Day 3: Palermo, Sicily.

Today will be interesting.  You see Bernie and I are going to the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo.  Yikes!  The pictures creep me out and give me a very eerie feeling however, I agreed to go.  Bernie keeps saying it IS a trip of a lifetime and we are going all that way...  So, I acquiesced.  And I am hoping for the return favor when we are in Rome.  SHOPPING!!!  Oh, yes...

I visited Italy: the dark side for the history and photographs listed below...  A little taste of my afternoon.

Mummification around the world either happens intentionally, or by accident. Sometimes one leads to the other. In Italy, a significant amount of mummification has taken place. In fact, the largest store of mummified human remains exists in Palermo. Italy holds an ancient view of death, and preservation of corpses is not considered macabre. There is something silencing about seeing a formerly living human being whose body in death has shrunk to skin and bones with perhaps a bit of muscle left on the frame. They still look human, somehow, and it is this twilight phase of passing from one world into the next that leaves the viewer in awe. But some people--we saw several in the mummy museums--are horrified, perhaps contemplating for the first time their own demise.

The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo on the island of Sicily south of the mainland came about half by accident. It all began in 1599 when Brother Silvestro of the recently formed Capuchin order of monks died. The Capuchins were break-aways from the Franciscians--they wanted to return to a purer interpretation of St. Francis' edict to help the poor and helpless. Brother Silvestro's body was placed in a well. The tufaceous (porous limestone) soil in the region did it's work and nine months later it was discovered his remains had mummified. After that, monks by the hundreds wanted to be mummified upon death, and cells called strainers were carved into the soil of the crypt and bodies placed there. Next the general population got in on the fun. By the time mummification was outlawed in 1881, the crypt contained close to 1,000 mummified bodies.

Please visit Italy: the dark side  for more information about the catacombs in Palermo.  And a few more pictures of what my eerie afternoon will consist of...  Yikes!  By the way, no pictures are allowed so you will need to view them on this website.

Enjoy.  Thanks for stopping by ...this & that... and following my travels.  

...this & that... Thursday (and Friday Fragments)

Aren't you surprised there is a post from me?  I wrote this post on Saturday, November 13, 2010.  Today is day #2 of my vacation.  Bernie and I arrive in Rome today after 17 hours of flight.  Hopefully, if I have it my way we will be stopping for some cappuccino.  Oh, yes.  I am hoping I can convince Bernie.  Cappuccino in Italy - can it get any better than this?  Oh my and so, so exciting!  I am on vacation!  Yippee.  And it will be an adventure getting from the airport to the port.  Train or taxi...?  Hmmm, what will it be.  Don't worry I will let you know.  Yes, I am on vacation and blogging.  However, my blog must go on.  So, on to ...this & that... Thursday.

Today's post was inspired by "my likes" in my December issue of Elle.  I dog-ear the corners of the pages I like.  Yes, I really do.  For future reference of course.  And to add them to my (just because) wish list...

A little of this...

 

Jessica Alba is on the cover of Elle and she looks fabulous.  There are 2 covers and I love both of them.  The feature article and this photo layout is a must see.  And I love both of the cover outfits.  Love them.

This ring is a must-have Philippe Ferrandis - Glamour Ring.  The Swarovski Crystallized collection.  I think I need one for Christmas...

& a little of that...

I would love to pull off that look by Louis Vuitton. 

However, I am not sure I can.  But, I would love to try.

How about you?

 

Did I mention that chandelier earrings are back with a vengeance?  And might I add that some of them are absolutely delicious... Check out ELLE Jewelry (above) and Penny Preville (left).

Thanks for stopping by ...this & that... and have a great Thursday.

...Tuesday Tidbits...

Wow!  In less than 12 hours I will be on my way to Rome.  I am very, very E-X-C-I-T-E-D! 

All packed and ready to go.  Finally.  It was quite a process.  But, then again packing for a 12-day trip involves a lot of clothes.  It's a challenge when you have to pack 2 outfits per day; dress clothes for your evening dinners.  Don't even get me started on shoes.  Don't worry I will give all this information in a later post.  I have roughly 17 hours of flying so I have a lot of time. 

Unfortunately, I was unable to fit everything into my red monogrammed luggage.  Bummed is more like it.  But, thank goodness for my grandparents.  I borrowed 3 pieces of luggage from them.  Two of the pieces are monster size suitcases and Bern and I are using both.  We both managed to each have one suitcase each.  We each have one carry-on as well.  Well, I have two.  I am taking 2-pieces from my red luggage set.  The first piece is the small shoulder bag.  And the second is the duffel bag.  Obviously bathroom items, books, and miscellaneous items etc. for the small bag.  The duffel has the following items in it:  camel coat, rain coat, baseball hat, lab top, camera, pack of cards (UNO), and my purse.  And there is still room...  Funny, I know.  I wanted to bring a bag with extra room in it for the items I am going to purchase.  Of course we are going to purchase things -- just not sure what.  Oh, and I am "officially" bringing my lab top.  And yes that means I will be blogging!  Yippee! 

Ok, some tidbits:

A few years ago Bernie gave me Passport Panties.  And yes they are packed and ready to go.  This is a cute gift to give someone who travels a lot.  They are undies sealed in a passport just-in-case you need them - if you don't end up with your bag the next day...check them out.

And of course I am going to share some pictures of the packing challenge.  However, I now need to go to bed.  Wow!  Bern and I head to Rome tomorrow.  I cannot believe it's here - November 17th that is!  Bern is picking me up tomorrow morning at 7:15 a.m.



Obviously you can tell this isn't working.  After I realized it wasn't going to fit, I just piled everything in the suitcase.  Everything and I mean everything in the duffle bag was rolled.  It fit quite a lot of clothing.



All of this was in addition to the picture above of items that would not fit.  I knew at this point it wasn't happening and I needed the bigger bag.  However, I am still bummed that I am not using color coordinated luggage for the trip, ugh!  Yes, I am still really bummed.  I really wanted to use my luggage set that Bern gave me for my birthday. 
However, I am using 2 out of the 3-pieces so thats good. 

 

This is one of the monster suitcases I borrowed from my grandparents.  The black one Bern is using is to the right. 
Of course, I started with my shoes.  These are in addition to the ones I will be wearing.  My Uggs.



All of my travel books; these will be in my carry-on - my reading material for the plane.

Alright.  It is time for bed however, I am not sure I will be able to sleep.  I am so E-X-C-I-T-E-D!  And don't forget to check back for updates during my vacation because there will be posts!  I won't be posting on Facebook or twitter so you'll just have to come back and visit.  Oh, and scroll down to the bottom of my blog and you will see the google map of our trip and stops we will be making.  Also, please note that we won't be landing in water even though that is how it appears - my first time using google maps and I simply don't have the patience to get the line to go all the way to Rome.

Thanks for stopping by for ...this & that... for ...Tuesday Tidbits...

...this & that... Thursday (and Friday Fragments)

Wow, Wow and Wow!  We leave in 7 days!  Bern and I are so E-X-C-I-T-E-D!  We are almost ready to go.  Almost.  Italy here we come...  But, first comes ...this & that... Thursday and packing.

a little of this...

Check out this oh, so cute Card Set at Brown Button Trading or this very chic Black Chevron Stripe Notecards at pixlimpress (esty).

This brand spanking new online magazine Ivy and Piper is a definite must read for the designer minded soles and those of us that need a little help (me)...  This magazine is extremely creative and is not just about interior design - there are plenty of lifestyle and fashion tidbits packed right in.  There is plenty of ...this & that... to go around at Ivy and Piper for each and every one of us.  Enjoy, I did.

& a little of that...

Apartment #34 is a fabulous blog that is a must-see.  Themed features 5-days a week (mine are still a work in progress).  Yes, it is obvious.  I know.  Blog envy.  Yes, I have it.  Oh-la-la...

Another wonderful and fabulous blog that I just recently began to follow is that Blonde blog Blonde Episodes.  Check out these leopard shoes that are just screaming my name.  Oh, yes they are!  Don't you think so too?  So, sexy I know.  Hmmm, I really think I need a pair.  But, after my trip.  Yes, after.

Oh, before I forget did I mention that I am creating a google map for our trip...?!  However, it is not ready to be posted.  That program (google maps) has a mind of its own this evening.

Thanks for stopping by for a little of ...this & that...





And for a little more of Friday's Fragments
head over to Mrs.4444's blog at
Half-Past Kissin' Time...

...Tuesday Tidbits...

Coffee dates.  One of my favorite things to do.  A coffee date with a girlfriend.  Up close and personal.  Or virtual.  Typically my coffee dates are virtual.  Improvising is key when your "date" is not readily available or a few hundred or thousand miles away!  So, you how does it work?  Let me enlighten you to the realm of a virtual coffee date.  We both grab our favorite coffee (or tea) and call each other.  Girlfriend #1 + Girlfriend #2 + Coffee + Cell Phones = Virtual Coffee Date.  And virtual it is.  Wa-la!  Oh, and coffee dates work for guys too.

On Sunday, my Mom and I saw Due Date.  A lot of laughter.  A definite must see.  And dvd collection material.  Ditto for the soundtrack.  Robert Downey Jr. is fabulous in every movie I see.  And it doesn't matter what character is.  And boy, does he just keep getting better and better looking, right?  Sorry Bern, but, he is a hottie.  And to think I still have yet to see Iron Man or Sherlock Holmes.  What am I waiting for?  Co-star Zach Galifianakis rocked his part in the movie.  Wow, he is too funny.  Oh, and need I forgot Mr. Jamie Foxx.   He had a nice little part in the movie.  I met him once (and Bern too).  In an elevator at the Venetian in Las Vegas.  It was a very quiet ride.  However, I did receive a wink from Jamie after I exited the elevator.  You see I turned around to do a double-take and confirm it was Mr. Foxx and yep **wink, wink** from Jamie himself.  Up close and personal is a big guy and good looking as well.  Yes, he makes the hottie list.  Bern knows and most likely would agree as well.

I am looking forward to March 2011 and the arrival of Sucker Punch.  This movie is a little different than my norm.  But, it looks oh so fabulous!  I am anxiously awaiting its release.

Somehow, somewhere, I stumbled upon the blog Blonde Episodes.  I have been missing out.  And I am so glad that I found you.  I love it!  And so will you...check it out.  Yep, please click the link.

Live.  Laugh.  Love.  Often.  This is an absolute must do for each and every one of us.  Life is precious.  Life is short.  Time just passes us by (quickly).  We should live life to the absolute fullest each and every day.  I have decided this is my new mantra.  Live.  Laugh.  Love.  Often.

A little of ...this & that... on ...Tuesday Tidbits...  And thanks for stopping by. 

Don't forget to share your perspective on ...this & that... 

And don't forget the mantra:  Live.  Laugh.  Love.  Often.

In 10 days I will be gettin' on a jet plane...

Wow!  Time flies.  10 days to go.  And we are on our way to Rome.  Bern and I extremely excited at this point.  And I am a little bit nervous.  Why, you ask?  I am unsure of what we are going to do every day (I am the cruise director and tour guide and I haven't finished all of my reading) and if everything will fit in my luggage!  Yes, that is all I am worried about.  We have already agreed that we would wing it.  Well, I mean - we decided that every day did not have to be planned down to the very last minute.  However, we will have somewhat of an idea of what we are doing each day before we step off the cruise ship and/or leave the B&B in the am.  This week I will be posting a lot of the last minute things I finalized and putting our (rough) itinerary together.  And yes, of course, I will share it with all of you. 

So, I wanted to share with you my fun, fun, fun, experience yesterday at the Holiday Boutique.  I lived here for 9-1/2 years now and this is the first time I have attended.  And WOW!  I will definitely be attending next year and I won't forget my checkbook at home like I did yesterday.  Yes, I really did.  And it probably was a good thing as well.  So, I will share with some of the fun things I ate (see the cupcake in the upper left, yummy) and bought.  Also, the main reason I went was to catch-up with my girlfriend, Staci and support her in her business endeavor of Bella Dreams.  Her fabulous jewelry business.  And yes, I did buy some items however, they will not be in this post (another post - be on the look out).  Staci really has style and flair.  If I could describe Staci in one word - I would have to say sassy.  I am really glad she is in my life.  Yesterday, I officially told Staci that I would love to help her set-up on esty website so that she can sell her jewelry online.  Of course, this will be after I return from my trip and probably over the holidays -- when I have a few additional days off.  Don't worry I will make the time.  Umm, and it is a new project and helping out Staci!!!  Yay!  And she is excited too.

Ok, so here are my pictures from my day on Saturday.  My stop at the Holiday Boutique.  My trip to The Gap.  And a few random pics regarding interest tidbits for my trip.  Enjoy.

I got this hat at the Holiday Boutique.  I love it!  And it was only $25.  What a deal.
The colors rock and with a white long sleeve tee, nice.  And the flower is a very nice touch! 
A little different than I am used to but, then again remember I am working on accessorizing.

I bought a brown one too!

Funny, right?  Well, I needed to figure out how much contact solution I will use in 12 days. 
So, of course I measured it 12 times.  About 4-1.2 ounces. 
So, 1 travel size bottle and one of my MAC travel size containers with the additional 1-1/2 ounces.  Done deal.

I bought this at the Gap with my 40% off coupon.  I was looking for a black vest and I found it.

My Uggs.  I am very excited to wear these on my trip!  A Xmas gift from Bern a few years ago.



I had the most delicious red velvet cupcake to date.  YUM! 
I took the liberty of taking a picture of the top of the cupcake -- to show you the wonderful frosting.



Check out whippy cake and let me know what you think.  I absolutely love them. 
I met the owner Becky at the Holiday Boutique and she is just an absolute doll, very sweet and oh, so creative!
More on whippy cake another time...don't worry I am going to devote an entire post to these darling headbands.

By the way I will post the link for the hat website when I find her card...

Thanks for stopping by ...this & that... and I hope you have a fabulous Monday!

...this & that...Thursday (and Friday Fragments)

It has been quite a week.  A busy one at that.  I am not really sure where to begin so, thank goodness today is ...this & that...Thursday and all about this & that.

a little of this...

{this is glamorous} {holiday-hair-how-to-side-chignon}

I cannot wait for this movie The Tourist

This movie is a definite must see Red (the movie)

This is one of my favorite blogs i m a g i n e (design blog) by Jami Goldsmith and today's post just happens to be Jami's Thursday's This + That.  Please note that I found Jami's blog long after this blog was in full effect.  Great minds think alike however, Jami is a teeny, tiny, tad bit more creative than I am.  If she ever gets over to Arizona -- I think I need a bedroom makeover... (she's an interior designer from So Cal).  And I just love, love, love her style!  And then some.  Truly, I do.  Go ahead take a little time today and check out a little of this & that over at i m a g i n e (design blog) and you'll see why I am so in love with her style and her blog.

Every girl needs a treat now and again.  Check out the holiday products over at MAC.  I bought this 6-Dashing-Lassie-Eye-Shadows and that Tis-Noble-To-Give-Viva-Glam-Lip-Bag! 

Check out how to make this Holiday Wreath over at For A Moment Photography.  Step by step instructions included and a video.  By the way this wreath is made out of paper.  And made in 2 hours.  Check it out.

& a little of that...

Monday.  Cardio, check.  Caught up reading all of my favorite blogs.  My new shoes arrived.  See the brown ones on the far left - well, I bought the same ones in black...  I love them!

Tuesday.  Bought Book 4 in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts - Happy Every After.  Workout with Pam, check.  Fabulous as always!  A little bummed, that I'll miss 2 workouts with Ms. Pam while I'm away...  Oooh-la-la, my whippy cake headbands and appliques arrived today.

Wednesday.  Haircut and color.  My hair looks fabulous!  Thanks Danielle.  Oops, and I forgot to take a picture to post it.  Let me say this...I think I will blow drying my hair straight for the trip!  After my hair I stopped over at the mall and bought a killer outfit at The Limited for my trip (clothes only, no shoes). 

Thursday.  Cardio, check.  My shows.  Bones, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.  A very dramatic episode on Private Practice.  Very real.  Very sad.  Very painful.

Friday.  Date night with Bern.  Suns game.  Dinner at Juan's.  Maybe, an episode of Dexter (we are on season 2).

Saturday.  Shout Out Saturday.  Work?  Yes, I might go in for an hour.  A holiday boutique to attend.  Bella Dreams, Whippy Cakes and a few others.  An afternoon and a dinner date with Bern.  Laundry.  Trip research.  Blogging.

Sunday.  A morning movie date with Unstoppable.  A trial-run packing for my trip (in its entirety).  An afternoon date with my Mom.  Trip research.  Blogging.

Enjoy and have a great Friday!  And for a little more of Friday's Fragments head over to Mrs.4444's blog at Half-Past Kissin' Time...Time to Kiss Again!

This is by far one of my favorite posts to date on my blog! 

I think I am getting in a groove...

I linked up this post over at Mrs.4444's blog

at Half-Past Kissin' Time...Time to Kiss Again! for Saturday Samplings. 

A chance to "sample" other favorite posts from the week.

And by the way, I just love, love, love her blog!

Thanks for stopping by ...this & that...

...Tuesday Tidbits...

Today is going to be a little different. 

Pictures.  Captions. 

Simple, short and sweet.

I love this photograph. 

This was last weeks ...Tuesday Tidbits...

The print with soon be gracing my walls.


My travel books.  None have been read in their entirety.  We leave in 17 days...



My Halloween sign.  I taped this to the outside of my door. 
I was hoping this sign would entice trick-or-treaters and it did, one. 
Yes, only one.  But, it did make my night.



I had smores over the weekend.  Yumm!  Thanks Gramps for the suggestion. 
You might want to visit a prior post I wrote about smores.




On Saturday, I was very irritated to find out my moisturizer (Phytomer Oligopur Emulsion) has been discontinued.  Nice, huh?  Now, I need to find a new one. 
Now, my skin will have to re-adjust...thanks Phytomer and right before my trip.

 


I don't think all of my clothes are going to fit in my awesome monogrammed luggage...?!?!?



Last Friday a friend sent me this picture on my phone.  Wow, blast from the past. 
Thanks!  I lived in this house all through high school. 
I don't remember it being blue but, it brings back a lot of memories...



Last Friday evening was the home opener to a brand new season!  Yes, I know we lost. 
However, we did get upgraded court side.  Thank you, thank you Danielle (our coordinator)!

 


My place.  My lunch time escape.

 


Fire roasted tomato soup.

I indulged.  Tiramisu with peanut brittle on top.
The absolute best piece I have ever had. 
I have a feeling that will change when I get to Rome...

 

Chicken pesto pizza with pine nuts.







Cappuccino. 
My favorite lunch time treat.