Do you remember a while back when I blogged about LOVING the rock & roll biker-esque trend coming to light for Fall '09? And how I said I adored it but to make it my own wished to mix in some Gossip Girl inspired plaids and crests and head bands and basically "back to school" the look up. Give bad a$$ rocker  a little girlie twist? No? Here it is: http://sunloveyforever.blogspot.com/2009/08/happy-thursday-yall-thought-id-greet.html
So yeah... imagine my delight upon receiving (yes I caved and subscribed) the latest issue of Lucky this month. Starting from the back (where all the fashion editorial you really want to see right of the bat exists) I zeroed in on a story that I felt completely, totally epitomized my own little twist. I felt thrilled, as I dug every look, every caption! I even got a little inspired. (Am totally going to pair my sequin skirt to a preppy cotton button down, question is- Do I HAVE a preppy cotton button down? Will absolutely give the posh jacket back to liquid leggings a go, again, if I can dig up such a jacket in my never-ending pit of a closet.) Chances are, this story's probably going to spur another little shopping dalliance. The quest? Likely a preppy button down & and a poshy jacket. Lord knows what else... In the meantime, dig through your own wardrobe. See how (should you love the look too) you too can pull together upper east side-meets-Joan Jett-inspired looks. Go on. It'll be fun. 

What to look for...

Prep school staples:

plaid skirts

plaid jackets

hounds tooth prints

herringbone prints

prepster cotton button-downs

boyfriend blazers

boyfriend cardigans

menswear vests

pearls, strands and strands of them

loafers (heeled and patent preferred) 

Indie rocker staples:

liquid leggings

skinny jeans

destroyed denim

leather jackets/pleather jackets

exposed zippered ANYthing

ANYthing metallic

sparkling sequin miniskirts

MILE HIGH hardware heels

studded booties

dark patterned tights

chunky chains

pyramid stud cuffs

All grainy photos are courtesy of Lucky's September issue. Happy Fall Fashion! 

Love, 

sunlovey

p.s. am not wearing a tiara in first photo. that's a trick of the sun. simply a black and white patent head band. WISH it were a tiara....

I interrupt regular fashion music food travel blogging to reiterate my tweet from earlier:

sunloveywill spend whatever amount of time it takes me to fall out hoping, praying, well wishing & good vibing. i ask you to do the same. thank you.

HUGE AMOUNTS OF THOUGHT& PRAYERS GO OUT TO MEINE MUTTER IN LIGHT OF HER DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT TOMORROW.Give her strength. Give him wisdom.

p.s. have been distracted from blogging due to creating teeny paper dresses & such, then gluing them into a fun recycled book my mom created. stay tuned...

So I rushed through my evening with a desperate desire to find myself sitting at the center of my couch, legs crossed, promptly at 8pm. Even dashed out of work five minutes early to ensure this (had errands to run + gym + salads to make).

At four 'til 8pm I changed the channel from E! to the CW. Caught rolling credits for Two & A Half Men, salads ALMOST done, heart rate pleasantly accelerated, eyes glued to the television. WHA!? ONE TREE HILL!? NO! WHAT THE HELL!? Deep breaths. Mind reeling. I ask Tim to check the TV listings on yahoo.com. Relief. As he says out loud, "Gossip Girl, 9PM." He gets me. I'm breathing again. I survived this particular Monday KNOWING I could watch my little guilty pleasure tonight. New time. I'm OK.

A new season of killer style. A new season of awesome music. A new season to vicariously experience ritzy bitchy upper east side love & debauchery. YAY.

Do know, fashion designer Anna Sui's even designed an entire line for Target based on Gossip Girl. ALSO, Gossip Girl music is TOP notch, want an instant mix of great tunes? OMFGG.

Uh oh, it's on. You know you love me. XOXO (watching) Gossip Girl

p.s. Show's on at 9PM on Monday nights on The CW. Just can't get enough? love this site for music i can't figure out, etc.: http://www.gossipgirlinsider.com/

AND HERE THEY ARE.
MY fall statement shoe from bebe. mostly comprised of comfy body-hugging Neoprene, they are comfortable and the heels are HIGH AS HELL. it's love. stay tuned for photos of me in them Saturday night at the #twineup @Himmarshee in ft. lauderdale with my little geisha. Happy Friday loveys! Perhaps see you there?

Once upon a time I had just turned 16, I was stoked. I could DRIVE and mom was letting me drive Steph and I to a show. The first show we didn't have to depend upon someone else to GET TO. It was SO COOL. It was U2. And it was at the teeny little Lakeland Civic Center. The date was February 29th, 1992. The Pixies were opening which we thought was KILLER and U2 was supporting their Achtung Baby album. I was MAD for Mysterious Ways. 

Our seats sucked but in such a small venue, it didn't matter. I don't recall much from that show besides being stoked on The Pixies, Bono & the fact that I DROVE us there...

Fast forward. To basically every subsequent show after. I was there. 

U2 is something like an anomaly in my music canon. They're not dark, they're bright, they're not electronic-y (with the exception of that weird stuff they put out in '95 when I was living in London and STUPIDLY effed up the one chance I had of being in a small English flat with arguably the largest "rock" dude of our time. Yes, Bono was at a party I was invited to and I missed it), they're guitar, bass & drum driven. They're not brooding. They're hopeful. 

And as I said to my mom on the phone earlier today, attending their shows reminds ME of going to church. A CRAZY, LOUD, CHAOS AND FLASHING LIGHTS CHURCH.  If Bono was a preacher, I'd be a member. I love what he stands for, I love what his lyrics teach us and remind us about the world. 

It's because of U2 that I heard of COEXIST and fell hard for its message. Wish wars would stop? Especially those based on and tainting three different thousands of years old faiths? Check out COEXIST.

It's because of U2 that I own my killer pair of Edun skinny jeans. Eco-, world-responsible clothing.

It's because of U2 that I support a darling little girl named Sikita, in Africa through World Vision. 

Truth is, U2 has made me a better person!? 

And if they're playing near me, ever, I'm going. On October 9th, yep, one month from today, Mr. Beyer & I will travel to Tampa for their current tour. And it's the one thing I'm focussing on to get OVER the Depeche Mode show I blogged about last night being over. 

Riding home from Peanut island on Sunday we listened to their latest album No Line On The Horizon, which admittedly I am NOT in love with. But a few of the songs lingered in my consciousness upon that listen. So yesterday when  I ran on the treadmill, I ran to U2. I generally like to do cardio to pulsating, fast, even angry beats. So listening to U2 while running yesterday was an inspiring change of pace.  

Which led to today, when I vowed to make my very, very dear and HIP mom an uplifting, inspirational U2 mix CD. DONE. Will ship out tomorrow. Fingers are crossed she'll dig in and let the music and lyrics fill her with the warmth and hope they fill me with. 

Music IS therapy. Music DOES tap into the soul and psyche. That said, U2 does the brain & body good. Right? Mom if you're reading this, vow to give at least seven listens OK? Let it kick in. 

So while they're most definitely the most mainstream band I adore ,I've got good reason. They touch me spiritually. I'm wide awake. I'm not sleeping. 

love,

sunlovey

Depeche Mode - Bank Atlantic Center - Sounds of the Universe Tour

ROCKED MY BLOODY WORLD!!!!!

Our seats, NOT great. BUT, good enough. Section 115. This was good because it enabled us to fully appreciate the band's use of the incredible screens behind them. 

Opening act: Peter Bjorn & John

Thoughts: They're a killer band. And it's gotta be difficult when you're a band like them, that usually plays small venues. usually HEADLINES small venues. has a serious following that loves you mucho, but finds yourself opening for a band that's been enchanting ITS following since the '80s. And doing it BRILLIANTLY. the good thing is, they went first (because post DM I nearly forgot I saw them too), and those of us that aren't total IDIOTS sending ridiculous texts during Peter Bjorn & John's set saying that they sound like bad karaoke really enjoyed seeing them live. Great energy. Pulled off good sound in a huge arena. Said they'd be back in March. Cool. Highlight for me: It Don't Move Me

Crowd caught on to: Young Folks (of course) OK, so they play a pretty short set, leave the stage and we wait, and wait, and wait some more. Fortunately to a good soundtrack. Rumor had it, Martin had everything to do with the pre-music? Confirmation of this?

The energy building before a Depeche Mode show is unique. I don't know how I forgot that. People are moving to the pre-music. People are buzzing. And not from drinks. From this anticipation that's multi-sensory. Truth is every female in that venue is DYING to see David Gahan. Ironic that the show starts with his smooth baritone voice filling the room with "The way you move....." Because it's really about the way HE moves. But I've digressed. AND i have some clarifying to do. If Dave were 300 lbs,  I would still adore them in massive ways.  I promise. 

Yeah, back to the waiting... finally the gigantic disco ball above the stage lights up with a HUGE DM and the entire crowd roars to life. More minutes pass and I feel myself growing anxious but then, finally, the lights flicker out and people are walking onto the stage and my heart accelerates to speeds it ain't used to, then voila. THERE THEY ARE. Finally. And yeah, they open with In Chains off their latest album and I'm perfectly fine with that. Martin L. Gore is sparkling like my Report Signature all-glitter heels and Dave looks lithe and fit in all black. Fletch is just Fletch, happy to be Fletch. The audience is thrilled. 

We get through Wrong (forgive, NOT my favorite, but NOT awful either, liked it better live than recorded) and then it's like a landslide of pure, gorgeous brilliance. Jaw to the floor lights and imagery. Gahan's fluid moves. Martin's star guitar. People, I haven't been this enamored by a show in a good while. OK, since The Cure last summer. But this is different. Depeche Mode makes you beg for them. They don't come around too often. They're like a crazy bottle of prized Bordeaux that you can only indulge in maybe a few times in your life. You cherish their presence. You hold it too high. But that makes the time you're actually seeing them an elevated kind of killer. 

Highlights: Hard to pin point. But I will...

In Chains, Hole to Feed, It's No Good, Fly On the Windscreen (NEARLY LOST MY MIND WHEN THEY STARTED PERFORMING THIS), A Question of Lust, Policy of Truth, I Feel You, OK and the rest of the set... seriously. This is ridiculous. They came with their A-game. We were ALL astonished by how quality, how fantastic the show was. 

What I could have done without: Wrong, Walking in My Shoes, Little Soul

What I HATE that they didn't play: World In My Eyes, Waiting For The Night, Photographic (I know, that's not realistic), Black Celebration, Just Can't Get Enough (jeer all you want, that song live is SUBLIMELY fun)

Cool Moment(s): David Gahan coming back on stage post Martin's Shake the Disease saying "OH MY GOD" like he too was in total awe... 

Dave spinning endlessly. 

Dave dancing.

Martin sparkling.

The boys hugging at the very end like great friends. 

My husband THANKING ME for dragging him to a Depeche Mode show

So sad it's over, so blessed to have been there though. 

Love,

sunlovey

p.s. may add more to this blog as thoughts come to me. more videos + photos too. 

Complete Set list:

In Chains
Wrong
Hole To Feed
Walking In My Shoes
It's No Good
A Question Of Time
Precious
Fly On The Windscreen
Little Soul
A Question Of Lust
Miles Away / The Truth Is
Policy Of Truth
In Your Room
I Feel You
Enjoy The Silence
Never Let Me Down Again
 
Encore #1
Shake The Disease
Stripped
Behind The Wheel
 
Encore #2
Personal Jesus

bad a$$es. LOVE.

I ordered myself some incredibly killer shoes at an insanely good price as a fashion pick-me-up. We do what we must to get by... Wait 'til you see these

UH OH. Tonight's blog appeared BELOW last night's. Scroll down! Thank you. Yes. More music. 

Hope you love and enjoy!

this  a music mix from my itunes copy and pasted. believe me, it's amazing. trust. Want to hear, seek and you shall find! totally recommend searching on http://www.myspace.com  AND http://www.youtube.com

Sunlovey Forever Mix

Skeleton Boy -Friendly Fires Friendly Fires (I dance my YOU KNOW WHAT OFF no matter WHERE i am, every SINGLE time i hear this tune. It's love to the bone!)
Paris Is Burning - Ladyhawke (what a killer song, there are remixes out there too, generally hate chick singers, love this though, dance-able too!)
Signs -Bloc Party (Bloc Party, Nuff said. well, maybe not, this song is sick, in a good way, musically and lyrically. classic BP)
Kim & Jessie -M83 (We Own The Sky is my fave M83 tune, but this one is so emotionally musically fulfilling too)
Processed Beats  Kasabian (reminds you of the early 90s in England = good)
Mammoth  Interpol (That voice, AMAZING, their music, HAUNTING)
Fa-Fa-Fa  Datarock (A quirky butt-shakin' tune)
Great DJ  The Ting Tings (this live = MAD fun, this mix has a theme, songs that make you bop up & down)
Dawn of the Dead  Does It Offend You, Yeah? (can't tire of this foggy song, i say foggy because it causes me to picture fog, musically, killer. lyrically, emotional. LOVE.)
All Sparks Editors (WOW WOW WOW, again, VOICE, again LYRICS, BRILLIANT! poignant!)
Perfect Symmetry (Frankmusik  Keane Remix)  (one word: infectious) 
Jigsaw Falling Into Place Radiohead (fevered pitch awesomeness, experimental, frenetic!)
Hurricane Jane Black Kids (shake it! you can't help it! fun!)
Geraldine  Glasvegas (totally has a hook, clever lyrics, love his voice, music is totally sound)
After Hours We Are Scientists (makes me think of fun times that i didn't want to ever end, which is a good, fun, fond memory!)
Cheap and Cheerful The Kills (IT'S ALRIGHT, TO BE MEAN! Love. WOW. The coughing intro is super cool too!)

Get Myself Into It The Rapture (OMG dance-able disco-ish FUN FUN FUN. LOVE.)

in conclusion, free itunes download of the day was a no-go. need to buy a new album soon. will keep you posted. DEPECHE MODE SHOW IN FIVE DAYS. RADICAL.

(p.s. i snap a lot of photos AT work, like the one above in my Boston Proper Rio Fit Straight Leg Jeans in Rinse, but i blog AT home. ask the husband, he hates it!)

Growers & Builders Mix

By that I mean songs that get better and better every listen, they GROW on you. songs that develop as you listen, into something that leaves you no choice but to MOVE. they BUILD into heart accelerating brilliance. They thud, they pulsate. they shake up the solar system. Yeah, that's a big claim. But I stand behind it.

Sometimes Things Get, Whatever Deadmau5 (this should be everyone's step child mantra. it's true and you know what, it kicks @$$, let it build, revel in it. have experienced live twice.)
Hearts On Fire Cut Copy (OMG. if you don't feel this, i'm not sure we can be friends. Cut Copy taps into something joyous & freeing & ULTRA fun! I must remind myself to breathe in their presence. live once. Dear Lord let me see them live again. listen to this one NOW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4SponDQDWw)
Hustler Simian Mobile Disco (This song is rad to the bone, and it's like an old Jane's Addiction tune, subject: stealing. I feel for the diva, she just wants music! listen! p.s. they DID stand me up at Ultra)
AirWar Crystal Castles (LIVE? AVOID. i've given them TWO chances, PUKE. recorded. i still like. i can't help it. love its groovy bleepy quality. its energy.)
High School Tiga (Yeah, it's been A LONG time since i was in high school, but Tiga makes it sound cool. when the chorus kicks in you're grooving, no doubt. i adore this song. Even though HE stood me up at Ultra too)
Emerge Fischerspooner (UH HUH that's right. seriously. another grower. it builds. and it's kick ass. true electronic.)
Open Up Leftfield (It's the 90s, it's England, it's AWESOME. get lost in it. you have no choice! electronic wonder)
Over and Over Hot Chip (utterly addictive, was my ring tone for forever. you'll find yourself singing it, over and over.)
Lights Out Santogold (she rules, she does. live too. love her. so creative. so butt shake-able!)
Night Falls Booka Shade (INSANE, you like dance? with darker undertone & feel, it provokes thought. OH MAN. love. Live? love. Gosh this song makes me buzz.)
Girl and the Sea 4:46 The Presets (musical layers and elements i love, ebb & flow. killer. live twice, both times frenetic and exhilarating).

that's back to back mixes. both very electronically influenced. need help hearing ANY? tell me. please. take the time to find and hear. it's kinda like a musical scavenger hunt!

love,

sunlovey

p.s. DEPECHE MODE SATURDAY

MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING: PRAYERS FOR MOM. thank you!

I've had a crash course in LIVING FOR TODAY, but i'm double majoring in FIGHTING FOR TOMORROW.

(this blog is becoming all that it is because it's a reflection of my life. my life generally does revolve around music. fashion. food. travel. but i omit the obvious in saying that. LOVE is crucial. As is HOPE & STRENGTH & FAITH, so please welcome those additional topics. Thank you!)

p.s. this is IT kids. the last day to redeem vitaminwater sync caps for FREE music. i hope you took advantage. i'll miss this cool deal like you wouldn't believe. have been utilizing it since Ultra Music Festival in March. i think, if you wanted to send yourself on a wild goose chase, you could run out right now and hit every store you could in search of sync, get your tail online to http://www.myspace.com/vitaminwater and redeem redeem redeem. or... you can just wait for the next amazing perk to come along. there will be more. life's like that.  Tomorrow i promise you a music blog... Got that Scarpetta. 

KEEP UP THE PRAYERS FOR MY DEAR DEAR MOMMITA PLEASE.

love,

sunlovey

I'm loving...
ALL THINGS ORGANIC. I am learning that they hold more value than I ever imagined. So... going forward, I'm striving to implement more organic into my daily life by way of foods & products, and 100% organic into my mom's daily life. It's essential. Tips? Share. ASAP. Thanks.






I'm also loving these delightful shoes from J. Crew, in pewter paisley. The heel is NOT quite high enough but otherwise they're darling. So Marie Antoinette (that ALWAYS attracts me, always). J'adore.





And lastly, this amazing find of a necklace owned & worn by my dearest Kristakins. We spotted it last week at Forever 21 (can't find IT on their site, but this one's equally cool & whimsical!). She was on the fence about it late last week, but she's rocking it again today and I am smitten. Layers of chains, birds & leaves = chic brilliance & for cheap!!

Love,
Sunlovey

OK... this isn't the place you go for a culinary experience. but the location is in my opinion, a good one. just west of the Intracoastal bridge in Lantana, on the right, somewhat of an institution in south Florida. yeah, Old Key Lime House. WHY go there? It's salty. It's waterfront, they've got FRIED CLAMS (crispy! with REALLY good fries) and... a relatively HUGE new screen and projector set up that amazes. Love how it sits right over the water, the image on the screen reflecting into the Intracoastal.  So I asked (because they were showing football tonight, not my thing) if they show movies on said killer screen and they said YES!!! On Tuesdays. Everyone should check it out. 

Went for a long walk on the beach tonight, which I need to do MUCH more, then there, just because I needed to get out. Heart is heavy. Need to be surrounded by people. Being honest. If you pray, pray for my dear mother. She needs it. I do believe in hope and miracles. I do believe in unforeseen possibilities. I do believe in things turning around for the best. I want all of this. But I am scared. I am strong. But I need her. Yes, this has taken a way too serious turn. But it needed to be said. Please, whomever you are, stumbling upon this, close your eyes and wish one of the most amazing souls on the planet WELLNESS, MIRACLES, HOPE, STRENGTH & A WILL TO FIGHT. 

Am excited about things I've read and heard about clearing the body of toxins. How it helps. Going completely organic. If you have thoughts on the power of this, positive thoughts. Share. 

In fact ALL positive stories, thoughts, perspectives- send MY way. I want to be surrounded, and I want HER surrounded by LOVE and POSITIVISM. 

Thank you SO very much.

Sunlovey

(Illustration is from the Old Key Lime House Web site)

One last "episode" of my Egypt trip coming up! With another movie for more of a glimpse into what is was like to actually be there...

...Guess what? We've missed our flight due to major confusion with departure time. June 28th 1:30AM was late LAST night, not late tonight. So... there were not four seats on tonight/tomorrow night's flight out so we must depart tomorrow AKA EARLY Tuesday morning. Poor husband had a nervous breakdown. And he may be angry with me. this will cost us big plus another night at the hotel, + missing two more days of work. What a mess. I feel terrible, but these things happen.  :-(

I am in limbo. Like I'm here in EGYPT, WOW, but stuck kind of, in the middle of nowhere (Giza's a little remote) & running out of cash. Ugh. All part of the experience I suppose...

Maggie & I went for a walk down to the pharmacist & the mobile on the run (yes, again, candy!)  Maggie got a prescription ointment @ the pharmacist for the equivalent of ONE DOLLAR, a Novartis product. WOW, talk about affordable health care. She has a bad sun rash, this should help. Then we went to Felfela for a GREAT BIG Stella ($8 for two)  the to felfela fast food for three falafel sandwiches and a big hot dog for her, + tahina and babaganoush  all for a total of $4.50!? Then brought it back to Tim & Belen at the pool. Now we're hanging by the pool and I feel overwhelmingly off, we should be almost home and instead we're going to be two days late! It is SO quiet at the pool because the weekend is over and everyone we've met has left. It's just bad all around. :-( It's weird I'm so affected by an extended vacation? Gotta let that go. 

So- after the pool we got dressed, had more perfect cappuccinos, & watched the bizarre candle lighting ceremony that takes place in the hotel lobby nightly at 7pm.  Weird, they dim the lights, blare cool music, then four guys in white gowns come down the stairs and light a lot of little candles. 

Then we caught a cab to Mena House, finally. And I finally felt "this was meant to be." WOW. Fabulous. Lavish. AND a belly dancing convention going on?! Amazing views, the presidential suite where GW Bush actually slept has a MAD view of the pyramids. Lanterns and details Tim & both LOVED, everywhere. Hand drinks in the GORGEOUS bar, while a flutist, violinist  & pianist played. 

Took a cab back to Felfela (yes, again. i know. but the freakin' falafel there!!!) Dinner, then outside on their patio, before a HUGE screen, with the Brazil  vs. USA game on + sheesha. Brazil beat the us, 3 to 2, boo! Otherwise, considering, a good day...

the night has escaped me. so i leave you with this excerpt from a magazine i'm reading, such a valuable message to take to heart: 

"Life is a ceremony. In ancient times it was important to be connected, to be 'in a relationship' with each moment of life, not to push away or devalue everyday life—to give a 'thank you' to another day."

let that be your wee break from all things FASHION. MUSIC. FOOD. TRAVEL.

love,

sunlovey

Yesterday I woke up with a smile on my face, and it had nothing to do with being excited about some new piece of clothing in my closet waiting for me to wear it. (although I DID wear a new dress!)

Instead, it was the knowledge that in a few short hours I would be rushing up an elevator to a delicious and champagne-filled experience in the sky.

We were meeting excellent friends of ours at Hyatt Pier 66,

for their award-winning brunch.

Finally, the stars had aligned. I'd seen photos, I'd heard tales. I'd imagined, I'd LUSTED. This lust began last year, upon spottingsaid photos, upon hearing Veuve Clicquot flowed endlessly. Trust me, I've been patient. It's been tough.

OK so yeah, we arrive, we valet the car, we make our way to the elevator, we go up, we exit, I beam. It looked exactly like the photos. The brunch spread was glorious. And there were

beautiful orange-label bottles everywhere. And that says nothing of the

view at the top of the tower

that is Pier 66. I've been there for a wedding reception. It's all glass and it revolves. It's GOT to be the best view in Ft. Lauderdale.

We're greeted instantly, by an extremely pleasant guy with a nice accent, asked immediately if we'd like a glass of champagne, the answer's yes. ICE cold bubbly in hand we move magnetically to a window to stare out upon a gorgeous South Florida day.

Seriously, picture

the perfect surroundings, every detail is right on, top notch, elegant, yet modern. Down to the silverware, the glasses, the petite plates and dishes. When you arrive at your table an understated menu is tucked into the napkin at your place setting. Read it, you'll salivate. Then, check it out in real life! As you make your way to the center of the room you'll find yourself marveling over the perfect and creative presentation of

some insanely good culinary delights. DIG THE HELL IN! Remember, I'm a pescatarian. So the delights I indulged in were either vegetarian or seafood, and trust me, I wanted for nothing.

The offerings were delectable and their presentations were so charming I shook my head in disbelief. I'm not exaggerating.

Those with me enjoyed everything else. My champagne glass never came close to being empty. Fresh squeezed OJ mimosas are also available, as are Grey Goose bloody mary's. Only the finest. Perhaps next time. There WILL be a next time.

We definitely over did it a little. But I loved the small plate sizes, they kept you in check, I coined the experience "tapas brunch". The location is definitely what draws you in, but it's the food & the service that make you fall in love. Please. ASAP. Treat yourself to brunch

@hyattpier66 -yes, that's their twitter name. (I highly suggest reservations: Tel:

+1 954 525 6666 )

i HAVE NOT forgotten you! At least two BIG blog topics in the pipeline, competing to be written first. Patience is a virtue. ;-)

I had to take a brief video of me using way too many adjectives

as i stood and stared at the sphinx in babble-inducing awe. note the egyptian
speaking to us towards the end, offering to take our photo with the sphinx &
pyramids behind us. "Thank You!" "Shukran!" " اﺮﻜﺷ "

thought i'd share. nice segue back into the journal no? we last

left off with me about to board the night train back to Giza via Cairo.

...Le Meridien is lovely.

The pool- perfect. the view from the pool- UNBELIEVABLE. Pyramids in full view,

you can't help but gasp upon first sight WOW. Spent the day relaxing by the pool

had a yummy cheese & tomato sandwich. Tim & I took a walk & found a Mobile

On The Run. A pyramid-VIEW Mobile On The Run. Bought some candy (ALL

EUROPEAN CANDIES HERE), water, chips & hallelujah! conditioner! (hair's in

knots). Then dinner, don't laugh! at Laredo "Tex Mex", a wee break from Egyptian.

(I ALWAYS seek out Mexican restaurants in foreign countries, Germany, India...)

Then they smoked sheesha & we watched Brazil vs. South Africa.

Today we had cappuccinos & pineapple pastries then set out for the great pyramids

& sphinx. Our driver took us in his old Mercedes. Once we took in the perfect panoramic

view of all three we hopped on camels & rode through the desert to the base of the largest

pyramid. My camel was a little brat. :-) But a pretty white color, named Ali. We got great

photos & i took a small video. (see above) we also visited a large wooden boat they

excavated by the pyramid. that boat is believed to be built for the sun god or for a pharaoh

to cross to the after life in. was amazingly crafted.

Then, THE SPHINX- OMG i could not believe it. I couldn't. I felt so lucky to be there. Just

staring, the three majestic pyramids behind it. There are no words. There really aren't.

Tonight we ate at Nubian Village, tons of mezzah (appetizers), then I tried Om Ali, a layered

dessert of pastry, cocont, cream & raisins. decadent. good. Now we're by the pool, they're smoking

sheesha, I'M SICK OF SHEESHA. :-( I wanted to check out the Mena House Oberoi hotel instead.

I will INSIST tomorrow. Maggie & Belen bought me the most lovely bracelet today, I love it.

But right now... I'm full. Until later.

Next night-

Woke up & had cappuccinos and pastries again, then set back out for a return go of wheeling &

dealing at Khan Khalili. All of us, on a mission. A nice girl we met a few days prior tagged along.

We all did quite well finding, bartering and collecting some incredible treasures & tokens of our

trip, as well as presents for everyone. Was fun! You DO get good at it!

It's thrilling diving into the narrow passages & small shops in search of this & that.

After the bazaar it was back to the hotel, take-out lunch from felfela & the afternoon by the pool-

one of the hotel shop owners made & gave me a sterling silver cartouche with my name in

hieroglyphics upon it. quite nice of them, a "present" he said. another hotel shop owner gave me

a pack of gum, another "present". Egyptians can be crafty. Egyptians are very kind.

oh how i love swim up bars!

further, swim up bars with pyramid views.

Tonight we went to the Sound & Lights Spectacular @ the pyramid/sphinx. i was reluctant,

certain it would be so cheesy & touristy, i generally RUN from things like that however a

chance to see them all together one last time. sun setting.

WOW. WOW. WOW.

A beautiful breeze, an insane sunset & a spectacular show. We are so lucky. It brought ancient

history to life, it choked me up a bit. We all loved it. tomorrow we will enjoy a big breakfast, check

out Mena House & pack. We don't fly until 1am but must check out by 4pm. UGH.

A lonnng day of travel to come.

p.s. some disturbing news, both Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett have died. :-(

RIP.

oh and, I LOVE EGYPT.

'til tomorrow...

I interrupt this day to thank Target for fueling my headband, pyramid stud & glitter addiction for less than $5 BUCKS. Got that Target?
Thank you.
Love, Sunlovey

The Super Quick, Incredibly Edgy Throw Back to Punk DIY Necklace

Fall '09 is BIG on statement necklaces.

You, however have no cash, or perhaps, just want something fresh and different to wear tomorrow. On the fly. A killer reason to get up in the morning. Round up safety pins. you have them somewhere. oftentimes they're used to attach pretty tags to new clothes, or used to attach dry cleaning to hangers, FIND SOME. the more, the better.

then, rummage through your jewels. faux pearls and costume rhinestones work best. strive to use two (or more!) necklaces of the same length. lay necklaces out, unclasped and begin affixing necklaces together with safety pins. your done. mad easy, no? now get out there and wear your instant DIY creation with pride. YOU ROCK.

Love,

Sunlovey

DM ON THE BRAIN.

Do you have an ex, that has held a deep, huge chunk of your heart since you were in junior high?

An ex that you fell hard for the summer before 8th grade and loved with severe naiveté for years & years.

An ex that taught you passion, taught you danger, taught you hard cold truths.

An ex that you left behind at times, but returned to again & again, because your addiction to said ex ran so deep. 

How about an ex that kicked you when you were down just a few years back. Made you swear off such devotion forever. 

But then, like always, time healed all wounds. Time allowed you to look backwards with a crazy fondness that managed to trump and crush your anger. That slyly coerced you to forget the kick in the teeth that ex dealt you. 

Then rumours surfaced that your ex was back, a fierce, familiar obsession returned, and you found yourself blaring Enjoy the Silence in the car and counting down the days 'til you were reunited... Depeche Mode is that ex. No joke. 

Just 18 days.

Until musical euphoria.

I CAN'T WAIT.

Seen them live?

No?

Do.

It's an experience.

need tix?

Had a fashion epiphany over the weekend: web shopping is double the euphoria. 1st Placing the order & 2nd receiving the package!!

And now, back to Egypt...We went out last night with a man we met at the pool that was from Cairo, an actor & A NUDIST, with an American accent!? to a place called Genesis—insanely decorated & owned by a Egyptian man and Russian woman. Crazy atmosphere, huge light up fish tanks for tables, Christmas lights, country flags... a petite pool out back with a light up water fall. So surreal. The owners' daughter was named McKenzie, spoke perfect English and had a HUGE personality and imagination. They had a great dane, a horse and a CAMEL—the prettiest one I've ever seen!!! The camel was a pale, creamy color, so clean and so friendly. What a night! The Egyptian man we were with was hilarious, such a character. Got home around 2, slept 'til 10, skipping breakfast, then went to Karnak Temple. It was hotter than the fiery pits of hell but quite impressive. You can't fathom the vast scale of these places. The columns' circumferences were like red wood forest tree trunks, perhaps bigger?! And covered entirely in hieroglyphics. How much those ancients had to say on every single flat surface they could carve their symbols into!It's beautiful and it makes me crazy I want to read it all! Curiosity fills me as I stare on end at these perfectlyformed symbols everywhere!!! There are many depictions of Pharaohs, their queens, gods, their children. And some of these things are still, after thousands of years, SO COLORFUL.I learned yesterday that they made the various colors with crushed semiprecious stones, water and egg whites. The stone explanation completely makes sense regarding the color lasting the way it has, so impressive. There were many sphinx's there as well and striking statuary of kings and queens. All enormous. I just can't tell you enough! But GOD it is so hot.
Here in Egypt, all sites requiring tickets for entry have the same beautifully designed tickets with small holographs upon them. I'm saving them all. After Karnak's impressive structures there was also an ancient lake that existed as far back as Hatshepsut, but then again, hello! So has the Nile river!

After Karnak we went to Luxor temple, which at a certain point in time was taken over by Roman Christians who painted their frescoes OVER hieroglyphics, for a surprising mixture of both today.

However, I totally omitted writing about yesterday! Our trip to the West Bank, Valley of the Kins, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut's temple & Memnon's colossi. All outstanding. I can't believe I'm here. I can't. I can't believe the brilliance of the Egyptians so long ago. We saw King Tut's actual tomb & his mummy!!! CAN NOT BELIEVE IT. The photos that we were allowed to take will somewhat capture all of this, somewhat.

Hatshepsut is fascinating. She ruled for 20 years as a man!! Had them all fooled! And was apparently very powerful and productive, her temple attests to this.
Then we went to an alabasterfactory which truly did blow me away. to take chunks of jagged stones & rocks and turn them into fragile,delicate vessels, I can't believe the beauty. I got one piece and a couple of old ceramic pieces, as well as a bust of king tut in lapis for my dad. Then we came back to the hotel, ate a little lunch had a drink and spent a couple hours at the pool. It is so refreshing after the heat and the view is great. (THE NILE!) Then, we took a felucca (a wooden sail boat) down the Nile to Banana Island. All the bananas we could eat and hot tea! Plus an encounter with Egyptian police! Was an experience.

Back to today... just had a pedicure, fuchsia glitter with black flowers. When in Egypt. ;-) Tonight we take a train back to Cairo, Giza actually. And stay at Le Meridien. Ah the night train again. :-( Will pick up food to take on board this time for sure.

***I told a fib, I said I'd blog over the weekend & I failed to do so. How can I make it up to you?***

Just a couple weeks left to drink Vitaminwater Sync & use the cap code towards FREE music. I brought a couple bottles on the lake with me yesterday which = gratis tunes today!!

I'm leaning towards The Big Pink...

Listened to Phoenix all weekend & I'm loving it.
Another awesome Sync purchase... Am going to be so sad to see this promotion go. :-(