LuLuLemon Star Runner Pullover. Am I a "Star Runner"? Not even close. But this pullover is still great for my measly beginner status. Whether I'm jogging lightly or walking (eep!), this rulu/mesh top keeps me warm yet dry and is super soft too. Did I mention that I got it on sale in store? #Winning. Go here and click the video in the the center to learn more about it! Best Disney Channel Original Movies. This article gives us a list of 25 DC movies that need to be released on DVD. I agreed with so many of them, especially the #1 movie which is my all-time favorite DC movie. And then someone mentioned Tru Confessions in the comments (it wasn't on the list), and I cried just remembering it and Shia LaBeuf's special moments. Such an amazing movie. This video. Jane Elliott's constructs an exercise that separates blue-eyed students from those with brown eyes to teach a valuable life lesson, and the results are pretty startling. The lengthy video is worth watching in its entirety, but I think the best part is from 2:00 until 8:10. I researched a bit and found out that Elliott's been teaching this exercise for a very long time - click here to see the demonstration from 1970!
Hooray for Friday!
*** Early morning friday favorite addition - Catching Fire! I went to the midnight showing of the second movie installment to the Hunger Games series and it was ah-mazing! -- Note to self: must be as badass as Katniss Everdeen.
New Layout! I've been working on this layout for a week or two, and it finally went live this past Monday! Whatcha think? How To Eat An Apple 101. An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Maybe not, as we've been eating it wrong all along! Yeah, apparently apples are supposed to be eaten from top to bottom. I don't like biting into fruits as it usually irritates my mouth, but I'm still a bit surprised. Watch the video here. "Ooh, Kill 'Em, Terio." I'm so very behind on this adorable little man and I know this. But I've watched it multiple times this week, and now say this constantly. It's actually kind of annoying, now that I think about it. Haven't seen it yet? Just google "terio ooh kill em".
Also, I've changed my commenting system to Disqus because A - I like that it emails me (& you!) when someone responds to a comment, and B - I like the way it looks. What do you think?
"Chocolate" by The 1975. I have a slight YouTube obsession, which is partially what led me to this song (see Miss Glamorazzi's recent video). I've also been on the hunt for great British artists ever since hearing some pretty awesome stuff in a few bars and club during my visit. I can't help but dance around to this :)
Victoria's Secret Body Wash, Butter & Spray in Such A Flirt. My ultimate favorite is the Pure Seduction scent, but in an effort to use the products that I have, I haven't allowed myself to repurchase it until I use up some stuff. And in the process, I've found this alluring, fruity mixture of starfruit and white orchid - although it's no Pure Seduction! Olivet Middle School Football Team. The entire team was in on a 'secret play' for their teammate, Keith. For more about the play affectionately dubbed "the Keith Special", click here or watch the video below. I love hearing stories like this, especially at a time when children can be so mean.
My Bar Exam Results! After months of waiting & countless tears, I passed the New York Bar Exam! The Village Halloween Parade. Although the festivities make it quite difficult to get to my apartment building (oh, the stories I have about being blocked out of my building!), this annual parade is totally something to look forward to, whether I'm outside in the mix or watching from the window of my law school library. Hanging out with Pope Francis. I saw this on FaceBook and it made me smile. No matter what your personal beliefs, I think we can all appreciate the kindness of this cutesy moment.
Elliot Sailors, courageous woman who decided to reinvent herself for her career. As a 31 year-old model, Sailors, who had been criticized for years for her masculine features, felt her career slipping through her fingers, as the modeling industry considers her three decades of life to put her past her prime. So, Sailors grabbed her problem "by the balls," so to speak, and now books gigs as a male model. Click here to read her story.
Quote from Game Of Thrones. Not only is GOT one of the best tv shows, but this quote speaks volumes and has propelled me forward this week (it's been a quote-filled kinda week!). And soon, we will see how much it speaks to me - as determined by whether I delete my fiction piece scheduled to post in a few hours :\
Homemade Burrito Bowl.Why hadn't I thought of this before?! Instead of buying it from Chipotle, I chopped up some grilled chicken myself, made some rice, popped open a can of black beans and threw a dollop of sour cream and some cheese on top. Voila!
Derek Hough.Between all the Dancing With The Stars I've been watching lately and Nina Dobrev's Instagram posts featuring him, I've developed a bit of a crush on Derek. He can really dance (I mean, the man just won a Emmy for Best Choreographer!), and he's adorable and such a flirt. Man, look at those baby blues!
I'm trying out a new collage-y display for my weekly favorites. Assembling it entertained the scrap-booker in me and it condenses my post a bit, but I imagine it could also be confusing to follow. Not sure if it's here to stay, but I like it for now.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Elizabeth Berkley. When I was 7 and watching Saved By The Bell re-runs, Jesse Spano was the "it" girl. At least I thought so. She sang and danced, was super brilliant and gorgeous to-boot. I wanted to be her. And two decades later, I still adore her. Watching her dance on Dancing with Stars, I cannot believe that she is 41 years old. Look at that picture up there - she looks exactly the same. I'm not sure what's saved her youth, but I want it!
ABC Family's 13 Nights of Halloween. This is, to me, a holiday in and of itself. I pretty much countdown to this as soon as fall begins because it is my favorite two weeks of the year. And it starts tomorrow!! For the complete schedule for the next few weeks, click here. I'm looking forward to: The Addams Family, Hocus Pocus,I Know What You Did Last Summer, Monsters, Inc., the Pretty LittleLiars Halloween episode, the Ravenswood premiere, Teen Witch, and Teen Wolf. Now to stock up on popcorn :)
Safe & Sound by Capital Cities. On replay in my head since I made my waking up playlist, I randomly sing the lyrics and bounce around to a beat in my beat. This song makes me dance like I'm stuck in a 1980s teen movie (think Breakfast Club) and I love it! I'm sure you've heard it - it's been in numerous commercials and I've actually heard it played during a few NBA games - but just in case you need a quick "the weekend's begun" jam session...
Praline McFlurry. Putting this on the list makes me feel so unhealthy. When I told C that it made the list, he raised his eyebrows and gave me the "my little fatty" face (Don't worry; it's endearing face for us!). But how could I not include it when I've had more McFlurrys than I care to admit this week? It's nothing but pralines, caramel, and McDonald's version of ice cream, but it is ah-maziing.
L'Oreal le Matte Lip Color in 409 Matte for Me. When I'm not rocking MAC's Rebel and I want to throw on some lipstick, this is it recently. It's cherry red in color and although it applies like a satin, it dries matte. I plan on picking up a few more. You can read a more detailed review here (which is also where I got the picture in the collage above).
Oh, and a friday UNfavorite? The rumor that Charlie Hunnam won't be playing Christian Grey after all. Boo!
Kick-Ass Halloween Costume. While other parents purchase little pink dresses for their daughters to be princesses, Jaime Moore, a wonderful photographer and mother, dressed her daughter up as real, inspirational women when she turned 5. This entire article makes me smile uncontrollably and wish for a baby girl in my (very far) future. Click the photo below for the full article!
Oxblood everything! I'm obsessed with this color entirely. It's luxe, rich, gorgeous and surprisingly versatile. I've been trying to get my hands on anything in this shade recently. Oxblood was a pretty big trend last fall and has stuck around this year as well.
MAC Rebel Lipstick. Sort of a lighter oxblood satin lipstick, but I love it so much it gets a mention all on its own. On my lips, it runs a deep burgundy color, although MAC describes it as a "midtonal cream plum." I've had it for 2 years, yet I still love it so! For a true vampy oxblood shade, try MAC's Fixed On Drama.
Vanilla Ice Cream Bon Bons with Cookie Crust. I've been loving these for a few weeks now, but never had the box to take a picture because I devoured it (the bon bons, I mean). They are the perfect little dessert for that little taste of sweetness you are craving but with none of the guilt, at only 60 calories each. The box contains 12 individual bon bons and then it's about a week until I'm picking up another box at Trader Joe's. Told you I'm obsessed :)
The Blue Water Grill. As if this place needs anymore raving reviews, but I have to mention it. This restaurant is quite possibly one of the best (if not the best) restaurant I've been to in NYC to date. Every single dish was delicious, although pricey, and I've been thinking about them all week. On Tuesday, I especially couldn't get enough of the blackened swordfish with lump crab and sweet potato hash (see picture) and the salted caramel cake. Both were absolutely to die for!
National Breast Cancer Awareness month. In the month of October, special attention is brought to educating us all about breast cancer and breast health. And through this education extraordinary strides have been made like a 34% decrease in death rates from breast cancer since 1990. Lots of research cites early detection as the source of this decrease. Although many of us are younger than the suggested age for regular mammograms (which is 40 by the way), there are still so many ways in which we can check our health and reduce our risk, including limiting alcohol, not smoking and being physically active. For more information and tips, go here. Also, Jess @ DIY Bride and Jackie @ City Girl Finding Her Place in the World are hosting a blog hop dedicated to the cause.
Delicious Grilled Chicken. A staple in any diet/healthy-eating plan. I've stolen this yummy recipe from BrettCap (well, not really stolen since I've linked him)! The recipe utilizes minced garlic and red wine vinegar to cook the chicken, making it even healthier than normal grilled chicken cooked with oil. Sometimes, I do add a bit of extra virgin olive oil, but it doesn't really make a difference. I simply grill it according to the recipe, although I don't use the exact seasonings as he does. Click his name above to check out this recipe as well as a few other great ones.
I know you see Stefan down there flexing those arms!
The Vampire Diaries Premiere. Eeee! TVD season 5 finally started last night. It may not seem like "friday favorite" material because it just came on a few hours ago, but I've been anticipating it all week. Really, I've been waiting for this for months. I should probably mention that about myself - I'm 25 but I'm a little obsessed with "teen" type shows, like TVD, Pretty LittleLiars and Gossip Girl (when it was on). And I can't even say I'm embarrassed by it because I love the drama. Come on, admit it. You love it too. If you watch TVD, comment below and tell me what you thought of last night's premiere. So much happened last night and it looks like it's gonna be an interesting season to say the least (but then again, anything with 2 hot vampires will always have me tuning in!).
Wong Fu Productions Videos. They have been making videos for years (try 10!), but I am just now discovering them. I've spent this entire week back-tracking through their videos and either laughing at some of the more hysterical ones or tearing up at the more inspiring videos.
A short but inspiring video. They really are amazing.
Yet, another Friday Favorites and Obsessions post.
I like to think of my Salted Caramel Mocha in all it's glory when I'm sipping it from my cardboard cup.
Starbucks Fall Drinks.
Salted Caramel Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chocolate Chai Tea Latte, I love you. The thought of you wakes me up in a happier mood than usual. I rise out of bed with a zest for life. There's some pep in this step of mine. I workout harder in the gym with the intent of devouring a larger size later. You motivate me, dears. You make me a better me.
And this would be my dream closet. Can you believe that this entire thing was just Carrie's side of the closet in hers & Big's apartment? Swoon!
Justin Nozuka ❤ His voice is gorgeously smooth like velvet or rustling of silk sheets. "Gone" and "After Tonight" are a few of his beautiful songs. Specifically, I've had "Mr. Therapy Man", although 6 years old, on replay for most of the week. Take a listen!
L-to-R: Vanilla Cream Pie, Strawberry Parfait, Monte Carlo
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream & Butter Gloss. I'm so very late on these as they have been hyped up over the blogsphere and YouTube-sphere (?) for quite some time. I find that I really like NYX lip products and these two do not disappoint. I picked up the Butter Glosses in Vanilla Cream Pie and Strawberry Parfait, which I am currently wearing to death. The glosses have a very smooth texture, smell like a sugar cookie and build up quite nicely. And recently, I purchased the Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo, a deep red color that is great for fall (and I've been searching far and wide for the hot pink shade, Addis Ababa). The lip cream has a satin-y like texture at first, but dries within minutes to a matte. Once it dries, it doesn't transfer at all! Both of these lip products last for a few hours and I find I only have to touch up a few times throughout the day.
This is not my picture. My container is empty :) It's that yummy.
Pomegranate Limeade from Trader Joe's.
Delicious. I've realized that many of the Trader Joe's juices smell a little weird, but taste quite amazing (Is this just me?). It's a bit sour but I like sour things, and it has a sweet kick to it that I adore. I pick this up literally every time I go grocery shopping and it lasts for about 2 days after I open it. It's that good.
SummerBreak
I know you're thinking "Seriously, you watch this?" Yes, I know it seems absolutely ridiculous to watch YouTube videos about a group of 17-18 year old LA kids, living their last summer together. And to be honest, it is a bit ridiculous, but I actually enjoyed it. I like seeing people have fun and as I've never been to California, I've always wondered what summer is like over there (I mean, it's like always summer, right?). There are a few 20-minute episodes, but most are only about 4-8 minutes long, making them easy to watch while doing my makeup or cleaning up my apartment. My brain has probably turned to mush while watching this, but I'll live.
Two weeks in a row? Go me! Well, here we go, my current loves:
The Casting of Christian Grey
Yes, I admit that I read all three books in the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, and that I, like most women who read them, fell in love with a fictional character, Mr. Christian Grey. That's not to say that I didn't see the major flaws in the series: I concede that it seems to have been written by a pre-pubescent teenage boy with a dirty mind and a dictionary; it was not well-written or well-constructed to say the least. I have my own gripe with plenty in the series, believe me. But once you get past the fact that 80% of it is a rip-off of the Twilight series, it's a rather addictive read, at least for me. And of course, I couldn't resist the allure that is Christian Grey (however, slightly sadistic that allure may be). So I waited with bated breath for the reveal of the actor to play him. When I first heard that Charlie Hunnam was to play the part, I was surprised because I was accustomed to viewing him as one with Jax Teller, the bad-ass, tattooed President of the Redwood Originals bike club on Sons of Anarchy (which returned for the 6th season this week!). But then, I thought about it, and, well, he's just perfect for the role. Not only have I been drooling over him for years now, he's a bad ass with a sweet side, a soothing voice and no problem stripping down. Plus, it can't hurt that I want to lick him, right? :)
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream Kiss
Thank the lip balm gods for this one. Seriously. It's creamy, luxurious and smells just like a caramel candy. It's sold in a pretty sizable container, yet a little goes a long way. At night, I'll put a little bit on and in the morning I wake up with buttery soft lips. It's done wonders for my lips this week and it's the best drugstore alternative I've found to high-end balms. At only $4, what are you waiting for? Go get it!
Summer Boardwalk candle by Bath & Body Works
This 2013 limited edition candle has been burning in my apartment for more than just the past week. When alight, it fills your room with the scent of sweet caramel with just hint of salt. The label boasts: "Like memories of the best summer spent at the beach - caramel-glazed popcorn, warm taffy-apples and salted sweet cream." When I walk into my apartment, I get a whiff of the sweet, yet fading, summertime and cling to the final days we have left.
"Hurricane" by Thirty Seconds To Mars ♥
I love rediscovering an old song that I replayed constantly when it was released and, in listening to it now, love it even more. This is one of those songs. Jared Leto's voice is AH-mazing as usual and he doesn't look half bad in the video either. For the past week or so, I've been blasting this in my apartment on repeat. If you close your eyes as he sings "Crash, crash, burn", the tone and strength of his voice would convince you that you were at a 30SM concert. The song begins at 3:04, although I urge you to watch the video (it's a little strange but also artistic) and I quite like it (probably because I adore Jared).
I'd like to start posting "Friday Favorites & Obsessions" every Friday so long as I have something to love, which I usually do! I'm a bit late today, but here are the things I've been coveting this week:
Breaking Bad (AMC)
I've been watching this show pretty much non-stop for the past week and I am almost caught up to live episodes (for anyone who watches, I'm on Season 5 Episode 8). It's such a dynamic show, with complex characters who make you both love and hate them (that damn Jesse). It centers around a high school chemistry teacher whose cancer diagnosis leads him to make one major decision that has a tailspin impact on the lives of everyone around him, complete with predictable and not-so-predictable twists and turns along the way. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should.
Tortoise Shell Sunglasses
I'm currently lusting over this pair by Chanel. I recently saw a picture of Jackie Onassis in a similar pair. I'm not ready to lay down the cash for these babies just yet (or maybe even ever), but that hasn't stopped me from buying every pair of similar shades. The look and color of the tortoise shell says "cool, confident and classic." And I want to be all of that :) Check out these as an alternative.
Yes, that is my thai tea in a take out box.
Thai Tea
This is such a yummy treat anytime I order it from Spice NYC. Sometimes, I order Thai food just because I need my tea fix. It's tea combined with sugar and condensed milk and served chilled. It kinda reminds me of ice cream, and I love it!
Super ♥ girlfriend, daughter, friend & writer. Lucky enough to call New York City my home. Addicted to pretty little things, making lists, anything coffee flavored or scented, curling up with a good book, strolls through the city at night, xl glasses of wine. And a little glitter never hurt nobody.
