This & That: No. 27

An app that helps you arrive where you wish to go for free, my favorite new fall television show and, yes, I’m taking a risk, my morning news program of choice. Have a look . . .

~App

~MapQuest Mobile

The new Apple iPhone 5 is now available, and I must admit, I’m rigorously trying to determine whether I should upgrade or not (I have an iPhone 4, so I’ve been advised to do so, but do I really NEED to?). However, with the recent apology from Apple regarding their mobile maps app, I thought I’d share with you a free app that is just as wonderful and reliable to make sure you arrive exactly where you want to go (and it has verbal instructions when you’re driving alone). MapQuest Mobile is exactly what you need, and everything that you don’t (it’s free!). Search for that favorite restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit or any other destination, and don’t worry, if you get lost, it will get you back on track.
~Blog

~Belle Belle Beauty

If you enjoy your beauty regimen and are continually eager to learn how to improve and upgrade your daily routine, you will enjoy stopping by the Belle Belle Beauty blog. With tips and advice on products for hair, body, nails, skincare, face and eyes, you are sure to stay on top of all the trends and need to know products that are worth checking out.

~New & Politics

~Morning Joe

We can’t ignore that the United States Presidential Election is around the corner (November 6th), so I’m stepping out on a limb to share this next item of This & That. I know some of you wish that I would steer clear of politics, which I do for the most part; however, I can’t help but care about women’s issues and will always be an advocate for women’s rights. Forgive me, as I am a woman, I believe I deserve to be treated equally, as does everyone else. With that said, I am also a civics teacher, so I regularly have an excuse to stay abreast of current events (which I would do anyway). So today I’d like to share with you the television news program I wake up to every single work day morning – Morning Joe on MSNBC.

Hold on now. You may be thinking, MSNBC - what a liberal station, but if you take the time to watch (6am – 9 am Eastern), you will realize that Joe Scarborough (from which the show’s namesake is derived) is a former Republican congressman from Florida (now an Independent and rumored to be considering a run for the White House in 2016 as a Republican), and Mika Brezinski is unapologetically a Democrat which makes for entertaining, but more importantly insightful debates revealing both sides of many issues. (After all, there is no right and wrong. We all have different values, and therefore different perspectives, both of which must be allowed to be expressed whether you agree or not.)

I applaud the show for the guests they book (both sides of either issue continuously appear), and I thoroughly enjoy the debates and discussion that arise. Having watched it since 2008, if you at all crave stepping away from the 30 second sound bites from either party on the local basic channels, tune in.

~No matter what your party affiliation, here is why I believe it is imperative and beneficial that we all stay on top of news and current events.~

~Shopping

~Diptyque ‘Feu de Bois’ candle

The luxury of having a wood burning fireplace during the cozy fall and winter months is certainly a treat, but even if you don’t have a chimney to call your own, you are still in luck. The French candle company Diptyque makes a candle that emanates the subtle scent of a warm, sophisticated fireplace - ‘Feu de Bois’. Ideal as a hostess gift, but most certainly a treat to give yourself, create an even more comfy, cozy moment on the first evening that the temperatures dip below freezing by lighting this candle and grabbing your favorite blanket, film and loved one.

~Lanvin draped knit cashmere top

It’s never too early to keep an eye out for holiday attire. And Lanvin’s drastically reduced draped knit cashmere top is a luxurious purchase, but quite the steal if you can afford it. Marked 65% off from $1800, this beautiful top would look lovely with a skirt, dark denim jeans or trousers as you continue to remain chic and stylish during the chilled months of the year.

~Television

~Elementary on CBS 10pm Thursdays

The new fall televisions shows have nearly all premiered, so I’m always scanning the television schedule to see what’s worth taking a peek at. This past weekend, when I had some free time, I watched the premiere episode of Lucy Liu’s CBS drama Elementary and was quite impressed. Always a mystery buff, but tired of the traditional format or all the blood and gore, I am more skeptical, but Jonny Lee Miller playing ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and his British accent certainly helped convince me to continue watching.

Based in New York City, Liu’s character is a social worker assigned to ‘babysit’ Holmes as he transitions from a drug rehab program back into everyday life. She tags along with him as he consults on murders with the NYPD. I must say, even though Liu’s character on Ally McBeal years ago was brash and antagonist, I’ve always found something engaging about her that keeps me intrigued, and she continues to exude this quality (albeit even more enjoyably) as she co-stars in this new television series. If you’re looking for a new drama to add to your Thursday nights, do check it out.