Dollybelle's Peepshow

Flirty Thursday: Embrace your Butterfly

I am changing the theme of Thursday a wee bit. I wanted to introduce a little more flirting into my life. I thought Thursday was the perfect day to do this.

To me, flirty energy is all about playful, lively fun, and positive self regard. It is about putting on that polka dot dress and those red shoes and letting your fun side shine.

Flirting does not always have to have a sexual agenda. In fact the best flirting is done with the most carefree attitude possible. Think butterfly who flits about embracing the joy of each moment so completely, that you just have to let it out.

I tried an experiment this week in which I flirted with my hubs-to-be just for the fun of it.

Full confession: He thought I was nuts. When he realized that I didn’t want him to wash the car or hang any shelves, he started flirting back! We ended up...no not that...we ended up going on an impromptu hike in the gorgeous LA hills and laughed the whole time. It was great. We hadn’t just enjoyed each other in a while. With the intention of letting my playful side out, it actually manifested in some rad together time with my guy!

Our house didn’t get clean, but it was worth it.

So Thursdays are all about embracing and celebrating your playful, sexy, flirty side.

Why not take your cutest top out of your closet and wear it just for the heck of it. Or take a long walk and skip when no one is looking. I actually tried this yesterday, and though I felt like an idiot, I laughed and had fun. I call that a success.

I would love to know what makes you feel flirty!

PS. The Winner of the adorable Shabby Apple dress is Kathy Ivie! How is that for flirty! I will email you with details!

Q & A Thursday: Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway!

Happy Thursday Glamour Girls!

The Shabby Apple is an amazing online shop what sells gorgeous vintage inspired women's dresses, little girls dresses, maternity dresses, and lots of adorable accessories! The Shabby Apple and me Christine Rose Elle are offering this darling dress to all my readers as a GIVEAWAY! Just in time for summer!

I love the crisp, fresh lines of this flirty wrap dress. Imagine a picnic date, or flea market fest in your very own Shabby Apple France inspired wrap dress! T strap shoes and a touch of rouge and Ohh la la! Meeeoww! Click on the photo to check out other glamour shots of this adorable dress. The winner will get this lovely wrap dress in their size! No exchanges, however. But I think this dress is so cute, who would want to?

So today's question is really simple.

Q: How do I win the above dress?

A: Sign up for the Pillow Talk Newsletter by clicking the icon with the gossip girl on the phone, enter your name and email. That's it! Winners will be selected at random from members of the Pilow Talk List! It is a double win because you will get my cute and inspiring newsletter that features updates and tips for being your most radiant self! If you are already on the list you are automatically entered. And your email stays private, I never share my candy darlings.

  

Q: What other kinds of adorable dresses does www.shabbyapple.com have?

A: My favorite thing about Shabby Apple is that they have a dress for every kind of mood! Perfectly cut, flattering vintage inspired little black dresses are perfect for all my Audrey Hepburn moods. Sexy blood red frilly dresses for my vampire moods, and all kinds of stripes, dots and prints for whimsical moods.

BONUS! You can recieve a 10% coupon code for your online purchases by "Liking" the Shabby Apple Facebook page. Click here. Then enter "dollybelle10off" at the time of purchase.

So enter the giveaway by joining the Pillow Talk Newsletter. Winner will be announced next Thursday. Good luck gals!

Q & A Thursday: What is Inner Radiance?

 

I realized the other day that for all the talk I do about finding and pursuing your Inner Radiance, that I have never fully and clearly defined what I mean by Inner Radiance. So today’s Q&A is dedicated to radiance.

 

1. What do you mean by Inner Radiance?

Radiance is a quality that goes beyond momentary happiness. It is joy of life that is so fully embodied that it flows out of you naturally and inspires others to be joyful as well. Here is the dictionary definition.

 

radiance |ˈrādēəns|

noun

1 light or heat as emitted or reflected by something : the radiance of the sunset dwindled and died.

• great happiness, apparent in someone's expression or bearing : the radiance of the bride's smile.

• a glowing quality of the skin, esp. as indicative of good health or youth.

2 Physics the flux of radiation emitted per unit solid angle in a given direction by a unit area of a source.

 

radiance

noun

1 the radiance of the sun: light, brightness, brilliance, luminosity, beams, rays, illumination, blaze, glow, gleam, luster, glare; luminescence, incandescence.

2. her face beamed with radiance: joy, elation, jubilance, ecstasy, rapture, euphoria, delirium, happiness, delight, pleasure.

 

2. What does it mean to be in my Inner Radiance?

It means living the life that you were meant to live, to your fullest potential by accessing your unique gifts. Unique gifts are those inherited talents and interests that you naturally embody and by utilizing them the quality of your life and activities are richer and more fulfilling.

 

3. How do I achieve Inner Radiance?

With a gentle approach toward self and willingness to be imperfect. By becoming curious and conscious about life and with the desire to be your highest self. Anyone can do it. We only have this life. You owe it to yourself and those who love you to be your highest most realized self, and live your fullest potential.

4. Can you help me find my special talent?

Your special talents, or gifts lie at the core of who you are. Mine were buried for a long time. Until I found them I felt like I was adrift on a sea of confusion. Taking the Character Strengths Test helped me clarify mine quite a bit, then I honed it from there. Some people just know what their talents are. I had an idea, but I always felt unsure or muddy about it. Getting clear was the most helpful thing I have ever done in terms of my own pursuit of radiance and quality of life. Getting clear gave me the compass I needed to point me into the direction of what fulfills me. So experiement a bit with the intention of getting clear.

Are you the type of person that has tried umpteen different hobbies, or careers but you abandoned or never finish? I am. And I used to think it was a bad thing. No longer. Now I see it as part of the path to clarity. When the bell rings you will know it.

Also, is there something you have always wanted to try but are terrified of? This is an indicator that is pointing you towards your gift. The fear part is good. It means there is juice there, and thusly growth potential.

5. How do I know when I find my special gifts?

Your gifts come naturally, but if you are like me some of them seem buried. It took me a while to hone my recognition of my gift. This is what I have come up with. See if you agree.

“I excel at communicating, listening, and inspiring others by expressing my curiosity, creativity, gratitude, and appreciation of beauty.”

When I am at my best, the above statement is true. Of course as a human, I am not always at my best. Thusly sometimes I fall short of my gift. But when I am in my radiance this is what I have to share with the world.

So the answer to the question is when you find your special gift it will be something that fulfills you so completely that when shared inspires others.

It is my dearest wish that by implementing my special talent, that you are inspired to be your highest self. I would love to know what your gifts are dear reader! Leave a comment and let me know!

In loving gratitude,

Christine

Q & A Thursday: Embarrassing Italian Moments.

 

I got quite a few questions this week about Italy. I am not sure why, but I always assume everyone has been there because it is one of those places that people fall in love with. Including me. The place is magical.

When I was there over the winter I promised myself that I would try to improve my Italian by engaging people in conversation. Every time I had to talk to a hotel clerk, taxi driver, or someone in the grocery store, I made a vow to ask at least one question.

 Pet peeve...When you ask someone a question in Italian and they answer you in English.

 This happened again and again. Not sure if people think they are doing you a favor, but it was a little frustrating when you are trying to learn. At the same time there were days when I totally forgot every word I knew and was waaaaay to tired to front enthusiasm for speaking a language that I stumble through.

 The biggest thing that helped me improve was letting go of the ridged perfection standard that I had set up for myself. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to say something and whatever I said came out so hilarious or unintelligible that whomever I was speaking with just laughed. When you try something new, you are going to make mistakes and feel embarrassed. It is just part of the territory.
So here are this week’s questions about embarrassing situations.

1. What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in Italy?

 Ok, I am going to be honest. There are too many to really put them all here, but one sticks out in my mind.
 First, let me just say Italians do many things really well. Designer fashions, cars, gelato, family. But theater aint one of ‘em. You would think that with their incredible history of opera and stage performances that they would excel in theater. Dear God, not so. In fact, I have been to probably ten or so live performances, and they have all not only sucked, but have been cringe-ably, laughably bad. Things usually go wrong right out of the gate too because they always want to take something “classic” and “modernize” it. Only their idea of modern is something circa nineteen ninety. Once I sat through a performance of the Glass Menagerie in which the entire stage was black and covered in newspapers, with Claudia Cardinale as the Italian Mother version of Amanda Wingfield. Cara Dio.

 Anyway, when I was recently in Venice, I was really dying to go to a show in the Venetian crown jewel, the gorgeous theater, La Fenice.
 La Fenice is straight out of a fairyland. It has amazing Rococo details and is just plain glorious. All this considering that it was rebuilt from a devastating fire in 1996. They did a truly amazing job with the reconstruction. (Another thing Italians do really well.) It turned out gorgeous.
 You can check it out!
http://www.teatrolafenice.it/

 So I was willing to see anything just to get a seat and enjoy the splendor. I figured, it is just music, how bad can it be?
 Holy. Shit.
 The show was a lyric opera about Fascism. Do I need to elaborate? Fine. The only stage set was a large gray scaffold-like structure that served as a back drop. Oh, yeah. Then there was a teeter-totter sculpture center stage in which the singers would “interact with” while singing such brilliant libretto like “Nooooooooo.” and “Siiiiiiiii.” While dressed in gray Carhart onsies, that were zipped up to the chin in sort of a torniquet fashion.

 I was seated in between two really snooty older Italian fancy ladies, and their husbands were next to them. Date night I suppose.
 The idea that I was in one of the world’s most glorious opera houses watching the cheesiest, shittiest lyric opera about fascism was making me want to giggle. Bad. But I managed to choke it back. (deadpuppiesdeadpuppiesdeadpuppies)

 But then.....the HOTTEST guy in Italy took the stage. I am not kidding. He was perfection. God like. His hunky beauty would have made you want to weep. He looked like Alcide (Joe Manganiello). He was tall and had dark, deliciously tousled bed head, and golden skin. ‘Twas the golden skin what did me in. He had his onsie unbuttoned practically to his navel, revealing a broad, hairless chest of perfection. During a quiet part. In a show about Fascism.

 A giggle burst forth. I tried to cover it with a cough. I honestly did, but the dam had burst. My gaffaw of disbelief riccoceted around La Fenice, bouncing off the delicately gilded walls leaving no corner of the accoustic space untouched. During a quiet part.

 So I was totally alone. Nary a friend to cling to. I couldn’t stop laughing. Oh, did I mention that I am American? Seated next to a sea of Italians that I am sure didn’t appreciate my disrespect to their plight. Curse you hot Italian Guy. I am never going to another theater performance in your country again.

2. Any other embarrassing moments you want to share?

 Sigh... as long as you are asking. This one actually pales in comparrison. Not sure why.

 Ok, so when I lived in Rome I was moving from one apartment to the next. I had been in my first apartment for six weeks so all my clothes were dirty. I had a washer in my new place so I was waiting to do my laundry there.
 The new place was about three blocks away and I was just going to grab all my junk and walk it over.

 The only thing I had to wear was a fancy party dress. It was the only foo-fee dress I brought with me from home. I hadn’t worn it yet because I was by myself I just hadn’t had anything really special to go to. But apparently the dress was special enough to wear three blocks to my new apartment. Only problem was all my undies were dirty, and bundled up ready for the washer. I only had to go three blocks sans panties. What could go wrong?

 Now in retrospect I suppose the dress was a little shorter than I had originally thought. But it was a simple case of too short dress and poorly timed gust of wind. Yeah. I think I was even walking by a motor cycle repair garage at the time. I don’t know. I have blocked it out. And to make it worse I had a mosquito bite on one of my bun cheeks. I mean, if you are going to flash a gaggle of randoms your ass than at least your butt could be lookin’ tight right? Life. She is cruel. But at least I can say I flashed my buns in the Pope’s house.

Q & A Thursday: Go ahead! Ask me anything!

Remember in that movie Precious when she was asked what she was good at? And she said “nuthin.” But turned out she was good at cooking? (God, Precious. I think I am still effed up over that movie…see it if you haven’t. Have Kleenex handy).

Anyhoo..

I thought it might be fun to have a feature in which I share what I am good at and answer your questions. Here is a list of topics that I know a little something about:

-The creative process.

-The pursuit of well being.

-The pursuit of personal growth.

-Learning self love and self care.

-Fashion.

-Films.

-Fabric.

-Shopping. (Actually, see Scrappy Jessi on this one. She rules. The woman has her finger on the pulse of rad products. Can’t touch it. Go to her blog. www.scrappyjessi.blogspot.com)

-Arts/crafts.

-Italian travel.

-Romance novel suggestions.

-Yoga.

-Dying pets and their care.

-Eating healthy, and meatless.

-Win/win negotiations.

-Costumes.

-Sewing.

-Writing.

(Notice that cooking is not on this list. I like to make soup and sandwiches. Maybe a salad. But I own one pan. And I have a wooden spoon that has black char-stains on it. Lets just leave it at that.)

 

The following topics…not so much.

-Gardening.

-Money management.

-Dancing. (Unless it is with the stars, fuggedaboutit. Incidentally I am in love with Hines Ward. I think I have a thing for sweet hunky bald guys. And that guy can dance! Shhyaa!)

-BBQ.

-Auto repair.

-Restaurant suggestions.

But try me. Who knows?

So, I’ll take four from the above column.

 

1. How old were you when you moved to Italy?

At the time I thought I was pretty old. Thirty-eight. Now I am older. Next question.

 

2. What do you mean by self love?

I am glad you asked. It is my firm belief that by cherishing and nurturing self we radiate the feeling to others. I strongly feel that this is one of life’s non-negotiables, and yet, most of us are so busy outputting, that there never seems to be enough time to take care of you. Stop. Rewind. Know that if you continue on this way you will suffer burn out and bouts of extreme unhappiness.

That being said, I had to learn this skill, and truth be told it is just starting to really come online. I was horribly self cruel for so long. My body knew it. My brain took it’s time catching up. It took me years to re-do the hardwiring.

So I know a lot about what it takes to care for self. Here is my tip of the day.

No negative self talk. Do anything you can to catch yourself in the act. Turn it around. So if your critic says something like “I am so dumb.” You catch yourself and say back “I know everything I need to in this moment, and I strive to learn and be my highest self.”

 

3.Who are your favorite fashion designers?

Top 5:

a. Alberta Ferretti.

b. Betsey Johnson.

c. Anna Sui.

d. John Galliano. (I know he a bit whacked, but seriously. I think he may be from another planet.)

e. Vivienne Westwood. (She just edged Marc Jacobs out by a smidge.)

 

4. What is your favorite place in Italy?

Oh God! You are going to make me pick! Ok. Here is my answer.

Rome is like my home and Venice is like my lover. (say to self with Italian accent) I love them both. I lived in Rome. I love Venice. They are both my faves. I have a fantasy that someday I will have an apartment in Venice overlooking a small intimate canal. And not by the elementary school where my last apartment was. Italian children are delightfully exuberant especially in the morning. I am convinced this is why they need coffee continuously throughout the day. The parents. Not the children.

 

So there you have it for this weeks Q & A! Email me or comment with any questions and I would be delighted to answer!