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Textures, patterns, classic style combined with a fun twist ... all together in the today's look. A crisp Fall morning asks for a fuzzy jacket, and because just last week I received this white jacket from Sugarlips.com, it was just perfect to take it for a first walk. I was never pro fur, but a faux jacket is a fun touch to any outfit:)
I hope you like my mix ;))

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


Debate night one is in the history book. Spinning by both sides has progressed nicely and of course as expected. However, few who actually watched the debate in its entirety would dispute who the stronger, most assertive, and presidential candidate was, thus "winning" the debate. Romney was unquestionably that winner on last night.

Presidential debates are, or at least should be more about the issues facing Americans and the nation they inhabit than the theatrical. But as we all know perception is reality to most people and thus Romney won hands down on perception.

Romney was confident, upbeat, strong and convincing in his delivery. He had a good grasp of the issues and really took the debate to the President. He in short was having fun as well as debating.

Obama on the other hand seemed distracted, halting, at times unsure. He reminded us more of a professor (which he is) than an effective leader. At times it appeared as though he just didn't want to be there. He actually looked tired and defeated at times.

Sorting through the statements made by the candidates as well as deciphering the pundits commentary in the attempt to separate truth from partial truth or outright falsehoods can be a daunting task. With the busy lives most people lead, many of them busy trying to find a good paying job, it is difficult to keep on top of all the facts. When knowing the facts is the basis on which individuals ought to be making their decision on who to vote for.

Unfortunately some qualified candidates for the job of president do not get a place at the debate. Complements of the great American political system know as the American duopoly. But I digress.

Here are some snippets to help sort things out a bit, or perhaps generate more questions.

CNN - Last night's debate was full of numbers and bold statements. Check out a slate of fact checks from the team at CNN: Fact Check: Job creation versus unemployment {More}

New York Daily News - Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney spun one-sided stories in their first presidential debate, not necessarily bogus, but not the whole truth. {More}

THE WEEK - Mitt Romney stretched the truth in the Denver debate. So did President Obama. A look at how various nonpartisan fact-checkers scored the debate {More}

THE BLAZE - Here Are Some of the Biggest Economic Fibs & Untruths From Wednesday’s Debate -

Editor’s Note: The following “fact check” was composed by The Associated Press. Below, find the inconsistencies the AP claims to have found during last night’s U.S. presidential debate. {More}

After all was said and done I am now more sure than ever I won't be changing my vote.

Via: Memeorandum

Fall colors are in town! Last Sunday, I couldn't resist to take a walk with Bogdan in the park. I was excited to wear a white/ivory outfit with this beautiful bright yellow clutch that I receive from Me Char.com. At New York Fashion Week I had the pleasure to meet the designer behind these leather goods, Charmaine, with whom I started a collaboration. You can find this great clutch in a variety of colors and many other beautiful designs at :
http://www.mecharhandbags.com/ . Visit her shop and tell me your opinion about her qualitative line of handbags!



                                                                           Clutch: thanks to Me Char.com /Here
                                                                           Sweater: DKNY/ another great option Here
                                                                           Pants: J.Crew/similar Here
                                                                           Shoes: Aldo/ similar design Here
                                                                           Ring: Forever 21
                                                                           Necklace: DIY, made by me/ tutorial HERE

Happy Paint a Rug Party Reveal Day! Did you get the day off work? Just you wait, next year it will be a national holiday.

I've had three weeks to put this sucker together (catch up on week 1 and week 2 if you missed it) so let's see what we've got.

First, to answer the question from last week. The votes were a lot tighter than I thought (thanks to everyone who shared their opinion), with Navy/White squeaking out a win. However, I forgot about one important voter - the hubs. He came home that night and said 'yeah, I don't want a pink rug.' I was so impressed that he actually read it, that I gave him the deciding vote. So Navy/White it is. (Don't worry, you'll be seeing the raspberry somewhere else soon)

As I mentioned in week 1 I read thru a few tutorials and decided what I would need to make this happen. With the kids in bed and a nice cocktail in hand. I got started.

The rug was brand new ($9 from HomeGoods) so no cleaning was needed. If you were doing this with an existing rug, I would make sure you vacuum the crap out of that sucker before painting.
The first coat of paint needs to be the color under the tape (remember that whole negative space thing) so the white paint went on first. I just used some Kilz (in white) I had on hand and mixed it with one bottle of fabric medium. But I didn't measure it out exactly. I guess I'm more of a chef than a baker. Anyone who watches Top Chef knows this difference.

The first coat went on and I wasn't encouraged. The paint did not spread. At all. It basically just stays wherever you pour it. It took a lot of muscle to get that paint to spread at all. I tried both a brush and a roller and found that the brush is best to begin with to get in all the little crevasses. (with a sisal rug)  Then, finish off with the roller.

THREE coats later (2 coats with a brush and 1 with a roller), here is where the night ended.

With Step 1 complete, I let it dry overnight.

Next up. Tape.

I made my two base lines, making sure that the tape met right in the middle of the rug (the only measuring I did.)
I thought I'd have to measure out each piece of tape to make sure everything was consistant. But to my great pleasure, once I had the middle taped and knew that it was in the center of the rug, I realized I just needed to tape from that center outward in each section and they would all work out to be even.


So using my level as my spacer I taped out the first section.


It spaced out perfectly. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

It can get a bit confusing to keep track of which lines should go which way so it is best to think by section. The lines of each section should go the opposite way of the lines from the previous section. Clear as mud?

With the rug taped out, I pressed the hell out of that tape working to get it as tight as possible to limit bleed.

Then, I poured out my paint and fabric medium to mix together. Hmm, I could have sworn the paint chip I gave to Home Depot was Navy. This looks awfully...royal.

Worried about the color, I went ahead with the first coat. It covered only slightly better than the other paint, probably because there was already 3 coats of paint that had filled in some of the gaps in the rug. However, you still gotta put some muscle into it.

After the first coat it still looked more royal than navy. I tried not to freak out and hoped it would get darker once it was dry.

No dice. Not blue enough and not the color on the chip. Mistint. Not cool Home Depot. Not cool. Luckily my brilliant hubs suggested we add some left over Farrow&Ball black to darken it up a bit. Extra birthday present for you my dear. So I mixed in some black and arrived at a color I think I want to market. I will call it Midnight in St. Louis. It will sell like hot cakes.

Much better. Just like with the white, I went ahead and did three coats of the blue as well. I let it dry, again, over night. Then pulled off the tape to discover this.

Wahoo! I was actually really impressed with how well the tape did to prevent bleed. There are a few spots that could use some touch ups, but I've decided I kind of like the imperfections. And I'm not at all saying this because I'm tired of painting this sucker.

It looked so good I decided it was the perfect addition to the kitchen.  It's happy and does a great job of hiding all of the things that someone seems to drop in front of the sink.

It also feels a lot better under foot than I had anticipated. Not sticky and maybe even a little less scratchy that plain old sisal.
I'm glad I did this and I'm happy with how it turned out. I say give it a try. It's much easier than you would have thought. Thanks Linda for thinking this fun up!

Now let's go check out how all the other ladies did!

Pawleys Island Posh

The Pink Pagoda

Room Rx

Seekers Bazaar

Simple Details

Trapped In North Jersey

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

Debate #1 is now history. We have heard what the news networks and pundits have said. What is important is what you the people have to say.

So... what say you?

In the today post I want to tell you about a project that I was invited to take part to Poshlocket.com. It is an online jewelry shop, that I was collaborating with before and that asked me and another two bloggers to be "Style Contributors"for their blog. I pleasently accepted and, as a first item to style, I choose this sharp gold and leather bracelet. The theme was"Fall blazer and jewelry". It was not to hard to put this look together: leatherette pants, striped Zara t-shirt and a white blazer. A pop of color came from my Joe Fresh bag and the look was complete.
I hope you like it !
P.S. Here you can see more about this project :http://blog.poshlocket.com/2012/10/style-contributors-jewelry-with-fall.html



                                                                           Bracelet: thanks to Poshlocket.com/ Here
                                                                           Ring : thanks to Poshlocket .com/ Here
                                                                           Blazer: thanks to Lulu's.com/ similar Here
                                                                           Pants: H&M/ similar Here
                                                                           Heels: Zara
                                                                           T-shirt: Zara 
                                                                           Bag: Joe Fresh/ similar design Here
                                                                           Sunglasses: Ray Ban/ similar Here

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

h/t The Daily Caller



Hmm? Follow the link for the full story.

Via: Memeorandum

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

As more information continues to surface we can be sure the Obama administration will find new and ingenious ways to keep its spin in high gear. Staying in power, even when undeserved, is the top priority. No mater what it takes.

Daily Beast - Jihadists twice set off explosives at the consulate prior to the incident that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens, and announced threats on Facebook about escalating attacks on Western targets in the run-up to the 9/11 anniversary, according to whistleblowers reaching out to House Republicans.

Skip

Until Sept. 19, eight days after the consulate attack, senior administration officials had said it resulted spontaneously from riots at the U.S. embassy in Cairo against an Internet video denigrating the Muslim prophet. Spokesmen for the State Department and the National Security Council did not return emails late Monday evening.

Rep. Chaffetz told The Daily Beast Monday that the allegations detailed in the letter were based on whistleblowers he described as “people who have firsthand knowledge of the incidents themselves.” Chaffetz declined to provide more details about the whistleblowers other than to say they were U.S. government employees...{Read More}

Indeed. One has to wonder where the MSM will eventually land on this one. Given the MSM's demonstrably pro Obama bias it is likely the "hush" will be ignored or glossed over by the MSM. A great disservice to our republic for sure.

For more news and insightful commentary; Power Line, The Daily Caller, The Washington Examiner, and THE OTHER McCAIN.

Via: Memeorandum

Happy Tuesday!

I'm over at My Crafty Home Life today talking about my idea of Nantucket style. Head over and check it out!

Hello everyone ! It is Tuesday, the week has just started for me with the thought of bringing you some joy: a new GIVEAWAY!
Robyn Rhodes, an excellent online jewelry shop, will offer a 75$gift card to one of you to spend on her shop. Believe me, you will have what to chose from. In the photo bellow I chose to show you some of my favorite items, and most of them are under 75$.
Here are a few requests to enter the giveaway :

1. Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect or Facebook Page HERE
2. LIKE Robyn Rhodes' Facebook Page HERE and also follow them on Twitter HERE.
In addition , you can leave a comment on the page or tweet about which piece you would choose if you would win.
3. Leave  a comment under this post with your name and email address.

As always, this giveaway is takes place worldwide, and the last day to enter it is Wednesday October 10. Good luck to all of you !
P.S. If you want to participate in more giveaways, just click HERE: A Sheinside GIVEAWAY  waiting for you to enter:)

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


While Obama is leading in a CNN poll two days before the presidential debates there remains opportunity for Romney to close the gap. Obama's lead is within the margin of error.

Understanding polls are at best statistical indicators of public sentiment, and they can be manipulated through the process of weighting, I do not place an abundance of faith in polls. I decided to post these results mostly as a realistic reminder to the euphoria the left seems to be enjoying at the present moment.

Polls by ABC News/Washington Post, Politico/George Washington University, and American Research Group indicate a tight race as well. CNN has averaged the results of all four polls as well as a Fox News poll of last week and the results show Obama at 49% and Romney at 46%, again within the margin of error.

It is clear Romney still has a window of opportunity if, 1) he handle himself well in the presidential debates and provides positive and definitive answers as to his vision and plans for how to get the American economy on track and reduce our national debt and balance the budget , and 2) he remains gaffe free.

Given Obama's vulnerability on recent events in Benghazi and his administration's early attempt to cover up the truth, combined with his vulnerability on the economy and stubborn unemployment stats, really offers Romney a very real window of opportunity. It remains to be seen if he is up to the task of turning public opinion to his favor.

Washinton CNN - Two days before the first presidential debate, a new national survey indicates a very close contest between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney in the race for the White House.

And according to a CNN/ORC International poll, neither candidate appears to have an edge on the economy, which remains the top issue on the minds of Americans and which may dominate Wednesday night's debate on domestic issues in Denver.

Fifty-percent of likely voters questioned in the CNN survey, which was released Monday, say that if the election were held today, they would vote for the president, with 47% saying they would support Romney, the former Massachusetts governor. The president's three point margin is within the poll's sampling error.

Three other national polls of likely voters released in the past 24 hours also indicate a tight race. The other surveys are from ABC News/Washington Post, Politico/George Washington University, and American Research Group. A CNN Poll of Polls which averages all four surveys plus a Fox News poll released late last week puts Obama at 49% and Romney at 46% among likely voters.

In the CNN/ORC poll, the national horse race stands pretty much where it was just before the two back-to-back party conventions in late August and early September.

"That's a strong suggestion that whatever bounce President Obama received from his convention has, as expected, faded away," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "That's why they call them 'bounces'."

When it comes to issues, the survey indicates that Obama and Romney are effectively tied when likely voters are asked which candidate would best handle the economy. Romney, however, appears to have an edge on the top two economic issues: unemployment and the budget deficit. Obama, by contrast, has the advantage on a variety of non-economic domestic issues such as education, Medicare and health care, and also polls strongly on taxes, traditionally a GOP issue. All of these issues will most likely be debated by the candidates Wednesday night.

The president has a 52%-45% advantage over Romney on foreign policy, which will be the focus of the third and final showdown between the two candidates on October 22.

But debates are not just about issues; voters judge the candidates' personal qualities as well. Among likely voters, Obama's personal favorability rating is 52%, with 48% saying they view the president in an unfavorable way. The president's numbers are basically unchanged since mid August, before the conventions.

The public is divided on Romney, with 49% holding a favorable impression of him and 50% seeing him in a negative light. Romney's favorable rating was at 50% and his unfavorable at 46% in mid-August.

When the dust settles after the debates, it will all come down to turnout and getting out the vote, and the poll suggests when it comes enthusiasm, neither campaign seems to have the upper hand. {Read More}

Indeed the race remains tight. Either candidate can win the race. But for Romney the task is decidedly a bit tougher. For him to pull it off will require stellar performance in all three debates, he must remain gaffe free, he must give America reasons to vote FOR him rather than against Obama, and then hope his efforts will excite enough of the electorate to get out and vote for him.

Editor's Note: I'll be voting for the alternative, Gary Johnson. So should all liberty minded people who want to see real POSITIVE change in America.

Via: Memeorandum

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


Apparently the Obama Administration really is shameless. Some might even say it is despicable. In choosing to use the letter sent to him by a 25 year old women with Down Syndrome to further politicize Romney's 47% remark, even though his remark had nothing to do with this women's situation (or any similar one either) is a new low even for the Obama Administration.

Letter from Brittany...

Dear Mr. President,

Hello! My name is Brittany and I live in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. I am 25 years old (but I will be 26 on October 3rd!). I am a registered Democrat and I have been voting since I was 18. I am one of the 47% of Americans who fall under Mitt Romney's definition of "entitled" and "unable to take responsibility for my life." I have Down syndrome.

I started working part-time in 2004 when I was in high school. I graduated in 2008 and have worked at that job ever since. My employer receives money from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare so that I can work, and the public transportation people receive money from them to take me back and forth to work. My mother applied for Social Security's Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) for me when I was 19. I really want to make lots of money and have a hot tub someday, but SSI subtracts my paychecks from my SSI benefits, so I don’t have much to put into a savings account.

I am now working for a store, folding clothes and doing returns. I like my job a lot! I make $4.98 an hour and I am allowed to work 25-30 hours a week (I have paid $542.72 in federal, FICA, state, and city taxes this year as of August 31st). I just got my own apartment and share it with another girl like me. I get to pay rent now ($325 a month) and pay for my telephone and cable because I like the Disney Channel. I was not allowed to take my dog with me, but I can hang all of my Hannah Montana posters on my bedroom wall. My mother still has to help me with my medications and handling my money and stuff.

I have also included my picture, not just because I'm cute, but because I wanted to give you a face of one of the 47% to share with Mr. Romney.

I wish you would come to Pennsylvania because I would really like to meet you.

Please say hello to your wife, Michelle, for me. I wish I could live in the White House, too, and I like your dog, Bo.

—Brittany

P.S. My mom and her friend helped me write this.

The President has a record of insensitivity with respect individuals such as Brittany. In 2009 while on the Letterman show he made the following comments, presumably in an attempt at humor.

From The Telegraph. - Asked by Mr Leno, who hosts the show, if he had been practicing bowling in his Washington office, Mr Obama joked that his highest score was the extremely low total of 129.

“That’s very good, Mr President,” Mr Leno interjected in a sarcastic tone.

Mr Obama then countered that the score was “like the Special Olympics or something”. {Read More At The Daily Caller}

One cannot help but wonder how those who have Down Syndrome children, or some other challenge, might feel about the Presidents lack of sensitivity. The answer to that musing cane be found at Babalú Blog.

Via: Memeorandum

I'm down with a bad cold today. I tried to call in sick, but the girls didn't give me the day off. However, I will be spending a lot of time looking over the new issue of Adore which is always filled with amazing spaces and is featuring a new space by Anna Spiro. Sure to make me feel better.