Kitten Lounge

Mingling Mondays: Meet My Fave Chicks

KittenCouture — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

When I first got to NYC, I remember a friend getting me a book entitled, Bitter with Baggage and Seeks the Same. I had no idea what I was getting but Sloane Tanen has an amazing ability to take common situations and make them funny. They're funny as the situations are something that we are familiar with as well as putting cute little chicks in the story and creating elaborate scenes. If you have yet to see these books, you must visit the site and fortunately, I have an exclusive interview from the amazing Sloane Tanen who is the creator of this series which include books for adults and also for children!

Where did the idea of using the chicks come from?

I’m a painter. I was doing a series of paintings based on interior spaces that change as the light changes. I was building small models or maquettes of rooms and lighting them artificially to capture different times of day. The rooms were always devoid of human beings and quite pretentious: an empty wheelchair at a window, a chair in front of a mirror with hair all over the floor, etc…

I had those little Easter chicks lying around my studio in NY and one day I popped one into the wheelchair. The whole set really lit up and it was a bit of a Eureka moment. Suddenly the models were funny and more interesting than that series of paintings was ever going to be. Friends kept coming into the studio and playing with the furniture and moving the chicks around and asking if they could have them. I started photographing them and writing captions for particular people and sending them out as cards. Soon after, an editor friend saw them and suggested I do a book. It hadn’t even occurred to me. I was blessed to be working next door to a brilliant still life photographer, Stefan Hagen, who was able to really make the 3-d scenes come alive in a 2-d format. Once I saw what he was able to do I knew we could do a book.

Are there any stories that came from personal experience that found their way within these images?

Most of the stories are personal or are pieces of stories from friends and family. I would say the tone of various situations is what I tried to capture more than the specific events. I think I was surprised by the success of the book because I felt shocked that other people were relating to things that seemed so specific to me or my circle of friends. That was comforting and quite nice really.

Why did you create the children's books?

I created the children’s books because the character of Coco from Bitter with Baggage and Going for The Bronze proved to be popular so my publisher asked if I wanted to give it a try. I didn’t have kids until 2005 so I feel like the last two kids books, Coco Counts and C is for Coco are the strongest.

Where else have the chicks appeared?

In addition to the eight books we’ve done, most notably Bitter With Baggage Seeks Same, Going for The Bronze and Hatched: The Big Push From Pregnancy to Motherhood, the chicks have appeared in a national ad campaign for The Sak handbags and on many of the NYC subway cars in a poster celebrating the centennial of the subway system. They’ve also been in the New York Times and serialized in a few magazines.

Do you expect to see them beyond books?

The ad campaign was successful so I had hoped there might be more ad work as I think the chicks could really lend themselves to a funny, animated campaign of some sort. We’ve gotten very close to “breaking out” a few times but it never really happened. There was lots of talk of a TV show-either for adults or children, but at this point I think they may be relegated to the pages of the books. I still receive lovely emails and letters from people who have never seen the books and seem to enjoy them. So, I say anything is possible for the future but I’m certainly not counting on anything.

Did you expect the chicks to be embraced as they have been?

Not really. I was surprised by the success of the book. It’s rare to have so much fun doing something so silly and have people respond to it in such a positive way. I spent my early life in academia so the chicks were really a welcome diversion from lectures, theses, etc.

Are there more chick books coming?

I don’t think so.

How do you come up with the situations?

Usually a prop or a conversation would inspire an idea that I would then play around with until the right harmony of visual and emotional humor clicked. You know, some are definitely better than others.

Can people submit ideas to you?

I’ve had people suggest ideas but unless it’s my sister, it doesn’t necessarily resonate. I would say about six or seven from all the books were outside suggestions.

Sippin Saturdays: Lunch With A.W. Gryphon

KittenCouture — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Fashionable Fridays are always about amazing fashions and people and I am so excited to share a great interview that I had earlier this month. At the beginning of the month, I tweaked your interest with a post about an interesting novel that recently came out and I let you know that throughout Oct, you would get to know more about it! Last week, during Thursday's Beauty Segment we presented various beauty treatments/rituals that appear within the pages of A.W. Gryphon's novel, Blood Moon; moreover; she generated this list.

Today's post brings tidbits of the novel while also learning about the author as well. Blood Moon is a novel that not only looks at the typical theme of good and evil but presents a well researched look on what happens through time and how many choices and decisions may not be of your own free will. In Amelia, the main character, we are also presented with the age old question of nature versus nurture and which one plays out. More importantly, this book doesn't focus on the choices made but creates an understanding of how events can come into play to allow someone to go in one direction versus another. As an outside observer, we are able to see how the individual people and events are very intricate puzzle and at the conclusion of this novel which is apart of a three book series, you find yourself pleased to be apart of the journey while being as conflicted as Amelia herself.

In addition to this, this story is very October appropriate whether you are focused on Halloween or Harvest principles. This story looks and follows various historic times in history in terms of Witches and Wiccans. While this theme plays on, we can also appreciate the very modern world that Amelia lives in which includes Chanel, the need to infuse beauty regimines within daily life, a love of art and as we leave her native San Francisco, we are also pleased to embrace London where most of the story takes place. This book was so compelling that it was extremely difficult to tear myself away and as I closed the last page, I wished that it was next Spring when the next chapter is slated to arrive. In addition, Gryphon took great care to think about the names of each character and to ensure that everyone matched what their personalities were meant to be.

Without giving too much away, I was left with so many questions - why was this topic chosen, what am I supposed to come away with in reading this book and most importantly who is A.W. Gryphon. One of the things that I am very appreciative of is the open dialogue between myself, Ms Gryphon and her assistant! We shared so many ideas in terms of how I wanted to introduce her to all of you and I loved that she was very hands on! So it was all of this goodwill and excitement that I took with me as I entered Saks on a Sun to have a lunch session with the author herself. In addition, As I left the chocolate cafe, passed through the amazing 8th floor of shoes and met Gryphon in the actual cafe we were supposed to meet, I realized that various nonverbal clues were telling me a lot about her!

I loved that she had already begun to shop for shoes and that I loved the handbag that she carried, as someone who is a huge fan of accessories - I am always on the lookout for this. I also love that she had an amazingly simple and yet fashionable outfit. Decked out in James Perse, with her hair pulled up, I knew that she was everything like the person who I emailed weeks earlier and she had an ease of character that flows through the book compelling you to continue reading.

During lunch, I asked Allison how she became inspired to write this book! Surprisingly, I found out that she is not a practicing witch or Wiccan; however, she researched it so well that I had assumed that she was. In addition, this book reflects bits of her own footprints in that she grew up in San Francisco and loved the idea of strong women (which you will find in the book) and was introduced to various religions which created an interest in general. She also loves London which is why it became the backdrop of the novel and is why art was such an importance in the book as well.

Interestingly enough, this novel does not depict the witch in terms of the expected "hocus pocus", rather it creates a quick historical education of the celtic Druid tradition. There is a focus on the strength of women and their importance in the cycle of life. More importantly, Amelia is a character that we can identify with that has the same ups and downs that women have.

When reading this novel it is completely cinematic and I began to wonder who would star in this movie. Interestingly enough, we both agreed that one of the characters, Jeremy who plays a significant role in Amelia's upbringing - we equally loved the idea of Jeremy Irons or Anthony Hopkins to play the part. Gryphon's wishlist also include a young Cate Blanchett to play Amelia. Finally, Dorian who is a central figure in the opposing group of witches could be a David Bowie - hands down. I hope to see this book as a movie and to see who the actual characters would be.

What intrigued me about this book is learning about Gryphon herself! I llove the fact that she is an accomplished screenwriter (we will cover her films later this month), she created a novel simply from an interest and research. Finally, her sense in giving back to various charities is also important. We are both involved in Surfrider's Organization as we believe in clean waters that we can all enjoy, she believes in the Shambala Preserve which is run by Tippi Hedren and strives to be a safe haven for big cats that have been mistreated and she is also apart of the Entertainment Industry Foundation which supports various causes as Breast Cancer. I love someone who believes in various causes and follows their passions as well. Make sure that you take a moment to visit Blood Moon's website; moreover, it is available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon!

Kitten Lounge Roundup: Week of 10.13.08

KittenCouture — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:02:22 -0700

I love the roundups! Sometimes, I need to be reminded of all the goodies that have been going on, will take place here and maybe just something that needs to be mentioned because you guys will love it! So what happened over the past week that is of note: Well, I am rapidly moving in with Food Editor and boyfriend, Paul so I am all about decor at the moment! Expect that Sundays are going to be packed with items that we actually will choose. Last week, I highlighted great pieces that are from West Elm! Expect to see interesting pieces of items that we have actually purchased over the next few weeks - starting with this Fri and learn about our color schemes. It may be a little TMI but I could use some design direction as I am in the middle of quite a few things at the moment!

We began an amazing and fun partnership with Lucky Magazine which makes me so pleased. If you want to be apart of the giveaway of one of the goodie bags that will be given away at Lucky Shops, make sure that you leave a comment here as this drawing takes place on Oct 24th and you don't want to miss out. At the same time, we also have another great Lucky item which allows you to play a Denim Stylist and you can enter through our site! We have a few shows in addition to magazines that we have partnered up with! In addition to Lipstick Jungle, you can also check up Starter Wife with an amazing interview from one of the key members of the cast!

In the realms of fashion, we loved covering Hayden Harnett which has amazing bags that have been on Gossip Girl and have been covered everywhere! We can't help wishing that the Hayden Harnett fairy would bless us with this season's bags. Fortunately, they have a site so enjoy some goodies. Pearls took on an entirely new meaning with this post about Moon River Pearls

I love reading and you got your first introduction of A.W. Gryphon who will be featured throughout the month as she is the author of 'Blood Moon' which is perfect as we get closer to Halloween. This is the first book in the 3 book series letting us know about the path of Amelia and how she not only finds herself but her own truths as Wiccan. Along the way she has some amazing Chanel pieces and this past Thurs, we received some great beauty tips!If you missed it, you know that I am all about Dashing Diva and they had Jennifer Hudson stop by and they are doing an amazing contest with ABC Daytime Soaps and SOAPnet! This past Thursday, you were hit with 3 beauty items and one of my favorites was the lovely Brazilian sisters of Beam Laser Spa - the idea of never having to shave again makes me gidddy and after 6 - 8 treatments it will be a complete transition! I can't wait and know that once I get this done (armpits) who knows where I will go next! Learn more about the process and that this is truly attainable beauty for everyone!

Looking forward, there is an unofficial meet up of sorts in the shape of my sister's party and I will be there! If you're in NYC, stop by, it's on the 25th and will be a lot of fun. Going forward we have amazing partnerships with WE TV which will start soon and Express as well! I am so excited about this and can't wait to share this with you. In addition, we launched our Holiday Guide and 25 Days of Holiday Glam. Find out how you can be apart of this. I think that this week was so jam packed that we will take a breather but know there is always something around the corner!

Trendy Thursdays: TRICK AND TREAT

KittenCouture — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700

*Editors Note: Throughout this month, each week we will include tidbits or related items from A.W. Gryphon's Blood Moon. Today, we have included the author's tips on how to look amazing, which you can find in her new book. In upcoming weeks, I will share an interview that I had with her and much more. Take some time to read her tips and then visit Blood Moon's site to learn about the first of 3 books within this series!

10 Beautiful Ways Too Celebrate The Witchy Woman In All Of Us This Halloween Season from Blood Moon author A.W. Gryphon

Gorgeous on the inside. Gorgeous on the outside. Make this Halloween yours with a few Seasonal Beauty Tricks and Treats that are all about you.

Did you think Witches were all about the pointy hats and magic spells? We’ll they’re not and traditionally these Pagans have got a lot up their sleeve when it comes to Beauty, Strength, Confidence and much, much more. Try one. Try them all. With many traditions that you will find in the novel Blood Moon and the coming books in her Witches’ Moon Series here are A.W. Gryphon’s Top Ten Steps to Making Halloween Yours.

#1 LET YOUR MAGIC CARPET RIDE: CHARM YOUR BROOM AND CLEAR THE NEGATIVE ENERGY FROM YOUR HOME.

What’s a witch without a broom? We’ve all got one, but there is much more to it than you may realize. In the Pagan tradition, Halloween represents the end of one year and the beginning of another. This is a great time for a clean slate. Start your celebration by sweeping the house in a way you never have before. Sweep one room at a time, always sweeping out, and with each motion focus on moving any negative energy out of that room, while welcoming in new and positive thoughts and desires. By the time you’re finished you won’t only see the results, you’ll feel them.

#2 MASH THE MONSTERS: LET SAGE GUIDE YOU AND YOUR HOME TOWARD A FRESH START.

Drive the ick out of your living space and make a fresh start with the time honored tradition of burning sage. Many cultures and religions practice the clearing of bad energy, unwelcome spirits, negativity others bring into our lives, and past unfavorable thoughts, feelings and incidents, by cleansing their space with sage. Bundled sage can be found in most metaphysical and herb stores. To cleanse your home, simply welcome all positive energy in, let the universe know that negativity is not welcome, and take those thoughts with you as you light the sage and slowly walk through your home as it burns. Walk along each and every wall raising the sage up high and down low, letting the smoke drift into the corners and through each room. End at your front door saying one last good bye to all that is negative and welcoming in any new and existing positive thoughts and energy.

#3 COME ON BABY, LIGHT YOUR OWN FIRE: LET THE POWER OF THE CANDLES GUIDE YOUR WAY.

Candles are peaceful, beautiful, timeless and have been used in celebrations and rituals throughout history. Expand your All Hallows Eve experience by lighting a white candle for peace and spirit, a purple candle to embrace your psychic inner workings, and a red candle for energy, strength, courage and love. Whether you light one of each or fill your home, let the light of the candle bring out your inner beauty and illuminate and enhance the grace of both you and your home.

#4 SEND YOUR WEREWOLVES BACK TO LONDON: RECHARGE WITH A LUXURIOUS CLEANSING BATH.

Be Refreshed. Be Relaxed. Be… Peace. Let yourself soak into the tub for a ritual bath that celebrates you. There are many different kinds of traditional bath ingredients and there is no right or wrong, so choose what’s most attractive to you. My favorite Halloween bath brings peace, sheds negativity and leaves you with smooth and, fresh skin. As you run the water pour in one cup of milk, add a few drops of rose oil then sprinkle lavender over the water and dip in. Not only will this feel like silk on your skin, it smells great and you’ll be glowing after 20 + minutes of this luxurious, “me time” as it sends the bad energy, and dead skin, away and encourages your inner beauty to shine through.

#5 BY THE CALMING OF THIS ONE, SOMETHING WONDERFUL THIS WAY COMES: BE STILL.

Be Still. It sounds simple, and in theory it is, but how often do we really do it? Take a moment. Take an hour… or two. One thing that our Pagan ancestors crafted into their day that would greatly serve us all, is a little alone time. Not time to figure something out, or catch up or whatever it is, time to be still within ourselves. What you do and how you get there is a personal choice. I light candles, put on calming music, and close my eyes and think of the ocean until I’m able to unplug completely. Then I let my mind, body and soul take me away for a little while. It’s wonderful. It’s like a massage for your spirit and trust me you will look and feel gorgeous when you’re done.

PARTY TIME!

If you’re going to jump in full force and follow all 10 tips, and you’re going to have a girlfriend or two… or three… over for your Witchy Wonderful Treats, the best time to have everyone arrive is after you’ve completed your, “me time” in step #5 and you’re ready to start step #6 with the group. If you are having an All Hallows Eve Party that’s all about you and only you, Cheers and keep going!

#6 OFF WITH HER HEAD! WE’LL HOW ABOUT OFF WITH HER DEAD SKIN AND ON WITH THE BEST HALLOWEEN MASK EVER! THE PUMPKIN FACIAL TREATMENT.

Pumpkins and masks. They’re tradition. You’ll want to sign up for this Witch’s Mask and start your Pagan New Year with fresh, clean and radiant skin. This wonderful treat protects, repairs, nourishes and it smells fantastic. All year we are hard on our skin from the inside out. Being kind to your face nourishes the body and the mind. There are hundreds of masks that might fit your Halloween fancy. Pumpkin is high in anti-oxidants and pumpkin facial treatments come in many forms. You can try everything from the Pumpkin Enzyme Peel by Peter Thomas Roth to a homemade fresh pumpkin mask. Recipes can be found at care2.com and many other websites. Either way it’s fun to prepare and the results are wonderful.

#7 HOCUS FOCUS: THE PERSONAL GOALS APPLE GUIDE

When you slice an apple through the middle, you will find the seeds make a five pointed star. In much of Pagan tradition the five pointed star represents the five elements: Water, Air, Fire, Earth and Spirit. In this Halloween tradition, each of the points represent a personal goal to focus on in the year ahead. We slice the apple to determine how many tasks to set our sights on. If you have four seeds, set four personal goals to focus on. If it’s just one, choose one. Write them down and keep them in a place where you will see them every day… and then crunch your teeth over this magical fruit as you move on to your next Halloween treat.

#8 BE-WITCHED AND CELEBRATE!

Raise a glass to those who have touched your life. This is a day to celebrate the living and those we’ve lost with open hearts and settled minds. Halloween, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, The Pagan New Year… we call this night many things, but one shared ancient belief is that this is a night when the layer of the universe between the living and dead is thin, making it a great time to celebrate in honor of, and even with, the spirits of loved ones of the past. Have a party. Make a toast. Pull out your photo albums. Do whatever feels best to share a moment with the spirits that flourish in the living and the dead on this precious night that celebrates us all.

#9 DOUBLE, DOUBLE LET THE GOOD VIBES RUMBLE, FIRE BURN AND HONEY BUBBLE: IT’S TIME FOR HALLOWEEN WISHES

Wishes to go. Wishes to Stay. Write it all down and make a change. It’s time to think about what we want and that includes making room for it by sorting out for what we don’t want. Write down everything you want to bring into your life this year, no matter how big or small. Use a piece of simple paper and a pencil. On another piece of paper write down everything you want to let go of and that you want out of your life. Take time with the lists and remember this is about you personally. After the lists are complete, take a candle, set in it a cauldron (a safe pot or something of the like will do), close your eyes, take a long deep breath, then open your eyes, burn the list of all that you want gone from your life and say goodbye to everything on it. After the burning has come to a safe end clear all of the materials that you used away. Next place your list of positive wishes in a jar. Fill the jar with honey, seal the lid tight and place it on a windowsill that you think is best for the positive flow of energy going in and out of your home. That’s it. The wishes are out there, now all you have to do is remember them, believe and let them come true.

#10 TREAT AND TREAT: LET’S EAT!

What’s a girl to do after a full interior and exterior beauty session? Eat! And make it something delicious and in the spirit of the holiday. A little comfort and warmth to nourish your soul and stomach is the perfect way to wind down an evening. Pumpkins represent the American take on this special night and making apples part of the celebration takes us back to our ancestors. So, how about Pumpkin Bread and Spiced Apple Cider? You can make it from scratch, or buy it at the store. You might even have an old family recipe. However you make it happen, its always a good choice and a perfect end to a perfect evening. Happy Halloween!