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Valentine's Day
So I know Valentine's day is just a made up holiday geared at making couples feel all "lovey dovey" and singles feel awful for being single, it's a hallmark holiday, a made up one that aims to make $$$, but I still kinda like it... just a little. Take a look at these gorgeous party decor pics and tell me you don't too?
Egypt's Antiquities Fall Victim to the Mob
Alex Joffe has written thoughtfully about the realities on the ground behind the looting of the Egyptian Museum and archaeological stores.
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703833204576114580200904212.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
Hopefully, this dose of reality will help undercut another attempt to blame the looting on unnamed antiquities dealers in New York, London and Paris. Their supposed culpabilty in the looting of the Iraq Museum was gospel to elements within the archaeological community after that tragedy happened, but this turned out to be nothing but a fantasy.
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703833204576114580200904212.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
Hopefully, this dose of reality will help undercut another attempt to blame the looting on unnamed antiquities dealers in New York, London and Paris. Their supposed culpabilty in the looting of the Iraq Museum was gospel to elements within the archaeological community after that tragedy happened, but this turned out to be nothing but a fantasy.
Hawass Throws In Lot With Mubarak
Anyone with any illusions about Zahi Hawass' closeness to the repressive Mubarak regime should note that President Mubarak has just named him State Minister of Antiquities in a new Cabinet.
See http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=206035
Meanwhile, criticism of Hawass remains generally muted in the archaeological community, with some exceptions. See http://larryrothfield.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-on-looting-of-cairo-museum-it.html
See http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=206035
Meanwhile, criticism of Hawass remains generally muted in the archaeological community, with some exceptions. See http://larryrothfield.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-on-looting-of-cairo-museum-it.html
AIA, Related Groups Call for Increased US Vigilence for Looted Egyptian Materials
The AIA and related groups have called for increased law enforcement vigilance for possibly looted Egyptian archaeological material. See
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/675086/9b952123c1/285206853/7b4b5690fd/
While I understand the AIA's and related group's concerns, I also hope this is not the beginning of a witch hunt aimed at collectors and dealers in Egyptian antiquities, which, after all, have been avidly collected for generations. Remember the claims that boatloads of looted Iraqi materials would be entering the country? Well, that never happened, but archaeologists certainly took out their understandable frustrations about looting in Iraq on collectors and museums, all with little cause, it turns out. I just hope that history does not repeat itself again.
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/675086/9b952123c1/285206853/7b4b5690fd/
While I understand the AIA's and related group's concerns, I also hope this is not the beginning of a witch hunt aimed at collectors and dealers in Egyptian antiquities, which, after all, have been avidly collected for generations. Remember the claims that boatloads of looted Iraqi materials would be entering the country? Well, that never happened, but archaeologists certainly took out their understandable frustrations about looting in Iraq on collectors and museums, all with little cause, it turns out. I just hope that history does not repeat itself again.
Beauty Bag: Lindsay, The Pursuit of Style
I'm excited that Liz asked me to share a peek into my make up bag but hope you won't find it too boring since I'm not much of a product junkie! Instead, I tend to stick with tried and true favorites and have been using some of the following products for years. Here are some of my current essentials:
- Essie Polish in Lollipop- the perfect red!
- Covergirl&Olay Simply Ageless Concealer- I've tried a million expensive under eye concealers but keep coming back to this drugstore brand. Creamy, moisturizing, and has great coverage!
- NARS Orgasm Blush- it's won enough awards I don't need to say much about this one!
- Kate Spade Twirl- a new addition that I can't stop spritzing.
- Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream- great at taming those fly aways.
- Moroccan Oil- does wonders for my thick hair!
- NARS Super Orgasm Lip Gloss
- L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara- a favorite since middle school. For some reason I prefer the waterproof.
- Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzing Powder- I can always use a hint of color!
- Stila Liplaze in Candy- I'm addicted to these. I ask for the holiday set every year for Christmas.
- Shu Uemura Eylash Curler- the one thing I can't live without!
- Stila Custom Color Blush- another new addition, this blush changes color to match your skin tone!
I hope you've enjoyed nosing around my make up bag and a big thank you to Liz for asking me to participate!
Thanks so much to the fab Lindsay of The Pursuit of Style for sharing!
Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY if you haven't yet!! Just 3 more days left...
Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY if you haven't yet!! Just 3 more days left...
Former Egyptian Museum Head Says Looting an "Inside Job"
Unfortunately, this is starting to sound more like the Iraq Museum debacle (minus the ability to throw blame on US troops). See
http://hyperallergic.com/17896/egyptian-museum-looted-by-own-guards-memphis-looted/
The museum director blames the looting on poorly paid museum employees. Apparently, another museum in Memphis, Egypt has been thoroughly looted as well. No police to be seen and the Egyptian Army was late at the scene.
http://hyperallergic.com/17896/egyptian-museum-looted-by-own-guards-memphis-looted/
The museum director blames the looting on poorly paid museum employees. Apparently, another museum in Memphis, Egypt has been thoroughly looted as well. No police to be seen and the Egyptian Army was late at the scene.
Egyptian Journalist and Blogger Asserts Damage to Museum the Work of Police Thugs
Mona Ethaway, an Egyptian journalist and blogger, has asserted that the damage reported to mummies and artifacts at the Egyptian Museum was the work of "the police and thugs of Hosni Mubarak." See
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/29/latest-updates-on-protests-in-egypt-2/?scp=1&sq=Egypt%20museum&st=cse
This is not as strange as it sounds. Other reports have it that Government security forces have been vandalizing property in order to justify a crackdown in the eyes of the public. In addition, it has been reported that the police opened up the jails to show the Egyptian public that chaos is the alternative to Mubarak's rule.
Certainly, the story about the looting of the museum seems a bit odd; it came amid other information that the museum was being protected by protesters and the army.
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/29/latest-updates-on-protests-in-egypt-2/?scp=1&sq=Egypt%20museum&st=cse
This is not as strange as it sounds. Other reports have it that Government security forces have been vandalizing property in order to justify a crackdown in the eyes of the public. In addition, it has been reported that the police opened up the jails to show the Egyptian public that chaos is the alternative to Mubarak's rule.
Certainly, the story about the looting of the museum seems a bit odd; it came amid other information that the museum was being protected by protesters and the army.
Looters Destroy Mummies and Ransack Egyptian Museum Ticket Office
It's not clear how this happened given that protesters or the army have been reported to be guarding the museum, but Zahi Hawass reports that looters have broken into the museum and have destroyed two mummies and ransacked the ticket office. See
See http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE70S0BG20110129
Meanwhile, a fire is burning out of control at the nearby headquarters of President Mubarack's political party.
Obviously, I hope this does not get worse, but this episode probably reflects the fact that at least some ordinary Egyptians might just consider the Museum to be another outpost of a hated regime-- just as the many Iraqis considered the Iraq Museum to be. And the fact that it is so near to party headquarters probably does not help much.
See http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE70S0BG20110129
Meanwhile, a fire is burning out of control at the nearby headquarters of President Mubarack's political party.
Obviously, I hope this does not get worse, but this episode probably reflects the fact that at least some ordinary Egyptians might just consider the Museum to be another outpost of a hated regime-- just as the many Iraqis considered the Iraq Museum to be. And the fact that it is so near to party headquarters probably does not help much.
Egyptian Museum Secured
There are reports that protesters stepped in to protect the Egyptian museum before the Army (which is held in much higher regard than the police) secured the building with armored vehicles. Apparently, no one wants a repeat of what happened to the Iraq Museum. We'll keep our fingers crossed that the museum and its treasures stay safe.
Update: STRATFOR is reporting that Egyptian Security Forces have withdrawn from Tahirir Square, the location of both government buildings and the Egyptian Museum. If so, the Museum may now be unguarded. The situation remains confused so it is unclear if this is true or not.
Update: STRATFOR is reporting that Egyptian Security Forces have withdrawn from Tahirir Square, the location of both government buildings and the Egyptian Museum. If so, the Museum may now be unguarded. The situation remains confused so it is unclear if this is true or not.
The Archaeological Lobby's Role Models
Just turn on the news and one can see what the people think of the government of one of archaeology's role models, Egypt.
What about some of the others: Italy, Greece, Cyprus and China?
All have been in the news lately. Italy is as dysfunctional as ever. Pompeii is falling down. The cynical Italian public has become expert at maneuvering around bureaucratic rules, just as Prime Minister Berlusconi did himself when he performed unauthorized construction on his archaeologically sensitive property. Yet, the AIA and Italian Cultural Bureaucracy can at least celebrate their great victory against the small businesses of the numismatic trade and US collectors, all courtesy of the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and its Cultural Heritage Center.
Greece is bankrupt. Museum guards recently rioted on the Acropolis for back-pay. Ordinary Greeks are fed up with over regulation, cronyism and corruption. Yet, at a recent CPAC hearing, the AIA was out in force to cheer on a bloated Greek cultural delegation that included a representative of a well-connected private institution, the Alpha Bank. Even as the AIA pressed for yet more restrictions on American coin collectors, none of the archaeological community so much as acknowleded the fact that the Alpha Bank regularly purchases on the open market the same sort of unprovenanced ancient coins that the AIA hopes to make taboo.
The Greek Cypriot Government seems as unwilling to compromise as ever when it comes to the sad division of the country. Yet, this division is cited as the reason it is so important to continue import restrictions on cultural goods. But while Americans are precluded from importing unprovenance Cypriot artifacts, including coins, the Cypriot cultural bureaucracy turns a blind eye when connected Cypriot collectors buy artifacts looted from archaeological sites on the Island. And let us not forget about the private Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation and its continuing ability to purchase unprovenanced ancient coins on the open market. More endemic cronyism of the Greek sort.
Finally, there is China. The Chinese Government encourages the rising middle class to collect ancient artifacts to help promote nationalism. Sure, a few peasants get the death sentence for looting, but Chinese auction houses connected to government officials and the People's Liberation Army have flourished. Yet, the AIA has supported import restrictions aimed at precluding Americans from collecting such items. And our State Department, as always, is only too willing to oblige.
No wonder it's so easy to be cynical about the efforts of the AIA and its allies in the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to clamp down on American collectors and the small businesses of the numismatic trade.
What about some of the others: Italy, Greece, Cyprus and China?
All have been in the news lately. Italy is as dysfunctional as ever. Pompeii is falling down. The cynical Italian public has become expert at maneuvering around bureaucratic rules, just as Prime Minister Berlusconi did himself when he performed unauthorized construction on his archaeologically sensitive property. Yet, the AIA and Italian Cultural Bureaucracy can at least celebrate their great victory against the small businesses of the numismatic trade and US collectors, all courtesy of the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and its Cultural Heritage Center.
Greece is bankrupt. Museum guards recently rioted on the Acropolis for back-pay. Ordinary Greeks are fed up with over regulation, cronyism and corruption. Yet, at a recent CPAC hearing, the AIA was out in force to cheer on a bloated Greek cultural delegation that included a representative of a well-connected private institution, the Alpha Bank. Even as the AIA pressed for yet more restrictions on American coin collectors, none of the archaeological community so much as acknowleded the fact that the Alpha Bank regularly purchases on the open market the same sort of unprovenanced ancient coins that the AIA hopes to make taboo.
The Greek Cypriot Government seems as unwilling to compromise as ever when it comes to the sad division of the country. Yet, this division is cited as the reason it is so important to continue import restrictions on cultural goods. But while Americans are precluded from importing unprovenance Cypriot artifacts, including coins, the Cypriot cultural bureaucracy turns a blind eye when connected Cypriot collectors buy artifacts looted from archaeological sites on the Island. And let us not forget about the private Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation and its continuing ability to purchase unprovenanced ancient coins on the open market. More endemic cronyism of the Greek sort.
Finally, there is China. The Chinese Government encourages the rising middle class to collect ancient artifacts to help promote nationalism. Sure, a few peasants get the death sentence for looting, but Chinese auction houses connected to government officials and the People's Liberation Army have flourished. Yet, the AIA has supported import restrictions aimed at precluding Americans from collecting such items. And our State Department, as always, is only too willing to oblige.
No wonder it's so easy to be cynical about the efforts of the AIA and its allies in the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to clamp down on American collectors and the small businesses of the numismatic trade.
What is the Impact of Import Restrictions on "Coins of Italian Type?"
Many collectors have expressed understandable concern about the impact of new import restrictions on "coins of Italian type." Hopefully, this overview will be of some assistance.
I. What Coins Are Now Restricted?
The January 19, 2011 Federal Register contains a notice that restrictions are extended to certain coins of Italian type:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-882.pdf
The categories of coins subject to the restrictions are as follows:
F. Coins of Italian Types�A type
catalogue of listed currency and coins
can be found in N.K. Rutter et al. (eds.),
Historia Numorum: Italy (London,
2001). Others appear in G.F. Hill Coins
of Ancient Sicily (Westminster, 1903).
1. Lumps of bronze (Aes Rude)�
Irregular lumps of bronze used as an
early medium of exchange in Italy from
the 9th century B.C.
2. Bronze bars (Ramo Secco and Aes
Signatum)�Cast bronze bars (whole or
cut) used as a media of exchange in
central Italy and Etruria from the 5th
century B.C.
3. Cast coins (Aes Grave)�Cast
bronze coins of Rome, Etruscan, and
Italian cities from the 4th century B.C.
4. Struck coins�Struck coins of the
Roman Republic and Etruscan cities
produced in gold, silver, and bronze
from the 3rd century B.C. to c. 211 B.C.,
including the ��Romano-Campanian��
coinage.
5. Struck colonial coinage�Struck
bronze coins of Roman republican and
early imperial colonies and municipia
in Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia from the
3rd century B.C. to c. A.D. 37.
6. Coins of the Greek cities�Coins of
the Greek cities in the southern Italian
peninsula and in Sicily (Magna
Graecia), cast or struck in gold, silver,
and bronze, from the late 6th century
B.C. to c. 200 B.C.
Source: Federal Register: January 19, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 12)
[Rules and Regulations] Pages 3012-3013.
Accordingly, although the import of coins of great interest to collectors of Greek coins are restricted, the import of most Republican and Imperial coins remains unrestricted.
II. What are the impact of Restrictions?
The above restricted coins of Italian types can only be imported into the United States with an export certificate issued by the Republic of Italy or �satisfactory evidence� demonstrating that the coins were exported from or were outside of Italy at least 10 years prior to importation into the US or that the Coins were exported from or were outside of Italy before January 19, 2011. What constitutes �satisfactory evidence� is ultimately left to the discretion of Customs, but usually takes the form of a declaration by the importer and a statement by the consigner.
Source: Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act (�CPIA�) � 307, 19 U.S.C. � 2606.
III. Open Questions
Under the CPIA, import restrictions only apply to coins �first found in the ground� in Italy. See CPIA � 302 (2). However, if a coin of Italian type was excavated outside of Italy in a country that declares anything found in the ground to be state property (i.e., Egypt, Greece or Turkey), it may still be subject to seizure pursuant to the National Stolen Property Act and other provisions of U.S. law. The same principal would apply to a non-restricted Roman coin proven to have been illicitly excavated in Italy in violation of that country's patrimony laws.
The more relevant question is how U.S. Customs and Border Protection (�CBP�) will treat "coins of Italian type" which do not have a known find spot and/or whose whereabouts cannot be traced back before January 19, 2011, i.e., presumably an ever increasing number of coins as time passes. In the test case brought by the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild concerning Cypriot and Chinese import restrictions, CBP has taken the position that �country of origin� for purpose of the CPIA is synonymous with country of manufacture because Cypriot and Chinese coins may be found where they are manufactured. The Court has yet to rule on the validity of this claim.
There is another question related to coins already in the United States. Import restrictions should not apply to them, but what happens if they are sent abroad? Can they be imported back into the United States without the usual certifications? Presumably so, but again we will only know once CBP confronts the issue.
There also is the issue of the overzealous CBP officials. For example, one recently retired official in CBP's New York office was known to reject the certifications authorized under the CPIA. Instead, he apparently often demanded that the importer produce pictures of artifacts from auction catalogues to prove that an artifact was out of the country of origin as of the date of the restrictions. Obviously, if applied to coins, this would pose a major burden to importers.
In summary, these unprecedented restrictions promise to be a major headache for everyone, except, of course, their proponents in the archaeological community and the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Heritage Center. The best I can suggest is to document your coins as being out of Italy before January 19, 2011 as well as you can and only purchase coins from established sellers.
I. What Coins Are Now Restricted?
The January 19, 2011 Federal Register contains a notice that restrictions are extended to certain coins of Italian type:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-882.pdf
The categories of coins subject to the restrictions are as follows:
F. Coins of Italian Types�A type
catalogue of listed currency and coins
can be found in N.K. Rutter et al. (eds.),
Historia Numorum: Italy (London,
2001). Others appear in G.F. Hill Coins
of Ancient Sicily (Westminster, 1903).
1. Lumps of bronze (Aes Rude)�
Irregular lumps of bronze used as an
early medium of exchange in Italy from
the 9th century B.C.
2. Bronze bars (Ramo Secco and Aes
Signatum)�Cast bronze bars (whole or
cut) used as a media of exchange in
central Italy and Etruria from the 5th
century B.C.
3. Cast coins (Aes Grave)�Cast
bronze coins of Rome, Etruscan, and
Italian cities from the 4th century B.C.
4. Struck coins�Struck coins of the
Roman Republic and Etruscan cities
produced in gold, silver, and bronze
from the 3rd century B.C. to c. 211 B.C.,
including the ��Romano-Campanian��
coinage.
5. Struck colonial coinage�Struck
bronze coins of Roman republican and
early imperial colonies and municipia
in Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia from the
3rd century B.C. to c. A.D. 37.
6. Coins of the Greek cities�Coins of
the Greek cities in the southern Italian
peninsula and in Sicily (Magna
Graecia), cast or struck in gold, silver,
and bronze, from the late 6th century
B.C. to c. 200 B.C.
Source: Federal Register: January 19, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 12)
[Rules and Regulations] Pages 3012-3013.
Accordingly, although the import of coins of great interest to collectors of Greek coins are restricted, the import of most Republican and Imperial coins remains unrestricted.
II. What are the impact of Restrictions?
The above restricted coins of Italian types can only be imported into the United States with an export certificate issued by the Republic of Italy or �satisfactory evidence� demonstrating that the coins were exported from or were outside of Italy at least 10 years prior to importation into the US or that the Coins were exported from or were outside of Italy before January 19, 2011. What constitutes �satisfactory evidence� is ultimately left to the discretion of Customs, but usually takes the form of a declaration by the importer and a statement by the consigner.
Source: Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act (�CPIA�) � 307, 19 U.S.C. � 2606.
III. Open Questions
Under the CPIA, import restrictions only apply to coins �first found in the ground� in Italy. See CPIA � 302 (2). However, if a coin of Italian type was excavated outside of Italy in a country that declares anything found in the ground to be state property (i.e., Egypt, Greece or Turkey), it may still be subject to seizure pursuant to the National Stolen Property Act and other provisions of U.S. law. The same principal would apply to a non-restricted Roman coin proven to have been illicitly excavated in Italy in violation of that country's patrimony laws.
The more relevant question is how U.S. Customs and Border Protection (�CBP�) will treat "coins of Italian type" which do not have a known find spot and/or whose whereabouts cannot be traced back before January 19, 2011, i.e., presumably an ever increasing number of coins as time passes. In the test case brought by the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild concerning Cypriot and Chinese import restrictions, CBP has taken the position that �country of origin� for purpose of the CPIA is synonymous with country of manufacture because Cypriot and Chinese coins may be found where they are manufactured. The Court has yet to rule on the validity of this claim.
There is another question related to coins already in the United States. Import restrictions should not apply to them, but what happens if they are sent abroad? Can they be imported back into the United States without the usual certifications? Presumably so, but again we will only know once CBP confronts the issue.
There also is the issue of the overzealous CBP officials. For example, one recently retired official in CBP's New York office was known to reject the certifications authorized under the CPIA. Instead, he apparently often demanded that the importer produce pictures of artifacts from auction catalogues to prove that an artifact was out of the country of origin as of the date of the restrictions. Obviously, if applied to coins, this would pose a major burden to importers.
In summary, these unprecedented restrictions promise to be a major headache for everyone, except, of course, their proponents in the archaeological community and the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Heritage Center. The best I can suggest is to document your coins as being out of Italy before January 19, 2011 as well as you can and only purchase coins from established sellers.
Are Zahi Hawass' Days Numbered?
The archaeological lobby has endlessly promoted the draconian cultural policy of the Mubarak regime and the grasping tendencies of Zahi Hawass, Egypt's antiquities Pharaoh. The prospect of excavation permits has apparently clouded their judgment. No one as far as I can tell has grasped the fact that these policies are part and parcel of a deeply unpopular authoritarian package.
Now, however, the long suffering Egyptian people have taken to the streets in protest about the state of affairs in their country. See http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/world/middleeast/27egypt.html?_r=1&hp There is even some question whether the Mubarak Government can survive a Tunisian style popular uprising.
Of course, if President Mubarak goes, so too will his cronies, likely including the seemingly irrepressible Zahi Hawass. If so, one wonders which elite American University archaeological department will be the first to offer him exile.
Now, however, the long suffering Egyptian people have taken to the streets in protest about the state of affairs in their country. See http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/world/middleeast/27egypt.html?_r=1&hp There is even some question whether the Mubarak Government can survive a Tunisian style popular uprising.
Of course, if President Mubarak goes, so too will his cronies, likely including the seemingly irrepressible Zahi Hawass. If so, one wonders which elite American University archaeological department will be the first to offer him exile.
Giveaway: Purple agate pendant
Aren't you lovelies so lucky two giveaways in one month! And let me tell you how AMAZING this giveaway is. Before I tell you what you may have a chance to win, I wanted to take the time and let you get to know our wonderful giveaway sponsor Elizabeth Lydon Studio.
In her own words:
"My passion for gems began in the third grade when a teacher asked the class "Who wants to be in a Rock Group?" I raised my hand immediately; of course I wanted to be a rock star! Little did I know that instead of becoming the next Janis Joplin, I was actually about to be introduced to the world of geology and gemology. After handling the intriguing rocks, crystals and fossils before me, I developed a life long passion for chunky, unusual, and sparkly things that come from the earth.
After years of working in fine jewelry, studying gemology, and working in interior design, I have come to the realization that creating beauty in jewelry is my true passion and calling. I love to make women feel elegant and unique when they put on that special piece I have created for them.
I hope you find my jewelry intriguing, elegant, luxurious, and fun. When you purchase a piece from me you will find it does not sit in the drawer but will be one of your favorites to wear."
In her own words:
"My passion for gems began in the third grade when a teacher asked the class "Who wants to be in a Rock Group?" I raised my hand immediately; of course I wanted to be a rock star! Little did I know that instead of becoming the next Janis Joplin, I was actually about to be introduced to the world of geology and gemology. After handling the intriguing rocks, crystals and fossils before me, I developed a life long passion for chunky, unusual, and sparkly things that come from the earth.
After years of working in fine jewelry, studying gemology, and working in interior design, I have come to the realization that creating beauty in jewelry is my true passion and calling. I love to make women feel elegant and unique when they put on that special piece I have created for them.
I hope you find my jewelry intriguing, elegant, luxurious, and fun. When you purchase a piece from me you will find it does not sit in the drawer but will be one of your favorites to wear."
So now that you know a bit about the talented artist and creator behind Elizabeth Lydon Studio, let's get started with the giveaway!
Here is what you could win...
handmade Purple banded agate slice pendant with gold edge and approx. 17" chain
To enter you MUST follow my blog and leave a comment. Don't forget to include an email address so I can inform you if you are the winner.
for extra entries you can:
1. tweet about the giveaway
2. Like WALLPAPER on facebook
3. post about this giveaway on your blog
The contest will be open to Canadian and US residents until Wednesday February 2nd 2011 10 pm EST, the winner will be announced the following day via random.org.
Good luck to everyone!!
Obama Executive Order on Regulatory Issues
President Obama has released an executive order aimed at curbing burdensome regulations, increasing public participation and an open exchange of ideas. See
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/18/improving-regulation-and-regulatory-review-executive-order
I would submit that the recent decision of the Obama Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Customs and Border Protection to ignore prior precedent and to extend import restrictions to "coins of Italian type" violates every precept the new executive order purports to support. See
http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/01/state-cbp-take-direction-from-aia-on.html and http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/01/state-department-imposes-import.html
The Executive Order mandates that the State Department and Customs and Border Protection should identify such burdensome regulations for possible elimination. One suspects, however, that the archaeological lobby will do all it can to make sure these regulations do not receive the scrutiny they so richly deserve. After all, the point of these regulations is to be as burdensome as possible as far as they are concerned.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/18/improving-regulation-and-regulatory-review-executive-order
I would submit that the recent decision of the Obama Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Customs and Border Protection to ignore prior precedent and to extend import restrictions to "coins of Italian type" violates every precept the new executive order purports to support. See
http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/01/state-cbp-take-direction-from-aia-on.html and http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/01/state-department-imposes-import.html
The Executive Order mandates that the State Department and Customs and Border Protection should identify such burdensome regulations for possible elimination. One suspects, however, that the archaeological lobby will do all it can to make sure these regulations do not receive the scrutiny they so richly deserve. After all, the point of these regulations is to be as burdensome as possible as far as they are concerned.
Beauty Bag: Jackie, Sweetie Pie Style
Hi there! Jackie from Sweetie Pie Style here to share with you what is inside my makeup bag. I am so thrilled Liz asked me to participate as I love this series! Girly delights are so fun!
Here we go...
Makeup bag-Juicy Couture. Gifted to me by my best friend last year.
My go-to all-in-one makeup palette-Benefit's "Glowla". I use the eyeshadows and blush on a daily basis. (Although I am not a big fan of their mascara)
Lipgloss-I'm not much of a lipstick gal, but I love me a good lipgloss. I have so many that are all pretty much the same natural lipcolor shade. I just grab whichever one is closest and swipe it on.
Mascara-I am a fan of Covergirl's Lash Blast in Blackest Black. If I want to be more fancy I will curl my eyelashes with a Shu Uemura curler.
Powder-I love Covergirl's trublend minerals loose face powder. It has great coverage and the tiniest bit of shimmer that really makes you glow.
Base-I use Benefit's The POREfessional as a base underneath my powder. I dab it on my forehead, nose and under my eyes. It is great at filling in tiny wrinkles and pores, and helps your makeup go on super smooth.
Blush-Benefit has a great line of blushes. In addition to the one in my "Glowla" set, I have "Throb" and "Sugarbomb" (pictured)
Perfume-My signature scent is Lollia's Wish No. 22. It's a delicious blend of jasmine, vanilla, and other fancy stuff! Go ahead and borrow it if you like ;)
Nail polish-9 times out of 10 I reach for OPI's "You Don't Know Jacques" when I paint my nails.
I hope you enjoyed this peek inside my makeup bag!
Thanks so much to Jackie for sharing with us!!
Here we go...
Makeup bag-Juicy Couture. Gifted to me by my best friend last year.
My go-to all-in-one makeup palette-Benefit's "Glowla". I use the eyeshadows and blush on a daily basis. (Although I am not a big fan of their mascara)
Lipgloss-I'm not much of a lipstick gal, but I love me a good lipgloss. I have so many that are all pretty much the same natural lipcolor shade. I just grab whichever one is closest and swipe it on.
Mascara-I am a fan of Covergirl's Lash Blast in Blackest Black. If I want to be more fancy I will curl my eyelashes with a Shu Uemura curler.
Powder-I love Covergirl's trublend minerals loose face powder. It has great coverage and the tiniest bit of shimmer that really makes you glow.
Base-I use Benefit's The POREfessional as a base underneath my powder. I dab it on my forehead, nose and under my eyes. It is great at filling in tiny wrinkles and pores, and helps your makeup go on super smooth.
Blush-Benefit has a great line of blushes. In addition to the one in my "Glowla" set, I have "Throb" and "Sugarbomb" (pictured)
Perfume-My signature scent is Lollia's Wish No. 22. It's a delicious blend of jasmine, vanilla, and other fancy stuff! Go ahead and borrow it if you like ;)
Nail polish-9 times out of 10 I reach for OPI's "You Don't Know Jacques" when I paint my nails.
I hope you enjoyed this peek inside my makeup bag!
Thanks so much to Jackie for sharing with us!!
Bachelorette Party Highlights
I had such an amazing time throwing a bachelorette party for a dear friend of mine who is getting married next month. We had such an awesome and fun night!! Here are some of the party decor highlights...
yummy treats
feather boas anyone?
girly drinks
gift boxes for all the girls to take home
as an extra treat we had a belly dancer teach us gals a few moves
Party Decor: Pink & Black
Here's a sneak peek at what I've been working on this past week. I am throwing a bachelorette party for a dear friend who's getting married next month, I have more pictures to share soon so stay tuned...
Beauty Bag: Melissa, Hare Styling
I was thrilled when Liz asked me to participate in her Beauty Bag series. I love her beautiful blog and was very excited to meet a fellow Canadian blogger! I don’t wear a lot of makeup but I definitely have a few essentials. Here’s a sneak peak into my beauty bag.
Nail polish: I rarely go without nail polish. Freshly painted nails are one of my favourite things and right now I love these two colours. OPI- Bring On The Bling and Joe Fresh- Jade. Bring On The Bling is the perfect accessory for a weekend outfit!
Mascara: I have light eyelashes so I absolutely love Loreal’s Carbon Black mascara. I’ve been using this mascara for as far back as I can remember. I’ve tried other brands and nothing compares to it.
Bag: I love the colour of my Sephora makeup bag. It was a gift from my friend Kim and it’s the perfect size for all my essentials.
Undereye concealer: I LOVE Lancome’s Undereye Concealer. I apply it every morning to freshen up my eyes. I have to admit, I also use it to cover any other small blemishes. Since I don’t use foundation, this is the perfect light alternative. Did I mention it’s also waterproof? Love!
Night cream: Don’t laugh. I’m 28 and I use deep-set wrinkle repair. I have fine lines on my forehead and I’m absolutely obsessed with getting rid of them. I even went so far as to cut bangs! Yes, I agree that this obsession is silly. Hey, isn’t it better to be proactive? I must admit that I really like L’Oreal’s Advanced Revitalift night cream. It goes on very light and you only need a little bit to make your skin feel hydrated.
Eye shadow: I bought Smashbox eye shadow in Champagne last year for our wedding. I absolutely love the light glow that it gives. You can also add a dab on your cheeks to highlight them (this was a little trick that the makeup artist taught me).
Cheeks and lips: I don’t wear a lot of lipstick (except for a recent RED adventure) but this Tipsy Tarte from Sephora is the perfect tint for both lips and cheeks. I love that it’s two in one!
Brushes: Since its winter, I’m only really using my Posh eye shadow brush from Sephora. I’ve included my Quo bronzer brush which is a staple in the summer months. Right now I mostly use a pinch of pink of my cheeks, rather than an all over bronzer. If you’re looking for a great bronzer, I recommend Physicians Formula in a pearl finish. This gives you the best summer glow!
Which one could I not live without? I can’t pick just one! It definitely has to be mascara and nail polish.
Finally, something I recently tried - bright red lipstick!
It was fun but I might stick with clear gloss. :)
Thanks to the uber stylish and gorgeous Melissa from Hare Styling for sharing!!
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