A Day with The Mistress Borghese

In the Boardroom

2012-02-02T17:57:00.003-05:00

Well yesterday was a first for me at work .This time of year there is extra fat to be trimmed usually off of the stores payroll. Well, one of my team came to me in tears as she was being let go, to all our surprises! After comforting her and calming her down, I went to my manager who didn't know yet .Well I said we can't let this happen. Not only is this girl a work horse, and practically my right hand, but does exceptional work! She is one of the few I trust to do a good job with attention to details in my absences, and is part of the reason we have been given numerous awards for visual work and some of the best creative merchandising in our company. So today we both march to human resources. Now mind ya, the Mistress is a lover, not a fighter, unless of course pushed in a corner, or someone mess with my wigs, then look out! While I hate anyone to lose a job, there are other positions that could have been cut, useless positions, where people just stand around and talk, and wait for the work. So I explained that, and the numerous awards she has won for herself, and our team, not to mention her work is speedy and very detailed, and so on and so on. I also said our creative director will not be happy about this when he hears. Somehow he did receive a text from who knows where or from who, but later the HR manager, who is new by the way, came to us and said it was rethought and they could keep her after all, but on a part time basis, of up to 30 hours. I called my co-worker at home and told her, who very very relieved. And I felt good too, never having to do anything like this before, and use someone to pull some strings. I guess it really is politics everywhere, and who you know.

Just remember, the Mistress is not one to trifle with!!!!

Grande Dame.....Sharon Needles

2012-01-31T20:16:00.008-05:00

What can be said of Sharon Needles? Sharon Needles was born one night in Pittsburgh when Courtney Love’s favorite heroin-shooting vein busted open and squirted all into the gutter as Marilyn Manson jacked off on a Nina Hagen voodoo doll. Bitch is like a Real Housewife of Silent Hill. And I'm here to tell ya a sweet heart and one fierce queen. Her performances and style are always on point and given much thought. For those of you off the drag circuit, Sharon Needles is one of Pittsburgh’s most notorious drag queens. A self-proclaimed punk rock sex clown and is extremely well liked, given her very unique, and out of the ordinary drag style. She left the Philadelphia bitches speechless! My only hope is that Sharon will do some of her other looks on Dragrace and not just her extreme goth, but I tell you, she will not disappoint! You can check out at her forthcoming website at Sharon Needles or the old fashioned way, with a Ouija board!!! Good luck to ya girl!

A Weekend for the Senses

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

Did you ever have one of those weekends where you did alot, but it still felt relaxing? This was one of those. My group of cackling hens got together for brunch on Sunday. It's always nice to gossip about who's not present, just another reason to go. Iif they stop talking, then you should be worried I say. It was a weekend for a sensory over load I'll say that. My good friend Pixie Stick and I got together finally. We used to work together and it had been almost a year since we saw each other. Before heading out,and the drawn out process of getting ready, I tried my new fragrance choice, Hermes d'Orange Verte. Now mind ya, I only wear three fragrances usually. I wear the same three for years now, and everybody always knows when I've been there. They are,

Terre d'Hermes, Hermes d'Orange Verte, Chole eau de fleur Capucine, and Chanel's Egoiste. I always get comments when wearing these scents, and the d'Orange Verte from Hermes is the newest to the regimen, and did not disappoint. And did it smell yummy! But the highlight of the weekend was the time spent in Doylestown with Pixie visiting the stunning locale of Fonthill.

Fonthill is a modern castle made entirely of concrete and rebar, by the founder of Moravian Tile Works, that we also visited. This castle is not only unique, but bizarre. Mercer used all of the tiles in his home that his tile works created! Fonthill was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer. Archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramist, scholar and antiquarian, Mercer built Fonthill both as his home and as a showplace for his collection of tiles and prints. The first of three Mercer buildings in Doylestown, Fonthill served as a showplace for Mercer's famed Moravian tiles that were produced during the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Designed by Mercer, the building is an eclectic mix of Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles, and is significant as an early example of poured reinforced concrete. Pixie and I entered the house in a very dark entry way. Outside we had noticed that the windows were all different sizes and inside there were openings in the house through walls also of all different sizes. Windows and openings were just placed wherever Mr. Mercer thought one should be. The guide described it as "an architect's nightmare" because nothing was square. Regardless, we were both totally fascinated with the building. It took about 1 hour to go through on an abbreviated tour.

The upstairs floors were too cold to tour in the winter to stay up there long, because there was no heating of course! It's really hard to describe this "house." It really felt more like a castle, but the tiles all over every wall, ceiling and floor in each room were bizarre.

I didn't sense a ghost in the house, just a residual energy of sadness, particularly in the large "library" area. We learned that Mr. Mercer was never married, didn't care for the company of women, was very artistic, loved to travel and collect, everything, and loved his dogs. It doesn't take much guesswork to figure out that he was probably gay, does it? In the house, there are Rollo's pawprints in various concrete stairways, and one is actually labeled Rollo's Stairway. Up next was the Moravian Tile Works.

We also took a tour of the tile works and the entire process of making the tiles was explained as we walked through it. Of course, it was 43F, so it was cold in there- but there was some warmth from the ovens that were going as tiles were being produced. We learned that all of the clay used to make the tiles are from local sources. The tile company became famous when the Pennsylvania State House commissioned Mr. Mercer to completely tile that building. Mercer also tiled many other landmark buildings.

Like Mercer's house Fonthill, the building of the tile works was built entirely out of concrete, and was designed in "Mission Style" like buildings in the American Southwest. Combined with Fonthill, the tile works makes for a great trip! After all that touring and getting chilled it was off to Honey to warm up....and of course, some nibbles. Which were very good and enjoyed, but the four cock-a-tails I had really warmed up the Mistress.

A honey Expresso martini, several!!!!!! They did the trick, but kept me up most of the night! It was nice to get out and about, God know how long this mild, warm winter will hold up. The Mistress usually doesn't go out and about much in the winter and tends to get reclusive in the cold temps. So I'll enjoy it while I can take it. Now.....to muster the energy to greet Monday. Tootles!

Let the Drag Race Begin...........

2012-01-29T20:55:00.006-05:00

Don't forget tomorrow, RuPaul's Drag Race starts on Logo at 9pm. And please, do not be afraid of Sharon Needles, she is really a sweet queen. Will you be on the sidelines this season? And remember y'all...............

Our friend Phoebe Bixler

2012-01-29T18:03:00.003-05:00

She is always busy and never makes brunch anymore. She says she is too busy. Of course, it's none of my affair. Too much running around, if you ask me. The Garden Club this, the Junior League that... as if any of them would give her the time of day! But, she'd die before she'd fix a glass of iced tea for the Temple Sisterhood!

Sunday Brunch....with Beauty and the Beat

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

While the Mistress is out brunching with friends, I thought I'd serve up some Sunday Brunch, since it's been tooooo long! I'll be back to chat later, The beauty is Tammie Brown. As I tuned in to RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 1 – I was shockingly drawn to Tammie’s character. Now lawd knows I’m a sucker for all things quirky, campy ,odd, silly and just plain fun… but Tammie was really serving us up something unique. Even though she didn't get far, I knew there were some interesting things cooking on them there back burners! She's been going strong ever since.

And the beat with the ever fabulous Lady Keir and Dee-lite, ALWAYS a favorite of the Mistress!!! Especially on Saturday flings at the Casa, but it seems to fit Tammie!

Contrary to Popular Belief.... I Take Both!

2012-01-29T02:11:00.003-05:00

Kailyn sent me this. She knows me so well in certain terms.

A Simply Gruesome Twosome

2012-01-28T13:26:00.003-05:00

This is the campy/bizarre intro to Gruesome Twosome - the runtime of the movie was too short for distributors so director HD Lewis had to pad it with many nonsensical scenes, including this famous opening scene. Love the voices and the music.

Sugar pie's, I hope you all are having a great weekend, and if you'll just hush, we can watch the clip....

Chris Crocker Metamorphosed Nicely

2012-01-27T15:07:00.010-05:00

"Leave Britney Alone!", arguably changed the course of popular culture. The words were spoken by Chris Crocker, a then 19-year-old from Tennessee with an already burgeoning Internet career who regularly posted videos to YouTube .In just two days "Leave Britney Alone!" racked up over four million views, a virtually unheard of feat in the earlier days of YouTube -- and soon Crocker became known -- and parodied -- around the world. But now, with an unbelievable new look that is guaranteed to shock, he has a upcoming foray into the porn industry, more music on the way, and a documentary, "Me at the Zoo," I do believe he is coming back with a whirlwind. And in a recent interview I found him to be very interesting. I always did like him, but the Mistress loves anything unique and odd and eccentric, but in the early days he was a bit, well, hyper and tooo over the top. But I do believe he has matured and grown up nicely. Hold on the your cock-a-tail and pearls girls......

The interview is from Huffo/Gay.What kind of a response has your new look gotten you?

Chris Crocker: People usually ask me something really simple-minded like "So you're a man now?" and they want it to be this really simple answer. And the real answer is that I don't feel like just a man or just a woman. I feel really comfortable with both the feminine and masculine sides of myself.

What was the process like for you to begin presenting as more masculine?

I started gradually. I was wearing less makeup and pushing my hair back and putting it in a pony tail instead of curling it or wearing it long. My hair extensions got shorter and shorter and I went from 26-inch extensions to shoulder-length extensions. My answer for this is the same as when people ask me "When did you start dressing like a girl?" I never realize the changes that are taking place. They literally just happen. It's never a conscious thought of I'm going to wake up tomorrow and be a different person. It's little by little. So I was pushing my hair back, wearing less makeup, and I was blond at the time and then it went to black. Then I buzzed it off. It's always just gradual -- it's never a conscious decision.

You get a lot of attention now about the way you currently look. Most of the people I showed your recent photos to couldn't stop talking about how hot you are. What's your reaction to that?

I'm offended. The most irritating thing is guys I find attractive say, "Oh my God -- you're so hot now." It's like, "OK?" You need to be able to see the full picture of who I am -- not just half the picture. You can't put your hand over half of who I am and accept part of me. So, as far as dating guys or considering guys to date, that's really difficult. They can't always accept that I used to dress up or that that's a part of me still and that I still dress up. It's just annoying. Even if it's a girl or a fan saying it -- I don't like when people put it that way. I can understand if I'm a more socially, traditional "attractive" but I don't like when people phrase it like, "You're hot now."

You have a documentary about your life, "Me at the Zoo," debuting at The Sundance Film Festival in a few weeks. How did that come about?

I was friends with Chris Moukarbel's boyfriend -- Chris is one of the directors. His boyfriend's parents are from where I live in Tennessee which was really coincidental and weird and meant to happen. We got to talking and he said that his boyfriend was doing a film about the Internet and how it affects pop culture and they wanted to do some interviews with me. Once they saw my story is really a story for this generation and saw that what happened to me hasn't happened to that many people, they got inspired by the story and wanted to do the film. It's been almost three years in the making.

I do believe I'll be interested in seeing this documentary. Maybe I should put together a swank Sundance ensemble and grab a date to attend the event.

A Burglary of Epic Proportions at the Casa!

2012-01-25T20:08:00.012-05:00

A burglary took place meanwhile at the Casa du Borghese. Missing are some of the antique silver cutlery, three straws, a vintage compact, some Rolaids, the finch from the cage, and brace yourselves, three houseboys!!!!! Two of which were my prized possessions -The Twins!!!!

The local borough authorities have investigated and think it was a inside job. I have my suspicions though. I at first though it was Cory Jo, and that she had them in her Dark Corner. Plus she is conveniently out of town right now in Texas. But I hear she is busy using a brandin iron on all the cowboys. Mistress Mj is also suspected from the Vaseline left on one of the door knobs, and I know she uses tons of it over at the Infomaniac in her oubliette. I am also suspecting Miss Normadesmond. She has recently come into a newly acquired ear trumpet, from Mistress Mj and has been doing all kinds of downright odd things with it. Could the last two be in cahoots together? And the other houseboy missing is clothes boy!!!!

Now this leads to to believe Queen Ginger Grant could be the thief. She has been seriously quite over at Chez Ginger, and she loves herself some domestic help. The other houseboys aren't versed in machinery, it's to complicated for them to use. Now who will wash my dainties? And not off the hook is my man loving dear sister Mame, aka David Dust, who is probably trying to convert them into Dust Bunnies!!!! Or perhaps making the poor things jump through hoops at the Urges!

I should have suspected something like this would happen sooner or later, with such a pristine collection of men. Now I'm thanking my lucky stars my dew drop in the garden driver is still around, were departing to check out Wally's story!!! Keep your finger crossed. Driver...make tracks! And keep the shirt off. Meet driver......... and ain't my car cute?

Grande Dame

2012-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Victoria Porkchop Parker hails from Anderson, SC. As a child, Victoria would burst out into song or dance at any given chance. He was involved in regional theater and show choir, and entered every talent show or event that was possible. In high school he was selected into the Smith 16, a show choir that traveled throughout the east coast entertaining and winning many competitions. The first night he ever went to a gay bar there was a drag show. He realized at that moment that female impersonation was for him. Victoria has worked on cast at many of the greatest drag shows in the country: “Legends Raleigh, NC,” “The Connection Louisville KY,” and “The Chute Nashville TN.” He has also traveled the country entertaining the masses. He has entertained in drag in over 35 states and has been lucky enough to capture the title of almost 100 pageants, including four national titles. Victoria has appeared on "Life’s a Drag" "My Life is a Sitcom" and of course was a drag testant on RuPaul's Drag Race.

.....And Another Thing

2012-01-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

Could someone, ANYONE please stick some duct tape, the heavy duty kind across Mariah Carey's mouth and shut down that damn Jenny Craig commerical??? I swear since it started airing it's on all the time. And quite frankly her warbling that song is getting on my gay nerves. And I really do love Mariah, saw her twice in concert. And I'm happy she shed her baby weight, a small country, and two Mac trucks, but enough! We have seen her plenty of times in a long skirt with thigh high slit, mid-drift, and whore heels some hooker from Jersey lost. If I had a gin for everytime this commerical aired....oh. wait I did. And if for some reason you haven't seen, please grab a highball and enjoy. Go ahead, my ear plugs are in.

This is Why I Drink Mr. Ablow

2012-01-24T17:33:00.005-05:00

Yesterday while cruising the inter webz, I found myself in Smallville visiting with our favorite snark blogger Bob, I swear, he was born with jungle red on those claws! Anyway he had an interesting post about Keith Ablow and why he wants to stop America from drinking, and he wants to tell us why Americans drink.You can read Bob's post here. He says that "one in every six Americans downs eight mixed drinks within a few hours, four times a month. Really. Because the Mistress downs them 6-8 every hour!!!! Gin comes in by the barrel around here! But I digress. Now these are some reason I drink so much.

Pass Buffoon......

Revival of the new Three Stooges.......

The wicked bitches of the East and West......

The homeless, un-employment and hunger.....

And the last thing to make me drink IS Kim Kardashian and her big ass!!!! Why won't this damn clan just go aways? I won't even post it's picture in fear I'll get in a stupor and not get out! All these things pictured here scary the hell out of me, so is it any wonder I love my gin so much?

The Gayborhood Adjacency

2012-01-23T21:57:00.005-05:00

Just back in from taking the country mouse, Buster Bolfig, back into center city Philadelphia to the ex-boy-toy's place. On my way back, I always pass Woody's Bar and Lounge. For you out of town folk, it is probably Philly's largest and oldest bar now in Philly.

All this time I never noticed what was next door, probably because I usually leave Woody's in a haze. What's next door you ask?

A place called Sweet Ending. Imagine how many leave Woody's for the night hoping for a sweet ending! And you can't see it in the picture, but they had a poster that read," Still don't know, come on in!" Oh dear. And not far from there is yet another fun place.....

I will say, it is like candy land down there. Us gays are a fun bunch.

Have Your Picture Taken at the Casa!

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

..................it's Monday again!!!!!! What prop will you use?

You Should Meet my Son

2012-01-22T15:01:00.004-05:00

Have any of you seen this fun movie? I just saw it last night when I had my neighbor over last night for dinner and he decided to bring a flick. I have never seen it before but was it ever entertaining. Now mind ya, I have always been out and about since I was....well, born. When the doctor slapped my back side I said again! And I was told fingers, and long baby bottles kept me quite for hours, and I was always trying to get the banana lose from a stuffed monkey I had! But had I not been always out of the closet, the mother in this movie would soooooo have been my mother along with my aunt, trying to fix me up!

Naturally Soft

2012-01-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

Look at how velvety and smooth that shirt is! Almost appears to be painted on! Looks so soft........

Why 2" Isn't Much to Receive

2012-01-21T15:14:00.007-05:00

Well, the Mistress is relaxing all weekend from another long week. Work was busy, and in addition, I also have taken on a freelance interior design project. So after all this working, it is time to relax and get caught up with some home cooking, with some stuffed peppers and a macaroni and cheese casserole with tomatoes and onions. Of course last night we had our first snow fall, all two inches of it, not much by my standards! So we had to venture out for our afternoon walk- about in the white stuff, as Buster loves the snow. There was much sniffing....

After some rather lenghty investigating it was a matter of time before he left his mark.....

This look screams he ready to go in now, I believe.

We made a pit stop at my neighbors house Nathan's so Buster could frolic with Cleo and Scotia.

Now that were back, it's time to get cookin and I invited Nathan over for a winter's dinner! You know the Mistress loves to entertain! Hope everyone in staying out of trouble this weekend!!!!

From the Candy Shop.....

2012-01-20T21:06:00.010-05:00

As you may know, the Mistress has a awful sweet tooth! And I have a real weakness for the delectable Gandy flavor. Just look and enjoy the exotic, melt in you mouth flavor of David Gandy! How handsome does he look in that sharp suit above? David is a very successful model and is widely known for his Dolce and Gabbana spokes model work, in that skimpy swim suit! So hurry in to my candy shop, but I have to offer you other treats as this is all my delight!

Tonight at the Casa du Borghese........

2012-01-19T20:59:00.003-05:00

Why should I deny, that I would die, to meet a guy who takes his time???

Delta Works Adele

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

The beautiful Delta Work....... channeling the beautiful Adele.

Grande Dame

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a little black girl in the Brewster Projects of Detroit Michigan. At 15, she was spotted by a Ebony Fashion Fair Talent scout and her modeling career took off! And I believe you know the rest about this grande dame! Tv shows, three movies, countless songs and 5 cd's, and books! Talk about a poineer who really brought drag out of the closet and in your faces!!!! I wonder how she would handle holding the Republician debates next??? Werk momma, work the runway sweetie.....

Late for An Important Date

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

It seems the Mistress runs late by a couple of minutes all the time. And I'm always running late for Mondays!!!! And with all my clocks you would think I would never run late. This is just some of the many clocks scattered about my place.

The tall oval one is my newest to the collection. When I and my family were out and about in Lambertville over the weekend, my Mother went back to get the clock I put a deposit on, and surprised me. She is a swell Mother isn't she?

I don't know where my love of clocks comes from, but I know I love hearing them tick and watching the pendulums swing. One of my favorites is the greyhound with the clock in his mouth. The new one seems to fit right in with the others! I may have to move it's location though, as the ticking is really loud on it. It almost kept me up, and it's hard enough getting up on Mondays! I had a lovely weekend though, but it went to fast as usual. While in Lambertville, I did see other clocks in the antique shop that I also had my eye on.......

Loving the green jade inlay on this one.

Now if I could just find a clock to stop time occasionally to prolong the weekend, would be nice. Not all the time, just sometimes when you need just a little extra relaxation, or when your cuddled up in bed with someone! And wouldn't it be nice to moves the hands forward on the clock to make the day or week fly pass?????? And when time comes to move the clocks forward or back,it takes some time at the Casa du Borghese. By time I'm finished I need a cock-a-tail! Happy Monday everybody!!! Now on to may date.........

Diana Trent on Marriage

2012-01-15T17:21:00.001-05:00

Love Tom Ballard's reply. These two together are too much, and crack me up!

What's for Lunch Today........

2012-01-15T12:48:00.002-05:00

hmmmmmmmm, what to have, what to have.......

The Circus was in Town

2012-01-14T19:07:00.011-05:00

Oh dearies, it's been a long week and a lovely Saturday with the Mother and family in for a visit. Just back from a scrumptious dinner at Anton’s at the Swan. The Mistress's family has departed and were now ready for the circus to begin at the Casa du Borghese for tonight..............

Well Put Rupaul

2012-01-11T20:02:00.002-05:00

Now let's have a gin.

Grande Dame

2012-01-11T19:23:00.008-05:00

Direct from Zurich, Switzerland is the fabulous, campy spectacle that is Marcy Darcy! Marcy has been entertaining the young gaylings and masses all over Switzerland, but mostly can be seen in Zurich clubs and gay pride events for close to ten year now. Marcy has some cute style and always leaves her crowds in stitches with her Do Ask, Do Tell Show! Continue making that name of yours well known all over Europe girl!!!!!

So....This Makes Me a European Mutt

2012-01-10T16:34:00.007-05:00

Over the holidays when I was home I had a wonderful visit, and one of the best gifts from the Mother. My family history book, The Family Chronicle, which my departed father worked on for seven years, and completed a year before his death. He, and my late cousin told me much of what was in the book over the years , but the later family history. On my dad's side still living, is my half brother and sister and their kids, but the rest of his family is passed away. I never knew my grandparents on my Dad's side as they were both passed away before my hatching!

I have no idea who the people in the picture are except that the original picture was dated 1885. My father had many pictures passed down and had the pictures reproduced for all us kids. I think they may be on my dad's father's side, but not sure. Neat photo though. I have been reading his work alot this week, one reason I haven't been blogging much. Some of the things I found out from the book-

* my dad's grandparents on his dad's side were born in Amsterdam and Holland, and came over to the states at early ages. No wonder I love sex so much! Up to that point the grandfather was from a small neighboring town to Amsterdam by our families last name, and his grandmother from Amsterdam. At least three members of the family on his grandfathers side were in the inner sanctum as advisers of Queen Wilhelmina of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and some of our family history was actually in her library. Makes me wonder if it is still there. Is it any wonder I love queens?

* my Dad's family on his mother's side was from England and Ireland. That side of the family on his great grandfathers side ended up in the states when they were given land by King George V in upstate New York, and lots of it apparently. It was in Rockland county. The family all lived in a huge house together for years. From what I read, the area is all built up now and where the house stood is now right next to a major highway, and the orginal house was wrote about in a book about Dutch houses that my mother still has.

* my dad's uncle owned his own Wall Street Brokerage firm and retained his wealth even during the Great Depression. That was how my father ended up in Carlisle, PA and met his first wife, to run a branch of the firm for his uncle. His cousin, William, the one I mentioned above, also worked there. William was a blast and funny as hell. He had a Rodney Dangerfield personality. When I was young I spent many a summer with him and his wife. He also had a sister he never talked about. All I knew was she was a artist and her name was Marie Stobbe. My parents have several of her paintings. Well, the in the book, she was married briefly to Albert Stobbe , a businessman, and was once Vice-President of RCA Records!!!!!! But they divorced quick. William, always claimed she had a female lover!!!! I'm shocked! But William's wife, who I still talk to, said Marie died in 2005 at 95!!! And she was still painting, and still ran her art gallery in Glen Cove.

This picture I believe was my father's grandparents or the great ones, not sure, at the homestead on his mother's side. I saw the name Lucretia Swartwout on the back, but the names were hard to read. Another neat picture. Lucretia was my great and grandmother's names, and is also my half sister's name. So I'm thinking these family members are from the Swartwout side. How neat with the birdcages.

* I also found out many members of the family loved art, animals and music. This answers alot.

Now on my mother's side, my Aunt is the historian. My grandparent's families were from Switzerland, on my granddad's side and Czechoslovakia, on my grandmother's side. My mother's side of the family lived here much longer than my dad's side. My aunt gave me this picture which she also had reproduced.

Handsome devil. I do remember him, even though it is limited. He died when I was almost 6, so my grandmother was the only grandparent I ever really knew for years. She also told me that my great, great grandmother on my grandfathers side, was a cousin to Aaron Burr, yes, that Aaron Burr, remembered as the man who killed his rival, Alexander Hamilton in the famous duel. How cool is that! No wonder my grandfathers side had hot tempers!!! She also told me that my grandparents corresponded in the mail for a year before they ever met. Met once. And then married!!!! Who knew? My aunt is a wealth of family information, but now we must get it organized and written in books with all the news clippings she has, and all the neat pictures! So pretty neat, and wanted to share. So I guess that's makes me a European mutt, with Dutch, Irish, Czech, and Swiss!!!!! Thanks for reading, it's not often I share some background on the mysterious Mistress, but I found... and am finding it all, so fascinating! Makes me wonder if I go on ancestry.com if I will find the same results? Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Have any of you tired that site? And anything intresting that shocked you about your family histories?

Slather on the Mud and Fur

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

Easy to understand. Today is Monday. Not my favorite day, but what am I going to do? I took this weekend off to be by myself- to regroup. A little something I do from time to time. To pamper, to release, to enjoy myself. In oh so many ways. I got a Aveda Facial and full body wrap, massage, mani and pedi and a hair cut at the Woodbury. And the new spa rooms were so beautiful and very relaxing. And who doesn't like to get a massage and lathered in mud by a guy named Marco???

I also went to Lambertville Hotel and drink some tasty Espresso martinis whilst reading my book, in between perusing the local bar rags. I think it's perfect. Almost. What would be more perfect is if I could then skip home, put on my square cuts and go lie on the beach, getting golden and sun kissed. Instead, I'll have to bundle up in my jacket and put my gloves on......speaking of gloves..take a gander.....

After my spa appointment I made a shopping trip.......new quilted leather gloves, a fur collar scarf and a pair of Tom Ford aviators!!! After my review and nice pay raise, I never really got myself a little happy. Even though it was mild this weekend, I'm hoping for some winter temps soon. And this hunk David Gandy ,caught my eye, and trans fixed me the rest of the weekend. Those damn fashion magazines.

Moving right along, my dream last night involved symphonies, mer-people, some guy who was a lion tamer and also involved jumping off a bridge. What could it all mean?

I paid my electric bill today, and basically passed out.....I had forgotten that I basically had my tree running 24/7, and the other two trees as well.....Mistress is not happy, oh well, it did bring some beauty.

While at Lilly's Coffeehouse I heard a Garbage song with Shirley Manson, who is a fierce biatch, and I can't believe she has never done yet a solo album. Until then, my I-pod here at work is screaming about being "Special" drinking "Milk" and telling me how "Special" I am. Just so long as I take my "Medication". Of course you know I'm still enjoying my Amy Winehouse! Meanwhile it was a weekend free of all my boys. Next weekend will be a catch up with them I'm sure. Until I come back, tootles!

Another Houseboy

2012-01-08T00:05:00.003-05:00

Have you developed some deep, erotic fixation for me, or is it your intention to make me your love slave???

There's Always Time for Kerli

2012-01-07T17:05:00.001-05:00

Some are in the Gaga camp, but I've always been in the Kerli camp myself.........

Evil Under the Sun

2012-01-06T17:29:00.009-05:00

Well, it appears the new year started out busy, and the Mistress is wiped out! After all the festivities from last weekend, and going back to work to the throws of good ole inventory! The Mistress despises the chore as I'm a creative creature and can't get the patience or attention span for the boring. But that being done, I have a three day weekend, so today was about getting the holiday finery packed away. Tomorrow I was to help a friend clean their garage, but the Mistress is sometimes devilishly evil! After all this hoopla of cleaning and crunching these numbers for inventory, which I'm sure I screwed up anyhow, I need a day to myself. So I told my fiend I couldn't make as I needed a day to relax, besides, he has other help coming. So tomorrow is day spa time again- and I can't wait! I be there most of the day. I'll be getting a style and set.......

A manicure and pedicure........

And a full body exfoliate and heated mud wrap.

I'll also be getting my hour and half massage from Marco which I always enjoy. He has such strong hands. And he doesn't need any extra help. I use to hate massages years ago, until I came out and my first "date" gave me one. Of course before that my dad used to have one of those old vintage massagers from Oster. Do you remember those?

The thing was heavy as hell. But in my teen angst, I found it and thought it was for guys to use while they mast....well, You know, something to add extra feeling to the dirty deed! After all the box did say soothing and stimulating. Only problem was the parents could always hear when the deed was going on and the lights were dimming! But that's whole other story! Marco though always does a great job, even if he does bump the boys accidentally. He also does my mud wrap. Hmmmmmm, I sure hope I can relax. But at the end of the day and all the holiday festivities I sure do need this! I'll come out looking ravishing hopefully, and feeling relaxed. Maybe I'll even swing by Gertz's and get a new afternoon ensemble and hat and go take a happy hour somewhere! Here's hoping you all have a great weekend! Tootles!

The Ghosts of Drag Race Past.......

2012-01-04T10:34:00.018-05:00

We were visited by the ghosts of Drag Race past recently.........

Miss Yara Sofia

Miss Jujubee

Miss Raven

Miss Carmen Carrera

Miss Raja

Miss Pandora Boxx

Miss Tyra Sanchez

Miss Stacey Layne Matthews

Miss Shannel

Miss Ongina

Miss Jessica Wild

Miss Venus D Lite

Miss Delta Work

Grande Dame

2012-01-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

Kenya Michaels will be on the upcoming season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" She is from Dorado, Puerto Rico, and is one hell of a good performer. If Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj had a love child, the progeny would be Kenya Michaels. Barely five feet tall, this pint-sized diva is serving plenty of fish and fierceness on the runway. So what if English isn't her first language? Kenya let's her body do the talking. But will it be enough to take home the crown she so covets? Well she is one of my top four I'm rooting for and Kenya had been shaking it up now for several years and is closely connected to the Yara Sofia camp, so entertain she can!!!! Whether or not we get to see all her versatility she can possess will be interesting to see!

Legendary.......

2012-01-02T22:56:00.002-05:00

My queen has spoken!!!!

New Year's at the Casa!

2012-01-01T15:08:00.015-05:00

I told you there would be a toast to you all!!! Well, New Years Eve isn't really unlike any other Saturday night here at the Casa du Borghese, guest dressed in their finery,bow ties, corks popped, champagne swilled, drunken toasts, air kisses, glitter and glamour, asses grabbed, drunken text messaging, some pec grabbing, a shower of peacock feathers, strobe lights,candle light, hazing the Lad, spinning the bottle, gorging on food,dancing in place,gossipping, strip teases, shimmies, laughter and tears, naked body painting,mask wearing, mistaken identities, dilettantes, horny boys, wanton behavior, a wet tee shirt contest, the roar of the crowd,comparing under garments, sequins, side cars and potions, someone yelling TIMBER,...and houseboys for everyone! Hope you had a great time!

At around 11:45 we turned on the tube to watch the ball drop and kept it on to watch some of the performances. I have become very smitten with Pitbull. That man. Hmmmmmmmmm, I would discuss more of the Rockin Eve, but I don't recall much of it. We also saw some fireworks a neighbor set off. I was told I hosted till around 4 something before I got un-zipped and retired to the boudoir!

Buster was the only one to hold his composure! He was appalled at his Mistress I believe!

And now it is time to start all over again with my traditional pork and sauerkraut dinner with greens and mashed potatoes.....and more wine, with the same guest still here plus two more!

I think I will need a week to recover from this one!!! Hope you all are having a great New Year's Day!!!!!!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T12:24:00.003-05:00

A Happy New Year to you all!!!! Thank you so much for all your New Years thoughts and comments yesterday! And we got the party started last night with some Shirley Bassey! Of course you know the video did resemble the soriee! More later.......

The New Year is Upon Us.......

2011-12-31T08:15:00.000-05:00

.......and where did the time go? It has been a busy week for me getting prepared for guest tonight. I like to make sure everything is just right. It will soon be all about good food and friends, spirits and the Mummers Parade here in Philadelphia. But on New Years Eve, one thing I will not be par-taking in- huge crowds!

No, after years of going out, I now leave it to the amateurs. Just kidding. You know it is because I fear of passing out and taking out the whole bandstand and straggling myself with my fur stole! And if were at the Casa, someone can easily un-zip me and carry me off to the boudoir!!!! I decided since it was so fun last year, I would host an intimate dinner again. This year I'll be starting with several French cheeses, roasted almonds and cashews, dried figs,feta stuffed olives,and chilled shrimp along with a few ginger sidecars. The dinner will be Fillet Mignon and Lobster tail with steamed greens. Buster has already offered to take all and any scrapes. My #1 Fan is bringing two magnums of Champagne, plus one bottle I already have on hand. Everyone will stay over for a huge slumber. It resembles a mind field the next day. I have another dinner planned for New Years Day- the traditional Pork and Sauerkraut! I also prepared a stollen for brunch.......if anyone is up in all that light! I'm post something about the night tommorrow. Maybe next year I'll do a Mummers theme party. Nah, most guest would only ues the feathers as French ticklers.

Now mind ya I don't usually look back over the pass year, never had, and lets face it, like I remember much of it!!!!! But I have to admit I don't have much to complain about. I love my job-greatly, my family is all healthy and wise and entertaining, most times! I met three very different boys to keep me "entertained", and I have some great friends, and I don't want for much. I enjoyed several trips and some great times, I think. I even met Rachel Zoe, and ate crow, as before then I couldn't stand her, but what a talent she is. My only upset was the passing of Amy Winehouse. I'm a huge fan. I enjoyed her music so much and her being out there. I can only compare it to when people lost John Lennon I guess. It still makes me sad, but I have finally moved from wearing black to deep purple! But we'll always have her music.

This will be the Mistress later tonight when she gets good and tight and forgets herself!!!!!! This will be after taking a swim in the sidecar and champagne pool!

My white tux shirt fit nicely, and is ready for the ironing.

Some of the wine and other spirits for those who don't drink my sidecars!

Currently at the casa.....

It's about 2:30am and all is quite. On weekends I'm usually up late, the night owl in me. I can never sleep the night before when I have a get together or I travel. I get all very excited. I would like to wish everybody a great New Year whilest I'm thinking about it. To my good friend and sister Mame, aka David Dust, who got me swindled into blogging and drinking, and to my girl Kailyn, my drinking partner in crime. To my bad influences, MM #1 Fan, Adrien and Preston. And to my good blogger friends, Froggy,Debra,Madtexter, Auntie Flame,Eric Arvin, Beth, Miss Ginger, Howard, Cali-Boi, Mahogany Empress, Pearl Gates, Lady Finger,Lenore Nevermore, my sweet Bob,and the neat Stephen. This year I also got to know some very interesting and fun new people at the Casa and think it will be the beginning of a new friendship, the mischievous Adam and Nick, the fabulously chic and sharp Tabitha, the sweet Cory Jo, RJ and Craig! And then there is my sweet and lovely Skill who always makes me feel good! And to me eccentric friends Mistress Mj and Designing Wally!!!!! And of course to all my readers and followers, who I love to hear from. Your comments, at times, keep me in stitches!!!!!! It is to all of you, along with my guests tonight that I will raise my 10th glass of champagne to for a New Year filled with love, happiness, peace and good health for all! And just remember, there is always time for another cock-a-tail!!!!

A very Happy New Year to you All, dears!

Boy, it's Cold Out.......

2011-12-30T05:23:00.003-05:00

.......but THIS should keep me warm!

Buster's Holiday Message

2011-12-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

All I want is what's coming to me, all I want is my fair share!

Back at the Casa du Borghese.........

2011-12-28T21:35:00.009-05:00

......... I had every intention this evening of retiring very early to my bed, but since you all nonchalantly dropped by, I heaved a little sigh, and put on my other, head. It must be simply ages since I've seen you, it's a pity I'm not feeling very bright, I must ask you to excuse me for this evening you see, I had a very hard day last night.

Normally I'd offer you a sherry, cause I know dears your rather fun when your tight, lets say we sit and watch the telly, because I had a very hard day last night.

For old friends like you, I would've like to look my best, but if only you knew how much I needed the......rest! My friends say it's time I took it easy, so it's not a case of being impolite, would you think me a bore, if I showed you the door...no... well, it's looks like another hard day, tonight!

Well since you were your so kind to drop in, the Mistress had a lovely holiday with family and friends, and heads back to work tomorrow for two days. With all the holiday festivities, and now in the throws on planning my New Years Eve party and New Years Day dinner, I apologize for my absence, but I did get to enjoy a winter day trip on Tuesday at the stunning Longwood Gardens, which you can read of over at Gals About Town. I'm am wiped out, and keeping the house boys in line, but otherwise, I'll be back soon dears! Tootles!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you on this special day!!!!

Leaving the Casa, Again

2011-12-22T19:46:00.011-05:00

Could you just see the Mistress driving up the road to visit family with the likes of this??? Yeah, I know, it wouldn't surprise any of you! Although it would be festive to drive a red vintage MG westward to the ancestral home for Christmas. Maybe I would even wear my tuxedo shirt and bow tie! And yes you guessed it....I'm off tomorrow to spend Christmas with family and friends.How's everyone feeling so far this holiday... Stressful & Anxiety or Peace & Joyful? Surprisingly, I'm not in any major panic this year! I'm usually not, but sometimes I do have a little bit of stress, but not this year. It was smooth sailing. I think this is my first time I can honestly say I am truly relaxed this holiday season! I can't believe how caught up I was this year, and how calm it is here! Twas two days before Christmas and all through the Casa du Borghese, not a creature is stirring, except these warm, cozy and hunky boys!

Ahhhhhhhh, won't they be nice to help keep one warm on a cold winters night? And love how they make long johns look sexy! But like I was saying to never having free time during the holiday season to do extra fun things. But tonight after work, I met the Lad and another friend for some of these-

These too will help to keep me warm! A delish Espresso martini at the Lambertville Hotel! They make the best ones! Now, we are pesently back at the Casa, and the Lad is trying to help me get things ready to depart tomorrow, but I think he has other things on his mind! Or he will have to wait till my New Year Eve party. It will be nice to sleep in and leave at a leisurely pace. Once home we will have our usual unlimited Cosmopolitans with a light buffet at my mothers, followed by our annual watching of A Christmas Carol and then to bed late. The next day is the big dinner at the Aunt and Uncle's bungalow for her wonderful Roast Beef Dinner with Yorkshire Pudding and all the trimmings! Some of her kids will be present, but as an added treat this year, her youngest will be home. As he plays with the Chattanooga Symphony, and ALWAYS travels with his viola, I hoping we can have his arm twisted to play a few Christmas ditties! So I'm off again and will be back late next week sometime, with exception to a Christmas Day message.

Soooo.... I wish you all a magical, wonderful, and gayly festive Merry Christmas! Thank You for you all for your kind words, and funny comments and for visiting me at the Casa du Borghese - I'm truly grateful for all of your friendships and kindness! Now how about a round of Gin and Tonics???

XOXOXOXO-

Mistress Borghese

Fashionable Art by Rene Gruau

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed in my sidebar a while back I added some incredible fashion art. It is by one of my favorite graphic artist,Rene Gruau, who was one of the most important graphic designers in the second part of the 20th Century. Designing posters for the Lido and Moulin Rouge in Paris and for large Advertisers like Air France, Cinzano and Vichy mineral water. He worked closely with Dior fashions, and worked with Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, and Le Figaro Madame and other journals of the time. His mother had a great influence on his interest in the World of fashion being involved in Haute Couture. His Illustrations were printed by Lidel as early as in 1924 in Italy. He worked as a clothes designer for a while in London.In 1947, Christian Dior invited Gruau to design for Dior and create Ms Dior fragrance. Gruau continued the relationship with Dior and worked with many fashion houses as well. Art nouveau and Japanese prints that influenced the impressionists also had a great influence on his body of work. Gruau continued working for Dior and many others right up until the end of his life. I have several prints of his and even ordered a stationary set which I used as Christmas cards one year. In the world of graphic art, Gruau is one of the most collectable artists of the last 50 years. Her's some of my favorites.

Orbs of Loveliness

2011-12-21T18:51:00.012-05:00

If there is one thing the Mistress loves, it is big shiny balls! Every year when I have guest in, they always compliment me on my balls and their placement, and how they appear simple, but add so much glitz and a festive touch to all my rooms! You do know I'm talking about glass ornaments right? While I wouldn't say I'm a collector, I do have close to two hundred or more of them, and all sizes and colors. I place them in jars, glasses, boxes, on my tree, and vases. Some I even lie about casually. I think it is their color and the shiny object thing I like. You know it doesn't take much to distract me!!!!

Until the mid-1800’s, Christmas trees were mostly decorated with homemade adornments or edibles like fruits and nuts. But the German entrepreneurs based in the glassblowing center of Lauscha had a better idea. They began producing decorative tree ornaments made out of thinly blown glass. In the 1880s, F.W. Woolworth imported the first of these baubles into the U.S., triggering the American love affair with Christmas tree ornaments

Shiny Brite, always a staple in ornament manufacturing, continued making glass balls till the late 1950s and then disappeared. But how many of us remember pulling out as a child, the Shiny Brite box to help decorate, and every year there would be fewer and fewer balls, but we kept the box anyway? Eckardt was a German immigrant who made his own balls and then started the said ball company. Later he teamed up with Woolworth's, and they convinced the Corning Glass Company to start mass producing glass balls.

Over this past weekend when I was at the Capital Street Duo's house for the party, the next day, we went to visit the Lemoyne Antiques Market where what did I do? Why search out and buy more balls! All sizes and colors too! I got some real good deals on them. I also found this hat box to arrange them. Lots of the ones I bought were Shiny Brite. The Dame also gave me, I swear, like 60 more balls in addition. Besides placing on the tree, here are a few things I did with them......

This hat box from from Astor Millinery is great to fill with balls, and it's just what I did! Astor Millinery is no longer around, but I do love hat boxes. How do people transport their chapeaus these days with a hat box?

The Dame gave me this nifty glass dome to fill with balls also! I placed it on my bar ledge sitting on a gold gilded frame and placed with my snowman.

Many of us probably remember these glass ornaments from the 40s,50,s and 60, from our parents and our childhoods. They take so back to a time in our minds when things were less uncomplicated time. Like a song or smell, each ornament can bring back all those memories and reconnects us to one another and the past.

I'm Getting Nothin' for Christmas

2011-12-20T19:04:00.006-05:00

My suitors are tempting me to be bad.

I'm getting nothing for Christmas, the poor little Mistress is sad,I'm getting nothing for Christmas, because I didn't want to be bad!

Joe promised me a French Citroën , just for a little kiss, sterling cuff links, and a case of Hendricks, just for a little kiss, he said he'd buy out the stores, everything I have is yours, I will be your Santa Claus, just for a little kiss!

I'm getting nothing for Christmas, my little Joey is mad,I'm getting nothing for Christmas, because I didn't want to be bad!

The Prince promised me a Gucci watch, just for a tiny squeeze, a drawer of Calvins, plus an Argentine trip, just for a tiny squeeze, he said minx be nice to me, and on Christmas day you'll see, presents round your Christmas tree, just for a tiny squeeze.

I'm getting nothing for Christmas, my little Princy is mad,I'm getting nothing for Christmas, because I didn't want to be bad!

And finally the Lad promised me a day at Bergdorf's, just for a tiny grope, a Hermes wallet, and a summer share, just for a tiny grope, he said jezebel be sweet to me, and you will see, unlimited Chanel Egoiste under your tree, just for a tiny grope.

I'm getting nothing for Christmas, my little Laddie is mad,I'm getting nothing for Christmas, because I didn't want to be bad!

So take my advice, I think you should, it's good to be good, but not to good......... oh hell with it, when I'm bad I better!!!! I'll end up with a full floor under my tree!

Dessert Party in a Winter Wonderland

2011-12-19T17:53:00.030-05:00

Well the Mistress is back from a weekend filled with men and holiday merriment, and cock-a-tails and some sparkle and pazazz! I had two parties to tend too! But Saturday night's party was the highlight, not only because I went with a five o clock shadow, and not in drag, but it's always a fun night with my good friends, the Capital Street Duo who always have a fun and interesting mix of guest! Not to mention touring the house. This year the Dame Courtney had a dessert party, that reminded me of a fancy chocolatier boutique. And were the chocolate covered potato chips ever addictive with the gin!!!!!!! who knew. Everything was made by the Dame herself! With my outfit I was worried she'd ask me to serve!

Truth be told though, as much fun as it is to visit my wonderful friends and hosts and have a good time, another reason is to see the Dame working her magic through the house for the holidays, and just in general. The Dame is a huge collector of Christmas decorations and vintage items, antiques, Victorian objects, well, she collects alot, but it is always so interesting to see how she will change the place up from season to season. It's never dull and always a treat to see. At Christmas though she pulls out all stops! And if you know me, you know I love my eccentric friends. It reminds me a living in a Bergdorfs window, or close to it. This year, on the main floor, she went with a creme, white, and gold theme, with LOTS of flocked snow everywhere. How stunning is that tree and mantle piece? You will see fairy angels, beads, tons of balls, glass finals, and various white vintage trees that were from the defucted department store Pomroys, that was local to the area and these tress were used in their windows. Also my favorite item- the peacocks that are stuffed with arsenic. I tried to get them in my trunk, but the Dame just wouldn't leave the room. And yes, that is indeed a vintage full size sleigh you see filled with packages, and another tree.

This is there newest edition to the Capital Manor, Philly! And is he ever adorable! And no, he is not a taxidermy!!!

This is the Dame's funeral collection of gadgets on the way up the stairs to the second floor. Don't cross the Dame or she may embalm ya, as I'm sure there were embalming implements present!!!! Who do you think stuffed all those birds?

A beautiful hallway table with arrangment. Love the soft glow of the light.

This is the stunning tree in the master bedroom! This tree is huge, as it went up into the third floor of the house. It was decorated with all sizes and colors of vintage ornaments, beads, candle clips and whimsical pieces. And yes, that is a snow goose in flight behind the tree! Another of her fowl collection!

This is a actual window the Dame installed in the master bedroom that looks out into the upstairs hall, adored with antique bubble light candles. She even gave me one to bring home!

Love the bird cage filled with balls! And how cute is the nest with two blue balls instead of eggs.

A very nice time was had by all, and Dame Courtney always has just the right mix of personalities and characters at a party. The Mistress hit a wall by around 1 and don't remember getting undressed or going to bed, but the next morning was a blur, or should I say early afternoon it was, when the Mistress awoke from the dead like the ghost of Christmas past! After my feeling of being hung left, The Dame and I went to the Antiques Market for some shopping and instead of getting some presents, I ended up with more vintage glass balls, a very swanky sleeping mask, and various other items, but you may as well have enough of what you like right! I can't help myself, shiny balls make me happy! And a huge THANK-YOU to my lovely hosts and wonderful friends for a very memorable night! Tootles!

Christmas Bride

2011-12-18T22:55:00.003-05:00

Just back from ALOT of being social and attending merriment at two soiree's. A good time was had by all from what a hear, and the Mistress B was a wee bit hungover today from the one last night. Now back at the Casa where the Mistress is enjoying, arguably, her favorite Christmas song. The Ray Conniff Band is performing, Christmas Bride while I and the houseboys are enjoying some Pinot Noir! Perfect ending to the perfect weekend. More on the parties tomorrow.

Horse....Make Tracks!

2011-12-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

I tell ya, I don't know where the time goes. I can't believe Christmas is already only 8 days away!!! Well, the Mistress was bow tie shopping today, for a have two Christmas soirees to tend to this weekend out of town, one on Friday, and another on Saturday. The Saturday night party will probably be entertaining, as my good friends, the Capital Street Duo, who are the host, are always entertaining. Dame Courtney is always a wonderful hostess and they always have my "Vera Charles" pass out room ready!!!! And can she bring out the vintage Christmas decor! I'll take some pictures if she'll let me. It should be a good time and I'm looking forward to wearing my new dark Hudson jeans, patent shoes, tuxedo shirt and bow tie. You know I have to trend it up! I also hope to get a wee bit of shopping done, not that I have to get alot, well, I don't think I'll look like the picture above. Friday's night's party is more for the boys, and I hope I can escape scathed! Well unless some hottie chats me up. And I'll play it cool. And if he asks for a sign if I'm intrested I'll just reply, How about slippery when wet? So I'll be scarce this weekend so I hope you all have a good weekend and see next week!!!!!Tootles!

I Love Ballet at the Casa........

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

............so give me four boys to dance with, hovers, who twist and twirl!

And The Winehouse Winners Are............

2011-12-15T18:00:00.004-05:00

The Mistress apologizes for my absence, but was entertaining visiting family in the Lambertville area yesterday, and after a huge dinner and cock-a-tails, well, you know how that goes! So you may recall I had a little give-a-way last week besides myself!!!! In honor of the release of Amy Winehouse's new cd I decided to give away two copies that were given to me, from a friend I work with, who also works part time at a radio station. The bad news is I wish I could have given everybody who commented one, but the good news is he gave me more extra copies he got sooooooooo...... I am able to give more out, seven in total!!!! Before the Mother of the Mistress departed today she pulled the names out of my cock-a-tail shaker, but they were wet as I forgot I had just shaken a new gin and tonic! Jk! And the lucky winners are............................

1-RJ! RJ is a blogger who's blog is Heels and Martinis. Rj is relatively new to the Casa and I enjoy her talk of sports, football or baseball, or, well, something with balls, but I enjoy her shopping escapades, and her Simms 2 Family Updates.

2-Corey Jo! Cory Jo is also a blogger with two great and very different blogs! Her first is Monkey's and Windex. The blog features stories of her everyday life, featuring her hunky sailor husband, kids, and her new puppy and kittens! And things just for giggles. All this is why she probably needs the other blog, Corey's Dark Corner, and we'll leave it at that,wink!

3- Cello Josh! Cello Josh is a blog follower of mine for some time, and doesn't have a blog as far as I know. But then again he may be busy with playing the cello with the Philadelphia Symphony!

4-Bob! Our good ole Bob. I don't remember who found who, but Bob is a southern blogger whose blog is full of all kinds of news worthy GLBT news stories and a very loyal advocate. His blog, I Should be Laughing, features the above I mentioned, but lets be honest here, I love his catty and snarly side to asshat politicians, entertainment stars, all the way to the talentless Kashcows Kardashians, Whitless Hilton, and Loser Lohan!!!!!! And also we can't forget the music and the adorable, cute and cuddly animal clan he has!

5-Lady Finger! Miss Lady Finger is a pretty long reader of my blog, probably one of my first! Miss Lady Finger hails from Ann Harbor, and is in the tourism industry and also happens to be a drag queen part-time for almost 29 years!!!

6-MJ- MJ is another new reader of mine and seems to be quite the campy, funny and entertaining character who I have seen in my spots. Mj's blog, Infomanic, is filled with all kinds of camp, and vintage pictures good for some serious chuckles and I dare say penises in all kinds of cute little outfits and settings like cute little puppets!!!!

7-DeiselBoy- Mr. Deisel Boy is another followers and commenter and to my knowledge doesn't have a blog-yet! He is a cute little number from Hershey PA and does something or other for the government. All I know is I really need to have him for dinner, ok!

So my congrats to the winners again, and check out their blogs, they all like some love too. To the winners I will contact you through your blogs or you can email me at vanaukensteven@yahoo.com. When I receive your address my assistant Anita Moorecock will mail out your Amy Winehouse care package cd and a little something extra from the Mistress!!!! Tootles!

Holiday Window Spectale, Part 2

2011-12-13T20:10:00.037-05:00

Well, as promised I now present you with the rest of New York's holidays windows that impressed me much and our own windows at the store. Every year, my team and I take a day out to venture to the city and take the scene in, and enjoy all the hard work everyone else did. And it's always interesting how different each store is.I can't remember two stores even doing anything remotely close to the same thing. Continuing on the tour from the other day is the men's store at Bergdorf Goodman, which as we all know, the holiday windows at the women's store get all the attention, but those at the men's store across the street are just as chic and stunning. How fun they use animal heads on the mannequins which is kind of funny in itself, since most men are wild beast, at least the ones the Mistress is used too. I kid of course, but some of the men I dated sure seem to be in these windows!!!

The French Louis Vuitton went with a harlequin and circus theme for their windows. I'm loving the elephant balancing on the ball.

Loving Cartier's boxwood treatment canopy's.....how sleek!

Next stop was to Ralph Lauren's Polo Mansion, who always has the spin on the well done traditional settings.

This year Barney's devoted all their windows to Lady Gaga, and many were designed by the artist herself. Just so you know, the first picture? It appeared everything was made out of hair!!!

Next stop....Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany &Co, the legendary joaillier, always has the most magnificent windows filled with exquisite jewels, this year’s stunning windows at their Fifth Avenue flagship store take their inspiration from the magical carousel that pops up every year in Central Park. I'm always enthralled by the detail in them. I don't know if you have a Tiffany's near you, but the windows are not big, quite small actually. So it takes much patience, skill and talent to create this in such a small space.

And finally the Mistress and teams windows. The location where I work only has four small windows so we are limited to real over the top theatrical. Our theme was Dream Dresses, or dresses that one would dream of. They are all real dresses, except the one we made of entirely recycled greeting cards, that was for pure fun! The first is a small vintgnette window of Kate Spade handbags.

And that Ladies and Gentleman concludes our window tour for this year, thanks and join us again next year! Tootles!

My Computer Tech Guy......

2011-12-13T20:07:00.002-05:00

.......has wayyyyyyyy to much computer love!

Christmas Greetings from Nina Flowers

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Nina performs a lively number of All I Want for Christmas and then does a Christmas Congo for us. How cute is she?

My Red Light District at Casa du Borghese

2011-12-11T18:36:00.020-05:00

Well,well,well, it is beginning to look like Christmas finally at the Casa du Borghese! I had a three day weekend with the exception of a work related event the Mistress had to tend to late on Saturday at the store. On Friday it was tree trim day and it took all day let me tell you. My usual reminisce of just about where every ornament came from, and who gave it to me, and the usual antics of making a new trend in light scarves started.

I wonder if it will catch on? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Enough horse play, it was time to pop a cork off the wine and start to get to work. I finsihed five hours later, and this is what the Casa now looks like.

Next to the tree on the console is a grouping on clocks, candles and a vase overflowing with peacock feathers and red peasant feathers.

Now you know a Mistress tree is bound to be nuts,eccentric and crazy. I embraced my ancestral roots from Amsterdam's red light district, and Holland where my dad's family is from, and used to sizes of red lights, with just a few frosted and clear white. At night, the whole room glows red! You should see it from outside. I'm sure my neighbors must be talking. And wondering why so many men are scene going in and coming out! I swear, there ain't nothing dirty going on! On the tree itself are old and new ornaments, from very large red balls, to mini red balls, to every size in between. The Holland side come in with some wooden items, flocked domains,like the church, that glows red, I'm so going to hell, and the use of many birds. I collect the birds and have almost 25 on the tree. You will also see a seal with ball, a glass owl, a quail in a nest, a peasant, and cardinal's nest. And how, I ask, can a tree be complete without a martini glass and cock-a-tail shaker!!!!

On the coffee table this year is my most treasured Christmas belonging, my Christmas Pyramid, a gift from the Aunt and Uncle. It is from a German company by the name of Muller, who makes the most incredibly detailed pyramids. I could watch that things spin all night, especially when I have had some gins! You can read about the them in a post I did here. It is joined by my wrought iron candelabra and over sized glass vase with willow, Norwood berry branches and white Witch Hazel flowers.

A sconce in the livingroom adorned with pine and glass balls.

In the Casa's kitchen the Mistress has her usual small tree worked in amongst my favorite tea pot and platter, I love it's simplicity. Every year I always enjoy changing out my apothecary jars. This year I did some branches with cardinals perched, with a ball cluster at the bottom, in another are all my various balls I have collected over the years, and in the last is a medley of dried artichokes, pine pods, and large cranberries.

A beaded candle chandelier in the Casa facilities!

The Mistress's has a multi-colored mini tree in the boudoir. Always nice to spread the cheer.... even in the boudoir. As you can see, even more candles.

So there you have it, Christmas at the Casa du Borghese by way of the Red Light District. It's so calming to come home to and have some wine. Now I have step 2, the menu and the cock-a-tail choice for the up coming soriee! My only question is where are all the houseboys when there is much to be done?

Guilty Pleasure-American Horror Story

2011-12-11T12:57:00.008-05:00

I do believe my void, mourning and heartbreak from the cancellation of Ugly Betty has finally left me and I can now switch to wearing purple! My never to miss new show and new gulity pleasure is the arty American Horror Story, which spikes fright formula with kinky sex.The bloody new soap opera American Horror Story respects its genre roots, hitting viewers with a full complement of creaky doors, squeaking stairs and whistling wind. A creepy prologue set in 1978, when dorky red-haired twins get attacked in a dark basement by a bald dwarf, the series zeroes in on the misadventures of an unhappy family that tries for a fresh start by moving into a haunted house............

then things get weird. The series centers on the Harmon family: Ben, Vivien and their daughter Violet, who move from Boston to Los Angeles after Vivien has a miscarriage and Ben has an affair. They move into a restored mansion, unaware that the home is haunted by its former inhabitants, all of whom have been murdered in the house. And the series couldn't be better cast, one of the best castings for a show in a long while.

From Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon, th kleptomaniac neighbor, who plays the part of the southern gothic, who seems to have a supernatural connection with the house's mysterious, blood-soaked past, to sexy and hunky Dylan McDermott as Dr. Ben Harmon, to the even part time Christine Estabrook as Marcy, the Harmons' real estate agent, who is bat shit crazy and entertaing to watch.

Then there's Moira O'Hara played brillantly by Frances Conroy and Alexandra Breckenrid, the ancient and seductive housekeeper. And how can one go wrong with the hot hunky dead gay couple always brickering, and one acussing the other of always cheating.

Zachary Quinto as Chad Warwick, owner of the house before the Harmons and his hot parnter Patrick, played by Teddy Sears. And the Mistress won't complain to seeing a very naked Sears run around the house, or grab Dylan McDermott's crotch. And how can you not get the willies by Rubber man. Except when in a struggle with a half naked McDermott? Nope. Not complaing about all the hot naked male flesh!!!!

I think it will be intresting to see just how many people died in the house and what will Vivian deliver when the babies come? The story is very well written and continues to unfold, a breath of fresh air in the land of the boring realtiy shows that just won't go away!

Just for Giggles

2011-12-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Do you think this is how Dumbo started out???

From the Candy Shop

2011-12-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

Whether you have been naughty or nice,prepare to drool over the fine holiday physical specimen that is the 23-year-old Layton Draper. A sweet, easy-going, funny, hard-working "So-Cal dude." who is breaking into male modeling. Don't be surprised if he ends up being snatched up to the clutches of the Mistress, so hurry to the Candy Shop for the very tempting sugarplum!

Holiday Window Spectacle

2011-12-09T11:23:00.019-05:00

Every year the whole visual team and I go into the city to view all the holiday window displays and tour the stores to see what everyone else is doing. It one of the best things about my job. We visit various store and showrooms, some shopping and a dinner and cock-a-tails to end the day. I will do this in various post as their are to many pictures , but the first stop was the always stunning, Bergdorf Goodman.The holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman, a true New York holiday spectacle, continue their well-known tradition of high fantasy, dramatic surprises, extraordinary fashion, and great storytelling. The 2011 windows, entitled “Carnival of the Animals,” take their inspiration from diverse settings re imagined in various materials… and the animals that dwell there. David Hoey, Senior Director of Visual Presentation, and team devote an entire year to the production of the holiday windows. They will remain on display through January 3, 2012. From the "The Brass Menagerie” which set in a stylized tropical forest of metal and mirror and glimmers, to " Breaking the Ice” which invites viewers to a mid-afternoon arctic garden party whose guests include “couture plush” animals such as polar bears, a moose, wolves, an arctic mountain goat, deer, a seal, and a walrus. All the animals have been upholstered in luxe white textiles and appliquéd with icy crystals, beads, and sequins. A Baccarat chandelier adds luster, to a truly undersea fantasy, a single mannequin, in a seashell dress from the Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 collection, appears to be floating in a massive collection of mosaic sea creatures. Everything is highly patterned, with swirling textures and oceanic colors. “Testing the Waters” is quite the aquatic triumph as its production was 10 months in the making and is the most labor-intensive single window display in Bergdorf Goodman history. Yet again I was left completely speechless. I think it took me over an hour to view all the windows and I always love all the unexpected things you find in them .

Love the little porcupine at the bottom of the window in the next picture. Another exsample of details I wonder if most of the public would notice.

Another place that always seems to pull together stunning windows is the legendary French Couture designer Chanel. Chanel put together all white windows with white laser cut trees and other elements of decor and added these unique miniature Chanel dolls...how cute! The windows featured cruise wear for spring 2012.

On the way back we also had to see the tree at Rockefeller Center, it is quickly becoming a tradition every year on our trip.

Later next week, I'll share some of our work and stops at Barney's and Louis Vuitton.

Some Holiday Bluntness!

2011-12-08T21:27:00.005-05:00

The Amy Winehouse Give-A-Way

2011-12-07T19:19:00.005-05:00

Well, well, well, today was a good day. Why you ask? Well because Amy Winehouse's new cd hit today!!! And wouldn't you know the Mistress fell into three copies of the cd!!! One to keep, and two to give away to two of my lucky, swell, chic, and lovely readers who I enjoy so much hearing from. I know what your thinking. Doesn't the Mistress already give everything away? I'll let that one pass. Upon getting home it has been a relaxing night, and I did my ode to Amy with some gin and tonics, lit some candles and listened to Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures- TWICE! If that answers your question on what I think about it.

Lioness: Hidden Treasures seems to be getting mixed reviews, people seem to be saying a lot— one thing that seems almost undeniable about the album is that it has a character entirely its own. There’s plenty of variation in between the songs—there has to be when you have an album featuring both Nas and Tony Bennett—but the feel remains the same, just like it did on Back to Black. And on this one, the feel isn't of Amy the big pop star, or even of Amy the walking tragedy, but rather, just of good ole Amy, the exceptionally gifted lounge singer. There is also some inside commentary about some of the songs, some great photos of the songstress, all the lyrics to the songs and some words from her parents. The cd features Our Day Will Come, a fun version of The Girl From Ipanema, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, and her duet with Tony Bennett, Body and Soul. There are 12 songs in total! Annnnnnnnnyho I would like to give the other two copies out to two lucky readers of my blog. What do you have to do besides buy me a gin and tonic if you ever get to Philly? Simple, just leave a comment to this post. After a week I'll put all the names in my cocktail shaker ( don't worry, I'll make sure it's is empty first) and the Mother of the Mistress will draw the lucky two! Comments will close end of day Wednesday. I'll announce the winners next Thursday, December 15. Good luck to all and thanks for reading and stopping in, I always enjoy hearing from y'all! Tootles!

Traditional Lights or LED's, I Ask

2011-12-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

On Friday I'll be off work and will be in the throws of putting up the Christmas tree and decking the halls. It got me to thinking should I use my traditional Christmas lights or switch to LED'S? You can see the difference.

The festive holiday spirit will never be complete without Christmas decorations and Christmas lights. There is just something beautiful and mysteriously enchanting about twinkling lights and decorating Christmas trees. No matter how much it feels good to prepare for the holidays, however, sometimes we just can’t help but worry about the increase of electricity costs that comes with our Christmas decorations. Huge electric bills can be a pain, and cut into the Hendrick's gin stash, but you don’t have to let it affect your holiday lighting plans, or buzz. With the invention of LED lights, people can now rest their worries about shouldering large electric bills.

All types of LED lights have been proven to use 33% less power as compared to traditional lights............

On the other hand, traditional lights also have its share of good points. If you are after the aesthetics, then you may still prefer the classic look that traditional Christmas lights offer.

LED lights can sometimes have harsh glares which can be a little hard to tolerate if used on small spaces such as inside the house. Traditional lights are also cheaper and their different colors are much more pleasing to the eyes. I myself will probably use my traditional lights as I use all red on my tree, you know, for the Amsterdam red light district tree!!!! I'm embracing my heritage! I have never seen all red light strands of LEDs. I also think as a personal preference, leds just don't have that "old nostalgia feel" and come across a little garish in color and brightness. Even though traditional lights have more advantage over this new type of lights in terms of aesthetics, manufacturers of LED lights are now coming up with ways to make their lights more pleasing to the eyes. So maybe some day. What do you guys thinks of LEDs,what do you use, I'm just being nosy! Tootles!

Rupaul- "Bring Me My Girls" The New Season

2011-12-05T20:25:00.021-05:00

The fourth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" promises to the biggest, baddest and, of course, most fabulous yet and is slated to begin in January of 2012.January is still a only about a month away, which means it’s not long to wait to find out who will follow in the footsteps of Bebe Zahara Benet, Tyra Sanchez and Raja and win the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” on the eagerly-awaited show. Let’s talk about the season 4 contestants shall we? Well, their is no doubt going to be comparisons going on now that we have 3 seasons in the clutch. And Ru as chosen some queens with some very creative looks and stylings that is for sure. One thing to note Chicago, IL and Flordia are well represented! I am famailiar with some and happy they made the cut.

Jiggly Caliente who hails from NYC

Madame Laqueer from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Kenya Michaels from Puerto Rico

The Princess from Chicago

Chad Michaels from San Diego, CA.

Phi Phi O’hara from Chicago

William Bellini from sunny LA

Latrice Royale from Miami

Dida Ritz from Chicago

Lashauwn Beyond from Fort Lauderdale

Alisa Summers from Tampa

Milan for NYC

Sharon Needles from Pittsburgh, PA.

So there ya go, the girls, the dames. Drag Race Season 4 is going to be a knockdown finish to the end I'm guessing. I know who my three favorites are, but I'll keep it to myself for now since I have seen some of them. So who are you most excited about by the pics so far? Do you think we will have another Heather’s/Boogers group? Will you even watch? So freshen your lips girls, and chime it in below, comments open!

Monday? We'll Need Some of This

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, it's Monday again???? It is cold out and I think staying in bed would be a better choice, no? I may need some of this to mayyyyyyybe pursway me out of the sack.....

Well, if I can drink all this chocolate, that will get me through at least the next two weeks, ya think? It was a relaxing weekend for the most part with a work related event and a trip to the Philly Chocolate Confectionery Lounge, which, with tears, used to be The Naked Chocolate Cafe, which you can see here, and here, a favorite haunt of mine. The new joint while not the same, was pretty nice with all the chocolate goodies and they also specialize in all the old favorite candies of yester year you just can't find anywhere. My purchase, one lowly piece of chocolate. And not bad. But I felt like I was cheating on my old flame of the Naked Chocolate Cafe!!!!

My Last Houseboy at the Casa........

2011-12-04T19:36:00.004-05:00

My last houseboy was really something. But the ways of him led me to vermouth, a bandy too, and a chronic gin and tonic binge!

The Fashion Editors

2011-12-04T13:46:00.003-05:00

A while back I did a post on the fabulous Iris Apfel and in it did a snippet of Carrie Donavan. Ever since then it got me to thinking of the talented women who use to set the fashion world for a damn good spin and still do! They set trends, had a good eye for impeccable details and talent, and had fabulous fashion statements and sense themselves. Will we see any new ones, who knows, but here are my favorites to remember-

Diana Vreeland

Diana Vreeland was a noted columnist and a legendary editor in the field of fashion. She worked for the fashion magazines Harper's Bazaar and Vogue and the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art .A cigarette, a saber tooth necklace and a “living room in Hell, these might be the first things that come to mind at the mention of Diana Vreeland’s name. Diana Vreeland is even more vital and relevant today than at the time of her death in 1989. While her reputation in the fashion world is well known, the actual breadth of her career and extent of her reach is immeasurable. The true gold standard of fashion and style credibility, Mrs. Vreeland is responsible for launching many iconic careers, establishing countless trends that have stood the test of time, and bringing an unprecedented and incontrovertible perspective to the fashion world that has scarcely been seen since. And the woman could give a good quote- "Balenciaga did the most delicious evening clothes. Clothes aren't delicious any more." In the 1995 film To Wong Foo, Vida Boheme gives a copy of Vreeland's autobiography to a thrift-store clerk and tells him to "commit sections to memory. " Later, the clerk quotes a passage that reads "That season we were loaded with pizazz. Earrings of fuchsia and peach. Mind you, peach. And hats. Hats, Hats, Hats, for career girls. How I adored Paris."

Helen Gurly Brown

Helen Gurley Brown, is an author, publisher, and businesswoman. She was editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine for 32 years. In 1962, at the age of 40, her bestselling book Sex and the Single Girl was published. In 1965, she became editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and reversed the fortunes of the failing magazine. During the decade of the 1960s she was an outspoken advocate of women's sexual freedom and sought to provide them with role-models and a guide in her magazine. She claimed that women could have it all, "love, sex, and money", a view that even preceding feminists did not support at all and has been met with notable opposition by advocates of grass-roots devotion of women to family and marriage. Due to her advocacy, glamorous, fashion-focused women were sometimes called "Cosmo Girls". Her work played a part in what is often called the sexual revolution. In 1997, Brown was ousted from her role as the US editor of Cosmopolitan and was replaced by Bonnie Fuller. When she left, Cosmopolitan ranked sixth at the newsstand, and for the 16th straight year, ranked first in bookstores on college campuses. However, she stayed on at Hearst publishing and remains the international editor for all 59 international editions of Cosmo. In September, 2008, she was named the 13th most powerful American over the age of 80 by Slate magazine

Carrie Donavan

Carrie Donovan, was fashion editor for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and The New York Times Magazine. Later in her life she became known for her work in Old Navy commercials where she wore her trademark large eyeglasses and black clothing, often declaring the merchandise "Fabulous!". Remember those? In almost all of the commercials, she appeared alongside Magic the dog and various other stars from TV and fashion.When she was young,s he mailed her own sketches for a design collection to the actress Jane Wyman, who replied with a handwritten letter. She later attended the Parsons School of Design, graduating in 1950. She worked as a journalist for 30 years but always wrote her copy out by hand, because she never got the hang of the typewriter .Ms. Donovan's career had a screwball quality worthy of Hollywood where Donovan gained recognition as a style editor for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and the New York Times Magazine, turning the later two into more of the heavy players in the fashion world. She was known for being able to quickly recognize talent, being among the first to praise the work of designers Donna Karan and Perry Ellis .As her mentor Diana Vreeland once told her: ''My dear, you've got the common touch!' 'Nowhere did she apply this more surprisingly than in her television ads for Old Navy, which began running in fall 1997. In all, Ms. Donovan appeared in 42 spots, including one that featured her piloting an airplane with a dog named Magic. Teenagers and grandmothers alike hailed her in the street, sometimes singing an Old Navy jingle.

Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour is the British-born editor-in-chief of Vogue, a position she has held since 1988. With her trademark pageboy bob haircut and sunglasses, Wintour has become THE institution throughout the fashion world, widely praised for her eye for fashion trends and her support for younger designers. She can really make or break who will make it. Her reportedly aloof and demanding personality has earned her the nickname "Nuclear Wintour". She had also served as Editorial assistant, Harpers & Queen, Harper's Bazaar; fashion editor, Viva, Savvy, New York; creative director, British Vogue, and House & Garden, which she almost ran into the ground because of inserting too much fashion into. At Viva, a women's adult magazine started by Kathy Keeton, then wife of Penthouse publisher Bob Guccione, and which she has rarely discusses working there due to that connection, was the first job at which she was able to hire a personal assistant, which began her reputation as a demanding and difficult boss. She demands people to wear certain things for events, fashion shows won't start till she is there, and she even told Oprah Winfrey to lose weight before her cover photograph!!! Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admit, the woman is talented, fashionably sharp, and every issue of Vogue, along with Grace Coddington is always a treat to see. And lots of history she has made.

Kasha's Balls......You will Feel Good

2011-12-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

Well, as you know the big holiday is fast approaching us, with most of us having or attending Christmas soirees. The Mistress is going to host a small intimate Christmas party at the Casa this year, in edition to attending two. My menu is in the beginning stages of planning as we speak, but if your stumped for a nice little nibble, or that little something extra to serve, why not Kasha's Ball Of Love? Fellow drag queen, and Rochester's hostess with the mostess, Kasha Davis makes her infamous Kasha's Balls of Love! After seeing the video, you will know why her and I were separated at birth! We have many things in common.......

Back...... and with Stable Boys

2011-12-02T19:57:00.008-05:00

Well,well,well, the Mistress is finally back and happy to report a very nice Thanksgiving holiday was spent with family and friends, and then some work related travel. In between that, I also was working with a two day stomach flu! I was shocked, with my gin intake I assumed that would kill any threat of germs! But now I'm back at the Casa du Borghese, with a completed stable, which meant hiring some stable boys!!! My new hires!

As you can see, they believe in wearing about as much cloth as my houseboys!

Departing...with The Smelling Salts

2011-11-22T20:31:00.005-05:00

I'm already to depart for the long Thanksgiving weekend. I'll be departing tomorrow for my ancestral home, complete with Buster Bolfig Borghese, three houseboys, suitcases, two hat boxes and the.....well you get the point! You just never know what kind of ensemble you will be in the mood to wear. And the smelling salts are for my estranged, traditional aunt, who we have not really seen in years!!!!! A long story. She shocks easily, and reminds me of Aunt Pitty Pat from Gone with the Wind. With my other eccentric aunt, my mother and I one never knows what will come out of our mouths! We will be attending dinner at my favorite aunt and uncle's home, where she is like Martha Stewart. We will also be joined by some of her kids as well. She is having the traditional bird, with all the sides fixings, all made from scratch. She started making the breads and pies yesterday I understand. The dinner usually starts with cock-a-tails for two hours before we eat, so everyone is lit before dinner.

Since I like to cook, I'm one of the few the aunt will allow in the kitchen to taste test, I mean , help with preparations.

Of course we will all be there when the bird comes out of the oven, and this is where my aunt, from the gin, will start yelling at everyone to get the hell out of the kitchen!

Then later after seconds and thirds, cock-a-tails, some wines and dessert, the Mistress will retire to lay about swanky in some corner on a chaise lounge, trying to hold in my stomach. So a bid you a farewell and will return in early December, as I'll be off for a week, and then have some travel, and some sights to see in New York City at our store and others to view their holiday windows, not to mention a busy social season starting.

So I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Amy Winehouse-Our Day Will Come

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

As you know I was a huge fan of Amy Winehouse, still am. So no surprise I love her new release,Our Day Will Come" which was a popular song composed by Bob Hilliard and Mort Garson which was a #1 hit in 1963 for Ruby & The Romantics. And now it is being released again by it's latest performer Amy Winehouse. In edition to Someone to Watch Over Me, Our Day will Come was also to be on her third studio release, along with the duet she did with Tony Bennett, but now it is the first single from her posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures. The song was originally recorded for her first studio album, Frank but was shelved. The video is a montage of Winehouse throughout her career with clips from music videos, live peformances and press coverage. My favorite version of this song was performed by the late great Julie London, but as usual, Amy does a pretty good job and puts her trademark sound on it! I'm really looking forward to the album.

Turkey Spared from Oven

2011-11-21T22:45:00.004-05:00

This will be the last turkey story I swear. I don't know what all this interest in turkeys is all of a sudden, except filling my stomach with it! I saw this over the weekend and thought it was cute. Did you hear about this turkey spared from the oven?
You'd think most turkeys would be afraid of the oven, but a brave bird in Coggeshall, England, was actually saved by one. Tom the turkey, a resident of Howard Blackwell's farm, began wandering into the farmhouse kitchen last month, seeking heat from the hearth. Here's the story from Mr Blackwell.

"It didn't matter how many times I threw Tom out, he kept managing to get inside the kitchen nearly every morning," says Blackwell.

As time went on, Tom began bringing his turkey lady friend Tara with him on his visits. "We thought it was sweet that he brought Tara in from the cold and snow," farm staffer Sam Lythgo tells PEOPLEPets.com. Adds Blackwell, "When I saw the two of them cuddled up outside the oven one morning, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry."
The couple's cuteness paid off: Because of their almost human-like qualities, Blackwell decided to spare them and make them farm pets instead of Christmas dinner. Lythgo says Blackwell treated the couple to their own big dinner in front of the kitchen's oven, serving them a "delicious" feast with "all the trimmings." And now? Lythgo says they're "enjoying a well-earned rest until next month where they will get there own Christmas feast."

These birds should count their blessings, I'd say it was a narrow escape!

A Mixed Bag of Ups and Downs

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well I hope everyone had a great weekend! I had a pretty good one myself, but you know me and Mondays!!! Last week was a very interesting one to say the least, and I hope this week is much more even, and straight ahead! Last week was full of ups and downs, and I'm not speaking of the Upstins' place from Auntie Mame! For every down last week, there was a up!

Downside. The last few weeks at work have been nuts trying to get the Christmas installation done so it was yet another long work week, Only 59 hours. The upside- the overtime, which is un-heard of in these times, is a very nice thing. Plus I also had a very nice review, my first since in my new position, so it meant even more money!

Downside.I went with out my car for a week. I had to drive the mother's very small car, which was very uncomfortable all week. The upside. Since I had my car in for inspection, they caught what could have been a major issue and the car is purring like a kitten.

Downside. I had just started seeing a new guy, a landscaper. It ended already.... because he thought I had a voracious sexual personality for him, so we will be just friends. I'm thinking is he sure he is gay? Upside. The good ole Lad is always right there.Even though he is 27, youth does have it's advantages like endurance and stamina! Not to mention a good nights sleep!!!

Downside. The other guy I was seeing, the Prince Charming got relocated with his job and is moving. Upside. We had a very nice going away dinner and we will always be friends and visit each other in our cities. Roadtrip!!!!!!

Downside. I meant to take it easy this weekend and did for the most part, but with the Lad here Friday night, and some running around the city, and some unexpected socializing it didn't quiet happen.

I was exhausted Saturday night and fell asleep early, missing my BBC comedies. Upside. Had Sunday to myself and got to see the Green Lantern.

With Ryan Reynolds. Who was hot as hell in the movie. And in his briefs. Is it wrong the rest of the night I had indecent thoughts of him in his Green Lantern garb and what he could do with me??? How much more upside could this get? This week will be back to normal now. I guess my message here is just when you think you been dealt a downside, there always comes a upside, when a door closes a window opens!!!!! Here's to a wonderful week for us all! Tootles!

Pearl Bailey Sums it Up

2011-11-20T20:47:00.002-05:00

I tried to take it easy and relax, but it didn't happen. I'm tired.

Such Small Giblets! Thank God for Basters!

2011-11-20T15:27:00.004-05:00

You guys and your dirty minds. You thought this was going to be a picture of a hot hunk with a little one didn't ya? Well close. I came across this tidbit and found it intresting. I didn't know big turkeys are "inefficient breeders", which means there's one more thing we should all give thanks for this week: The humble turkey baster. Turns out that without this versatile tool far fewer of us would be able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This from farmer Tom Anderson, who has bred the birds for 26 years, said the key technical advance was artificial insemination, which came into widespread use in the 1960s, right around the time that turkey size starts to skyrocket.

"The reason is that turkeys over 30 pounds are "inefficient" breeders: It's difficult for them to actually perform the natural mating act. With artificial insemination, the largest birds can still be used as sires, even if they have a hard time walking, let alone engaging in sexual reproduction. "You can spread the one tom around better. It adds a whole new level of efficiency. You can spread him over more hens," Anderson said. "It takes the lid off how big the bird can be. If the size of the bird keeps them from mating, then you're stuck."

Well you learn something new eveyday. Being a size queen, and one to not complain with the jewels God gave me, you have to feel sorry for the male turkey, for his giblets just aren't big enough to reach their target!!!! Comments are now open for big turkey jokes.

Houseboys At the Casa du Borghese............

2011-11-20T02:04:00.013-05:00

....... have been lounging about.....all seven of them. Where is my gin and tonic?

Who's That Lady, Iris Apfel?????

2011-11-19T10:24:00.018-05:00

While perusing the society pages, do you ever wonder who the woman in the over sized, round glasses is? She never fails to be adorned with something bold and eye-catching, always slightly quirky and eclectic, but dressed-to-the-nines nonetheless? She calls herself a 'geriatric starlet' but she's has been one of fashion's muses, inspiring everyone from designers to glossy magazine editors. She is Iris Apfel, a businesswoman, former interior designer, and one of New York City and Palm Beach's own fashion peacocks.

Born Iris Barrel,her family owned a glass and mirror business, and a fashion boutique. Apfel is certainly a part of a unique breed of style icons. I had met her once at one of our charity events through our store's personal shopping consultant and she was a real pistol. We talked a little about fashion and interior design, and she wanted to know why I'm not doing anymore, but that's another story. I immediately loved her style and was very drawn to those glasses! I wonder if there is a fabulous club for stylish women who wear big glasses. Were Sylvia Weinstock, Carrie Donovan, and Iris all friends who think?

She married Carl Apfel in the 40's. Together, they launched the textile firm Old World Weavers and ran it until they retired in 1992 and sold out to Stark textiles. During this time, she built it into one of the most prestigious brands in the world of textiles and interior design and the authority on antique textile reproductions. She also took part in many design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton.

Her Park Avenue home was featured in Architectural Digest I while back and I found it just as colorful and eccentric as she is!

I just finished reading the book about her and found it highly intresting and very entertaining. Here is a quotation from our fashion Icon regarding accessories, and one myself firmly believe in : “For me the key to personal style lies in accessories. My friends tell me that my oversized glasses and my pairs of bracelets have become my unwritten signature. I have amassed an enormous ‘collection’ of bags, belts, bangles and beads without which I would be lost. One can change the entire look of an outfit by substituting one accessory for another. I love objects from different worlds, different eras, combined my way. Never uptight, achieving – hopefully – a kind of throwaway chic.” Iris Apfel.

Long live this fabulous fashion icon!!!!!!

Ring Around the Rosie.......

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yeah, it's Friday!!!! It's time for some playful fun this weekend!!!

Grande Dame

2011-11-16T21:18:00.011-05:00

This week a special and fabulous dame from Toyko. And if you know anything about drag in Japan, it make RuPaul's girl's look like amateurs! And this week is the stunning and almost gothic Kaya! Who is Kaya? Kaya hails from Tokyo, and is known for his vocals in the digital duet Schwarz Stein, Kaya is a powerful, drag singer with a unique,chill-inducing voice that comes totally unexpected from his looks. Kaya passionately sings and dances for freedom of expression, equality of rights between genders, and the abolition of sexual taboos. Basically, Kaya stands against any kind of discrimination. Besides being a great dancer himself, his shows often include male and female dancers, as well as other drag queens, making the entertainment factor an important part of his shows. Kaya's drag show and concerts often resemble more club parties, being a fan of clubs himself; Kaya greatly enjoys the audience in their reactions, making live concerts his favorite thing to do. Being an independent artist for most of the time, he handles everything regarding his song lyrics and composers, CD designs, make-up, outfits, and organization of his concerts and events. Kaya performs all around Japan, as well as overseas sometimes, starting his first World Tour in 2012. Kaya also has several cd's in Japan. Thanks to Kaya for the fabulous pictures, and to read his complete bio and club dates just click on Kaya.

Day In, Day Out

2011-11-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

Is it really Wednesday already??? That means one day shy of a week till Thanksgiving already! So much to do.

Would You Look at That Face

2011-11-15T22:15:00.002-05:00

Makes one forget why one needed a gin and bromide!

House Over Waterfall

2011-11-14T19:30:00.013-05:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I had a most relaxing one, as I had a lovely fall get away with the Lad and it was over due. I was very excited to cross another item off the bucket list in addition to the Alexander McQueen exhibit this year, Fallingwater.Fallingwater is a house designed by North American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 in rural southwestern Pennsylvania, 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The home was built partly over a waterfall on Bear Run in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in the Laurel Highlands of the Allegheny Mountains. Talk about some beautiful scenery!!!! It was about a 5 1/2 hour drive, but so worth the time to see!

Frank Lloyd Wright completed Fallingwater in 1937, and months later Time magazine put the house on its cover, proclaiming it the architect's "most beautiful job." Ayn Rand based much of her 1943 classic, The Fountainhead, on Wright and the house he had wrought. Wright designed it at his professional nadir, as a mountain retreat for Pittsburgh retail mogul Edgar J. Kaufmann, who owned the elegant and successful Kaufmann's Department Store who wanted a home near the waterfalls of Bear Run. Wright took that notion to its extreme. "I want you to live with the waterfall," he is said to have told Kaufmann, "not just to look at it." Cantilevered concrete terraces hover some 30 feet above the falls. The incessant sound of rushing water permeates the home, yet never overwhelms. A boulder juts through the living room and doubles as a hearth. Low ceilings direct attention outside. During my visit to the house, I was struck by Wright's vanishing windows, which open outward from wall corners, leaving no panes to obstruct the wilderness view. The interior was not my style, but I could appreciate it. I think it was the furnishings I didn't like. I was more blown away by the exterior by far! When the Mistress buys the place she can always replace the furnishings and update the joint, you know , for when I move in!

But I must admit, overall I was left in awe! The bed and breakfast was also very quaint and secluded. It was a gay owned place and the couple in the next room was straight!!!! It was so funny, and we hit it off with them since most of the other couples there were much older than us. We all had some nice cock-a-tails and conversation in the jacuzzi and were in bed by 1:30am! (Me and the Lad, not all of us!!!) Early by my standards. What a great rejuvenating weekend. Now to get through the week! Tootles.

Late at the Casa with Ms.Lepore .....

2011-11-13T22:33:00.004-05:00

.......and Cazwell. Just back in from a lovely fall getway and in the mood for bizzare, elegant, and chic stylings with Amanda Lepore and the boys! Reminds us of a night at the Casa.

From the Candy Shop

2011-11-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

While the Mistress is away, playing, I thought I'd bring you some really nice , very naughty candy that is probably bad for you, but we all like it anyway, no? And this candy barely stays in the wrapper, and it's sweeter than Turkish Delight!!!! Enjoy my shop of tasty morsels!

It's Friday....Time For a Fashionable Getaway

2011-11-11T12:00:00.001-05:00

Can I tell you how happy I am it's Friday! And a three day weekend to boot! The last two weeks have been very busy at work, but next week should be getting a lighter work load. This is the perfect time for a fall getaway, so later today the Lad and I booked a room at a little bed and breakfast in southwestern Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburg to go see the Frank Llyod Wright house Falling Water. I have always wanted to see it. And the bed and breakfast looks promising at a gay owned place. And since it's Friday I though we could throw in some fashion as well with this fashion spread I came across. Reminds me of my travels. Except for the clock, since I'm always late!!! Love the fabulous fashion with all the jumble thrown about the car. Although, I don't travel that heavy no matter what you heard. I'm off later, so you all have a fun filled weekend and I'll even pre post some Candy Shop morsels for you to enjoy later in the weekend! You know we all enjoy some eyecandy!!!! Tootles, see ya Monday!

A Send Off For Wilma Wingate

2011-11-10T20:58:00.017-05:00

Last week I was invited to go out with the Lad and company to Feathers Nightclub for the send off of local queen Wilma Wingate who was retiring from the drag arena. Feathers is a damn fine good time out, I'm here to tell ya. The place as a good energy, friendly people, fast bar service, a huge plus, can't get that gin quick enough and pretty good music. And it's the perfect venue for a drag show. Also attending was a fellow drag queen, who twisted the Mistress to make a appearance for the show. Now mind, I hardly bring out my alter ego much these days since I had a good 12 year run and had my time in the limelight in the 90's! These days I'll do the flashy party or a worth while charity show. The evening went great except for the hangover the next day. Now I know why I don't go out during the week anymore!!! Another fellow queen and blog reader suggested the Mistress Borghese make a surprise appearance, and she said I wouldn't have to lift a finger, as her friend was on hand to do the make-up, just bring two outfits and wigs. Sit back and relax? That's a switch. Miriam's stylist gave me a great face job, not as campy as I get though, but loved it none the less. In the pictures- after the show, moi,Tea Cup from New Jersey,Miriam Webster and Sable from Philadelphia. Miriam Webster performing.In the next yours doing her daring number. Bea Tempted mc-ing, and hostess of the event. In the next, are some handsome on lookers, what are you looking at? And playing the part of Christina in Lady Marmalade was Wilma Wingate.

At the end of the month my favorite queen, yes, Lady Bunny will be present and on hand for The Hair Ball, which is a charity event, with drag show and a "best wig contest"! The whole crowd can wear wigs, which from what I hear, just about eveyone is in some form of wiggery can have the chance to be judged by Lady Bunny. The higher the hair the closer to God!!!! Should be a fun event. Tootles!

* A huge thank-you to the sexy Preston for the photos *

Caught with My Pants Down

2011-11-09T20:29:00.007-05:00

A few years ago, I had an incident where my landlord came in my apartment and was to repair something, and there I was lying on the bed! He knew I was not normally in at that hour. The only problem was...I was nude! And there was another time when my neighbor across the small street saw me through my windows. Forgot to pull the drapes. So, after that major uncomfortableness I vowed that I would at least put on a pair of sport briefs when running around the abodes!

I did okay for a while... but as time went by, I got a little lazy again. You see, my apartment is up the stairs with only one other flat, so there is only a couple of neighbors who could possibly see me, the one across the courtyard and another in the building across form me.I also get shielded by the tree foliage so I dare walk around as naked as I wish. I did so good till last night. I had got home and showered and pampered myself, when I thought I heard a knock at the door but I wasn't sure. So after some time I went to check the door and low and behold a package arrived I had ordered. That must have been the knock. So while naked I opened the door, not worrying because my across the hall neighbors moved out a month ago. Imagine my surprise to see a guy in the hall doing work on his door!!! A new neighbor moved in unbeknownst to me! Well...he saw me last evening. ALL of me! It's a quick little grab of the box and then back into the apartment I go! So, as luck would have it, my new male neighbor was in the hallway and got to see me standing there in all my glory. So, I just smiled and said, "Good Evening!" Like this is just a everyday normal thing.

He was amazing. He didn't even bat an eye, or blush. You could tell he was caught off guard though. He looked at me back and said, "Well, good evening to you too!" We did exchange names and then he continued working on the door.

Oh well...I guess I don't really care, and as long as he didn't, then all is fine!

Good, because having to break this habit would suck! And it's not like I don't have enough sport briefs to where!!!! I just hope I don't see him again right away. Tootles.

Not Heavy D

2011-11-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

Oh no,not Heavy!!! Heavy D passed away yesterday at 44. I loved this song, a good early 90's memory for me. And if anyone could pull off a lime green plastic jacket and pants it was him! "One, two, tell me what you got,Let me slip my quarters inside your slot to hit the jackpot,Rev me up, rev me up,My little buttercup"......

The Grande Dame

2011-11-08T21:37:00.008-05:00

Every Puerto Rican knows the name Dreuxilla Divine. She is a drag queen that came on the scene in the year 2000 and has gained popularity over the last few years and that this fashion icon originates from the upper class neighborhood of El Condado in San Juan. Although some facts remain clouded and relatively sketchy, two facts are confirmed: Firstly, the identity behind Dreuxilla Divine is still a well-guarded secret; and secondly, everyone loves Dreuxilla Divine. This multi-talented Puerto Rican drag queen is a successful fashion critic, an adored stand-up comedian and one of the preferred beauty pageant hosts. She is not only known in Puerto Rico, but has gained a steady following in Miami and in New York. It seems that the possibilities for Dreuxilla Divine are endless. Requests for her presence as host, presenter, MC and entertainer mean that she is a very busy queen. With many fans, her website and numerous opportunities arising each day, we can only wait to see where this journey might lead this famous and extremely fascinating Puerto Rican drag queen.

Guys...It's Time to Tug Tone!!!

2011-11-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hey guys, I found the perfect exercise we can all do and we can enjoy it at the same time! It's something we are all familiar with too!

And if you do go to Walgreens and their out, I think this guy has a subsitute we can use!

My Relationship with Getting a Haircut!

2011-11-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

What a lovely weekend. Not much going on for the Mistress except a lovely date with the Lad and finalizing plans for a upcoming weekend trip, and got caught up with many must do's on my honey do list! Except Friday. You know how it is in life...When you find something you really enjoy, or something that works well for you, you continue with that! Like my gin. I love Hendrick's the best! Well, the same goes for getting a haircut! As many of you know, it's difficult to find someone to cut your hair who does it well, and when you find that special hairstylist, you keep going to them on a regular basis. Up until Friday, I had the most amazing Tasha cut my hair. I would show up, plop my ass down in her chair, and watch her work her MAGIC! She was also wonderful about suggesting slight & subtle changes to the haircut from time to time, to switch things up a bit and keep me from getting into a rut... Then, she dropped the bomb on me on Friday... "I'm Moving." NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! After pulling the dagger out of my heart, took a bromide, and then a deep breath, I decided that it was probably best to go on living anyway... I can get through this. But Tasha has always had a way about her. Besides her being swank, I actually like getting a haircut while it's being done. It's like a mini-massage for the head, and yes...at times I get that wonderful 'tingling' feeling! I also look foward to the gossip with the other girls!

But the best part about my Tasha is that getting a haircut can be a therapy session! While sitting in that chair, I could say anything I wanted to her, and she had no choice but to listen! Where was she going to go? BUT...my Tasha did more than listen. She would ask questions or just randomly make little noises of agreement to let me know that she was with me on this personal journey of self-discovery! She and I even critiqued the hot guys that would walk in!!!! And had talk of out favorite clubs, cock-a-tails, and the guys we are dating, and we even both existed our relationships at the same time! Oh well... I admit...I've given in to defeat. Maybe I'll try the spa where I get my other treatments done, they always seem nice and welcoming there. Maybe the hot handsome guy for a change. But they better give me the un-ruly, messy, spiky, must-ed up look I'm used too!!! Do you know how hard it is to get my hair to look this messy?

So...I need a new place to get my haircut!

Unless they charge the same outrageous price as my monthly Gin intake...then I'll pass....

Returning Monday......

2011-11-04T13:00:00.002-04:00

It has been a very busy and hectic week with 50+ hours in. The Mistress isn't used to all the work! With store holiday trim and windows being prepped for installation, store events and meetings, another Rachel Zoe fashion show a possibility ,and a charity drag show, plus two more trips to the city, it has been insane! I even stayed in Jersey two nights at the Lads house because I was just too tired to drive home. What made me think I'd get rest there? So needless to say, I'm going to relax this weekend with a few things planned, so I 'll be away for the weekend, so don't do anything the Mistress wouldn't! And have a cock-atail. After all, as Kasha Davis says,"There's ALWAYS time for a cock-a-tail!