Merry Christmas!!

Feed the World

I bought one of these the other day. I had heard about them for awhile, and finally got one! I love the concept. Laura Bush was behind much of this project. I encourage others to go out and support this cause. They can be purchased at Whole Foods or online.

Somewhere to Sit...

I need a new chair. The goal: big and comfy. Which one do you like best?

Lovely Accent

How great is this?

Wonderful Gift

I have blogged about Alex Woo's jewelry before, but I love it. So many ways to personalize. I must say, this is a perfect gift for so many. All come in silver, gold, or white gold with diamonds. Maybe I will buy myself my own Christmas present, with Christmas money...

There are several options, but these are some of my favorites: snowflake (season appropriate), music note (for music lovers), initials (your own or someone special), clover (there are other "luck" charms too), numbers (most people have a favorite/lucky number), and the question mark (I love this one, represents the unknown, the future).

Designed Meaning

So I have wanted a tattoo for quite some time. Here's my issue, I don't want a tattoo just to have a tattoo. I want something full of meaning and symbolism. Something that means something to me. Above is Heidi Klum's tattoo, which I love! It says "Seal" in an artsy script and the 3 stars next to his name are for each of their children. Apparently the dark brown ink of the tattoo matches Seal's skin tone. How fascinating is that? I like that Angelina Jolie has the latitude and longitude of her son's (Maddox) birthplace. I have always thought it was cool when men tattoo wedding bands (not all women can pull that off, but then again, not all men can either). Klum said, "I am not afraid of forever." How wonderful is that?

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis - Love Story

I read about this in People magazine. My admiration for Depp motivated me to check it out. Depp is someone that seems to maintain his uniqueness even among the craziness that is his life. Plus, who doesn't like hearing about a sweet love story?

Oh Paris...

So, I keep putting off posting about Paris, because I haven't really had the time, and thought clarity lately to do so in a sufficient manner. Paris...what wasn't wonderful about Paris? I believe that traveling really puts life into perspective. You walk away knowing what truly matters.

Things I realized in Paris:

1. Cold, rainy weather is 100% acceptable in Paris (if you ask me)

2. Traveling alone can be liberating (ok, so I already knew that, but this resurfaced that fact)

3. There is nothing better in life than having a best friend at your side (Jenni, I can't imagine this trip without you---it still feels like a dream!)

4. Trips are always better when you have someone, or people, to share it with

5. You should not wear a dress or skirt on top of the Eiffel Tower

6. French men love American women (if you need an ego boost, book your flight now)

7. Ipods are essential when walking an unknown city

8. Random, unplanned photo shoots are the best

9. That my life was about to change (even if I wasn't completely sure how)

10. That the world is so much bigger than I could ever imagine (again, kind of knew this, but it was reiterated)

There is so much more to share, but I couldn't possibly get it all into one post.

Twilight on the Screen

The movie was good. Edward was beautiful. The book is better of course. I didn't like all of the casting, but I already knew that was coming seeing as I already was aware of the cast. I was very impressed with some scenes: the way Edward looked in the sun, the baseball scene, among others...

What were your thoughts?

You can call me Al

Something made think of this song the other day. I am not quite sure why, but every time I hear this song it makes me think of my Dad. I can recall one time where we were watching this video on TV, dancing around and singing it. From then on, it was one of our songs (probably the most appropriate). After all, what is a Dad if not your bodyguard?

I Salute Mr. Vaughn & Mr. Rudd

Vince might play the same character a lot, but is that a bad thing if you love the character he plays? Vince has charm, and his quick wit and rambling only enhances that. Hats off to you Vince Vaughn, you have my vote.

Paul Rudd. I have liked him since Clueless, through his stint on Friends, and all of the movies he has graced along the way. Don't know what it is about this actor, but he is brilliant. Mr. Rudd, you rock.

Moral of the Story: Humor really is the way to a woman's heart.

Fall is Nearing Its End

I came back from France to a week of the most magnificent fall weather. As silly as it sounds, I am so incredibly thankful for this. Fall is hands-down my favorite season, and my only fear about my trip to Paris was that upon my return winter would have already set-in. I plan to post some pictures from my travels and you can be sure that I will talk about my trip more. For now, enjoy the autumn leaves that will be disappearing soon. 

"All dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

-Walt Disney

Marriage?

The dictionary defines marriage as "the social institution under which man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc."

I was asked the other day what marriage meant to me. This is quite the perplexing question, especially considering I have never been married. A question that I always assumed I would have an answer to, and yet, here I was presented with that very question, and no words came. Perhaps because it is unexplainable in my mind? Perhaps because there isn't a clear answer? Marriage is different for everyone? Or better yet, every couple? I think it is safe to say that a wedding is very different than a marriage. All I could come up with was "commitment", but can you not be committed sans marriage? Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell style? Is it something we base upon religion? Has it become more influenced by society than it should? Clearly, I have several thoughts on this topic. The only conclusion that I could come to was marriage is a public display of love. You can be in love without marriage, but to have the courage, the faith, and the trust, to standup and say that you will only ever want to be with this one individual for as long as you walk this earth, that's marriage. That's commitment. Maybe the problem with marriage today is society and corruption have muddled the meaning of marriage? What does marriage mean to you?

GO VOTE!

Oh How I Love Halloween...

It has been far too long since I have blogged, and I am going to attempt to change that. I JUST got back from France, and I fell in love. Paris is incredible. More blogging on that to come very soon when my millions of pictures are done uploading! 

It is HALLOWEEN!! For those who do not know me, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays by far. I don't know the full extent of the intrigue, but Halloween is extremely enjoyable for me. My grandparents used to go all-out when I was younger: a witch in the basement with spooky music (that my cousin and I swore was real), a vari

ety of games and prizes to win, a fortune teller in the backyard that blindfolded us and forced us to reach into a bowl of organs (or so we thought they were), and EVERYONE had to dress up (that included the "adults"). I have no doubt that this plays a LARGE part in my love for Halloween. So to those reading this that have children, keep in mind that you are making memories for your kids (and trust me, they remember).

Halloween allows us to play a part outside of our normal role in life, and something about that is fantastic. We get to escape the monotony of the day-to-day routine, and dress up however we choose. My plan was to go as Alice Cullen fro

m the Twilight series (aka: a vampire), but seeing as I am still thoroughly exhausted, I don't see myself going out tonight. Below is who I planned on dressing up as...

What are you all going as for Halloween? Does anyone share in my obsession with Halloween? Well, regardless of your stance on Halloween, I wish you all a very wonderful night!

Looking...

I apologize to my 2 readers who actually read my blog and to the others who might on occasion. I honestly have missed blogging, but have had zero time for it. Work is slowly taking over my life. Right now, I like it, but I feel it might get old soon. Concert this weekend: Wynton Marsallis, 9 time Grammy Award winner. Should be a good time. 

Onto my post, for whatever reason, this has come up a lot in conversation, so why not blog about it?

Who do you think you look like? Who do people say you look like? 

My list of what people have said is long (and ridiculous), but it is kind of fun to laugh about...

- Britney Spears (way back when)

- Christina Aguilera (no idea)

- Carmen Electra (...)

- Rachel McAdams (I wish)

- Rachel Weisz (again, I wish)

- Emmy Rossum (still wishing...)

- Leighton Meester (aka "Blair" on Gossip Girl)

- Ashanti (a "white" version, um, yeah)

- Tina Fey (ok...)

- Mandy Moore (the ever popular favorite)

- Alexis Bledel (hm)

Those are all that I can recall at this moment. Thoughts? Who do YOU look like? I personally think a whole lot like, well me:) I am very ok with that!

The Fall Feeling Returns...

Fall is my most cherished timed of the year. 

Tonight when I walked outside (after working far too much overtime), it smelled of fall. I breathed it. Felt the crispness. I had my worries this time around. Do you ever doubt if this season will be as good as the last? Where I was last year this time, is so far from where I am now...it's odd. I was scared I would enter into this foreign season, and yet, all that I love and hold dear seems to be intact. I find comfort in that. I am off to Paris soon, and with the bringing of color-dipped leaves comes my desire for optimism. I love fall. 

4 Christmases

Love Vince and Reese. Can't be bad right???

Paris is right around the corner...

So, I am off to Paris soon (YAY!!!!). I need tips from all of you who have been! Where should I eat? What sights are a "must see"? What was your favorite thing that you did there? Where should I shop? HELP!

Yum

Beautiful. Would probably kill my feet...but who cares with shoes like these?

GG Returns...

Well Upper East-Siders. Guess who is back for another go? That's right, your favorite 20-somethings playing high school roles. So what can we expect this season? More drama? Without a doubt. Even more amazing fashion choices? That's a given. So which boy shall we focus on this season? Will it be Nate? Chuck? or Dan? Guess we will have to tune in and find out. We know how quickly emotions can change in the Big Apple....

Until next time...you know you love me. 

- XOXO Gossip Girl

Together Again:)

Ok, so normally, I don't get all into celebrity couples. I pretty much think that they all will end at a moments notice, and half of it just seems false regardless. Having said that, for some reason, I LOVE these two together. Just seems genuine (which it might not be). They are one of those couples that I see and think "I want that!" Glad to see them back together...

Duffy -My Heroine

This woman is INCREDIBLE. She has a sultry, blues-inspired, longing to her voice, which can only be construed as genuine. Something about her music is comfortable, safe and true. Different from most of the unoriginal noise that is floating through our airwaves anymore...different because it is actually true talent. I can't construct a summary of praise that comes close to being worthy. Duffy justifies everything that music should be. Enough said.

Freeze Out!!!

Cream Cheese Penguins

Directions

1. Cut a slit from top to bottom, lengthwise, into the side of each jumbo olive. Carefully insert about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each olive. Slice the carrot into eighteen 1/4 inch thick rounds; cut a small notch out of each carrot slice to form feet. Save the cut out piece and press into the center of small olive to form the beak. If necessary cut a small slit into each olive before inserting the beak.

2. Set a big olive, large hole side down, onto a carrot slice. Then, set a small olive into the large olive, adjusting so that the beak, cream cheese chest and notch in the carrot slice line up. Secure with toothpick. 

Max is 2!!

One of my good friends, Kristen (love her), has a son, Max (love him), and he had his 2nd birthday this past Saturday!! The theme was "Blue's Clues" (as you will see below). He is so adorable!

I got to do some face painting...

I had so much fun capturing these moments!! Thank you Kristen and Max for being so wonderful (and photogenic, ha!).

The Half-Blood Prince

It is coming soon!!!

Gossip Girl Is Near

I can't wait!!

"I don't want to date someone just to date someone. I want to be with a guy who's going to better my quality of life, better me."

-Blake Lively

Midnight Sun Soon to Follow!

Stephanie Meyer has agreed to release Midnight Sun the summer of 2009!!! The story continues (well on some level)!!!!

We always need a little male perspective...wouldn't you agree?

All good things must come to an end...

So I finished this book a few days after I waited in line (That's right, with tons of screaming tween girls. You would have thought that Meyer was there signing, but no, this was just to pick up a copy of the highly anticipated final book...pretty impressive if you ask me.) at midnight on Friday August 2nd. I have been finished, and yet unable to blog about it. I, of course, loved this book. I knew I would. My only complaint? It was rather lengthy with several "endings", but is that really a complaint? I think not. If you have not indulged in this series, please partake.

"Let each man exercise the art he knows."

-Aristophanes, Wasps, 422 B.C.

White Wonderland

How beautiful is this? Looks like it should be a wedding dress in a ballet...lovely. I love looking at pretty dresses: romantic, sweet and enchanting...

Bonjour Paris!

It is no secret that I LIVE to TRAVEL! I love it, and I can't get enough. Not only does it expand my knowledge, intellect, and cultural experience; it is a WONDERFUL photo-op! I went to Italy a few years ago, and I have been yearning to journey back to Europe. France is next on my list and me and my best friend, Jenni, are headed there in October!! Much much much more to come on this topic, I assure you.

Crazy Dreams...

What kind of person would wear this dress on their wedding you ask? ME ME ME!!! Oh, I love it. Incredible. This dress is ACTUALLY priced according to its' brilliance. The details, the textures, the fabrics... it sings to me (and quite possibly, me alone). If I were getting married, this would be the one for me (do not take this as me wanting to get married anytime in the near future, I am just simply a girl who loves dresses; plus fashion was my minor...)! If this is still available 10 years from now, you will might just see me in it. 

How did you pick your wedding dress?? Or what do you fantasize your wedding dress will be like?

Etsy Find

I love new finds at Etsy. I don't always have time to peruse the site, but aren't these wonderful? 

Brilliant

What a brilliant film. Have you seen it? I loved it, every minute of it. I encourage all to watch.

Southern Comfort

I have been wanting, and in my opinion needing a pair of  cowboy boots for quite some time. Why is it when I find the perfect pair, they must be so expensive? I will keep dreaming...

Twilight: The Series

It has been some time now that I haven't been able to get myself into reading again. I LOVE to read, but I have been struggling as of late. I never fancied myself a "vampire enthusiast", that is until this brilliant series presented itself. I want to be friends with vampires, or better yet, I want to be a "vegetarian" vampire myself. If you think I'm nuts, you haven't read these books, have you? I was immediately sucked in. I lived the moments that Bella lived (and is still living, as I have yet to finish the series...quite possible that I will finish this weekend, as I intend). I fell in love, I cried, I feared: incredible. I hope that one day I may write a book, and even if one person feels the way I feel about these books, I will consider it a success. If you have not partaken in the splendid stories, please do, and if you have, relish in the expansion of your imagination.

Twilight 12.12.08

I could not be more excited for this movie! I think they almost perfectly nailed the Edward character. Bella, I am still iffy about. On rare occasions do books and movies clearly align. Regardless, Robert Pattinson seems to be a solid match.

My heart flutters...

This jewelry from dejarnette is incredible. I might be making some purchases!!