Gretchen Bonaduce is "Spot On" in a Retro Swimsuit

Sailor Girl Gretchen Bonaduce looks pin-up Glam in a red polka dot swimsuit. Gretchen Bonaduce was married to Danny Baonduce for 17 years. She looks fantastic in a vintage swimsuit on site Radaronline.com . You can also follow her on her My Space page: www.myspace.com/gretchenbonaduce.

(Photo: daniellebedics.com/www.allabouthype.com)

High Voltage Tattoo: Kat Von D

High Voltage Tattoo is a graphic perspective on today's global tattoo culture by Kat Von D, star of The Learning Channel's L.A. Ink and one of the most talented and popular artists working today. Designed in a style that is reminiscent of a handmade Gothic journal with its red padded cover, ornate typography, and parchmentlike pages, it throws the door wide open to tattooing culture in the way only an insider like Kat can.

High Voltage Tattoo traces Kat's career as an artist, from early childhood influences to recent work, along with examples of what inspires her, information about the show and her shop, her sketches, and personal tattoos. The book goes deep into tattoo process and culture: readers can see up close the pigments, the tools, and the making of complex, even collaborative, tattoos. (via ttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061684384?ie=UTF8)

Diet Bracelets AKA/ The Abascus Diet for a Beach Ready Body

Diet bracelets (also known as the abacus diet) according to Marie Claire, celebrities like actress Kate Beckinsale and Australian songbird Delta Goodrem use beaded bracelets to help them keep track of calories throughout the day. Each bead represents a set number of calories, depending on the number of beads. As you eat, you slide the beads to keep track of the number of calories you take in.

Weight Watchers sells a “points counter” bracelet that is based on a similar concept but incorporates their point system rather than calories. Copyright and patents on this product may make it difficult to find online, but it’s fairly simple to make your own.

The next obvious question, anybody out there tried it???

Source

Bombshell Pinup At the Beach!

Look out!!! It's a bombshell pinup on the beach. What a great grouping of retro summer fashion. I have everything you need here for a weekend getaway or your closet ... except the shoes, the sun/sand and the room. Check out this great swimsuit by Mod Cloth for starters:

Retro Sailor Swimsuit Looking for pin-up appeal with a sailor twist? This calendar-worthy suit definitely makes us want to enlist in summer fun. With a flattering halter neck, sexy scoop back, and retro anchor buttons, this sultry suit makes the red white and blue look oh so glamorous. Add some platform sandals for the ultimate retro poolside look! By indie designer Fables by Barrie.

Going on the boardwalk or out to lunch? Slip on these fabulous shorts over your suit and you are good to go ... and stylish!

The Pin-Up Girl Shorts
These nautically-inspired shorts by indie designer Fables by Barrie add a touch of the 1950's to your favorite tees and blouses. Featuring anchors on the buttons, an ultra-high-waisted cut, and all the pin-up you'll need, they're ideal for stenographers and lounge singers alike. Pair with vintage-inspired sunglasses and boat shoes for a look Betty Grable would admire.

Top it off with this really cute octopus bracelet ....

My Pet Octopus Cuff

Then grab your bag. Voila ... your pinup beach and boardwalk fashion is a success ....

Ship Shape Tote This sea-worthy (and style-worthy) tote from Dear Creatures is the perfect bag for your trip abroad. Featuring a majestic ship print, this tote is roomy enough to carry your journal, wallet, and all your other booty!

And, if you are going out to dinner or need something a tad dressier ... can't go wrong with this Maiden Voyage Dress This sleeveless tunic from UK indie designer Darimeya will make every journey feel as exciting as your first! Featuring an adorable Peter Pan collar, elasticized waist and striped hemline, this piece is easily dressed up or down, so it's perfect for a trip abroad (or just a trip next door). Bon Voyage!

KIMA of Norway ... Debuts in the U.S. in February!

You heard it here first! Remember this name: "KIMA of Norway." You aren't likely to forget it when you see the fabulous styles of Lisa Gillespie Brandstrup. She is a Norwegian - London based fashion designer with a fabulous line of denim mixed with leather fashions. Her debut collection will hit stores in the U.S. in February!

This collection is for the girl who has a hold of of the world. She is a female with attitude and her own personal style. Natural in her ways and comfortable in her own skin. That is what makes her sexy. If you fit the bill, and also like saying your closet is filled with European designer clothes you will be happy to know that all of Brandstrup's styles are fully produced in Veneto, Italy. The premier collection is a blend of high and low waisted looks and boast super fine, lightweight stretch denim that comes in an array of washes. The clothes are washable and made with English Sheepskin. The KIMA line ranges from $150.00 to $200.00

The line is currently sold in the ultra popular store- KOMA in Oslo, Norway and Extra Bold Shop in Luxembourg and will soon hit US boutiques and department stores.

An added note which is just too cute to not mention, is that KIMA is comes from the combination of Brandstrup's parents’ names-Kim and Marit. Brandstrup says: " Without them my denim aspirations would merely be a fantasy!"

Early Look at Some of the 2009 Swimsuit Trends

Swimsuit styles are great again in 2009. Lots of retro influences from polka dots to nautical and skirts. Here are 3 early styles for the year!

Salt Swimwear Sienna One Piece in Burnt Red Polka Dot
Salt Swimwear is composed of feminine styles with details that make their products more desirable. The Sienna one-piece suit in burnt red polka dots is a chic piece that will be sure to catch an envious look. The suit is a deep v design with ties around the neck and back. An iridescent tan button fascines each of the ties around the neck to the top of the triangular top. The edges of the sexy one-piece are accented with a small ruffle that matches the red polka dot pattern.

Overboard Bikini - $ 89.00
Halter string bikini top with anchor appliques and nautical knot center, and wide waistband bottom with stars.

Kushcush Harlow Onepiece in Giraffe
A certainly sexy one piece, the Harlow in Giraffe by Kushcush has a solid front with an exposing back. The top has a triangle style neck and back ties with a center double ring attachment in silver with wood overlay. The bottom is cut low in the back that appears as if you are wearing a two piece from the back. Finally, the giraffe print is created in a cream and black color that creates a slimming style. This suit provides enough coverage to make you feel comfortable while still looking stunning!

Cinnamon Applesauce Flamingo-Shaped Dog Treats

Now if this doesn't beat all... And I don't think they have a fowl taste : )

Cinnamon Applesauce Flamingo-Shaped Dog Treats. Share some summer fun with your canine! These premium flamingo-shaped dog biscuits are doggone tasty! A cute paw print design decorates each bag making these prepackaged treats quick gifts to give for a doggy birthday party or holiday! The main ingredients are human consumable whole wheat flour, applesauce and cinnamon ??? just wait until your canine tastes each flavorful morsel! These crunchy dog cookies are tasty! Reward your obedient pooch with these wholesome and nutritious treats ??? they???re delicious! Your canine will sit up and beg for these biscuits! These treats are perfect for any breed, both small and large. Your four-legged family member will love them! (via Oriental Trading)

Hold the Butter - George Has Left the Building

A nice story for a change. George, a 20 pound and 140-year-old lobster once destined for a dinner plate received the gift of life Friday from City Crab and Seafood (a Park Avenue seafood restaurantn New York City.)

"We applaud the folks at City Crab and Seafood for their compassionate decision to allow this noble old-timer to live out his days in freedom and peace," said Ingrid E. Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

PETA spokesman Michael McGraw said the group asked City Crab to return George to the Atlantic Ocean after a diner saw him at the restaurant, where steamed Maine lobster sells for $27 per pound. George had been caught off Newfoundland, Canada and lived in the tank for about 10 days before his release.

Some scientists estimate lobsters can live to be more than 100 years old. PETA and the restaurant guessed George's age at about 140, using a rule of thumb based on the creature's weight.

He is to be released Saturday near Kennebunkport, Maine, in an area where lobster trapping is forbidden.

That is really cool! A big thumbs up to the restaurant for recognizing this lobster should finish out his time in nature!

(Photo from: photo released by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Story Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_fe_st/odd_liberated_lobster

Alfred Shaheen the Hawaiian Shirt Guru Dies at 92

Comfortable. Usually cotton. Roomy. How many people out there have a Hawaiian shirt hanging in your closet right now. Chances are ... quite a few. Today, the colorful shirts are a staple of most people's closet. Aloha shirts are colorful, they are the first hint of spring and summer and they go with jeans, skirts, shorts, etc. More importantly, you can pretty much wear them anywhere. So, say "thank you" to Alfred Shaheen the man who made the Aloha Shirt popular and revolutionized the garment industry in postwar Hawaii, who died Dec. 22 from complications due to diabetes.

Quite a feat if you think about it. After World War II, servicemen and women returning to the States from Asia and the Pacific Islands brought along the aloha shirts (that had been made in Hawaii since the 1930s.) Soon. the tropical-print shirts and sundresses became a standard and at times a "tacky" souvenir for travelers. By the 50's Tourists had begun flocking to Hawaii as faster airplanes allowed for easier travel and the former U.S. territory became a state in 1959. Although Shaheen did not "create the Hawaiian shirt, according to the LA Times, it was Shaheen who took the brand around the world by raising the garments to the level of high fashion with artistic prints, high-grade materials and quality construction.

According to Mauishirts.com:

The history of the Hawaiian or "Aloha Shirt" can be traced to the early western missionaries in the 19th century. They felt that it would be more appropriate, for the soon to be christianized natives, if they were covered. But the real fact is, that it wasn't until the mid 1930's that the Hawaiian shirt, as we know it today, started to be
produced.

Elvis Presley: wore a red Alfred Shaheen shirt on the Blue Hawaii album cover. Photograph: Getty

The Hawaiian shirt is suitable for many occasions. Think about Hawkeye Pierce who wore one in M*A*S*H, or Kramer who wore them in Seinfeld. And most women will never forget Thomas Magnum wore one as a private eye in the Magnum series. Hollywood loves the shirt ... in From Here To Eternity Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Ernest Borgnine, and Frank Sinatra all wore the appropriate fashion items.

Today darts player Wayne Mardle marches on stage to the Hawaii Five-O theme tune, his fans colourfully dressed and his own Hawaiian shirt tailored for the modern sports world with its own sponsor logos. And lets not leave out Jimmy Buffet and his parrothead followers : )

Hawaiian shirt is suitable for almost all social occasions. White ones are available for the Hawaiian or beach themed wedding, for instance, and even for shaking a martini. So raise a glass in memory of Alfred Shaheen ... he helped dress us all.

Sources:
LA Times

Alfred Shaheen

Hot Water Bottles. A Perfect Take Along To the Beach

Looking for the perfect health aid to take on a trip or a nice pillow for the beach? Ever think of using a hot water bottle? Hot water bottles are easy to travel with, especially on a long flight or bus ride. Going to the beach? Fill one of these about half full and freeze it. It'll keep you cool for hours! Bet you never thought a hot water bottle could be so cool! Hot Water Bottles are also fabulous to use for aches and pains, muscular tension, stress or cramps. Can't sleep on a cold night? A cozy hot water bottle will work its magic. Cold Feet? Hot water bottles keep your footsies warm and comfortable. A great tip for the traveler : )

Flashy Plaid Cover Hot Water Bottle (Assorted Colors)

Transparent Classic Hot Water Bottle - Made in Germany

Transparent Frogs Hot Water Bottle - Made in Germany

A bunch of frogs floating around in your hot water bottle! What could be more fun? With an extra large mouth, it makes pouring hot water into the bottle easier and safer. Fill the bottle with hot or cold water and they float around enjoying the view. This transparent frogs hot water bottle is fabulous to use for aches and pains, muscular tension, stress or cramps. Hot water bottles are easy to travel with, especially on a long flight or bus ride. One side has a very light single-ribbed design to spread the heat more evenly and comfortably. The other side is glossy smooth for maximum heat. Keeps the heat longer than rubber bottles and never gets that old-rubber-bottle smell. The transparentcy is so unique. Allows you to see the water inside.

Gift silk embroidery hot water bottle cover This Figleaves hot water bottle cover is designed in pure silk satin and embroidered with a floral design. Your hot water bottle is slipped into the cover at the top and then the neck is secured with ribbons. It is 15"x8.5". (and silk)

Light too bright? Get a matching mask : )



Gift embroidered eye mask This Figleaves eye mask is designed in soft, silk rich satin, feeling soft and light on your skin. It is embroidered with a floral design and kept in place
with an elasticized head band.

Gift hand knit hot water bottle cover This hot water bottle cover from Figleaves is hand knitted in soft, thick yarn mixed with angora, and has a chunky cable knit design. The front is embellished with a grosgrain bow and the neck of the cover fastens behind with mother-of-pearl buttons.

P.S. you can get the plain red one at your local drugstore, but they aren't as pretty as the ones online : )

Free Flip Flops For Drunken Women in the UK

Too amazing NOT to be true! Police in the UK will be offering free flip-flops to female binge drinkers who keep falling over in their heels.

Believe it or not ... Drunk ladies in high heels in the UK are to be protected - at public expense - from twisting their ankles while drunk. Police will hand them flip-flops to wear outside nightclubs as they head home. The effort is part of a £30,000 drive by police and councillors to prevent ‘alcohol-related harm’.

Superintendent Chris Singer (in the photo on the right) poses with two pairs of flip-flops. As part of a £30,000 health and safety scheme, flip-flops are to be given free to drunk women to prevent injuries on their walk home.

Original story from DailyMail.co.uk (Nov. 27, 2008)

Hmmm, bet Jimmy Buffet would think it's a great idea ... didn't he " blew out a flip-flop, Stepped on a pop-top, Cut his heel and had to cruise on back home," when he was Wasted away in Margaritaville?

Hugh Jackman ... A picture is worth a thousand words : )

Who doesn't love Hugh Jackman? Great dad, husband and all around great bloke from watching and listening to him and others talk about him on the talk shows. No trash to read on this guy which is nice for a change. He recently went for a dip on Bondi Beach in Australia and a photographer got a shot of his of his hot abs. And, it doesn't even look like he's sucking his stomach in : ) All I can say is that "a picture is worth a thousand words!" : )

His new movie, Australia, comes out on November 26. Australia also stars Nicole Kidman.

Photo Source: Accidental Sexiness

Aloha Cat ... Try not to smile : )

Way too funny, guess he likes pineapple.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Dr. Away - And, Sunburn Pain!

If you have the dreaded "bad" sunburn that is so painful you just can't stand it ... "natural" help is here. Instead of the expensive lotion at the drug store, try cutting an apple in half, remove the core and rub the apple over the sunburn for three to four mintues to keep the skin from blistering or peeling.

Hey it's worth a try!

(Source: Thinkagain.com)

James Bond AKA Daniel Craig Say's He Will Never Wear Tight Trunks Again ... Say it ain't so!

According to a post in Lepaparazzi ... "Daniel Craig has vowed never to wear tight trunks in a James Bond film again." That can't be ... Bond never to wear tight trunks again????

The 40-year-old hunk -- who sent pulses racing when he donned fitted blue swim shorts in a beach scene for his first film as the suave British spy in 2006's Casino Royale -- is refusing to squeeze into the sexy swimwear again.

He said, "I'm not going to put those trunks on ever again."

Craig also revealed he will not look as toned and muscular in new film Quantum of Solace because of a different exercise regime.

He said, "I trained differently this time."

A source added, "Even if he has spent less time in the gym and will be wearing more clothes, Daniel would be hard-pushed to disappoint his female fans."

A fan said, "Craig may say he is not as buff as last time but he still looks in pretty good shape."

Quantum of Solace, which also stars Judi Dench; Olga Kurylenko; and Jeffrey Wright, is released in the UK on October 31, and worldwide throughout November.