The Eurozone Tinderbox

The growing backlash against the economic dogma of Eurozone austerity has found physical form today, as unions stage a series of demonstrations and "general strikes" across the European Union.

By way of an example, Greece continues to suffer. The Hellenic Statistical Authority has released data that shows that the Greek economy shrank by 7.2% on an annual basis in the three months to the end of September.

Driving economies and people into the ground for the sake of an economic doctrine imposed by unelected bureaucrats will backfire on those who pursue this misguided policy.

Christmas Cheer Holiday Link Party

With Christmas approaching, I'm so excited to announce our 2nd Annual Christmas Cheer Link Party!  Again, Cassie (Hi Sugarplum), Michelle (Ten June), Natasha (Schue Love), Courtney (A Thoughtful Place), Michaela (Michaela Noelle Designs), and I have teamed up to bring you five holiday link parties.  

I'm really looking forward to all of the parties, which include:

Hi Sugarplum (Tuesday, December 4)

"Christmas Craft"- Show us your holiday crafty side. 

Ten June (Thursday, December 6)

"Merry Mantle"- Bring on the mantle decor.

Honey We're Home (Tuesday, December 11)

"O Christmas Tree"- I can't wait to see your trees all fancied up

Schue Love (Thursday, December 13)

"Holiday Recipe"- Give us some yummy main dishes, sides, appetizers, drinks or dessert.

A Thoughtful Place (Tuesday, December 18)

"Christmas Vignette"- Get creative with a little something that showcases the holidays.

Michaela Noelle Designs (Thursday, December 20)

"Holiday Apparel"- We'd love to see what you're wearing this season, including any DIY holiday accessories, or hair tutorials.

I can't wait to see what y'all have to share with us this year. 

Please grab a button and let your friends know about the party!

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And a big THANK YOU to Jessica at Creative Index who created our cute invitation and button.  She is so talented- go HERE to see more of her design work.

Allegations of Gas Market Rigging Akin To LIBOR

The FSA and Ofgem are looking into allegations that some of the UK's largest utilities have manipulated the UK physical natural gas markets.

Seth Freedman, a whistleblower, told them that he saw evidence that wholesale gas prices, used as the basis for domestic energy bills, were manipulated by some of the big power companies.

Mr Freedman, who worked at ICIS Heren (a firm which reports gas prices), said he saw what he took to be suspect trading on September 28 (the end of the gas industry’s financial year).

The fact that gas is traded like all other commodities makes it susceptible to speculation.

In the event that Mr Freedman's allegations are proven to be true, then this would be a scandal equivalent to the LIBOR rigging by the banks.

You can almost hear the lawyers rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of the lawsuits that are going to come from this.

Greek Bond Auction Falls Short

Greece's t-bill auction fell Euro1BN short of raising the Euro5BN due for Friday's bond deadline, although it was almost Euro1BN above its target.

However, it may well manage to sell some more and make up the shortfall before then.

Greece Needs Another Euro32BN

The Troika draft report on Greece states that Greece needs another Euro15BN to get it through to 2014.

For good measure the report goes on to say that Greece may need extra Euro17.6BN in 2015/16.

Whilst the powers that be ponder where that money is going to come from, of more pressing need to Greece is this Friday's bond maturity deadline; yet still no sign of the next tranche of bailout money!

Euro1.4BN EU Fraud

Bruno Waterfield has just tweeted that the EC has confirmed that 'part of' the proposed roll over of €1.4BN from 2012 to next year are funds 'under investigation'.

Which basically means there is a suspicion of fraud wrt this sum of money.

Don't you just love the EU's budgetary process and financial "controls", the stories that just keep giving.

Painted Closet Island

Last weekend, when I painted our half-bath door, I also painted the island in my closet.  It needed touching up from all the scuff marks.  I originally planned to paint it grey, and at the last minute chose a glossy light pink.  I figured why not- and thought it would look good with the Lucia chandelier.  It's very subtle, but I'm not sure I'm sold on it.



Right before moving in, the closet looked like the picture below.  It's all painted Sherwin Williams Divine White (flat).

Here's how the island looks in light pink and with the runner removed.  

Over the last few weeks, I've been on a deep-cleaning closet organization binge.  I have tried on almost everything I own (including shoes), and am being ruthless when it comes to editing out what doesn't fit, I haven't worn in years, or I just don't like.  I've given bundles of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and makeup to family and friends.  It's feeling very refreshing to simplify!



I also figured out a new way to organize my belts and jewelry too that I plan to show you soon.  I'll show you the entire closet as soon as I'm finished.

Are you liking the pink??  I love the glossiness, but not sure about the color- the first picture is the truest representation of the shade.  It's Sherwin Williams Venus Pink, acrylic, high gloss.



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