Spotlight On… Nora Ephron
Posted on June 30th, 2012 by Julie Spencer
Nora Ephron (May 19, 1942 – June 26, 2012) was a prolific journalist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director, playwright, and a best-selling author. She died on Tuesday in New York City at the age of 71.
Perhaps best known for her smart, romantic comedies When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and Julie & Julia, her talents reached far beyond Hollywood. Each of her books, Heartburn, I Feel Bad About My Neck, and I Remember Nothing became instant best-sellers.
In Ephron’s highly quotable 1996 commencement address at Wellesley College (her alma mater), she recalled that women of her generation weren’t expected to do much of anything. She exceeded expectations by becoming one of the most influential and successful writers of her generation.
To honor the legacy of life lessons to be learned through the wisdom, humor, and insight of her work, we’ve shared a few of her most popular quotes below. Please leave a comment and let us know your favorite and share it with another woman in your life.
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron
“Oh, how I regret not having worn a bikini for the entire year I was 26. If anyone young is reading this, go, right this minute, put on a bikini, and don’t take it off until you’re 34.” —I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
“Reading is everything. Reading makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something, learned something, become a better person. Reading makes me smarter. Reading gives me something to talk about later on. Reading is the unbelievably healthy way my attention deficit disorder medicates itself. Reading is escape, and the opposite of escape; it’s a way to make contact with reality after a day of making things up, and it’s a way of making contact with someone else’s imagination after a day that’s all too real. Reading is grist. Reading is bliss.” —I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
“Sometimes I believe that some people are better at love than others, and sometimes I believe that everyone is faking it.” —Nora Ephron
“Never marry a man you wouldn’t want to be divorced from.” —Nora Ephron
“When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.” —Nora Ephron
ABOUT A GIRL: Alixe Ward
Posted on June 28th, 2012 by Julie Spencer
Alixe Ward is an actress and singer from Colony, Texas who recently graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre and a minor in Vocal Performance. Like many bound for the stage, she discovered her passion for entertaining at a young age as the star of her family’s home videos.
She gained three years of stage experience in high school and while at the University of Tulsa was cast in The Drowsy Chaperone (Drowsy Chaperone), I Love You Because (Marcy), A Streetcar Named Desire (Stella), and As Bees In Honey Drown (Alexa Vere de Vere). In her first professional roles she played Kate Monster in the TONY Award Winning musical Avenue Q, Tessie Tura in Gypsy, and Gymnasia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as a member of LOOK Musical Theatre’s 2012 cast.
Tickets are still available for the final performances of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Gypsy if you’d like to catch Alixe in action.
When did you first decide to pursue acting and music?
Music has always been a part of who I am from an early age. From singing Elvis songs into a hairbrush in my diaper to church and school choirs. Acting didn’t come about until high school after a flubbed attempt at cheerleading — I was actually the mascot.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by my family who have taught me that all of the doors in life are open and I am the only one who can close them. There are so many things in life and in my art to explore, how could I ever get bored? I am also inspired by people watching. I often sit and assign life stories to passers-by at the mall or when I’m stopped at red lights.
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?
Quirky, driven, and empathic.
What is the next thing you would like to check off your bucket list?
MOVE TO NEW YORK CITY! I have plans to move in the fall to pursue theatre. It’s a scary life change, but I am looking forward to the challenges and experiences that inevitably await me there.
What do you admire most about Oklahoma?
I decided to study at the University of Tulsa because I appreciated the hospitality I encountered while visiting. Tulsa is a place for family, a place that is constantly changing and growing while maintaining a strong sense of place.
Where can our readers follow your career or connect with you?
I just created a Facebook Page as a working actress! Follow me there to keep up to date on current and future events and reach out to collaborate!
Our About A Girl series recognizes dynamic women and leaders in Oklahoma. If you know someone who gives back to the community or has an interesting story to tell, please contact us to share. Every individual that appears on our website receives a free gift from J. Spencer Jewelry & Gifts.
WARDROBE ESSENTIALS: Statement Bracelets
Posted on June 27th, 2012 by Julie Spencer
Every woman should have a beautiful assortment of jewelry that compliments or completes her outfits. Statement bracelets in the hottest colors, designs, textures, and materials of the season are essential in a well-curated jewelry wardrobe. Statement bracelets are easier to wear than statement necklaces and can be worn alone or stacked with smaller bracelets from your collection. While over-sized jewelry is great for dressing up a simple outfit, don’t play it too safe. Juxtapose retro and modern; earthy and glam; wild and demure. Go over-the-top and have some fun!
GIVEAWAY: Vera Bradley Reversible Comforter Set
Posted on June 27th, 2012 by Julie Spencer
The Vera Bradley Bedding Collection is colorful, comfortable and cute as can be. Comforters, pillows, rugs, blankets, and laundry bags in three exciting new signature colors will be available at all locations on July 10th, 2012.
In anticipation of the launch, J. Spencer Jewelry & Gifts is giving away a super-soft Twin/Twin XL Vera Bradley Reversible Comforter Set (reg. $149) in Paisley Meets Plaid at each location.
You can enter the contest now through July 14th, 2012 by visiting one of our four locations in Oklahoma or by connecting with J. Spencer Jewelry & Gifts below. The four winners will be notified and announced here on our website by July 16th, 2012.
NEW THIS WEEK: Retro Print Mini Dress and Statement Earrings
Posted on June 25th, 2012 by Julie Spencer
Go retro in this funky mini dress ($48) which can be worn alone or over your favorite pair of skinny jeans. This colorful printed fabric is ultra soft and features a metallic embellishment around the neck. Complete the look with dazzling statement earrings ($18), a stack of bracelets ($14-$18), and the posh faux leather JJOYCE tote in stone by Big Buddha ($76).
Summer Sale 2012 is Happening Now
Posted on June 23rd, 2012 by Julie Spencer
Our annual Summer Sale continues through Saturday, July 7th, 2012. Shop local and enjoy personalized service from our stylish staff while taking advantage of hot deals on unique women’s jewelry, apparel, accessories and gifts. Summer Sale includes in-stock merchansise only. Not valid on prior purchases.
Clothing & Accessories: Save 30% to 50% on Select Apparel
Designer Jewelry: Save 30% on Select Designer Jewelry
Handbags & Purses: Save 30% to 50% on Select Handbags
Fashion Jewelry: Buy Two Get One Free
