tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4809444592849198502024-02-19T10:39:11.740-05:00Stuff Kimmy LikesA place for me (Kimmy) to tell the world (or, rather, the portion of the world that might check out my blog from time to time) about some of the stuff I like.KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-90989527678652932422014-06-08T14:40:00.000-04:002014-06-08T14:41:38.510-04:00I like solutions to difficult problems. Like misogyny.<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Well, I do NOT like misogyny. But HOORAY! I've come across list of five worthwhile (and simple) things that be done to help end it! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Recently, the <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/yesallwomen?source=feed_text&story_id=10152518018939122" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cl" style="color: #6d84b4;">#</span><span class="_58cm">YesAllWomen</span></a> Twitter hashtag got a lot of women sharing their experiences with the harsh realities of misogyny, including myself. It also put a lot of people on the bitter defensive, which I experienced first-hand in only some the replies I received, but witnessed in countless vicious attacks on other women who shared their truths and thoughts, as I had done. (And whether you are a Twitter user or not, I would encourage you to go <a href="http://bit.ly/1nt66nO" target="_blank">read some of the #YesAllWomen tweets</a>.)"</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The following piece is a very eloquent response to these recent discussions, and I invite you all to read it, and share it, if you feel so compelled. Unfortunately, <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/misogyny?source=feed_text&story_id=10152518018939122" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cl" style="color: #6d84b4;">#</span><span class="_58cm">Misogyny</span></a> is a far more important issue than most realize, and it is not ever going to just magically fix itself for the young girls we know now, nor for those in future generations, to be able to grow up feeling safe and protected in our society. We need a solution, WAY sooner than later, because, y'all, if you're not horrified, you're not paying attention, and/or you may think it doesn't matter (or wish it didn't), and it DOES. Because, guys reading this? Consider this ONE aspect of this problem. The women you know? We haven't grown up feeling anywhere nearly as safe as you-- and if you doubt that at all, you ask them what they have to fear that you don't, and never will. It's time for us all to start being honest about this stuff, and talking about it. Read on to hear how we can do just that.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-top: 6px;">
Peace and love. Peace and LOVE. --kdr</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a href="http://on.fb.me/1nt6iUc" target="_blank">Link to original Facebook post by Rue Kream</a>.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
"There have been a lot of articles written this past week about misogyny, harassment, sexual assault, and violence towards women. The responses to those articles are often as enlightening as the articles themselves: Hey, not all men are bad! That guy was just crazy. Stop pounding us over the head with this! I'm not disrespectful to the women I know, what more do you want from me?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If your response to an article about misogyny is a knee-jerk urge to defend yourself, to argue that you are not part of the problem, I'd suggest taking some time to make sure you understand what the problem really is. Not just a minute. Do some research. Do some hard thinking. Once you've done that, if your conscience is clear, great! Consider going a step further to determine if there's anything more you can do to be part of the solution.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Here are some things anyone can do:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
1) Let go of the idea that there are regular people and there are monsters. People who do monstrous things *are* regular people. They're someone's friend, someone's cousin, someone's child, or someone's parent. When we 'other' them we give them space to operate. We run the risk of not seeing what's right in front of us, or of seeing it but trying to explain it away, diminishing it, because someone we care about couldn't possibly be a monster. This is one reason you hear stories of boys whose friends or coach or whole town rally around them after they've raped. I ate lunch with him yesterday, I've laughed with him, he helped me get through my parents' divorce, he's a team player. There must be some explanation, some reason - he's not a monster.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
There are no monsters.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
2) Tell the people you know who have been sexually assaulted that you recognize the enormity of the wrong that has been done to them. If you know the person who did the wrong, don't make excuses, try to explain it away, or muse about what could have caused it. Just acknowledge that it was 100% wrong and that it is tremendously, life-changingly serious. Reach out, bring it up. Don't leave a person to carry the weight of it alone.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you're thinking, "I don't know anyone who has been sexually assaulted", the sad reality is that it's statistically very improbable. Are you someone a person would feel comfortable sharing that information with? Work to be.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
3) Encourage dialogue about misogyny. Initiate it and participate in it. Don't shut it down or change the subject or verbally flail about in indignation.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you're tired of hearing about misogyny, imagine how tiring it is for women to be perpetually wary. Think it's unnecessary for women to be perpetually wary? Remember, it's statistically likely that you know someone who has been assaulted. That's because it's statistically likely that a woman *will be* assaulted.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Listen. Talk. Share information. Be willing to be wrong sometimes so you can learn to do right.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
4) Pay active attention.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
When you're watching tv, hear the coach who deprecatingly calls his players 'ladies'.<br />
When you're walking down the street, see the man leaning on the building who stares at a woman the entire time she's within his field of view.<br />
When you're hanging out with young parents, notice when one of them tells his or her son not to cry like a girl or that something he wants to play with is for girls.<br />
When you're visiting family for a holiday, note that the first thing people usually say to a young girl is something about her appearance. (I like your dress! You look beautiful today!)<br />
When you're shopping for a book, remember that publishers still change authors' names so they won't sound too feminine.<br />
When you're playing a video game, observe the different roles, power, and plot lines given to female and male characters.<br />
When you're hanging out with a group of men, recognize when they joke about all women, complain about all women, or rate women's appearances.<br />
When you're watching a movie, consciously think about whether it revolves around men's stories, men's wants, men's dreams.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
There's a barrage of misogyny all around us. If you're not seeing it, hearing it, noticing it, recognizing it, thinking about it, then you are part of it, and it is part of you.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
5) Speak up.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Say, "I can't believe people are still making jokes like that."<br />
Say, "Why wouldn't he want to be like a girl?"<br />
Say, "I'm not ok with what you're doing."<br />
Say, "Where are the women in this movie?"<br />
Say, "The way you're looking at that woman seems to be making her uncomfortable."<br />
Say, "That's not funny."<br />
Say, "Why isn't the guy ever locked up in a tower?"<br />
Say, "Don't be an asshole."</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-top: 6px;">
Sometimes you might say the wrong thing. Sometimes you'll feel embarrassment or fear. Sometimes someone will get annoyed or angry with you. Speak up anyway. What you ignore, you condone."</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-top: 6px;">
-- posted on Facebook by Rue Kream, May 31, 2014, 4:40pm.</div>
</div>
KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-15034277820854381032014-06-04T23:30:00.000-04:002014-06-06T00:31:30.123-04:00Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge, Day 4: pain<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Migraine & Headache Awareness Month continues, as does the daily Photo Challenge. I have to keep reminding myself that, in participating in this challenge, 1) it's called a "challenge" for a reason, and 2) I'm "taking one for the team," for the purpose of spreading awareness, which is very important to me. So, if I'm committed to shining light on my illness, I have to share the grizzlier parts of my day-to-day, and that's that. But you wouldn't believe how I stall when I'm ready to send a photo out. (Notice, I'm a day behind-- not because I missed a day, but because of the stalling!) The Cringe-Factor is off the charts, so I pretty much hate it, and it's only Day 4. (Adding it to the Discuss In Therapy list...) But whatever. I'm not quitting, so let's just get on with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTKvmBOPkxaqE5AJfAFmOAcHapkuWqmuWndrrbqSeNzzzzl3jA8Bry_VgNtQzmr7Ke6ZHqH7lQaeV2o1-KqCh9vYSYAIxa8Qjcfdd686jbNyDbhZLxKdXCoLCvXlxNFO6A3-6InNlPfMj/s1600/MAHMPC+Day4+Pain+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTKvmBOPkxaqE5AJfAFmOAcHapkuWqmuWndrrbqSeNzzzzl3jA8Bry_VgNtQzmr7Ke6ZHqH7lQaeV2o1-KqCh9vYSYAIxa8Qjcfdd686jbNyDbhZLxKdXCoLCvXlxNFO6A3-6InNlPfMj/s1600/MAHMPC+Day4+Pain+Final.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today's prompt is "pain," and it's one of the grizzlier ones. I mean, how do I open the door and show just anybody who wants to look the reality of the pain that has come with my having Chronic Daily Migraine for ten years, and "Just Chronic" (ha) for the decades before that?! ("Here are my scars and other open wounds, if anybody might wanna take a look at em...") It feels incredibly daunting. And gross. And I don't want to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, the truth is, it's often unspeakable. Sometimes, it's so bad that I find myself holding my breath, because even the slowest, least detectable movement of air through my system makes it worse. Not often, but enough to know it well. On a daily basis, though, no matter the severity, if there's pain, it's pretty soul-crushing. Profoundly disappointing. A rotten, daily betrayal by my own body. My pain is a bully, hiding in the bushes, waiting to beat me to a pulp, and drag me into a dark basement, so he can do it again, whenever he feels like it. A nightmare. A saboteur. An enemy I'm forced to live with, and take with me everywhere. But I do, and I have, and I will, and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I cling to my faith that, even at its worst, all is as it should be, and that there is a lesson in each moment I endure it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hate the way all of those descriptions sound, because they have such a heavy, poisonous energy wrapped up in them, but I know that to tell it without it would be a lie. The way I look at the world is through a lens of gratitude, which is making it really difficult to fight the urge to write a paragraph that balances out all that dark, negative stuff with a list of blessings. I know that's the lesson here, though. I know I have to let them just hang there, and stay there, and let them just be what they are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pain is a cruel, cruel monster. A horror. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's enough. I did it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanks for reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">--Kimmy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">If you suffer from migraines, or you'd like to know more about it, and how it affects real, live people, feel free to check out and/or subscribe to my Migraine list on Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/KimmyDarling/lists/migraine" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Migraine Tweeps & Resources on Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">. As always, thank you for your interest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-77175781748653377322014-06-03T23:30:00.000-04:002014-06-05T04:05:39.617-04:00Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge, Day 3: sleep<h2>
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK9lZ4OxirN3VynaiDhCS0WJ8GWsbXOLhWodPYQW3SXDgWeyyjwzxfJYHtc3bbd2b2zLem-PXAk6vdtzIR5ls9Qu10gdZyZuvBl5LnG65wqRDovtvBCUCwyUOP4Uupa16cAZ8pzC5mbsS/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK9lZ4OxirN3VynaiDhCS0WJ8GWsbXOLhWodPYQW3SXDgWeyyjwzxfJYHtc3bbd2b2zLem-PXAk6vdtzIR5ls9Qu10gdZyZuvBl5LnG65wqRDovtvBCUCwyUOP4Uupa16cAZ8pzC5mbsS/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today's prompt for the Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge is "sleep," and, boy, howdy, do I ever need some. My photo was inspired by "the lengths I would go to" (yes, that gets me singing "Losing My Religion," too, which is an incredibly beautiful song, so hey, yeah, you're welcome.) -- you just don't know the drugs I've taken, the accessories I've worn, the lotions and potions I put on my body, OH my goodness, mercy, please, just to get some good, restful sleep. Nothing's doin' it for me, though. Close... but no cigahhh.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been weeks, and I need it, y'all. I just really, really do.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">If you'd like to know more about Migraine, and how it affects real, live people, feel free to check out and/or subscribe to my Migraine list on Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/KimmyDarling/lists/migraine" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Migraine Tweeps & Resources on Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">. Thanks for your interest.</span></div>
KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-83067970592060151362014-06-02T23:50:00.000-04:002014-06-05T01:40:19.506-04:00Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge, Day 2: alone, lonely<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge, Day 2: alone, lonely</span></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the record, I really hate sharing this private stuff, but I made a commitment to being willing to be vulnerable for the sake of Migraine Awareness, so I'm doing it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQmhDVQ05C6yQdMvBerv8D2_9aVDeO3IrhPPT_-l1eqrNyoxnlftzLS5x197Xs9TeI97ilt4O_99HSoNR4g3q69-xHQvLwmXJc8-pYEmGzjwradOB3nZntGCF5FRZgGAHPmPWCP4ZQKNj/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQmhDVQ05C6yQdMvBerv8D2_9aVDeO3IrhPPT_-l1eqrNyoxnlftzLS5x197Xs9TeI97ilt4O_99HSoNR4g3q69-xHQvLwmXJc8-pYEmGzjwradOB3nZntGCF5FRZgGAHPmPWCP4ZQKNj/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" height="390" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge, Day 2: alone, lonely. I just dug this out of my trash can in my bedroom. When I have unusual severe pain, I leave a note, in case anybody needs to know if anything unusual had happened before I'd fallen asleep. #MHAM #MHAMPC</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
If you'd like to know more about Migraine, and how it affects real, live people, feel free to check out and/or subscribe to my Migraine list on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KimmyDarling/lists/migraine" target="_blank">Migraine Tweeps & Resources on Twitter</a>. Thanks for your interest.</span>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-69701907318331306292014-06-01T23:30:00.000-04:002014-06-05T23:00:12.801-04:00June is Migraine & Headache Awareness Month!<h2>
</h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Woohoo! It's our MONTH! YAY. Let's talk about headaches. Although it's not my favorite topic in the world, it's one that affects me every day, so it is very important to me. This month, I intend to participate in the Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge, which is intended to give you a peek inside what it's like, in my case, to live with Chronic Daily Migraine. Each day, I will post a photo inspired by an assigned theme. Having seen the scheduled prompts, I know that it will be an interesting collection of pictures, and I have made a commitment to myself to best serve the Migraine community by being as truthful as possible. No sugar coating it. (But it won't all be grizzly, as you'll see today.)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's begin, shall we? </span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo Challenge, Day 1: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">comfort, peace, coping</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztfFNk0H_elLMvUGh3eDpsLCESfqQwWIM5R7_yw0ewBhJTnA0g-BdBpyu3SqXJkpjG5cDCddBFgrBvcEQIbfxjk1dsTqKCRHRiRRt7R9o3T8snxGPevDv5QNJY6vKrjOZQEz4yybsZczt/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztfFNk0H_elLMvUGh3eDpsLCESfqQwWIM5R7_yw0ewBhJTnA0g-BdBpyu3SqXJkpjG5cDCddBFgrBvcEQIbfxjk1dsTqKCRHRiRRt7R9o3T8snxGPevDv5QNJY6vKrjOZQEz4yybsZczt/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are some explanations of what's in the picture, since this is really about raising awareness, and not promoting vague, themed photos...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
<div>
comfort: </div>
<div>
Those are my NAP blankets, sleep mask, and my "Soft Friend," as Warner (my nephew) calls them. Also, my Kindle will read to me, which makes me very happy. So will the Audible app, for books purchased on Audible.com -- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BK22L8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001BK22L8&linkCode=as2&tag=stukimlik-20&linkId=EXPKXPMQZXKNPRFB" target="_blank">The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay</a> does absolute wonders for getting my mind away from my brain, if that makes sense. Sometimes, especially during the marathon attacks, which last 10 or more hours, it's hard to get my thoughts on something other than what's going on in my body (and how I feel about it).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
peace: </div>
<div>
meditation, whether on my own, or guided by <a href="http://www.withandrewjohnson.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Johnson's apps</a> (represented by the t-shirt, bottom-right). My Mom taught me how to do a body scan when I was very young, so that is my go-to, when things start to get rough. I'm lucky to be able to hear her voice in my head when I do it, too-- one more point for comfort!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
coping: </div>
<div>
Sprite for the nausea. Baby ones (in the little glass bottles). Chewable Vitamin C when I'm dehydrated, but don't want to drink another drop-- chewing one somehow makes forcing water down easier. Pringles for the salt cravings I get about an hour after having vomited. (Or whenever-- I love me some Pringles.) My favorite <a href="http://mydoterra.com/kimmydarling" target="_blank">dōTERRA</a> oils-- I always have my bedside diffuser running, in order to help keep me as calm, stress-free, and positive-minded as possible. (Wild Orange and Bergamot are my favorite, scent-wise) and I put a drop of Frankincense on the roof of my mouth at the onset of an attack. Occasionally, it helps the migraine start to break itself up, but it always helps me begin to settle down, if I start to get hysterical from the pain.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tomorrow, "Photo Challenge, Day 2: alone, lonely." Yay... ;p</div>
</span></div>
KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-81695081146496493322013-03-28T15:38:00.001-04:002013-03-28T15:38:12.597-04:00Zoya Makes Me Soooo HappyThere's "Stuff Kimmy Likes," and then there's "Stuff That Makes Kimmy <i>REALLY</i> Happy." This post is about one of the most consistent Happy-Makers in my life: <a href="http://www.zoya.com/" target="_blank">Zoya Nail Polish</a>.<br />
<br />
Obviously, I haven't blogged in forever, give or take a couple of lifetimes, thanks to my uncooperative brain (which has Chronic Daily Migraine) and having been going through a very long, drawn-out, nasty divorce, but I just got word last week that I am OFFICIALLY and finally divorced, which I <i>do</i> like, and <i>does</i> make me very happy, thus, the mention here, on a blog where I write about things I like. Hopefully, I will feel like blogging more, now that the stress of that is behind me-- we shall see.<br />
<br />
But anyway, Zoya. Pretty much everybody who knows me knows that I love Zoya. I mean, I luuuuurve Zoya, and I recommend it to everybody. And not just because I prefer the formula (super-smooth, with no fumes!), or that each collection is more beautifully dazzling than the one before (<a href="http://www.zoya.com/content/38/category/Pixie_Dust_Nail_Polish_Matte_Metallic.html" target="_blank">um, PIXIE DUST</a>), or that they're always coming up with some new, smart way to engage their customers (<a href="http://www.zoya.com/content/38/category/Zoya_Color_Spoons.html" target="_blank">hi, color spoons</a>). And not even, well, because of <a href="http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/nail-polish-zoya-nail-polish-kimmy-zp547.html" target="_blank">this</a>.<br />
<br />
The biggest reason, no joke, is the people behind the brand. The people that have developed a loyal, cult-like Zoya following in some really simple ways. First, they created a superior product, of course. But, more importantly, in my book, is that they ENGAGE THEIR CUSTOMERS better than any company I know. (And I'm kind of a marketing junkie, I admit. I pay close attention to this stuff-- especially when it comes to Marketing to Women. Some would even call it "obsessed," which is fine-- I just really like when Marketing to Women is done right!) Zoya does it <i>really</i> right. On <a href="https://twitter.com/zoyanailpolish" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. On <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZoyaNailPolish" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Go look-- follow them! They create community around their product. They respond to people, they goof off with them, they share their excitement. THAT is probably the key-- they engage like they are excited to do it. And they're not afraid to show they're having fun-- just check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0askM_pENA" target="_blank">my favorite of</a> their YouTube videos, if you want to see what I mean. That kind of stuff makes me really happy.<br />
<br />
So, yeah, I could show you the cuteness of this right here<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0qV7jq3jr2vsVuCPiEKz1oHUfleopOGVIfe22Wyq6ZwCP6On-z7TAGlpJ1b4BUDfFzyQ-x3tLCafDCD0_IG2F8jELTF7hoDPcePu_ioaVOy5UWVMjUiv_iJgHdfdNhHKhGOq8KW6N1EF/s400/Zoya+Spring+Color+Cuties+2013.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
and all-caps-holler "<a href="http://www.zoya.com/content/38/category/zoya_spring_mini.html" target="_blank">RUN RIGHT NOW AND SNAG THESE CUTE LITTLE TINY BOTTLES WHILE YOU CAN</a>," because, my <i>gosh</i>, they are so cute and teeny-tiny! But what I really want you to do is pay attention to how <i>your</i> favorite brands interact with you. Then, compare those things to what Zoya does to keep their products interesting, and the many unique ways in which they genuinely engage and include their customers in what they're doing. I'd be willing to bet that, at the very least, nobody will seem to have more fun doing it.<br />
<br />
Thanks, Zoya Fairies, for making me happy, particularly, through some <i>very</i> difficult times. With your polish, with your delight, with your creative innovation, and your genuine interest in interacting with your customers, fans, and followers, y'all rock.<br />
<br />
Luuuuurve,<br />
KimmyDarling<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">** Disclosure ** </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Product samples have been sent to me for consideration by PR.</span>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-56235337139430829422012-06-01T14:48:00.000-04:002012-06-01T20:30:52.366-04:00Migraine Awareness Month #1: My First for the First<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0yq6Er7tg_eSrs-p8udBpZ8Y8VCaINevOHjhLH1oXlZABByZ8d1KUk5_y6dt1A8b5DbjYaKamOLlLndPLux8xU-PMZpcKRkmYEwxB9qqJrUemkEdzCKI1lg4jPgxLmBUX9_Pf-etFR5n/s1600/BloggingChallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0yq6Er7tg_eSrs-p8udBpZ8Y8VCaINevOHjhLH1oXlZABByZ8d1KUk5_y6dt1A8b5DbjYaKamOLlLndPLux8xU-PMZpcKRkmYEwxB9qqJrUemkEdzCKI1lg4jPgxLmBUX9_Pf-etFR5n/s1600/BloggingChallenge.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Since June is Migraine Awareness Month, I will be joining my fellow Migraine-Surviving </span><span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Bloggers</span><span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> in the </span><a href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/2012/05/migraine-awareness-month-blogging-challenge.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge</a>, and make my best effort to blog about Migraines on each day in June, with the intention of raising awareness. Each day, we (the bloggers) will each write about a given topic. To kick off the first of the month, today's topic is my first migraine.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since they first started around age 5, I don't have a very clear memory of my first migraine attack. What I can tell you is that I can't remember not having them. I do remember what the pain felt like in my little body. It was crushing, and made my head feel gigantic and brutally heavy. I was a skinny kid, and it felt like my head was about five times too big for my body. I felt like a bobblehead, decades before I ever heard the term. (To this day, <a href="http://painconsortium.nih.gov/pain_scales/NumericRatingScale.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">when the pain is above, say, a 7</a>, I can't hold my head up.) The pressure inside my seemingly enormous head made my eyes ache from the inside, and my sinuses often hurt like crazy. My grandmother, Kaki, used to put Ben-Gay on my sinuses, in hopes of relieving some of that particular pressure. It usually helped a little, until I'd forget, and accidentally rub it in my eye. Ben-Gay is not for the eye area, in case you haven't heard. ;|</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I vividly remember the first time I had to go to the emergency room for a migraine attack, though. I was about nine years old, and my Mom had taken my brother and me to the mountains for the weekend. We'd driven to our family's cabin in Mountain City, Georgia, a small town known more for its square-dancing venue than its exceptional, round-the-clock medical care. It was late on Friday night, and my head had been hurting since that afternoon. I couldn't sleep, in spite of Mom's best efforts to comfort me-- a cool washcloth for my forehead, light backrubs, guided body-scan meditations, using her words to transport me to my favorite tranquil spot (on the cool sand under the umbrella on the beach in Destin, Florida) in her soothing voice-- but not a thing could get me to rest enough to sleep. The anxiety from the pain was too much for me to handle, and, as the pain escalated, I eventually became hysterical. As I type this, I can remember <i>exactly</i> what it felt like to lie there in that hard, lumpy bed, sweating to death one minute, but shivering cold the next, trying as hard as I could not to come right out of my skin, screaming bloody murder. I simply could not take it.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Mom got us to the hospital (in our pajamas, as I recall), and I don't remember anything about being there except bright lights and a long needle going into my fanny. I don't know what they gave me, but I remember that it loosened up the migraine's grip. Unfortunately, though, it made me very nauseous. (Looking back, I suspect it was DHE45, which is what I give myself now, via a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICC_line" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PICC line in my left arm</a>.) I made it back to the house without getting sick in the car, but I vomited many times in the hours that followed. I can still feel the grit on my knees from the cool, grey-painted hardwood floor of the upstairs bathroom. I napped on that floor in-between bouts of throwing up, and remember the view of the claw-footed bathtub from that vantage point. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">One funny thing always sticks out about that night. At some point, while vomiting, I was shocked by what I was seeing come out. I started hollering, "MOMMMMM!!!! IT'S GREEN!!! I DIDN'T EAT ANYTHING GREEN, BUT IT'S GREEN AND LOOKS JUST LIKE PERT PLUS!!! Y'ALL COME LOOK!" And they did. So, after I was finished with this particular wave of nausea, before flushing the toilet, Mom and my brother and I stood and looked down into that old bowl, perplexed. Mom said, "well, maybe it's bile. But it sure looks like Pert Plus to me. Are you <i>sure </i>you didn't drink some? Where's the shampoo bottle?" Although <i>really</i> gross, the silliness was much-needed.</span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since that day, I've never seen the Pert Plus Puke again, after having hundreds of possible opportunities to do so. But I will never forget it, or that night, or that little girl, feeling inexplicably, relentlessly tortured by her own body. It's been over 30 years, and it's still happening. I still don't understand it.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORc3k3LJ0XB35DnjEalIrzSF4O5R1wwGctRj_O95F5z49y2jxwcOh8F4RiTJZ-49l5G1Pi2-JlB5z_B9xwDLOH957SYPzSNwJ2Yoid3L_4BmfX_op6EM3Mh1h51iyUhy9QZbw44lQrjVp/s1600/meMattPatio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORc3k3LJ0XB35DnjEalIrzSF4O5R1wwGctRj_O95F5z49y2jxwcOh8F4RiTJZ-49l5G1Pi2-JlB5z_B9xwDLOH957SYPzSNwJ2Yoid3L_4BmfX_op6EM3Mh1h51iyUhy9QZbw44lQrjVp/s320/meMattPatio.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">My brother & me. Kaki's house, ~1979.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Pain level right now: 5</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">-Kimmy</span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the </span><a data-bitly-type="bitly_hover_card" href="http://www.headaches.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #a62feb; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">National Headache Foundation</a><span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by </span><a data-bitly-type="bitly_hover_card" href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com./" rel="nofollow" style="color: #a62feb; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.</a></span>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-86547810768132909882011-09-11T14:18:00.003-04:002015-09-11T12:31:12.646-04:00Ten Years On.<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent;">
<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.23262324347160757" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pkvlAFpRgYXN2mOw_dMc0dkHO7AM_auxaygAI4wIqWHPAIZ7N5zncmkkMLWvuQf2hHQvTM-5a-uTsrrNPIXUSkFZLb7MAWg4_HuMLBnDeIaBwJOEYmg6ZHnL1TETwjsYEsvI4bdxYK9l/s1600/american-flag-at-pentagon-after-9-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pkvlAFpRgYXN2mOw_dMc0dkHO7AM_auxaygAI4wIqWHPAIZ7N5zncmkkMLWvuQf2hHQvTM-5a-uTsrrNPIXUSkFZLb7MAWg4_HuMLBnDeIaBwJOEYmg6ZHnL1TETwjsYEsvI4bdxYK9l/s320/american-flag-at-pentagon-after-9-11.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'll not forget, and couldn't, even if I wanted to.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.23262324347160757" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On September 11th, 2001, my eventual husband, Brian, and I lived in Alexandria, Virginia. Brian was in our bedroom, getting ready for work. I was up and on the computer in our guest room, drinking coffee and reading the Sweet Potato Queen's Messageboard of Love, as I did many mornings. At what must've been about ten till nine, a new thread popped up on the site that said a plane had hit the World Trade Center (written by a queen named Scarlette, if I'm not mistaken). "TURN ON THE TV," it said. "NOW." I hurried into our room and turned on CNN. There was Aaron Brown, delivering the news of this baffling accident, with the Twin Towers in the background, smoke billowing out of the North Tower. Like so many, I couldn't comprehend what I was seeing. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>What kind of idiot pilot couldn't avoid hitting the WORLD TRADE CENTER?</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Had an amateur pilot lost control of his aircraft, after having had a heart attack or something? It was as perplexing a live image as I've ever seen, before or since.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was glued to the TV, looking to Aaron for updates and explanations as to what was going on. We watched it all unfold in confusion as Brian continued getting ready to go to work at his office in downtown DC. But just after 9am, confusion turned to fear, as we watched with the world as the second plane flung itself, with all its might, straight into the higher middle floors of the South Tower. I've still never seen anything so shocking. It was simply unfathomable. But what became absolutely clear as the second plane hit was that this was no accident at all. Planes were deliberately flying into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, and people were surely dead or dying. Someone was using actual jet airplanes in suicide attack missions. Against us. On our soil. In New York City, home of the heartbeat of this country.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At 9:37, as we watched the news, the strangest thing happened. Our three-story townhouse shook abruptly for about a second or so, as if a large truck had run into it, head-on, at full speed. I screamed, and Brian and I instinctively ran to the windows to see what had hit us. I will never forget the image of what I saw from my vantage point-- absolute, utter stillness and quiet, under one of the most beautiful, blue, early fall skies I had ever seen. Brian saw nothing from where he looked, either. In that moment, I instantly felt insane. Terrified with confusion, I said, "but you felt it, right? You DID JUST FEEL THAT, RIGHT?!!" He had felt it, so if I had lost my mind, either he had lost his, too, or my mind was telling me that he had. I wouldn't know for ten more minutes.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shaken, and even more baffled, I turned my attention back to the TV. Aaron was talking with someone who had called in from Florida, I think, to report on President Bush's whereabouts and next steps in responding to the tragedy. After a couple of minutes, the footer on the screen said something about reports of a fire at the Pentagon, but Aaron wasn't saying anything about it. It seemed like forever before it was addressed, though I'm sure it must have only been a couple of minutes, at the most. Someone called in from the Pentagon, and reported that there was, indeed, a fire there. The reporter, who had just driven into the parking lot, hadn't heard anything, and could not determine what had caused the fire. Aaron next said there were reports of a fire on the National Mall, and the footer on the screen matched this news. There were reports that the Capitol and White House had been evacuated. Every minute, it seemed as if there was a new piece added to what was becoming the DC part of the puzzle, each one increasingly frightening.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, around 9:47 or so, Aaron took a call from Greta Van Susteren, who was at Reagan National Airport, four miles away from our house. She said she had come in from New York and was in the parking lot leaving the airport when she heard a large explosion. She could see smoke coming from the sky in the area of the Pentagon. I looked at Brian and said, "that's what it was, Brian. I know it sounds crazy, but that's what we just felt." Sure enough, when the specific timeline came out, it was confirmed. Somehow, from seven miles due south, we had felt the impact of the explosion caused by American Airlines flight 77's crash into the Pentagon. That moment of realization shifted everything about my perspective. The horror of images I'd seen in that last hour immediately became more real. My fear for our personal safety became rational; we lived in a city under attack, in a home not far from the first target. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I told Brian there was no way he was going downtown, and I didn't care what anyone said about it-- it just was not happening. His office was in the same building as the Passport Office. There was no way to know what the terrorists planned to do next-- could they do something to the Passport Office, in order to prohibit US Citizens from leaving the country? My imagination had clearly been outmatched by these lunatics-- they had thought to use airplanes as missiles, after all-- so it was easy to get carried away, thinking "outside the box," as the terrorists had, about the possibilities of what could come next. Thankfully, he stayed home, and, as we all know now, the Passport Office was not attacked.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I live this day, ten years past the one that shook the United States to its very core, I am revisited by the grief that came with this tragedy. The anger brought about by such unrelenting violence toward the country I love. I see those familiar, terrifying images, and the barrage of emotions I felt as I watched them happening comes flooding back. My brain hasn't forgotten what I saw, and my heart clearly hasn't forgotten what it felt.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But what my heart also remembers is that this incomprehensible act of terrorism against us was the catalyst for the most profound unity I've ever felt in this country. It was palpable in the DC area, and I felt it in the community in subtle ways. Whether at the grocery store or in our neighborhoods, among strangers or those close to us, with the like-minded or those having the most opposing views, there was a change in tone. A difference in the energy within and surrounding us. I could feel a relaxing of the grip with which many of us, collectively and individually, had held onto unimportant things. We now shared an unspoken bond-- a knowing familiarity, somehow. An understanding of one another-- </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I didn't watch it with you, but I am here with you now, and, like you, I am changed.</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This bond stemmed from the love we have for America, and the pride we shared in being US citizens. There was also a profound affection that grew for the City of New York, and the grace, bravery, and dignity with which their community handled the horror of that day and all that came with it. Brian and I had been given "I [heart] NY" t-shirts as gifts the previous year, and I pulled mine out and purposefully, proudly wore it almost every day. For me, September 11th, 2001 was the day the United States became </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Our</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> United States. United, indeed, by tragedy, but more profoundly by love, perseverance, and the grace of a future that we all, as survivors of those who had perished, had been given. This unity is what my heart most clings to about that day.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Countless things have changed for us all since then, individually and globally. In the US, many things are often regarded with a label of either "pre-9/11" or "post-9/11." Unfortunately, most of the unity I felt in the time that followed 9/11 has gradually disintegrated into what I perceive as more of an uncomfortable, defensive "Us and Them" atmosphere. I don't know if, as a country, we'll ever get past it and back to a similar sense of community and shared purpose we had ten years ago. I hope we do. I believe it's not something for me to worry about, but to consider and be mindful of as I make choices in my life. As I want unity, I shall approach the world with an attitude of unity. There can be an Us without a Them, and I believe that's just what we are. All the world, Us.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, I honor those of Us who were lost on September 11th, and I cherish the Us they left behind.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In gratitude,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kimmy</span></div>
</div>
KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-6582376074495401242011-03-08T13:33:00.000-05:002011-03-08T13:33:51.823-05:00TODAY ONLY! Great Deal On One Of My LOVES!<div><b>Check out this time-sensitive offer on one of my faves.</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47C30DsVRAhyphenhyphenZ3oaOvrijkvQtgV33IvC3mU1jLTmdDDjex3VRVk7kT2klUInJJKbPGPMYoNTOQvsOXtnyqSS93jfaG3dsJMEi73usQ0ueMW3uObKMO257yTRvPYmHRSmO1yNRSeCoCJxz/s1600/ZP_Intimate_NailChip_sm_RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47C30DsVRAhyphenhyphenZ3oaOvrijkvQtgV33IvC3mU1jLTmdDDjex3VRVk7kT2klUInJJKbPGPMYoNTOQvsOXtnyqSS93jfaG3dsJMEi73usQ0ueMW3uObKMO257yTRvPYmHRSmO1yNRSeCoCJxz/s320/ZP_Intimate_NailChip_sm_RGB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>I have <a href="http://stuffkimmylikes.blogspot.com/2009/01/zoya-great-nail-polish-exchange.html">shared my love for Zoya Nail Polish before</a>, and, if you <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/kimmydarling">follow me on Twitter</a>, you probably know I tweet about them a lot. Well, The Fabulosity That Is Zoya is celebrating International Women's Day (which is today-- Happy International Women's Day to you all!) by <a href="http://zoyanailpolish.blogspot.com/2011/03/zoya-nail-polish-international-womens.html">offering their STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL Intimate Collection for $25 + free shipping</a>. I was lucky enough to have been sent this collection by The Polish Fairies, and I literally gasped when I opened the box-- it's that special. So this is a terrific opportunity to snag it at such a discount, given that it's regularly $48 + shipping. Go get you one!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>And now, a note about the blog...</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I know it's been a while, and my posts are way too few and far between. (Blame or thank <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/kimmydarling">Twitter</a> for that-- it's my go-to outlet.) But here's what I'm thinking.</span><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I like tons of stuff, and tend to "save them up," with the intention of blogging about them all, but then I (obviously) don't. So, going forward, I'm going to try to be better about posting what I'm liking WHEN I discover I like them, even if it means shorter posts and one-offs. Lemme know what you think of that plan in the comments.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">But first, GO GET YOU SOME ZOYA! At the very least, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Zoya_NailPolish">follow them on Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ZoyaNailPolish">"like" them on Facebook</a>, because they are always cooking up new promos and deals for their followers and fans. Tell 'em I sent ya, even!</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Then, after you're all Zoya'd-up, go have a fantastic afternoon.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Love,</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Kimmy</div></b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><b><br />
</b></div>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-27513780247522356622010-12-21T14:34:00.001-05:002010-12-21T14:35:43.137-05:00Guys-- Whatever You Do, Get THIS Part Of Her Gift RightOK, so it's time again for me to reiterate the importance of Stocking Stuffers in making her feel special at Christmastime. So <a href="http://j.mp/i2JQHe">CLICK HERE</a> to read what I said two years ago-- to this day, it's one of my most visited pages on my blog, because the tips there are timeless, and I'm betting you'll learn something.<br />
<br />
Then, after having read that, you still need more gift guidance, feel free to visit <a href="http://j.mp/6m2hd2">Stuff Kimmy Likes: The Store</a> for my favorite gift picks for this year. I've even gathered a bunch of unique <a href="http://j.mp/hULcyk">Stocking Stuffer</a> ideas that you may not have considered-- many still available to be shipped in time for Christmas.<br />
<br />
Best of luck, gentlemen. YOU CAN DO THIS!<br />
<br />
-KimmyKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-10756091725316015042010-09-13T19:11:00.001-04:002012-09-17T17:14:27.364-04:00Because it is Invisible Illness Week, 30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><a href="http://invisibleillnessweek.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW38CwYVXYIdQLk2UnBjuQmFplucVuQ-9aI_F4_B5-2anqhxLwefKx1ulSPi4CBP7t5KXVWxXuLhhvCQCJ0g9jukzb4Z8TSALfT1DxMJymnjhTcjZS9nYKZ0OjvtZtk2fsE8qCcY8F933/s320/invisible+illness+week+2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is one of those questionnaire things that some of my friends participating in Invisible Illness Week are answering and passing along. In solidarity with those who suffer an Invisible Illness, and in hopes of raising awareness, I've decided to share my answers, too. This is not a "fun" post, but one in which I am brutally honest about my experiences and feelings surrounding being chronically ill. Even if you know me very well, I doubt you know much of this stuff, because I don't normally share on this level. But today I am, so here goes. You've been warned... ; )</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><strong style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">30 THINGS ABOUT MY INVISIBLE ILLNESS YOU MAY NOT KNOW</span></span></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1. The illness I live with is: Chronic (Daily) Migraine</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1975, when I was five, with Migraines. Confirmed in 1980 and specified as Classic Migraine without Aura. Diagnosed with Chronic (Daily) Migraine in 2004.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3. But I had symptoms since: 1975</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: not having been able to work for the past few years.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5. Most people assume: that, because I maintain a positive attitude, I am far more "OK" than I really am. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6. The hardest part about mornings is: those on which I wake in agonizing pain. (The migraines often start while I am asleep.)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7. My favorite medical TV show is: not on the air, apparently, because I do not have a favorite medical TV show. Wait, is Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew considered a "medical show?"</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my iPhone. When I'm most home-bound, the internet is my lifeline to the outside world. The iPhone allows me to reach out, but I don't have to sit up to do it. The iPhone also makes it easier for me to track my illness/treatment, using various apps.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9. The hardest part about nights are: not being able to get comfortable enough to rest/sleep during an attack.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please.) Approximately 4-8 pills. Up to 3 injections.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am open to anything that makes sense, given my symptoms/patterns/triggers/etc., and have explored and/or tried almost every reasonable treatment option that's been suggested to me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: a visible illness, in a heartbeat. I've found that most people who have never experienced a severe migraine have no idea what it is like. Because the extent of the pain I experience is not accurately depicted on the outside, it can be very isolating to endure it alone, on the inside.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13. Regarding working and career: I miss working/being a productive member of society/a full partner in my marriage far more than I could articulate here. No words.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">14. People would be surprised to know: the degree to which my illness has devastated me, as well as the variety of ways it has done so. Sometimes I feel like Humpty Dumpty, looking for pieces of my old self anywhere I can think to look.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: my profound limitations, and the fact that I cannot expect/depend on my body to comply with my wishes, plans, or goals. And that sometimes we just flat-out don't get what we want. Period.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: taking the initiative to start something that I thought was much too big for me to handle, yet too important to not try. I tried, and succeeded, and it's truly ended up being one of my proudest accomplishments. (But it's private, so no questions, please.)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">17. The commercials about my illness: make me think violent thoughts about the advertising/marketing professionals responsible for putting them on the air. Particularly, whoever came up with the idea of putting Excedrin, Advil, or anything else into a different box with the word "migraine" on it. Hi, I can read. And it says here that it's the same medicine as the one without "migraine" in the name. So thanks so much. For the new box. That contains the old medicine. That didn't work under that name, either. [SMACK!]</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Working. Thriving. Making money. Surpassing expectations. Being "the best" at something. My swagger. (But it IS coming back, bit by bit.)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">19. It was really hard to have to give up: work, my income, feeling capable/talented, a sense of achievement, and eating lots of fresh bread. =)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: crocheting. I taught myself while in the hospital a couple of years ago, and I enjoy it.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: accomplish something-- anything-- that I could be deeply proud of, no matter how big or small the task. I wish I could go back and work a day in my old Origins store with everybody who was there at that time (during the holidays, even), because I was good at it, and had such fun doing it. It may have been an hourly job with retail hours, and considered "a waste of my potential" by some, but the *feeling* I got doing that job well was invaluable, and I'd give anything to have that back. (Not the store-- the FEELING.) Helping people feel better about how they looked truly enriched my life.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">22. My illness has taught me: that thinking I would be able to "push through" my migraines for my entire life was an unreasonable expectation. I was lucky to have been able to do it for 31 years before my body finally caved. I admit that I sometimes hate myself for not appreciating my own strength in having been able to "function" for that long, but choosing, instead, to be angry with/disappointed in my body for its having failed me, and, thus, dismissing all the victories that came before. I've learned that I should be kinder to myself, and it's often very difficult, as I am my own worst critic. When conscious of it, I make the choice to love and be grateful for my body, rather than undermining its efforts with negativity and resentments.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: anything that feels like pity to me. Compassion is a wonderful thing, and I cherish it, but if I hear how "sorry" someone is for me more than, say, twice in one conversation, I start to have violent thoughts about whomever is saying it to me. And they get more violent with every instance it is said. Seriously. If you do feel sorry for me, I would just rather not know.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">24. BUT I love it when people: follow my lead when I try to change the subject from my illness in conversations. I appreciate people caring and wanting to stay updated on my progress, but it really is one of my least favorite things to talk about in the whole wide world, so if I do try to change the subject, I'd love it if you'd let me. [You can bring it up! Just follow my lead, and move on when I do, k? K.]</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: "this is only right now." and "I've survived worse pain than this. I can do it again." And a photo I have of a precious child, my youngest BFF, whose look says to me, "You can do it, Aunt Kimmy!" And she's right. I can, and I do. So far, every time.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: that, if pursuing an answer from traditional medicine, it is imperative that you be evaluated/diagnosed/treated by a Neurologist who specializes in Migraine, because there is still much too little known about the disease yet. Anything short of a migraine specialist is a waste of time, and a disservice to you. Think about it-- it's a BRAIN DISEASE, so you want to make sure you're being treated by someone with a full grasp of what your treatment actually DOES to your brain. 'Cause it's pretty important not to mess it up. I feel compelled to also say here that if your child starts to experience frequent headaches, the same rule applies-- take them to a Pediatric Neurologist who specializes in migraine. I implore you to never stop looking for answers until your child has relief of some kind. "He/she'll outgrow them" is not an answer. Keep looking. Read everything you can. Be your child's advocate. Do not stop.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: the depth of the trauma of failed treatments. I realize now that hope is sometimes the most frightening thing in my world, because the disappointments over the countless things I've tried that didn't work have been so incredibly painful. I can hardly give it much thought without some part of me wishing I could just immediately cease to exist. Poof! Over. [Whew. Yuck. Next question.]</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: When I was little, my mom was great at "talking me down outta the tree" when I'd become hysterical from the pain. I still try to hear her soothing words when I have trouble settling down from the anxiety that excruciating pain can cause. She'd rub my back and say stuff like "It's OK… deep breaths… be still, now… I'm right here… Let's think of the beach… You're lying on the picnic blanket under the umbrella… You can hear the waves, and feel the breeze… You can do this… You can do this… " She was also really good at guiding me through a body scan meditation, which was/still is especially good when I felt the most uncomfortable in my skin. Sometimes, I have to be coaxed into relaxing, and she was so kind to always make such an effort to soothe me, when there was really almost nothing that anyone could do to make me feel better. She found what she *could* do for me, and did it without hesitation. My dad did, too. He has always rubbed my neck when my head hurts, and it really helps. His anti-headache neck rubs are The Ones By Which All Others Are Judged.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: my Invisible Illness has impacted my life in countless ways, but I tend to keep pretty quiet about it, because it's depressing! But if my experiences help anyone else out there who suffers, I'm happy to share it. I went decades without knowing others who had poor health, and I realize now how lonely that felt.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: like somebody out there wants to understand me/my experience a little bit better. I am grateful if any words on this page get read by anybody but me, so if you can see this, thanks, whoever you are. =)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kimmy</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Click <a href="http://invisibleillnessweek.com/">http://invisibleillnessweek.com</a> to learn about Invisible Illness Week, and consider participating in "the note" project!</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-21701634012409742922010-06-10T13:44:00.000-04:002010-06-10T13:44:21.357-04:00I Like National Headache Awareness Week.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You may know that I've endured chronic migraines since I was five. Up until I was 34, I had an average of 3-5 migraines/week, which then turned daily. Since then (and I am now 40), it's been a challenge I never expected to be so difficult-- I eventually became unable to work, haven't been healthy enough to start a family, and am coming out of a couple of years of being virtually homebound. To say it's impacted every aspect of my life would be an understatement-- it's taken a toll on my mental wellness, my marriage, my self-worth, my confidence in my (seemingly long-gone) professional abilities, and my friendships. It's been the biggest challenge I've ever faced.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The good news is that I have made huge progress in the past year, thanks to finally having found a Neurologist who was willing to team up with me to find what might work FOR ME. He asks (lots of) the right questions, gives great consideration my answers and my past history, and is willing to "think outside the box" to develop a plan for effective treatment. For me, that plan included 5 1/2 month with a PICC line in my arm, giving myself IV meds every eight hours. Since the removal of the PICC line in December, I've self-administered the meds via syringe, as needed. It hasn't been perfect, especially considering my aversion to needles, but it's been progress that I have desperately needed. While I still experience debilitating attacks a couple of times a week, as well as "manageable" mid-level pain on other days, I am also enjoying pain-free time, which is something I hadn't had for many years.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know that I am not the "typical" migraine sufferer, but I write this to share with you the seriousness that can come with this complex biological disease that is often dismissed as commonplace and insignificant. "Devastation" is probably a better word, actually. My extreme case doesn't affect my empathy for anyone else in the world who suffers from headaches of any kind, any severity, at any frequency. IT IS A PROBLEM, and it is my hope that awareness can help solve it.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So here is a link to information about</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=399435589196&h=19b1c6d883c492aa8ecf4c4cb5b3584b&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FawHeV1" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/awHeV1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">National Headache Awareness Week</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I hope you will check it out. Let others you know who suffer from headaches know that the cause is important to you however you see fit. And if you endure headaches on a regular basis, GET HELP. There are simple solutions out there for many, so, as a personal favor to me, don't suffer if you don't have to.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To that end, here are three books that I've found to be among the most informative and helpful. If your head ever hurts without relief, read them. More importantly, if someone close to you suffers from headaches, one of the greatest gifts you can give them is your understanding. It's common to feel helpless when someone around you is in pain you can't fix. Believe me when I tell you that YOU being informed profoundly helps the one who suffers.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-Program-Taking/dp/0761125663?ie=UTF8&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="Heal Your Headache: The 1-2-3 Program for Taking Charge of Your Pain" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0761125663&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stuffkimmylikes-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0761125663" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-Program-Taking/dp/0761125663?ie=UTF8&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heal Your Headache: The 1-2-3 Program for Taking Charge of Your Pain</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stuffkimmylikes-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0761125663" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Migraine-Brain-Breakthrough-Headaches-Better/dp/1439150354?ie=UTF8&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="The Migraine Brain: Your Breakthrough Guide to Fewer Headaches, Better Health" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1439150354&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20" /></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stuffkimmylikes-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1439150354" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Migraine-Brain-Breakthrough-Headaches-Better/dp/1439150354?ie=UTF8&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Migraine Brain: Your Breakthrough Guide to Fewer Headaches, Better Health</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stuffkimmylikes-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1439150354" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Migraine-Free-Cooking-Heidi-Gunderson/dp/0557213207?ie=UTF8&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="Migraine-Free Cooking!" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0557213207&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stuffkimmylikes-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0557213207" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Migraine-Free-Cooking-Heidi-Gunderson/dp/0557213207?ie=UTF8&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Migraine-Free Cooking!</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stuffkimmylikes-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0557213207" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you for your time and consideration.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Celebrating being pain-free as I end this note (YAY!),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kimmy</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">=)</span></span>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-66002621690725137542010-03-07T15:49:00.000-05:002010-03-07T15:49:28.713-05:00The Oscars<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Oscar Night is one of my all-time favorite nights of the year, so I thought I'd share something I wrote about it on another blog on Sunday, February 27th, 2005. (In case you don't remember, it was to be a great night for "Million Dollar Baby.") </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Tonight is Oscar Night, which simply does not happen without thinking of </i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://stuffkimmylikes.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-mom.html"><i><span id="goog_1267993376256"></span>my mom<span id="goog_1267993376257"></span></i></a><i>.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>When I was growing up, we watched the Oscars EVERY year. We'd cry at the sweet speeches and roll our eyes at the people who took themselves entirely too seriously. (At a young age, I just rolled my eyes when mom did. My Eye Roll Radar came later, with age.) We loved watching the glamour and pageantry of it, and we loved movies, so we had all sorts of opinions and guesses as to who should and/or would win. It was great fun, but not without rules.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>The Rule was this: we could watch the Oscars (read: stay up late on a school night) if and only if the ladies (mom and I) wore something sparkly and the gentlemen (my brother) wore a tie *somewhere* on their person. This usually meant that I'd put on a pair of her clip-on rhinestone earrings with my very favorite nightgown and my brother would wear pajamas with a tie around his head, then his waist, then his arm (a la Rambo), and any other place he could come up with as the night progressed. (He wasn't *into* the Oscars then like Mom and I were-- more into the staying up late-- so he got bored quickly.)</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>This rule was enforced (by me) even on the Oscar nights we were with my dad, and the tradition has continued every single year since I can remember. It's still upheld (by me), so as I type this, I am in my very finest fleece PJs and a tiara (I just happened to have one), while my husband cooks dinner in jeans and an ugly tie, in case he gets food on it.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>I love this tradition she left me, and can't help but consider Oscar Night just a big ol' glamourous tribute to my beautiful mom. :)</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you watch the Oscars tonight, I hope you enjoy them, and that your favorite films do well. I will be wearing something sparkly (which I have yet to pick out) while remembering my mom, rooting for "Precious" in just about every category for which it's nominated, and celebrating this night dedicated to the recognition of outstanding accomplishments in my favorite art form.</div>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-34425263559253993582010-01-29T02:42:00.013-05:002010-02-19T01:37:16.997-05:00My Latest Obsession: Norma Kamali for WalmartYep. I said Walmart. Thanks to one of my most fashionable friends, Ashley, I discovered last year that Norma Kamali has a clothing line at Big Box Behemoth, The Walmart. (I'm talking about THE Norma Kamali, style icon since forever ago. The designer of two of the coolest vintage pieces I own-- one full-length hunter green french terry coat, and a fabulous brown cape, both from the mid-80s-- my Mom's prize possessions!) Ashley gave the heads-up on a gorgeous NK trench that could be had for a mere $30. As soon as I heard this news, I jumped right onto The Walmart.com (yes, the "the" is intentional-- it's "The Walmart" in Real Life, so it's "The Walmart.com" online. Deal.) and snapped me up a Kamali trench in black. And I have worn the heck out of it ever since. The quality is outstanding, the cut is perfect, and the PRICE. Well, it just cannot be beat. It even won an award from Travel & Leisure Magazine!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/customer/bio.aspx" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPBK79GGcMwBSC-N7mqVkXCAbSD0KP86-GJUMEP4s7bNjsb2nfjzM04vLW35mn10v4onOP1P6s4BDFwgdopunsXjbfzukrJrtU8cK4jYRZIu0ZwGsWY5pQVU0hQI37To5jEQMfmz5UuI4/s200/TRVL-LS-TRENTCH.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><br />
<br />
But my love for Norma's stuff at The Walmart didn't end there. Oh, no. I fell in luuuurve that day. Since then, I've purchased several staples. A <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/product836/BOYFRIEND%20JACKET.aspx?cid=90687&idx=1" target="_blank">Boyfriend Jacket</a> that retailed for $20, marked down to $10 when I found it on a clearance rack. I got the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Norma-Kamali-Women-s-All-in-One-Jersey-Dress/11963668" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fa6IadO" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">All-In-One Jersey Dress, $24</a>, in a gorgeous wine color, which can be worn several different ways. The quality of the jersey fabric is exceptional, and far exceeded my expectations of something that only cost me $24. A <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/product828/MARIA%20TOP.aspx?cid=90685&idx=2" target="_blank">black jersey cowl neck tank</a> for $6. My favorite thing, though, is what I believe to be THE Best Sweatpants Ever Made. You may have seen them <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/press/article-detail.aspx?id=1668&cid=0&idx=15" target="_blank">in Lucky Magazine recently</a>. Norma calls them the <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Norma-Kamali-Women-s-French-Terry-Athletic-Jog-Pants/12016663" target="_blank">French Terry Athletic Jog Pants</a>, but she's just being modest. They are $15, and worth every penny. In fact, I won't even go into what I actually put myself through to get spare pairs (I needed one grey, one black, one brown, of course), but it did violate my personal No Ordeals Rule, and I don't regret it a single bit. Anyway, I think you need at least one pair if you ever sport a "relaxed" look, because these are nice. As in <i>not sloppy</i> looking. <i>Chic, </i>even. I know, I know. Don't ask how. Just get yourself some and then come back here and tell me how versatile they are. Besides, they have pockets. <i>Four</i> of them!<br />
<br />
ANYWAY, the greatest news I have for you today, though, is that I've seen the Spring Line on Norma's website, and it is <i>fabulous.</i> These new pieces are gradually being added to <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/browse/Apparel/Norma-Kamali/_/N-3w4lZ1yzp4wqZaq90Zaqce/Ne-aq6s?ic=48_0&ref=181605.181605+500500.4292591642&tab_value=16348_All&catNavId=1025819&fromPageCatId=1025819&catNavId=1025819" target="_blank">The Walmart.com</a>, so the links I have for you to click on are a mixture of those from that store with links to the pieces shown on the Norma Kamali website. The ones for which I have prices listed are now available for purchase. So... ready to hear what's to come? Here's a taste.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/d7PYYB" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fd7PYYB" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Jersey</a></span><br />
As I mentioned before, the quality jersey fabric she has used in her past pieces is outstanding. If this season's pieces are "cut from the same cloth," we are in for some exceptional styles. Here are some of my favorites.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSX0zzvjfmrrugij-U1yYm0R9FaRiE3Of6zeULsPtGLIaSR5B7taRHi4X8TkmkXTc9Hw50ylEi5O2KOK4vH0OwP3STpbSCsIQ2GsGV-AN4kj8GgJqAfJubqls34l5dgc08dS584uhVn9E/s1600-h/Jersey+Kimono+Top.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSX0zzvjfmrrugij-U1yYm0R9FaRiE3Of6zeULsPtGLIaSR5B7taRHi4X8TkmkXTc9Hw50ylEi5O2KOK4vH0OwP3STpbSCsIQ2GsGV-AN4kj8GgJqAfJubqls34l5dgc08dS584uhVn9E/s200/Jersey+Kimono+Top.jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13082227" target="_blank">Jersey Kimono Top, $18</a><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13082227" target="_blank"></a>This one is described as having a tube-style midriff, which I think could be very flattering when paired with the right pants or skirt-- as long as it doesn't add any bulk to your middle. I really love that the sleeves are elbow-length, because the drape of the jersey is beautiful. I can see myself wearing this a lot, both with a belt and without.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgUtJSB3n33-U5nv7b2TlMFbBUZB7Fz3xlb8lVNZnwAz02XkHOemehD0IqOTY6xztpTrmOei2vRn1LyX6YHEsagsXUlN6emnkTPSjF9GIPmhilCySere6aouKzMVifG9R5PX82NwmejUE/s1600-h/Sleeveless+Tie-Waist+Jersey+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgUtJSB3n33-U5nv7b2TlMFbBUZB7Fz3xlb8lVNZnwAz02XkHOemehD0IqOTY6xztpTrmOei2vRn1LyX6YHEsagsXUlN6emnkTPSjF9GIPmhilCySere6aouKzMVifG9R5PX82NwmejUE/s320/Sleeveless+Tie-Waist+Jersey+Dress.jpg" target="_blank" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13228161" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F9TwKgK" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Sleeveless Tie-Waist Dress, $18</a><br />
<a href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13228161" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F9TwKgK" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank"></a>This one has a timeless silhouette, and sports what has always been my favorite neckline (somewhere between a bateau and a Sabrina). This is a classic Little Black Dress, with a sash that can tie in front or in back. It hits just below the knee.<br />
<br />
<br />
Also check out the <a href="http://bit.ly/bVAWiv" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FbVAWiv" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Sleeveless All-In-One Dress</a>, which is expected to be online on 2/21 and in-store 3/1, and the entire jersey collection <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/category90740/JERSEY%20SPRING%2010.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/cxx4bj" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fcxx4bj" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Career</a></span><br />
The <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Norma-Kamali-Women-s-Career-Suiting-1-Button-Jacket/12569660" target="_blank">Career Jacket</a> and <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Norma-Kamali-Women-s-Cropped-Career-Pinstripe-Pants/12569652" target="_blank">Cropped Pants</a> are great pieces to add to your work-outfit rotation. I do admit, though, that I would love to see a long pant in this collection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9sVmrcGwteGtcN_gMxcLlMFDDHeW1tYzLi82nssW2jPqLg41BiyJ_97swnsYISDMLSSkeULjfPZHdVi0k4XkvMa3RWIzSJfAeWc8Ei14irAnzfUX6SBd39_eAAMG_qHlvtdp0DQk9w-4/s1600-h/black+trench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9sVmrcGwteGtcN_gMxcLlMFDDHeW1tYzLi82nssW2jPqLg41BiyJ_97swnsYISDMLSSkeULjfPZHdVi0k4XkvMa3RWIzSJfAeWc8Ei14irAnzfUX6SBd39_eAAMG_qHlvtdp0DQk9w-4/s320/black+trench.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://bit.ly/bU8VRb" target="_blank">The Trench!</a><br />
Gorgeous, right? I absolutely love mine. This season, it's available in black and "vintage marine" blue. Looks like it will start to be available on/around 2/1. I highly recommend it, as everyone needs a well-fitting trench coat in their closet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/9a8q3h" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F9a8q3h" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Casual Line</a></span><br />
These are the pieces that excite me most this season. They're very "me," and I could see myself wearing almost everything in the collection. Here are the ones I am craving most.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJAWxmW4eqV1clYpAuCohA91h8_0mz-jH7Ksva5kOEc2EdP1EOiAgrDDRBHBSKYf7uFBwf_12xirbgPDlAwqRdginIo3c0H0KFcr76LA7bC_3m_wFDTUrkhxbxIco45Uf1nTl8MssPtVR/s1600-h/belted+wrap+cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJAWxmW4eqV1clYpAuCohA91h8_0mz-jH7Ksva5kOEc2EdP1EOiAgrDDRBHBSKYf7uFBwf_12xirbgPDlAwqRdginIo3c0H0KFcr76LA7bC_3m_wFDTUrkhxbxIco45Uf1nTl8MssPtVR/s320/belted+wrap+cardigan.jpg" /></a></div><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13082500" target="_blank">Belted Wrap Cardigan, $20</a><br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13082500" target="_blank"></a>I am all about the open cardigan right now. Ever since having fallen in love with Victoria's Secret's <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=GJ-256143&page=1&cgname=OSCLOALSCRD&rfnbr=6491" target="_blank">Soft & Sexy Wrap</a>, I have started collecting them. They're casual, yet versatile enough to dress up, and they're usually cuddly and comfortable. And if you don't know me, I'm a slave to comfort.<br />
<br />
This one doesn't have the long front of the VS wrap, but it has enough in front to warrant the name "blanket sweater" on the NK website. I love it, and can't wait to wrap up in it, myself.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bit.ly/aeXgp5" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FaeXgp5" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Cap Sleeve Shirtdress Stripe</a> is simply adorable. The <a href="http://bit.ly/9gUdD4" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F9gUdD4" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Pin Stripe Jean Jacket</a> is a great new spin on the plain denim jean jacket. Check out more from the Casual Line <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/category90741/CASUAL%20SPRING%2010.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/9Fzkbo" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F9Fzkbo" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Athleisure</a></span><br />
Since this is the category from which my beloved sweats came, it makes sense that within it is my absolute favorite piece from the entire Spring Line.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHktPgZBgxrVMv5ywm6MtkRMSX1geTRxElnAMl9-U9ISlR28kQtbvH2GBIfpFXPgIZRCclmqRQbfFhOHHGJKzInmy1Xn0JO8m1bBPLBd5hHzzocPRlLrLtBnX214V4PgD3i_N-zlPmtQAR/s1600-h/Motorcycle+Jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHktPgZBgxrVMv5ywm6MtkRMSX1geTRxElnAMl9-U9ISlR28kQtbvH2GBIfpFXPgIZRCclmqRQbfFhOHHGJKzInmy1Xn0JO8m1bBPLBd5hHzzocPRlLrLtBnX214V4PgD3i_N-zlPmtQAR/s320/Motorcycle+Jacket.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/bH7RJt" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FbH7RJt" style="line-height: 1em;">Motorcycle Jacket</a><br />
<br />
Available in black and grey heather French Terry, I think of it as a kinder, gentler version of the on-trend leather biker jacket. I love the zipper detailing, as well as the long sleeves. I want it, and can't wait to have it! Kamali's website says it will be available 2/1. I guess I can hold my horses until then...<br />
<br />
Check out the rest of the Athleisure line <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/category90742/ATHLEISURE%20SPRING%2010.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/category90744/ORGANIC%20TEE%20SHIRTS%20SPRING%2010.aspx" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FbbidhA" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Organic Cotton Tees</a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEEpgKueGhSxrtUyJSP6vevQDAifpZa-ZHB5jE1p1aaPYs4ZSs-4AE44XjVIV_if3zUC69DJbltISnJgg3vwwP7xEFnIbW70h_zJCg9QJZtrfPI70PfVQ9lr3GjkFPtDlGQHlPHIQLP_C/s1600-h/Button+Peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEEpgKueGhSxrtUyJSP6vevQDAifpZa-ZHB5jE1p1aaPYs4ZSs-4AE44XjVIV_if3zUC69DJbltISnJgg3vwwP7xEFnIbW70h_zJCg9QJZtrfPI70PfVQ9lr3GjkFPtDlGQHlPHIQLP_C/s320/Button+Peace.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Of this collection, I think the <a href="http://www.normakamalicollection.com/product1262/CREW%20TEE%20BUTTON%20PEACE.aspx?cid=90744&idx=1" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fc8duVI" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Button Peace Crewneck Tee</a> is the super-cutest, and is high up on my wish list. Her tees typically run between $8-$12, and I'm hoping this one will be priced similarly. It will look great under a blazer with some denim trousers. (Or with some cute grey sweats, of course...)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">More to See</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span>As if these aren't enough to whet your palate, Kamali also has even more new offerings in <a href="http://bit.ly/9BeFVx" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F9BeFVx" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Maternity</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/9v1Ta4" rel="http://bit.ly/plugins/iframe?hashUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F9v1Ta4" style="line-height: 1em;" target="_blank">Swimwear, and Accessories</a>.<br />
<br />
Obviously, I am completely smitten by this fashion icon's low-cost contributions to the retail fashion world. But I'd love to hear what you think. Does it make you want to check out The Walmart? Have you seen similarly budget-friendly lines that we should know about? Leave a comment and let me know!KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-52630396294950115002009-04-24T16:21:00.004-04:002009-12-16T00:08:28.742-05:00Six Things I Use Every Single Day<p>I am preparing for a beach trip that's coming up (yay!), and was just thinking about what I will need to pack. That, of course, made me think about what the necessities are, or What I Need To Get Through The Day. For your enjoyment, here is a list. </p> <h4>1. Eye Mask</h4> <p><img title="40 blinks eye mask" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="260" alt="40 blinks eye mask" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96NWGx-0HSPo8Xd_mcbVhEzzPDd1bLBniRFzvUbvEUzewBF-ijj9KBHofBo7hliWA-ZtlLGxGa2E5RPeGelwN_kI2sr3y79p3MoVArnvxtB3WWvTs_wk5bOdoflJFMXSXrNL6Luxda_7c/?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /> </p> <p>Since I have Chronic Daily Migraines, it is important that I get a good night's sleep as often as possible. For me, that is impossible if it's too bright in my room. Luckily, Bucky makes the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bucky-Blinks-Ultralight-Raspberry-Size/dp/B001G8G18K?&camp=212361&linkCode=wey&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&creative=391825">Ultralight 40 Blinks Eye Mask</a>. I love it because it's lightweight, and it's also molded, so it doesn't touch my actual eyeballs. (I don't need anything tugging on my eyelids at any time, especially when I'm sleeping.) I keep a few of them on-hand, since they're perfect for me.</p> <h4>2. Slippers</h4> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHt3UbAd7jqUmzsb4kTTVIbfPbVxuEK780XbmLF8RCfUxvfAMecKoIpVeBLiVggV8dYss3O_320viT2N0p0ZF_tPuFEy_XgfLPZYoV42CuhzBfmIcUG64Ep9xhY4eHly4z6gzTJAwINEg/s1600-h/isotoner%20ballet%20slippers%20black%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="isotoner ballet slippers black" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="260" alt="isotoner ballet slippers black" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p6fMUaY2VEuFbK8GMpKETzLuAR5pytGGmRqjK2G5hyphenhyphenjccyskzz4y4IV7YQxOKHRlOQihsCOQXKGradNcDd9qAaaqc7CuLPguRJDurMMAQUR1tQ_V6taaVVqH5l-8xPXsZ1do7yhXq8vo/?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I used to walk around my house in socks, which was fine, but then I was introduced to the world of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006TPPJ6?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006TPPJ6" target="_blank">Isotoner Ballet Slippers</a>, and my feet's lives were changed forever. Seriously-- the comfort is unparalleled, if you ask me. Like walking on little clouds. (You think I'm joking!) So I wear them around the house all the time. I have a couple of pairs in black, and one in cream (which is more like champagne, since they're satin).</p> <h4>3. Water Bottle</h4> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9-FLsiAHuTnClLOaywaYz1LA82BR9EvABz0iG88gOwn4XVI4zZN87_qASXAQgS0gF5iHdz9IFlnwLsQyd8EA3A1GcQu1Sc4x1W89YOk5prIa2PtuhIa29Lw1-o1Lz5jD9sSYhkhu9e3b/s1600-h/sigg%20water%20bottle%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="sigg water bottle" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="220" alt="sigg water bottle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3BOfmfrw4oc9cbHrdaIeSm1DPbrEtTvks9-ijlTH7QqUGurJ48hgc1IaLUp0cLUCF9fxlvmHgwwK1v6PyUEh6knWO4NlSj6MGhz4BlKddyXtJfezcq_lAL4ZYetyqXhfccGd4YBue8Ob/?imgmax=800" width="90" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I drink two things all day and night. The first is water. So I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RI6AE0?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000RI6AE0" target="_blank">Sigg Water Bottle</a> for that. It's the most beautiful water bottle I have personally ever seen-- mine is a brilliant purple-- but it's also stainless steel and the tops don't leak, so I can (and do) take it anywhere. (I got a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013K6IV6?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013K6IV6" target="_blank">Sport Top</a> for mine, because I tend to be a spiller when not careful. It works great.)</p> <h4>4. White Tea</h4> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCSteN3Nwd1L0fksS0kfhoX7FO9a5O-d0kM-r6EWv1WC4y8boAtEdTBuxoyg1D8RzKWZ5djiJhF7l4IF-GzKsGg0jdlVtMG6a61ozooFWgg5uT7GCuRTyp8eSFv7A1388jYHZH-zEcpsD/s1600-h/white_tea_cup%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="white_tea_cup" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="250" alt="white_tea_cup" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM3Ds4qriuxyljfc3Yfg9sgY4o5HVRt19NpZ0RIr75xlQNUCUKBGkFSoVCHThzUxTWDsaLcKXX4-YcyFlKtk9INzXsAeDgWgDyR3MlFznnOMa6STtxyY778lAzBvdmAE5E-d5OZtaZTwv/?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This is the other thing I drink, when not drinking water. White Tea is incredibly high in antioxidants/polyphenols-- something I learned back in my <a href="http://www.origins.com/">Origins</a> days, when they started using it in their A Perfect World line of skin care. Due to my headaches, I have been off caffeine since 1993, so White Tea is a great option for me, because it has relatively little caffeine in it. It's delicious, mild, and somewhat sweet. Most of the time, I drink it hot, but when my Southern Tastebuds start craving sweet tea, I make some with White Tea <a href="http://www.greentea.com/saladawhitetealargesize.aspx" target="_blank">bags</a>, and it satisfies me just as well as the Luzianne would. One thing to know about tea-- the more it's processed, the less the antioxidants, so I recommend using loose tea whenever possible. I enjoy the <a href="http://www.republicoftea.com/templates/detail.asp?navID=52" target="_blank">Silver Rain White Tea from The Republic of Tea</a>, as well as any of the blends from <a href="http://www.teavana.com/The-Teas/White-Teas/" target="_blank">Teavana</a>(to which I was introduced by my sister-in-law, Danielle, last year).</p> <h4>5. My iPhone</h4> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDUstGvt-j4apA6k3P9AjayOPHk096Gi5eVuYbH1vlTNs6pRwlACajQcSStc7wlC3-ltzyelMLjoMjj6sRQxICQ69pmh79tJPnkZuJLbc5IgopJDgsXbVDl0SOuwX00SgFjuPjOy22yuj/s1600-h/iPhone%20home%20screen%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="iPhone home screen" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="260" alt="iPhone home screen" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrafN_xkLYWv4_JE68cUfRtc5L_bhHe4O5774s1nMewjB5VlQ6RSccDZsK_vK8dp7Hl6l7uMEAud0mmcPHXJypzGWA_07IzdvoleeK86dd2gBP4pCaHr8RwLha5RByw3NTA4Hs9a901eh5/?imgmax=800" width="132" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/"></a>Don't know what I did before I had it, and can't bear to imagine life without it. My <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> just pleases me to no end. I use it for Phone/Internet/Text Messaging/Camera/Twittering/Just About Anything Else I Do. The App Store fascinates me; where else could I find a way to make my phone tell me when my favorite shows are on (What's On), tell me what song is playing when I hear something I don't recognize (Shazam), and relax me with some peaceful goldfish, swimming happily (KoiPond)? Could not possibly love it more.</p> <h4>6. Something to Read</h4> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDEabvb10DJwhrq8PD8pKofLs6ovOz0dRn_THHEgQBUSCEvPrV-reiG58jGR07qlhKw2CkV-YVxMHWpiYLpSxE0iR9uiGOYgQJgvHFMGz_QZfvKs6l8xluOxSIA-C_Zb2vw9n6fDRF_pA/s1600-h/kindle%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="kindle" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="260" alt="kindle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPDaP0HCEqhXOagD9TvdNkg3TvWsmH1ikgKzmlsJTRPWHZc3wQoHN539GVolxq9T0W9tFEsYVdjmLv3sWFJgDLB_1VV0DeErtoGBUWa9eGsXFZiwXAhS710eYJ9kUemKGHoe8YvDMzLmm/?imgmax=800" width="205" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I absolutely, positively LOVE to read, and try to do so as often as possible. So the final thing I need with me every single day is my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00154JDAI?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00154JDAI" target="_blank">Kindle</a>. It's a wireless reading device from Amazon. I love everything about it. I'm most delighted by the ability to download TONS of books onto it, anytime, and that each one takes only about 12 seconds to get to my device, ready to be devoured. I'm not joking-- I'm literally talking about 12 seconds or so. Let's say I'm talking to a friend who tells me there's a new book I should read. I just pick up my Kindle, quickly find said book in the online Kindle shop, click the button to buy it, and, in less time than it takes to sing the Alphabet Song (which I sing rather quickly, even), I've got the book, and can begin reading the thing. Oh, and if I'm not sure I really WANT the book, I just click on the "send me a sample" button, and it will instantly shoot me a sample. For free! Just like that. So, dear readers, if you are A Reader, and you haven't considered a Kindle for yourself, do yourself a favor and check into it. I don't know a single person who has one who doesn't want to marry theirs. Including myself.</p> <p>So, there you have it. The Bare Necessities, According To Kimmy. When I'm packing for my trip, I'm going to try to remember to take only what I *need* with me. We'll see how that goes...</p> <p>In the meantime, what are your must-haves? Anything I may also need? ; )</p> <p>With love,</p> <p>Kimmy</p>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-91450972365846188112009-03-25T17:59:00.006-04:002009-03-25T18:14:47.435-04:00Don't Miss This Tomorrow!<span style="font-weight:bold;">Final Sale Boutique at <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/">RueLaLa.com</a></span><br /><br />Okay, so I've blogged about the LaLa <a href="http://stuffkimmylikes.blogspot.com/2008/09/la-la-love-you-dont-mean-maybe.html">before</a>, but what I haven't mentioned is their Final Sale Boutique. This is when the prices are super-low-- many bargains to be had. It starts TOMORROW at 11am Eastern time.<br /><br />I don't know much about what's going to be on sale, but I do know that stuff FLIES outta there like nobody's business, once it starts, so One Must Be Prepared. In light of that, I would like to share with you the following tips, straight from Rachel, one of the RueLaLa Goddesses.<br /><br />Rachel writes:<br /><br />"If you were in our offices right now, you’d notice a hyper buzz in the air. And it’s not just our caffeine addiction. The Final Sale Boutique is coming. Thursday.<br /><br />The Final Sale is like Ooh La La times infinity. Ooh la la plus an entire tray of seven layer bars. Ooh la la on fire.<br /><br />It’s fast, it’s frenetic, it’s no holds barred. It’s not always pretty in there. And it’s more fun when you get what you want. That’s why I’m disclosing a few of my personal Final Sale shopping tips here:<br /><br />Before the doors open:<br /><br />1. Make sure your account info is up to date. You don’t want to be in there and realize you don’t have a credit card listed, or the one you have is expired.<br /><br />2. Make a list of your favorite Rue La La designers and check your closet to see what size you are. Also, if you have a dress and/or skirt length you like, take a measurement.<br /><br /><br />Once inside:<br /><br />1. When you get inside the Boutique, scan the list of designers and go quickly to the one you love most.<br /><br />2. Hit the “see all” option so you get a bird’s eye view of all the offerings.<br /><br />3. Move fast. Really. I can’t stress this enough. The prices are phenomenal. One you put a must-have item in your cart, check out. It’s better to check out twice than lose it.<br /><br />4. Repeat, starting with 1.<br /><br /><br />When you’re done:<br /><br />1. Sit back.<br /><br />2. Call a friend.<br /><br />3. Gloat shamelessly.<br /><br /><br />Have fun in there! And don’t mind my elbow.<br /><br />-Rachel"<br /><br />So those are her secrets for shopping success. Use them, then come back and tell me what you scored at the sale!<br /><br />Oh, and if you have not joined RueLaLa yet, you can do so by <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/">going to the site</a> and registering. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW AT 11AM TO DO THIS! Just go on and do it now. It's free, so why not? When it asks you for a referral, which it will, you may use my email address: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k9ZhvtkSF_h3oxx4Bu9Jw8cy6OoO3XLQ2VWBQBj8GWf2UxF9JIUSbUvD0roihyy61H8IiQldRn-YZo_lG742Pomoj5FtnHkXS9Z0r0NnpINGKWV6P-q4rKoO3qmVRwpe_9gyQERA91zg/s1600-h/email+address.gif"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k9ZhvtkSF_h3oxx4Bu9Jw8cy6OoO3XLQ2VWBQBj8GWf2UxF9JIUSbUvD0roihyy61H8IiQldRn-YZo_lG742Pomoj5FtnHkXS9Z0r0NnpINGKWV6P-q4rKoO3qmVRwpe_9gyQERA91zg/s1600-h/email+address.gif"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k9ZhvtkSF_h3oxx4Bu9Jw8cy6OoO3XLQ2VWBQBj8GWf2UxF9JIUSbUvD0roihyy61H8IiQldRn-YZo_lG742Pomoj5FtnHkXS9Z0r0NnpINGKWV6P-q4rKoO3qmVRwpe_9gyQERA91zg/s400/email+address.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317250882048221874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 28px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You can thank me later.</div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck, and don't forget to come tell me how it went for you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Love,</div><div>Kimmy</div>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-68730347471476699462009-02-26T10:37:00.003-05:002009-02-26T10:57:47.114-05:00Buffalo DipThere are few things I like better than chips and dips. Especially hot dips. I've been known to nuke some dip and eat it on Tostitos for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, and sometimes all three in one day. I just love it.<br /><br />I tried a new recipe I'd found for a Buffalo Chicken Dip on Oscar Night, and it was quickly added to the List Of Kimmy's Favorite Foods. It occurs to me that it's only right that I should share it with the rest of the world, since it was so good, so here it is.<br /><br />I've tweaked it a little bit to my liking, and I call it Buffalo Dip.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buffalo Dip<br /><br />2 cups cooked chicken, diced or chopped<br />--- or one large can/pouch of chicken <br />(I use one pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I cook them, then throw them in the food processor on pulse.)<br />4-8 oz. Franks Hot Sauce <br />12-18 oz. cream cheese, softened <br />1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (I use Marie’s Super Chunky—the one with the black label) <br />2 cups shredded blue cheese crumbles, divided <br />The biggest bag of Tostitos scoops you can find<br /><br />In a large bowl combine: chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, dressing and ½ of the cheese crumbles. (Adjust the amounts of hot sauce and/or cream cheese to make the dip mild, medium or hot per your own taste.)<br /><br />Pour mixture into a dish (of course, I highly recommend one of the Pampered Chef bakers, since they retain heat so well, and keep the dip hot longer) and sprinkle with remaining blue cheese. Microwave it until it’s hot and bubbly.<br />Serve with Tostitos. <br />You can also eat the cold leftovers on celery sticks. <br /></span><br />I actually woke up this morning and realized that I'd left out the cream cheese on Sunday. So, darn, I'll have to make some more... waah. ;)<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Love,<br />KimmyKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-4672101972803357572009-02-23T13:40:00.007-05:002009-02-23T14:18:17.787-05:00The Dream Remote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPXMdQxB4x5-BO9lMe-sxIMMdcGNwsj7OxuW8OXizzYxTQe7sblbQwm00AAmwJAwPHQrTAmds-WYllofVxqi4MM9WFz08rrVUBCQuVmujgSsBes4FGmybiAMppoEhBKWg96D2FKN4y0oW/s1600-h/logitech+harmony+one"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPXMdQxB4x5-BO9lMe-sxIMMdcGNwsj7OxuW8OXizzYxTQe7sblbQwm00AAmwJAwPHQrTAmds-WYllofVxqi4MM9WFz08rrVUBCQuVmujgSsBes4FGmybiAMppoEhBKWg96D2FKN4y0oW/s400/logitech+harmony+one" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306074089506887986" /></a><br />I've not blogged about it before, but one of my most valued possessions is my remote control. In fact, once, during a Tornado Warning, I gathered our pets in the bathroom with the absolute necessities-- a bottle of water, my purse, my cell phone, and my remote. I do know how nutty that may sound, but it is THE Remote Of My Dreams, and I love it. Anyway, I just heard that it's on sale right now on Amazon, so I'm telling you about it today. (Offer expires on March 2nd.)<br /><br />It's called the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote, and it is AWESOME. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00119T6NQ?ie=UTF8&tag=stuffkimmylikes-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00119T6NQ">Click here to see what it does-- be sure to watch the short video</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stuffkimmylikes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00119T6NQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. <br /><br />I know it's pricey, which is why I'm posting about it while it's on sale. But, like Pedro says, it will make all of your dreams come true...<br /><br />Happy clicking!<br /><br />Love,<br />KimmyKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-56999765345961661202009-02-18T16:00:00.000-05:002009-02-23T14:15:44.724-05:00Getting My Blog Back OnForgive me for not having blogged in so long. Out of nowhere, I have come down with allergies, so I sneezed my head off for about a week and a half, then started to feel better. Today, I'm back to tell you what I learned during my stuffy nosedness...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kleenex is not the only tissue in town.</span><br />For my entire life, I have only used Kleenex brand tissues. I'm not really sure why, but I've never had a reason to look elsewhere for my tissue needs. Until these allergies hit. Yes, dear readers, I have learned how badly tissue can truly rip up one's nose. My nose started peeling after only one day of sniffling and sneezing. Redness, soreness, chapping, chafing, flaking, even mild scabbing. For the first time in my life, I felt what it might be like to be Michael Jackson-- I practically needed tape to keep my nose on my face. After going through a whole box of Kleenex, I asked my husband to get me the kind that has lotion in it, in hopes it would feel better on my nose. He came home with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014A12U2?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0014A12U2">Puffs Plus</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stukimlik-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0014A12U2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;"/>. My nose took to it, and immediately felt better. At last, it didn't sting to wipe my nose. Yay!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sometimes It Takes a Foot Product</span><br />My nose was obviously in very bad shape, and very uncomfortable in its dryness. I tried all sorts of creams and salves to restore some moisture and get rid of the dry skin that was flaking off by the minute, but NOTHING helped. Finally, I put some real thought into it, and realized I needed something that would exfoliate (without scrubbing-- ouch) AND moisturize well. It dawned on me that I had just the thing-- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GCNC2U?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GCNC2U">Kerasal Foot Exfoliating Moisturizer</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stukimlik-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GCNC2U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;"/>. Now, I knew full well that this heavy-duty stuff has petrolatum in it, which I don't like to put on my face, but I was out of options, and I knew that the 5% Salicylic Acid in it would probably exfoliate better than anything else I would find. Well, presto-change-o. It not only helped-- it FIXED MY NOSE IMMEDIATELY! Poof-- dry flakes were gone. Dryness, done. My nose was returned to normal. So if your nose ever needs it, get yourself to the foot care aisle of the drugstore and find relief.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Works For My Husband MIGHT Work For Me</span><br />For the first week of my Allergy Hell, no medicine worked. I tried several-- Alavert, Tylenol Allergy, Sudafed, Zyrtec, but nothing helped stop the sneezing at all. Finally, on the eighth day, when I was at my very worst (on a Sunday, of course), I asked my husband to go to CVS and "please find me something to try." And the most remarkable words came out of his mouth! He said, "well, Claritin has always worked best for me." I couldn't believe it! Here, I had been at the mercy of my nose and everything related to it for seven miserable days and nights, totally new to the whole World Of Allergies, when, all the while, he actually had some experience with allergies, and had an idea of something that might even help me with mine! The words "NOW you tell me..." were said, in some tone or another, I am sure. But off he went, and came back with the most wonderful drug ever-- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RKS7US?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000RKS7US">Claritin-D Allergy & Congestion</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stukimlik-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000RKS7US" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. It changed EVERYTHING, and I've been taking it every day since. So THANK YOU, dear, sweet husband, for sharing that kernel of wisdom with me... even if it <span style="font-style:italic;">was</span> eight days into it, it was appreciated. (Alas, men will be boys...)<br /><br />So those are my lessons learned. Hope it may be helpful to anyone needing some cold/allergy-related relief. My next blog will surely be more interesting...<br /><br />Until then,<br />KimmyKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-87159115306454454742009-01-06T20:01:00.004-05:002009-01-10T17:09:48.420-05:00The Zoya Great Nail Polish ExchangeThis is going to be really short, merely because I just want to share it with you as quickly as possible.<br /><br />I recently discovered the perfection that is Zoya nail polish. It's a "three-free" line, which means they are Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP-free, and their colors are just delicious. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>My particular favorite/obsession is <a href="http://www.artofbeauty.com/scrpt/scr.dll/Item?Item=3693&brand=2&d=Zoya_Nail_Polish_%7C_Kalista">Kalista</a>-- a rich, beautiful, shimmery mahogony that is simply dazzling. I could stare at my Kalista'd nails for days... [sigh] but I won't.<br /><br />Instead, what I <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> do, is tell you about the utterly fantastic promotion they're doing right now, in which you can trade in any/all of your nail polishes, bottle for bottle, for bottles of Zoya polish (with a minimum of six, and a limit of 200 bottles). Yes, you read that right. You just have to pay for the shipping and processing ($3 per bottle). I am positively giddy!<br /><br />Anyway, <a href="http://www.zoya.com/exchange/">the details are here</a>. Please let me know what you like/what you end up getting in the comments section.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br />KimmyKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-82700412886988968912008-12-22T23:42:00.035-05:002010-12-21T14:21:46.798-05:00Guys-- It's Not Too Late to Get the Stocking Stuffers Right!Okay, so this blog is called Stuff Kimmy Likes for a reason-- I write about stuff I like. Admittedly, I don't speak for every girl on the planet, but I am willing to share some tips that I think <span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> be beneficial to the general population.<br />
<br />
So here's what I have to say to men about Stocking Stuffers for their girlfriend/wife. [Ladies, feel free to forward a this to your guys.]<br />
<br />
Guys, I cannot stress enough that this is a <span style="font-style: italic;">hugely</span> under-used way to score major points with your lady <span style="font-weight: bold;">every year</span>. Sound impossible/ridiculous/like I might be wrong? Believe me when I tell you that I'm not wrong about this. Think about it-- stocking stuffers give you a chance to show her in some tiny, inexpensive ways that you are paying attention to the little things. Which your girl <span style="font-style: italic;">loves</span>, as you know. So I am going to tell you how to do it, while keeping the Hassle Factor at a minimum.<br />
<br />
Here's the key:<br />
It's NOT about filling a stocking with cheap crap. She'll be onto that quicker than you can say "book of Life Savers and an orange." No, it's all about things you know she enjoys. It could be anything. This is much easier than you think, as I'm going to show you. Consider me your Stocking Stuffer Wingman.<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Where to go for the best results: The Drugstore. </span></span><br />
Gentlemen, your local drugstore is where you can hit the stocking stuffing jackpot. Seriously, I don't know any girl who couldn't find a handful or three of little things she'd like to have. [Note: for every specific product I suggest, I'm posting a link where you can see a picture, so you'll know what to look for. Print everything out, if you think it will help you.] Now grab a basket, and let's get this done.<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">You can start at the very front of the store, with the </span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Snacks</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">.</span><br />
<br />
Does she chew gum, or is she an Altoid girl? Does she like candy bars, or does she go more for gummy bears? Stop for a second and think about what she snacks on during a road trip, or what she gets when you go to see a movie. If she likes Reese's Cups, she might like the yummy new <a href="http://ghirardelli.com/products/squares_peanut_butter.aspx">Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares</a>. In my world, you need something salty and something sweet. So what's her favorite kind of potato chip? You could include a snack bag, or a mini can of Pringles. (Note-- if she's watching her weight, don't go crazy with the snacks. I know they can take up lots of room in the stocking, which I am sure is part of your goal [insert eye roll here], but you don't want to undermine her efforts to maintain a healthy diet.)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">Next up, with no groaning from you, let's think about </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Beauty Stuff</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">.</span><br />
<br />
Don't panic, either. I know that most CVS stores usually have someone in the department to answer questions, so if you get stuck, just ask someone for help. (No matter what drugstore you're in, I'd venture a guess that you can get assistance.)<br />
<br />
Okay. Does she file and/or paint her nails? Then look for polish colors she might like. If you're not comfortable about selecting colors for her, remember that many women use bolder/brighter colors on their toes, so you really can't go wrong. My friend Lynn loves the new nail polish pens that she got at CVS, so look/ask for those. Also, the very best Top Coat (translation: clear polish that speeds up drying time) in the world is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vite-Dry-Fast-Coat/dp/B0018CQKXK?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stukimlik-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0018CQKXK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and they carry it at many drug stores-- it's a <span style="font-style: italic;">fabulous</span> treat, and a must-have for any girl who paints her nails. A nail file is a safe bet for anyone, whether they are into nail polish or not.<br />
<br />
Does she use lip balm? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nivea</span> has a new <a href="http://www.niveausa.com/products/show/A%20Kiss%20of%20Moisture%0D%0AEssential%20Lip%20Care" style="font-weight: bold;">Kiss</a> line I particularly recommend-- especially the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/kiss-Moisture-Essential-Nivea-Unisex/dp/B001LIFKZ0?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Kiss of Moisture</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stukimlik-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001LIFKZ0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> one in the dark blue tube. There are several varieties in this line, and they're cheap, so you can get a couple for her to try.<br />
<br />
Does she like hand lotion, or taking care of her feet? Curel makes some great products in their Targeted Therapy line-- the <a href="http://www.curel.com/hand.asp" style="font-weight: bold;">Fast Absorbing Hand & Cuticle Cream</a> is fabulous. My current Foot Faves are the <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/404309.jpg" style="font-weight: bold;"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/LAC-FOOT-SMOOTHING-DISK/dp/B001T8S90A?ie=UTF8&tag=stukimlik-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Blue Foot Smoothing Disk from Sally Hansen/LaCross</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stukimlik-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001T8S90A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />-- you'll find it with the nail clippers and files, and <a href="http://www.kerasal.com/ointment.shtml" style="font-weight: bold;">Kerasal Foot Ointment</a>, which is in the foot aisle (where the insoles, foot sprays, and that kind of stuff are).<br />
<br />
If she uses body wash, Dove has a <a href="http://www.dove.us/#/Products/BarSoapBodyWash/BW_Energize.aspx/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Go Fresh</span></a> line of great-smelling products like Grapefruit Lemongrass. If you find a wash she might like, snag one of those <a href="http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=694604&productId=694604&navAction=jump&navCount=3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">pouffy mesh sponge thingies</span></a> to go with it.<br />
<br />
A good, safe beauty bet is in the <a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Burt's Bees</span></a> section, where you'll find lots of cutely packaged, high quality, natural goodies that most any girl would enjoy.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">Next up is the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Travel Sizes</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"> section.</span><br />
<br />
Don't miss this aisle, because she will use these items for much more than traveling-- she can keep these little goodies in her desk at work, in her purse, in her glove compartment, or in her gym bag. Small containers of Q-Tips, baby bottles of body lotion, hand sanitizer, or even a purse size pack of Kleenex is good. They usually have those tiny lint rollers, too-- who couldn't use one of those?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">Let's move on to the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Office Supplies<br />
<br />
</span>This section seems boring, at first, but they have all sorts of pens, highlighters, post-its, notepads, etc. Don't just grab anything that's on sale-- go for the cute things that you can see her wanting to use. Just about anybody can use a small notepad for their purse. Cute sticky notes make great bookmarks.<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><br />
Off to <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Magazine Rack</span></span><br />
<br />
Does she like to crochet? Get her a magazine about crocheting. Is one of her favorite actors on the cover of a magazine? Grab it! (The amazing Tina Fey is on the cover of <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/toc/2009/toc200901">Vanity Fair</a> right now, for example.) If she likes to cook, Martha Stewart's tiny "Everyday Food" magazine is fantastic. O Magazine is a safe bet for any Oprah fan.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Medicine Aisle</span><br />
</span><br />
'Tis the season... to get sick. She's probably been running ragged, trying to make the holidays go as perfectly as possible for everyone, and her body might be ready to crash. Grab some <a href="http://airbornehealth.com/products_index.php">Airborne</a>. If she's already sick, get her something to make her more comfortable, like tasty throat lozenges. If she's been headachey, get her a Head On stick, or some <a href="http://www.bekoool.com/migraine/index.html">Be Koools</a> (yes, with three Os). The key here is to Think Soothing.<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous Things to Check Out</span></span><br />
<br />
Go down the Seasonal Aisle, just in case something jumps out at you that your girl might think is cute. I once found some adorable little bitty salt & pepper shakers shaped like Santas in the Seasonal Aisle at CVS that I still love. The key here is cute-- not tacky/ugly.<br />
<br />
Also, if you aren't on a budget, you can check out the Gift Card display. If she loves to read, maybe a Barnes & Noble gift card. Does CVS carry iTunes cards? If so, that's a score for any iPod user. Starbucks, restaurants, movie theatres. Any of these would be great additions, and perfect invitations to go out (possibly even with you!).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finally, The</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Greeting Card Aisle</span></span><br />
<br />
Take a minute and pick out a card for her. In it, you can tell her a couple of things that you think are special about her, and include it in the stocking. Seriously-- I know it sounds gross, but TRUST ME, grasshopper. She will be so touched, and you will get major bonus points for it. Just do it. I wouldn't steer you wrong.<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What Not To Do</span></span><br />
<br />
I'm adding this section at Lynn's suggestion. Here are the things you do NOT want to get her. Nothing to suggest that you think she may need to improve her appearance/hygiene, like self-tanner, acne treatment, or mouthwash. Nothing to address any PMS or moodiness. No cleaning products or pest control. No batteries.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Good luck and have fun!!!</span><br />
<br />
Buying gifts that people will enjoy is really rewarding. I hope I've given you some ideas that will help you stuff the best stocking ever. As long as you are thinking of what <span style="font-style: italic;">she</span> likes during the whole process, you should be successful.<br />
<br />
Feel free to leave a comment to let me know of your success, as well as any other suggestions that I've left out.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, happy holidays!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Kimmy<br />
<br />
P.S. If time is not an issue for you, and you're not opposed to going to a mall, there are also tons of great Stocking Stuffers to be found at some other stores, like <a href="http://www.origins.com/">Origins</a> (my personal favorite), <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/">Bath & Body Works</a>, and <a href="http://www.sephora.com/">Sephora</a>. In strip malls, look for <a href="http://www.bbby.com/">Bed Bath & Beyond</a>, <a href="http://www.ulta.com/">ULTA</a>, and <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/">The Container Store</a>.<br />
<br />
P.P.S. Just got another awesome suggestion from Ashley-- SCRATCH-OFF LOTTERY TICKETS. Woo! What a great idea!KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-40998205592530796082008-12-16T17:16:00.002-05:002008-12-16T17:22:57.673-05:00Okay, I win stuff ALL THE TIME. Wanna try to win something, too?One of my favorite beauty blogs, <a href="http://www.cybelesays.com">CybeleSays</a>, is having a fantastic contest that I want to share with you. She's clearing out her beauty closet! (It gives me chills to even type that, it's so exciting!) <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: georgia;"></span></span><br /><br />Each prize will contain products that all together total at least $50! Some of the brands: Berwick Beauty, Bourjois, Essie, tarte, Chanel, Haute Face, Rimmel, Surgeon's Skin Secret, L'Occitane, MAC, Urban Decay, Lise Watier, Benefit, Sephora, Clinique, Diana B, Boots, Blue Q, Raw Skincare, Matrix, Estee Lauder, Von Natur, philosophy, Jergens, Sally Hansen and more!<br /><br />Anyway, <a href="http://www.cybelesays.com/my_weblog/2008/12/me-and-eminem-are-cleaning-out-my-closet-.html#comments">here's where to go</a> and how to enter. There will be seven lucky winners, so your chances are good. Best of luck!<br /><br />Thanks, Cybele, for a chance to win such awesome prizes.<br /><br />Love,<br />KimmyKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-59542782926435568382008-12-10T15:47:00.008-05:002009-01-10T17:09:30.233-05:00Join RueLaLa.com and get a $10 credit!In one of my very first blogs, I talked about how much I <span style="font-style: italic;">love love love</span> RueLaLa.com. They have great sales on a wide variety of brands, usually 30-80% off.<br /><br />Well, I am pleased to share an opportunity to join this <span style="font-style: italic;">by-invitation-only</span> site with an added bonus-- through December 31st, you get a $10 credit as soon as you join!<br /><br />That's right! All you have to do is <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/gift">click here</a> and enter my email address, which is <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1YiJ359a0V9BOtujdLkOS5Z09FlGTnBSn4YrEUtt3GEtZDTjwnR_H4SOAIk-Ba5BYpp54PFqVlMJ7yup5OUuj0PtlwWQA04eLcivn6R3z7mjsKWQYlyHYLYh-YpgBxtKF5lEbXAGFGJN/s1600-h/email+address.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 28px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1YiJ359a0V9BOtujdLkOS5Z09FlGTnBSn4YrEUtt3GEtZDTjwnR_H4SOAIk-Ba5BYpp54PFqVlMJ7yup5OUuj0PtlwWQA04eLcivn6R3z7mjsKWQYlyHYLYh-YpgBxtKF5lEbXAGFGJN/s200/email+address.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278273196485231362" border="0" /></a>. Today they launched three sales-- Free People, Ellen Tracy, and Tracy Porter dinnerware.<br /><br />To give you even more of an idea of what sorts of sales they offer, here is a lineup of what's coming up in the next couple of days...<br /><br />Dec 11th, 11am<br />Kate Spade<br />Samsonite Black Label<br /><br />Dec 12th, 11am<br />David Yurman Jewelry<br /><br />Dec 15th, 11am<br />Honora Jewelry<br />Laundry by design Outerwear<br /><br /><br />Anyway, I hope you enjoy shopping with them as much as I have.<br /><br />Love,<br />Kimmy<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMHhYelgIklHTFS1UxY3hc3DKI6q4rvMZJ3b65VsJntZBSWgTF5iNol3F3U2TqMLDwufPoGvkoxuVesCooE4uUjKszU9pIUXuzjUr5Q7p8h5qzIR2tmIWt4YxGexv2Tv92aGbU0KLbEdt/s1600-h/email+address.jpg"><br /></a>KimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-82481748584507687562008-12-10T10:55:00.004-05:002008-12-10T11:02:59.700-05:00Origins 25% Discount-- on Value/Gift Sets, Too!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.origins.com"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjaPgLZEPG2dzZpP76Z8_Nd3KtKhlx5dux6kLHclN06nEMH7snqJFJaw7qUhjw_dWER0_Lw8qccxmww0qY_w4EJo6doOIP8gWG5Lx7tiTXCyVZXqZuLWBg47zaUekhvLrYzYmT3XRydKT/s400/origins+ff+decfans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278191970010085298" border="0" /></a><br />This is the way to maximize your savings at <a href="http://www.origins.com/">Origins.com</a>, because their awesome <a href="http://www.origins.com/templates/products/gifts.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY5732">value sets</a> are eligible for the discount this time.<br /><br />Also, get Free Shipping on every order. Yay!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br />KimmyKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480944459284919850.post-82576372381337844472008-12-07T01:39:00.022-05:002008-12-07T03:14:55.625-05:00My MomOn December 6, 1986, my Mom died of cancer. She was, among countless other things, beautiful, silly, supportive, stylish, intelligent, complicated, witty, gifted, dorky, sophisticated, encouraging, quirky, and loving. She was, in many ways, an amazing mother-- a great listener, a raving fan, an imaginative playmate. She was far from perfect, but she taught me more than anyone I've ever known. I have missed her every single day of the 22 years she's been gone.<br /><br />I realized that I didn't have any pictures of her on my computer, so I've been scanning some today. So, if you'll indulge me, here's my Mom. Her name was Marjorie.<br /><br />These are from her senior year of high school.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE0q7C-cjR2ctdU0XBAF9HGGVSIYLa_dSwrGFHLKcIdHyrXa2GksclP1ohedPLy1tOeWinj5FMWj3ew-4BfVYZs56HAu5KIqzpE1ZXjECdCL0oaVc1kdwTKhRixAT9wal9K6kf9i9XEQ5/s1600-h/senior+class+pic.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE0q7C-cjR2ctdU0XBAF9HGGVSIYLa_dSwrGFHLKcIdHyrXa2GksclP1ohedPLy1tOeWinj5FMWj3ew-4BfVYZs56HAu5KIqzpE1ZXjECdCL0oaVc1kdwTKhRixAT9wal9K6kf9i9XEQ5/s320/senior+class+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276944042757234386" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktnEfc7PWU0YzHdABa18QSZLbnON1bCQ7WLjbVvxGThKE1ocbAG8dOwr_oLFwftLA5IxdUl_0t3QP5L-ilrKVAaTmR5f_YHciHkfjqlfjfQT2eqHvWCnf5c2Af1EGbW5voeYlCc1-qcjt/s1600-h/senior+portrait.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktnEfc7PWU0YzHdABa18QSZLbnON1bCQ7WLjbVvxGThKE1ocbAG8dOwr_oLFwftLA5IxdUl_0t3QP5L-ilrKVAaTmR5f_YHciHkfjqlfjfQT2eqHvWCnf5c2Af1EGbW5voeYlCc1-qcjt/s400/senior+portrait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276944460157255506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p82a6tHVMdJBMl1-CDgRq_TKpoeeLfGaoghTJOG07a5NV0NZxeLj1uJ0Ea9kyhuoiGTfjsPJzSlQAWRGoQdCsBfE2bcYpnbVAj8MbnkI8X4lfT9-_rGOWF4Py6Sj4zTcjOfUg4W1nMyR/s1600-h/amybeckbillmomme.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p82a6tHVMdJBMl1-CDgRq_TKpoeeLfGaoghTJOG07a5NV0NZxeLj1uJ0Ea9kyhuoiGTfjsPJzSlQAWRGoQdCsBfE2bcYpnbVAj8MbnkI8X4lfT9-_rGOWF4Py6Sj4zTcjOfUg4W1nMyR/s400/amybeckbillmomme.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276945202365990306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This one is soon after I was born. She's with her sister, my Aunt Amy, and my cousins, Becky and Bill.<br /><br />[Sidenote: Despite growing up in different states, seeing each other only on holidays, Becky and I would grow up to be roommates in college, soul-mates, best friends. Her birthday was yesterday. Happy birthday, Becky Old Lady!]<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo1E2tES9wd7GWW8KijuapUC15MV3pcTCjK_QahkfapRylfXaWte6p5cCpPYEywLE3TTAtBd1OkN5TR4P0T2dZxWJBWAGl1XOr5nz4-7vzcDxaCPqXFS4ubNDFGTlRNgn0mvF3luCmeRC/s1600-h/me+glendale+mascot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo1E2tES9wd7GWW8KijuapUC15MV3pcTCjK_QahkfapRylfXaWte6p5cCpPYEywLE3TTAtBd1OkN5TR4P0T2dZxWJBWAGl1XOr5nz4-7vzcDxaCPqXFS4ubNDFGTlRNgn0mvF3luCmeRC/s400/me+glendale+mascot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276946906686872978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sometimes she was kind of a fashionista. This was after a football game. (My dad was the coach. I suppose I was the mascot.) I think she made that outfit herself. I love the scarf!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_fll-YeS7EXxJWLtNWa6cyTU_nGDm639Hf70H_oyVIogu9XWRIYbOceX5B3w7aCsRAMnN5ejuf_Hiw-2sp-vMJiobX8_U-VmdV4sWug0rvivLLNn55CbPltY9RmPUaNA5-_8DCAjc7OA/s1600-h/me+mom+baby+matt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_fll-YeS7EXxJWLtNWa6cyTU_nGDm639Hf70H_oyVIogu9XWRIYbOceX5B3w7aCsRAMnN5ejuf_Hiw-2sp-vMJiobX8_U-VmdV4sWug0rvivLLNn55CbPltY9RmPUaNA5-_8DCAjc7OA/s400/me+mom+baby+matt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276946081731486834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A couple of years later, I got a brother! His name was Matt. (To this day, his name is Matt, in fact!)<br /><br />I think this is one of the happiest pictures I have of Mom.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28Ssn-5GCxI6D5GPJbZZ0fwfdQpV7i1AslFAdTDreUe8zI4oCpwFOakmPq1h-ET-9_2yQWFbkFpSrYrfP7dfS82I0Xvrjf5_ZZ8_9sDHqi_7mh4pkzJx9pg45zfCS57vfEK01yG4IVAVu/s1600-h/matt+mom+front+porch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28Ssn-5GCxI6D5GPJbZZ0fwfdQpV7i1AslFAdTDreUe8zI4oCpwFOakmPq1h-ET-9_2yQWFbkFpSrYrfP7dfS82I0Xvrjf5_ZZ8_9sDHqi_7mh4pkzJx9pg45zfCS57vfEK01yG4IVAVu/s400/matt+mom+front+porch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276948263377209602" border="0" /></a>This was when I was in first grade. Every morning, she and Matt would watch me get on the bus at Kevin Hayward's driveway, a couple of houses down the street. Then, they'd go to the Waffle House for breakfast. Her favorite waitress, Charlene, would put their order in as soon as her car pulled into the parking lot. We loooved Charlene.<br /><br />I now have a deep, possibly ridiculous love for the Waffle House. Thanks, Mom!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdfcUMgeh2c6nGdfkuvwL7w29IwuWcHZXBYyBcMpU9nBy44H55D3fCqWULNr8rD-KjClMYUtr_iyYZlFQpU_EdjiWWyRozbLrX578lR2WYIlW2hFxsXhJRqM1gIs8A-j7Bcz4aDYYNJXy/s1600-h/photo+booth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdfcUMgeh2c6nGdfkuvwL7w29IwuWcHZXBYyBcMpU9nBy44H55D3fCqWULNr8rD-KjClMYUtr_iyYZlFQpU_EdjiWWyRozbLrX578lR2WYIlW2hFxsXhJRqM1gIs8A-j7Bcz4aDYYNJXy/s400/photo+booth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276949785343591170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I know my face is all cruddy in this picture, but it's one of my favorites. I think it was taken at the photobooth at the K-Mart or something.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A-LIfBGxBPp0JC0MKuo_P9Vxoo_oJS_epI0wjXWUgT4sQKvc5ZOJwBC6EiL2Um_HlZAvxD1bPErU7PqoU1wd2_NzlFE2lZaKPbI-oLUdJ7bWZBnbGXFav6J9yq8LA62ObiLPHjBbiUHb/s1600-h/portrait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A-LIfBGxBPp0JC0MKuo_P9Vxoo_oJS_epI0wjXWUgT4sQKvc5ZOJwBC6EiL2Um_HlZAvxD1bPErU7PqoU1wd2_NzlFE2lZaKPbI-oLUdJ7bWZBnbGXFav6J9yq8LA62ObiLPHjBbiUHb/s400/portrait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276950461202516226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This portrait was taken when I was about 12. Check out my wings!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3sGnSeUnO0Qjn2L1RaRqwbRaJUQlhYLwCLKQnYmLh09gCfk-Y6HgniALYSHnCQphyJqWHJvt9UX9RniI43A95wXuY4Lsf8I-mAR9ktcPAawBRnTsmtKY22RlKKd9DHsHKIvqYMfeBccK/s1600-h/mom+matt+me+baby%27s+dock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3sGnSeUnO0Qjn2L1RaRqwbRaJUQlhYLwCLKQnYmLh09gCfk-Y6HgniALYSHnCQphyJqWHJvt9UX9RniI43A95wXuY4Lsf8I-mAR9ktcPAawBRnTsmtKY22RlKKd9DHsHKIvqYMfeBccK/s400/mom+matt+me+baby%27s+dock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276951567810496706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This was in Destin. I think I was in ninth or tenth grade. I got my love for beach time from Mom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo2eL7OnFOOSJc_TMXWmOuxUgUMTi9SA4jjNfWoPa3mInzKL_Nz_dDRbTYZU3sMsHzqqXokXQQ1OoLJqGTWHh8SonE3Ey_YhpFen5Oqfe_9HRXj3Szq_bcBfLiSVnP25FYRUA_CEOjaCy/s1600-h/mom+lake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo2eL7OnFOOSJc_TMXWmOuxUgUMTi9SA4jjNfWoPa3mInzKL_Nz_dDRbTYZU3sMsHzqqXokXQQ1OoLJqGTWHh8SonE3Ey_YhpFen5Oqfe_9HRXj3Szq_bcBfLiSVnP25FYRUA_CEOjaCy/s400/mom+lake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276952734446088978" border="0" /></a>Finally, what I think is my most recent picture of Mom, probably not too long before she became ill. I think this was taken at Lake Rabun, in North Georgia. She loved spending time at the Mountains, and relished every trip up there.<br /><br /><br />If you're still with me, thank you. She was a special, unique woman, and I just felt like sharing a bit of her here.<br /><br />I love love love you, Mom.<br /><br />KimKimmyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880907352440468443noreply@blogger.com37