extraordinary hope

color your life...

2010-11-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am always talking about using color for shoots. One of the best things about fall/winter? ACCESSORIES! Hats, gloves, scarves and all-year-round accessories, of course. Maybe this will give you some ideas of things you already have that can really make a photo even better!

Color Crazed Accessories by mandy4444 featuring versace shades

Kenneth Jay Lane 22-karat gold coral-inspired cuff
$215 - net-a-porter.com
Gold bracelets »

Irene Neuwirth Pear-Shaped Chrysoprase Earrings
$2,770 - barneys.com
Drop earring »

Buckled Fedora Hat at Spiegel.com
$29 - spiegel.com
Fedoras hats »

Long Heart Print Frill Edge Walker Umbrella
$44 - topshop.com
TopShop umbrellas »

Amazon.com: Ribbon Bow Newsboy Gatsby Driver Cabbie Cap Hat Olive...
$18 - amazon.com
Cap hat »

Diane von furstenberg accessories PURPLE
149 GBP - matchesfashion.com
Leather gloves »

Paisley Diamante Feather Clip
17 GBP - monsoon.co.uk
Feather hat »

Blue&Cream: We Are Owls Bird Scarf in Light Blue
$245 - blueandcream.com
Scarves »

Versace 4173 Transparent Straw > Versace Sunglasses > 4173 768/13 > UK
132 GBP - sunglasses-shop.co.uk
Versace shades »

Yves Saint Laurent - US - Belts
$395 - ysl.com
Yves Saint Laurent belts »

MOVED

2010-10-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I FINALLY got my photo website up and running (www.mandydaugherty.com) and I also have a new blog to go with it! Visit me soon!

http://mandydaugherty.blogspot.com/

Twists and Turns

2010-01-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with this hair style. I braid mine, but it never looks this fabulous...It would be nice to have a stylist!

The Gap: Talk to the Moose

2010-01-10T14:09:00.001-08:00

Ok, so a little behind, but of the Christmas commercials that aired this year, this was by far my FAVORITE!

2009-09-22T18:21:00.001-07:00

best dressed at emmy's.

2009-09-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

love outfit. love photo.

Where have they gone??

2009-08-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Shot!!!!

2009-08-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

One of Ali Larter's wedding pictures.

Another good chick flick...

2009-08-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

POST GRAD

2009-07-28T17:44:00.001-07:00

So many good movies coming! This one isn't winning any awards, but I can completely relate!!!

2009-07-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

"I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet" -Jack London

I saw this quote and I ABSOLUTELY love it. It is perfect.

What are you afraid to say?

2009-07-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

I got asked this and it really got me thinking. It kind of puts things in perspective. So think it through, maybe it will do the same for you...

The Princess and the Frog

2009-07-27T20:02:00.001-07:00

I love that they are bringing back the old hand-drawn animation!!! This looks too cute.

Alice In Wonderland

2009-07-27T19:59:00.001-07:00

SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!

Maybe the most beautiful dress I have seen in awhile...

2009-07-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

I like.

2009-07-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

You can never have enough black pumps!

Sad Times

2009-06-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

From Lisa Maria Presley's Blog:

Friday , June 26, 2009

He Knew.

Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general.

I can’t recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death.

At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, “I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did.”

I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that.

14 years later I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the Cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears.

A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn’t predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened.

The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy.

All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted.

I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once.

Our relationship was not “a sham” as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a “Normal life” found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.

I wanted to “save him” I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened.

His family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn’t know how and this was 14 years ago. We all worried that this would be the outcome then.

At that time, In trying to save him, I almost lost myself.

He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated.

When he used it for something good, It was the best and when he used it for something bad, It was really, REALLY bad.

Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson’s being or actions.

I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.

I was in over my head while trying.

I had my children to care for, I had to make a decision.

The hardest decision I have ever had to make, which was to walk away and let his fate have him, even though I desperately loved him and tried to stop or reverse it somehow.

After the Divorce, I spent a few years obsessing about him and what I could have done different, in regret.

Then I spent some angry years at the whole situation.

At some point, I truly became Indifferent, until now.

As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play The exact Scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (A sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted.

Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him.

He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together.

I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now.

He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be.

I also hope that anyone else who feels they have failed to help him can be set free because he hopefully finally is.

The World is in shock but somehow he knew exactly how his fate would be played out some day more than anyone else knew, and he was right.

I really needed to say this right now, thanks for listening.

~LMP

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-06-23T16:11:00.001-07:00

My favorite book.

There are so many reasons why this is my favorite. I doubt the movie will fully live up to the world my imagination has created, but I'm completely happy with the cast (probably because Rachel McAdams is my favorite actress; side note: Johnny Depp is of course my favorite actor). I am currently re-reading this book, so I will blog about it with more depth soon, but if you haven't read it, please do.

Alice in Wonderland!!

2009-06-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited about this. It is going to be crazy but wonderful.

My Dream Discovered

2009-06-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

In 2004 Johnny Depp bought a Caribbean island for $3.6 million.The Caribbean hideaway lies in the protected Exuma Land And Sea Park and is accessible only by seaplane, boat or helicopter. In addition to some of the world's most beautiful reefs, the island also boasts six white sand beaches, a private harbour and a palm-tree-fringed lagoon.

This is my DREAM! Think of how much money people spend on houses, and to think, they could have their own island! If ever win the lottery, I must buy an island.

LOVE

2009-06-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

How wonderful are these? I want them all!

New Look

2009-06-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

LC rocking a brunette wig. I like the look on her!

Trends

2009-06-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Loving the shoes and the shirts...

Mr. A-Z

2009-06-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Look who is blogging...

And what he is blogging about...love it...

HEADBANDS

2009-06-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I love headbands! These are incredible, but a bit pricey.

Funky Fresh

2009-06-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

um, how much do these rock?! I want them!

New Moon

2009-06-01T16:59:00.001-07:00

YAY!!

TOMS

2009-05-04T19:25:00.001-07:00

YAY for TOMS!!!

Miranda Kerr - Mother's Day

2009-04-29T17:30:00.001-07:00

I like her, she seems genuine. So sweet!!

2009-04-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes it's harder to rebuild something than it is to just start from scratch. That picture that you have in your mind, the way something was, it is never going to be that way again."

-Pacey

Dawson's Creek

Been watching Dawson's Creek lately and Pacey is by far my favorite. Somehow he was always viewed as the goof on the show, and yet he was the deepest and the most insightful.

Beauty...

2009-04-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Too bad I can't justify one of these. Any ideas on how I could? They are wonderful...

My new love...

2009-04-11T18:55:00.001-07:00

I have only had it a short time, but I am truly head over heels for my car!!

I want this dress!

2009-04-06T16:11:00.001-07:00

2009-03-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

"The optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity." -- Winston Churchill

In Awe

2009-03-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen! She looks completely angelic.

JT should just join SNL cast...

2009-03-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

Gossip Girl Is Back...

2009-03-08T11:17:00.001-07:00

Glowing Waters

2009-03-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

This a photo was taken in New Zealand. The mineral-rich water actually glows. These small bodies of water are referred to as the "Emerald Lakes", which exist amidst the volcanic grounds. These can be found on Mount Tongariro. Apparently this was Mordor's "Mount Doom" in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The top photo reminded me of an experience that I had. This photo is of the "Grotta Azzurra", which in English simply means "Blue Cove". I was told that one of the James Bond movies was filmed here. When I visited Capri, Italy, I actually swam in this cave. The locals that I followed in said that there is a bacteria that lives in the water within the cave that causes it to glow. This picture hardly does it justice. The cave is pitch black inside aside from the hole in which you enter. The water is the most florescent, vibrant, neon blue, that you have ever seen. I had to enter by grabbing a chain, lifting my legs, and shimmying my way into the hole. I remember being surrounded by jellyfish, they were incredibly gorgeous and graceful. The man that was acting as my guide promised they wouldn't hurt me if I simply kept pushing the water away from me. Unfortunately, I was not able to take my camera with me inside the cave, but I am pretty sure that the image of it will remain ingrained in my head for quite some time. I remember thinking that this wasn't the brightest idea, being that I was surrounded by jellyfish, had no idea where the hospital was, and was completely trusting a stranger to keep me safe. Turned out to be one of the best, awe-striking experiences of my life.

It's Pink

2009-03-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is an albino dolphin that is actually pink! How crazy is that?

So sweet

2009-03-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

"Childhood is not from birth to a certain age and at a certain age the child is grown, and puts away childish things. Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies."

-Edna St. Vincent Millay

Engaging

2009-02-26T17:24:00.001-08:00

Rumor has it Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams are engaged. I like it! Thoughts?

Freida Pinto

2009-02-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

Her dress is beautiful. She is gorgeous. Catch her in Slumdog Millionaire; a wonderful movie.

2009-02-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Here comes the rain...

2009-02-10T15:51:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love walking in the rain. Not that I love to show up to a meeting looking like a drowned rat, but more often than not, I will opt to not use my umbrella. There something exhilarating and revitalizing about the rain. Wakes me up. Helps me to feel. I truly love it.

He's Just Not That Into You

2009-01-27T18:22:00.001-08:00

Apparently this is the time for chick flicks...another movie I want to see, or maybe I need to see...ha!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2009-01-27T17:25:00.001-08:00

I am pretty excited about this movie. Mostly because I think Isla Fisher is brilliant. Also, because I might have a slight shopping problem myself...

2009-01-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Teens for Jeans is a national campaign, launched byAéropostale and Do Something, empowering YOU to collect jeans for homeless teens.

Just drop off any pair of your gently worn jeans to any Aéropostale store between January 26th and February 22nd and we'll make sure they get donated to a local homeless shelter or charity. To say thanks, Aéropostale will give you an additional 25% off your next pair of jeans.

Last year they collected over 125,000 pairs!

2009-01-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

"...The only thing we have to fear is fear itself---nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

- President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933

2009-01-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

"The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."

-Oscar Wilde

New Alternatives

2009-01-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

I love this new concoction of sterling silver and 18kt gold coined "Ippolita Rose". It is said that it looks good on all skin types. Cool alternative to the traditional if you ask me.

Beautiful.

2009-01-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

The sunrise the other day was absolutely breathtaking.

2009-01-04T19:47:00.001-08:00

One of my new favorite songs. I love the score. This single song evokes so many different emotions, it is truly amazing.

Living Walls

2009-01-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

We saw this leaving Paris and had no idea what it was. It is actually a wall of a museum, the Musee du quai Branly, to be exact. This struck me as fascinating and I thought I would share!

Next Stop

2009-01-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Bora Bora.

Those who know me, know that I am constantly planning future travels. I have just added this location to my list. While it might not be the very next trip, I hope it will be soon!

My New Chair!!

2009-01-03T19:39:00.001-08:00

pretty pretty

2009-01-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous details.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

Feed the World

2008-12-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

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

Lovely Accent

2008-12-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

How great is this?

Wonderful Gift

2008-12-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-29T12:34:00.001-08:00

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...

2008-11-25T18:46:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-25T18:32:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-13T19:51:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-07T22:19:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

Oh How I Love Halloween...

2008-10-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-11T17:27:00.001-07:00

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

Paris is right around the corner...

2008-09-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

GG Returns...

2008-09-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

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:)

2008-08-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-20T17:48:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2008-08-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-08-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

It is coming soon!!!

Gossip Girl Is Near

2008-08-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

I can't wait!!

2008-08-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

"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!

2008-08-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-08-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-07-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

"Let each man exercise the art he knows."

-Aristophanes, Wasps, 422 B.C.

White Wonderland

2008-07-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

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

Brilliant

2008-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

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

Southern Comfort

2008-07-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-03T14:45:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-06-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

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

Cute Commercial

2008-06-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

I am a huge Liv Tyler fan, and for some reason, I think this commercial is adorable.

A Beautiful Escape

2008-06-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Found this on designers block, how eclectic? I love it. Wouldn't this be perfect in an outside venue for a wedding?

Get Well Soon Little J

2008-06-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

My best friend Jenni had gallbladder surgery this past week. I can't wait for her to feel better! In addition, she is coming to visit me for my birthday soon!!! The sweetest girl deserves a speedy recovery. I miss our commentary Little J, heal quickly!!!!

Phantom Sequel...Gerry Returns?

2008-06-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am a most definitely a fan of The Phantom of the Opera!! Word is, there is a sequel in the works. Will Mr. Butler reprise us with another appearance as the phantom? I sure hope so!