Happy Thanksgiving All!

I am grateful for all my blessings and gifts!

May all of you be blessed with Abundance, Prosperity, Radiant Health and Divine Love.

With Thanks to all of You!

Kathleen

Embracing Change on the Week of my Birth

"The now of the present hour must be utilized as a chalice of spiritual opportunity. Life must be indulged by its highest objectives, honored by the adoration of exalting principles, and merited by selfless service. Beloved people, the power to change is within every man. Prefer this power and venerate it above every limiting condition, and watch the alchemy of Self expand!

Everyone should see his life-at any age or time-as amenable to change for the better and himself as possessing the capability to surmount any condition at will."

St. Germain

Sunrise in Scotland

Ahh Scotland...the land of beauty, strength, and beautifully strong men! David took this photo just outside his home on the coast in Scotland.

"Celebrity Goddess" Lazetta Church

Most of you know I have been taking Belly Dancing Classes this summer and have really enjoyed the beauty and art form of the dance. Recently I had the pleasure of taking a class with Lazetta Church which was kindly organized by Joyce Stephen from Keller Williams. Lazetta has danced for international festivals, restaurants, parties, cultural events and community fundraisers. She has been performing this dance style since the early 1980's and has taught the program to students from all over the world. Lazetta brings all of her spirituality and passion into her classes and the evening was not only fun but inspiring to see how the art of belly dancing allows us to connect with our Inner Goddess.

Lazetta, tell our readers about your business Mystical Muse Designs?

"Mystical Muse offers several services: Belly Dancing, Handcrafted wearable art, Astrological charts, Dance and Meditation Workshops, and Meditation Mandalas."

Explain to our readers the health benefits of belly dancing.


"I teach belly dance and meditation to stay fit physically, mentally and emotionally. The movements and dance styles support grace, beauty and sensuality, while strengthening the body from the inside out. Belly dancing helps reduce physical, mental and emotional stress."

Christian Louboutin's "Psychologic"

Christian Louboutin goes Hollywood Director for the opening of his new boutique in Los Angeles. Check out this fabulous homage to Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho". As always....the shoes are absolutely DIVINE!!!!

"The New Paradigm of the Sexy Man"© by Kathleen Grandfield

When you hear the words “sexy man,” what thoughts do they conjure up? Just what is it that gives a man sex appeal? Many times sex appeal is defined in terms of the physical body. “Players” with an unparalleled charm…tall, handsome hunks with deep penetrating eyes that mentally undress us sending chills down our spine. With their hard, buff bodies and edgy personality players have, in the past, successfully seduced the knickers off us. OK, I admit that I am guilty of being beguiled by their charms. But I am now determined, with your help, to give the term sexy man a new definition. By getting rid of preconceived societal notions of what makes a man sexy, we could completely create a new paradigm of the sexy man as one who embodies balance in his life; someone who cherishes their relationship and nurtures it instead of sport dating and one night stands.

Over the past month I have interviewed women in their 20’s through their late 60’s. I invited them to share with me their thoughts and views on what a sexy man looked like to them. Here are some of the results of the survey:

A Sexy Man is….

One who knows himself on a soul level
One who possesses inner peace
One who knows who he is
One who is aligned with his authentic self
Comfortable in his own skin
Respectful of a woman’s opinions
One who is sensitive to a woman’s needs
One who is not afraid to show his vulnerability
Spiritually connected
Confident but not egotistical
Someone who values time with his family
One who is not afraid to admit his mistakes
One who is not afraid to say he’s sorry
One who is willing to make the extra effort to nurture a relationship
One who is willing to make sacrifices for his family
One who is as comfortable working on a peace mission in a third-world country as working in a boardroom
A good listener
Intelligent
Generous
Protective
Humorous
Tender
Patient
Sincere
Ambitious

One attribute of the sexy man that came resounding through is that he is not afraid of commitment….think of President Barack Obama, Sting, Pierce Brosnan, Hugh Jackman, and Jon Hamm. Not only do they not shy away from long-term commitment but they publicly embrace it. For a while, commitment and marriage were not in the sexy man’s vocabulary. Somewhere along the way, commitment and masculinity were deemed mutually exclusive. Enter Bradley Boyd... who, after hearing of his friends unsuccessful attempts at finding long-term relationships, created the new website SetforMarriage.com. Bradley wanted to dedicate the site to those who were tired of the sport dating of some of the other popular dating sites. The site is devoted exclusively to those who want to find the perfect mate who also has the desire to be in a committed relationship with the goal of marriage. It is not only Bradley Boyd shifting the paradigm but Alex Wellen, author of the novel “Lovesick” and CNN award-winning producer, has chronicled the new shift by interviewing men on how they approach commitment and marriage. Surprisingly enough, dozens have said they’ve fantasized about popping the question and getting married. Be still my heart…there is hope for this single girl at last!

And so it appears that the delicate balance of being sexy and embracing commitment has occurred. This has opened the door for all kinds of wonderful attributes to be accepted and recognized as sexy. See guys…you can relax now. The pressure is off. You can be sexy even if you don’t have six-pack abs. If you are intelligent, in touch with your authentic self, and embracing your life’s mission—it doesn’t get sexier than that!

Winefest Photos pre-Storm!

We got hit hard with monsoon like weather on Saturday but came back strong for a great Wine Festival!

Austin Wine Festival 2009!

I am excited to be one of this year's vendors at the 2009 Austin Wine Festival ( www.austinwinefestival.com) . Wineries from Lampasas to New Braunfels and Fredericksburg to Dripping Springs have bloomed from a pioneering few, into an internationally awarded and recognized wine region. Designated as the #2 Fastest Growing Wine Destination in the Nation, second only to Napa (Orbitz Insider Index) and the #1 of the best "Places to Go This Summer" (The New York Times), the Austin Wine Festival (AWF) is the place to be and be seen. This is a three day event May 23rd through May 25th at the Domain.

There will be loads of vendors...myself included....live music and a Vinter Club and Wine Bar with comfy seating to relax and enjoy your new wine finds. My daughter Courtney (www.CourtneyArte.com) will also be there with her fabulous art!

We look forward to seeing all of you there this weekend!

A Votre Santé!

Happy Easter!

Enjoy these lovely flowers with the music of Dimitri from Paris!

Olivene CZ Teardrop Earrings

Olive CZ Teardrops in 14K Gold Fill with Stardust Gold Beads and handwoven in Swarovski Vitrail Medium crystals.These are not Recessionista prices but nonetheless remarkably opulent for the price. $80

Olive Pearl Earrings

Fun and Feminine Olive Shell Pearl Earrings with swinging sashes of gunmetal chain and suspended Rose Swarovski Crystals. Grab them for $25.

Delicate Filigree Earrings with Swarovski Rhinestones

Small, Feminine, and Delicate Antique Brass earrings with center stone in Swarovski Crystal AB, mini Tabac Swarovski Rhinestones, and Suspended Swarovski Crystals. $40

Copper Filigree Earrings

Lacy copper Filigree earrings are accented with Pacific Opal Swarovski Rhinestones, center Swarovski Lt. Colorado Rhinestone, Swarovski Pacific Opal crystals and mini swirl glass beads. $40

Vintage Red Scroll Pendant Necklace

Another wonderful piece which features vintage Gold chain and a Vintage Red Scroll Pendant brushed in Gold, Swarovski Crystals, and mini charms dangling from the pendant. The charms are a small gold dagger, Roman coin, and fleur de lis. This necklace has all my signature touches including a back charm and at $50 is a great buy to wear right now.

Recessionista Jewelry

As promised to those who get my newsletter. Here are some photos of the new jewelry I have done. All the pieces are $50 and under. Please feel free to call or e-mail if you would like to order them.

Opening photo of Vintage Brass Lariat with Swarovski Crystals, Chocolate Brown Pearls and Swarovski Olive and Topaz Filigree Balls. $50

"Une Very Stylish Fille"

This music video is from one of my favorite DJ's that I had the privilege of seeing when I was living in London...Dimitri From Paris. When I hear this song I want to put on my long gloves and make a martini!

RISE 2009 Austin Texas!!!!

I am very excited to be a presenter at this year's RISE 2009 Conference. This is an incredible event not to be missed. All of the workshops are FREE!! Register for RISE - March 3-5.

RISE provides a forum for entrepreneurs to connect and exchange ideas that inspire the entrepreneurial spirit. RISE is thrilled to welcome John Mackey (CEO, Whole Foods Market) and Roy Spence (CEO, GSD&M Idea City), two of our city's most admired entrepreneurs, as the keynote speakers for RISE 2009.

Register online to participate in this free, three-day, SXSW-style event, where entrepreneurs will gather in small groups led by successful business leaders at locations throughout the Greater Austin area. Visit www.RISEAUSTIN.org and click on “Attend a Session” to see the calendar and pick your sessions. Sign up today – seating is limited to the first 25 participants for each topic.

I am co-presenting with my colleague Christina Carlin and our event will be on March 4th from 4-5:30p.m. at the Mexican American Cultural Center. Our workshop is called "Spa for the Soul"- Entrepreneurial Survival skills for 2009. We are planning an exciting interactive session and hope you will join us. Each person will receive some of my "Affirmation Chocolates"™ and an Entrepreneur Survival bag full of surprises. Log on to the RISE website and click on March 4th to sign up for the class today!

The Day South Austin Stood Still!!!

Holy Mole Batman!

Spud Love....What can I say... I'm a hopeless Romantic who Loves to Cook!

I reached in a bag of fingerling potatoes and pulled out this lovely heart shaped spud!

I hope all of you have a romantic St. Valentine's Day!

And remember...LOVE YOURSELF!

Wine and Chocolate Party

Please join me for a wonderful Charity Event in San Antonio. I will be providing the "Chocolates" for a Wine and Chocolate Event presented by "Designed to Shine" and Shelly Golibart. This event will benefit "Shine On" a non-profit company helping women with financial and other needs to grow strong and independent.

Here are the event details:

Wine & Chocolate Party to be held at:

Rio de Vino
7271 Wurzbach
San Antonio, Texas
Thursday Februray 12th
5:30 - 7:30p.m.


Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Hors d'oeuvres and Entertainment
Silent Auction, Door Prizes & Raffle
Bring a friend, $25 per person

I will have some wonderful truffles including "Kiki's Quemada" Truffles with Fleur de Sel, my" Italian" Truffles, and a "Deep Dark" Truffle with Toasted Hazelnuts as well as the Freshest Chocolate Dipped Strawberries in both Dark and White Chocolate. I will be on hand to assist you with your pairing. I hope you can join us and indulge and at the same time benefit a great cause for local women.

Valentine's Shopping Event !

Please join me at the "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not Valentine's Gift Shopping Event.

Saturday, February 7th
5PM - 8PM

Boticelli's Restaurant
1321 S. Congress
Austin, Texas


This is a wonderful event for couples who are looking for special gifts for each other. I will have some beautiful hand painted chocolates available for purchase and there will also be jewelry, scented body products, and couples Angel Readings all for your enjoyment. All of the vendors are donating part of the proceeds to the Mona Foundation which supports educational initiatives and raises the status of women and girls around the world.

Don't miss this annual S. Congress Event by supporting our local vendors and at the same time donate to a wonderful cause!

"Ripple Back To Work"

This is a special message to all of you ladies who are interested in getting back to the workforce. Steve Harper founder of the " 8 Minute Ripple" is hosting a women's only event on January 15th for those of you who are interested in re-entering the workforce.
Check out the website at www.ripplemebacktowork.com. This will be a great event for those women who want to polish their skills at connecting and get some insight from a recruiter about their resume. I have personally attended one of Steve's "Ripple" events and it was a wonderful "outside the box" way of connecting with individuals in a meaningful way.

Space is limited and registration and acceptance is on a first come first serve basis so sign up early!

Start 2009 off with a "Ripple"!

Happy 2009!

I am so grateful to all of you who have visited my blog! May 2009 be a year filled with Love, Peace, Prosperity, Good Health and Lots of Laughter!