Avril Lavigne & Brody Jenner Leaving Koi Restaurant

It's been a little over two weeks since speculation of a split began to swirl, however a very together-looking Brody Jenner and Avril Lavigne were spotted out at Koi restaurant in Los Angeles, California on Monday night (January 30).
Both dressed in a dark-colored ensembles, the "Complicated" singer and her on/off reality star beau seemingly squashed any claims of a breakup as they arrived to the swanky City of Angels eatery.

credit - celebrity-gossip.net, tlfan, thanks for the heads up portia! : )
~Kelli at Hills Freak

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19th century French floor tiles

  In most of the old houses around here if you let your gaze drop to the ground, you'll find that you are standing on an old 19th century decorative tiled floor.   These tiles are tough enough to resist to most conditions, and  even when walls need re-plastering or the actual floor level has moved, the tiles can be retrieved and relaid straight.

Typically the decorative tiles were laid as a 'rug' to echo the shape of the room.  A border around the edge.  Today it is possible to find complete 'rugs' of tiles for sale in the most beautiful colours.

It is not unusual in the old houses like ours, to find a decorative pattern used in the entrance hall and the kitchen with wooden parquet, or brick red tomettes laid in the adjacent living and dining areas.

I love the subtle colours of the floors, they seem to bring warmth and whimsy to today's neutral tones.  In the  bathroom below 19th century tiles have been reworked as a the wall on a walk in shower.  Gorgeous yellow with the grey woodwork

Of course some tile patterns are more intricate than others, some designed to impress others to comfort (those things never change!), but to me it's a bonus to find an old house that still has this decorative floor pattern intact.

PS  If you haven't entered yet, don't forget the fantastic Diane James Home giveaway, 2 days to go!

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Columbus Dispatch: [Mayor] Coleman didn't sign on to Freedom to Marry

 

The link is here

Coleman didn't sign on to Freedom to Marry

By: Doug Caruso

The Columbus Dispatch - January 31, 2012 13:01 PM

There's been a lot of confusion about whether Mayor Michael B. Coleman signed on with a group called Freedom to Marry along with mayors who support laws that give gay couples the same right to marry as straight couples.

The short answer: He didn't.

Here's what happened:

Coleman's name appeared on the  group's website on Jan. 20 as a sponsor. That afternoon, I talked to Jo Deutsch, who is handling the campaign, and she said that it appeared that Napoleon Bell, who is Coleman's community relations director, had filled out a web form on behalf of the mayor, committing him to the cause. Meanwhile, Dan Williamson, the mayor's spokesman, said he knew nothing about it.

The mayor was in Washington D.C., for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where Freedom to Marry had held a press conference with mayors who support them. Coleman didn't attend. I didn't write about it because I wanted confirmation from the Coleman administration that he'd signed on before I said that he'd done it.

That never came.

Today, Equality Ohio issued a press release listing the Ohio mayors who signed on to Freedom to Marry's campaign. Coleman wasn't on the list, so I called Williamson again.

Coleman, Williamson said, last took up the issue of marriage equality when he ran for governor in 2004. He said he was in favor of civil unions with the same rights as traditional marriage and that's still his position. But he said Coleman told him, "This is an issue I'm giving more thought to. I'm thinking about expanding my position, but I haven't done so yet."

With a lot of questions circulating about the Mayor's position on Twitter and Facebook, Williamson said, there have also been plenty of people sending messages to Coleman urging him to support marriage equality.

Williamson said has no idea who filled out the open web form on Freedom to Marry's website in Coleman's and Bell's name. Bell has said he did not do it. Williamson said he talked to Deutsch, who removed Coleman from the list and was apologetic, though she told Williamson that she hopes she'll get another call soon so she can add Coleman back on.

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Ohio Mayors Join Freedom to Marry Campaign

Ohio Mayors Join Freedom to Marry Campaign

For immediate release
January 31, 2012  

For more information contact:
Ed Mullen, Executive Director
Zac Branstool, Director of Communications

Columbus, OH -- Six Ohio Mayors are among a growing list of local officials who have joined Freedom to Marry’s “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” campaign, which supports marriage equality for same-sex couples.

The Ohio Mayors who have signed the pledge to date are:

• Frank Jackson of Cleveland
• Mark Mallory of Cincinnati
• Don Plusquellic of Akron
• Edward Kelly of Cleveland Heights
• David Berger of Lima
• Sara Drew of Stow

At the 80th annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. this month, a bipartisan group of Mayors from around the country announced their support for the Freedom to Marry campaign. The group includes Mayors from large and small cities and towns alike, each with diverse backgrounds and constituencies.

Mayors Michael Bloomberg of New York, Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, Rahm Emanuel of Chicago and Annise Parker of Houston were some of the big city Mayors from around the country supporting the initiative.
   
The group released the following statement that read in part:

“As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life...Our cities derive great strength from their diversity, and gay and lesbian families are a crucial part. Studies have shown what we know through our hands-on experience—that cities that celebrate and cultivate diversity are the places where creativity and ideas thrive.”

Equality Ohio will continue working with local communities to encourage their Mayors to sign the Freedom to Marry pledge. To encourage your Mayor to sign on to the Freedom to Marry campaign go to http://www.freedomtomarry.org/

Equality Ohio advocates and educates to achieve fair treatment and equal opportunity for all Ohioans regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home.

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Why Me?

Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all
the days of her life.

I was sitting in the midst of 500 cops at a funeral, listening to the eulogies for a well-loved and well respected officer, thinking of how blessed the man was. He was an investigator, worked at the hospital on his day off, coached two basketball teams, taught Sunday school, was a mentor and a great family man. Whew! How did the man do it all?

I got to thinking then about my wife and all she does and all she is, and it suddenly hit me how blessed I am to have a person like this.

One of the first things I want to ask my Savior after I bow and give Him all the glory He deserves, "Why me? Why was I the most blessed person I have ever met?"

He has given me such a well favored life, a great family, ministry, church, all the nice things in life, the blessings of being an American, a Nebraskan, a Christian, Yes, even a Baptist.

However, besides the great salvation He has given this undeserving sinner, He has blessed me with a lady who is the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. She is as virtuous as they come. Her price is far above rubies. She has done me nothing but good. She is the fairest of ten thousand.

I know it would only be right for any man to speak so highly of his wife, I would expect nothing less from any decent man. But for me, it is not hyperbole; it is God's honest truth. There is no better wife than the one God has given me.

And so I give thanks to the One Who has blessed me with all spiritual blessings and a great life, to boot!

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light and space in an old French bastide

If I were to move back down to the South of France with it's beautiful light and gentle living, I would definitely love a house with proportions like these.  Tall ceilings, wide open windows, gently light colours.  Everything feels calm and uncluttered, the living looks easy.

 I love the long dresser in this picture, so great for displaying plates or even lining up dishes for a big family lunch!

The furniture is not overdone, mostly vintage or brocante pieces, the accent is on colour, patina and textures.  The bareness of the walls in the sitting room provide a striking set for the two huge orchard ladders.

Fittingly it is the bedroom that is given the most comfortable treatment, with a big soft armchair, and of course the wonderfully simple baldaquin over the bed.

How simple is this table?!  Two  bench supports and plank table top rounded at the corners.  What makes it spectacular is its size.

This is my favourite picture,; I love the grey of the lamp stand against the neutral stone wall.   The way the side table height has been raised, and those amazing little vases attached to the lamp - those I want!

Another example of French understatement, less is more.  Simple materials, neutral colours, comfort in textiles with looking for anything fancy.    The overall effect feels soothing to me - what do you think?

all pictures with thanks to campagne et doecoration

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ACLU: New HUD Rule Delivers for LGBT Americans

New HUD Rule Delivers for LGBT Americans

 

Last year, we told you about a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding equal access to HUD housing programs regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Among the key requirements of the rule is a prohibition on inquires regarding sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as a prohibition on using sexual orientation or gender identity as grounds for decision-making in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) programs. Additionally, the rule brings the definition of “eligible families” into the 21^st century by including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

This afternoon, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that the final rule will be published in the Federal Register early next week, meaning that it will take effect in just a little over one month from today! Needless to say, this is a tremendous step forward in efforts to stamp out discrimination against LGBT people in housing.

Of critical importance, the rule will require all organizations that operate HUD-assisted or HUD-insured housing facilities to serve LGBT Americans looking for shelter and housing—including religious organizations. As a coalition of more than 30 civil rights organizations (including the ACLU) wrote to HUD last year, once a religious organization chooses to provide housing services or programs with the aid of federal funds and benefits from HUD, it cannot shield itself from traditional safeguards that protect civil rights in the provision of those services. Those religious organizations that provide wholly private housing services will be unaffected by this new rule.  We are pleased that HUD said that all organizations must provide equal access to HUD housing programs and did not sanction the use of religion to discriminate.

As Secretary Donovan stated last year at the time of the publication of the proposed rule, “This is a fundamental issue of fairness. We have a responsibility to make certain that public programs are open to all Americans.  With this proposed rule, we will make clear that a person’s eligibility for federal housing programs is, and should be, based on their need and not on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The ACLU could not agree with Secretary Donovan more strongly. This new federal rule will move us one step closer to an America where decent, affordable housing is available to all Americans.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2012
Michael Cole-Schwartz |


HRC Statement on New HUD Non-Discrimination Regulations

WASHINGTON – Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced new regulations aimed at addressing discrimination in federal housing programs would become official this week.  The draft regulations were announced in January 2011 and Secretary Donovan made the announcement today at the Creating Change conference in Baltimore.

"The new regulations from HUD will help protect LGBT people and our families in one of the most fundamental aspects of life - finding and keeping a home," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "This common sense action will help some of the most vulnerable people in our community in trying to make homes for themselves and their families."

The new rule makes three important changes to federal regulations. First, it includes language that ensures same-sex couples and their children are recognized as families covered by HUD programs, including affordable housing assistance. Second it prohibits owners and operators of HUD-assisted housing, or housing whose financing is insured by HUD, from inquiring about the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant or basing a decision on their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Third it prohibits consideration of factors other than creditworthiness, including sexual orientation and gender identity, in the awarding of mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

As part of its Blueprint for Positive Change, HRC submitted more than 70 recommendations for executive action which would improve the lives of LGBT Americans to the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team. Since the administration began, HRC staff have met and communicated with numerous federal agencies on how to implement these policies. Addressing discrimination in federal housing programs was part of HRC's recommendations for HUD.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.


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Powder room

 I have nearly gathered all the fixings for our new main floor powder room. I have decided to try this lovely shade called Punch by Martha Stewart paints , my husband isn't too sure about it but I am willing to give it a try , he doesn't see my vision. This is a windowless room and I thought this would be a fun spot to try a "punch" of color....lol. It's just paint , if its not nice guess who will re-paint it, me!
I came across this very rustic over sized peg board at Winners yesterday . I went in to look for toilet paper holders and or towel hooks and I won for sure this day. I love the toilet paper holder in brushed nickle finish for only $5.00 on clearance. I will eventually get a brushed nickle faucet .

 We have already decided on the galvanized lantern fixture for the lighting for the powder room $30.00 at Lowe's , I love this light. We really like this vanity by Martha Stewart , available at Home Depot, it looks green in the picture but it is actually more of a soft grey . Its great , nice storage for a powder room, it comes with the simple white sink. I will paint the trim to match the vanity , it looks great with the punch paint chip.We are going for rustic and polished ...still haven't decided on the floor I am actually considering carrying the wood floor into this room .

Speaking of flooring , I went out to a country mill on Friday to source out the pine flooring we are installing in the new house. I spent the weekend trying out stain options. It took a few tries but I settled on this stain , it is an oil stain in a color called Kona , it is just what we like , deep rich and chocolaty. I am a complete convert to oil stain , it goes on so well and doesn't leave lap marks and it really soaks in too. This is after two coats , so excited. We will have to wait two weeks for the wood to acclimatize so we will be living in limbo for a lot longer than I had originally hoped. Fun!!!

Here's proof positive it was the country. I parked and immediately this little kitty jumped right onto the hood of my car , it gave me a good laugh, I guess he was checking me out.

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Celoteh Ringan

Missing you so much my playground. *hugs.
Kangen banget udah lama ga ketak ketik di atas laptop. Ga berceloteh diam sambil menatap layar laptop. Wuaaah pokoknya banyak hal juga yang udah aku lewatin bersama my beloved laptop dan my world inside the internet. Hahahaha berlebihan.
Kegiatanku cuma ber-twitter ria via smartphone sama update posisi aku dimana. Yaaa walaupun selalu berada di tempat

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Of Agur, Lemuel and Shlomo

Pro 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

Don't be confused, these are all names for Solomon.

Though he was taught well, and though he ended well, his great wisdom took a hike in the intervening years. And these verses give us the reason. He didn’t listen to his mama.

Rather taking solace in the Lord, he decided to look everywhere else. Women were his chief downfall. After having 1000 women, many of them heathen or pagan, after trying everything the world had to offer looking for fulfillment and satisfaction: horses, chariots, money, music, etc., he finally realized that all the world had to offer was vain emptiness.

Had he only listened to Bathsheba, he wouldn't have experienced so many wasted years.

“Give not thy strength unto women,” she instructed him. Oh, if only he'd have paid heed to mama's wise words. She knew what destroys kings. She'd committed adultery with his daddy and watched him wallow in the muck of being backslidden for one whole year. It wasn't pretty.

But, sometimes kids gotta learn for themselves, and Solomon did so. The book Ecclesiastes is the result.

Perhaps we will be wiser than the wisest man to ever live (?) by reading these wise words and paying heed.

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Langit Merindu Rindu

Oleh : Aul Howler

Pic from here

 
         Mungkin aku terdengar konyol saat bibirku bergetar [bagai senar yang melintangi gitar] membualkan kerinduan langit akan tetes-tetes haru dari mata-mata pelahap cinta seperti aku dianggap konyol kala mendeklamasikan puisi duka dengan mawar merah dan kue coklat bentuk hati. Tapi sungguh, tiada maksud terselubung atau pukulan tersembunyi dalam kisahku akan langit merindu itu. Percayalah.
         Karena hampir semua rindu telah kau jaring untuk dirimu sendiri dalam keegoisan [kurasa begitu] tanpa peduli ada yang lain yang mendambakannya layaknya gurun mendambakan genangan sejuk oasis atau pemburu yang telah lelah menenteng senapan angin dan tak kunjung menyaksikan auman beruang liar di hutan-hutan pegunungan. [Setidaknya] bagi lah sedikit: Lepaskan beberapa jumput untuk gurun dan pemburu itu. atau untukku, bila kau mau?

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Kristin Cavallari & Fiance Jay Cutler at LAX Airport

Her pregnancy is said to have been unexpected, but Kristin Cavallari is doing her best to be prepared for all the ups and downs of motherhood.
The reality TV star, 25, was spotted clutching a copy of a parenting book as she walked through LAX airport with her Chicago Bears quarterback beau, Jay Cutler, 28.
She is reading the popular advice guide What to Expect the First Year by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi Murkoff and Sandee Hathaway.
The star, who was dressed casually in jeans, a striped top and leather jacket, was showing just the slightest hint of a baby bump.
While sources have said the pregnancy came as a surprise to the couple, Kristin has been sharing her delight over her pregnancy with her Twitter fans.
'We are so excited for this little bun in the oven :),' Cavallari she tweeted last week.

credit - dailymail.co.uk
~Kelli at Hills Freak

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Brody Jenner Gets His Surf On in Malibu

A shirtless Brody Jenner gets ready to go surfing on Friday (January 27) in Malibu, Calif.
“Just got out of the water with @sprandoni .. So worth it :),” the 28-year-old former reality star tweeted, along with a pic of a bloody gash on his left hand.
Brody and Avril Lavigne, who were rumoured to have split, were recently spotted getting “cozy” at Culina restaurant inside the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.
“They had drinks on the patio and moved inside for dinner. They were kissing and cuddling and were very affectionate. They definitely didn’t look broken-up,” a source told People.

Click here for more posts on Brody
credit - Just Jared, thanks for the heads up portia! :)
~Kelli at Hills Freak

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