Author: Kimberli Simon

It’s only rock and roll but I like it…

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rollingstonestongue
Evolution of the Tongue (courtesy of The Rolling Stones)

Please excuse my absence of late.  I’ve basically been getting my ass handed to me by life, resulting in zero energy to be creative.  When this happens, I escape by surfing the web exploring cool places to visit and things to do.  Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon an ad for a show I’ve planned imaginary visits to for the past two years, only to find I will  soon be able to drive ten miles down the road and see the show anytime I want.

The Rolling Stones “Exhibitionism” tour is coming to Nashville March 29th through June 30th and I am  beyond excited!   The first time I saw the Stones play was during their  ‘Some Girls’ tour in 1978 and the last time was during their ‘Bridges of Babylon’ tour in 1997.  I still wear my concert t’s, own most of their music catalog in one form or another, and continue to listen to the Exile on Main Street, Sticky Fingers, and Some Girls albums at least once a month.

Since I don’t have to travel far to see the show I thought I’d put my tourist planning skills to use for you instead.  Are you a Stones Fan? Are you interested in spending a weekend in Nashville to see the exhibit or the city? Not sure of where to stay, where to eat, or what to explore while in Music City?

All you need to do is follow my blog.  I’ll select three followers and create a personalized weekend itinerary that will have you and your tour mates experiencing Nashville like rock stars!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

*It’s Only Rock and Roll – The Rolling Stones

 

A patchwork quilt of life…

Kimberli Simon2 Comments
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“Little Sister’s Quilt” by Susan and Emily Holbert (1850-1860)

I can come up with clothing designs. I can draft patterns. I can sew at the couture level. I can embroider.  I can bead.  I can even applique.  What I can’t do, or can’t do yet, is quilt. For someone as experienced in the sewing arts as I am in you would think quilting would be an easy thing to master, and yet something has held me back from trying. For that reason, when I was asked to review Southern Quilts: Celebrating Traditions, History, and Designs by Mary W. Kerr I jumped at the opportunity to explore ‘all things quilting’… Continue reading “A patchwork quilt of life…” →

If you can’t be with the one you love…

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aceofcondoms

It’s no coincidence that we celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day on February 14th. If you are looking for love use a condom when you love so you can continue to love for a very long time. If you plan on staying home to spend time with those you already love have a wonderful day celebrating why you love each other. And remember…no matter how you love, or whom you love, or if anyone else understands your love…today of all days, love the one you’re with.

*Love The One You’re With – Stephen Stills

She promised all the sweetest gifts…

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vdaygifts
Little things mean a lot
Heart Necklace  |  Crystal Heart Puzzle  |  Lego Love Doggie  |  Godiva Heart Tower
|  It Happened One Night  |  Moonstruck  |  Shrek  |  The Big Sick  |  The Princess Bride | Shalimar  |  Hearts Apron  |  Rose Arrangement  |  AHA Donation  |  Earrings  |  Love T  |  Champagne  |  Heart Umbrella  

It is almost Valentine’s Day and I am being inundated with overpriced roses, candy-colored plush animals, and a multitude of heart-shaped sugars. I’ve never been a ‘show me you love me with a present’ kind of person but I absolutely unashamedly LOVE to give tokens of my affection all year long.  How about you?  Not sure what to give that certain someone in your life?  Here are a few ideas if you are looking for a way to say ‘I love you’ on February 14th (or any other day of the year).

*The Sweetest Gift (Lovers Live) – Sade

It’s a very very very fine house…

Kimberli Simon1 Comment
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The Winter White House Postcard

For the past few days I’ve been doing a deep dive into Palm Beach and Boca Raton architecture as a by-product of reviewing “Addison Mizner: The Architect Whose Genius Defined Palm Beach” by Stephen Perkins and James Caughman.  I was drawn to the subject having spent a number of years living in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and lower Miami Beach, where I was surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial-influenced homes you can only find in South Florida… Continue reading “It’s a very very very fine house…” →

Fly Eagles fly….

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superbowlfood
Super Bowl LII Food – Philly Style

I have been a fan of football, and the Philadelphia Eagles, for a very long time.  Growing up, I never wanted to be a cheerleader but to this day I dream of being out on that field, protecting my quarterback as he throws one deep into the end zone for the winning touchdown.  I did play vicariously through my sons, both of whom started in pee-wee leagues and finished at college as O-line hogs.  And yes, for them I was definitely a cheerleader (often to their embarrassment).

As for the Eagles, the team has had a true Cinderella year.  When the pundits wrote them off after Carson Wentz’s season-ending injury the team kept playing like the first-class athletes they are and never missed a beat.  They truly are the personification of ‘there is no I in team’.  As I write, they are 6 days away from suiting up against the Patriots to play for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. and while they prepare in Minneapolis I am busy preparing too.  Normally, I am all about the traditional wings/nachos/chips & dips/beer refreshments but this year I am all about the Philly Spread (and I don’t mean offense).

I plan on serving Frank’s Soda (a classic Philly soda from my youth), Yuengling Beer (for those who can’t handle the Wishniak), authentic Philadelphia soft pretzels (left over from my holiday visit to Philly), Italian hoagies, steaks wit’ wiz, pork and broccoli rabe sandwiches, crab fries (a la’ Chickie and Pete’s), assorted Tastycakes and Luigi’s water ices.  I won’t be able to replicate Formosa’s rolls for my sandwiches but can authentically replicate just about everything else I will serve.

What about you?  Will you attend a Super Bowl party or watch from your couch?  Are you pulling for another Tom Brady miracle win or, like me, rooting for the underdogs and a game for the ages?  Here’s hoping I’ll be singing Fly Eagles Fly next Sunday night. E. A. G. L. E. S. Eagles!

*Fly Eagles Fly

Taking care of business…

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intheworks2
Basmati Yokes

I’ve been feeling guilty about all of my unfinished projects, which I rediscovered while cleaning our computer/music/craft room (aka: The Pit).  Among the projects squirreled away in various boxes I found:

  • ‘Blues for Allah’ Tribute Jacket*
  • Basmati Bag #1 Embroidered Jacket Back**
  • Basmati Bag #2 Embroidered Jacket Back**
  • Calvin & Hobbes Embroidered Guitar Strap
  • ‘9 Albums’ Embroidered piece
  • ‘My Two Daughters’ pencil drawing

The ‘Blues for Allah’ jacket is part of my long-running series of *Tribute Jackets© which I have been painting for many years.  I replicate iconic rock album covers onto the backs of Levi’s denim jackets as a way of honoring the awesome artwork which contributed to some of the best rock music – and bands – of all time.  My **Basmati Bag Backs© start with burlap rice bags, which I elaborately embroider before affixing to a Levi’s jacket.

I have come to believe these half-completed creations are ’blocking my blessings’ and am determined to complete at least a few of them so I can free some of my mental creative space for new projects I am excited to begin.

I think I will start with Basmati Bag #2, which is a present for my big sis.  True story, I was ¾ of the way finished with this jacket when I lost my workbag containing the two embroidered front yokes during one of my travels.  That pissed me off so much I put the project aside for what is now approaching 2 years. High time I took it out of the box it has  been living in, dusted everything off, and got busy.  Progress updates will be forthcoming…

*Taking Care of Business – Bachman Turner Overdrive

Happy birthday to me….

Kimberli Simon1 Comment
BirthdayOutfit
Birthday Outfit 58
Old Navy Floral Plus-Size Waisted Midi |  Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf  |  Treasure & Bond Drusy Drops  |  Lancome Le Metallique Rouge Magma Lip Lacquer  |  ASOS Leather and Sueded Cross Body Bag  |  LovePop ‘Shopping Time’ 3D Birthday Card   |  Nine West Fallon Wide Calf Dress Boots  |  LUSH Karma Perfume

 

I just celebrated another birthday and had a really great time.  Since the date fell on a Friday – yeah Capricorns! – I turned my day into a 72-hour celebration instead.

My actual birthday was spent receiving calls from my loved ones who each sang me ‘Happy Birthday’.  On the way home from work I took a detour to see ‘I, Tonya’ (which was fantastic).  I came home to some snail mail cards and a beautiful bouquet from my son and his girlfriend.  Funny story there – unbeknownst to my son, the florist was his 3rd grade teacher who was thrilled one of her students was sending flowers to his momma.  My day ended with the perfect gift from my husband –  a SpaFinder gift card (Tiba NU here I come).

Saturday saw me working on the ‘Who Am I?’ project with artist Ashley Mintz.  That evening, my husband and I got dressed up for a four-course dinner at The Melting Pot.  Fondue appetizers, fondue lobster, shrimp and steak, and fondue desserts, all benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank as part of Nashville Restaurant Week.  Yum!

And Sunday?  Well, Sunday was football playoff day and my team – the Philadelphia Eagles – romped their way to a Super Bowl ­­­­berth!  I’ve been waiting a long time for my Iggles to have a season like this and they have not disappointed me (or the rest of their fans) yet.  I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the next year of my life…

*Happy Birthday To Me – Bright Eyes