Foxymoron n. “One who is incredibly dumb but incredibly cute, who simultaneously attracts and repels” new word from DailyCandy.
‘We hopped on a plane and took our flight/ I slept really well, all through the night. As we arrive, I turn and look out the door/ People are greeting us right at the shore. A meal, a shower and some ice cream/ Then I threw my man down, you know what I mean!” Britney Spears’ poem ( cream and mean rhyme) Foxymoron.
” Why are you famous? You can’t buy brain cells”. The placards by Horrified Observers of Pedestrian Entertainment, or Hope for short, who recently protested at a book signing for Paris Hilton’s Confessions of an Heiress.
“I liked me better bigger because now I’m too bony. I’m just portrayed as some bimbo, and never taken seriously.” Anna Nicole Smoth ( I like me better brainier ) Bimbo? No, Foxy!
‘When are you due?’ A hotel valet to Not pregnant Kirstie Alley
‘11 weeks.’ Her reply
“I didn’t know how fat I was. I mean, thanks to the tabloids, I found out how fat I was. I sort of wasn’t paying attention.” Kirstie Alley ….Headline: Star thanks tabloids!
“It was the worst scene I have ever witnessed,” In Iraq? No an onlooker watching the scene in Paris of hundreds of women stampeding into the H&M stores and picking the racks clean within minutes of the Karl Lagerfeld collection (Fashion victims)
“What I designed was fashion for slender and slim people,” Karl Largerfeld on Kirstie Alley not wearing his collection for H&M
“He grabs me and he slams me up against the wall and kisses me. And then I grab him and I slam him up against the wall and I kiss him.” Jake Gyllenhaal on Heath Ledger in Brokeback mountain ( slam dunk)
“There would be a lot of me in Olympias if I had lived during that time, Of course, only then, not today. Today people would just consider me scary if I acted like that.” Angelina Jolie (If? ) scary.
“I like Michael Jackson, I like him a lot. I’m just happy that Michael Jackson has heard of me.” Eminem after dressing up like Jacko in his latest video
“Global terror is everywhere. Global terror is down the street, around the block. Global terror is in California. There’s global terror everywhere “ Madonna helping Dubya perpetuate the myth of terror everywhere and create a climate of fear ) Foxymoron…Not angry, I’m just disapointed.
“It’s the usual stupid shit you get from these people,”. Bob Geldof dismissing misguided criticism that his Live Aid project and charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” ….well don’t they know it’s Christmas???

It’s picnic time! You’ve cooked up a storm, it’s a lovely day and you’re about to fill up your gorgeous picnic basket from My Island home. Now you need the fabulous red melamine stackable Tiffin containers to carry all that food. Well, I am calling it a Tiffin container. It’s one of those clever containers that stack on top on each other and clip down so when carry all the antipasto, the olive oil doesn’t dribble out all over your new Missoni skirt. Eeek. And while you are at it, buy the snazzy red melamine jug to match, so you can sneak out the gin and tonic and no one will ever know.

$19 Tiffin stack of 3 containers and Jug $9.99 from David Jones.

While I like to make sure that the item du jour is something you want now, I also like to make sure you know about everything heading up the groove richter scale. Which means it’s a trend on the way up so you are first with the inside scoop. That‘s why I did caftans last year and went ballistic for beaded scarves months ago. And why I am not even mentioning beaded tops ever again. So what you do want to invest in now? Bangles. Bangles. Bangles. Think Dior next summer just seen on the runway in bright colours, Think the fabulous Nancy Cunard. Pile them up your arm and wear them to razz up anything in your wardrobe. And remember the best thing about accessories is that they are perfect for fat days. Go to Bulb in Double Bay for the best ones around …all vintage and all different from about $40. Go to Glamadonna in MLC for fantastic cheap indian bangles looking very much like the Dior ones $20 and for diamante ones 4 for $18 in lots of colours. Also check out Dinosaur Designs and Witchery for cool wooden ones $14. And of course, Hermes always have the most gorgeous enamel ones in so many colours. You should have at least 5 for each arm (and a couple for me too, while you’re there).

Flicking through the latest November issue of US Vogue, I happened upon the fabulous story on bargain hunting for beauty products by the New York Dermatologist Dr. Lisa Airan. She recommends the following:

The Olay Regenerist cream and the Total Effects Moisteriser, saying it is great for anyone with Rosacea (a skin condition not a person), the L’Oreal line eraser with Pure Retinol, and Neutrogena Visibly Firm Night Cream with copper. “I think it’s a luxury product because of all the research they put in.” She also loves the Almay Clear Complexion Foundation because “oil free products are hard to find”. Nice to know what the real experts say and that maybe it’s not just all hogwash. Now I just need to try them all to see what miracles might happen…

If you are in Istanbul, go to the car free island called Buyukada where “horse drawn carriages are still the only means of public transportation” and stay at the Hotel Spendid www.istanbulshotels.com/splendid-palace.htm …daggy is good!
When you are in New York check out the restaurant ‘Pace’ in Tribeca all very chic 1930’s design.
A special cell phone system has been set up for Venetians, whereby typing the word “marea” (tide) into an SMS text message and sending it to the phone number 041/2411996 , the latest tidal predictions will be sent back. And while you are thinking about Venice, click on the webcam and see it all there, right before you http://www.vaporettovenise.com/vaporecam_00001.jpg
The Moma in New York officially reopens on Nov 20, with room for 100.000 works of art to be displayed. www.moma.org.
Need a holiday? I suggest you go to Richard Branson’s private Island called Necker Island in the Caribbean and rent it for weeks on end…. http://www.virgin.com/subsites/necker/ or go to Tahiti and stay on dream island www.dream-islands.com/
Formentaria is the new hot destination: get a ferry from Ibiza and stay at Les Banderas so says Travel & Leisure and I agree.
While we are on islands go and buy your own Greek island or just rent one anywhere in the world at http://www.privateislandsonline.com/ …yes please! Also go to zip zip.com for more…
Nick Jones who is the clever man behind Soho house is opening a spa called Cow Shed ( typical English name non?) in The Scotsman, in Edinburgh.
. http://www.thescotsmanhotel.com/intro2.html .
Be the first to see the hugely anticipated Broadway musical called “Spamalot” based on Monty Python’s Holy Grail, adapted by Eric Idle and staged by Mike Nichols, with Hank Azaria, Soon on at the Chicago Shubert Theatre.
In London take the kids to Mary Poppins, the musical .
In Paris book tickets to Angels in Americ, the opera based on the play.
In Singapore please stay at the fabulous hotel 1929 http://www.hotel1929.com/ very cool.
Apartments are out; museums are in. That’s the latest trend for Pierre Bergé, who is selling his two-room pad at New York’s Pierre Hotel — plus all its contents — and channeling proceeds toward the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Foundation, which inaugurates its second fashion exhibition here next week. wwd
Isaac Mizrahi unveiled his latest creations at Biscuits & Bath, an Upper East Side gym for dogs. A bubblegum pink mesh vest with a big bow for dogs will be for sale.The dogs from the Animal Care & Control dog adoption center will wear Mizrahi’s vests when they go for walks to let people know they are available for adoption.Bless

http://www.calendarioromano.co.uk
This will make all your Christmas’s come at once. A priest is not just for Christmas! The December 2004 issue of Esquire magazine included the Calendario in its Christmas gift guide …. “If she has Catholic tastes, consider Calendario Romano - a calendar of 12 hunky young priests. Must be seen to be believed.” Satisfaction guaranteed ! True. (June or October look like the month to pencil in).

http://www.wimco.com/
Thinking about organizing your holiday over New Year and need a snazzy villa to while away the days? Click on here and you shall you to the ball. THE Source for villa rentals and distinctive hotels on St Bart’s, the Caribbean, the South of France, Italy and Greece. I’m thinking ‘Senderlea’ in Barbados could be perfect …..

Stella Tennant is pregnant with her fourth child (same husband)
Uma Thurman is in London this week shooting the Louis Vuitton spring campaign with Marc Jacobs and photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot.
Nicole Kidman and Steve Bing were spotted at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills where they shared a lingering kiss,. “Everyone else had candles on their tables, but they blew theirs out. It wasn’t some little kiss - it was an open-mouthed lip-lock.” Blown away
Justin Timberlake has saved a man’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver on a friend who was choking on a mouthful of peanuts (blow out)
Uma Thurman and Andre Balazs this week have been partying long and hard in London, on one night staying out so late they found themselves locked out of their hotel. Outrageous star behaviour.
Ricky Gervais says Casablanca helped inspire The Office. “The love triangle is fascinating as there are reasons and personality traits for staying with either of them, and we tried to capture that theme a little with the Dawn, Lee and Tim love triangle in The Office.”
The next series of ‘I’m A Celebrity get me out of here’ includes Paul Burrell. The Queen Elizabeth is a big fan, but Prince Philip has banned her from watching it because of the inclusion of ex-butler Paul Burrell (Glamour)
Claudia Schiffer called her daughter Clementine
Donald Trump is thinking about buying the Ritz Hotel in Paris for his new wife-to-be, Melania Knauss.
ELIZABETH HURLEY was rumoured to be planning an Indian wedding when she marries Arun Nayar. There was even talk of Hugh Grant giving her away
Anna Nicole Smith has blamed her slurred speech at Sunday’s American Music Awards on her “bad eyes” “We’ll take two of whatever she was using to medicate herself at the American Music Awards” Gawker
Rapper Old Dirty Bastard had been up for two days blowing rails before he dropped dead on Saturday, which would explain why he had been acting paranoid and chewing the inside of his cheeks (Gawker)
We know Playboy isn’t noted for its beautiful covers, but the new Denise Richards issue is particularly hideous. Just because she’s got the IQ of a plastic Christmas tree doesn’t mean you should dress her like one. Gawker
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have reportedly split after a 21-years The Buddhist actress has been spending more and more time in India, where she often meets up with Imran Khan..
Julia Roberts will have to stay in hospital until her twins are born next January.
Tom Hanks has landed the lead role in the eagerly anticipated movie of The Da Vinci Code
Sarah Jessica Parker is rumoured to have landed the role in the movie of The Devil Wears Prada.
Note to self: Never lend Jacko more than $6.3 mil MICHAEL JACKSON’s ex-business associate sued the singer for $3 million in unpaid loans and producing fees the other day, claiming the King of Pop is a drug- and booze-impaired deadbeat with an out-of-control shopping jones. Herald.com ( can’t be true)

Dolce e Salata : A Bittersweet Adventure by Marlena De Blasi
One of my favourites books of all time is ‘A Thousand Days in Venice’ and this is the follow up book by cookery writer Marlena De Blasi. She is a stunning writer, and though she writes incredibly well about food and Italy and her crazy marriage to the eccentric Italian, she also digs into the meaning of life too. “From its opening scene of an impromptu alfresco village feast of fried zucchini blossoms, fennel-roasted pork, and pudding made from the cream of a local blue-eyed cow, this memoir of the seasons in a small Tuscan village is rich with food, weather, romance and, above all, life” (Amazon). Buon Appetito !
$29 from Borders Books and major booksellers

The Christmas List:
Greetings From Andy (Warhol): Christmas at Tiffany’s By John Loring, with illustrations by Andy Warhol; published by Harry N. Abrams
“ Exuberant cherubs and acrobats, a reindeer snacking on watermelon, a playful monkey dangling an ornament from its tail, a gold-embossed Nativity, a high-heeled red ankle boot stuffed with holly, and Santa’s sleigh packed with presents are among the 50 black-and-white and color illustrations featured here. With entertaining anecdotes and quotes from those who knew Warhol and Andy’s own bon mots about Christmas sprinkled throughout the book, it is a sweetly irreverent confection” Too chic.
$16 from http://www.amazon.com

It’s all about caftans and beading and bling. In fact there is so much beading, glitter and bling around, I need to wear sunglasses when I shop. And so much embroidery and sequins, it will keep the economies of both India and China going for years…Advice: everybody keep calm ! Remember when in doubt ask yourself: would Carolyn Bessette Kennedy have worn that? Nuf said (Then repeat to yourself: I am not Kate Moss, I am not Kate Moss, I am not Kate Moss..
Economy:
David Jones: have amazing copies of the stripe silk fringed Missoni scarves in fabulous colours by their own label $54, might be nice at the end of the bed rather than wearing it. There is a thin version in lurex but I think we are all over them by now,$34 plus check out the cute Milana headscarves or kerchiefs $14 in good colours. Sussan: have obviously got new buyers and razzed up their look. How about that orange and red brown tie dye sheer chiffon short poncho top? Cool for $69. Also in light blue and brown. Check out the good version of a long black chiffon top with diamantes (sunglasses please) $85, and the very simple knit cotton poncho $69 and silver embroidered/ trimmed caftans long, $89 in a few colours. Portmans; The green dress from their TV ads with the big jewel brooch is in store and it’s not bad in black either $139. Sportsgirl: Brimming with so much bling and print in here, it makes you want to be a monk. So check out the simple jersey black jersey halter top with just a splatter of big silver jewels at the neck $130 but the, um, embroidered pink tie dye caftan is great, wear it this season and chuck it $160, the cotton green cotton ruched boob toob top is cool if you are pregnant or under 15 but not both $59. Esprit: the satin black dress with chiffon is quite chic $89 but it’s all too black in here or all in outrageous pastel pink and yellow. I do like the raw frayed edge straw beach hat $19.Witchery: have another version of the Birkin bag, as reported last week, which is a good buy at $139 in a putty or yes you guessed…pink. They have also another bag which is good: it’s big with brass buckles and pockets and zippity do zips in browns or tan $169. And they do have a cool embroidered caftan..it’s long $89 and if you still don’t have a sequin top, they do a few tasteful ones here. And I like the white knit poncho wrap top $159. The Family Jewels has opened in the city in the mid city center or have I never seen it before? Great for serious earrings and brooches at good prices. Glamadonna: is a new store opened in MLC with lots of very reasonably priced accessories. There are great dangling diamante earrings from $40 and some brooches $43.There are some Chloe like bags, croissant shape, with lots of beading $160, the copy of the YSL layered ruffle bag $90 and the coolest bag around..a big slouchy glomesh one in black and soon to be in orange $90. I want it. Plus all their item du jour bangles are just perfect .

Business:
Jigsaw: I like their woven, crochet scarves in pink and browns ( a bit hippy boho chic) $59 and check out the little black wrap dress beaded with a satin ribbon belt $459 (I know it’s black but it’s an LBD so it’s Ok) and the handy short belted camel trench is there for $349.There is lovely linen caftan, ¾ long one with $169 with a wide neck, and don’t forget the fabulous black sequin singlet with a black rib knit edge $199 and the drawstring neck camel/white stripe T shirt now reduced to $40. Coach: Love the simple, silver zip top shoulder bags with a tassle in all sorts of colours: black, white and tan and dark green suede about $570. Also in light blue suede and purple with gold hardware. Checkout the Prada esque tan leather slouch bag with big silver buckle $580 and it’s great in green suede, and the fabulous great big tan tote shopper for $1000 also in black. And I think the light green shoulder bag with silver buckles is cool, $580 and so is the chic suede one in a big square open top shape. Country Road; have nice watermelon and taupe tie dye skirt $165, a green and cream stripe cardigan in silky knit $99, the green shorts to the knee are groovy (and narrow) now $85. Check out the camel crop chinos $129, and the foldover leather clutch bags are great in good colours because shhh..you don’t know they are from Country Road $110. Saba: I like what is happening here: check out the pink, yellow poncho top with big big flower print $245 and the watermelon silk shift dress $195, the watermelon, sheer cotton, zip front , hoodie jackets $195 are the perfect summer cover up and have a drawstring bottom. Please buy one. Also look at the pink/orange red floaty skirt $275 and the chic knit singlets are great in all colours $95. On the homewares front: don’t forget Bayswiss have lots of fabulous Marimekko paper napkins for $4.95 and some good cloth bags in floral fabrics for about $19.

First:
Longchamps: The new bags by artist Tracey Emin have finally arrived and are all limited edition. Not exactly the usual simple elegant Longchamps, they are more boho chic with patchwork and floral and things .oh very arty. It comes with a floral corsage too. $1050 or $895. Check out the dragonfly clutch with writing on the back that can only be read in the mirror. Oh very arty. $235. Also check out the other things here that are fabulous: the travel pull up bags ‘Pilage’ are all in all sorts of colours from blue burnt orange, khaki to burgundy. Check out the new synthetic fabric ones with leather trim, a cool tall double handle tote is great $355. I love the ‘gala’ range of bags with double breasted big silver studs and a big slouchy one is $785. And there are lots of cute key rings with toggles and great for dingle dangling off bags $199, 2 pairs of thongs comes in their own zip longchamps bag in pink or blue $65, and espadrilles mules $129, plus the very handy messenger bags ,big slouchy, great for traveling $225 David Jones: The Dior Boutique: has too many logo bags but you might like the simple loafers, the small tan saddlebags.$$$. Prada Boutique: bags here are selling out and the orange ones are the best or the dark brown shoulder bags with a gorgeous black metal clasp and a flap $1400. Sonia Rykiel bags look good here too: in simple black with all the essential zips and buckles you can buy one for about $800 or $1400 for a bigger one. Gucci; A few new pieces in the bag department, and I love the big tan one with a brass horsebit and open top $2400. Belinda: MLC has so much gorgeous Marni and Lanvin, and all their other winter labels, it just brings joy to the world, and Belinda in Double Bay is having a sale and there are queues out the door …..with 60% off it’s worth getting down there. Evelyn Miles in Double Bay have a table of $150 bargains: a lot of great shoes if you are in the right size from Rossi to Clergerie to Patrick Cox. Bargainza. Hermes: You want the Birkin ‘Lakis’: a briefcase bag with a zip $12000 ish ( in every colour ),the vermilion calf bags that are divine $3300, the snakeskin H belt and the orange H belts are gorgeous. You want the canvas and leather bag $2200, up stairs next to the divine stripe black and white beach towels. And please drool over the dark brown leather short jacket with divine stitching $$$$ and the gorgeous classic trench with a brown leather belt along the collar ..trust me, it is fabulous. And please buy the Gorgeous children’s collection of clothes too.Thankyou.

Beef, Black Bean and Cashew Stir Fry
You can’t go past Donna Hay for a quick de la quick dinner. And if you are really missing all that black in your life (now that colour has taken over) here’s your opportunity. I love to cook this up when I can’t think of anything else to cook, especially when I want some juicy red meat .

You need:
200 g of fresh rice noodles
1 tabs oil
1 teasp sesame oil
300g steak or lamb or whatever you want and cut it into snazzy little strips
4 green onions (as in spring onions) chopped nochalantly
1 tabs black bean sauce
1 tabs of black beans if you have some lurking in the fridge (rinsed and squished please)
1 teasp of lemon or lime juice
¼ cup of beef stock
A bunch of spinach or bok choi or anything green
2 tabs of roasted cashews or almonds

·Throw the noodles in a bowl of water, to soak them and get them ready for their big night
·Then drain them and set aside ready for their close up.
·Heat up the oils: sesame and the other non designer olive oil and stir fry the strips of beef so they are cooked to your liking.( and not anyone else’s: you are in charge remember).
·Toss onto a plate to chill out and rest for their next scene.
·Add the spring onions, the black bean sauce, the lemon juice and the stock to the wok .
·Give it a cook so that it thickens a little
·Add the green is good vegetables and give it a good old stir fry.
·Note: there is no garlic in this recipe but you can add it if you want a bit of zing
·Serve with the beef on the noodles (don’t worry about heating them up too much) and sprinkled with the cashews
Healthy and delicious and ready to eat in a thrice (how can they say that black is outre?)

Hero: Directed by Zhang Yimou
“ The truly jaw-dropping thing about Hero is how it instantaneously turns from ‘Crouching Tiger II’ to ‘Honey I Shot the Dissidents.’ says one review. And I have to agree. With so many subtitles, so many fight scenes, so many warriors and plots within plots, I lost the plot. “Using the assassination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore an understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. At the height of China’s Warring States period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. The Qin King was obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor . He had long been the target of assassins throughout the other six states. Of all the would-be killers, none inspired as much fear as the three legendary assassins, Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky” Confused? All Chinese to me! This movie is just one big martial arts love fest. It is so absolutely, incredibly, breathtakingly beautiful that you try really hard to get into it and you keep waiting for it to really start (so you’ll forget about the subtitles.) But it never happens and it’s almost boring, like an episode of Survivor: The China Syndrome. So what if it got rave reviews from everyone. Really it’s just “An idealized dream world where ancient warriors suck down massive amounts of helium before they fight and then do silly over-romanticized things like battle in their hearts.” (Cinemablend.com) One for the boys….

US Elle Deco Nov:
Read the story on Nogushi, flick through the boring international design awards (same old Kate Spade, Martha Stewart etc ) then check out the groovy stylist Lori Goldstein’s New York loft, the cool apartment of the owner of the hip fashion store Kirna Zabete in New York ( My husband said “ how am I going to lie on a gold velvet couch and watch football on TV?” ) and be mesmerized by the wild, crazy camp and all together ‘out there’ Miami pad of Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan who says “ my Aunt died in a Jacuzzi with a martini in her hand” and ‘it’s hideous, you’ll love it” ( a bit like their place).
Wallpaper Nov :
You will want to stay in Corbusier’s house in the South of France repainted ,restored and available for rent ( call the office de Tourisme 33 4 93 356287) and go to all the fancy stores they shot in London. Especially twenttwenrtyone. Be amazed by Cassandra Fahey’s house in Melbourne with a giant red internal lantern ( looks like the Titantic busted through the side of the house) And don’t miss out on the list of the best low cost groovy hotels around the world ( but you’ll find most of them already here on FiFi.com.au)
Travel & Leisure Nov:
A great idea: They have a special on Women travelers with a lot of great info, and a clever shoot of real women travelers at LAX and their stories. There are interviews with the experts such as the owner of Adventure Divas who said the best advice she got was from a Brazilian giving her a wax who said “know where you’re going before you put the wax down” So true. There are lovely shots of Salma Hayek in the Bahamas whose latest film ‘After the Sunset” is set here. Also read about what’s hip in Jo’burg, dream of cooling down in Finnland, being in Hawaii or stay in a luxury lodge in Argentina. Bring it on.