now and then.
In her mouth.
This is problematic because, Suzy, our dog, for some reason, doesn’t really like hanging out with Her Highness. (Maybe because Emma is always trying to tear her fur out?)
She greets people by sticking her hand out for a kiss
There’s no good explanation for this, other than, she truly has some royal blood in her veins. Or she thinks she really tastes, that good.
Emma expects people to want to kiss her hand when she sticks it out.
If you run into Her Highness anytime soon, please refrain from kissing on her hand, due to the rampant flu going around.
You can just bow instead.
She is very loyal to her family
Emma is very loyal to her family, especially me (the queen?). She’s so loyal to me, she doesn’t want me to ever feel left-out and so she specifically asks that I be involved in every facet of her life. No one else can feed her, get her to bed, get her out of bed, or do anything with her, without some serious cajoling and distraction techniques.
And if you’re a stranger, oh, she’ll hold out her hand (for kissing, but remember, don’t do it) and flash that gorgeous smile at you, but if you even think of holding your hands out to take her, forget about it. Her smile will quickly fade and she’ll turn to look at me or her Dad with a look saying, “Don’t even think about handing me over to that guy.”
Peas in her crib
There’s bound to be some kind of pea under her crib mattress, causing her extreme discomfort whenever its time for her to go to bed.
I’ve exhausted every other reason that could possibly be causing her such distress at bedtime and this is all I can figure out.
Peas are known to cause really bad princess sleep problems.
And, evidently, sleep problems for the queen, king and prince.
But mostly the queen and princess.
As much trouble as princesses are, every morning (at the break of dawn) when Her Highness gives me that smile, the one that makes my heart seem to swell two sizes larger and I can’t help but give her my biggest smile of the day, right back (who smiles like that at the break of dawn?), I know, we are very blessed to have Princess Emma in our midst.
“In the future, please refrain from using that flash right in my face,,,,,” said the princess.
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Fall Shopping Part II
By JENNY WHITE
I hope you have some money left from shopping with my first fall shopping list.
Because there is more.
Much more.
Please forgive me for breaking it up into two (so very far apart) blog entries, but I also have magazines, section covers, car reviews and Reader’s Choice special sections, fall allergies, kids’ doctors’ appointments and school conferences to contend with on a daily basis.
Think of it as another opportunity for you to go shopping, because you didn’t know about the gorgeous velvet blazer on jcrew.com or the got-to-have-it purple cardigan at Old Navy, during your first foray into fall shopping.
Anyway, those are all my excuses for why you MUST go back out there and buy MORE fall clothes. (See, the list comes with handy-built-in-excuses why you have to buy more fall/winter wardrobe inventory: “It’s Jenny’s fault she didn’t include this in the first list….”)
Jackets
Great with jeans, dress slacks or over a dress, I love the rich copper color of this blazer, $118, from jcrew.com. The price is a little steep, but the luxurious texture and cut of the jacket makes it well worth the moolah. Comes in more colors online.
Union plaid military-styled coat, $139 on modcloth.com
On shopbop.com, the perfect cropped coat, $398, by Milly.
A beautiful trench, on anthropologie.com, $188.
For jackets, blazers and coats this season, you’ll see a lot of military inspired designs and maybe a few shoulder pads, reminiscent of the 1980’s. I’m not a big fan of cropped jackets, but I think a good rule to follow is the most tailored and fitted look you can comfortably fit into is the best way to go. And I do like the cropped wool jacket by Milly on shopbop…..of course it’s almost $400. Not going to happen.
Turtleneck sweaters
Dream turtleneck sweater from jcrew.com, $78.
Love this cowl neck sweater, $24.99, from Sears.
Love the ribbed sweaters, $44.50, from Lane Bryant.
Available at Nordstrom, by Halogen, $48.
By Joie, $378, available on bluefly.com
Get a few of ‘em. Simple cotton ones for under jackets and with skirts and slacks during the work week, and comfy, chunky ones to wear with jeans and your favorite yoga pants on weekends.
Cardigans
Called the “plummy mummy” at Old Navy, $20.
By Letizia, $118 at anthropologie.com.
Love the embroidery and fringe on this one-button cardi from modcloth.com, $64.99.
Could be business attire, could be weekend attire, a double-breasted shawl cardigan from the Gap, $59.
Everybody’s got to have a cardigan this season. You’ll find them in all shapes and sizes, prints, stripes, cables, etc. Whether your taste is Old Navy or shopbop.com, you’ll find a choice of cardigans to add to your fall wardrobe.
Cords
Bootcut cords from Old Navy, $30
Midnight blue cords by Idra, $88 at anthropologie.com
I don’t know if it’s because my mother made me a lot of clothes in corduroy when I was a child or what, but I love to wear corduroy in the winter. I mentioned the great cord skirt from the Gap in an earlier post and my second favorite corduroy item is the good ‘ole standby cord jeans, found at all price points.
That’s all I have time for today. I can’t believe I’ve spent so much time fake-shopping today. It’s been fun. Next time: Accessories.
So save a little money for that.
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Lights, camera, action! Camera…camera…?
By JENNY BRASWELL
On Friday night, I committed what is possibly the most embarrassing error that can happen to a photographer. I failed to have a backup battery or camera on hand when the battery in my camera died during a shoot.
I was at the Faith Christian School Talent Show at the Church on the Rise, taking pictures of some of the most amazing kids I’ve ever seen.
These kids were, to borrow a title from Miss Butler’s act, fabulous!
The voices, the stage presence, the musicality, the dedication, the creativity - I was flabbergasted. The students shared a range of talents, from singing to playing piano to a plethora of instruments - violin, piano, clarinet, and guitar.
Some of them have been singing or playing since they were very, very young. I had no idea that it was even safe to let a three-year-old touch a violin, much less try to play it!
Three acts before intermission, my camera shut off.
I could take no pictures of Tyler Hunt’s variations of Kumbaya on clarinet, an instrument very dear to my heart ever since I started playing it in 7th grade.
I completely missed the stunning Hannah Haynes and Lonneki Selman, beautiful in matching outfits, singing and signing Open the Eyes of My Heart.
I got nothing of Josh Nelms’ karate demonstration, synchronized to the theme from Street Fighter. He even broke boards, and I totally missed it!
I have no idea why my rechargeable battery lasted less than an hour, and I don’t know why in the world I didn’t have backup with me. Nevertheless, it did and I didn’t, and my stomach clenched with the realization that I was about to leave out half of the talented students when I turned my pictures in to Jenny White.
At intermission, I hustled to find the directors of the show. I explained the issue and that perhaps they could submit more pictures to the Telegram themselves. I should have expected the quickness and effectiveness with which the problem was solved, considering the efficiency that guided the entire show.
The coordinator I spoke with (forgive me, but I cannot remember her name) turned around, scanned the audience, and focused in on Barbara Stallings.
Barbara had her camera with her but was in a seat with a bad angle. In a flash, the director had her in a front row seat and Barbara and I were exchanging email addresses.
I was pretty bemused, considering the intermission lasted not far more than 5 minutes. Barbara took beautiful pictures, which can be seen in the community slide show. She even let me interrupt her Sunday lunch to pick them up. How kind is that? Barbara, I can’t thank you enough.
And to all the FCS Talent Show participants, I heartily apologize for my lack of preparedness.
You are all talented and absolutely fabulous!
Photo by Barbara Stallings
Photo by Barbara Stallings
Photo by Jenny Braswell
Photo by Jenny Braswell
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I love my accent, or…Gettin’ heavy in the hick-tone
By JENNY BRASWELL
In case you guys have forgotten, Jenny Braswell has her own personal blog over on Life is Bigger. I love to read her stuff and check it regularly for new entries. Even though she’s written over here on Charm Chicks a few times this week, I HAVE to put this entry up she posted recently on Life is Bigger. It’s about the JAMMIN 99.3 morning show (love it) and southern accents. Talk again soon, Jenny White
I love our accents. I think eastern North Carolina has some of the best dialects in our nation. We’re not too syrupy, not too thick, not too aggressive, not too slow. We mix it all up, too - in just one county you can hear multiple ways of talking, and some people using two or three accents all at once.
Some people refer to our dialect as “hick.” I don’t think that’s a good way to describe it (I’ve lived in the western part of the state after all, and I know what hick sounds like…), but I’ll roll with that if it works for those who don’t know no better.
If ya won’t born to it, ya cain’t duplicate it.
Won’t - “Regularization of negative present tense of do to don’t (instead of doesn’t). This removed syllable in doesn’t can also carry over to other words, turning wasn’t into won’t (or “weren’t”) or hasn’t/haven’t into h’aint or ain’t.” Me, I tend to do a lot of what’s called “code-switching” or “style-shifting.“ (See how much you can learn on wikipedia?) For instance, I can talk like I (normally) type - formally and with proper rules of English. I am, after all, an annoying grammar freak, the kind of person who will correct bad grammer with a black magic marker on the signs at Target. But at home and around friends or family members I relax, and the mix of dialects -older SAE, newer SAE, coastal southern, AAVE, and God knows what else - I’ve been surrounded by my whole life come out. After all, I grew up on a farm near an itty-bitty little hick town, and my way of talking was extremely different from that of people the same age living only 10 miles away from me.
Sometimes there’s just no better way to say something than to fall back on the expressions my grandparents taught me. For instance, I can say deadpan it and say - “Dude. You’re an idiot.” Or I can twist my mouth a bit, half-smile at you, and suddenly drop this drawl on you: “I knowed you for a fool soon as I seen you.”
Our accents are the best for humor, too, especially when using style-shifting to emphasize the punch-line. Which brings me to my whole point on writing this post - an exchange this morning on my new favorite radio morning show on Jammin 99.3 (Rocky Mount-Wilson).
Megan Hinkle gave a shout-out to Landon, who was on his way to school at Coopers Elementary. She was having trouble pronouning “Coopers” the way we do around my native part of Nash County. Here’s my attempt to mimic the sound and spirit of the discussion.
Megan: Coopers. I mean, “khuppers.” No….
DP: Here’s what I was told - say it like “hookers.” “Coopers” rhymes with “hookers.” That’s how they say it around Nashville, anyway. I’m not sure how they say it in Kinley, though.
Dale: [this is his intro, in a strong exagerrated accent, high exuberence] Oh, we say ho!
Gosh, you shoulda heard it! I like to died. The pure unexpectedness of it cracked me up. What a punchline, made great by the whole method of delivery.
Some people on the show don’t have strong accents at all, while others have very strong ones, which is what caught my attention when I was surfing through the stations last week. I thought to myself, because I am as prone to stereotyping as anyone else, despite my disgust of being stereotyped, “Oh Lord, what kind of ridiculous, silly, pig-headed ideas are these people dispersing?”
Aw, man, I was wrong! Here’s the great thing about the show - every dang host, co-host, and visitor is intelligent. And thoughtful. And thought-provoking. And silly, fun, and humorous, too - all of the characteristics of a really fun, really strong morning show.
When I was getting out of the car this morning, Megan and DP were debating whether you could find someone guilty of 1st degree murder if he or she was drunk at the time. Damn good debate, and I look forward to continuing it with my own friends later this weekend.
Every morning (as far as I can tell) they discuss the headlines of the local papers. The Wilson Times editor (I hope I have the right title there) shares news; I think I heard someone from The Nashville Graphic on this week, too. The hosts share info from The Rocky Mount Telegram as well, which led to the afore-mentioned debate this morning.
Last week, I heard a lecture on how forwarding emails with incomplete, inaccurate, or sensationalist information is exactly the same as gossiping. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to create fear? Cause drama? Cause a false separation among segments of society?
[THANK YOU 99.3 FOR SHARING THAT WISDOM! It’s so true, and so needs to be heard.]
In just a week, with only about 20 minutes of listen time a day, I’ve heard them discuss economic development (the 2030 plan), local issues as well as national politics, ACORN, twitter…all important to the communities they serve. And they sound like me while they’re doing it.
Hey Jammin - y’all’r doin’ a right good job over yonder.
Stay real.
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Jenny B. and her bling
By JENNY BRASWELL
Just two weeks ago, I wore dangly earrings for the first time in years. They were little peace signs that I picked up on clearance from Target.
I was totally unprepared for how much fun it was.
When I was in junior high, I had two piercings in each ear. I wore dangly earrings all the time. Of course, being the kind of kid I was, I wore a big peace sign and a heart in one ear, a snake and a dagger in the other.
I thought I was being deep and making an important philosophical point, but I was probably just being weird.
Then in college I just stopped wearing them and let the holes heal up.
Last Christmas, my husband surprised me with a beautiful set of diamond earrings. He’d decided that since I had lost my engagement ring, two wedding bands, and my Meredith class ring, he’d get me something a little harder to lose. It wasn’t until Christmas Eve that he remembered my ears weren’t pierced.
I was flabbergasted! They were so beautiful, and I wanted to wear them soooo badly.
So I took a trip to the mall and got them pierced again.
Things hurt a lot more in your thirties.
So I finally got done with the starter set and was able to wear my diamonds. Those were the only earrings I owned. When I saw the peace signs (for three dollars), I couldn’t resist.
I played with those earrings all day. They swung and shook and made little ching noises every time I moved my head. I was probably a little more expressive than usual. I had this odd compulsion to giggle a lot and toss my hair.
I slept in them.
Now I’ve been compulsively adding to my earring collection. I’ve even thrown in some with - gasp! - colors.
Next I’m going to try out a set of hoops that reach to my shoulders.
Jenny’s ears get a make-over with a whole new fall wardrobe.
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Fall shopping Part I
By JENNY WHITE
As the weather finally gets cooler, it’s finally time for some real fall/winter shopping. In the south, no one wants to try on sweaters and cords when it’s 90 degrees outside.
So here we go, with some ideas and inspiration.
Something yellow
Old Navy, $25
Yellow is THE color for fall and this sweater from Old Navy for $25 is a great buy and enough details (stripes, buttons and rounded neckline) to make it look more expensive than its pricetag.
Boots
By Calvin Klein, $99, at Piperlime.com
St. John’s Bay at JCPenney, $85
You really should get a good pair of boots for the upcoming season. Now, if you really want to go trendy, you should get some of the ultra hip thigh-high boots that are all the rage. I can’t really see too many ladies wearing $300 thigh-high boots in Rocky Mount, so I have some alternatives. The pointy-toe heel boots are still great assets to your wardrobe and look good with slacks and skirts. This season, you’ll also find a lot of equestrian-type boots in stores and I’ve included this good-looking boot from JCPenney.
Dark Wash Jeans
Denim trousers from J. Crew, $108
The hottest trend for jeans this season is matchstick. Yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. Very skinny jeans. But don’t fear, regular old jeans will always be an option and this year, the darker the better. Target has some great-looking dark-wash denim trousers for $29.99 (I don’t have a pic) or if you want a pair that really fit well, splurge on the J. Crew trousers for $108.
Skirts
A-line corduroy skirt from Gap, $49.50
Tweed wool skirt from Kohl’s, $34.
I like both of these skirts, because both would look good with a pair of boots. The tweed would also look great with tights and some high-heel pumps or simple flats. I’d pair the corduroy skirt with a sweater in blue or pink or maybe with some layered tissue t-shirts. Add your equestrian boots and you’re ready to go.
Next up…sweaters, jackets, accessories…..
Latest comments
Same here, Beth. Good to know SOMEBODY out there knows what I’m talking about and feels as frustrated as me!
... read the full comment by Jenny White/Charm Blogger | Comment on Is there an anti-aging cream for this? Read Is there an anti-aging cream for this?
I am going through the same exact thing, and it’s contagious from the top down in my case. I realized I was getting a sarcastic, eyes rolling, “yeah mom” or “ok mom” any time I talked to them; no respect. So I too am adopting
... read the full comment by Beth Taylor | Comment on Is there an anti-aging cream for this? Read Is there an anti-aging cream for this?
You are very welcome. See why I was a bit crazy from the time you were 11 until 21? It was all worth it. You turned out pretty good.
... read the full comment by Nana | Comment on Is there an anti-aging cream for this? Read Is there an anti-aging cream for this?
im a little late commenting on this but i happen 2 kno kelly quite well. i am a former student of hers, i graduated in 2004, and she happens 2 b a good friend of mine. i dont condone what she did but at the same time i am glad she got acquitted bc who wants
... read the full comment by Tiffany | Comment on The Saga of Kelly Bartz Read The Saga of Kelly Bartz