AskBrini.com: "How do I become a regular person?"

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Welcome to Ask Brini!

Our question today comes from "kitschville" in Nashville, Tennessee:

"People tell me that I need to tone things down & become a "regular person". But I ask..who wants to be regular? They also say "oh, you're so wacky!" Is this just their polite way of saying that I'm the crazy aunt that nobody wants to talk about?"

Our personalities are our little calling cards. If yours is on the unusual side, don't despair - rejoice! Having a quirky demeanor can make you stand out in a crowd, and that can seem like a burden sometimes, but if we didn't have differences we'd all be Stepford wives. If you can find a way to celebrate what makes you unique you'll find it's really your greatest strength.

Sometimes we get in with a group of people who have issues with our unusual charm. That should act as a warning sign. If we have insecurities about ourselves, those people can sabotage our efforts to grow and contribute to society. If they continue to undermine your self-esteem, it's probably time to look for some new friends - ones who appreciate and support you as you are.

-- Love, Brini

So... What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at AskBrini.com ...

Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

MORE ABOUT BRINI! ►

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

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AskBrini.com: "How do I tolerate someone I hate?"

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Welcome to Ask Brini!

Our question today comes from "morethansalt" in Salem NJ, and she asks:
"I am a bald lady cancer warrior and can't afford a wig right now- my hair loss is permanent from radiation so I need to figure head fashion out. Show me how to tie a scarf with some flair?"

Spin the Yarn of Self Knowledge from the Drier Lint of Life - Personal Growth from Unpleasant Circumstances

When we're presented with challenging situations - circumstances that make us angry or sad, people who rub us the wrong way - we can take those situations and use them to fuel our personal growth.

If you take the opportunity to really examine why you're upset, and are completely honest with yourself, the lesson of the situation won't be lost and you'll be abel to move through it. Your problem will likely, either disappear or it will cease to bother you.

Responding this way to these circumstances takes awareness and a determination to grow. If you can remember to approach life's little speed bumps with self reflection instead of knee-jerk reaction, you'll find, eventually, that you can handle anything with ease!

So... What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at AskBrini.com ...
Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

MORE ABOUT BRINI! ►

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Ask Brini Anything: AskBrini.com

Brini of the Web: BriniMaxwell.com

Brini on YouTube: Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook: facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter: twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Brini Maxwell Shop: FelixPopuli.com

Jane Napkins by Brini

The Maxwell Moment: Napkin Folding with Brini!

Brini.TV ► Jane Napkins by Brini! ► JaneNapkins on Amazon ◄

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell ► More ▼

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com

Visit my official site for more info ► BriniMaxwell.com

How to fold a french style cloth napkin.

Brini is using her "Sea Blue" Jane Napkin

ABOUT THE FLEUR-DE-LIS:

The fleur-de-lis or fleur-de-lys (plural: fleurs-de-lis) is a stylized lily (in French, fleur means flower, and lis means lily) or iris that is used as a decorative design or symbol. It may be "at one and the same time, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic", especially in heraldry.

While the fleur-de-lis has appeared on countless European coats of arms and flags over the centuries, it is particularly associated with the French monarchy in a historical context, and continues to appear in the arms of the King of Spain and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and members of the House of Bourbon. It remains an enduring symbol of France that appears on French postage stamps, although it has never been adopted officially by any of the French republics. According to French historian Georges Duby, the three leaves represent the medieval social classes: those who worked, those who fought and those who prayed

ABOUT NAPKINS:

A napkin, or face towel (also in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia: serviette) is a rectangle of cloth used at the table for wiping the mouth while eating. It is usually small and folded. The word comes from Middle English, borrowing the French nappe—a cloth covering for a table—and adding -kin, the diminutive suffix.

In the United Kingdom and Canada both terms, serviette and napkin, are used. In the UK, napkins are traditionally U and serviette non-U. In some places, serviettes are those made of paper whereas napkins are made of cloth.[1] The word serviette in lieu of the term napkin is not typically used in American English, though, as discussed is not uncommon in Canadian English and Canadian French. In Australia, 'serviette' generally refers to the paper variety and 'napkin' refers to the cloth variety.

Conventionally, the napkin is often folded and placed to the left of the place setting, outside the outermost fork. In an ambitious restaurant setting or a caterer's hall, it may be folded into more or less elaborate shapes and displayed on the empty plate. Origami techniques can be used (replacing the traditional paper method with the serviette/napkin) to create a 3D design e.g. a crane (bird). A napkin may also be held together in a bundle (with cutlery) by a napkin ring. Alternatively, paper napkins may be contained with a napkin holder. Napkins were used in ancient Roman times. One of the earliest references to table napkins in English dates to 1384--85.

Summaries of napkin history often say that the ancient Greeks used bread to wipe their hands. This is suggested by a passage in one of Alciphron's letters (3:44), and some remarks by the sausage seller in Aristophanes' play, The Knights. The bread in both texts is referred to as apomagdalia, which simply means bread from inside the crust known as the crumb, and not special "napkin bread".

► JaneNapkins on Amazon

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

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Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com

Visit my official site for more info ► BriniMaxwell.com

AskBrini.com: Help with Head Fashion? Scarf it up!

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Visit my official site for more info ► BriniMaxwell.com

Welcome to Ask Brini!

Scarf it up! A little Charm for your Noggin

Our question today comes from "morethansalt" in Salem NJ, and she asks:
"I am a bald lady cancer warrior and can't afford a wig right now- my hair loss is permanent from radiation so I need to figure head fashion out. Show me how to tie a scarf with some flair?"

Scarves can make glamorous and dramatic head fashion and there are so many different options! Here are a few:

Oblong scarves can be tied at the side with the knot behind the ear. The dangling ends will soften your face.

Drape large scarves over your forehead and twist the ends into ropes. Wrap those ropes around your head and tie off in back for a seventies ethnic look.

Square scarves folded in half diagonally can be tied around the head with the knot placed almost anywhere. In the back it's a kerchief, on the side is bohemian and in front is a dramatic 50's style turban.

Use hair pieces with your scarves to add another element. Clip on bangs can be pinned behind the knot of that 50's style turban for some softness at the forehead. Other styles can benefit from a switch clipped at the back for a ponytail effect.

Brini Shop ► FelixPopuli.com ► amzn.to/JaneNapkins

What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at AskBrini.com! Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

MORE ABOUT THE SCARVES ►

A scarf is a piece of fabric worn around the neck, or near the head or around the waist for warmth, cleanliness, fashion or for religious reasons. They can come in a variety of different colors.

Ancient Rome is one of the first origins of the scarf, where it was not used to keep warm, but to keep clean. It was called the sudarium, which translates from Latin to English as "sweat cloth," and was used to wipe the sweat from the neck and face in hot weather. They were originally worn by men around their neck or tied to their belt. Soon women started using the scarfs, which were made of cloth and not made of wool, pashmina, or silk, and ever since the scarf has been fashionable among women. Historians believe that during the reign of the Chinese Emperor Cheng, scarfs made of cloth were used to identify officers or the rank of Chinese warriors. In later times scarfs were also worn by soldiers of all ranks in Croatia around the 17th Century. The only difference in the soldiers' scarfs that designated a difference in rank was that the officers had silk scarfs whilst the other ranks were issued with cotton scarfs. By the middle of the 20th Century scarfs became one of the most essential and versatile clothing accessories for both men and women. In recent years, scarfs have experienced a revival.

MORE ABOUT BRINI! ►

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Ask Brini Anything: AskBrini.com

Brini of the Web: BriniMaxwell.com

Brini on YouTube: http://Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook: facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter: twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

AskBrini.com: Shy guests at my party?

Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com ◄

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell ► More ▼

Visit my official site for more info ► BriniMaxwell.com

In my very first Ask Brini segment, we grapple with the question of how to make shy guests feel comfortable at a party.

As a thank you for posting the chosen question, our lucky querent will receive some special gifts from Brini, including Azalea Pink Jane Napkins. linen napkins with a heart design and placemats with hot pink top stitch, to help our with their Valentine's Day soiree!

Brini Shop ► FelixPopuli.com ► amzn.to/JaneNapkins

What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at AskBrini.com! Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised there and the Midwest. She was a child prodigy in the area of domestic science, piping perfect mashed potatoes at the age of five and redesigning the rumpus room in her family home by age 10. At the Fashion Institute of Technology, between spontaneous bouts of cleaning and organizing the student union she achieved a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. She worked in the fashion industry for 5 years, never finding fulfillment until she started developing her television show.

Brini still lives in the same tiny intricately apportioned New York City apartment used as the set for the original television show. She spends her time between shooting the television show and making personal appearances, doing needlepoint, shopping for inspiration in thrift shops and vintage stores and spending time with friends. She's currently shopping for a second home in Palm Springs California and looking wistfully at vintage 1960's convertibles on eBay Motors.

Sabrina "Brini" Maxwell is a fictional character created by actor Ben Sander. Described by Guy Trebey of the Village Voice as the "prototypical, pre-feminist, 1960's homemaker", Maxwell has also been described as a composite of Doris Day, Mary Tyler Moore, Auntie Mame, That Girl and Donna Reed and came to prominence in the late 90's as the host of her eponymous television show on Public-access television cable TV in Manhattan.

Ask Brini Anything: AskBrini.com

Brini of the Web: BriniMaxwell.com

Brini on YouTube: Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook: facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter: twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

VALENTINE'S DAY

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. It was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at AskBrini.com

Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com ◄

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell ► More ▼

Visit my official site for more info ► BriniMaxwell.com

Brini Shop ► FelixPopuli.com ► Jane Napkins by Brini ►  amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Ask Brini Anything at AskBrini.com! Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised there and the Midwest. She was a child prodigy in the area of domestic science, piping perfect mashed potatoes at the age of five and redesigning the rumpus room in her family home by age 10. At the Fashion Institute of Technology, between spontaneous bouts of cleaning and organizing the student union she achieved a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. She worked in the fashion industry for 5 years, never finding fulfillment until she started developing her television show.

Brini still lives in the same tiny intricately apportioned New York City apartment used as the set for the original television show. She spends her time between shooting the television show and making personal appearances, doing needlepoint, shopping for inspiration in thrift shops and vintage stores and spending time with friends. She's currently shopping for a second home in Palm Springs California and looking wistfully at vintage 1960's convertibles on eBay Motors.

Sabrina "Brini" Maxwell is a fictional character created by actor Ben Sander. Described by Guy Trebey of the Village Voice as the "prototypical, pre-feminist, 1960's homemaker", Maxwell has also been described as a composite of Doris Day, Mary Tyler Moore, Auntie Mame, That Girl and Donna Reed and came to prominence in the late 90's as the host of her eponymous television show on Public-access television cable TV in Manhattan.

Ask Brini Anything: AskBrini.com

Brini of the Web: BriniMaxwell.com/

Brini on YouTube: Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook: facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter: twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The Brini Maxwell Show debuted on the Style network on Thursday, January 1, 2004 at 9pm. She is still a popular figure in New York City's social circle.

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Welcome to Brini.TV, with Brini Maxwell

Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com ◄

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell ► More ▼

Visit my official site for more info ► BriniMaxwell.com

Brini Shop ► FelixPopuli.com ► Jane Napkins by Brini ► amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised there and the Midwest. She was a child prodigy in the area of domestic science, piping perfect mashed potatoes at the age of five and redesigning the rumpus room in her family home by age 10. At the Fashion Institute of Technology, between spontaneous bouts of cleaning and organizing the student union she achieved a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. She worked in the fashion industry for 5 years, never finding fulfillment until she started developing her television show.

Brini still lives in the same tiny intricately apportioned New York City apartment used as the set for the original television show. She spends her time between shooting the television show and making personal appearances, doing needlepoint, shopping for inspiration in thrift shops and vintage stores and spending time with friends. She's currently shopping for a second home in Palm Springs California and looking wistfully at vintage 1960's convertibles on eBay Motors.

Sabrina "Brini" Maxwell is a fictional character created by actor Ben Sander. Described by Guy Trebey of the Village Voice as the "prototypical, pre-feminist, 1960's homemaker", Maxwell has also been described as a composite of Doris Day, Mary Tyler Moore, Auntie Mame, That Girl and Donna Reed and came to prominence in the late 90's as the host of her eponymous television show on Public-access television cable TV in Manhattan.

Brini of the Web: BriniMaxwell.com

Brini on YouTube: Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook: facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter: twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The Brini Maxwell Show debuted on the Style network on Thursday, January 1, 2004 at 9pm. She is still a popular figure in New York City's social circle.