While the plan isn't perfect, I am happy that health care reform is finally coming in the United States.
As someone who pays for my own health care, I've experienced how health insurance companies deny coverage for tests recommended by doctors, and their tactics in trying to push consumers into increasingly unaffordable insurance plans. Even though I'm still young and healthy, my health insurance is very expensive. I don't view this legislation as the government trying to control my health care -- the insurance industry has controlled that my entire life -- I view this as an opportunity to have more health care options in case I ever find myself in a bad situation.
With so many people losing their jobs and their health insurance, and being driven into bankruptcy merely because they became ill, I think it was essential that legislation was passed at this time, instead of waiting additional decades for it. I'm not concerned about the potential of paying extra taxes for it. It's a small price to pay for doing the right thing, and it's ultimately less expensive and more beneficial to people than some other items that taxpayers have paid for.
For me, this isn't just about health care, or about the economy, it's also about what kind of country we're going to be. It may not be a perfect plan, but I'll have some faith that they'll adjust it over time, just like they did with other major legislation that has ultimately helped people.
Model Naomi Campbell has organized another Fashion For Relief event this year, this time to benefit victims of the Haiti earthquake. The charity fashion show and auction began four years ago, and has previously helped Hurricane Katrina victims and other charitable causes.
The runway show will be held on February 12 at 7 p.m. EST at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. American Express cardmembers can buy tickets before the general public for $100 and $150 starting February 5 at 10 a.m. EST at Ticketmaster.
The show, at the tents at Bryant Park, will be hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and will feature designers and celebrities. Clothing has been donated for the fashion show, and those designs will be auctioned at NET-A-PORTER starting on February 15. Donations are tax deductible and all ticket proceeds will benefit charity.
For more information, you can read articles at The New York Times and The Associated Press.
If you've ever enjoyed a film by Pedro Almodóvar, I recommend that you see his latest work, "Broken Embraces," starring Penélope Cruz. The film (titled "Los Abrazos Rotos" in Spanish) follows the course of an affair between a movie director and his lead actress, and the drama that ensues. While not as good as his last film, "Volver," it's a story of love, filmmaking and an experiment in film noir that works.
As an Audrey Hepburn fan, I also enjoyed some of the costumes that Penélope Cruz wears in the film (see left).
I've been increasing my workouts at the gym, so I really enjoy this Mastercard "Priceless" commercial called "Pickle Jar." If you haven't seen it already, I won't give away the punchline, but it always makes me laugh!
Disclaimer: This commercial in no way represents the capabilities of my all-powerful significant other. (He now owes me $5 for that.)
Mastercard is not a Loverly sponsor. I just honestly like this commercial.
I had been looking for a pair of brown knee-high boots that could be dressed up or down, and I finally found a beautiful pair on sale. These Frye "Fiona" stitch pull-on boots (see left) can be worn with skinny jeans and leggings, or with dresses and skirts.
When you put them on, the leather hugs your ankles well enough so that these boots don't make your legs look bigger. No cankles! They have a sturdy 2 1/2 inch heel, so they're good walking boots.
With a rounded toe, they're not as elegant as a pointy-toed boot, but they are much more versatile so I'll get my money's worth. They were about $100 below full price at Endless, so I couldn't resist. They also come in other colors.
These boots are a little difficult to pull on and off at first, since they have no side zipper, but I know that won't be a problem after I break them in. Once these boots are on your feet, they're comfortable to walk in. I expect that they'll last a long time, like other Frye boots!.
Feast on some Eye Candy!
