12.16.2010

Who doesn't love a dance movie?

Guys, I cannot wait until this movie comes out. I keep watching the trailer over and over again. I have a major girl crush on Natalie Portman, and I've seen almost everything she has been in. Mila Kunis? Eh. She's alright I guess. I can't see her as anyone but Jackie from That 70s Show. Sorry Mila. I'll keep trying. Maybe Black Swan will sway me. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS MOVIE!


12.09.2010

Colors, colors, colors!

I've been thinking about my colors . . . you know, the colors for my wedding. Since it's going to be in the fall, I keep thinking, o.k., Amy. You HAVE to have fall colors. But do I? What are the rules? I love this color board from 100 Layer Cake. Isn't it pretty? But I also love pink, navy, robin egg blue . . . I wish I weren't so indecisive.


Image via 100 Layer Cake

12.07.2010

The best and worst part of Christmas . . . for me . . . this year, anyway.

The best part about this Christmas is that I'm done shopping. Under normal circumstances (which would include me having a full-time LIFE) I wouldn't finish until around, say, mid-January. Yep. I'm that girl. But this year? I'm done, with 18 days to spare. That's an accomplishment, if I do say so myself. My Christmas cards are stamped and mailed out, and now all I have left to do is wrap gifts. Cake.


The worst part? Stressing about every . . . single . . . cent I've spent. I'm a penny-pincher master now, guys. And yes, I know I'm still fortunate that I can even buy Christmas presents, and I shouldn't even complain. But what's the purpose of a blog if you can't vent about what's at the forefront of your mind?


So I continue . . .  


To make matters worse, Thomas rewrote his Christmas list . . . "just in case" we didn't get it. Of course, we can't get more than half of what's on it, but that's what grandparents are for, right? 


In more holiday-related news, B's mom and dad bought us plane tickets to Maine for Christmas, so there's a super great chance I'll be able to bust out a snowman this year. That'll be something I haven't experienced since I was with my first real boyfriend in college. Wow. Two things about that. First, that was so long ago! Second, I can't believe I'm 31. 

11.30.2010

Is THIS what it feels like?

It finally happened on Friday, November 26. B proposed to me at the top of a mountain in McDowell, Virginia, with my grandmother's 65-year-old engagement ring. Although I was wearing a hunter's orange vest and matching beanie (I mean, it's huntin' season, y'all, and I'm not trying to get shot . . . because that happens. Alot.) I couldn't be happier. We both couldn't stop laughing before he actually asked me, which started to make me feel like a real asshole, but in hindsight, the whole experience was perfect. I loved each and every minute of it.


So now here comes the fun (fun?) part! The wedding planning! I'm excited about it, but equally stressed. I mean, I don't even know where to begin. That's where my BFFs who are already married come in! 


Now that I've helped Thomas get his big project finished for school (the damn thing was due today, thank goodness) I can focus. So now . . . what do I do?!



11.22.2010

Nutcrackers and more

Have I mentioned my nutcracker collection? Well, I have one. And it's pretty substantial. My taste in them has simplified over the years, though, so I'm not sure how I'll incorporate them into my holiday decorating this year. The really colorful ones I got when I was younger might have to stay boxed up. Sorry, crackers. 


Take a look at this beauty from West Elm. Of course, I couldn't help but peruse the rest of the accessories.

Novelty Nutcrackers $24-$59


Snow Globes $25

Sequin Animals $25


Winter-tree Boxes $16-$29


Tokyo Milk Candles $12

11.17.2010

Band Beat

Image via here

The Hours is an English rock band that formed in 2004. I'm not totally committed to their sound, but I ran across their new video for "See the Light" featuring Sienna Miller. I'm pretty sure y'all know how much I love her. Anyway. This video was directed by American History X creator Tony Kaye, and I've gotta say, I like it a bunch. Check it out. 

The Hours - "See The Light" 2010 Edit from Adeline Records on Vimeo.

11.16.2010

The new Matilde Font makes pretty letters.

How pretty is the new Matilde Font? Love it. You can get it for free here.

A visit from a friend with no photos to show for it . . .

Toni visited me this past weekend, and it flew by way too fast . . . why does that happen every time? We spent most of Saturday eating and catching up and then went downtown that night. Downtown Charleston on a Friday or Saturday night can make you (and by you, I mean anyone over the age of say, 28) feel old. All the college freshmen girls clopping around King Street in their 4-inch heels and short skirts . . . with all the energy in the world. And then there we are, in flats, jeans and a comfortable sweater (because it was cold, y'all, and those days of wearing barely anything in 33-degree weather is over.) 


I had mixed emotions about the whole thing, honestly. Part of me longed for those days again, and the other part was grateful those days are over and almost proud to be where I am today. I tell you what. Thirty is flirty and fun, but it's also scary. A friend of mine sent me this article, and it nicely sums up how it feels to be 30.


Anyway. Toni and I went back downtown on Sunday, where the city closed a huge portion of King Street so restaurants could expand seating out into the street and stores could put displays out. It was really cool, and a nice surprise. 


All in all, we had a great time. Short, but great. This is the lone photo of us at a bar downtown called Closed For Business. 



This was taken with Toni's phone. I can't believe no one had a camera on them. My digital one broke almost a year ago, and we haven't been able to get a new one. All we have (and I'm not complaining because it's awesome) is B's Nikon 40D he had to get for school. Needless to say, we're not ever lugging it with us downtown on a Saturday night. 

11.03.2010

Interview, done.

I had an interview this morning for an assistant director of admissions at the Art Institute. I was nervous as all get-out, but I feel better than ever. I don't want to jinx myself by having high hopes, but it was probably the best interview I've ever given. They've narrowed the pool down to five candidates, and they are going to hire two folks. I am praying I am one of the two. A lot of interviewees now are asking personality-based questions, and my last question this morning was, "Name the theme song of your life. What song do you march to?" Pretty tough one to answer, huh? 


I chose "Seasons of Love" from the musical, Rent. Guys, if you haven't seen this musical (and I'm not talking about the movie, although it was great as well) you must find a way to see it. It's soooo good and is definitely one of my favorites. This particular song talks about how people measure their lives. And much to my utter and complete happiness, the senior director LOVED my answer. Today is a good day. 


Here's the song --- both Broadway and movie versions. Many of the actors in the movie version were part of the original Broadway cast (like Taye Diggs, y'all). And if you want some background about the writer, Jonathan Larson, check this out. His journey in creating this is absolutely amazing. Prepare for goosebumps and enjoy.





11.01.2010

Sneaky Little Devil

November is here already? Really. I can't believe how quickly it came --- it snuck right up on me. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm glad it's here. It's my favorite month of the year . . . and I'm not just saying that because my birthday is tucked away in it. 

This year has been tough. Moving. Leaving my family and friends. Leaving my dance studio. Leaving everything behind. Annnnnd, still no luck on the job front (hopefully, that will change after Wednesday). 

As a result, I'm certain I've gained several new forehead wrinkles and more crow's feet, and my ego has taken a swift kick in the gut, but I'm still hopeful and excited about what's to come. Reading the blogs I follow rejuvenates me and helps in that, especially when I read a post I can relate to or watch a really cool video a husband made of his wife he adores, and I just melt. 

Sadly, I tend to go several days (even weeks sometimes) between readings. I have no excuse, other than that after scouring the Internet for hours at a time job hunting, I'm kinda' done with my laptop.

I keep telling myself that I need to buckle down and be better about reading blogs, and hell, even writing in mine. After all, if reading them and writing in mine make me feel better, why not? It's. Not. Rocket. Science.  

So here's a list of recent posts from a few blogs I follow, blogs that inspire me and make me happy. Maybe they'll do the same for you too. 

Friday's Post Is Full Of...Awkwardness from The Tightrope because the author, Mandi, and I lived in the same tiny town years ago, and I've totally had that same grocery store experience. Her blog is fantastically written and chock-full of hilarity, wit and honesty: a perfect reading recipe. Check it out.

Do What You Love - episode two: Cole from Pacing the Panic Room. Guys, there aren't enough words to express how much I love this blog. B jokingly said I liked it because he thought I was in love with the creator, Ryan. I told him that I wasn't in love with Ryan; I was in love with how much he loves his wife, Cole. I can't get over it. It's ridiculously sappy, over-the-top love, and he's not afraid to blog about it. I love it. But there's soooo much more to his blog than his undying love of his wife, and if you haven't bookmarked it already, do so immediately.

Loving from Layers of Meaning because if you want to look at beautiful photos and creations with inspiration out the bamboozle, this is the blog for you. (And I'm not just typing this because LOM's founder, Fe, is one of my best friends). Her blog is full of fantastic design and fashion stimuli, super-interesting series, gorgeous photos, Etsy finds and more.

I wouldn't date me. FACT. from Chelsea Talks Smack. This feisty blogger is fierce. Girl does not mince words one bit . . . hence her name. And that's why I love reading her smack so much. She puts it all out there, but she doesn't wrap it up in a pretty little package like a lot of people. She's human; honest and vulnerable. She makes mistakes, and she lets you know about them. But she throws her fears and questions back on her audience, opening up her world to them and allowing them to share their experiences with her. So everyone is growing and learning together. Definitely worth reading.

currently snacking on...from oh joy! eats is completely and utterly wonderful if you love food like I love food (especially sweets, like this baby apple pie) but completely and utterly awful if you're on a diet . . . and I mean that in the best sense. I've been on both ends, and when I'm trying to eat "clean," I try to steer clear of Joy's delectable sweets. Easy to do since her blog consists of much more than photos of food. She writes about food and art, the latest (and coolest) kitchen and food accessories, restaurants and recipes. And Joy's not just about food. She has a fabulous design blog too.

10.20.2010

Band Beat

Image via here

Maybe I picked Meiko as this week's featured Band Beat because she's a Roberta, Ga., native, and I usually have a soft spot for ambitious women from small towns in the Peach State. 

Maybe I picked her because her music is like a cocktail recipe of two parts Ingrid Michaelson mixed with one part Rachael Yamagata with a dash of Kelly Nash (minus the British accent), and with how tricky my life is right now, this is just the recipe I need to indulge.  

Whatever the reason, she's cute. She's been around for a few years. She probably isn't going anywhere. And while her music and lyrics don't necessarily wow me like, say, Jenny Lewis' does, I'm enjoying it right now. Especially Heard It All Before. And she has some pretty videos too. 

Heard It All Before
I'm so tired of staring at the wall
But I know I got to put you down
And I keep trying to make sense of it all
But I can't keep going around and around
And you know me well; you know me better than this
And I can't be sure if you're something I'd miss

'Cause I've heard it all before
I've heard it all before

I keep finding a little piece of me
Every time we disagree
And your words float like dandelions every other way
I can't keep listening to what you say

'Cause I've heard it all before
I've heard it all before
And I take everything I can
And I'll throw it out the door

Yeah, I've heard it all before
I've heard it all before
And I take everything I can
But I've heard it all before


10.06.2010

The Comeback Ked

Image via Keds

Yes, I'll take these please. I think I like the gray pair the best. And there's much more where that came from. Keds is like the Comeback Kid of all time. They're everywhere again . . . and I think it's pretty damn precious.

I remember rockin' the traditional white ones many years ago. If you didn't have at least one pair (along with a pair of Classic K-Swiss sneaks) something was wrong with you. 

Of course, the whole reason I even wanted Keds in the first place was because Baby wore the crap out of them in Dirty Dancing. And I'm so o.k. with that. 

10.02.2010

Current Celebrity Infatuation

Image via here


Who else is in love with Michael C. Hall? M'kay, me too. I started crushing on him years ago when he was rockin' it as an uptight, gay funeral home director in Six Feet Under, but not because of his looks. I had a crush on his talent, y'all. He's seriously got it. 


So when Dexter started in 2006, I knew I'd love it . . . except for that I couldn't watch it because we haven't had cable in 759 years. Long time, I know. Instead, I had to hear how awesome it was from every single one of my friends. 


BUT THEN! That awesome Netflix upgrade has allowed us to watch Seasons 1 and 2, and we borrowed Season 3 from a friend and are now on the fourth episode. We're progressing nicely and are trying our hardest not to read any spoilers (except, wait. I totally found out something that happens in Season 4, and I'm bummed. Bradford has made me promise not to tell him.)


Anyway. Is it just me, or has Michael C. Hall gotten cuter over the years? He's hot. I mean, there are times during Dexter when I'm all, Dude. Stop looking so evil. But then there are times (specifically at the end of the show's intro when he's putting on the white T-shirt . . . and anytime he wears his tight-fitted "killer" shirt) when I'm thinking, Thank you, thank you, thank you! Annnnnd, we'll pause it right there! 


It's not just his looks and incredible talent, though. It's also the fact that he's married to his co-star, Jennifer Carpenter, and you just KNOW they're a perfect match and are completely devoted to one another and will have the most incredible babies ever. They just emanate all that goodness. I have a major crush on their relationship. 


Image via here





9.23.2010

An Indirectly Direct Job Offer

Jobs. Or lack thereof. That's my biggest source of contention right now . . . oh, and what not having a job means: broke bank account. Everyone in my life knows how troubled I am these days due to my jobless state. And I mean everyone (seriously. I think even the FB friend who befriended me solely because we might have played kickball in elementary school knows how desperate I am for a J-O-B.) 


So one would think when a job offer comes my way, I would snatch it up like the last pair of Manolos at a Sample Sale, right? Wrong. Before you scream, "WHAT?! YOU IDIOT!" at the top of your lungs, here's what happened. (It does involve a little backstory, so hold your horses.)


Bradford plays for a men's league soccer team sponsored by the Madra Rua Pub out of North Charleston. So that means after most games, the guys will go up to the pub for a pint to show support and say, Thanks a bunch for shelling out hundreds to let us play. One of the pub owners also plays on the team and has been trying to help me find a job (it's ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS HERE.) He asked me a few months ago if I'd be willing to wait tables. I basically said, "That would be my last resort." Now hold up. Let me interject that I don't think I'm too good to be a server. In fact, I've got some waitressing hours under my belt. BUT. 


What it boils down to is that I've been in journalism/public relations for nearly a decade . . . which means I started my "career" right out of college (and I mean like a month after I graduated.) So I feel like if I'm going to work in F&B, I want it to be my very, very, very last resort. Make sense?  


So on Sunday, Bradford came home from the pub and said that Jason, the owner two paragraphs above, asked him if I would want to wait tables at Madra Rua. I'm not sure what Bradford told him because when he was telling me this, all I could think was, OH! JOB OP!, and then I immediately followed up that thought with, WAIT. JASON WANTS ME TO WORK THERE? I mean, the pub is nice, don't get me wrong. But it's a pub, so it's dark with about 478 TVs blaring college football games nonstop . . . which would be perfect for a twenty-something guy whose girlfriend won't let him watch sports at home. And did I mention it was dark?! 


Bradford and I didn't talk anymore about it. It was sort of swept under the rug, and I felt like we had an agreement that maybe Madra wasn't the place for me to work. So last night after their game, I went to the pub with the guys. While we were drinking our pints, Jason said, "Hey, if anyone knows anybody who wants to wait tables here, let me know." And then, all you could hear were crickets as everyone fell silent because, let's face it. Errr'body knew that was an indirectly direct job offer for moi. 


I should've jumped off my stool and shouted, "I DO! ME! ME! ME!" right? But what did I do? I took a sip of my Sweetwater IPA and stared intently at whatever soccer game highlights were on the tube. All I could think about was, How much is minimum wage these days? I wonder how much in tips the servers get. How many nights will I miss dinner with Bradford and Thomas? And, OMG! It's so dark in here!


I'm torn guys. Completely. When is it time to throw in the towel, swallow my pride and realize that Paul Nunez in HR at the SC Aquarium is not going to call me back about the public relations manager position? 


What do y'all think?

9.17.2010

Parenthood(trap)

I don't talk about parenthood much on here . . . I'm not sure why, really, since my blog is such a hodge podge of topics. Why not talk (complain) about parenting? I guess it's because I wasn't a full-fledged parent until I moved to Charleston in April. Let me explain. 


Thomas, my pre-teen, has been in my life for more than five years (off and on for the first couple of years, granted, but I'm the only woman Bradford has ever introduced him to. Now that's when you know it's getting serious with your divorced, father of one boyfriend, ladies). 


I vividly remember Bradford sitting me down after only two months of dating and basically saying, "Hey, um, my son is going to come live me full time. If you want out, now would be a good time." Me, being my overly stubborn self, insisted on giving it a shot. I can handle anything, I kept telling myself.


I was slowly introduced to Thomas and began spending more and more time together. After Bradford and I officially moved in together (after our "break," of course), my schedule was so hectic that I rarely saw Thomas, much less parented him. I worked 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, taught dance until sometimes 10 p.m. almost every night and spent nearly every weekend dancing. There wasn't much time to be a proper parent. 


Since moving to Charleston and not having a schedule at all (I promise I won't go on a tangent about being jobless and not dancing), I've had BOO-KOOS of time to parent . . . and let me tell you, it ain't easy. I've heard my siblings complain off and on throughout the years about their trials and tribulations. But you have no idea until you're "in it." 


Seven, 8, and 9 years old was cake (for the most part). Thomas was easy to discipline and was precious most of the time. Around 10, he started to test us and figure out what he could and could not get away with, hallmarking some pretty incredible memories. At 11, he went into the sixth grade, and whoa. What. A. Journey. He's never gotten in so much trouble in his life . . . until this year. A full-fledged 12-year-old pre-teen whose hormones are spinning in about 10 billion directions (just like every other seventh grader) can be hard to handle, to say the least.


There are days when I want to explode, and it doesn't help that Bradford's in school and isn't here to soften the blow. Not that I'm complaining. I thank my lucky stars every day that he has figured out what he wants to do in life. But it means I'm here most of the time, making sure Thomas gets his homework and chores done, helping him with projects, signing papers, cooking him dinner (guys, I'm cooking! I haven't been able to in years) etc. Every day, I wonder, am I doing a good job? Is he turning into a good kid? What will we do next year when his hormones are really out of control? Was I too harsh when I took his game time away because he didn't finish a chore? DID HE BRUSH HIS TEETH TONIGHT?! 


Phew. My sister has said, "Yeah. You got the 'Shit Years.'" And while I agree these last couple of years have, at times, been a challenge, I wouldn't change a thing. Talking to my friend, Jenny, helps too. We've been friends since the age of 8, and she oftentimes reminds me of when we tested the boundaries. Like when we used to wait until her parents were in bed and sneak out her bedroom window to play Barbies on the roof. Or when she'd sleep over at my house, we'd sneak out my bedroom window and play Barbies in the pool. How we pulled that one off, I have no idea. And there was that time we snuck out of my dad's house to go cruising with two of our friends. Couldn't have been more than 15 then. 


So I know I wasn't an angel, and it helps to be reminded that Thomas is testing and will continue to test our boundaries. That doesn't mean we're bad parents.  


I try to stay grounded and calm and remember how lucky I am to have Bradford and Thomas in my life. And just how awesome it will be when I have children and get to do it all over again! At least now, I'll be prepared.


  


      






  Wow. Do you think he likes wearing red or what? I love you, buddy! 

9.09.2010

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Image via here


It's no secret I have a major girl crush on Alexa Chung. I love everything about her and am pretty sure she's on my CCI List. 


So I was stoked when I started hearing that she was going to start designing . . . I mean, why not? She's got so much style and can wear anything and look fabulous. Her Alexa Chung for Madewell collection is out, and although a T-shirt costs $48,and I could never afford it, I'm totally loving everything she has designed. 


Check it out, and if you can afford it, shop it!






Thank you, Netflix!

I jumped on the Netflix Train when it first came out and signed up for the two movies a month for $4.99. At the time, I wasn't renting movies all that much because, well . . . I had cable (including HBO), so I was getting my movie fix that way. 


Since moving to Charleston, though, we haven't had cable because we're waiting for me to get a job (see Job Gods? All the more reason for me to get one). Needless to say, we've been renting movies out the bamboozle, which, at five bucks a pop, really adds up. 


So we decided to upgrade our Netflix plan to two movies a month PLUS unlimited streaming and online watching, which means we can watch all the movies we want via Thomas' PS3 and online! Snap!


The plan's only $8.99 a month and is totally worth it. I've watched quite a few movies online already (spare time, spare time).


Here are some I've watched:
This one is definitely worth renting. 

Guys, this is so old, but wasn't Lili Taylor so gorgeous?! 

I have mixed emotions about this one, but as far as independent films go, I think it's worth watching. 

Alright, so I watched this one because I recently saw Black Hawk Down for the first time and got into a discussion with B about whether or not it was Josh Hartnett's break-out role. He said his was from 40 Days and 40 Nights and I was curious. It's cheesy in all the right spots, but I laughed anyway. 




8.30.2010

Frog legs and a hungry cat

During the last couple of months, I've been woken up off and on at 5 o'clock in the morn by strange animal cries. At first, I thought it was some inconsiderate butthead neighbor who was crating their crying newborn puppy on their balcony . . . probably because its cries were making them slowly losing their mind. But then I searched my neighbors' balconies for said pup and couldn't find anything. 


So I let it go and assumed that it was a baby squirrel or something. 


Until one morning I woke up (again around 5 a.m.) and swore the mysterious animal was on my balcony. I was half-expecting to find the animal standing at our sliding glass door demanding, UM. I'VE BEEN CRYING FOR DAYS OUT HERE. NOW GO GET ME SOME WATER AND FOOD.  


Of course, I didn't find any such thing and went back to bed. Now here's where it gets worse.


B and I started smelling something foul. I checked the garbage disposal. Clean. Took out the trash. Smell still there. Cleaned out Raisin's litter box. Yep. Smell intact. We finally considered that whatever had been crying for days possibly died and now was funking up our apartment. So B talked to the maintenance crew, who promptly went up to the attic space of our section of the building to hunt this thing out.


Minutes later, they were knocking on our door. "We couldn't find anything ma'am, but we went ahead and doused the entire area with bleach to get rid of any smells." Ummmmm, thanks? But, but, but what about any animals who might be nesting up there??? They're as good as dead now, I guess. Thanks guys!


Needless to say, the animal cries resumed a few days later. And then I figured it out. While out on my balcony one evening, drinking shiraz and talking to my friend, I noticed three little tree frogs that had become quite happy in my Elephant Ear and Christmas Cactus. How cute, I thought . . . until they started croaking. MYSTERY SOLVED. The monstrous noises were coming from these tiny frogs. Now, this obviously wasn't the first time I've heard a frog croak, being from the deep South and all, but I guess tree frogs sing to a different tune. It was bizarre. But I grew quite fond of the little dudes, after I had a little talk with them about keeping the noise down, of course.


And then Raisin had to go and attack one and sever its leg. She was proud; I felt bad. I tried to help by putting the frog back into the Christmas Cactus. I thought he was going to die for sure, but oh no. The fighter showed up a week later, one leg missing. Ouch.


Raisin's still ticked that I wouldn't let her finish him off. And she's been banned from the balcony, unless accompanied by a supervisor. She's gotta' learn: no more frog legs for dinner.

The Selby is in your place contest

CB2 emailed me and was like, "Yo. Please pass this on." So I'm passing it on. What a fun idea! 


Image via email

8.24.2010

Props

Since I just wrote about their scandalous promo pics, I thought it only fitting to blog about which lucky lady won the Miss Universe Pageant last night in Las Vegas. And no, I didn't watch it. I don't have cable yet, unfortunately.


Congrats, Miss Mexico! From the tiny bit of coverage I've seen so far, your reaction to winning the crown was spot on and not overly ridiculous. Kudos. 


Image via here

8.17.2010

Since I'm feeling rather blah today . . .

Kate Winslet's character, Iris, in The Holiday has this wonderful monologue about being hurt by the man she's loved for years and getting over the pain. I sent it to a friend earlier and wanted to post it here. I especially love this part: 


"And after all that, however long that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade."

8.16.2010

Current Celebrity Infatuation

Image via here


This CCI was out of the blue for me. I mean, I've never given Joseph Gordon-Levitt a second glance until Inception (supergreatfantastic movie, by the way). Sure, I remember him in his younger roles (Angles in the Outfield anyone?) and I thought he did a stand-up job in 500 Days of Summer, but it wasn't until Inception that I started crushin'. Hard. 


There were moments during the movie when I thought, Wow. He looks . . . well, he looks . . . HOT. Look at the way he's wearing that suit. And the way he's holding that gun! Those moments, in turn, left me wondering, Wait. Now what did I just miss? Because you've got to be ON IT to follow this movie. And another thing that puzzled me. Even the pure greatness and beauty that is Leonardo DiCaprio could not keep me from crushing on JGL during the entire movie. And that, my friends, is saying A LOT. What is it about him? If anyone knows, please tell me.


 Image via here

Image via here

8.14.2010

Va Va Voom

Don't you hate it when you type an entire post only to have it DISAPPEAR RIGHT BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES? Yeah, me too. I'm not going to try and retype it because I can't remember everything I said, and quite frankly, I'm too pissed that I lost my original post. 

The topic was about the recent promo pics of the Miss Universe contestants. It was top news this morning on abcnews.com. The world is wondering if they're too scandalous. The photos, not the contestants. Although . . . 

Anyway! Even ol' Mr. Trump thinks they're "pretty wild." To me, sure, the ladies look like they're posing for lingerie ads, but is that bad? I mean, haven't times changed enough that this is allowed? Or is it still a no-no in the pageant world? What do you think?

Renee Mokihana Nobriga, Miss Hawaii

Ashley Bickford, Miss Connecticut
 
Kristina Primavera, Miss Rhode Island

Chenoa Greene, Miss New Jersey
Images via here  

8.11.2010

Band Beat

Image via here

Guys, I love Love Actually about as much as I love edamame (and if you know me, you know that's an insane amount of love. I'd knock out a bag of Edamame Steamers every night of the week if I could). Anyway, back to the movie. It's one of those movies. You know, the kind that makes you laugh, cry, shout with rage and get goosebumps . . . all at the same time. The kind that, when you see it in the movies, you know you're going to purchase the DVD as soon as it comes out. It's. That. Good. 

Music in a movie is just as (if not more) important to me. A good movie has to have a good soundtrack. It's a rule. I know Love Actually isn't new, by any means, but I watched it today as I was job hunting and was reminded of how great the soundtrack is . . . kudos Richard Curtis. 

Check out the tunes (quite a list!) and in case you haven't seen it, here's the trailer. 

  • "Christmas Is All Around" by Reg Presley, performed by Bill Nighy
  • "All You Need Is Love" by John Lennon/Paul McCartney, performed by Lynden David Hall
  • "Take Me As I Am" by Wyclef Jean/Jerry 'Wonder' Duplessis/Sharissa, performed by Wyclef Jean featuring Sharissa
  • "Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)" by Bob Crewe/Bob Gaudio, performed by Bay City Rollers
  • "Puppy Love" by Paul Anka, performed by S Club Juniors
  • "Sweetest Goodbye" by Adam Levine/Jesse Carmichael/Ryan Dusick/James Valentine/Mickey Madden, performed by Maroon 5
  • "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey/Walter Afanasieff, arranged by Flood, performed by Tessa Niles
  • "I'll See It Through", by John McElhone/Sharleen Spiteri/Guy Chambers, performed by Texas
  • "River" by Joni Mitchell, performed by Joni Mitchell
  • "Jump (For My Love)" by Gary Skardina/Stephen Mitchell/Marti Sharron, performed by The Pointer Sisters
  • "Here With Me" by Peter Gabriel/Paul Stathan/Dido, performed by Dido
  • "Rose" by James Horner, from the Original Motion Picture Score "Titanic (1997)"
  • "Too Lost In You" by Diane Warren, performed by Sugababes
  • "Like I Love You" by Pharrell Williams/Chad Hugo/Pusha T/Malice/Justin Timberlake, performed by Justin Timberlake
  • "Turn Me On" by Loudermilk, performed by Norah Jones
  • "Songbird" by Christine McVie, performed by Eva Cassidy
  • "All Alone On Christmas" by Steve Van Zandt, performed by Darlene Love
  • "Smooth" by Rob Thomas/Itaal Shur, performed by Santana featuring Rob Thomas
  • "Wherever You Will Go" by Aaron Kamin/Alex Band, performed by The Calling
  • "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell, performed by Joni Mitchell
  • "White Christmas" by Irving Berlin, performed by Otis Redding
  • "Silent Night" by Franz Gruber/Joseph Mohr, performed by Pre Teens
  • "Good King Wenceslas" modern lyrics by John M. Neale 
  • "Catch A Falling Star" by Lee Pockriss/Paul Vance, performed by Cast
  • "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey/Walter Afanasieff, performed by Olivia Olson
  • "God Only Knows" by Tony Asher/Brian Wilson, performed by The Beach Boys
  • "The Trouble With Love Is" by Evan Rogers/Carl Sturken/Kelly Clarkson, performed by Kelly Clarkson
  • "Jump (For My Love)" by Gary Skardina/Stephen Mitchell/Marti Sharron, performed by Girls Aloud
  • "Glasgow Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong, performed by Craig Armstrong