Or impress them by saying “Happy Noruz.” The word ‘Noruz’ literally means new day. Noruz has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrianism, the religion of ancient Persian (before the advent of Islam in 7th century A.D).

By the first day of spring, an elaborate table spread (sofreh) is adorned with items collectively known as the Haft Seen. At least seven (haft) symbolic objects that begin with the Persian letter seen (same as ’s’ in English) is presented. “7″ is sacred in Persian culture & stands for 7 virtues of life: Rebirth, Health, Happiness, Prosperity, Joy, Patience, and Beauty.

To really impress your Persian friends by knowing the Seven Items on the Sofreh:

• Seeb (apple): symbolizes health, natural beauty, fragrances;
• Sabzeh (wheat or lentil, is grown on a dish before New Year): representing rebirth;
• Serkeh (vinegar): symbolizes age and patience; wards off bitterness in life;
• Samanoo (sweet pudding made from wheat germs): symbolizes sweetness; fertility;
• Senjed (dried fruit from the lotus tree): symbolizes love;
• Sekkeh (coin): symbolizes wealth, and prosperity;
• Seer (garlic): symbolizes medicine;
• Somagh (sumak, an Iranian spice): represents the color of sunrise;
• Sonbol (hyacinth flower): represents sweetness; with its strong fragrance welcomes the arrival of spring.

Other items placed:

• Lighted candles: represented the goodness and warmth that enters life with the coming of spring;
• Orange placed in a bowl of water: represents earth floating in space;
• Goldfish: represents life;
• Painted eggs: representing fertility.

Noruz lasts 12 days, enough time for people visit friends & family, a tradition called Eid-de-danni (means visiting people for season greeting). Officially, Noruz ends on the 13th day, and spent outside of the home for a festive picnic.

Noruz is a ‘Celebration of Life.’ Have a wonderful New Year’s celebration!

Wigmore was just a teenager when her song Hallelujah beat off 11,000 song writers to win the 2005 International Songwriting Contest (making her the youngest ever). Hallelujah is stunning –old now but worth a LISTEN before you jump onto her brand new album.

Holy Smoke, Wigmore has not only teamed up with Ryan Adam’s old crew (Cardinals), but also producers Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes‘ Icky Thump) and Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple’s Extraordinary Machines).

For new music on my iPod I’ve got Holy Smoke & Halleluljah on repeat. After all I’m a fan of Gin & Tonic – why wouldn’t I want more Gin in my social life.

You Tube – Oh My (Gin Wigmore): click more

Inspired by Lourdes,  Madonna has signed a deal this week to create MG Icon (which stands for Material Girl) to be launched in 200 Macy stores in August 2010.

This is just the start for Pop Icon Madonna. She wants to start in the junior brands and then work her way up.  Material Girl is fast-fashion junior collection that Lourdes will help design that will launch exclusively in August 2010 for the back-to-school season.  It will include footwear, handbags and jewellery and will retail from $12.00 to $40.00!

I wish my mom and I could dress like that!

Five Fabulous Jackets for Spring Omiru

Tarina Tarantino’s New Beauty Line Couture in the City

Amy Winehouse Designs  for Fred Perry Coutorture

My must-have sandal was this Giombetti from Aldo – mostly because of the trendy hues in soft metalics and spring hues that will go with so much. So if I have to travel light at least I’m pretty much handled for a few outfit changes!

Oh, and I’m just a sucker for any shoe that has a zipper up the back.  Sigh.

Khaki and camo rock the military inspired clothing. … pants to military jackets to cargo pants, and camouflage print dresses. Even Converse runners.

But if you’re like me and not quite into jumping on this trend then take Balmain’s lead “patching together seventies M*A*S*H and early Versace chain-mailed goddess-dressing…from camouflage to sequined camouflage to patchworked gold-sequined camouflage without a flicker of irony or the slightest fear of treading on politically sensitive ground (Elle).”

I’m scared to see all the camo leggings that will likely appear, but I have to say this Kenzo dress is pretty fun.

Rachel Roy and Estelle’s Jewelery Mashup FabSugar

Fall ‘10 Fashion Week Trend: Blazer over Dress Omiru

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010 Colour Trends Couture in the City

3 Ways to get the Military Style Just Right Refinery29

For all you fashionistas, you’ll love ASUS’s new Eee PC 1008P Seashell designed by Karim Rashid, a renowned industrial designer (and he’s Canadian and tons of his designs are in the MOMA – very cool).

It’s ultra slim at just 1″ and weighs a mere 1.1kg.  So, now that we know it’ll fit perfectly in your handbag, the exterior is striking with a mix of grids and wave-like patterns.  Priced at $499…not bad for a trendy netbook!

Eee PC comes in two colors – a matte finished coffee brown & glossy glazed hot pink. With an ergonomic chicklet keyboard, your fingers have enough space to type quickly and freely. Plus, the netbook comes with a webcam, in case you want to Skype your relatives in Europe. Battery life lasts for 6 hours.

It’s stylish, it’s light – I love it, I want it!!!