Looking Forward to a New Year

I can't say 2008 was the best year of my life but at least it was not the worst. I am looking forward to 2009; I have a feeling that it is going to be a very good year. Christmas was nice even though it was simpler from other years. The big hits for gifts were the XXX Porn for Women and the Avon Auto Life Hammer.  While I'm excited to see what the new year will bring, I'm sad about the holidays coming to an end.  I would like to do Christmas all over again and try to recapture the joy and anticipation it brought me as a child.    

Here are some great links to get ready for the new year.

• Smashbox Muse Spring 2009 Video
  
• Who What Wear Daily Beauty Board: Budget Buys
• iCiNG Things To Do Before 2009

Holiday Movies

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button


Australia


Slumdog Millionaire


Seven Pounds

Gift Idea #6

Flip MinoHD Camcorder, $230

Things i LOVE Thursday

I am really inspired by Gala at iCiNG and have finally decided to start my own Things I Love Thursday. If you haven't visited her blog, you really need to.

• Celebrity YouTube videos

• "Eat Yourself" by Goldfrapp - a haunting tune even if the lyrics don't make any sense.
• i can has cheezeburger - lol cats are taking over the world.  A purrfect pick me up and surefire way to put a smile on your face.
• The Black List 2008 Top Screenplays - Want to know what the new IT movie is?  This list of favorite but unproduced  screenplays is Hollywood's thermometer.
• Making lists - New Year's Resolutions, Life Goals, To Do Lists, Reading Lists...I always feel better after I make a list, but I'm so bad about actually doing them.

What do you love on Thursdays?

Gift Idea #4 and #5

Potting Shed Creations Alpine Strawberry, $23

Old Tom Foolery Happy Holidays Card, $4.50

Gift Idea #3

Wish Wrap Coconut-Lime Mink Booties, $45

Gift Idea #2

Fossil Automatic Silver Dial, $195.

Last Minute Gift Idea

Kate Spade Igloo Ski Hat, $115

Gadgets for Christmas

Want to buy creative gifts for Christmas but don't know what to get?  Here is a list of gadgets that will keep anyone entertained.

1.  Diana+ 35mm Back, $50 - take cool pictures with a lomography camera

2.  You're in the Movies Xbox 360, $69 - with this game you can put yourself in the movies
3.  Pure Home Soda Maker, $144.99 - make your own soda at home
4.  Weezer Gunnar Optiks, $119 - prevent eye strain with digital performance eyewear
5.  Black Pulse Smartpen Pro Pack, $239.95 - pen records audio and links to what you write
Special thanks to Laurel Ann at Jane Austen Today for the copy of Reading Group Choices!

Fall the Rage

Fall 2008 had some interesting beauty trends, and while Spring has hit the catwalk, I am finally in the mood to tackle a wintery look.  Since I am constantly short on cash, I focus on looks that can be copied at a cheap price, say the cost of a new lipstick.  What's a girl to do with the panda eyes, black lipstick, and bright blue eye shadow that walked down the fall runway?  Somehow I do no think these looks are work or even party appropriate - unless a look reminiscent of a futuristic vampire works for your crowd.  Still, I am tempted to buy the Shiseido The Makeup Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in Proenza Schouler Blue or the  YSL GLOSS PUR Black Pure Lip Shine Gloss.

Panda Eyes at Balenciaga above and Lavin below

Yves Saint Laurent does gothic lips

Blue Eyes at Proenza Schouler

Smashbox Cosmetics

Creating looks for Whitley Kros, Sheiki Jeans, and Tulle & Cloth Logic, Smashbox has put together some great videos that tell you how to get these Spring 2009 makeup looks. 

• Smashbox High Voltage Eyes Video
  
• Smashbox Beachy Beauty Video
• Smashbox Rock n' Roll Glam Video

Besides having great products, I love "Let's do Lunch" Tuesdays and Thursdays, which give you a free gift with your lunchtime order, and the jumbo samples that come with every order.

Just Another Day

The Twilight soundtrack is a bit of a let down, especially Bella's Lullaby, which was really frustrating because I was saving my itunes gift card for it.  So, instead, I bought the soundtrack to The Duchess which has beautiful, soothing music. It felt like being transported to the 18th century.  I have been listening to it all day and am so glad I bought it.

Beautiful Makeup Search has a nice interview with the MAC makeup artist who worked on Twilight.

Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal and Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer are my new must haves.  

Twilight Playlist

I can't wait for the Twilight soundtrack to be released tomorrow, so here is my personal Twilight mix.

Fun Things Thursday

Pushing Daisies

I am all about the pie, so I am absolutely taken with Pushing Daisies, a show I discovered two days ago and am so happy I can watch episodes on ABC's website.

90210 T-Shirt

I am embarrassed to admit that I want this new 90210 t-shirt.  I was an extra on the show several times, and while the acting is pretty bad, the crew was nice and I got paid well.  All in all, it was a fun experience, so I don't mind if I look like a dork and wear this shirt.  Plus, it is 100% cotton a.k.a polyester free.  

Calf & Half Creamer Pitcher

This is so cute!  I saw this on Daily Candy and want to get one for myself.  At $19.99, it's in my budget.

Gothic Classics: Graphic Classics Volume 14

Turning classics into a graphic novel is such a good idea.  This volume includes Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, so I will definitely be getting a copy.  Austenprose has a great article by the women involved with the graphic novel.

Costume Ideas

Halloween was never a big deal in my family, but I love any excuse to dress up.  This year I have an extremely early morning on Nov. 1st, so for Halloween, I am going as Sleeping Beauty and expect to be fast asleep by the time the parties start.

• Miss Congeniality - Using puffy paint, write "Miss Congeniality" on 2 yards of 4" wide satin ribbon.  Wear an evening gown with a large slit up the front, and wear a gun holster on your leg.
• Lady and the Tramp - For the Lady, wear a dress with heels, pearls, and a granny handbag.  For the Tramp, dress in blue jeans, old t-shirt, work boots, and a flannel jacket.
• Campfire - Get the whole family involved. Have people dress as a campfire, marshmallows, chocolate bar, Girl/Boy Scouts, campers, and a grizzly bear.
• Nudist on Strike - Wear everyday clothes with a sign that says "Nudist on Strike"
• Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz - Wear the traditional dress and ruby slippers but be inside a tornado (made out of stretchy material and wire) and glue houses, cows, bikes, etc. on it.
• Formal Apology - wear an evening gown or tux, carry a rose, and wear a name tag that says "I'm Sorry"
• My Space Page - Make a cardboard My Space page and cut a hole wear your profile pic would be.  Attach an MP3 player and play music from your playlist.
• Bella and Edward from Twilight - I picture Edward shopping at J. Crew and Banana Republic while Bella is more of an American Eagle and Delia's type of girl.

More ideas:

The Today Show

Seventeen

Chanel

Nothing is sexier or more womanly than Chanel.  From the little black dress to Chanel No. 5, Coco redefined the elegant, modern woman.  I came across these Chanel fragrance commercials on YouTube and was captivated by how simply and elegantly they captured the essence of womanhood.  Even though these promos have been out for a while, I thought I would post them because they make me happy. Enjoy!

Nicole Kidman for Chanel No. 5


Keira Knightley for Coco Mademoiselle

All that glitters

I went to see The Duchess last night, and it was very good but, also, depressing.  There is one scene in particular, near the end of the film, that is heart wrenching.  I think Keira will get another Oscar nod.  The costumes are very beautiful, and I am simply in love with the 18th century.  I am busy planning my next movie inspired costume. 





I, also, discovered these glittery finds that I would wear if I was a modern day duchess.

Alice + Olivia Sequined One Shoulder Dress

Gryphon Sequin Jacket

Shop My Etsy Store

Mixed Goodies

Here is a grab bag assortment of links from fashion to greeting cards.

• silkfruits - jewelry with a twist
• Steve Madden Triumphh - slouchy heels perfect for updating jeans
• Mike & Chris Kelvin Jacket - an unusual take on the classic leather jacket
• Swaptree - online trading for books, cds, dvds...
• My Paper Cuts - somewhat risque, printable greeting cards, but great when you need to say, " 've wasted enuff lipstick on you".

Stephanie Meyer

Stephani Meyer is my new favorite author.  While I did not make it through my reading list this summer, I did read the entire Twilight Series as well as Meyer's new book The Host, and I am hooked.  Even though I am not sure if I am going to like the Twilight movie, I will definitely go see it and hopefully will be pleasantly surprised.  (The last book to movie I saw was Eragon, and I still have not recovered from just how bad and unlike the book it was.)   I can't wait till Midnight Sun is released!

In Search of the Illusive Dollar

Lately, I have been obsessing over money matters - probably because I do not have a job.  Finding a job in Michigan is like striking gold in Wisconsin.  So, I have put my creative thinking cap on and have discovered the wonderful world of resale.

• Plato's Closet - resale your lightly worn, junior-sized clothing that is no more than 2 years old. 
• Red Swan - if your diamond collection is weighing you down, sell your jewelry to Red Swan.  Then make commission when you help your friends unload their gems.
• Yoogi's Closet - unload your Prada bag or scour the site for great deals on designer items.
• Gazelle - exchange your old cellphone, ipod, or laptop for the almighty dollar.

A Savings Plan

While cleaning my room this weekend, I came across a note I had written about how to save money.  I have no idea wear I copied it from, but I thought I would post what I had written.

• Invest $500 a year
• Take 80% of pay for 3 months and divide it into envelopes

1. Long Term Savings
2. Short Term Savings
3. Rent
4. Clothing Allowance
5. Food
6. Cable Bills
7. Partying

• Save or invest 20% of paycheck
• Pay off student loans slowly
• Stop Renting
• Pay off credit cards

Leave a comment if you know where these tips are from.

Money & Me

When it comes to me and money, we never stay together long.  There are fights, followed by gifts, and then the inevitable breakup.  However,  I am determined to make this relationship last.  I have thought long and hard about the struggles that tear us apart and have come up with a few guidelines that I think will keep us together.

1. No scrimping on the salon. - Nothing sends me into depression like a bad hair cut or dye job, especially when it is done at Le Salon el Cheapo.  From now on, I will go to my favorite salon, but to save on costs, I will go every 2-3 months.
2. Follow the one-in-one-out rule. - Nothing ruins a relationship like a crowd.  Now, if I buy something (say tennis shoes, a new bag, or a private jet), I will donate, toss, or destroy the items I am replacing.         
   
3. Only buy quality. - The secret of every successful relationship is quality.  Forever 21, Wet Seal, H&M, and anything polyester, acrylic, or fleece can never be considered quality no matter the price one has paid for it.
4. Buy natural. - A poly-blend suit will only get me so far up the corporate latter.  Wear natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool.  Nosh on fresh ingredients instead of that canned salmon which contains enough salt to season a lifetime of Thanksgivings. 
5. Save up for what truly matters. - Another pair of black heels should never take precedence over a trip to Tahiti.  Too often, I splurge on impulse buys and then have no money to hang out with friends or to plan a vacation.  

Things to do

Life is very confusing - there is so much to do, but where do you start?  With a laundry list of accomplishments I haven't fulfilled yet, I continue to add to the list.  So, I now find myself putting together another list which will hopefully motivate me to accomplish something on my first list.

• Learn about cars - Every Girl's Guide to Basic Car Care
• Cook dinner - Glamour's The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need to Cook
• Learn to dance like Britney
• Get Rich
• Get Organized - Unclutter
• Practice piano - 8 notes
• Make a movie - The Filmlot

Shop for a Cause

Do something good with the money you make this summer and support a cause.

• World Wildlife Foundation
• Starter Kit For Change
• Toms Shoes
• Heifer International
• Ricky Martin Foundation

Shopping List

• Eiffel Tower Bag by Timmy Woods $450
  
• Ava Zsa Zsa Bling Ring $25
  
• Jessica Kagan Cushman Color Resin Bangles $95
  
• Creative Interiors - Idea Journal & Coloring Book $24
  
• Jane Marvel Puddle Jumper $98

Summer Reading List

I love summer and the time it gives me to dive into so many books.  Putting together a list of books to read is always a fun game for me because I never know how many books I will get through or if any of them are actually worth reading.  Here is my list for Summer 2008:

• The Host by Stephenie Meyer
  
• I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
• Personal Days by Ed Park
• Celebutantes by Ruthanna Hopper
• Oscar Season by Mary McNamara
• Vintage L.A. by Jennifer Brandt Taylor
• The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
• We Plan, God Laughs by Sherre Hirsch
• Cinderella Was A Liar by Brenda Della Casa
• What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando

Georgiana

Looking for a good summer read, I picked up Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman and was immediately enthralled by the life of this amazing woman.  Born into a life of privilege, Georgiana nonetheless faces losing everything she has due to gambling debts and an affair with a certain young man.  This book reads more like Gossip Girl than a biography and will hold your attention all the way through.  The book is being made into a movie out later this year, which will star Keira Knightley as the Duchess, and will be full of grand costumes and sumptuous sets.  

Cheap Beauty

Cheap beauty tricks to get you through the weekend.

Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara Mini: A few swipes of this mascara will give you big doe eyes.
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in Jet Black:  Line just the lower inside lid to give your eyes an unexpected kick.
Wet 'n Wild Wild Shine Clear Protector:  Skip colored polish and enjoy shiny nails without having to worry about chips.

Weekend Links

• Fanatic Feedback - Toenail Art? by All Lacquered Up
  
• Farouk CHI Volumizing Flat Iron from Misikko by Champagne Taste...On a beer budget
  
• Ten Ways to Cope Without The Complete Jane Austen Series by Jane Austen Today
  
• Blueberry Coffee Loaf, Honey Nut Biscuits, and Lavender Shortbread by Daily Candy
  
• What They Wore: Met Gala 2008 by Who What Wear Daily

Quick Reads

Happy May Day!  Here are some quick reads to get you through the day.

• OPI Summer 2008 Preview - Retro Fun in the Sun
  
• Lucky Magazine June Cover Girl is...
  
• Trend Report: Bowtie Blouses
• What's in Annie's Bag?
  

Perfect Party Dress

My birthday is in a couple of weeks, and I am trying to find the perfect party dress to wear for it, something versatile but still dressy.  Enter the wrap dress from Butter by Nadia.  It fits sizes 2-16 and can be wrapped in numberless ways (and it's hand washable).  I have my eye on the pink satin dress which is on sale at Calypso for $175.

Urban Outfitters

Lux Applique Back Detail Dress, $58.00; 

Betsey Johnson Bow Time Knee Sock,$15.00; 

Made By Elves Oxford Heel, $29.99; 

Erica Weiner Necklace Collection,$34.00; 

Pink Moon Glasses, $20.00; 

Clear Bubble Umbrella, $18.00.

Foreign Movie Posters

I want to start collecting foreign movie posters.  IMP has a great selection.

Waitress

Tristan & Isolde

Serenity

Marie Antoinette

Dino Eating Fried Chicken

What?  Yes, this ring is a dinosaur eating a fried chicken leg.  It's available in silver ($168) or gold ($198) vermeil from Verameat.   I totally want one!

I'm a little bored..

Procrastination is a terrible thing to waste, so put off what you need to do and check out these links.

• Twisted Silver
• Style it Less
• Makeup Loves Me
• Sugar Paper
• House of Spy

Gadgets

Sometimes you just need a little help when it comes to the basics in life.  TomTom portable GPS is a life saver since I've moved to l.a.  I'm naturally bad with directions, but a new city is enough to drive me crazy.  Enter TomTom One which guides me step by step to my destination and even allows me to search for points of interests.  TomTom is my new best friend.

Something to think about...

Too often, we get caught up in trying to save the world and forget about those around us, but making a difference in the world doesn't mean you have to go to the ends of the earth.  Here are some ideas to brighten your corner.

CARGO PlantLove™ Botanical Lipstick, $20

Children's Defense Fund

Reuse-A-Shoe

GoodSearch

CARE t-shirt, $25

To Do Today

1. Watch a new movie.  My picks are Waitress and Becoming Jane.
2. Get ready for Easter with this Lemon Meringue Cake recipe.
3. Rehash your clothes.
4. Get in the mood for spring with these floral designs from Succulent.
5. Shop Indie Coterie.

SAKS Dream list

Alexander Wang Tricot Cowl Sweater Tunic, $324

Song Organic Ruffle-Trim Dress, $189

Marc Jacobs Wildlife Print Wrap Dress, $2,200

Jovovich-Hawk for Target

Normally, I don't get into the whole knock-off thing, but I'm totally in love with the new Go-International line for Target currently featuring Jovovich-Hawk.  I bought the Arabesque Halter Dress last week and have been wearing it all around town.  At only $30, it's a great way to start bringing Spring into your wardrobe, and the quality is surprisingly good.