Blog Archive

Accomplishment


Today I finished the 9-week Couch to 5K program. What a sense of achievement. I don't think I have ever committed to a workout and seen it to completion. I am proud of myself. My time sucks, but I know it will get better. That is what I am going to work on now, my speed. I also need to find the motivation to do weights. I have always liked cardio, but not running. And while I still have a love/hate relationship with running, I do like seeing the progress. Now I have to find a way to get that out of lifting weights.

On top of completing the program, I am also down 6 pounds since the beginning of October. 15 more pounds to go.

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Cassie Hairstyle, Makeup, Fashion Style




Cassie Hairstyle, Makeup, Fashion Style

Cassie (“Cassandra Ventura”) is an American singer, model and actress who hails from New London, Connecticut, made a stunning appearance at the New York premiere of “The September Issue” at the Museum of Modern Art. Wearing an exquisitely cut black silk, draped styled V-neck pantsuit with elongated arm openings that showed just a hint of breast, Cassie looked exciting and sensual. The dramatic design of her outfit was a real head turner, but it was Cassie’s radical hairstyle which really stole the show. Her extra-long, luxurious jet-black tresses were gracefully pulled to the front of her body on her left side, while the right side of her head was shaven accented by a long, glittering dangle earring, giving her an incredible profile that had all of the cameras clicking furiously.
Cassie's Hair, Makeup, Fashion Style

The combined impact of the pantsuit and hairstyle was tempered by Cassie’s makeup selection working with a beautiful foundation with a matte finish. Keeping a balance between her hair color and that of her attire, the focus was on her eyes, made ultra-sophisticated and glamorous, with a healthy application of lash-loving mascara; it gave her a total polished look. She used a beautiful bronze blush to match her mocha brown lipstick with just enough sheen to make her lips look absolutely delectable. Without a doubt Cassie’s appearance at this celebrity event had the crowd of spectators buzzing at her ability to pull off a radical look with poise and grace under the scrutiny of fans and the press that would have cause others to wither.
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Poppy Montgomery Hair, Makeup, Fashion Style




Poppy Montgomery Hair, Makeup, Fashion Style

Poppy Montgomery arrived at the “Women in Film 2009 Crystal and Lucy Awards” ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles in glamorous style as one of the many other notable personalities of the film industry. Her appearance on the red carpet created a beautiful contrast to the aqua blue floor-length silk chiffon gown. She looked simply gorgeous in this fluid sleeveless, v-neckline design with its empire waistline. The vertical line of the design was accented with a bandeau of tiny pleated silk under her bustline. This was an elegant outfit that was the perfect choice for an evening dedicated to the fabulous achievements of women in the movie industry.
Poppy Montgomery

For her hairstyle for this event, Poppy Montgomery chose to wear her long golden auburn hair in full, loose curls and waves that cascaded gracefully over her shoulders supporting the fluid look of her gown. With a subtle center part, the curls formed an ideal frame for the face of this beautiful young actress. With total attention on her face Poppy Montgomery selected her makeup to be in harmony with her lustrous hair swept off of her forehead to the side of her face. Using a soft shade of pink for her cheeks and lips, she played up her lovely brown eyes with a soft blue eye shadow. The deep pink lipstick was a playful way to accent her smile as well as intensifying the blue hue of her gown while the fluid lines added a regal touch to her appearance.
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Happy Thanksgiving!


It is Thanksgiving 2009 and this year I have sooo much to be thankful for. This year in June I married the man of my dreams. It was perfect day and a perfect wedding and I would not change one thing about it. Also this year the Hubs was shot on the job. At the time we had only been married for 1 month and it was the day before his birthday. Definitely not how I thought I would spend that day and not something that I ever thought would happen. But thankfully it turned out ok. No permanent damage done. But that day showed me how fragile life can be and to appreciate every day that is given to you. Based on those two things alone I have lots to be thankful for.

Even though my family thinks I am not family oriented, I really am. It is just that I am slightly introverted, or maybe very, and I need periods of recuperation from my large, loud, loving family. Anywho, I love that my family is always there for each other. When times get rough, we drop everything and gravitate together. Unfortunately we have had to pull together in times of bad to frequently this lately...the loss of a parent (love you Aunt Janice), a shooting, others being rushed to the hospital, and just having too much on your plate and needing a break. But every time we are there for each other and there is not greater feeling. I am truly thankful to have my family.

Every day remember to give thanks.

READ MORE - Happy Thanksgiving!

Melania Trump Fashion Style, Makeup, Hairstyle




Melania Trump Fashion Style, Makeup, Hairstyle

Melania Knauss-Trump arrived at the New York premiere of “The September Issue” at the Museum of Modern Art with a lot of stylish flair on the arm of “The Donald” as her husband Donald Trump is known. Melania Trump looked lovely in a soft white, gathered chiffon mini-dress that showed off her great, long legs.
Melania Trump, With Her Hubby Donald

The design featured a rounded satin-ribbon neckline and belted with black satin, decorated with black and white silk flowers under the waistline causing the dress to flow gracefully around her curves. She accented her outfit with black satin, open toe, 3-inch stacked pumps and a pair of fabulous diamond earrings. With her golden brown hair styled up and away from her face, she chose to part her hair in the middle of her forehead with long fringe bangs gracefully framing her oval face. Melania Trump has an almost flawless peach complexion with beautifully expressive blue eyes. Her makeup for the evening was muted and elegant with a lot of attention to making her eyes the focal point for the photographers. She used a silver blue eye shadow with plenty of lash-extending mascara to add dramatic impact to her eyes. On her cheeks and lips she chose a pouty shade of pink that made her cheekbones look sculpted and elegant. As the wife of the real estate magnate, Melania Trump is accustomed to being in the spotlight. She showed her ability to please the crowd and the photographers on the red carpet with graceful celebrity style.
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Pre Cyber Monday Coupon offering



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we will notify Lucky winner on 12/02/09

READ MORE - Pre Cyber Monday Coupon offering

Diane Kruger Summer Fashion, Makeup, Style




Diane Kruger's Summer Fashion, Makeup, Style

Diane Kruger made a spectacular entrance as she arrived at the premiere of the film "Inglourious Basterds" in New York at the SVA Theater in August. Wearing a sparkling tri-colored beaded, short-sleeved mini-dress, with a daring scoop cut back that verged on scandalous. She topped off her star power look with three-inch black pumps and a small snap box style purse to sum up the total effect befitting a talented movie star.
Diane Kruger's Styling

Her outfit was quite sophisticated the front of the dress had a high neckline and hugged her curves wonderfully, but it was the almost-dangerous design exposing her back, that really gave her a great presence. Sporting a short, pixie haircut, that was swept away from her face giving her a completely exposed face look, focusing all of the attention on her outfit.
This talented actress prefers an au natural look and keeps her makeup uncomplicated but not lacking in dramatic impact. On this evening where dozens of celebrities gathered, Diane Kruger accented her fashion statement with a striking shade of mauve on her lips and eyes. The glittering design of her dress was enough to dazzle the eye and served to display her glamorous style without jewelry. To say that Diane Kruger caused a sensation at the premiere might be an understatement, the combination of her hairstyle, makeup and fantastically designed dress had the photographers all in a whirl from the front and especially when she turned to reveal the backline which left very little to the imagination.
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Recipe of the Week - Cheddar Corn Chowder


It's that time again. Recipe of the Week. I have to admit I am starting to like cooking these recipes. Well, I guess that is if the Hubs like them. But so far I have had only one fail. So far, so good.

This week I decided to make corn chowder. Perfect for tonight because it is rainy outside. So nothing like a good, hearty chowder. The smell is amazing. I am actually still in the process of cooking. Right now I am letting the potatoes get tender.

I got the recipe from Proceed with Caution. You can probably see that I LOVE this blog. I did modify it a little, making it vegetarian.

Cheddar Corn Chowder

2 Tablespoons good olive oil (I don't know what that means, just used what I had)
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions (1 large onion) - (I only used 1 cup, not big on onions)
1/4 cup flour (I used whole wheat)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric (I didn't have this so I left it out)
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
3 cups chicken stock (I used vegetable stock and used 3.5 cups)
3 cups medium-diced white boiling potatoes, unpeeled (1 pounds) (I used 4 cups)
5 cups corn kernels, fresh (5 ears) or frozen (1.5 pounds) (I used 2 lbs. of frozen organic corn)
1/2 cup 2% milk (I used plain soy milk)
2 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions and cook for 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, old bay and turmeric and cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and potatoes, bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender (it may take longer, I just let them simmer).

If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob and blanch them for 3 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain. (If using frozen corn you can skip this step.) Add the corn to the soup, then add the milk and cheddar. Cook for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Note: After I added the corn I decided to add some more vegetable stock. So I used a total of 4 cups of vegetable stock. I also added some extra Old Bay, salt, and pepper for the added ingredients. Also the Hubs is going to add some chicken strips to his, so he will have chicken and corn chowder.

And the verdict is....Yummy.

If I make this again i would add more vegetables, celery, carrots, red pepper maybe. It would give more flavor.

READ MORE - Recipe of the Week - Cheddar Corn Chowder

the flannel punk

I wore this to an amazing play reading the other day. I`m so glad I decided to shred these jeans myself instead of buying some overpriced ones, they turned out exactly like i wanted them to!




flannel shirt - New Look / studded belt - Stitches / cardigan - H&M / jeans - american apparel, diy bleached and shredded / shoes - converse / bag - Max C London
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Outfit Inspiration from Volcom and Shopbop

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The Repercussions of being a Slacker


Well I got motivated enough to go to the gym today. It has been a while, maybe a week. I could definitely tell that I had not been in the gym in a while. I did W8D3 of the C25K program. Um, there are only 9 weeks of this program so I am very close to the end. Yeah, I was dying. I did it, but I did not look like someone who has run this distance twice. Needless to say I will be doing this distance again and then attempting week 9.

It is sad how quickly your body reverts to slackdom. Absolutely ridiculous. The way I felt tonight in the gym has motivated me though. I know I need to get in there or do some other form of physical exercise at least 3 times a week. I just want to finish this 5K program and be able to run it without walking at all. Is that too much to ask?

READ MORE - The Repercussions of being a Slacker

I want your horror / I want your design / ‘Cause you’re a criminal / As long as your mine

There's no doubt that Fashion and Music are intertwined- in the past couple of years especially, certain singers and bands have become huge fashion icons. A few years ago I don't think you would see artists name-checking fashion designers like Balmain, Chanel and Louis Vuitton as readily as they do now (you wouldn't see that many sitting front row during New York Fashion Week either). In honor of the awesomeness that abounds when music and fashion come together, here are a few very fashionable music videos!

Gaga. This woman is a Queen. You don't need any more evidence than her new video for "Bad Romance". It's so strange going back to her old videos, like Just Dance which are so tame compared to what she's been doing lately!

The Plasticines are signed to Nylon Magazine's record label (Nylon has a record label??)- and I have to admit, I feel like this band is all style, no substance. But good style it is! (Who needs substance when you have sequins and big hair?)

The Dolly Rockers- 80's to the extreme; with a modern twist. Lots of hairspray, colourful frocks and a all-around good time! See the full video here.
READ MORE - I want your horror / I want your design / ‘Cause you’re a criminal / As long as your mine

I've been on the run, this shadow weighs a ton, it's starting to make sense to me

It was a very rainy day in Vancouver today. Luckily I got out of the rain and went to see Dal Richards (or the 'King Of Swing' as he is known here in Vancouver) play an afternoon show with his big band orchestra. If you don't know Dal, he's a big band leader who has been playing the sax since way back in the 1940's when Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman ruled the radio. And he's still swingin! He truly is a living legend.



black sweater - F21 / long sleeved shirt - Target / white t - thrifted and diy ripped+
paint splattered / scarf - Dorothy Perkins / jeans - primark / boots - somewhere in belfast /
bag - Max C London / fingerless gloves - Warehouse One
READ MORE - I've been on the run, this shadow weighs a ton, it's starting to make sense to me

Slacker, Underachiever


These are words I used to use for my brother all the time when he was in school. (In the most loving way possible of course.) He was just content with getting a B in school without studying instead of studying and getting an A. How are we related?

Well now, that is me. I am in grad school and I am just not motivated. This is so not like me. If I get a B in this class, which is where I am headed, I am going to be so upset. But I cannot muster up the energy or effort to get that A.

On top of that I have been slacking on working out. I was so motivated last month with the Rocktober Challenge. But now, I don't even know what happened. I think I have worked out once this week. I am definitely working out today, so that would be twice. But I am definitely not doing what I want to be. I could make excuses, like the weather sucks right now and I just don't want to leave the house when I don't have to. That statement is true, but it is just an excuse. I have to somehow find that motivation I had last month. Oh motivation.....where are you???

I refuse to let this one bad week curtail my fitness goals. In the past, one week of no exercise would turn into months of no exercise. Not this time. Not gonna happen. I am gonna get up and do it.

That is gonna be my mantra, just get up and do it.

READ MORE - Slacker, Underachiever

Recipe of the Week - Sea Scallops


The Hubs has tried several times to make scallops and the results have been....well, not good. He had given up on them. So the last time we went to the wharf we got a pound of scallops for me to give it a go.

I got the recipe from the Food Network.

16 medium diver scallops, cleaned
1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for searing
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups field greens

In a medium bowl, marinate the scallops with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for 20 minutes.

Heat enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of a medium saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the scallops. Cook quickly in each side until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from the heat and place 4 scallops around a mound of greens. Repeat.

I did not use the field greens and just made the scallops.

I figured out what the Hubs was doing wrong each time he made scallops. He was using waaaay too much oil, well in his case butter. (I am trying to get him out of that unhealthy habit).

If I made this recipe again I would not add the salt, but other than that they were very good. Yeah, because we both love scallops.

READ MORE - Recipe of the Week - Sea Scallops

The New Grunge


I love the grunge look but I would hate to look like a reject from a Courtney Love music video. I figure it goes along with the rule that if you've already lived through that decade/era once, you don't go back to it (I think that rule started when the 80's neon/leggings/shoulder pad trend came back around...)- I never actually had a chance to do the grunge look, but for the present time I'm thinking grunge with a glam edge. The New Grunge.















grunge = flannel. lots and lots of flannel. doc martens. converse. baggy, torn jeans. torn pantyhose. anything from the thrift store.
glam = sequins. lace. flash. luxe. shiny things. jewellery. metallics. anything from the mall.
a beautiful marriage.
READ MORE - The New Grunge

Let's bowl, let's bowl, let's Rock-'n-Roll!


I think that the 3.4 rating for Grease 2 on IMDB is kind of a travesty. It may be no Grease, but it's got a campy charm all its own. Just check out some of the videos at the bottom of the post- fun, right? The "Reproduction" song always gets stuck in my head after listening to it!

Watching this movie makes me want to slide into a pencil skirt, put on some cat eye glasses and do the jitterbug.














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READ MORE - Let's bowl, let's bowl, let's Rock-'n-Roll!