tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70381184812727740392012-02-16T09:54:56.231-05:00Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-83474979620058059012012-02-08T19:01:00.001-05:002012-02-10T16:18:33.504-05:00

Dear Danielle LaPorte,  I owe you one.  One of everything - one hug, one handwritten love note, one blessing, one piece of something shiny and sparkly, and oodles of gratitude.   You asked the burning question. Thanks for striking the match.  How do I want it all to feel?  I want my morning to feel like the first sip of ginger, carrot and kale juice, and a game of Double Dutch.  I want my

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-2870040378962729492012-02-07T22:11:00.004-05:002012-02-08T14:48:27.211-05:00

Dear Adolescent Deedums, Do not believe your dermatologist.  Cookies, chips and colas are evil for your skin.     For years, you'll think it's out of your hands and wish for magic in a bottle.   Makeup becomes your BFF and you keep it moving.  Then one day, a burning bush (the Internet) declares "Read Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet."What's crazy?  You can't have ice cream, cheese, sugar, salty

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-29836040308789090802011-12-21T08:37:00.014-05:002012-02-07T20:41:43.482-05:00

Dear Janet, Flaunting 45 ... is that really necessary? While it's only a few years away for me, your message is loud and clear: Tighten it up in 2012, Deedums.   Black leather pants - check. Chic hair cut - working up the nerves. Cool confidence - ramping it up. Mwah and Merry Christmas! Love, Deedums P.S. The tattoo. Now that's optional, correct? 

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-71642478349926252442011-12-19T08:28:00.002-05:002012-02-07T20:38:29.445-05:00

Dear God, Bless the maker of this automatic wine opener.  Uncorking a bottle is a skill I've never perfected.  For under $50, bits of cork in my Riesling be gone!   Cheers to another domestic victory, that is, unless the electricity goes out.  Mwah! Love, Deedums

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-91499040362607589622011-12-16T08:19:00.035-05:002012-02-07T20:43:13.507-05:00

Dear pretties,  Last night, the ghost of Christmas Past visited nest 328 and politely asked me to get over myself.   Before I could even muster up a "Bah! Humbug!," visions of eeensy Karl Lagerfeld dolls were dancing in my head.  There's nothing like over-the-top holiday window displays to resurrect one's merriment.    What's the takeaway?  When telling off your Scrooge, always

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-12753304340119653942011-06-08T23:57:00.001-04:002012-02-07T20:44:47.658-05:00

Dear Tiffany & Co, I have a bone to pick with you.   A gazillion people in NYC and you couldn't find one romantic tale starring a caramel-hued heroine.  How is that even possible?  Making us invisible isn't the key to our hearts or our wallets.  What makes love true is when a woman feels she is seen and heard.   Is love really everywhere or simply not for some of us? Mwah! Love,

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-20061896842423508332011-06-07T21:43:00.000-04:002011-06-07T21:43:03.435-04:00

Dear pretties,  If you squint your eyes, you would swear Ms. Washington and I were separated at birth.  (Notice I said "squint.") First order of business: Befriend Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein.  Next to do item: Exfoliate, rinse, lather and repeat or hire her dermatologist.  Mwah!   Love, Deedums

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-57907525067639801022010-10-22T22:29:00.000-04:002012-02-07T20:46:33.389-05:00

Dear pretties,  Quandary over here!  I am on a self-imposed clothing and accessories sabbatical.  Other priorities like styling and sprucing up my nest, saving for a trip to Paris (for real this time) and plotting my escape from the cubicle have become my main focus.   Okay, okay so I've dabbled on a teensy-weensy purchase—here and there.  A lace top for a

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-80808181169855503852010-09-01T12:57:00.000-04:002010-09-01T12:57:45.166-04:00

Dear pretties,  I'm torn.  Summer is my favorite time o' the year and I'm not quite ready to give it up.  Dining al fresco. Open-toed platform wedges. Yellow sundresses. Driving with the windows down. The smell of beach oil.  Light beach reads. Flirty skirts. Sunset at 8. Plums. A cool glass of Cava. Delicious.     Here's the kicker. J'adore autumn. Quilted bed coverings. Knee

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-12305426687994517272010-08-03T10:11:00.000-04:002010-08-03T10:11:36.185-04:00

Dear Ms. McCartney,  I don't know how you do that voodoo that you do so well but stop it!   Enraptured. Bewitched. Besotted.  Yes, that's me with your leopard print platform wedge.   I'm begging you now.  Please stop.  Mwah!  Love, Deedums

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-65189628854736798202010-08-02T12:50:00.000-04:002010-08-02T12:50:14.885-04:00

Dear pretties, Wasn't July a splendid whirlwind of frivolity and feasts?  While summer is far from over, I need to crack the whip on a few personal and professional goals.  Don't worry.  I'm not going to become all work and no play glambot. I plan to indulge my gastronomic appetite at Againn, visit with family and friends and soak up every remaining warm day. I don't know about you but

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-33206465921721196402010-07-30T13:42:00.001-04:002010-07-30T13:46:43.442-04:00

Dear pretties, Eeps, it's the last week of July but the best of summer isn't over yet. Two months of sunshine-y goodness still remains. Who are we foolin'? It doesn't get cool again until late September. Then boot season!  Before riding off for the weekend, I'm sharing a few of my July delights: The sweetest wedding video ever that kept me grinning from ear to ear. Lighten your

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-47464612148983746432010-07-29T22:15:00.000-04:002010-07-29T22:15:17.136-04:00

Dear pretties,  This is a place where love lives...normally.  So pardon my gossipy rant for this portion of Love, Deedums but what-in-the Coco-Chanel is Chelsea Clinton doing on the cover of WWD? I don't watch TMZ or read US Weekly (much) but when did Bill-and-Hil's little girl become a fashionista? And what's with the Marlene Dietrich act?    Anyhoo she's getting married

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-63061493242737658352010-07-28T12:19:00.000-04:002010-07-28T12:19:51.189-04:00

Dear pretties,  I've been out of sorts about my career, turning 40, personal milestones and goals. Blah, blah, blah. What do you do when you're bored with your own "stinkin' thinkin'?"  Just in the nick of time, this lovely verse arrived for careful reflection and with clear instruction. Sometimes I need to be told what to do.  Whatever things are true, whatever

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-48349937796802522162010-07-27T13:49:00.000-04:002010-07-27T13:49:55.341-04:00

Dear pretties,  Let's say it's 90+ degrees and your energy has been zapped. The last thing you want to do is to cook over a hot stove.  At least that's how I feel during this heat wave.  May I suggest this Watermelon, Tomato and Basil Salad? What's brilliant about this salad besides the minimal prep time is the blend of the savory (thanks to the balsamic vinegar) with the

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-37073110352152367692010-07-26T17:53:00.001-04:002010-07-26T23:03:43.737-04:00

  Dear pretties,  I peeped this idea over at Kimberly Wilson's blog.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, mais non? Let's dive in... 1. I wish I could wear a dress every day. 2. After 15 years, coffee and I parted ways this past November. 3. My first pet was a guinea pig named Batman. 4. Writing a checklist is like meditation for me. 5. Love a good thunderstorm - the bigger

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-23170961783761729282010-07-25T08:52:00.000-04:002010-07-25T08:52:50.544-04:00

   Dear pretties,  Last week with one distasteful comment, I hurt someone's feelings. (Ouch.) It definitely tarnished our friendship.  (Double ouch.) After I apologized a few times, my guilt lingered. Thoughts like Am I 40 or 14?  I can't really consider myself "an evangelist of excellent manners" with gossipy trash talk...can I?  What would Jackie do? ran through my mind.

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-53880228500602653442010-06-16T21:40:00.008-04:002010-06-16T21:52:46.618-04:00

Dear pretties, Things are already starting to heat up in D.C. Elle captured this hot-to-trot look for the summer.  Ideal for Saturday errands, an afternoon date and casual Fridays if you work as a creative. I'm nuts for those sandal booties. Resources: Cargo shorts: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Short at Macy's; Top: Kennedy Striped Shirt at Ann Taylor; Sandals: Rampage

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-76754909644132720662010-05-04T18:53:00.131-04:002010-05-04T21:44:11.520-04:00

Dear pretties, Once the race to the Oscars is over, there's very little glam and glitz until the following autumn. Wroooong. I've been so consumed with the final season of Lost (what is Desmond's role on the island?) that I completely forgot about the Met's annual Costume Institute Gala Benefit. Feast your eyes on these beauties and one or two beasts. Anne Hathaway: The

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-34990258399759954092010-04-26T23:40:00.186-04:002012-02-07T20:51:31.834-05:00

Dear pretties, I don't like profanity. Imagine my disappointment when at 12:17 p.m., I let it rip.  There I am at the Congressional Club’s First Lady’s luncheon—on pins and needles in a purple frock and gray platform heels—awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Obama.  Eeeeps! Blah blah blah, VIPs are introduced and escorted to the main dais. Oh, look there's Nancy Pelosi’s husband! Cool.  As

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-23968710633708017122010-04-25T19:38:00.219-04:002010-04-28T21:50:27.428-04:00

Dear Ella, Happy belated birthday, First Lady of Song! From swing to bebop to moody ballads, your mastery defies a lowly mortal like moi. How did I celebrate your royal scatness this past Sunday? I dusted off my Victrola. And honey, there's gold in them 'thar tunes. Singing your praises comes easy plus you know how I love making lists. Remember my 52 weeks post? Here are my go-to albums—the

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-23025845821816055422010-04-01T20:40:00.013-04:002010-04-27T21:35:08.433-04:00

My dear sweet March, You know how to treat a girl. In 31 days, we lived life to the fullest from excursions on the town to a Raleigh-Durham road trip to the “spring forward” ritual of daylight savings time. I don't have any regrets...okay maybe just one—missing this fabulous sample sale.  Now that April has arrived, I couldn't let you go without a proper bye bye. Smooches to the people, place

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-20505410323822013602010-03-29T22:49:00.029-04:002010-03-31T11:57:02.027-04:00

Dear pretties, Candace of Goddess Zuri exhausts me.  She's what you would call the total package: beauty, brains and chutzpah (that's Yiddish for Southern sass and charm.) We met in 2007 while working at a Charlotte advertising agency. Within this industry, there are a few flies in the buttermilk so we became immediate friends over our shared experiences and our

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-36421758751356401492010-03-23T23:05:00.292-04:002010-03-25T12:51:14.220-04:00

Dear pretties, Say hello to Guchi Muchi Puchi. Essie's blend of creamy pink with a spot of mauve is perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring. After nearly six months in knee-high boots and textured tights, my little piggies couldn't be happier. And with this swipe of color, my wintry woes have vanished. What is it about the color pink that makes

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-6768107447929310282010-03-17T09:30:00.004-04:002010-03-17T11:04:03.944-04:00

Dear pretties, Wishing I had my act together so I could attend this event in NYC.  Who is Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan?  He's the creator of Apartment Therapy, a must-read blog for anyone interested in design.  On Friday nights, after I've balanced my checkbook and eaten din din, my peepers scan over this site for real-life interior ideas and inspiration. (Image credit: swissmiss)

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-51191277190890190872010-03-11T00:55:00.000-05:002010-03-11T00:55:03.885-05:00

Dear pretties, While I adore my newly acquired iPhone (we're getting quite serious), I'm not fond of meeting people and keying in phone numbers. Let's class it up a bit, add some oomph to socializing...shall we? Enter the calling card.  It's a bit retro à la Princess phone but thanks to Britt Benjamin's clever update, there's an element of za za zu. Think Zoe Saldana. Now you're asking "Deedums

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-45158792108613412412010-03-05T21:11:00.012-05:002010-03-09T22:33:24.909-05:00

Dear pretties, promise me you'll do your absolute best to enjoy your weekend. I don't know about you but I could use a hearty laugh and a little bubbly!  Although my work week was strained and my office bff celebrated his last day today (sigh), I'm kicking off the fun with my favorite magazines and an early bedtime. (Image credit: Getty Images) Before I go, imbibe on a few

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-46706589777035115802010-03-03T23:17:00.008-05:002010-03-05T13:53:50.346-05:00

Last week, after devouring a savory Meiwah lunch, my fortune cookie cracked wise.  Never compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do. Normally, I don't accept sass from a crispy snack, but boy oh boy, pretties, did this ever hit close to home?  You see, I'm guilty of measuring my milestones against my friends' milestones.  The outcome...I end up

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-34062938635074221672010-03-02T10:06:00.001-05:002010-03-02T10:06:53.174-05:00

Dear pretties, Nicole is personality plus. You know the type—an exuberant, stylish and life-of-the-party girl. I’ve known Nic since junior high school. She always paired the cutest hair cut and Calvins with her spunky joie de vivre attitude. We reconnected last year at our—dare I say it?—20th high school reunion. Nicole is the same gem except she’s traded her skinny Calvins for skinny Seven

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-76359504715033601582010-02-24T23:36:00.016-05:002010-02-27T19:00:19.854-05:00

Dear February 2010, Well, we've reached the end of the month...almost. Thanks to the blizzard, the Super Bowl (Geaux Saints!), Valentine's Day and the Presidents' Day holiday weekend, I bid you farewell.  Before March roars in, here's what I loved about our time together. SNOWARMAGEDDON (Image credit: Nicole Lubin) Think about this. When was the last time you were forced to

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-71255790148105336642010-02-18T20:48:00.004-05:002010-02-18T20:51:02.596-05:00

(Image source: charmednblum) Jessa Crispin on by-products: I was having a conversation with a writer the other day, and he stated that the best things are always by-products. Happiness is a by-product, and I loved that he said that. You can plot your journey to success or happiness or wealth or whatever it is you’re looking for, but if you’re too focused on the end result, you’re

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-6930404147204663832010-02-16T23:48:00.084-05:002010-02-18T20:53:02.592-05:00

I know, I know, you're snOverit. So am I. Wow, that's the first time I've admitted it. There's something to look forward to...spring fashion!  Even though today marks day seven of New York Fashion Week for the Fall 2010 collections, well, fiddle-dee-deedums, I can't think of that.  Channeling spring, my mind wanders to warming sun rays, a wardrobe absent of mittens and hats, and sweet, sticky

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-21257265995126484542010-02-16T07:07:00.000-05:002010-02-16T07:07:02.408-05:00

Sometimes just getting to Target on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. can feel like an accomplishment.  Well, that ain't right. So, on New Year's Eve, I tossed my tired old resolutions aside and picked fifty-two things to nourish my soul, serve others and pretty me up. See Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre live. Attend a Kimberly Wilson event. Wrap up 2009 taxes...early. Detox

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-14695888018820617902010-02-15T18:07:00.000-05:002010-02-15T18:07:47.001-05:00

From 1988 to 1992, I was a royal idiot. While my idyllic years at St. Mary's College hold dear memories, I spent time and energy—pondering things that didn't matter like beer money and pursuing the affections of boys whose names I can't even recall now.   Yet only a few yards from my dorm sat Lucille Clifton. Sure, she was Maryland's Poet Laureate and an accomplished, highly

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038118481272774039.post-12334979704974040472010-02-14T00:03:00.009-05:002010-02-15T12:34:26.970-05:00

Ahh, Valentine's Day...the bane of every single girl's existence. And those sorry sacks who are at a loss when shopping for their wives or girlfriends. (You'll see them in Target tomorrow AM.) With so much emphasis on coupledom, one could easily end up on the train to the town of doldrums. Well, not me!  Here's my recipe for a lovely Valentine's Day.  After church, a mid-day mani/

Deedumshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365746425075026161noreply@blogger.com7