ROCKET MAN Lands On AMERICAN IDOL

Who is watching American Idol and who is voting?  You know you're out there.  I definitely am and this performance got my redial votes last night -- Paul McDonald singing Elton John's "Rocket Man".

ELTON JOHN NIGHT on American Idol

I am thrilled that the Idol contestants are celebrating the music of Sir Elton John.  I have been a fan since I heard the first note of "Your Song" many years ago.  One of my all time favorites albums is "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" with my favorite song from the album "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".

AMERICAN IDOL NIGHT

Usually, when I am watching American Idol, I am doing other things too.  Tonight while getting ready to tune in, I decided to find some interesting music quotes.  I found this one by Leonard Bernstein and couldn't agree more -- wouldn't it be great to watch without commercials -- just once!

The joy of music should never be interrupted by a commercial.  ~Leonard Bernstein

TWINS CONVERSATION

As a mother of twins, how could I possible resist doing a post on the latest video that has taken over YouTube.  Twins definitely do have their own communication -- I have no doubt!  This video is titled "Twin Baby Boys Conversation Part 1" -- hopefully you haven't seen this one yet.  If you have, it is still worth watching again -- I can't get enough of this, so cute!

CONGRATULATIONS ROD STEWART

Still going strong and a new dad again, Rod Stewart won rave reviews for his recent New York concert.  Feeling a little left out since I used to attend every concert, I found a clip from one I was at a few years ago.  Here's Rod singing "This Old Heart Of Mine". 

GYPSY WOMAN by JAY And The Americans

Searching for songs on YouTube by one of my all time favorites Jay Black, I came across this post from dunepaul9999.  I love it.  The song is a great example of the incredible range of Jay's voice.  Not only is it a fabulous song, the video is a fun blast from the past.  This is Gypsy Woman.

FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS

I can't think of anything more comforting than being in one's favorite pair of blue jeans.  Blue jean styles run the gamut this season, from jeggings and traditional boot legs to the once ultra popular wide trouser legs.  What a great way to express one's own personal style.  Blue jeans are fabulous because they can be worn almost every day and dressed up or down.   Here's the iconic Neil Diamond's anthem "Forever In Blue Jeans".




Visit my eBay store for a great, always changing selection of jeans.

PROM NIGHT

Prom Night is the most photographed night, second only to one's wedding day.  Trends for prom for both girls and guys is more relaxed and untraditional.  Prom fashion segments on TV have shown just about any look imaginable from vintage to current clothing, from heels to flats and sneakers.  Whatever you choose to wear to your prom, make it say "this is me" and have a great time and stay safe!!

Stop by my eBay store for some prom dresses and accessories.

Saturday FASHION QUOTE

"I don't design clothes, I design dreams."  RALPH LAUREN

Visit my eBay store to find some dreams of your own.

SPRING FORECAST -- NEON COLORS

Neon colors are all over the magazines as the "it" colors to wear this spring and summer.  If you are a little "color shy", here's an interesting way to bring neons into your life, neon nail polish.



Visit my eBay store for a great selection of nail polish.

STILL MISSING SIMON COWELL ON AMERICAN IDOL

There's plenty of talent of American Idol this season and I really do get a kick out of Steven Tyler.  However, I just think the judging has been rather whimpy and that can't possibly help the contestants.  They all want to go on to be professionals, so if they are always told how great they are, where is the room for improvement?
So, once again, I rambled through YouTube, missing the brutal honesty of Simon Cowell and found a clip to share

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OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY ADDITIONS

All I can say is "OMG" , I can't believe that that expression as well as "lol", "fyi" and "muffin top" have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

AMERICAN IDOL USES SAVE

What a dramatic evening on American Idol last night -- did you watch?  Casey Abrams was one of the bottom three.  Though he is not my favorite, I certainly felt he didn't belong there.  He is unique and seems to be a favorite of the judges which they proved last night.  America voted Casey off and the judges used their once a season "save" to keep Casey on.  It was emotional TV as the judges stopped Casey mid-song to offer him the great news.  Now, next week, two contestants must go.  Do you think the judges made the right decision?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELTON JOHN

Today, March 24, 2011, Sir Elton John turns 64.  Elton John is not only an amazingly talented artist but a great humanitarian who uses his fame and fortune to help others -- that to me makes a true star.


I remember the first song I ever heard by Elton John and where I was when I heard it.  My friend said to me "you have to hear this guy" and he put the LP on his stereo and I was mesmerized by this new artist.  Here it is, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did then and still do today, "Your Song.

Happy Birthday ELTON JOHN!!

AMERICAN IDOL -- Did You Vote?

I found last night's Motown Night disappointing both in performances and song choices.  It was odd for me as I usually find the Beatles night to be the real clinker of the season but loved it this year.  Honestly, when you think of it who can do the Beatles better than the Beatles?
But, back to Motown.  There are so many fabulous songs from that era, I felt a little "cheated" by the choices, some were actually not real Motown songs.  But, I have to say that I was not disappointed by my pick so far for this season Paul McDonald and his version of  "Tracks Of My Tears".  So, yes, I did vote -- did you?  If you voted who did you vote for, I'd love to know.

NATIONAL PUPPY DAY 2011

Today March 23, 2011 is the 6th anniversary of National Puppy Day. This celebration was created as an extension to National Dog Day.   National Puppy Day has helped get over 10,000 puppies adopted each year since it first began in 2005.  If there is room in your home and heart, please adopt a homeless puppy, dog or cat.

ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Offering condolences to the family and friends of the great Elizabeth Taylor who passed away today.  Not only was she an extraordinarily beautiful woman and talented actress, she was a great humanitarian. 

My first memories of Elizabeth Taylor was as a child,  seeing "Cleopatra" in the movies with my grandparents.

Rest in peace, Ms. Taylor.

CBS WANTS CHARLIE SHEEN BACK

So, as if this couldn't be predicted by a crystal ball, CBS has come up with a plan to have Charlie Sheen return to the HIT sitcom Two and a Half Men!  I wonder if a raise will be in order too.  While I agree that it is a shame to see the others on the show possibly lose their jobs because of Sheen's antics, should anyone really be rewarded for bad, inappropriate and unstable behavior?  What kind of message does that send?  Would someone in a regular workplace environment be invited to come back after carrying on the way Sheen did?  I think not, how about you?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWITTER

Today, March 21st is the official fifth birthday of TWITTER!!  Happy Birthday Twitter.  How many of you remember your first "tweet"?

HANDBAG SIZING GUIDE

Sometimes buying on line can be a mystery and sometimes makes us think twice.  I know I have had issues when purchasing handbags.  Even if the item is returnable, who wants to be bothered?  I would like to have a really good idea of what I'm getting.

So, I have done some "googling" and come up with this handbag sizing chart which hopefully will make decisions for all of us a little easier.  What exactly is a medium size bag or a large one?  What does a "drop" mean?  Here are some basic guidelines.

Visit my eBay store for a great selection of handbags.

MONDAY MONDAY by Jay and the Americans

It's Monday morning, finally spring and pouring here in New York with light snow predicted!  When I need a smile, I go to YouTube and look for music I love.  Hope you enjoy this version of Monday Monday by Jay Black and the Americans, originally done by the Mamas and the Papas.

The WONDERS Of FACEBOOK

A couple of days ago, I received a "FaceBook" message asking me if I was "....." from "....."!  Sure enough I am and responded to the message.  I am now in contact with people I haven't been in touch with for more than half my life.  And the funny thing is, the emails we have been sharing are as if we have been in touch for all this time.  It amazes me how people come in and out of our lives and even more so now thanks to the wonders of the internet.

So today, I would like to say thank you to FaceBook.  Not only are you a part of my eBay business world, you have reuinited me with my childhood and put a huge smile on my face!  Do you have a special FaceBook story -- please share it?

SNEEZING PANDA BABY

Something so cute to start you weekend off with a smile.  Watch how mommy panda reacts as her baby sneezes.

Are you a Facebook Fan?

Click to view

Caramia's Collection has a fan page and would like you to join us! Just "like" the page and leave a comment and please share a link to your page so we can like your page too! We are more than happy to return the favor. 

Facebook has opened up new opportunities allowing us to network and share GREAT content with our fans.

 

We greatly appreciate everyone that has already joined and we look forward to viewing your page and seeing what you have to offer online! 

What is a fan page? I remember when they were first introduced on Facebook, when they were called "Fan Pages" now, facebook calls them just "Pages" but we still consider it a fan page. Our fan page is a network of eBay friends, our family as well as our customers all united in one area at the Cara Mia's collection Facebook page.

If you've not liked us please do so today and share the page with your network AND don't forget to leave a comment HERE with a link to share your facebook page PLUS leave a comment on our page so our fans can see your page too! 

NETWORK WITH US ON FACEBOOK! 
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BE MY LOVE by Jay Black

After a long hard winter, Spring is just around the corner -- is a new romance in the air for anyone?
Thank you again to dunepaul9999 for a fabulous YouTube posting of a special song by Jay Black.

EX-GIRLFRIEND JEANS?

As fashion trends seem to change with the weather, I found an interesting new take on jeggings -- the ex-girlfriend jean.  The secret here is that these ultra snug fitting jeans are for men!  Okay, they are fun and can give a guy a kind of '60's bad boy rocker look or even the cute look The Beatles had back in the day, but do we really want to see this look on the street?!

NORMAN The SCOOTER DOG

I saw Norman on the news this morning and just had to share him with all of you.  He is just so cute -- hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

AMERICAN IDOL NEEDS SIMON

While I am slowly getting used to the mellow atmosphere on the new version of American Idol without Simon Cowell, I still miss the tension he brought.  So, once again, I let my fingers do the walking through YouTube and came across this fabulous moment shared by Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell.  Somehow, I don't think we'll be seeing anything like this again on American Idol.

PAUL McDONALD - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

My American Idol favorite, Paul McDonald!

St. Patrick's Day Trivia

What is the official color of St. Patrick?

According to Wikipedia:  BLUE!   For a variety of reasons, one of which, the three-leaf clovers that St. Patrick used to teach Christianity, green has become the color associated with St. Patrick's Day.

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Cararmia's Collection would like to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Did you know that St. Patrick was actually born in Wales, a little trivia to celebrate the day?!

To celebrate the day, I have also put just about everything in my eBay store on sale for at least one day -- some longer, so hope you will stop by.

Click here to visit my St. Patrick's Day eBay sale.

WATCHING AMERICAN IDOL

Watching American Idol and I have my favorite picked, Paul McDonald.  As a Rod Stewart fan, I see a "baby" Rod in Paul -- a Rod for this generation.  Do you have a your American Idol picked yet?

The MONKEES On TOUR

I receive emails of upcoming concerts and recently got one alerting all that The Monkees, minus one, are on tour.  As a baby boomer, I started to have warm memories of their fun TV show.  With YouTube, it is so easy to bring those memories to life almost instantly!  Hey, hey, here are The Monkees!!

WILL HE or WON'T HE??

So, tonight is the season finale of The Bachelor.  How many of us watch it and hate to admit it?  I find it a sad commentary on relationships, yet I am drawn to it each season.  This season, with the return of former bachelor Brad Womack, has really gotten to me.  This guy was awful the first time around and we are supposed to believe that he is a "changed" man and "ready for love".  Well, if that is true and it is not just fame and recognition he's after, why not look for a local girl!  He has mad it quite clear that he is not going to move for anyone.  There were several women he seemed really interested in who had established careers in their home towns, so off they were tossed -- no roses.  I don't believe he will marry his choice, that's if he makes one this time.  I also think maybe there would be more success stories on The Bachelor/Bachelorette if the producers picked geographically desirable candidates.  What do you think?

COCO CHANEL FASHION QUOTE

"Fashion is made to become unfashionable." -- Coco Chanel

If this is so, all the more reason to purchase gently used, pre-owned clothing at bargain prices and recycle your "unfashionable", unwanted pieces!

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE

Caramia's Collection offers its thoughts and prayers to all the victims of the Japanese Earthquake.

PRADA CREEPERS

If you are following the latest fashion news, you may have read that PRADA has created a hybrid version of a wing-tipped oxford, a sneaker and an espadrille and named it the "Creeper".  The shoes, at $795 a pair, are completely sold out with eager buyers waiting for the next shipments!  The shoes not only come in a variety of color combinations, but are available for men as well as women.  I know my feelings about them -- how about you?  Are you getting on a waiting list for these?

ECO FRIENDLY SHOPPING

I like to think of my eBay store as an eco friendly resource for fashion and special finds.  In these economically and environmentally challenged times, a fun and productive way to shop is in consignment and resale shops.  Why toss our former favorites out when they can be re-purposed and become a treasure to someone new?  I love hearing from my buyers about the enjoyment they are getting out of an item they have found in my eBay store.  I have just launched new sales and hope you will stop by.

Click here to visit my eBay store for great eco friendly items.

Charlie Sheen Road Tour

I haven't commented on all the insanity revolving around Charlie Sheen, but can no longer sit back silently.  At first I believed that he was playing the biggest joke on all of us and that he would be laughing all the way to the bank.  Today, however after seeing his latest antics on the news, I read in the New York Post that Mr. Sheen is taking to the road with a "comedy show".  I don't know how you feel, but I think the man needs help and sooner than later.  This is not comedy, this is not "winning", this is a major tragedy being played out on live TV. 

How NOT To Dress For Court

Lindsay Lohan has been in the news lately for a variety of reasons.  I personally think one of her biggest "offenses" is how she is showing up for her court appearances.  I don't know who is advising her, but she really should be showing better judgement in her choices of court appearance outfits.  There is a time and place for "runway" clothing and court is not one of them.

Visit my eBay store for great dresses.

GET SCARFED!!!

One of the easiest ways to update your look is with a scarf.  Scarves have been the "go to" accessories in recent seasons and continue to be so for spring.  Add a scarf for a pop of color around your face and completely change your look.  Vintage or new, silk or wool, get scarfed!!

Visit my eBay store to get scarfed!!

LOOK FOR THE RAINBOW

Working on my eBay store and looking out the window at an ugly cloudy day here in New York.  With a weather forecast promising a huge rainstorm, it's always nice to think of the rainbow that may follow.  Here's a great song from singer/songwriter/author Ed Rambeau called "Look For The Rainbow".

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY

Today, March 9th is World Read Aloud Day.  Take a moment to read aloud to your child, your parent, your pet or to yourself.  There is beauty in the spoken word -- read with enthusiasm and expression.  Wow, I remember a class in school where this was an assignment and I dreaded it.  But, how wonderful it is to think of sharing a special story or poem or book with a loved one or someone who doesn't have reading skills.

DANIEL CRAIG SUPPORTS EQUALITY

Daniel Craig, 007 to movie buffs, showed his support for women's equality in celebration of International Women's Day.

International Women's Day 2011

Today, March 8th marks the 100th anniversary of International Womens's Day, a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women past and present that is observed around the world.  There are celebrations all over the world commemorating this special day.

WHO INSPIRED OR INSPIRES YOU?

I DON'T WANT TO CRY

Once again, I have been roaming around YouTube and found this forgotten song by Jay Black and the Americans posted by dunepaul9999.  Jay Black's voice is incredible and has earned him the title "The Voice" -- well deserved.

LIKE Or DISLIKE?

Celebrity Apprentice -- new season begins tonight -- like or dislike?  Who's you pick for winner?

CARA MIA by Jay Black and the Americans

My eBay store, Caramia's Collection was named after my all time favorite oldies song Cara Mia, performed by "The Voice", Jay Black of the original Jay and the Americans.  Please enjoy the song.




Click here to visit Caramia's Collection.

DOGS Walk The CATWALK

Apparently fashion for pets is a growing industry.  Here are some fabulous photos of dogs struttin their stuff in their "finest".

Recommended Reading

Finished reading a fabulous book today, "Forbidden Steps", by new author Ed Rambeau.  The book is a real page turner filled with murder, mystery, love, family issues and twists and turns that you will never see coming!  The story kept me interested until the last sentence -- it is a must read.  It is currently available in eBook form.  When it becomes available in traditional book form, I will let you all know.  But, if you have a Kindle, Nook or other type of eReader, do not miss this great read -- pure entertainment!

Click here to purchase this book for the Kindle, the Nook, iBooks or in PDF format.

CAT FASHION SHOW

Fashion is not just something that we love, it has taken over the cat world.  For all of you cat lovers and even if you just "like" cats, take a look at this!

ARMANI On JEANS

"Jeans represent democracy in fashion."
Giorgio Armani

Visit my eBay store for a great selection of jeans.

GOOD NIGHT MY LOVE by Jay Black and the Americans

Watching American Idol with one eye and roaming YouTube with the other.  I came across one of my all favorite songs Good Night My Love, sung by Jay Black and the Americans and thought I'd share.  The YouTube posting is courtesy of dunepaul9999.  Hope you love it too!

MAGGIE MAE Arrives On AMERICAN IDOL

Well, I may still be having trouble dealing with the new judges on American Idol, but I must say that there are some really fabulous contestants this season -- some actually shining on the first night.  My favorite performance last night was Paul McDonald doing "Maggie Mae".  Do you have a favorite yet?

Today's FASHION QUOTE 3-1-11

"The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural."
Calvin Klein

Here is a stunning Calvin Klein look from the Red Carpet on Gwyneth Paltrow -- simple, quiet elegance.

NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY 2011

A bit of information that you might not know -- today is NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY -- who knew??