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We can never get enough pair of shoes in our closet, right? so, I decided to buy this Zara burgundy  heels last week because I noticed that I needed more colorful shoes:) I may still needed more colors on this department ... New pair of shoes required a lovely outfit and this is what I decided to wear last Tuesday : burgundy jeans, mustard sweater and my yellow vintage bag ( Fall colors). Accessories : this pair of sunglasses received from zeroUV and bracelets  gifted by Happy Wrist by Itchelita . I kept it casual, and as always, with a burst of color/s.
 If you like it, check out my latest feature in Glamour.com  here 

Today we have a winner to the Robyn Rhodes Giveaway : Congrats Maria Bastida ! I will contact you soon for more information!
Thanks to all of you for participation and next week I will have a NEW GIVEAWAY, here on my blog !





                                                                            Sweater: Zara/ different color Here 
                                                                            Jeans: H&M/ similar Here
                                                                            Shoes: Zara/ another great option Here
                                                                            Bag: vintage
                                                                            Bracelets: thanks to Happy Wrist by Itchelita/ Here
                                                                            Sunglasses: thanks to zeroUV/ Here 

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Source: Getty Images

Mitt Romney had a very effective debate night in round #1 versus President Obama, although some of his statements were, to say the least stretches. But I guess that's normal for politicians because Obama had a few stretches as well.

That aside, does anyone really know which side of the fence Romney really stands on? I mean he has actually said he "is seriously conservative" while recently scrambling to the political center.

Now don't get me wrong, the middle ground is perhaps where an elected official ought to be. I mean after all is said and done, once elected aren't elected aren't officials supposed to represent ALL the people of their district, state, and nation, depending on their specific office?

Okay then... Isn't Romney's shift from "seriously conservative" to the center is indicative of  precisely what Romney did as Governor of Massachusetts, a state that is 87% democratic and one of the most liberal states in the nation. If the issue is finding ways to "get the job done" then is can be argued that it is precisely what Romney did in Massachusetts. Something Obama has failed to do as President.

Yeah, Romney is a bit wishy washy for my taste, however, given the alternative he IS the preferable lesser of two evils, at least in my never humble opinion. Certainly at the very least Romney would slow done the growth of government and the headlong rush to the cliff's edge.

For a more left leaning take, just to be fair and balanced, I encourage you to read the following.

The Washington Post - The final weeks of the presidential campaign are bringing Mitt Romney full circle, back to a question that has tugged at him for nearly two decades: What does he really believe?

Although he declared himself “severely conservative” during the ­Republican primaries, the former Massachusetts governor has been sounding more moderate in recent days.

There may be room for argument as to whether Romney’s positions are changing. But the emphasis and tone with which he describes them unquestionably are — on issues that include immigration, taxes, education and health care.

On Tuesday, the candidate, who has repeatedly vowed that he would be “a pro-life president,” told the Des Moines Register editorial board that “there’s no legislation with regards to abortion that I’m familiar with that would become part of my agenda.”

In an interview with ABC News on Wednesday, President Obama said the comment was “another example of Governor Romney hiding positions he’s been campaigning on for a year and a half.”

What remains to be seen is which Romney will be judged as the real one by voters. Will they consider his flexibility disturbing evidence that he lacks principles or a reassuring signal that he would not govern as an ideologue?

At a rally in Las Vegas, former president Bill Clinton mocked Romney’s shifts, saying they were evident in last week’s presidential debate, which was almost universally regarded as a win for the Republican.

“I had a different reaction to that first debate than a lot of people did,” he said, laying it on with his buttery Arkansas drawl. “I thought: ‘Wow, here’s old moderate Mitt. Where ya been, boy? I miss you all these last two years.’ ” {Read More}... Click here for the video.

Thanks so much Bubba for reminding America that back in the day you did the "center shift" from the left to center as well to govern effectively. For this America is grateful.

For those like me who view issues in a more philosophical and ethical light there remains the more ethical alternative.

Via: Memeorandum

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

STR/AFP/GettyImages

ABC News - ABC News has learned that Eric Nordstrom, the former Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Libya, has told congressional investigators that security at the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, was “inappropriately low” – and believed that State Department officials stood in the way of his attempts to change that.

Nordstrom and the commander of a 16-member Security Support Team, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Wood, heard that foreign fighters were flowing across the Egyptian border and were making their way across the border to the Libyan city of Derna – which is to the east of Benghazi — and from there were making their way to Benghazi. But State Department officials seemed oblivious to their Benghazi post’s vulnerability.

Nordstrom was worried -he did not know how much the Americans could rely on members of a local Libyan militia in Benghazi that provided security — the “17th of February Martyrs Brigade.” Mostly merchants and shopkeepers before the war, they seemed eager, but they hadn’t much experience and other than a daily $30 stipend for food from the U.S. Embassy, they hadn’t been paid in months.

Nordstrom had “no idea if they would respond to an attack,” he told investigators.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., will hold hearings on what went wrong today at noon ET. Nordstrom will testify at that hearing.

Nordstrom twice wrote to the State Department – in March and July 2012 — to beef up the presence of American security officers in Benghazi, but neither time was there a response. At no point from December 2011 through July 2012, when he left Libya, were more than three Diplomatic Security Service agents permanently and simultaneously stationed at the Benghazi post. {Read More}

If we are going to have American Ambassadors and staff in known unfriendly and dangerous area's of the globe wouldn't it seem prudent to significantly elevate the level of security? Apparently such isn't the case with the Obama State Department.

It will be very interesting watching how the investigation by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif will proceed. Given the State Department and Obama White House spin...

Rice and White House officials now say those initial accounts were based on early intelligence, since corrected. State Department officials now call the attack unprecedented given the number of gunman, weapons and lethal force used.

it is most certain Obama and his State Department will accept no responsibility.

Via: Memeorandum

Have I got a treat for you.

BirdAve is sharing the love! If you are a follower of this site, (just click on the blue 'Join this site' button to the right there), you can use the code BIRDAVE25 to get a 25% discount on the print of your choice. These are so reasonably priced already, this is a great deal!

Here are some of my faves.






Christmas is closer than you think. Now is your chance to get a jump on your Christmas list like you always swear you will do but never get around to doing. Check them out!

Slowly, but surely it came that time of the year when is all about : BLAZERS, LEATHER  JACKETS , PEACOAT and COATS in general, you name it , I wore it :)
Because the weather has changed these days, I wore this red coat that I found it in a thrift store( new with tag, ) for 20$.  It became a small DIY project: I cut the sleeves in order to give it a minimalism/modern look. The oversize design is exactly what I was looking in a coat this season. I paired it up with more patterns for a maximalist effect: H&M pants, striped blouse, animal print pumps and this cuff bracelet that I received from Robyn Rhodes. It had this bug design on it (so lovely ).
What categorie is your favorite this season ? Shoes or Coats?


P.S We have the winner of the Sheinside Giveaway : Congrats Martina , soon you will be contacted for more information. Thank you, everyone, for your participation !



                                                                     Cuff bracelet: thanks to Robyn Rhodes/ Here
                                                                     Coat: thrift store/ another favorite of mine Here
                                                                     Pants: H&M/ similar design Here
                                                                     Shoes: Dany Black / another great option Here
                                                                     Blouse: Jones New York
                                                                     Clutch: American Apparel/ another great design Here
                                                                     Sunglasses: Foster Grant / a very affordable pair Here

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Oops, Guess They're Catching On To Me

There are those who see little real difference between the statist proclivities of Obama and the like proclivities of Romney. For liberty advocates the real disappoint of course is that Gary Johnson, his record, and his vision were pretty much kept under wraps because of the powerful duopolistic system and Gary not being able to compete with the rEpublican and dEmocrat money machines. But as they say it is what it is so we deal with what we end up with. I'll be voting principle and conscience but a small part of me I suppose is smiling because the "lesser of two evils" has moved ahead.

THE HILL - Mitt Romney has overtaken President Obama in a Public Policy Polling survey released on Tuesday.

Romney won 49 percent support from likely voters in the poll, compared to 47 percent for Obama.

It’s the first time all year Romney has led in the poll, which was conducted on behalf of the liberal Daily Kos website and the Service Employees International Union. Obama led 49-45 percent in the group’s previous poll, conducted before last week’s debate.

Romney was boosted in the poll by gains among female voters. Obama still leads 51 to 45 over Romney among women, but he had a 15-percentage-point lead in the previous poll.

It’s the second poll in a row to show Romney swinging to a lead following his historic trouncing of Obama at last week’s debate.

A poll released Monday by the Pew Research Center showed Romney with a 4-point lead nationally. In the Pew poll, Romney enjoyed an 18-point swing among female voters.

Romney also stretched his lead among independents in the PPP poll to 48 percent to 42. In the previous poll he led 44-41 among independent voters.

The first debate between Obama and Romney has significantly shifted momentum in the race. {Read More}

Anyone betting on a threepeat?

Via: Memeorandum

Hey all! The gallery wall has gotten a spruce.

I was lucky enough to win a print from BirdAve Studio via Pawleys Island Posh right before my vacation and I finally got around to hanging it up.

It was hard to pick just one, and I'll definitely be getting more, but out of all the cities from all over the world I decided on Des Moines. Because of it's world class nightlife and excellent shopping of course. Actually it's where the hubs and I met (college) and it is a very happy place with very happy memories.


A great addition to the corner and one of the many perks of a gallery wall - the more the merrier. There is always room to add another special piece.

So how about you? Did you get to gettin' on any projects this weekend? Did you see the RHONJ reunion?  There aren't words for those ladies.

More spruces to come!

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Philosophic and Political Camaraderie?

A ruler who has proven himself to be anti USA at almost every turn has handily won reelection to the Presidency in Venezuela. Reports are voter turn out was 90%.

The Weekly Standard - Yesterday, Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez "won" reelection. Today, the White House is congratulating Venezuela on that outcome.

From the pool report, which details a gaggle held by White House spokesman Jay Carney:

-Carney said US congratulates Venezuelan people on its election, while noting the US has its differences with Chavez. {Read More}

Via: Memeorandum

I told you about Me Char Handbags and my collaboration with lovely Charmaine ( the designer)... Here I am wearing another bright minimalistic clutch from their shop. Because the weather was more beautiful than I expected, after a few not so great days, I made a comeback to the dress, sandals, and covered up with a J.Crew cardigan. It was Bogdan's cardigan, I wore it to ad an edgy touch to this feminine look( I like to go to his closet from time to time, I always find something great to wear ; )
The necklace is my newest piece from a mini collection of 15 pieces. In December, it will be presented in a jewelry exhibition, named: "Bittersweet Colours - Accents "You will see all the pieces before the exhibition...very soon, I promise :)




                                                                        Clutch : thanks to Me Char Handbag/ Here
                                                                        Cardigan: J Crew/similar Here
                                                                        Dress: H&M/ another great version Here
                                                                        Heels: Boutique 9/ similar Here
                                                                        Necklace: DIY /made by Bogdan and me

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

As the election draws ever closer it is becoming quite evident We the People are destined to get another screwing no matter which candidate prevails. I find myself just shaking my head and acknowledging the battle for liberties lost and ever again realizing the full natural rights of man is now but a fading and ever more distant dream of what once was.

We have slowly and willingly allowed the forces that propelled us to achieve greatness as a people and nation to be turned into a force that will ultimately destroy us. Witnessing the forces at work that have torn, and continue to tear at the philosophical principles this nation was founded on I no longer have the stamina or desire to describe that which should be clear to all. So I will allow another to say it. And say it with clarity, accuracy, and boldness...

Man's Rights - If one wishes to advocate a free society-that is, capitalism-one must realize that its indispensable foundation is the principle of individual rights. If one wishes to uphold individual rights, one must realize that capitalism is the only system that can uphold and protect them. And if one wishes to gauge the relationship of freedom to the goals of today's intellectuals, one must gauge it by the fact that the concept of individual rights is evaded, distorted, perverted, and seldom discussed, most conspicuously by the so-called "conservatives."

"Rights" are a moral concept- the concept that provides a logical transition from the principles guiding an individuals actions to the principles guiding his relationship with others- the concept that preserves and protects individual morality in a social-context-the link between the moral code of a man and the legal code of of a society, between ethics and poliics. Individual rights arev the means of subordinating society to moral law.

Every political system is based on some code of ethics. The dominate ethics of mankind's history were variants of the altruist-collectivist doctrine which subordinated the individual to some higher authority, either mystical or social. Consequently, most political systems were variants of the same statist tyranny, differing only in degree, not in basic principle, limited only by the accident of tradition, of chaos, of bloody strife and periodic collapse. Under all such systems, morality was a code applicable to the individual, but not to society. Society was placed outside the moral law, as its embodiment or source or exclusive interpreter-and the inculcation of self-sacrificial devotions to social duty was regarded as the main purpose of ethics in man's earthly existence.

Since there is no such entity as "society," since society is only a number of individual men, this meant, in practice, that the rulers of society were exempt from moral law; subject only to the traditional rituals, they held total power and extracted blind obedience-on the implicit principal of: "The good is that which is good for society (or for the tribe, the race, the nation), and the ruler's edicts are its voice on earth."

This was true of of all statist systems, under all variants of the altruist-collectivist ethics, mystical or social. "The Divine Rights of Kings" summarizes the political theory of the first- "Vox populi, vox dei", of the second. As witness: the theocracy of Egypt, with the Pharaohs as an embodied God-the unlimited majority rule or democracy of Athens- the welfare state run by the Emperors of Rome- the Inquisition of the late Middle Ages-the absolute monarchy of France-the welfare state of Bismarck's Prussia-the gas chambers of of Nazi Germany- the slaughterhouses of the Soviet Union.

All these political systems were expressions of the altruist-collectivist ethics-and their common characteristic is the fact that society stood above the moral law, as an omnipotent, sovereign whim worshiper. Thus, politically, all these systems were variants of an amoral society.

The most profoundly revolutionary achievement of the United States of America was the subordination of society to moral law. {Emphasis mine}

Profound truths. However, until such time as the educational system, the business community, our corrupt politicians, and the general electorate understands these moral and ethical principles, and begins to respect and practice them this nation will continue it's reactionary slide back to the tyrannical past from which it initially rebelled.

Sadly, neither major political party and by extension neither candidate has a clue. At this point in the game I wonder how many Americans really have a clue any longer as well.

For more information on the above quoted work please visit here.