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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Menu of Hope V Gives Back...

Cooking In Stilettos is honored to participate in Menu of Hope V. I ask that you please take a moment and click HERE to find out more....

Thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart.

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Posted by Lys :: 9:50 PM :: 3 comments

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Friday, December 12, 2008

The Quest...

So, as you can see, I decided to do a little holiday decorating around this joint - in the hopes that will help me get a bit more holiday spirit-y.

Another tip to get a gal in the Holiday spirit is some holiday tunes...

One that always used to work was this track.



Christmas In My Heart - The Jets




Yeah, it ain't workin' - that tree is still in the box. No eggnog is made. I'm growlin' at the music video. I'm Scroogy McScrooge, my friends. Basically I have alot to do this weekend and the tree will be the culmination of the efforts of what I'm about to disclose...

On board, along with the Secret Santa shoppin', the holiday bru-ha-ha, planning for Philly, soiree planning, etc., yours truly needs to "puppy proof" the apartment. Basically, I need to remove shoes and put them back in their boxes. Move low things high. Move Shadow's toys to a spot that she approves of. Why you ask - because this little gorgeous munchkin is looking for a forever home and Shadow and I would love to have "Mr. Wiggles" home with us.





Yes, seriously - that's his name. However he's cuter than ANY Mr. Wiggles I've ever seen.

Long story short - Shadow and I were at Petco last weekend and she was having her annual portrait with Santa Claus. Well, that Saturday, they happened to have the Central Florida Pug Rescue there and a bunch of little pugs were running around having a ball. Shadow, who is normally a big fraidy cat with dogs and is not a fan, met a little pug who she decided "wasn't so bad" and she was smitten. However, when she saw a gold lab type dog head over to her like a idiot because Shadow was sittin' with Santa chillin, I thought that was the end. In a normal world, she'd freak the hell out, hiss, growl and just start swingin'. However, Shaddy was not havin' that mess, withering him with a look that can only be described as "Bitch puleaze! You can wait yo' damn turn" and the dog got a cookie while Santa kept cuddling with Shadow. I couldn't figure out what was up with her calm demeanor, but it dawned on me - she liked the dogs - namely the pugs. Plus, knowing her attitude, she probably figured that the pugs around her would back her up since they were all the same size. Solidarity in numbers, right?

However, we can't have a dog here, I reasoned. I just couldn't get that pug that Shaddy was all BFF with out of my head. They were so great, so cute, so lovable and sassy. So I called the apartment complex and said "We can't have more than one pet, right?" Well, surprise surprise - we can. And not only can we, but it can be a dog and a cat.

I kept thinking "Am I really ready for a dog - it's a lifestyle change!" Well, your heart doesn't lie and the one thing that really stuck with me was "Yes!" I've had dogs before growing up and know they take much more work than a cat. I pestered Lesli with emails (because y'all know she's got the pug thing on lock with Noodles). I worked out my budgets. I did my research on the breed. I read. I picked Meowmix's brain because she rescues rottweilers and talked to her about the process and what the complications could be.

Throughout all of the above, I knew a pug was the right fit for Shadow and I. She's 10 years old, queen of her household, would love a friend that isn't another cat or kitten and we've got the room. So, I went to the website and the MINUTE I saw Mr. Wiggles' on there, I knew. Well, Central Florida Pug Rescue is phenomenal and I'm in the "Application" stage so keep your fingers crossed, please.

But seriously, look at that face - isn't he adorable?




So I'll keep you updated on my journey of adopting a pug. Also, if you care to donate to this amazing cause, you can donate right on their site.

[Photos courtesy of Central Florida Pug Rescue]

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Posted by Lys :: 10:31 PM :: 10 comments

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Friday, November 14, 2008

Paying It Forward...

What's that saying, "If you hurt, I hurt. If you bleed, I bleed."

I love those commercials for the insurance company where they talk about paying it forward. You know the commercial where the woman sees someone crossing a street, not paying attention and she pulls him back to the curb. Someone passing by sees her action and then helps someone else and it become a full circle of good-heartedness. Do I believe that can happen? Quite simply, yes.

I believe that people are compassionate. Those selfish s.o.b.s that don't think about how their action (or inaction) can affect someone - well that's their karma issue. However, speaking from my own experience, I've tried to be a little bit nicer, patient and more understanding - well, except when I have to deal with ineptitude but that's a whole other story. I believe in paying it forward.

This week, as I'm getting ready for work, I decided to shut off the iPod and listen to Doc & Grace on K92. Now, I adore Doc and he's a good egg (even if he is a Tampa Bay Rays fan) and he's always been one for saying "If it's for the community, call in". Well, that morning, he had Pat Michaels of Florida's Blood Center on the radio talking about a blood drive. Now, I see those blood drive vans in front of the office all. the. time. and think "I should give" but I don't because, quite frankly, I'm a chicken. Needles + me + blood = Are you flippin' kiddin' me??? Whenever I have to give blood at the doctors, I freak out. Hell, I don't even know my blood type. But, the urge to give is still there.

Well, on the radio interview was not only Pat but this woman talking about her daughter Talia who has Neuroblastoma. Turns out, there was a blood drive for Talia today at Fashion Square Mall from 11-5.

I thought I was hearing things - Neuroblastoma?? Wait - the childhood cancer? The dreaded disease that our friend Justine passed away from? The more she talked about the cancer and what her daughter was facing, the more and more I thought of Justine's last days and how she was caught so late in the game that there was no cure. However, that was in 1990. It's now 2008 and Talia has been in remission already once. However, she needs blood and platelets to hopefully give her a new lease on life. Talia is 9 and such a courageous little girl. You can read her story over here.

Not to mention, Jenny of All Eyes on Jenny and Sarah at Pink Shoe Diaries have talked often about their dear friend Dink and her platelet issues. So, you know me, if I hear something more than once, I pay attention. So, after reading about Dink's experience with platelets and Talia's need for platelets, I was floored. Apparently, platelets can help someone with cancer. It's not just the blood, but the stuff IN the blood that they need.

Well, I know that this is something I HAVE to do. So, today, I head over to Fashion Square Mall and, don't ya know, the place is packed. However, the time frame didn't allow me to stay over an hour as I had to get back to work. So, after talking with the uber fabulous Pamela, when I got back to the 9to5, I made a call, set up a profile and next Saturday I'll be at "Headquarters" paying it forward as they are draining 10% of my blood. Because, if it helps spare a little one (or big one) that is affected by the dreaded "C", then good. I've done my part. While I couldn't have helped Justine while she was sick, I can, however, help someone else beat this thing.

If you are in the Orlando area (hell, wherever you are), please call your local blood center and donate. Pay it forward people, pay it forward.

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Posted by Lys :: 2:01 PM :: 6 comments

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Is That My Name There On That List...

I'm so excited. Your gal has been invited to a super swanky Jimmy Choo reception this evening at the Millenia Mall in honor of Orlando's Fashion Week. Yes, I know, I am as shocked as you - not just at the fact Orlando is hosting a "Fashion Week", but that Jimmy Choo has deemed me Choo Worthy.

First of all, I have never tried on, let alone worn Jimmy Choo - just admired from afar. I dropped by the store last week when I was window shopping (and violating the Neimans restraining order, but shhhh - that will be our little secret) and met one of their lovely sales gals who invited me to see the new lines they are having brought into the Orlando store. Plus, I get to have a couple cocktails, try on a couple pairs of shoes and just see what happens. All proceeds from this evening are being donated to a cancer charity (I wonder if they have a $10 keychain??). Both times I have been in that store, the customer service representatives have put some of the other high priced stores to shame (i.e. Chanel, LV & Dior). The people at JC have been super helpful, attentive and *gasp* nice.

In Orlando, the salespeople at Chanel wouldn't even acknowledge my existence when I was ready to buy something (I walked out), LV either stalks you with an attitude because they have to work or outright ignores you all together. Dior hasn't been the same since my gal S. left. While I normally love the Orlando Gucci, one time this dork there asked my father to leave for having a coffee (btw the guy is no longer there and my dad actually SHOPS at that Gucci, but whatevs) but when I wandered into Jimmy Choo, not only did the sales lady offer to hold my coffee so that I could actually TOUCH the shoes (Chanel - take a memo), she also inquired if I wanted anything - if they could get me anything from the back, etc. When I am ready to partake in a Choo Purchase, Orlando's own Jimmy Choo store will be "on the list"

So, I'm going to amend my list from the CLs & Manolos to include Jimmy Choo in the mix. Because, after all, I am an equal opportunity shoe fondler.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:46 PM :: 4 comments

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Thursday, October 04, 2007

For the Love of God Ladies...

...and the love of chocolate, shoes, travel, coffee, family, friends, and anything else you enjoy: Please get yourselves checked. Cancer, imo, is a *itch! God knows I lost one of my dearest friends to it (tho she had Neuroblastoma not breast cancer but, in my view, cancer is cancer and it all needs to be combated). You never know when it's your time, but the more aware you are, the better off you might be able to fight the dreaded C.

Hotfessional has a campaign going called "Save the Boobies" and, since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ladies please drop by Ms. Hotfessional's page and check out her campaign. You can check it out here (and drop her a comment too - she really likes those) [Hot, don't kill me *LOL*]

Seriously, it's a good thing people - spread a little good karma your way and someone else's... As a woman, I implore you - Please Save the Boobies!

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Posted by Lys :: 6:41 PM :: 6 comments

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