Top Ten Tuesday - My Top Auto-Buy Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week is a new theme to start book discussions. I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and join in!

This week it is the top ten auto-buy authors. Here are mine, in no particular order:

• JK Rowling. Might be obvious, maybe even clichéd, but still true. While The Casual Vacancy didn't come close to living up to its predecessors, I love her style and her characters.
• John Green. Hands down, one of my all-time favourite people/authors. Not only does he write beautiful, amazing books but is the Co-Father of Nerdfighteria. Can I put him down for like 6 of the slots??
• Stephanie Perkins. Anna and the French Kiss was like a breath of fresh Parisian air. Lola and the Boy Next Door was like a whirlwind of colourful wigs. I love the characters she has created, especially St. Clair!
• Brian Jacques. I know he's technically dead so no new books are going to materialise but still. When I was younger, I loved the Redwall series. Before I discovered the concept of spoilers, I used to go to the back and read the epilogue first. God, imagine if I had done that with HP7?? The horror!
• Veronica Roth. I love the world she has built and continues to build, and also Four. Can't wait for Detergent!
• Suzanne Collins. I think this was the first big dystopian series I read, and I was immediately hooked. I'm interested to see what comes next for her.
• Beth Revis. Her Across the Universe 'verse is a fascinating take on the dystopian future genre. Shades of Earth is definitely on my to-read list.
• L.A. Weatherly. I love a bit of supernatural, and her Angel series really ticks the box. It was by chance that I picked this book up (actually at a book signing) and I was not disappointed. Angel Fire is waiting to be read.

Ok, so I could only come up with seven for this one. But just take it as read that John Green fills up the remaining slots...

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Mellow Yellow

                               


                                    

Ok so we went out for dinner to celebrate my mom's earth day and I still haven't uploaded my brownie recipe as of yet. I'm looking forward to getting that new camera to upload pics of my recipes.

Today I want to write about being grateful for what we have and to cherish every moment we have. Any who, I going to walk the dog and will post tomorrow. Stay safe and have a great day. We made it past the middle of the week!

Should H&M have a Fashion Week Runway Show?

This morning I was talking to one of my Favie Blogger Girlfriends, Miss Pink Julep (check out her amazing blog here) about the fact that H&M had a runway show at Paris Fashion Week, and about how Helen Hunt wore H&M to the Oscars. 

Ok, so here is my take...

I want to maintain the opulence and fantasy of the Paris runway. I don't want, just because the company has mad cash and global appeal (like H&M), to see Karlie Kloss traipsing down the runway in a cheap badly made tracksuit. 

I want the artisanal details that make high fashion to stay. The expert cut and seaming, the amazing fabrics and techniques, beautiful beading and construction, that is what I love. 

I wear a lot of different clothes, i will go from a totally threadbare T that I bought at the Army/Navy Surplus in 1996 to a Valentino cocktail gown. There is a HUGE difference. When I put on a piece of quality clothing, it just drapes and sits in your body in such a lovely way. Someone that had passion for garments thought it up in their head. The structure of the clothing shapes your body into the best possible you. The lining makes it slip over your body like a feather-light skin. These are the things that I am in love with and the things that I do not want to go away. 

I was asked, "So good fashion should only be expensive?" 

No. And for that reason I am obsessed with Vintage. All the silly dresses and things that I buy at the Vintage stores are examples of the amazing attention to detail that clothing once had. And also why I especially love handmade garments, because LOVE went into them. 

I don't want clothing that will split at the seams in 2 wearings going down the catwalk, glorified, just because the company has the money to do so. I want to save the Paris runway for the objets du art of fashion. The fashion that is more costume and dreams than grocery store wear. 

So anyways, I looked into H&M's runway show... I found that at Stockholm Fashion Week, H&M held a contest looking for new upcoming designers. And the prize was to show the winners designs on the runway. This is cool to me, *high fives* H&M. 

Here are some of the designs by the winner, Minju Kim. And although I would never wear any of these things, I do appreciate and celebrate her creativity, and applaud H&M for fostering young talent and encouraging people to keep fashion fun, unique and awesome.

 Well.... What do we say. This looks like toddler gear, with an oxen-yoke worn about the neck. If you get 2 of these girls together, we can plow a field.

"Man, I'm really jealous of women with GIGANTIC arms and shoulders. I wish there were clothing to give me mad steroid-ish bulk!" Boom, there you are.

I want to dress up like someone that wanted to simultaneously be a vampire bat and hockey player for Halloween.

 I'm glad she has a helmet on along with that breastplate, the world is fierce.

All I can think here is "Furry". You know, those people that dress up like stuffed animals to "Do Stuff", you know what I mean? Wow, another really flattering ensemble.

But even if I hate it, I'm glad it was made. For art's sake. You know?

Happy Earth Day Mommy!

                              

Before I head out for my morning walk I want to give a shout out to my mom! Happy Earth Day Mommy and many more to come! Normally, I make my special brownies on these occasions which I will later today. I will post the recipe later on. Other than this lovelies be safe!

Book Review: Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind by Andy Robb

Synopsis: Archie is fourteen years old and a Geek to his core. In the world of role-playing games, he's a Level 5 Mage, capable of summoning the Undead. In this world, things are rather different. With no rule book to navigate Life's Big Challenges - warring parents, a crass step-father, orc-like school bullies and crap hair - he's teetering on the brink…

Then a Beautiful Girl appears in his Geeky world… Despite the fact that the closest he's come to an encounter with a girl is painting an Elven miniature, Archie embarks on a Daring Quest to win her heart.

Pages: 352

Rating: 9/10

Overall Thoughts: Seriously funny. Seriously loved it. It makes you remember how awkward and confusing being a (geeky) teenager was, and how much you both do and don't miss it. While I felt the plot loses it way slightly in the middle, it makes sense with the final act that makes up for the wobble.

Read more »

Label Obsession - Belstaff

Oh goodness gracious, I am freaking out with Label Lust for the British Brand Belstaff. I guess they started out in the 1920s as a motorcycle-outerwear company, but now they are creating these TOTALLY RAD lady-like with an edge, structured, beautiful garments that I AM IN LOVE WITH. I just checked and the pieces are about $1,000 to $5,000 apiece. So gorgeous. You can see for yourself below and if you want to purchase (click here).

omg, I love the colors, the defined waist. and the pseudo-military/biker chic. Big hardware and zippers, be-still my heart.

Looks 1 & 2 here, omfg. Loves it. isn't this SOOOO something I would wear!?

Looooooves the stripes and the moto-jacket styling. yumm yum.

The pants I could do without, but this jacket! GIT ON MY BODY!

The look to the Left. Oh yes, drop my off on Via Veneto so I can have a shop and a espresso and leave me **forever**.

Nods to military, cafe-racing, and schoolgirls. i.e. perfection. I really want this skirt. so amaze.

Again, another great combo. I esp love the color of this jacket. Baby poop mixed with a smack of avocado. wants wants wants.

Feb 28th - Vanessa - Play Date a Go Go

a da... a da... a da da da dahhhh...

I never wear these booties. Everyone is always telling me that booties are all the rage, and that they can't live without them, I just don't like them. what is up?
I'm going for a playdate today with the kiddies. So I need something I can crawl around on the floor with and something that moves and is non constraining. Hence leggings and Vintage dress topped with Track Jacket, since I am ALWAYS cold, and yeah, it's cold outside today. uh, every day. hahha.

Jacket - Adidas (thrifted)
Dress - Vintage (gift of JC)
Leggings - Meijer
Booties - Target

Pearl Crystal Quartz Necklace

                                                      
                                                        
                                                            Pearl Crystal Quartz Necklace

Yesterday I uploaded these necklaces by Calico Juno Designs. The necklace above is just one of five and has a vintage inspired look.

And The Winner Is....

Last night was the annual Oscars and no I did not watch. My favorite part of the show is the arrival of the stars and there beautiful gowns, jewelry, hair and make up.

                                                  

My favorite  look that was simple, modern, classic and edgy. That look belongs to Ms. Charlize Theron! She just did for me. Hands down in her white Dior gown.


                                      

Another statuesque beauty Ms. Kelly Rowland had a fashion moment with this black and white gown Donna Karen Gown. I loved her hair. The up do and the bands makes her look so regal.

What were your favorite looks?

OSCARS FASHION BLAST 2013!!

omg. it was an AHMAZING Oscar's night. I was really really loving the fashion. We saw COLOR, we saw DRAMA, we saw people take chances and dress MAGNIFICENTLY! Oh it was WONDERFUL.  

I enlisted the opinions of my favorite Fashionable Man About Town - Brad Galli (Sports Guru at Channel 7 Action News *link here*)

But First I am going to do MY PICKS, because I am so DAMN EXCITED, I JUST CAN'T WAIT. 

**MY PICKS FOR BEST DRESSED AT THE OSCARS 2013, i couldn't pick just Three, there were just too many splendidly dressed people**

1. Charlize Theron in Dior

WHO CARES about her dress, look at this amazing pixie cut. it looks GORGEOUS on her!! omg! I want this haircut so badly! I wish I had a perfectly shaped head like hers! I just love it.

2. Fan BingBing (awesome name) in Marchesa

 Love this. I think it looks even better on her than on the runway (thank you to Red Carpet Fashion Awards for the photo). It reminds me of the delicate folds of the petals of a rose. And I love the bright jewel-toned color on her alabaster skin. Thank god the tan is going out of style. Why would anyone think something looks good that could kill you? (Skin cancer sucks)

3. Jessica Chastain in Armani

I don't usually love her, and especially since every dress she wore for Awards Season this year was so ill fitting. But this one is perfect. Tailored to a T. I love the geometric art deco detail on the gown and the color and shape are just flawless on her. Perfect.

4. Eddie Redmayne in Alexander McQueen

 I'm just so in love with him. Eddie is my Taylor Swift to Brad. LOL. Oh YES I DID pick him as best dressed for EVERY EVENT FOR THIS AWARDS SEASON. because he always looks magnificent. I mean, the smoking slippers, really? of effing course yes. The suit fit is impeccable. Lapels are classic, he just looks amazing. High Fives to his girlfriend for reining that in. Holla!

5. Catherine Zeta-Jones in Zuhair Murad Couture

Yes, this is over the top. But guess what, Catherine is a A-LISTER and she IS NOT GOING TO LET YOU FORGET IT. She's in her 40s and looks GORGEOUS. She is hollywood royalty and she is dressing the part. She's not going to wear black and rest on her laurels, oh no. She puts her crown on and suits up like the Queen she is. Bravo.

6. Maria Menounos in Romona Keveza

Love love love the color on her. it's perfect. I wouldn't change a shade of the tone of that pink. it's like they set a colorwheel against her skin to pick that hand-selected carnation petal hue. The fit and silhouette are great on her, and even though there is pulling across the hips (fit issue) I love the color so much and the hair, she gets a pass.

7. Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille

Amazing cut on her, I like the detail on the bodice, the bow, the graduation of color at the hem. It's a great edgy gown and I'm glad she wore it. It looks even better on her than it did on the runway!


**OK! NOW FOR BRAD'S PICKS!!**

Let's see what a dude has to say...

1. Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

Biggest stunner of the night. Blew me away from first glance (I agree!!), and all night. My favorite hair of the night. The dress was simple on top and elegant on the bottom. knockout!

2. Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

When is she supposed to start aging!? (great question!) Loved the hair because it was simple, but she doesn't need to do anything glamourous. The dress was fantastic. The color was perfect on her, the cut was fantastic. She is as close to perfect as there is in Hollywood.

3. George Clooney in Giorgio Armani

Even with a homely beard, he's still George Clooney. My phone and Twitter feed blew up when he walked onto the Red Carpet. Everyone went Tom Ford big bowtie for the Grammys, glad to see people keep it simple and classy.

Who were your FAVs!?

Award Season Prophecies: The Oscars 2013

The Oscars were last night and from what I've seen so far, it looks like it was quite an evening! Jennifer Lawrence fell up the stairs, Daniel Day-Lewis made history (the male version of Meryl Streep??) and the cast of Les Misérables wowed us yet again.

So now to see how I fared in my predictions...

Best Film

Prediction: Argo

Winner: Argo

Yes!

Best Actor

Prediction: Daniel Day-Lewis

Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis

Yes!

Best Actress

Prediction: Jennifer Lawrence

Winner: Jennifer Lawrence

Yes!

Best Supporting Actor

Prediction: Christoph Waltz

Winner: Christoph Waltz

Yes!

Best Supporting Actress

Prediction: Anne Hathaway

Winner: Anne Hathaway

Yes!

Best Original Song

Prediction: "Skyfall" - Skyfall

Winner: "Skyfall" - Skyfall

Yes!

Best Animated Feature

Prediction: Brave

Winner: Brave

Yes!

Best Foreign Language Film

Prediction: Amour

Winner: Amour

Yes!

Best Director

Prediction: Ang Lee - Life of Pi

Winner: Ang Lee - Life of Pi

Yes!

Best Original Screenplay

Prediction: Quentin Tarantino - Django Unchained

Winner: Quentin Tarantino - Django Unchained

Yes!

Best Adapted Screenplay

Prediction: Chris Terrio - Argo

Winner: Chris Terrio - Argo

Yes!

Best Cinematography

Prediction: Lincoln

Winner: Life of Pi

Oops.

Best Costume Design

Prediction: Anna Karenina

Winner: Anna Karenina

Yes!

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Prediction: Les Misérables

Winner: Les Misérables

Yes!

Best Original Score

Prediction: André Desplat - Argo

Winner: Mychael Danna - Life of Pi

Oops.

Best Production Design

Prediction: Les Miséables

Winner: Lincoln

Oops.

Best Animated Short

Prediction: Paperman

Winner: Paperman

Yes!

Best Visual Effects

Prediction: Life of Pi

Winner: Life of Pi

Yes!

15/18!

Only three wrong! Booyah!

A lot of these I'm really happy about, and I don't think there were many big upsets were there?

Well that is the last award show of the season, and the last prediction/results post for this year (audience-supplied aww!). I've had a lot of fun speculating over who will win what. I have been wide of the mark a few times but if I do say so myself, I was pretty close to perfect this time ;).

I hope you've enjoyed my predictions, and here's to the next year in film!

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Sunny Sunday

                         

What a difference a day can make. Yesterday was another dark gloomy day in the nations capitol. Today I woke up to sun shine. I love a sunny day.The first thing I did was open the window to allow the light in. then I went on a little walk with the dog. I'm in the middle of writing this now, when I realize that I have to upload new bamboo blankets from Pure Fiber. All this while Wax Poetic Angels is playing featuring Norah Jones plays in the background.  When you haven't heard a song in a while it sounds so fresh and reminds me in just a few years how music has change. But I guess that's to be expected. Happy Sunday!

Book Review: Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral

Synopsis:  After her mother died, Glory retreated into herself and her music. Her single father raised her as a piano prodigy, with a rigid schedule and the goal of playing sold-out shows across the globe. Now, as a teenager, Glory has disappeared. As we flash back to the events leading up to her disappearance, we see a girl on the precipice of disaster. Brilliant and lonely, Glory is drawn to an artistic new boy, Frank, who moves in next door. The farther she falls, the deeper she spirals into madness. Before long, Glory is unable to play anything but the song "Chopsticks."

But nothing is what it seems, and Glory's reality is not reality at all. In this stunningly moving novel told in photographs, pictures, and words, it's up to the reader to decide what is real, what is imagined, and what has been madness all along...

Pages: 272

Rating: 7/10

Overall: A beautiful-looking book, which challenges how you read into a story. While I enjoyed it, I felt something was lacking for me. Maybe something I wasn't picking up on with the way this story is told through photos.

Read more »

Pinterest UPDATE & More

                                   

I am absolutely falling in love with Pinterest! Its suoer easy! Surffing the web you stumble upon an amazing interior design room, a new recipe you want to make or even an great photo of a bird. You can save with a simple click! Personally I think its a great way to stay organized.

 I am going to get a new camera because I want to make this site more interactive. I live in the nations capitol and I think you guys would enjoy some of our most historic sites up close. Anyway, I going to keep this post short. I hope you all have a safe and relaxing weekend. The weather here is frigid and wet. Winter in DC is not fun. So for all my eastcoasters stay warm!

Cheerful Friendship

                                                    
                                                      Personalized Cheerful Friendship Picture Frames
                        

Our friendships are important. Personally, I treat my bestie as the sister I never had.I enjoy the time spent together. How important are your friendships? Share with us your most memorable moments of your bestie!

Cocktail Hour - Oscar's and the Habitat Red Carpet Bash!

SUNDAY IS THE OSCARS. The Gold Medal Olympics of Red Carpet Fashion. I'm so excited to see what everyone is going to be dressed in. 

SUNDAY is ALSO **Habitat for Humanity Detroit's* Red Carpet Bash!! At the Max M. Fisher Music Center and Orchestra Hall!! It's at 6pm! Buy Tickets Here!! (click here for tickets and info)

This is a great cause. A great organization. Actually much much awesomer than the Oscars themselves. They are going to have a RED CARPET ENTRANCE, strolling dinner, DESSERT bar. It's going to be awesome. I want to go really really badly, so OF COURSE I NEED A NEW DRESS!! HOLLA!

I went to Neimie's and thought, this is the freaking Oscar's, GO HIGH END OR GO HOME! Here's what I found, so many, i can't decide...

 1. Valentino. If you've ever asked yourself if you should have rosebuds growing out of your shoulders, the answer should ALWAYS BE A RESOUNDING YES. I love this dress, the "Valentino Red" color, it's like a neoprene-ish material, the fit and flare cut. IT HAS FREAKING POCKETS. flawless.

 2. Dolce & Gabbana. Are you kidding me? Isn't it obvious that I love this dress? oh lawdy lord yes. I love Dolce & Gabbana for their construction. This thing has internal corsetry up the wazz, there is "secret ruching" at the hips and bust to give you/me VA-VA-VOOM. and the color and paillettes with a little lick of organza at the neckline.... j'adore.

 3. Armani Collezioni. The fit is lovely. Cut to perfection. But I do not like a one-strap dress, and I am not a black dress girl. Sorry, Giorgio.

 4. Roland Mouret. I've always loved his designs, from the Galaxy dress... Til Victoria Beckham started stealing all of his patterns... Just clean, light, put together to make a woman look Fabulous! This one kind of had this roughed up topstiching that was pretty gangsta, and I love the origami detail at the top. Flared skirt total bonus and Persimmon color, eff yeah.

 5. Escada. This thing felt like Jammies. I could just roll into bed with this on and sleep, get up and make pancakes in the morning. boom. I like the pleating detail, but other than that it's a little ho-hum.

6. Jason Wu. Amaze. The material is very thick and very stiff. it's wonderful. This garment is made to kind of stand on it's own on the body. The top is very tight and fitted, with a voluminous tulip bottom. It's great.

7. Vera Wang Lavender Label. I LOOOOOVE THIS. I like the tattered almost derelict-ish-ness of the material. it's a great color and it moves amazingly. This would be a great dress to dance in. The layers move almost with your breath, doesn't need much more. I am usually FULLY AGAINST strapless for myself, but this one had that inner corset construction, so this thing was not going to move or slip or shimmy on it's own at all. it is part of you until you take it off.

 8. Rachel Roy. Oh yes yes yes. This was one of my fav's in person, but as you can see it's not photographing well. It had amazing construction. and the gauzy tank on the top is super rad, pleating at the bust, little knife-pleats on the skirt, so cool. But doesn't look good on camera! That's important ladies! The photos are what is going to survive the evening.

 9. Oscar de la Renta. This photographs wonderfully. But it looks super boring on the hanger. Another thick wonderful material. Lipstick red. I love it.

Unfortunately, I don't know if I'm going to be able to go to the Habitat Red Carpet Bash, I have a runway show that evening, but I encourage ALL OF YOU TO, and if I get out early, I will BE THERE!! YAY FOR OSCARS!! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE GOWNS, and you know I'll give you full coverage. muah muah.

Award Season Predictions: The Oscars 2013

It is almost upon us. The big one. The one we've all been waiting for. The Oscars! Or to give its full name: The 85th Academy Awards.

Pretty much all the previous award shows have been warm-ups to this one. We all use the SAGs, the Golden Globes etc. to help predict how the Academy is going to vote this time. So with that in mind, here are my predictions for the biggest award show around!

Key:

Film I think will win

Film(s) I want to win

Both

Best Picture
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
Lincoln
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Amour
Django Unchained
Argo

Best Actor

Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln
Denzel Washington - Flight
Hugh Jackman - Les Misérables
Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook
Joaquin Phoenix - The Master

Best Actress
Naomi Watts - The Impossible
Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty
Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook
Emmanuelle Riva - Amour
Quvenzhané Wallis - Beasts of the Southern Wild

Best Supporting Actor
Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained
Phillip Seymour Hoffman - The Master
Robert De Niro - Silver Linings Playbook
Alan Arkin - Argo
Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln

Best Supporting Actress
Sally Field - Lincoln
Anne Hathaway - Les Misérables
Jacki Weaver - Silver Linings Playbook
Helen Hunt - The Sessions
Amy Adams - The Master

Best Original Song
"Before My Time," - Chasing Ice
"Pi’s Lullaby," - Life of Pi
"Suddenly," - Les Misérables
"Everybody Needs A Best Friend," - Ted
"Skyfall," - Skyfall

Best Animated Feature Film
Frankenweenie
Pirates! Band of Misfits
Wreck-It Ralph
Paranorman
Brave

Best Foreign Language Film
Amour (Austria)
No (Chile)
War Witch (Canada)
A Royal Affair (Denmark)
Kontiki (Norway)

Best Director
David O. Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
Ang Lee - Life of Pi
Steven Spielberg - Lincoln
Michael Haneke - Amour
Benh Zeitlin - Beasts of the Southern Wild

Best Original Screenplay

John Gatins - Flight

Mark Boal - Zero Dark Thirty
Quentin Tarantino - Django Unchained

Michael Haneke - Amour
Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola - Moonrise Kingdom

Best Adapted Screenplay
Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin - Beasts of the Southern Wild
Chris Terrio - Argo
Tony Kushner - Lincoln
David O. Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
David Magee - Life of Pi

Best Cinematography
Anna Karenina
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall

Best Costume Design
Anna Karenina
Les Misérables
Lincoln
Mirror Mirror
Snow White and the Huntsman

Makeup and Hairstyling
Hitchcock
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables

Best Original Score
Dario Marianelli - Anna Karenina
Alexandre Desplat - Argo
Mychael Danna - Life of Pi
John Williams - Lincoln
Thomas Newman - Skyfall

Best Production Design
Anna Karenina
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln

Best Animated Short
Adam and Dog
Fresh Guacamole
Head over Heels
Maggie Simpson in 'The Longest Daycare,'
Paperman

Best Visual Effects
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Life of Pi
Marvel’s The Avengers
Prometheus
Snow White and the Huntsman

I think the Oscars this year will be a mixed bag, no one film taking every award. But on the other hand I do think that Argo is going to be a frontrunner if previous award shows are anything to go by.

So let me know if you think I'm right with my predictions or miles off the target! And enjoy the Oscars spectacle!

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