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Open Letter to Dave Barry
2007-06-19 19:44:00
Dear Dave ,I regret that I will be unable to attend the NSNC conference. I know that you are pretty darn depressed at my not attending because I was planning to offer you some fashion tips for your presidential campaign. Since I have chosen to go to the beach with my family, I want to offer you the tips and I hope it helps your campaign. 1. I know that in my NSNC online column, I sort of made fun of your hair and suggested you color it. But, I think the way you are styling it gives you an updated "Stephen King" kind of persona. Ignore my previous advice and keep the current hairstyle. Unless of course, it is a toupee.2. Your maroon suit on your Web site has a sort of "Napoleon Dynamite" feel to it and Gosh, I think that is so in touch with the common folk. However, I don't think maroon is your color. I suggest that you consider a bright red, with patriotic blue and white stripes. Do wear a matching bow tie. Of course, you should wear white patent leather shoes...patent leather is Al...
More About: Open , Letter , Open Letter , Dave Barry

I see London, I see France, I see clean underpants
2007-06-17 23:35:00
By Theresa ShadrixConsolidated Publishing, Co.06-17-2007Something amusing happens to moms when we pack our children's bags for summer camp. We become obsessed with underwear and socks. We do whatever it takes to schedule an underwear and sock shopping trip 'cause, Heaven forbid a child be seen in old underwear at camp.You know the ancient mom proverb: ?Don't leave the house without clean underwear in case you are in an accident.? Well, as children, we hear it and think it is linked to a secret ritual of the Motherhood Clan. At least I did. It is the ritual where mothers, dressed in black, gather in a circle and repeat things like, ?eat your vegetables,? ?wash behind your ears? and ?wear clean underwear? over and over until they are in trance, or faint. In truth, the mom proverb is somehow linked to hormonal levels during pregnancy. I am not sure about the scientific studies about it, but it has something to do with the higher the hormones, the more mom proverbs you are apt to tel...
More About: Parenting , France , London , Clean , Camping

White Pants and Underwear
2007-06-15 23:36:00
Q: What color panties do I wear with white pants?A: When wearing white, your underwear, including panties and bra, should match your skin color. I am "white", but I don't wear white, I wear beige. If you wear white, it will show through and that would be a horrible disaster! Don't be confused. I had a discussion with a "black" friend and she said she wears a black bra/panties with white shirts/pants. This through me off a but, but it makes perfect sense. So, to answer your question, go with what is closest to your skin color.Ta Ta,Theresa
More About: Pants , White , Underwear , Wear , Under

Beauty tips from beauty queens ...
2007-06-11 03:33:00
By Theresa ShadrixConsolidated Publishing, Co.06-10-2007 You can learn a lot from a beauty queen.Like, if you slip on your sequined dress, you need to get up, smile and continue on the catwalk. There are also tips of the beauty trade, because, believe it or not, the pursuit of the crown takes a lot of effort. Alabama is known around the globe as a consistent pageant state, because it has spawned three Miss Americas, one Miss USA/Miss Universe and numerous semi-finalists. Alabama's first winner crowned Miss America in 1951, Yolande Betbeze, also helped spawn an entirely new pageant system when she refused to pose in a swimsuit after she was crowned.Swimsuit sponsor, Catalina, wasn't too happy and thus pulled out of the Miss America system to help create the Miss USA pageant.Technically, Miss Alabama, an official preliminary to Miss America, is a scholarship, not beauty, pageant. But, let's be honest: Beau ty and brains are always a winning combination. So, slip into your favorite ...
More About: Beauty Tips , Tips , Queens

Jamie Langley is Miss Alabama
2007-06-10 16:09:00
Congrats to Jamie Langley, 23, Miss Alabama 2007. Jamie, of Wadley, represented the Miss Painted Rock pageant. Jamie is a voice major at Jacksonville State University. Jamie represented JSU last year and placed in the top ten. Her platform is the American Heart Association. Other Miss Alabama winners include:Miss CongenialityMeredith Ervin, Miss Birmingham-Southern College Top 10Ryan Omenski, Miss Covered Bridge Jamie Langley, Miss Painted Rock Whitney Weldon, Miss Trussville Elizabeth Cochran, Miss Chelsea Area Colene Burns, Miss University of North Alabama Alicia Lewis, Miss UAB Haley Arrington, Miss East Central Katie Boyd, Miss Tombigbee Barbara Cline, Miss Birmingham Jenna Bryant, Miss Auburn University Runners-Up 4th Runner-Up - Whitney Weldon 3rd Runner-Up - Katie Boyd 2nd Runner-Up - Elizabeth Cochran 1st Runner-Up - Colene Burns Winner Jamie Langley Photo Courtesy of Miss Alabama pageant Miss Alabama pictures by Charles SidesJamie's Web site
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Past & Present Miss Alabama Contestants speak about benefits of pageant
2007-06-10 04:58:00
When writing my column for this weekend about the favorite beauty tip from various Miss Alabama pageant contestants, past and present, I also asked what benefits each felt she received from being a contestant. Here are their replies: Melinda Toole, Miss Alabama 2006 and Miss America Fourth Runner-up, Quality of Life second runner-up and Miss CongenialityWow! The best thing I have gained while competing in the Miss Alabama Pageant has been a deeper understanding of who I am and what I stand for as a person. This program caused me to take a step back and reflect throughout my journey, affording me the opportunity to grow and mature into a more well-rounded and accomplished individual. Liz Cochran, Miss Chelsea Area 2007, Miss Alabama 2007 second runner-up, swimsuit and talent preliminary winnerThe most important thing I have gained from the MAP is interview experience and confidence to speak in front of a large audience. These two things are invaluable qualities to have going through ...
More About: Past , Present , Speak

Miss Alabama Message Board
2007-06-09 21:35:00
If you are looking for the Miss Alabama message board, you can find all national and state pageant Web sites and link to various message boards here:http://MSN I Love Miss America LinksTo see the prelim winners from Miss Alabama this week, go to:Miss Alabama Nightly Winners Ta Ta,Theresa
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Gisele...meet Shannon and Matt
2007-06-08 06:10:00
By Theresa ShadrixSince supermodel Gisele Bundchen challenged the Catholic church for teachings on abortion, premarital sex and contraceptives, telling the Brazilian newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, "Today no one is a virgin when they get married ... show me someone who's a virgin!", I figure the best thing to do is offer her an introduction to two models who are committed not only to their Christian faith, but also to their commitment to remain pure until their wedding night.So, Gisele meet Shannon Stewart and Matt Ratliff:Model Shannon Stewart poses with her fiance, Matthew Ratliff, also a model. Girded with their Christian faith, the couple has found success in the modeling industry. Photo: Courtesy of Shannon StewartHere are Q&A's with Shannon & Matt - who are not only professional models, but they are virgins and were recently engaged. Also, scroll down for the column, God's Next Top Model, that ran in The Anniston Star.Shannon Stewart1. How did Matt propose?He was actually go...
More About: Meet , Sele , Anno

Erica Bunker rocks...and sews too
2007-06-06 21:33:00
I am sitting on my back porch, with my BFF - my laptop - trying to finish my column for this Sunday, which is beauty tips from contestants in the Miss Alabama pageant. I needed a break and decided to check out Erica Bunker's site. Wow, my sewing self-esteem received a pretty good blow. Erica has been teaching her daughter to sew and she bought her the same sewing machine that I have, which is still in the box somewhere in my closet. Her daughter not only sewed an adorable apron, she read the entire instruction book to the sewing machine from back to front.I am giving up ever having patience to learn to sew. Instead, I am going to live through Erica via her Web site and then have imaginary chats with Erica about the things we are sewing. Erica Bunker
More About: Rocks

Open letter to Nora Ephron
2007-06-06 20:07:00
Dear Nora ,I hope you don't mind my calling you Nora. You can call me Theresa. I regret to tell you that I am not that great of a cook, and therefore, I do not have conversations with you in the kitchen. However, I did have a great conversation with you while I was applying cream to my neck and I will share with you in a moment.When someone told me I reminded her of Nora Ephron, I knew that name was familiar. I thought she said norephrine, which I think is a neurotransmitter. Nonetheless, it was excited to know someone was reading my column.It wasn't until browsing the bookstore, that I made a recollection of your name when I saw I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron. It was a light bulb moment and I paid full price for your book. It was the only book I didn't buy on clearance and I think this alone makes us great pals.So, I read your book last night and then we had a fabu chat while I was applying neck cream. I am quite obsessed about a number of things, including ironing, my e...
More About: Open , Letter , Open Letter

Secret Chanel Sale
2007-06-06 19:34:00
If an email from Chan el says, "Ssshhhh? You're invited to the CHANEL Private Sale ", then it is considered a Chanel sin to share the sale? I mean, I am seriously nervous about telling you about the sale because Chanel herself may show up and scold me...I am also wearing mismatched clothes at the moment and that is not very stylish.So, I am not going to waste anymore time beating my head on the wall, trying to transform it into a door. I am going to be dare to share. But, shhhhh, don't tell Chanel:Chanel shhhhhh....salechanel
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Never let um see you sweat
2007-06-04 21:45:00
By Theresa ShadrixConsolidating Publishing, Co.06-03-2007 I guess I have always been somewhat of a rebel. Not in the usual, predictable ways. True renegades get a tattoo or marry men named Earl or Bubba to upset the apple cart.No, I don't calculate my rebellion as it seems to come natural. My high school yearbook is evidence. When everyone else trudged and treaded through books on famous quotes, I rolled my eyes and wrote the first thing that came to mind for my life quote. In the Oxford High School class of 1989 yearbook, there is not a momentous citation beside my name. Instead, it says, ?Whatever you do, never let them see you sweat.?It has proven to be rather sound guidance. I don't leave my house without wearing deodorant, and I am sure it has saved me social grace a time or two. Since I obviously have an obsession with avoiding sweat, it wasn't so odd that recently I studied the various types of deodorant at CVS.There are two main components in products - antiperspirant, w...

Style Strikes Back
2007-06-03 20:00:00
Last night at the Music at Mcclellan.org The Orchestra Strike s Back , there were so many children who dressed up in their favorite Star Wars costume and it was so much fun watching them act out the scenes and being so unconcerned with everyone starting at them!My Little man, who is six-years-old, wore his Darth Vader suit and jumped around swatting a red sword at anyone who dared to confront the dark side. My Big Guy, who is 11, just nodded when we asked if he was going to dress up. "Uh, yeah, uh sure Mom" was all he would say to me. Translated - "No way am I dressing up in Star Wars and going out in public." He wore basketball shorts and a t-shirt.Of course, for Little Man, getting to the venue was stressful because we had to hunt down the Vader mask - the same one that requires the batteries I never have in the house - and Little Man couldn't take a purple or blue sword because "Darth's sword is red. Gosh Mom!". Who knew six year olds could care so much about color? Ya know, we c...
More About: Style

Overalls
2007-06-02 05:00:00
While shopping at Walmart yesterday, it occurred to me that women should not wear overalls. Really, it is just not a good idea.What I thought was a old man, around 60, probably dropping by the store to pick up some gardening supplies, turned out to be a young mother, around 30. When she turned around and caught the confused look in my eye, it was as if she was reading my mind. I was a tad bit scared for a moment. I mean cause the overalls made her look a little manly. All was not lost, because my curiosity about overalls overwhelmed me. I have added it to the Rage list of things I'd like to write a column about. When you have a few minutes to spare, you should check out some of the Levi history on www.levistrauss.com . I promise it will be more interesting than confusing trips to Walmart.
More About: Overalls , Overall

Is your makeup smarter than you?
2007-05-28 22:23:00
By Theresa ShadrixThe Anniston Star05-27-2007 The secret to appearing intelligent is to surround yourself with very smart people. So, I make sure that I keep good company. Honestly, have you noticed that it is so much easier to stand next to a smart person and nod in agreement than try to pretend you remember anything from the fifth grade? I do it all the time.Just for fun, I sometimes surprise friends and co-workers with a global topic that has nothing to do with fashion. Normally, they are simply stunned to silence.Lately, it seems the obsession with all things smart has extended to makeup. So, I decided to take a break from my mineral makeup to give wearing smartness a try ? as in Almay?s Smart Shade foundation.Already, I think this makeup is my Newton?s apple and the key that unfolds the universal law of foundation. But, of course, without a headache.At first glance, the Almay makeup caught me off guard because it comes out of the tube a milky white. But, it magically transfor...
More About: Makeup

The emotional roller coaster of shopping for swimsuits
2007-05-21 15:15:00
By Theresa Shadrix The Anniston Star05-20-2007Shopping for a swimsuit can be rigid on the psyche. You begin your quest for the perfect suit with great expectations and end with up great frustration.The link between finding a swimsuit and suffering from emotional distress is real.I need no scientific study, as I have witnessed it firsthand. When trying to find myself a suit recently, I heard a woman scolding a child."I said you can't have that!"She said it a few more times, sounding a bit more exasperated with each breath."I said you can't have that one!"When I rounded the clothing rack, I noticed she was alone.Alone and talking to the swimsuits.Sizes 4 and 6, to be exact.All I could offer her was the advice that, like children, the suits were not listening and wouldn't change regardless of how high she raised her voice.When sifting through clothing racks, it doesn't take long before you feel a strong urge to just abandon ship. Shorts and T-shirts gain appeal, and you question th...
More About: Swimsuit , Roller Coaster , Ping , Swimsuits

Fall Preview
2007-05-20 22:07:00
I know it should be a crime to even bring up the fall. I mean, after all, people are just starting to water their grass and plant flowers in our neighborhood. Because I have had a few questions about how to find my favorite fall looks album from Fashion Week, I am giving you the link. Also, it is just fun looking ahead and getting some ideas. I use the photos for inspiration. I have to budget for everything, so I plan on browsing sale racks this summer to recreate some of the fall looks! I hope you find your favs too. And do share with us if you create an album of your own!All-The-Rage-Fall Favs on New York Magazine
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I am so over swimsuits!
2007-05-19 00:22:00
My newspaper column this Sunday is about shopping for a swimsuit, which I am so over! I have tried to ignore the fact that I was going to the beach in June. I guess I thought the swimsuit genie would magically "poof" a swimsuit from nowhere for me.Then, my husband and two sons surprised me with a Mother's Day trip to the coast. Needless to say I was forced to make a quick shopping trip to find a suit. Yeah, Happy Mother's Day indeed.I found a few cute suits on the rack and imagined I would look like fabu in any of them. For a moment, I dreamed of being discovered as a cover model while hanging out at the beach. The feeling was simply empowering. (Dreams can jade a person like that, ya know.)But, when I walked towards the dressing room, I could almost swaney (that is Southern for swear) the girl laughed when she handed me the little number, as she gave me a head to toe look. Just before I closed the door, I saw her giggling to another perfect, young, and oh-they-will-so-be-paid-bac...
More About: Swimsuit , Swimsuits , Suit

Shannon Stewart Interview
2007-05-17 14:21:00
If you are looking for the Q & A from Shannon on her engagement to Matt and the column I wrote about her, go here:Shannon Stewart is getting marriedFeel free to leave her a message and I'll pass it on to her. Comments are moderated. Ta Ta,Theresa
More About: Interview , Shannon Stewart , Anno

I am so glad you are not into dream interpretation?
2007-05-17 00:44:00
This is an online column I wrote for the National Society of Newspaper Columnists Web site - www.columnists.comBy Theresa Shadrix, NSNC MemberDo you remember when you only dreamed of having your own column? Those were the good ol? days when blank pages were a canvas awaiting the masterpiece that would win a Pulitzer. You had no idea back then that your work of art would line a birdcage or be used to house train a mangy mutt.But, one can only dream.Dream ing about having my own column was much sweeter than the one of my boss chasing me and screaming something about my missing deadline as I turned into a werewolf.In my columnist dream, folks gather around the newspaper just to see what important life altering issues I was pointing out to them that week. World leaders vowed peace, Democrats vowed lives of poverty, and Republicans vowed to never wear comb-overs or toupees?In my columnist dream, my email box is maxed out, with real email from real people. Because in my dream, there is no ...
More About: Interpretation , Interpret , Etat , Glad

There s no graduation from Motherhood Boot Camp [Digg]
2007-05-17 00:14:00
I am writing this column as I endure Motherhood Boot Camp . One of my little guys is sick, battling a virus that obviously intends to permanently reside in his body.
More About: Digg , Graduation , There

Shorts are hot in the city
2007-05-15 16:12:00
By Theresa Shadrix05-13-2007 Every year, designers throw a fashion curveball just to see if we're paying attention. Last year, they dug deep in their sewing kits and pulled out skinny jeans.This year, it is city shorts ? knee-length, tailored shorts and cousin to the more casual Bermuda short.Designers are not trying to confuse country girls with city shorts on purpose; they are just trying to help make us look chic.If you are baffled by city shorts, then think of them as the mini skirt of pants. But, just as you wouldn't ? and shouldn't ? wear a mini skirt that reveals your inner thigh, you also don't want to wear shorts that are too short, or tight. City shorts should be tailored, but more on the loose-fitting side.If paired with the right shoe, shirt, jacket and accessories for your body, city shorts can go from the beach to the office.Mama Long Legs:The options are bountiful if you have long legs. A good shoe for a Mama Long Leg is ballet flats, wedges, mules (not the animal...
More About: Shorts , Short , In the City

Going home or coming home -- how sweet it is [Digg]
2007-05-08 23:09:00
I am a huge fan of Chris Daughtry, "American Idol s" rocker who came in fourth place last season. I find myself singing his song "Home " a lot lately since I recently visited my family in western New York.
More About: Digg , Sweet , Ming , Going

Over forty fashion & miscommunication
2007-05-05 16:41:00
By Theresa ShadrixI have always loved Lucy. Lucille Ball, aka Lucy Ricardo, was the queen of miscommunication and watching her confusing antics on the classic TV show, I love Lucy, makes me feel less of a loser in life when I mess things up.Like last week when I was getting my nails done. I was basking in glory as my manicurist - Katrina Bowers at Head to Toe Salon in Oxford, Ala. - complimented my originality and somewhat quirky nature in All the Rage. ?I have an idea for a column you can write about,? she said. I knew it was going to be good one because Katrina is like a wild flower in a meadow of native plants. She is Scottish, spicy and a lot of fun. ?Well, I think you should do one about women over farting,? she said confidently.I wasn?t sure what to say and I didn?t want to be rude. I thought, for a moment, that perhaps the Scottish are very open about flatuating. Then she said, ?You know, you can say something about the do?s and don?ts.? As I tried not to laugh, I said, ?Well...
More About: Fashion , Comm , Fort , Fash

Celebrity Style
2007-05-05 01:54:00
Someone asked me recently what celebrity style did I like best.Arghh...honestly, I am so over celebrities. Our society is so celebrity obsessed and I just don't get it. If God created us to be unique, then why do people take so much time trying to look like someone else?Fashion and style, to me, is all about individuality. I am more impressed with women in everyday life who manage to look very good on a limited budget and are followed by a flock of family and friends, not paparazzi.I suppose too, that like a lot of women I know, the celebrities we do love are all dead. There is just no comparison to Marilyn Monroe, Myrna Loy, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, etc. I will say, though, that if you want to take a peek at the inside world of celebrity style, check out Star Style : Hollywood Legends As Fashion Icons by Patty Fox. Patty has been the fashion consultant to the Academy Awards since 1991.Ta Ta,Theresapatty fox
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Shannon Stewart & Matt Ratliff are getting married!
2007-05-01 00:07:00
A few weeks ago, when I wrote the column about Shannon Stewart , professional model and America's Next Top Model season one runner-up, I had no idea Matt Ratliff was going to propose to her! So, for those of you searching for the truth - Yes, Shannon Stewart and Matt Ratliff are now engaged. yes, they are both virgins. Yes, they will remain virgins until their wedding night.Here is my Q&A with Shannon:1. How did Matt propose?He was actually going to propose to me back in December at this place I had always wanted to go to in OH, but it didn't turn out quite as romantic and amazing as we had thought, so he waited....He asks my parents back in early December and even told his parents that he was going to ask me, but he wanted it to be "GREAT." We went on a trip with his parents to CO to go snowmobiling. I have never been, so I was really anxious to go....He wanted to wait until the perfect moment, and that moment happened to be on Saturday, April 28th, 2007....we were on TOP OF A MOU...
More About: Arri , Getting Married

Closet organization & promises to pets
2007-04-29 21:10:00
The Anniston StarBy Theresa Shadrix04-29-2007 Don't ever promise a ferret that you will not live in disorganization. I have learned that is it a hefty oath. My promise was honorable when, as a young girl, my older brother brought home two ferrets from school for the summer. Bless his heart, he vowed to care for the class pets and return them in the fall ? healthy and alive. The ferret is an interesting creature and looks like a long, skinny, furry breeze blocker ? the kind you place on the bottom of a door. It is also very active and has tons of energy, which we soon discovered.While in my brother's care, the two ferrets had a nice, relaxing summer vacation in cages in his bedroom. Until one dreaded morning. He went to feed them. One was missing. The search party, which consisted of me, my younger brother and my stepfather, was dispatched to my brother's room. It was a horrible scene as we screamed at the top of our lungs for that little ferret. Clothes, footballs, baseballs, un...
More About: Pets , Organization , Promises , Closet , Promise

Shannon Stewart ? God's Next Top Model
2007-04-22 21:03:00
By Theresa ShadrixThe Anniston Star04-22-2007Model Shannon Stewart poses with her boyfriend, Matthew Ratliff, also a model. Girded with their Christian faith, the couple has found success in the modeling industry. Photo: Special to The Star Shannon Stewart is on a mission from God. The blond, 5'11? Ohio native is not a missionary in a foreign land, but rather a professional model and former reality TV show contestant. The 22-year-old beauty also is unashamedly a virgin and does not smoke or drink. She takes no credit for her good looks ? ?I owe it all to God,? she jokes ? and is the type of girl every Mom wishes her son would marry. But, she is taken and the lucky guy is model Matthew Ratliff. ?Our relationship is totally because of Jesus Christ,? she said. ?He is my best friend.? Girded with their Christian faith, Stewart said she and Matthew just want to be a light in a business known for darkness. They share experiences in the modeling world, like to hang out together and enjoy...
More About: Next Top Model , Top Model

Saying goodbye to toxic friends and infectious eye shadow
2007-04-16 18:11:00
The Anniston StarBy Theresa Shadrix04-15-2007You know, saying goodbye to friends is never easy ? even when friends are toxic. I am sure I'm not the only person who has bid farewell to friends who, frankly, suck the energy and life right out of me. I am just as sure that my toxicity has been high in the friendship category and my departure was not mourned for very long.If you are one of the few women who have never experienced a toxic friendship and have no idea what I am talking about, then all I can say is, ?God bless you?.In her book, When Friends hip Hurts, Dr. Jan Yager describes six toxic friends ? the promise breaker, the double-crosser, the self-absorbed, the discloser, the competitor and the faultfinder. I'd like to add the drama queen, the crisis princess and the know-it-all to the list. I suppose these can describe several different types of toxic friends, or Heaven forbid, be one person.To me, toxic friends are like a great eye shadow gone bad. It looks fabulous on the u...
More About: Shadow , Goodbye , Ends , Toxic

ARC clients model fashion and artwork
2006-10-29 16:42:00
By Theresa ShadrixThe Anniston Star10-29-2006 Food, fun and fashion.It's not the typical board meeting.Dressed in the latest trends from Martin's Clothing in Oxford, clients with developmental disabilities will take center stage at the ARC of Calhoun and Cleburne County annual awards dinner and fashion show on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m.A mix of business and celebration, the annual meeting, held at First Presbyterian Church, 1701 Henry Road in Anniston, will feature 20 to 25 models. Ranging in age from infants to adults, they will strut the runway as a crowd of about 200 ARC supporters cheers them on.?It gives the individual a chance to shine and reminds us why we work so hard,? says ARC Director JoAnne Pope.To get ready for the fashion show, clients and families pick out an outfit, minus shoes, at Martin's in Oxford. Janet Price, family advocate at ARC, says the staff at Martin's is helpful with the selection of clothes and transports them to First Presbyterian Church on the...
More About: Fashion , Artwork , Fashion Show , Model , Clients