My Top 10 Movies of 2012
I LOVE movies. I could watch a movie every day and be happy. I also love ranking and reviewing movies, which I do often with several of my movie aficionado friends. As I was reading list after list of top movies of 2012, I decided to make my own list, and to make this an annual post. Granted, we are now in the height of movie season when the best films of the year often come out and while husband and I have been to the theaters 3 times this week, we still haven’t seen everything we want to. So this may be an incomplete list, but as of what I’ve seen here are my top 10 movies of 2012 …
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10. 21 Jump Street: The award for most laugh-out-loud moments during a movie goes to 21 Jump Street thanks to Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. I thought this would be a typical stupid/funny movie, but it was pure hilarity.
9. Beasts of the Southern Wild: You don’t really think a 5-year-old can act until you’ve seen this movie. Quvenzhané Wallis who plays Hushpuppy at the very least deserves an Oscar nod. She delivers some of the best one-liners I’ve ever heard.
8. Django Unchained: A classic Tarantino film with outstanding performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz. The intriguing story and movie style make up for the gore and length.
7. The Amazing Spider-Man: I enjoyed the last Spiderman, I really did, but this one didn’t even compare. Andrew Garfield nailed Peter Parker, and the chemistry with Emma Stone was golden.
6. The Hunger Games: I read the book first, thus I was expected to be disappointed. But I wasn’t at all. That’s 5 points right there. I want to grow up to be just like Katniss Everdeen (or Jennifer Lawrence, for that matter.)
5. The Dark Knight Rises: Captivating. Suspenseful. Heart-wrenching. Who knew Batman could be this complex? A fantastic end to the trilogy. A round of applause goes to Christian Bale, but a standing ovation goes to Joseph Gordon Levitt.
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower: This movie ripped my heart out and put it back together. It made me feel sorry for those in high school and it made me want to go back to high school. And it gave me a quote I truly believe – “We accept the love we think we deserve.”
3. Silver Linings Playbook: In all honesty, I put this one in my top 10 list before I even saw it. Then after I saw it, I moved it to #3. What a beautiful, moving, hilarious movie with two beautiful, moving hilarious actors.
2. Moonrise Kingdom: This movie was so close to being #1 because #2 just doesn’t even seem to do it justice. By far the best Wes Anderson movie yet that captures your soul and keeps you rooting for young love the whole way through.
1. Argo: Rarely am I on the edge of my seat for an entire movie and enjoy it. The enthralling plot line was brought to life splendidly with a host of actors. Bravo, Ben Affleck. Bravo.
Editor’s Note: I’ve been dying to see Zero Dark Thirty as I think it would definitely make this list, but it isn’t playing near us. So, for all intents and purposes, it’s on my top 10 as well.
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What was your top movie of 2012?
xo xo
The Best and Worst of Gossip Girl Fashion
As a tribute to the series finale of one of my favorite shows, I wanted to reminisce over the ups and downs of Gossip Girl fashion. Throughout the six seasons I’ve always had my own commentary on the choice of clothing. Known for its fashion forward and exquisite pieces, Gossip Girl will always be heralded as a fashionista’s guide to living in the city.
[The Best]
B certainly knows how to mix her florals
Chuck can pull off anything, including pink
My all-time favorite Serena look
Can I start riding horses, and dress like this?
Relaxed and suave, just the way I like it
Adore the dress and the necklace
Bright and beautiful
A best for S & Lonely Boy
Simply exquisite – B’s wedding dress by Elie Saab
[The Worst]
Very Lonely Boy and very terrible
Just.too.much.
This is probably Little J’s best look, and it’s still on the worst list
This is just dowdy, and B, you are anything but
You’ve come a LONG way, Mr. Bass
aaaand so have you, S
As adorable as this picture is these are not your best looks, S & B
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Similarly, check out this article from The Huffington Post – 10 Things Gossip Girl Taught Me About Fashion. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
you know you love me, xo xo
10 things I want to do in NYC, thanks to pop culture
1. Blare this song as my plane is landing into the city
2. Have a beer at MacClaren’s (How I Met Your Mother)
3. Have lunch on the steps of the Met (Gossip Girl)
4. Break out into song and dance in Central Park (Glee)
5. Share cosmos and gossip at a swanky bar (Sex in the City)
6. Longingly peer into the windows at Tiffany’s (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
7. Stay at the Gansevoort (Kim and Kourtney Take New York)
8. Enjoy a winter in the city and a summer in the Hamptons (Revenge)
9. Work at a magazine publication with a horrible, but brilliant boss (The Devil Wears Prada)
10. Go undercover and solve a crime or two (White Collar)
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What have you always wanted to do in the city?
XO
Weekend Picturebook: Tulsa & Oklahoma City
{Friday night in Tulsa, The Cigar Box}
{and then some Drenga}
{Saturday morning brunch at Kilkenny’s, complete with Bloody Mary’s, “Manmosa’s” and Breakfast Shots}
{Dinner at Bricktown Brewery, OKC}
{Drinks before the show}
{Trans Siberian Orchestra!}
{Got to see a dear old friend, Edna’s OKC}
{The morning after, IHOP}
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You may also be interested in: Weekend Picturebook: Kansas City, Weekend Picturebook: Colorado
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
{Tips accumulated from watching The Walking Dead}
1. Never go anywhere alone. Ever.
2. Only use a gun in dire circumstances – the noise attracts more zombies. (my personal choice: bow & arrow)
3. Always look behind you. and in front. and to the sides.
4. Never assume it’s dead.
5. Aim for the head.
6. Everyone does not deserve a gun.
7. Be wary of other survivors.
8. Don’t waste time going to the CDC – there are no answers.
9. Don’t blame the leader for everything.
10. Have hope.
You might also enjoy: How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage, Life on Wisteria Lane
great news & good television
Day 15: I’m thankful for clean sheets.
Day 16: I’m thankful for congratulatory support from everyone around me. I accepted a position with the Walmart social media team!!
Day 17: I’m thankful for the return of fall TV!
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The Alderman household lineup:
Sunday – Revenge, new show – 666 Park Avenue
Monday – Gossip Girl, Castle
Tuesday – New Girl
Wednesday – Modern Family, new show – Nashville
Thursday – The Big Bang Theory, Glee
Friday – Community
Day 18: I’m thankful for a faaabulous hairstylist. I’ll post photos of the newest ‘do soon.
xoxo
Pre-Weekend Pop Candy
I love pop culture. I love entertainment news. I love celebrity gossip.
So before we’re interwined in our own weekend gossip, let’s revel in some pop candy.
The young engagement? I approve. Aren’t they just dazzling? {Liam Hemsworth + Miley Cyrus}
Speaking of couples, here’s another cutie. Spiderman better not let me down. {Emma Stone + Andrew Garfield}
Okay, so this hottie is gettin’ all the buzz lately from True Blood to Magic Mike – but, who remembers him as bartender Owen from One Tree Hill?? {Joe Manganiello}
*sigh* Is anyone else dying without Revenge on Wednesday nights? Tidbit: the show is moved to Sundays in the fall.{Connor Paolo, Emily VanCamp, Gabriel Mann, Joshua Bowman}
Hot. Hot. HOT. As always. Blake is one of my girl crushes. Did you hear she and Mr. Reynolds just bought a house together in Bedford, NY? {Blake Lively}
How quaint.
Oh, just lunch in Paris for the famous Kimye. I still don’t approve, though I do enjoy reading about their lavish relationship. Check THIS out. That boy can spend money. {Kanye West + Kim Kardashian}
Until next time,
Wordless Wednesday: Revenge
I’m starting a new idea for my blog – wordless wednesdays. The images have to someway relate to my week, and I can only give a caption in 5 words or less. So, week 1…
Anticipation Builds for Revenge Return
How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage
Okay, so my marriage didn’t exactly need saving, but it got your attention, right? How about this – How One Tree Hill Made a Great Marriage Even Better.
1. Inside jokes from an absurd, but loveable teenage drama like One Tree Hill are probably the best there are.
2. Within a season we go through all the emotions together – ecstasy, admiration, terror, amazement, grief, loathing, rage, vigilance.
3. We weave into daily conversation nicknames for each other from the show, feeling like it’s our own little secret.
4. Their issues are our issues. Many a times I’ve cried about something in the show and we discuss how it would affect our life and how we would handle the situation.
5. Suspense of a plot line kept us up talking way past our bedtime, multiple times.
6. Our bonding over music has magnified – OTH is full of indie music, some we’ve heard, some we haven’t, and we’re constantly identifying the song in the background.
7. We have laughed ’til we cried because of multiple, singular lines delivered. A week later one of us says the line, and we again, laugh ’til we cry.
8. Through seeing broken relationships, one-night stands, loveless marriages – we are so thankful we found each other when we did.
9. We’ve learned the importance of not letting each other’s dreams disappear, but more so the importance that the dreams aren’t enough when we don’t have one another for support.
10. It has given us time to relax together from our busy schedules.
Oh, and a little inside joke just for K: “Whatever mom, just clean it up.”
P.S. For all you TV lovers out there, you might also be interested in my posts about Veronica Mars and Desperate Housewives.
January Getaway: Sundance 2012
Oh, Sundance, how I’ve grown to love you so. It all started 5 years ago for my 18th birthday…
{one of our best memories – gangsta parents}
{at Robert Redford’s Sundance resort for my birthday}
{beautiful.}
{best trip ever!}
{wish it didn’t have to end…}
We vowed to go back, and now that we have for my 23rd birthday we would LOVE to make it a yearly trip. Here are some tips for your trip to Sundance, because trust me, you need to plan one whether you’re a film lover, celeb obsessed, winter-weather lover or simply someone who loves a unique vacation.
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1. Plan early. Ticket packages start with a sweepstakes you must enter into in the summer, and resorts fill up fast.
2. Didn’t get a package of tickets? Or didn’t get a movie you wanted? You can still stand in the wait list line. Yes it’s freezing, and yes there’s no guaranteed chance you’ll get in, but there’s always a way to make things fun.
{entertaining ourselves with Rock,Paper, Scissors}
3. Recommended movie showings: one in the morning, one at lunch time and one at night. Unless you plan on renting a car, it’s almost impossible to get through the city to see more than that with the city shuttles or resort shuttles.
4. Where to stay: Want to focus on shopping, the nightlife and the constant buzz of the festival? Stay on Main Street. Want more of a relaxing vaca with fabulous spa amenities, beautiful views and close ski lifts? Stay anywhere off Main Street, like the Canyons or Stein Eriksen Lodge.
5. What to wear: Fashion + warmth necessities – Tall, warm boots with good traction (i.e. lace-up Uggs); thick, down jacket with a hood (i.e. black, to go with everything, and preferably with a fur hood); scarves, scarves, scarves – these are the one thing that can set you apart and add fun colors and prints to your bundled up outfit, oh and to keep you warmer; a large purse to hold earmuffs, hats, hand warmers, gloves, festival passes, festival books, shopping bags, bottle of water, chapstick, bus schedule, sunglasses camera. Because baby, it’s cold outside.
6. Where to spot celebs: (Yes, this is a very important topic.) Movies are the best place to celeb-spot. Premiere weekend they’re almost always there to promote their films. (Side note: we went to see Ice-T’s documentary The Art of Rap and he and Coco sat a row in front of us! Awesome.) However, they’re also all over Main Street, on the slopes and staying at resorts. So keep your eyes peeled everywhere!
{movie: Lay the Favorite, cast: Bruce Willis, Laura Prepon, Joshua Jackson}
7. Most importantly, there is a lot going on in the small town the week of the film festival – VIP parties and concerts, midnight movie showings, music cafes, bar specials – go out, see it all, experience it all. The atmosphere of a film festival is second to none.
{at the Day One party}
{Shopping on Main St.}
{Natasha Bedingfield}
Ready to plan a trip for next year? Call me.
Hello, Monday
I love Monday nights. How could you not? Mondays are… Mondays, so the relaxation that comes after 5pm is better than any other day (except Friday of course.) Agreed?
Last Monday was spent catching up with two beautiful gals over wine about college, weddings, husbands/boyfriends/fiances, big girl jobs and life. This week? Relaxation with my latest therapy, The Hills.
Oh, and not to mention Gossip Girl and the new Rachel Bilson show Hart of Dixie are on Monday nights starting very soon. ❤
Happy Friday
It’s been a long, cold, rainy, depressing week.
And then came along Friday (I’m refraining from singing the song here, you’re welcome.) The sun’s out, the windows are rolled down and everyone remembers what spring feels like again.
For some of us, though the beautiful day beckons there is still so much work to be done and we’ll hold out until summer to really feel the warm release.
So for those of you stuck inside today, here’s some video entertainment. Hope you enjoy.
{Watch the whole thing, or at least get about halfway through to the rap part. Trust me, it’s worth it.}
Taylor Swift ft. T-Pain – Thug Story from Antoine Pham on Vimeo.
{Hopefully you’ve all seen this, but if you haven’t, it’s probably the No. 1 reason why Taylor Swift is my all-time favorite.}
{We saw Donald Glover, on the right, on campus last night and his stand-up was hilarious. He also did some of his rapping for us, which was awesome. To hear his raps, check out my story on the UATrav website.}
Also, check out my new quote of the week on the top right of the home page.
XOXO
Life on Wisteria Lane
I’ve never been one to feel like I have to explain my decisions publicly, and despite what it looks like that’s not what this post is about.
Everyone has a way to relax after a long day, whether it be reading, watching movies, playing video games, etc. and ever since I’ve gotten Netflix mine has been watching tv shows by the season and my latest obsession is one that has gotten a lot of groans — Desperate Housewives.
Though on the surface DH is about neighborhood gossip and drama, I’ve actually learned quite a lot from this show. I spoke to this idea that tv can teach us things in my post about my Christmas break obsession Veronica Mars.
So, to all you Desperate Housewives naysayers out there, this post is for you.
1. It is very important to have a group of girlfriends you can trust.
2. You never know what happens behind closed doors.
3. If you want to test your marriage, open a restaurant.
4. Children need spankings.
5. Everyone has a secret they are willing to protect in some way or another.
6. A smile does not mean a person is happy.
7. If a husband and wife are committed to one another, there is never a fight they can’t overcome.
8. Always introduce yourself to your neighbors, baked goods in hand.
9. Stick by your significant other even if he or she is in a coma.
10. You never know what someone could be hiding in a basement.
11. Truly decide what it is that you want in life before you go after all of the wrong things.
12. Forgive and forget. Don’t let something major happens before you realize who is important in your life.
13. Always be bold and stick up for what you believe in. No matter what anyone else says.
14. Nobody’s perfect.
15. A plumber is never just a plumber and a pharmacist is never just a pharmacist.
Editor’s Note: I am only finished with the third season. No spoilers please.
Audrey Hepburn’s Beauty Tips
This is a poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked about her beauty tips. It was read years later at her funeral.
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
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Thank you mom for sharing this poem with me, but I already knew all of these tips because you have taught them to me over the years. You are the most beautiful person I know inside and out and inspire me to live this way, remembering that beauty comes from within.
XOXO
Spring [Fashion] is in the Air
As a tribute to March and a prayer for warm weather (and no more snow, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.) I’ve decided to start my spring fashion list of hot trends and must-haves. And what better way to begin than by my favorite Oscar 2011 fashion look, Mila Kunis.
This look exemplifies everything I want for spring: sexy, lacy, bold, confident, unique.
To be honest I wasn’t sure what I thought about this dress at first glance, and then it just hit me. I think it’s reminiscent of love at first sight — I was unaware of it at first, because I’m not sure if I believe in that sentiment, and then I just realized, this is the one.
For those of you non-fashion lovers out there this probably sounds very cheesy, but for those of you like me, you know exactly what I mean.
Anyway, this Elie Saab dress is stunning in so many ways and will provide the basis of my spring look book.
Lace
Though I’ve never been much of a lacy fan, I’m reconsidering it for spring. My problem with lace has always been one of too much femininity. It’s romantic, delicate, girly, sweet — none of which I’ve never used to describe my personal style. But this trend saw a lot of diversity at the spring fashion shows and is bringing a new generation of lace that I can definitely get behind — sexy and glamorous.
Bold colors
Let’s turn to another example from the Oscars to prove the power of bold.
This was the first dress I saw on the red carpet and it nearly took my breath away. I didn’t even know who this woman was. Now I know. Twenty-year-old Jennifer Lawrence from Winter’s Bone. 20 years old! Can you believe that? Studies have shown that red is the sexiest color for girls and guys to wear. And doesn’t she look sexy AND confident?
Bold colors should be worn head held high. They make a person stand out in a sea of safe LBDs. And though I am often guilty of choosing the safe black route, which will always be a classic, if you want to turn heads this spring stick with my mantra: Go for the bold!
Michael Kors
Accessories: Gold & Lucite
Gold has always been a favorite of mine and seems to be a hot accessory for winter and spring. Gold accessories come in such a wide range they can make a simple outfit more elegant or a party dress more funky. The gold metallic perfectly complements the spring break tan and bold colors, showing off the body’s natural shimmer.
Though lucite was really a big trend last spring, it’s still hot for 2011. Lucite is a solid, transparent plastic, seen everywhere from necklaces to earrings to bangles to high heels. The fun look is a mix of sophistication and innocence. (Aren’t these similar to the plastic bangles I wore growing up?)
Add the two hot accessory trends of gold and lucite together, and you get some amazing modern jewelry.
A Bad Day with Beethoven
Everyone has a “horrible, first day of school” story. Except for me. Until today. My last, first day of school.
Let’s preface the real story with the fact that I practically poured coffee all over myself on my way to school. Thankfully, it wasn’t hot and it was on my coat. However, I should have taken this as a sign.
9:30 a.m. class- Honors Music Colloquium: Beethoven’s Symphonic Theory
I also should have taken it as a sign when everyone in the 10 person class knew each other… because they were all grad students… studying music history, music theory, tuba, piano, etc.
As we went around the classroom saying our name, major and what we enjoyed about Beethoven, I knew I was screwed.
Person A: I’m a graduate student in Music History and have also played the piano my entire life. Thus, I know all about Beethoven’s history as well as the way all of his symphonies are composed and could tell you about each them down to each note. Oh look, I also have all 3 of these books about his symphonies that I just bought for fun and randomly brought to class.
Me: Uh.. I’m an undergraduate Journalism student and I have always been interested in music.
It was a real shining moment for me.
It only went downhill from there as the Austrian professor lectured in a foreign language. Background: I’ve grown up in choir, can/could read music, have played the clarinet, piano and guitar, making me think I was qualified enough. The class was practically in another language. About the only words I recognized were Beethoven, Bach and symphony. But even then, I couldn’t tell you what exactly characterizes a symphony and the origins of it (which he asked.)
As he was writing notes on the board and drawing symbols that were far from anything I’ve ever seen, I was hastily taking down every word. (At this point I was positive I had to drop the class, but would rather be safe than sorry) “Now, this is review for all of you, correct? Because the entire class will be building on these concepts,” he asked in his too cute accent that made me all the more upset. I look around and not a single other person is taking notes.
I.am.dead.
Okay, 5 minutes left in the class. He will surely let us go early, because I don’t know how much more of this I can take. HA what was I thinking?
“For the last few minutes, let’s listen to Sammartini. Follow along with the score I handed you then we will analytically discuss his work- what form it is in (which I had just comprehensively taken notes on, but definitely wouldn’t be able to decipher the score with), how you can tell and what the anomalies with his other works are (who the heck was this guy anyway?!).”
I have never, ever, ever been more excited to leave a class than the moment we were released.
Editor’s note: I have officially switched out of that class into The History of the Book in Early America.
Love
{Inspired by a childhood favorite movie, Beaches}
You’ve got to give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
You’ve got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
As long as there’s the two of us
We’ve got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We’ve got each other’s arms
You’ve got to win a little, lose a little
Yes, and always have the blues a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling raw, I’m in the prime of my life
As I’ve returned from a wonderful few weeks of vacation, and school is rapidly approaching, I’m feeling blue, da ba dee da ba die. It doesn’t help that it’s freezing outside and snowy. Which when you’re sans school, isn’t nearly as exciting. All I can seem to think about is: waking up early, tests, papers, lack of time to read and watch movies, the impending thesis, plans, moving, job hunting, extreme busyness that I know will happen within a week of school. Though I’ve always been that person that loves being so busy she can’t sit still (pretty sure I know where I got that from..) I’ve surprisingly enjoyed the relaxation this break has brought, and only a tiny part of me is itching to get back into a routine.
However, I’m changing my tune. Why spend the last week of break dreading the inevitable? I’m looking too far into the future and discounting what the next semester, next month, next week or next day could bring.
I’ve been inspired by several things to say goodbye, bad mood and make every second count.
This song just came up on Pandora as I was writing this and it made me happy. Music is so good for the soul.
I see pictures of this beautiful little guy, Jack, that belongs to one of my good friends Lauren and my heart is beyond warmed. Just look at those eyes.
I’ve been happily reading The Imperfectionists, about misfit journalists, and plan to finish it before school starts.
I also plan to finish the final season of Veronica Mars. I had to give her another nod. I’ve been very inspired by her.
Then there’s this blog post from Thought Catalog that makes me laugh and reflect on How to be a 20-Something.
This blog, appropriately titled sunshine on a cloudy day, is one of my new favorites, and where I found this inspiration:
Of course not to mention the wonderful people in my life that make every day count. You are who make me wake up every day with a smile on my face, whether through a text message, a listening ear, a patient heart, an unintended compliment, a gracious laugh or the never-ending love you shower down on me. I’m inspired by all of you to make every second count and love you, and life, with everything I have.
XOXO
Hibernate (v): spend the winter in a dormant state
Ah, Christmas break.
I’ve been done with school for more than a week now and have sufficiently gotten to experience what Christmas break is all about. It’s a time of hibernation, rejuvenation, relaxation. A time to do all those things you wanted to do during the semester, but just didn’t have time to do. And most importantly, a time to do absolutely nothing, and not feel guilty about it.
So how have I spent my first week of Christmas break?
Veronica Mars.
I’m a season and a half in on one of my new favorite shows, and I don’t feel one ounce of guilt about spending so much time in front of the ol’ tele. Why? Because I deserve it.
Yes, I’ve been lazy and worn my sweats and the couch out more than I ought, but I’ve also gotten quite a lot done as well:
Christmas shopping, coffee dates, multiple Christmas parties with different groups of people, baking, a going away party, extreme cleaning of my entire house and my car, babysitting, puppysitting, breakfast dates, reading, job hunting
And who said t.v. was such a waste of time? I’ve learned a lot from my VM marathon, including- how far an accent and a plan can get you, the importance of confidence and getting tough, how to secretly bug anyone, things aren’t always what they seem, the inconsequence of what people say about you behind your back, money doesn’t buy happiness
and finally, my new life goal of becoming a private investigator.
Celebrity Style of the Week: Rachel McAdams
Rachel McAdams is one of my favorite stars in Hollywood and always exudes beauty and grace in everything she does. Though my initial thoughts for this portion of my blog was to include stars that had a unique sense of street style, I came across this photo and couldn’t turn away.
McAdams wore a ruched metallic Lanvin dress with black mesh pumps and Fred Leighton diamonds to the Morning Glory premiere in New York. With tousled locks and a perfectly curve-hugging dress, McAdams shows her equal affinity for the girl next door look and a sultry, but classy style.
Quelqu’un M’a Dit
I know these things are ridiculous sometimes, but I have seen this one on Facebook lately and though it looked interesting. Some of them are HILARIOUS and some are perfect. Anyway, hope you enjoy a little break from your week by reading about my life via iPod shuffle.
Are you male or female?
I Want It All- HSM3 (I’m not quite sure what this means, but it’s HSM so I’ll allow it)
What do people feel when they’re around you?
I Want to Hold Your Hand- The Beatles
Describe your current relationship.
Shiver- Motion City Soundtrack
Where would you like to be now?
The Ice is Getting Thinner- Death Cab for Cutie
How do you feel about love?
Lonely, Lonely- Taking Back Sunday
What’s your life like?
Fifteen- Taylor Swift (pretty accurate Tay)
What would you wish for if you had only one wish?
Jesus Messiah- Chris Tomlin
Say something wise.
Hide and Seek- Imogen Heap
If someone says “Is this okay?” You say,
Blindsided- Bon Iver
How would you describe yourself?
Green Eyes- Coldplay
What do you look for in a girl/guy?
Indescribable- Chris Tomlin (this answer is just too perfect for words, indescribable perhaps)
How do you feel today?
Daft Punk is Playing at My House- LCD Soundsystem
What is your life’s purpose?
My Life Would Suck Without You- Glee Cast
What is your motto?
I’m Bored, You’re Amorous- Dear and the Headlights
What do your friends think of you?
Gold Digger- Kanye West (any comments on this one friends?)
What do you think of your parents?
Saturday Night Divas- Spice Girls (guess I had to get my diva from somewhere)
What do you think about very often?
When “You’re” Around- Motion City Soundtrack (again, perfect <3)
What is 2 + 2?
I Like it Rough- Lady Gaga
What do you think of your best friend?
Where You Go I Go- Joel Auge (love this)
What do you think of the person you like?
The Feeling- Ben Rector (had to sit and listen to this song while thinking of the person I “like.”)
What is your life story?
Life on a Chain- Pete Yorn
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Enchanted- Taylor Swift (am I not enchanting already? thanks for giving me something to live for tay)
What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Boys, Boys, Boys- Lady Gaga (whoosh, good things it’s not girls, girls, girls)
What will you dance to at your wedding?
Innocent- Taylor Swift
What will they play at your funeral?
Yeah- Usher feat. Lil’ Jon and Ludacris (hmm, not sure how I feel about this)
What is your hobby/interest?
Bittersweet Symphony- The Verve
What is your biggest fear?
Better Than Revenge- Taylor Swift
What is your biggest secret?
Failure By Design- Brand New
What do you think of your friends?
Your Love is a Drug- Ke$ha
What will you post this as?
Quelqu’un M’a Dit- Carla Bruni
Midweek Entertainment
1. Taylor Swift’s new cd Speak Now was released Monday and I’ve been listening to it nonstop. Watch her release performance in NYC at mtv.com. If you get a chance to listen to more of her songs, some of my favorites are “Mean”, “Enchanted” and “Long Live.”
2. About two weeks ago I was introduced to a phrase that has changed my life. “Can you teach me how to dougie?” If you don’t know what it is first watch the music video on YouTube. Want to learn how to dougie? Watch this awesome instructional video.
3. Everyone has seen and loves the Old Spice commercials. Well, there are a new slew of them that are pretty funny and pretty ridiculous. Start with this one.
4. As much as I didn’t want to include this, I decided I wouldn’t be an entertainment buff if I didn’t. Kanye West released Runaway, a 34-minute movie featuring new music. It might be worth watching (though I haven’t yet), but here it is if you’re interested.
Celebrity Style of the Week: Rachel Bilson
I’ve decided to start a new weekly section for my blog. This week goes to one of my absolute favorite fashion icons, Rachel Bilson. I love the way she has asserted herself in the world leaving behind teen stardom in The O.C. to establish her own fashion line and completely owning independence and personal style.
Her style is often referred to as “boho” though this look is a little more chic. Her outfits are often characterized by a perfectly polished, but effortless street style, and this is no exception. She pulls together several fall essentials to create a look anyone could put together with pieces in their closet. The two-toned leopard scarf emboldens the classic jacket and works perfectly with the olive green tank.
My favorite part about her outfit is the grey ankle booties with cuffed boyfriend jeans. Pairing heels or booties with jeans for a daytime look is a fabulous way to get more use out of adorable shoes that are too often sequestered for dressier occasions. By showing off her black tights underneath her jeans, Bilson’s vintage look is still very distinguishable.
Can You Teach Me How To Dougie?
Three summers ago, God placed me in Pasadena, California for the summer without a single person I knew and doing a summer project that was relatively unknown to anyone I knew. Weeks leading up to my departure I cried and cried and cried, terrified I would hate it and not make any friends. But something put me on that plane, and it ended up being the best and most life-changing summer I have ever had. Though I will eventually blog about what I learned in California, this post is not about the what, but the who. So for now, if you’re interested in what I did, visit the IT Project website.
Fast forward three years. This weekend 11 of the 22 people from the project came together for the marriage of one of our project leaders in Conway, Arkansas. Some flew from across the country, some drove 18 hours straight, and the result was exactly like it was three summers ago- a unique connection between us that is more special than any group of people I have ever been around, especially considering we live spread out across the United States, lead different lives and have seen each other only a handful of times since that summer.
A a mere few things about us that I love are that we…
get tremendously excited to see each person, can share the deepest parts of their souls as well as laugh for hours on end, can sit and talk about life at Ihop until the wee hours even though there is a 2 hour drive home, send prayer requests via Facebook or text and know it won’t be forgotten, can reminisce about old memories and easily make new ones, gleefully welcome new spouses/fiances, give meaningful hugs, constantly discusses the next time we will get to see each other (happily, it will be at my wedding 🙂 )
Thanks to these wonderful people in my life, this weekend was the exact refresher that I needed. I got to see lovely faces I haven’t seen in a long time, and have great times with those who I see more often. I got to share in the joy of three recent weddings, the anticipation of a newborn and tell my engagement story and wedding plans to 11 eager ears.
“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
m.davis xoxo 
