Goodbye to an Icon

Credit: Everett

When I heard that Elizabeth Taylor died this morning, it literally took my breath away. And I wasn't exactly sure why I was that bothered by it. So, I wrote a note to my friend and asked her why she thought I was so upset, and she said, "because you are ALWAYS affected by these types of things Keosha!" And she was totally right. I am quite a sensitive person, but I also can respect the breath of influence someone like Elizabeth Taylor has on our culture and society. She was much more than just an actress.

I am a fan of older movies, so I can appreciate her acting accomplishments, but she was also an original diva. She was old Hollywood. The glitz and the glamour and...the husbands. Eight men called her their wife. She was obviously an amazing woman. She was the first actor (male or female) to be paid $1 million for their work. She changed the way business was being done in Hollywood.

As I went through the dozens of pictures of Liz Taylor online this morning, I was able to see the history of her life, so were photos from her films or red carpets, but many were of her with the men in her life. She definitely faced some tragedy, like the death of her husband Mike Todd, but she also seems to live a pretty carefree life.

The influence she had on style is beyond anyone else. She was fabulous for 60+ years!! Flipping through the pictures of her fashion style through the years says it all because she did it all! You don't even have to be someone who knows much about jewelry to know that this woman's collection was unmatched. Mostly given to her by her twice married husband, Richard Burton. That man knew how to pick out (and sometimes, even design) some jewelry. Men everywhere should take notice!

The was truly an icon, a legend. She will live on forever!

Rest in Peace Elizabeth Taylor.

The Wedding Dance is now The Divorce Dance

The You tube phenomenon Wedding Dance, that was copied on The Office for Jim and Pam's wedding, has now been transformed into the Divorce Dance. The couple is headed to divorce court already?!? Loves it.

Here is the Jim and Pam version.

Marriage...Its Growing on Me

Martha Stewart Weddings

I have generally not been a huge fan of marriage. Well, it terrifies me. I am from a family full of divorces. My grandparents were the only truly successful marriage I have seen, unfortunately, my grandma died far too early in life. I don't believe that life is easy and full of beautiful roses, nor do I think they had a perfect marriage for 40 years, but I know they were happy and loved one another. The other side of me is a hopeless romantic. I have been with my boyfriend for five years next month and after eight months of living together, the idea of marriage is growing on me.

I heard a few months back from this lawmaker in some European country proposing that all marriages have a seven year expiration date and then you have to renew it. I thought, this is a pretty good idea. If nothing else, it makes you reevaluate your relationship and do what is necessary to make it work. Some marriages would likely end after the seven years, but I think many more would renew. Now, this is not likely here in America or probably anywhere, but it was a creative idea, which is more than I can say about divorce.

I read Cup of Jo religiously and she has been discussing her engagement and wedding plans for months now. She got married this past weekend and has left for her honeymoon. While gone, she has enlisted many of my favorite bloggers to fill-in for her writing about their secrets to a happy marriage. Today, Grace from Design*Sponge wrote some great tips:

Grace + AC's secrets to a happy marriage:

1. Talk it out: No matter how angry you are, talking always helps. I wasn't a big talker before meeting Aaron (I was a big "slam the door"-er) and he taught me the value of talking through any and all difficult situations.

2. Support each other's dreams: AC loves to play poker and guitar, and he also likes mixed martial arts. If he wanted to leave his job to pursue any of those, I would support him 100%. And I know he'd do the same for me. I realized a few years back that no matter how good the salary or benefits, if your partner isn't happy, even the best job is the wrong job. If you're both truly happy, then material things really do become less important.

3. Go on adventures: Whether it's a scooter ride to Coney Island or a backpacking trip out west, remember to experience new things together. AC and I are complete opposites, but we both love to try new things, which keeps us growing together.