Then, I zoned in on the specific shirt (J Crew Blythe Blouse), and I've decided I must have it. That is all.
Here it is in white.
Cheers to my hopes and dreams, and of course, to shopping!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
currently coveting
So, this fascination began when I saw this:
Then, I zoned in on the specific shirt (J Crew Blythe Blouse), and I've decided I must have it. That is all.
Here it is in white.
Cheers to my hopes and dreams, and of course, to shopping!
Then, I zoned in on the specific shirt (J Crew Blythe Blouse), and I've decided I must have it. That is all.
Here it is in white.
Cheers to my hopes and dreams, and of course, to shopping!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Young Adult Literature & Pop Culture
I get upset with the Twilight obsession sometimes. Still, I can't get upset with it because in a bizarre, movie & robert pattinson driven way, teenagers who wouldn't normally read are finding books again.
Not only that, they are loving them. Kids are reading series after series.
In no particular order, here are the most interesting pieces of Young Adult Literature tickling my fancy right now.
I've read some. Others are on the to-read list. Let me know if you've read them, or if there are others that I should read.
5 -Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Here's the B&N overview:
"Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers."
It sounds very emotional, but good so I definitely want to read it.
4 - The Pretty Little Liars Series
Because of its initial popularity, this book series has been turned into an awesome ABC family series, and people wanting to get to know the characters better or to get ahead in what is happening are picking up the books in addition to watching it on tv.
3 - The Hunger Games Triology by Suzanne Collins
There are no words I can say to really tell you about the book and how awesome it is except this, go buy these and you'll be done before the long weekend is over. They're so good you won't want to put them down.
Also, the movie is coming out soon. Check it out:
2 - The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
This was my favorite part of the overview of the book:
Cheers to literacy, even if we get there through pop culture!
Not only that, they are loving them. Kids are reading series after series.
In no particular order, here are the most interesting pieces of Young Adult Literature tickling my fancy right now.
I've read some. Others are on the to-read list. Let me know if you've read them, or if there are others that I should read.
5 -Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Here's the B&N overview:
"Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers."
It sounds very emotional, but good so I definitely want to read it.
4 - The Pretty Little Liars Series
Because of its initial popularity, this book series has been turned into an awesome ABC family series, and people wanting to get to know the characters better or to get ahead in what is happening are picking up the books in addition to watching it on tv.
3 - The Hunger Games Triology by Suzanne Collins
There are no words I can say to really tell you about the book and how awesome it is except this, go buy these and you'll be done before the long weekend is over. They're so good you won't want to put them down.
Also, the movie is coming out soon. Check it out:
2 - The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
This was my favorite part of the overview of the book:
"This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul."
How can I argue with that?
1- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinson
Cheers to literacy, even if we get there through pop culture!
Music monday!
Bad news, I didn't get as much blogging done as I'd planned to last week. As a bonus, I'll post two blogs today.
Anyway, it is music monday, and today's music comes courtesy of the VMAs. Here are my favorite performances of the evening.
5 - Young the Giant - My Body
This band bragged ahead of time that they were not going to use any tricks and what not because they just wanted to perform.
4 - Adele - Someone Like You
Speaking of no tricks, Adele does a classic Adele, beautiful voice & piano performance here. She sounded a bit off, but still amazing. Her "a bit off" is better than most people's very on.
3 - Beyonce - Love on Top
I just fell in love with this song. I also fell in love with her energy. Apparently, she is the only pregnant woman who isn't tired a lot.
2 - Lady Gaga - You and I
This is the only time that I really felt her acting and committing to her role for more than the performance worked out. Plus, I adore this song.
1 - Jay-Z & Kanye (aka The Throne) - Otis
I had the video here recently, and now here's the performance. Still having fun, still being awesome, and now they brought Otis in. Love it.
Did I get it right? What did you like better? Oh, and cheers to good performances!
Anyway, it is music monday, and today's music comes courtesy of the VMAs. Here are my favorite performances of the evening.
5 - Young the Giant - My Body
This band bragged ahead of time that they were not going to use any tricks and what not because they just wanted to perform.
4 - Adele - Someone Like You
Speaking of no tricks, Adele does a classic Adele, beautiful voice & piano performance here. She sounded a bit off, but still amazing. Her "a bit off" is better than most people's very on.
3 - Beyonce - Love on Top
I just fell in love with this song. I also fell in love with her energy. Apparently, she is the only pregnant woman who isn't tired a lot.
2 - Lady Gaga - You and I
This is the only time that I really felt her acting and committing to her role for more than the performance worked out. Plus, I adore this song.
1 - Jay-Z & Kanye (aka The Throne) - Otis
I had the video here recently, and now here's the performance. Still having fun, still being awesome, and now they brought Otis in. Love it.
Did I get it right? What did you like better? Oh, and cheers to good performances!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
attempting to regulate my temperature
It is that strange time of year when the temperature is always wrong. I wake up and go out to the car and it is a lovely 73. By the time I leave school it's in the mid to high 90s. My classroom is in the low 20s (we believe in AC at both the middle school and GCSU). This temperature makes it impossible to dress like a normal person.
Enter, the art of layering. Everyone has rules for layering, and I have a few that I try to subscribe to in my life.
3 - try not to look like an olsen. you can't pull it off, no matter how hard you try.
Enter, the art of layering. Everyone has rules for layering, and I have a few that I try to subscribe to in my life.
3 - try not to look like an olsen. you can't pull it off, no matter how hard you try.
2 - always have a hot weather layer on the bottom and go over that, whether it is a tank and jeans, a skirt and a short sleeved shirt, whatever. Throw a cardigan, scarf, etc. on top because you can always throw stuff on top to add warmth and style, but you need to feel good when it's a million degrees outside.
1 - always, ALWAYS, add a pop to your layered outfit. Be it a fun moment of color or an interesting twist, give it something fun!
I like to use my leopard flats or a random, bright color.
Cheers to getting to a normal temperature, and for more on layering from people who know a lot more than me, go here: http://ponx.hubpages.com/hub/Layer-Clothes
Monday, August 22, 2011
Music Monday...hip hop style.
So, you may or may not know that I LOVE good hip hop. I studied it (for one class this past semester), so I am qualified to make some recommendations to you.
We begin at the beginning of my love affair with hip hop, a little piece of magic called Regulate.
5 - Regulate - Warren G featuring Nate Dogg
The next few are some of my favorites from the last few years.
4 - I Need a Doctor - Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey
I know it is a new Dre song for me to choose, but it is good and so is the video. So there.
3- Dead & Gone - T.I. featuring Justin Timberlake
Two of my favorites. Enough said.
That's not the whole video, so try this.
2 - Otis - Jay-Z & Kanye West
I like how happy they are in this video.
Your final selection this week comes from the multitalented Donald Glover/Childish Gambino. Enjoy:
1 - Freaks & Geeks - Childish Gambino
It is a bit foul, but take the risk if you've liked the rest.
Cheers to another Monday being gone, and please let me know what I should add to my hip hop repertoire.
We begin at the beginning of my love affair with hip hop, a little piece of magic called Regulate.
5 - Regulate - Warren G featuring Nate Dogg
The next few are some of my favorites from the last few years.
4 - I Need a Doctor - Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey
I know it is a new Dre song for me to choose, but it is good and so is the video. So there.
3- Dead & Gone - T.I. featuring Justin Timberlake
Two of my favorites. Enough said.
That's not the whole video, so try this.
2 - Otis - Jay-Z & Kanye West
I like how happy they are in this video.
Your final selection this week comes from the multitalented Donald Glover/Childish Gambino. Enjoy:
1 - Freaks & Geeks - Childish Gambino
It is a bit foul, but take the risk if you've liked the rest.
Cheers to another Monday being gone, and please let me know what I should add to my hip hop repertoire.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Styling like a celebrity.
I often see outfits on celebrities in their real life or on television, and I think, I love that, but where did it come from? Or (more often than not) where can I get an affordable version of that? Lord knows Cameron Diaz and I do not have the same shopping budget.
I can not answer these questions for all of the celebrities in the world, probably not even most of them, but here are some good resources for finding your celeb-a-like outfits on the interweb.
The Possessionista - This blogger watches several popular shows and then finds the exact item or something very similar and tells you all about it. She's very good. The one con with this is that most of the items are high priced, but this is a great place to find splurge items, and there are some lower costing things that will surprise you.
The Looks for Less - This site is exactly what it the title implies. Celebrity looks, but at reasonable prices. I've even gotten led to great items at K-Mart from this site. I suggest you check it out. The con for me on this one is that she has a lot of other fashiony stuff going on, manicure mondays, online sample sales and previewing budget designer lines. Sometimes it is good, but it can get overwhelming.
Fashion of Glee - This one is very directed. I like some of the cute, kitschy items on featured on Glee, and this website is dedicated to finding those.
Please tell me you know of some similar sites that make us all dress more glamorously. If so, please share. If not, cheers to enjoying these and being fashionable always.
I can not answer these questions for all of the celebrities in the world, probably not even most of them, but here are some good resources for finding your celeb-a-like outfits on the interweb.
The Possessionista - This blogger watches several popular shows and then finds the exact item or something very similar and tells you all about it. She's very good. The one con with this is that most of the items are high priced, but this is a great place to find splurge items, and there are some lower costing things that will surprise you.
The Looks for Less - This site is exactly what it the title implies. Celebrity looks, but at reasonable prices. I've even gotten led to great items at K-Mart from this site. I suggest you check it out. The con for me on this one is that she has a lot of other fashiony stuff going on, manicure mondays, online sample sales and previewing budget designer lines. Sometimes it is good, but it can get overwhelming.
Fashion of Glee - This one is very directed. I like some of the cute, kitschy items on featured on Glee, and this website is dedicated to finding those.
Please tell me you know of some similar sites that make us all dress more glamorously. If so, please share. If not, cheers to enjoying these and being fashionable always.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Fall Fashion
I can't wait for it to cool down. I'm so excited about Fall that all I've been thinking about lately is fall fashion. I even polyvored a set that I consider fall essentials. Enjoy!
Vintage All Eyes on Brew Mug
$18 - modcloth.com
I happen to love scarves and cardigans, but what are your fall fashion essentials? Oh, and cheers to cooler weather!
$18 - modcloth.com
I happen to love scarves and cardigans, but what are your fall fashion essentials? Oh, and cheers to cooler weather!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Just another Music Monday....
Yeah, you know you're singing that title to the tune of Manic Monday. Now, it is in your head for the rest of the day. You're welcome.
Thanks to an intense competition (one round of which was music trivia), I've recently been made aware of Rolling Stone's top 500 songs of all time. Check it out right here.
I'm going to eliminate any songs that don't have music videos, so it is a bit easier for me to narrow it down.
5 - Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River
Don't act like you don't love Justin Timberlake. He's beautiful, able to sing and dance and is quite hilarious.
4 - MGMT - Time to Pretend
It is good. That is all.
3 - Weezer - Buddy Holly
I disagree with this being the only Weezer song on this list, but this video is just so good that I forget about my unhappiness.
2 - The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Is it possible that there are people who don't like this song?
1 - Outkast - Hey Ya
I would doubt the validity of this list if this song weren't included. So good.
Cheers to the best of the best!
Thanks to an intense competition (one round of which was music trivia), I've recently been made aware of Rolling Stone's top 500 songs of all time. Check it out right here.
I'm going to eliminate any songs that don't have music videos, so it is a bit easier for me to narrow it down.
5 - Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River
Don't act like you don't love Justin Timberlake. He's beautiful, able to sing and dance and is quite hilarious.
4 - MGMT - Time to Pretend
It is good. That is all.
3 - Weezer - Buddy Holly
I disagree with this being the only Weezer song on this list, but this video is just so good that I forget about my unhappiness.
2 - The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Is it possible that there are people who don't like this song?
1 - Outkast - Hey Ya
I would doubt the validity of this list if this song weren't included. So good.
Cheers to the best of the best!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Drinks (other than chardonnay)
Pinterest has brought a lot of magic into my life. I love the ideas I get for home design, fashion and food. I've tried lots of the food recipes, but I've yet to try any of their drink recipes. That will be changing very soon. Here're some of the amazing drink recipes that've caught my eye recently.
1- White wine punch (from highstreetmarket)
1- White wine punch (from highstreetmarket)
1 bottle of white wine, 3 cans of fresca and fresh fruit (apples, peaches, grapes, melon maybe). Serve in a large vintage jar or however you like!
2-Peach Lemonade Coolers (from CookAuVin)
Peach Lemonade Coolers
inspired by The Naptime Chef
2 medium sized, ripe peaches, peeled, halved and pitted
1/2 cup lemonade
1 ounce vodka of choice
Puree the peaches and lemonade in a blender until smooth.
Pour vodka over ice in a rocks glass. Top off with peach-lemonade puree.
3 - Lime Sorbet Margaritas (from Real Simple)
Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
2 pints lime sorbet
1/2 cup tequila
1 lime cut into 8 wedges
Directions
1. Rub the lime wedges around the rims of 8 stemmed glasses. Place the sugar on a small plate. Turn each glass upside down and dip the rims in the sugar to coat.
2. Place 2 scoops of sorbet in each glass and pour 1 tablespoon of tequila over the top of each. Serve with a spoon.
4 - Grapefruit Margaritas (from latimes)
Wedge of lime
2 teaspoons coarse margarita salt
14 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice, with pulp (about 3 medium grapefruits)
1 ounce lime juice
5 ounces tequila
2 ounces triple sec
4 slices grapefruit or twists
1. Run a lime wedge halfway around the rims of four margarita glasses and dip into salt. Set aside.
2. Combine 7 ounces grapefruit juice, one-half ounce lime juice, 2 1/2 ounces tequila and 1 ounce triple sec in a cocktail shaker. Shake over ice until chilled. Strain into two ice-filled, salt-rimmed margarita glasses.
3. Garnish with a twist or slice of grapefruit. Repeat to make two more cocktails.
And here're some non-alcoholics!!
5 - Pineapple Coconut Sorbet (from healthyseasonalrecipes)
1 ¼ cup pineapple juice
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup agave syrup
1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon grated ginger root
Pinch salt
1 15-ounce can “lite” coconut milk
- Stir pineapple juice, sugar, agave syrup, lemongrass, lime zest, lime juice, ginger root and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the coconut milk.
- Chill the sorbet base by placing the saucepan in a bowl of ice water (ice bath) or in the refrigerator until cold. Strain into ice cream maker and process according to manufacturers instructions. Transfer the sorbet to a sealable container and place in the freezer until firm, or enjoy while still soft and creamy.
Simplest recipe yet, and will make everything feel a little extra special from a summer picnic or a casual date night.
Ingredients
Sliced Strawberries
Ginger Ale
Instructions
1. Add ice and sliced strawberries to a cute glass of your choosing
2. Pour ginger ale
3. Enjoy
Cheers to new drinks to cheers with!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Mixing it up in the kitchen!
Maybe you're like me and always struggle to figure out what in the world you're going to cook. Or maybe not? Still, after hearing multiple friends of mine complain about repeating the same dishes or not knowing what to cook, I came up with a solution.
I decided that we can each help enhance each others' kitchen experience. So, we started a monthly recipe exchange. The only real rule is that you have to email the group one recipe a month. We encourage the recipes to be easy and healthy because many of us are beginners or looking to watch our waists. It doesn't matter if it is a side, entree, dessert, whatever, we can use it all!
We're about six recipes into August, and I can't wait for the rest! (And I'm sure there are some that are waiting with bated breath for my submission.)
Cheers to trying new dishes and helping out your friends!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Music Monday.
Better late than never. I didn't make it music tuesday this time, so I'm at least a little on the ball.
This week's post is just some music I've been feeling lately. No theme is present, but if you find yourself desiring a theme, just leave it in the comments.
5 - The Grand Magnolias - American Dreams
Have I posted this one before?
4 - Best Coast - Crazy for You
I love a clever use of cats.
3 - Awolnation - Sail
I like this one. Some people disagree with that. Regardless, you'll sing it all day if you hear it.
2 - Matt & Kim - Block after Block
They just make me happy.
1 - Sara Bareilles - Uncharted
Say what you will. I love this song, but I love this video and all the cameos even more.
Cheers to music monday!
This week's post is just some music I've been feeling lately. No theme is present, but if you find yourself desiring a theme, just leave it in the comments.
5 - The Grand Magnolias - American Dreams
Have I posted this one before?
4 - Best Coast - Crazy for You
I love a clever use of cats.
3 - Awolnation - Sail
I like this one. Some people disagree with that. Regardless, you'll sing it all day if you hear it.
2 - Matt & Kim - Block after Block
They just make me happy.
1 - Sara Bareilles - Uncharted
Say what you will. I love this song, but I love this video and all the cameos even more.
Cheers to music monday!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Support your local boutiques!
Sorry this is posting late. I started it yesterday, but I didn't have time to finish. I'll still get a music monday post up later today.
We all know you can find anything online, and much of the time it is quite cheap. However, in addition to not having to pay shipping costs, there're definite advantages to shopping at your local boutiques.
1) The owners/sales clerks will get to know you.
After this, they can let you know if they're getting something in that you'll like. They'll also be right there to tell you that something runs small or big.
2) Sales!
Lots of local boutiques have sales that are more regular and better. Most of these boutiques have clearance rooms or shelves, and these tend to be more well-stocked than online boutique's sales because fewer customers frequent the location.
3) Customer service
This is probably the most important, but often overlooked aspect. With your small boutique, you can get assistance that goes far beyond your normal online shopping. Even if you don't live in the area of the boutique anymore (or maybe never did), most of these boutiques are willing to ship and offer tons of assistance online or over the phone.
Now that you're all geared up to go shopping, here're a few of my favorites around Georgia:
Head over Heels Shoe Boutique - http://www.headoverheelsmacon.com/
Meg & Lily Shoe Boutique -http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meg-Lily-Shoe-Boutique/137635559591857
The Blue Door Boutique - http://www.thebluedoorboutique.com/
Happy Shopping & Cheers!
We all know you can find anything online, and much of the time it is quite cheap. However, in addition to not having to pay shipping costs, there're definite advantages to shopping at your local boutiques.
1) The owners/sales clerks will get to know you.
After this, they can let you know if they're getting something in that you'll like. They'll also be right there to tell you that something runs small or big.
2) Sales!
Lots of local boutiques have sales that are more regular and better. Most of these boutiques have clearance rooms or shelves, and these tend to be more well-stocked than online boutique's sales because fewer customers frequent the location.
3) Customer service
This is probably the most important, but often overlooked aspect. With your small boutique, you can get assistance that goes far beyond your normal online shopping. Even if you don't live in the area of the boutique anymore (or maybe never did), most of these boutiques are willing to ship and offer tons of assistance online or over the phone.
Now that you're all geared up to go shopping, here're a few of my favorites around Georgia:
Head over Heels Shoe Boutique - http://www.headoverheelsmacon.com/
Meg & Lily Shoe Boutique -http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meg-Lily-Shoe-Boutique/137635559591857
The Blue Door Boutique - http://www.thebluedoorboutique.com/
Happy Shopping & Cheers!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
the resurgence of reading?
There are many people who are very upset about e-readers. Some of their reasons are legitimate. I've heard fears of bookstores going under (sorry Borders...) and others will miss the smell of old and new books. Still, I have to wonder, aren't these doing something wonderful for reading?
There are those who will read regardless--books, newspapers, letters, it doesn't matter. There's another group though--a group less likely to go to the bookstore and pick up the newest employee recommendation or bestseller. These are the readers who have rediscovered a love of books, thanks to e-readers.
For most of these, the initial appeal was the technology. They wanted to make sure they were up-to-date on the latest technology trends. So whether they chased the amazon kindle when it first popped on the scene, got the nook because of its touchscreen (or loyalty to Barnes and Noble), or just couldn't resist the iPad and all of its magic, this group, different from the traditional readers, rediscovered the magic of books. Instead of spending their free time perusing the internet, playing fantasy sports, video gaming, reading blogs (don't stop this one!), this technology crew rediscovered books.
So far, this trend is keeping up past the initial surge, and I hope it continues! I have to admit, there's not much more simple than just downloading a nook book on a lazy Saturday.
To the resurgence of reading, I say cheers!
There are those who will read regardless--books, newspapers, letters, it doesn't matter. There's another group though--a group less likely to go to the bookstore and pick up the newest employee recommendation or bestseller. These are the readers who have rediscovered a love of books, thanks to e-readers.
For most of these, the initial appeal was the technology. They wanted to make sure they were up-to-date on the latest technology trends. So whether they chased the amazon kindle when it first popped on the scene, got the nook because of its touchscreen (or loyalty to Barnes and Noble), or just couldn't resist the iPad and all of its magic, this group, different from the traditional readers, rediscovered the magic of books. Instead of spending their free time perusing the internet, playing fantasy sports, video gaming, reading blogs (don't stop this one!), this technology crew rediscovered books.
So far, this trend is keeping up past the initial surge, and I hope it continues! I have to admit, there's not much more simple than just downloading a nook book on a lazy Saturday.
To the resurgence of reading, I say cheers!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Music Monday!!
Another week, another music post. I know you've missed me, so here're the hits or future hits that I'm bringing to you this week.
5 - the limousines - internet killed the video star
strange video with kids and zombies, but here it is.
4 - ben folds (featuring regina spektor) - you don't know me
this song is currently my alarm, and i'm about to get to know it a lot better thanks to summer being over.
3 - ok go - this too shall pass
this group is known for their phenomenal videos, and if you haven't seen this one yet, you're really missing out.
2 - ryan adams and norah jones - dear john
two of my favorites together. what could be better?
this one will give you the song without the interruptions, just some pictures.
1 - delta saints - momma
i didn't get to see them at bragg jam this weekend, but i kept hearing about them, so i thought i'd check them out. now, you can too.
enjoy your week and new music! cheers!
5 - the limousines - internet killed the video star
strange video with kids and zombies, but here it is.
4 - ben folds (featuring regina spektor) - you don't know me
this song is currently my alarm, and i'm about to get to know it a lot better thanks to summer being over.
3 - ok go - this too shall pass
this group is known for their phenomenal videos, and if you haven't seen this one yet, you're really missing out.
2 - ryan adams and norah jones - dear john
two of my favorites together. what could be better?
this one will give you the song without the interruptions, just some pictures.
1 - delta saints - momma
i didn't get to see them at bragg jam this weekend, but i kept hearing about them, so i thought i'd check them out. now, you can too.
enjoy your week and new music! cheers!
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