Bright Copper Kettles…3rd Edition of My Favorite Things

Since I am done preaching about Jay Cutler and why he needs a Life Coach, at least for this week, since my beloved Bears are on a Bye Week,  I present to you, my 3rd edition of my favorite things:

1.  Reebok Easy Tones – OK, I know these shoes are “under fire” for not doing what they say they do…as in work your muscles more than regular shoes…but you truly can tell a difference while wearing these all day long.  Your legs feel invigorated, and my muscles feel like they’ve had a more intense workout.   I,  however, caution you against wearing these while playing tennis, as they will wreak havoc on your toes!  These shoes come with a warning for good reason.

2.  iPhone and iPad - those who know me , know I carry 2 phones.  An iPhone and a blackberry…and no, not because my “boyfriend” has the number of my 2nd phone (and I have been asked that at least 58 times…Kevin frowns upon me dating, btw), but I still, after one year, cannot master typing on my iPhone, so I also carry my blackberry torch, which although has a touchscreen, but also  a true keyboard…However, I Love my iPhone and iPad  apps…Facebook, AA (American Airlines), Shazam, Twitter, LinkedIn, Fashion Journal, WordPress (for my blog), J. Hilburn, Confession App (approved by the vatican) etc…you get the picture.  I am totally addicted to Angry Birds.  And travelling with my iPad, is so much lighter than carrying my laptop around.  I can just throw it in my purse, and it’s always with me.  I can’t write long emails on it, because it’s too tedious, but can do most internet functions, (including going to confession)… and that I love!  Because my iPad is 3G-enabled, I can get my emails and get on the internet anywhere!   I remember Bruce once said that he feels badly for people who don’t have an iPhone…I have to agree, and that also goes for the iPad!

3.  Lincoln Park After Dark – nail polish for my toes.  When I first heard about nail polish that looked “black”, I thought that was way too “goth and dark” for me…I mean, I was one of the first to wear a french pedicure, and back then, in the late 90′s, it turned heads (and not in a good way)…but I have to say, on my toes, I love it.  It doesn’t chip, and still appears clean.  Plus the color is so neutral, it goes with anything.  These are not my toes, as my toes are unsuitable for photo!…but I wanted to show how fantastic this color looks!  Thank you Lee for signing the release so we can use your feet in this photo!

4.  Mac Chic Lipstick - this is the lipstick, I wear everyday, regardless of what I’m wearing.  It goes with red, pink, black , anything.  It’s a pink/berry color with a pale gold shimmer…And while I’ve mentioned this already twice in previous blogs, I was asked about my lip color 3 times this week, so hence, yet another mention!

5.  Dior Show Iconic Mascara – I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating…I basically have No eyelashes.  My sister Megan and Mer Mer have hit the jackpot when it comes to long, lush eyelashes.  So, in trying to do the best with what I have, I’ve used Rapidlash Eyelash enhancer to strengthen and lengthen my almost non-existent eyelashes…I also use Dior Mascara base and Dior Show Mascara.  When used in conjunction with Rapidlash, it’s almost like I have long eyelashes!  You can buy both Dior products at Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com) and Rapidlash you can find at www.drugstore.com.  All of these products are in the $25-$35 range.

6.  Keurig Coffeemaker.  I am a believer!  I first tried it when they had it at the Conrad Hotel in Indianapolis (one of my very favorite hotels, btw)…and had hot chocolate, green tea, and coffee…each pod goes in this little compartment, and Voila…within 40 seconds, you have a fabulous hot beverage.  You can also make iced beverages.   I got the Platinum version at Costco, which comes with its own filter, so you can put your own coffee in it, and don’t have to be bothered with buying the little pods…But here’s a tip – you can buy a box of 80 Keurig coffee k-cups at Costco for $36.00, which is about a 30% savings off the $51.99 price if you were to buy it in bulk at the Keurig online store.  And since I make the coffee cup, by cup, I end up drinking less!

7.  Coach red patent leather satchel handbag.  I typically don’t carry Coach handbags.  Not because I don’t like them, but I tend to gravitate towards more “unique and one of a kind bags”, but I could not resist this purse.  It’s a deep red patent leather, and since I wear so much black, it gives me a pop of color.  Tt has a strap as well as handles, so I can carry it either way.  It’s not too large, but holds everything I need (including iPad)…and I haven’t seen anyone else carrying it, which is a huge bonus.

8.  Tory Burch Slippers - Genuine Shearling, and they make my feet very happy!  And even happier, they were on sale at Nordstrom!  Oh, and the Tory Burch flats did Not make my feet happy…as my friend “D” says, “the most uncomfortable shoes ever”.  I do not disagree.  Avoid the Tory Burch flats, at all costs…even at a sale price…but indulge in these fabulous slippers!

And in keeping with the Tory Burch theme…the wristlet.  I can use it as a small purse, which holds by my phones, lipstick, small wallet (and I emphasize small) which holds driver’s license, credit card, debit card, and $50 (always 2 $20′s, $5, and five $1′s).  And, when I feel like carrying a larger purse, like my coach red patent leather satchel, I throw the Tory Burch in the larger handbag!  And, I got it, on sale, at nordstrom.com. 

9.  Rusk Worx Atomizer hairspray… This is the Only hairspray that holds my hair, and Mer Mer uses it as well…Horror of horrors, it has been discontinued.  I have had to stoop down to the level of buying it on eBay.  In bulk!  I mean, I really like this hairspray!

10.  I’ve saved the best for last:  Modern Family!  Hands down, the Best show on TV…Wednesday nights at 8PM on ABC.  Truly one of the funniest, best written, wittiest shows on TV…It reminds me of Arrested Development, because of the clever writing.  I’ve turned a few people onto this show, and they’re also hooked…and funny enough, I’ve found out that this is also the favorite show of some of my all-time favorite people!  You can catch past episodes on www.abc.com.  You can also buy the first 2 seasons on DVD.  Watch it this weekend, since the Bears are on a Bye Weekend!  Heck…Do yourself a favor, and buy them on iTunes and put them on your iPad, so when you travel, you can always guarantee yourself lots of great laughs!  Here are a few of the hilarious one-liners:

Phil: “I’m hip, I text. WTF – why the face”
Mitchell: “may I take your multi-colored coat and bejeweled cap?”
Manny: “oh, it’s okay for YOU to take an older lover?”

Claire: One minute you’re just friends watching Falcon Crest and the next minute you’re under the air hockey table with your bra in your pocket.

Phil: I brought my own snacks, not because I’m cheap — it’s a matter of principle. Plus I get a little rush from the danger. Be cool, be cool, be cool! Just look straight ahead… I’ve never felt more alive. Woo Woo!

Cam: ”I’m like Costco, big, cheap and everyone loves me”

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

T.

“When in Doubt, Wear Red“  (Bill Blass)

Related Articles:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/whiskers-on-kittens-2nd-edition-my-favorite-things/

It’s a Wrap…all about Scarves

I love to wear scarves…and I wear them year-round.  As readers of this blog are aware, I love to wear my black shawl, from Sept.-May.  I use it as a scarf, shawl,coat, and a blanket and it is always with me.   Probably too much so.   And was absolutely lost this summer, when I forgot it on one of our trips to San Francisco…Mer Mer, the smart girl that she is, brought hers, so I was able to use hers, which truly was a god-send, as it’s about 60 degrees in San Fran in July.    I’ve also given friends scarves, because I find them to also be sensational gifts…I, however, was “shocked” when it was revealed that a dear friend  doesn’t use the black cashmere and wool shawl that I gave her…So, to entice her, since she’s a loyal reader of my blog, I’ve decided to dedicate this blog to her (and she shall remain nameless). 

In the spring and summer, I wear colorful scarves to add Pop to my outfits, since I’m basically always adorned in black and white. 

Here are numerous ways to wear scarves and add punch and color to your everyday look:

This website is invaluable in showing new and different ways to tie scarves.   Who knew there were 37 ways to tie a scarf?  I won’t copy and paste them all, but I suggest you take a peek at this website to learn a few new tricks.

www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf

You can buy scarves anywhere…Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Target, Kohl’s, flea markets, you can raid your Mom or Grandmother’s closets (as you have for vintage handbags and jewelry).   There’s no need to break the bank to add a little pizzaz to what you are wearing.  You can spend anywhere from $1 upwards of $500…like this Fabulous little Burberry number…which, with cream, black, white, and red, goes with almost everything I wear:

Here are some great scarves I found, and where I found them:

Target:  $19

Kohls: $18 – Vera Wang!

Nordstrom:  $22.90

Nordstrom:  $42

Overstock.com – $36 – for 12 oblong scarves!

Ann Taylor:  $48

Saks – Burberry Scarf $169

Terry’s Closet, compliments of Etcetera: $225

Another way I like to bring some Color to an outfit, is by tying a scarf around my handbag:

It appears even the stars have emulated my look:

Other ways to add scarves to your look, is to wrap them around your head.  I’m not a fan of this look, so have chosen not to add a visual to this blog.  It is afterall, Dressed to a T, and since I’m “T”, I have chosen not to give credence to this look.  Don’t get “tied”  down by any one tie or look…find the one you like best, or the couple that work for you.  And yes, Pun was intended.

xoxo,

T.

And hopefully the fine folks of Tamp Bay, will be sending this ecard to all their friends Sunday!

Amen to that!

My Friend Pat, posted this on Facebook, and I recall it making the rounds a year or so back (pre my blog), and I loved it then, and love it now, so want to repost this as a mini blog today!  Thanks Pat for sharing….and then subsequently, Sue, Lisa and Jayne who also posted this! 

 

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was “This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?  “The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:“Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.
They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.Mermaids do not exist.But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?
They would have no sex life and could not bear children.
Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.
And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?Without a doubt, I’d rather be a whale.At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn’t enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.
Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: “How amazing am I ?! “

(The woman in the picture is French model, Tara Lynn)

 

Amen to that!  Plus, pretty sure this woman wouldn’t be called a “whale” by anyone…and quite frankly, whom when sitting, doesn’t have a pouch anyway?  Well, I mean most people.  Clearly no longer Demi Moore.  Plus, I’m much more obsessed with her soft skin…whatever is she using?

 

 

 

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

 

xoxo,

T.

Jaywatch! And that’s how it’s done! :)

Yes Jackson, there is a Santa Claus!  And your request came true!  A very stylishly-played game, indeed!

Will the Real Offensive Line please stand up?   Isn’t it nice what can happen when you actually show up and protect your QB?!    Well done, gentleman.  It appears Mr. Cutler had a handle in this fine performance.   And Mr. Mike Martz appears to be able to keep his job (and parking spot, said Dan Hampton) !  The Bears spanked the Vikings (sorry Bruce, Mark, Eli, and Kim)…but it was really sweet.  The Bears played Stylishly, and looked Fabulous!  What a fun game to watch.

Jay Cutler – Outstanding performance!    Acting like the Leader of the Team!   My boy Jay completed 21 of 31 passes for 267 yards and two TDs. He had a passer rating 115.9.  You just showed America you are a Top Notch QB!  Look how good he is when he’s given time to do his job!

Matt Forte – he rocks, and I’ll join the bandwagon, please pay him Mr. Angelo!  Show him the Money$$$

Julius Peppers – WTG!  And here we thought you were going to be on injured reserve and Not play… Hardly!  Sweet performance!

Deven Hester – Wow!  98-TD run, and he looked to be an admirable receiver!  5 catches, 98-years, 1 TD!

And That is how it’s done!

Bears off to London, across the pond, to play the Buccaneers!  2nd biggest event there since the Royal Wedding.  Easy on the pints boys…you have a game to play!

And one last fashion comment re: this exciting game:  Kudo’s to Jay for wearing the pink trimmed knit hat on the sidelines during the game, as well as the pink towel.   If you will recall, last year’s horrible loss against the Giants, he was sacked 9 times, received a concussion, and was lambasted for Not wearing any Pink Breast Cancer Awareness items during that game.  This year he’s With the program.  Nice move.  However, alas, on a not so fashionable note, Jay did Not wear his game winning suit in the post game press conference.  Light blue button down with leather jacket is terrific when you go and visit your life coach, not as much during a post game press conference.    Please, wear a suit in the post game press conference.    I mean, my goodness, you had on a suit during your stint as a guest in the audience on DWTS, the least you can do is sport one after a spectacular win!    I may just have to tweet this to him @jaycutler6

xoxo,

T.

Related articles

• Vanity Plates…Yay or Nay? (And JAYWATCH, of course) (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)
• An Open Letter to the NFL, and Mr. Roger Goodell (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)

Vanity Plates…Yay or Nay? (And JAYWATCH, of course)

We’ve all been there.  Sitting at a stop light, and we look at the license plate in front of us…which is clearly a vanity plate, and we have No idea what it means.  I love to ponder what in the World were they thinking?…or are they playing a joke on all of us.  I personally don’t have vanity plates, because I don’t want people to know it’s me driving around, but it’s really a great, snappy way to “personalize your wheels”.   People feel strongly about vanity plates.  You either like them or you don’t.  For those who don’t, there is a Facebook page.  Kinda Crazy.  My brother Mark has had one since college.  He still has it.   And if I were to have one,  this would be a goody:

Here are some snappy plates, which I find fabulous:

I hope the above license plate isn’t raunchy…I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt.  Plus I like the car.  Screaming Mid-Life Crisis!

Here are some that I shall file under, “What were they thinking”?

Talk about wearing a sign on your forehead!

Like wearing a bulls-eye on your chest…You are just waiting for criticism!

When I googled vanity plates, I could not believe how many truly Raunchy are out there, with Swear Words, Inappropriate terms, and quite crass meanings.  I have chosen not to include those, because this is a family friendly blog…

And these, I have absolutely No idea what the meaning is!

People put their names, addresses, hobbies, sports teams, even company names on their license plates.  A license plate becomes their identity…who they are, what they like, it’s almost like driving around with a ”Hello my name is” name badge.     I, on the other hand, like to fly a little more below the radar…Afterall, not sure I always want someone to know who just flew by them on I-90.

Happy Driving.

xoxo,

T.

JAYWATCH - (my ongoing musings of Jay Cutler) – OK…finally getting over the sting of Monday Night’s loss against the Lions.  And, may I say, I’m not taking anything away from the Lion’s, they’re a great team, and deserve to be 5-0  and Matthew Stafford, is terrific.  He’s just not my Jay Cutler.  And succife to say I was darn-right irritated with the ESPN announcers during the game (and almost pulled a Harold (my dad), and turned on the radio and turned down the TV volume), as they were trashing the Bears and were Totally biased towards Detroit.  However,   it was Refreshing to hear them actually give Jay the credit he deserved, when he was scrambling and got off some Great passes!  Jay played one of his best games in a long time…and alas, the Offensive Line, once again, chose not to show up!  And this little news tidbit just hit the internet: ” One day after Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler expressed his desire to see a few tweaks made in the offense to alleviate some of the pressure he’s faced in the first five weeks, offensive coordinator Mike Martz endorsed the idea of calling plays that allow the ball to get out of Cutler’s hands more quickly.”  Golly, what a novel idea…you mean, Mr. Martz could actually call plays that doesn’t allow Jay Cutler to get sacked?!  Who knew!  Novel Concept!  Superbowl XVLI…Here we come!

Hey Offensive Line…Protect Your Quarterback!  I don’t like to see my Jay manhandled, as seen below!  Totally digging the pink towel, btw.  And Many, Many, Many thanks to Neil O’Shea, for getting me 2 Pink NFL Gatorade Towels!  Perhaps sitting with me during a game, hearing my pleas for a Pink Towel  the entire time, while also pleading with  the rest of our section (including my new friend Patrick King) into getting with the “Let’s get Terry a Pink Towel”  program” , finally broke him down…and Neil was crafty enough to find them on eBay.    Thanks Neil and Jane!!!

Go Bears!

Happy Feet…and I’m not talking about Penguins!

And I am not speaking of Jay Cutler being given time to dance around and throw the ball, because the Offensive Line chose to do their jobs…I am talking about our Feet…and how to make and keep them happy!

According to a poll on Glamour.com, 95% of the women surveyed would wear a pair of fabulous shoes even though they kill their feet.   And I am guilty as charged!  I attended a fundraiser at Navy Pier, and had gotten ready with some friends at a downtown hotel.  The shoes  felt great from the suite, where we got ready, to the elevator and that’s about it.  That was walking 100 or so feet… thank goodness I had my “fast flats’ (foldable ballet slippers that fit into my evening bag)  and I was able to put on when I literally could not walk anymore….which was basically by 9PM.  And here are those shoes, which I believed I posted on Facebook, with the caption, “Evil”.

Earlier this summer on the Today show,  they did a segment on how to save yourself from foot pain now and injuries in the future.  The expert with the advice was Dr. Roshini Raj .

In order to save your feet, she recommended:

1. Shopping for sandals during the summer.  Your feet expand during the heat so it’s best to buy sandals that will fit your enlarged feet.
2. Buying shoes made out of natural materials.  They will stretch and mold to your feet.  Faux leather will not.
3. Rotating your footwear.  This will help distribute the pressure on your feet so it’s not in the same place everyday.
4. Wearing sandals, wedges, etc with a back strap.  With flip-flops your toes curl to hold on to the shoe.

 

Happy Feet

In order to have Happy Feet, you don’t have to pack your closet exclusively with Crocs and Slippers.  Just follow these tips:

1. Try not to stand or walk around in heels higher than two inches for more than four hours straight. (If you do wear extremely high heels on a big night out, ice your feet when you get home to curb any swelling or pain.)

2. Remember that feet can still grow and spread throughout adulthood (especially after pregnancy) and tend to be at their most swollen at the end of the day, so do your shoe shopping in the afternoon. Have your feet measured every year to make sure you’re buying the right size.

3. For extra heel and arch cushioning, slip orthopedic inserts into your flats. Most won’t fit into skimpy high heels, so use gel pads or Foot Petals, there instead. You can buy them at a drugstore for around $20, or spring for custom-made orthotics from a doctor.  Yeah, best to stick with foot petals, so you don’t have to say you are wearing “orthotics”.

4. As your body’s “essential support system”, your feet can take a lot of weight, but “every pound you gain means an extra three pounds of pressure in your ankle region.”   Thankfully I have thick ankles!  Yet another reason to always maintain a healthy weight.  Note to file!

5. To keep your feet limber, do stretches such as writing the alphabet with pointed toes; to massage your arches, roll your feet over a tennis ball for a few minutes a day; and to stretch your ankle and calf, extend your knee, place a towel around the ball of your foot, and pull toes backwards.

(Source:  MSNBC).

 

Tips for Happy Feet

1. Exfoliate regularly. A pumice stone will be enough if you just have a little rough skin, but if you have  calluses, or hard, dry, skin, look for a good foot scrub.

2. Moisturize. Put lotion on your feet at least once a day, and after you exfoliate. Lotions with shea butter or cocoa butter are rich moisturizers that will make your feet baby-soft sooner, but beware of using them  before you put on your shoes.  They can make your feet greasy and you might hurt yourself by not giving your feet enough traction in shoes or on the floor.  I have tripped and fallen, more times than I can count after a pedicure with greasy feet…do yourself a favor, and ask the pedicurist to wipe the excess lotion off your feet.

3. Put on socks after a shower. Socks will help you retain some of the moisture from your shower. For an added benefit, put lotion on your feet before putting on socks and you’ll wake up to soft feet.  If you cannot bear to sleep all night with socks, you can always kick the socks off during the night, and you’ll still get the benefit of soft feet.

4. Get a pedicure regularly. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, treat your feet every once in while, even if it’s just some snappy nail polish and foot cream.

5. Buy a pedicure kit. This will help you if you choose to do your own pedicures, but also comes in handy if you have your pedicures done at a nail salon. You will always know that your tools are only used on your feet and that they are properly sterilized, preventing infections, or even worse things…!

6. Take it easy on the high heels. Heels are fine in moderation, but if you wear them too often, they can cause problems with your toes, foot bones, and ankles. Try not to do a lot of walking or dancing in extremely high heels, and bring a pair of ballet slipper with you to change into.  Remember, that however appealing those high-heel, high-fashion shoes are, your feet need to carry you around for a lifetime.  Treat them kindly.   I’m a fan of Dr. Sholl’s Fast Flats, but I’ve just been introduced to Footzy Rolls:   Footzyroll Rollable Shoes are completely rollable and foldable, and fit into the smallest bag or clutch.    (www.abernook.com).

7. Get shoes that fit. Don’t let vanity affect the shoes you wear. Make sure you get the right size, and don’t try to squeeze your feet into shoes that don’t fit right.  Unless you’re bowling, no one knows that size shoe you wear.  Wearing ill-fitting shoes, can cause, at the very least, very painful blisters.  And to alleviate those painful blisters, use Blister Block.  I keep one in my car, and one in my purse.  Tips on fit are mentioned below.

8. Or…try to wear a lower heel.  A 2-inch heel causes fewer problems than a 4-inch heel. A lower heel will give you an elongated appearance if it is a thin stiletto type rather than a thick or chunky heel. 

9. Try wearing a larger size than usual and insert heel cups into the backs for a better or more comfortable fit.

10. Wear open toe shoes to help alleviate discomfort in your toes. Partially open toe shoes have become more acceptable in many work environments, allowing you to further customize your shoes to your feet.  And forget the panty hose if you are wearing open toe shoes…but a dark colored tight, can work with open toes shoes (though not the ones below).   And these little numbers are soon to be mine!

Suggestions on proper shoe fit:    

Shoes support you.  You need to support them.  Wear shoes that fit properly.  Poorly fitting shoes can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammer toes and other foot problems. You can prevent some of these problems by paying attention to how you select your new shoes.

• Don’t select shoes by the manufacturer’s size. Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge the shoe by how it fits on your foot.

• Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.

• Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet change as you grow older. For women, size may change during pregnancy.

• Have BOTH feet measured. Most people have one foot larger than the other. Fit to the larger foot. You will not be able to buy shoes in 2 different sizes, btw…

• Fit at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

• Stand during the fitting process and check that there is adequate space (3/8″ to 1/2″) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe.

• Make sure the ball of the foot fits comfortably into the widest part (ball pocket) of the shoe.

• Don’t purchase shoes that feel too tight, expecting them to “stretch” to fit.  This will most likely Not happen.

• Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slippage.

•Walk in the shoe to make sure it fits and feels right.

May you all have Happy Feet!

xoxo,

T.

JAY WATCH - (my musings of my favorite QB) – Yes, we all saw Jay Cutler cheering on his ex-fiance (let’s keep it that way, please) on Dancing with the Stars.  I loved this little tid-bit which was brought to my attention from my sister, Megan, which she found on CNN.com (credible news source, btw).

Kristin Cavallari paid tribute to 2005, the year she graduated from high school and moved to Los Angeles. Guess this woman’s never had a crisis.  Kristin and Mark Ballas danced a sexy samba that seemed to wow Kristin’s former fiance, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who seemed to think that attending a TV dance show is much more important than preparing for next week’s clash with the undefeated Detroit Lions.

Well said…Yes, the Lions are indeed,  4-0, and My Funky QB should have been in Chicago prepping for this Very important game.  Even I have been prepping for this very important game.  And, in addition, the photo of Jay, in LA (Hollywood, of course), Tuesday morning, sporting “salmon-colored” pants (I referred to them as Pink, and “my boy Ken” corrected me…and rightly so), was equally as shocking.  He should auction them off with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, along with the other “pink” or salmon-colored items from Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Go Bears…bEAT the Lions!!

Related articles

• What the Cobbler, aka Shoemaker, can do for You! (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)
• 86% of Women Lie about their shoe purchases.  http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/86-of-women-lie-about-hiding-their-shoe-purchases/
• Women’s Love Affair with shoes.  http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/womens-love-affair-with-shoes/

 

An Open Letter to the NFL, and Mr. Roger Goodell

Dear NFL Commissioner, Mr. Roger Goodell:  Jeremy Shockey is an Idiot.  A rude, crass, unbecoming Class-A JERK!  And how do I know that Jeremy Shockey, a tight end for the Carolina Panther’s is all of the above?

Well…on my constant quest to find the best seats in the house at Soldier Field, I sat in seats other than my own season ticket seats (1st row, 35-yard line, North Visitors side) at the Bears v Panthers game (nice win, but not sure the Bears played as well as they could) anyway, this time my seats were still 1st row,  but at the 45-yard line (though was told they were 50-yard line, but that’s my next letter) and still Visitors side, but opposite end of my seats on the South side.    And I was positioned right behind the bench of the Carolina Panthers…And I was smack dab behind Mr. Jeremy Shockey and his boorish, unbecoming, childish, unsportsmanlike behavior.  Mr. Shockey, in more than one instance, “Flipped off the Crowd”…I mean, did the ole “Up Yours without the fingers” to the fine Chicago Bears fans who happened to be seated in section 110.    How nice to be exposed to that.  I bring my 14-year old son to these games..I also bring clients, co-workers, friends and family, and I find it offensive, highly offensive, and shouldn’t have to deal with that unruly behavior.  No fan, paying good money, a Lot of money,  to watch a football game, should have to endure that type of uncultured behavior.

And in case you are wondering if I was too far to see his crude gesture, here was my view of Mr. Shockey (#80):

Mr. Shockey is seated to the right of Mr. Greg Olsen, who, although a Carolina Panther and no longer a Chicago Bear, remains a class act.

This is what happened to Mr. Shockey in the 3rd quarter, and this is what he had to say in a post game interview, re: a penalty that was called on him.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey was called for offensive pass interference in the third quarter — one of eight penalties against Carolina. It wiped out his 22-yard TD catch from Newton that would have given the Panthers the lead and the momentum.  “I’d like to get an explanation from the league and understand why they would call something like that,” said Shockey, who said the official making the call didn’t give him one. “We pay their salary and I can’t even get an explanation,” he added. “They should be accountable, as well. They get paid a lot of money.”

“They get paid a lot of money”.  Yeah, so does Jeremy, with his $3M+ contract, this year alone.   Mr. Shockey has  probably made in excess of $40M over his storied, sullied career.  For that kind of money, he surely could have bought some etiquette lessons or better yet hired an Etiquette coach.  He should have his arms cut off (tattoos and all) for flipping off the fans, when there are young Children, women, and fine Chicago Bears fans,  sitting there rooting for their NFL team.  And guess what?   The NFL fans, who pay to attend these games, help Pay Mr. Shockey’s salary as well!  Jeremy Shockey does NOT need a life coach.  That would be futile.  He needs  a stint in Military camp.  And… when the 4 Air Force Pilots,  who did the flyover during the National Anthem,  were introduced, he didn’t even applaud.   He just stood there like a buffoon.

Class A Jerk!

He should be fined $100K for his boorish behavior, and that money should be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, since it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the NFL is participating.  Mr. Shockey was also wearing pink arm bands.   Mr. Goodell, can you take care of that?  He is an embarrassment to the NFL, to the fans of the Chicago Bears, and no doubt the fans of the Carolina Panthers.  And I’m more than certain the fans of the New York Giants as well as the New Orleans Saints fans (his previous 2 teams) feel the same way.  In addition, several teammates, and even a “man in a suit, who could have been the team owner, but I could be mistaken”, even tried to tell him to knock if off…and he didn’t seem to care.  He Flipped off the crowd again (again, no fingers, but a violent full-arm gesture).

Mr. Goodell, I am sure you are aware (you may even have crafted it), but the NFL has a Player Code of Conduct…Mr. Shockey is in violation of that code.  For your convenience, I have attached an article containing this code, so you may refresh your memory:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10111/1052222-66.stm

Being an NFL player is one of the greatest jobs in the world and is a Privilege, Not a right.  Being a role model to children is also a privilege.  Mr. Shockey’s behavior was shocking, crude and highly inappropriate at a family-friendly sporting event, and I trust disciplinary action will be taken.

Signed, a Loyal NFL fan,

Terry O’Brien

Chicago Bears Season Ticket Holder

JAYWATCH - my observations of Mr. Jay Cutler – Sunday’s performance could best be described as Lackluster with only 9 completions of 17 passes and only 102 yards.  These are not the numbers of a franchise QB, or a future Hall of Famer.  But, I still believe in him, he’s still my quarterback (now I sound like Lovie Smith), and the season is young.  Next up,  the 4-0 Lions…That will be a great game!

xoxo,

T.

Related articles

• Monday Morning Reflections of a QB’s Life Coach… (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)
• http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach/
• http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach-part-deux/