Finally reading...

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Its been on my "to-read" list for ages, but I'm finally getting to it. I'm quite excited. Anyone else read it?

I came across these beautiful leather-bound books, and fell in love. I have two of my own - a complete set of Jane Austen's books, and the Bronte sisters. I don't even read them for fear of ruining them, but keep them on display in my living room. They're gorgeous. I want more to collect. 

Anyone else collect books?

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Pillows inspire travel

I recently came across this amazing Etsy shop, The Bearded Pigeon when perusing the Web, which sells these simply gorgeous pillows that are maps. If I had extra money to spend, I would most definitely buy a few of these. They make me want to travel!

Here are a few of my favorite images from this beautiful shop.

All images from The Bearded Pigeon Etsy Shop

Sequin Envy

Lately, I've been having some major sequin envy. It's a trend I'm noticing that is popping up every story I walk into, but not one that I think I could pull off very easily. For me, I think I'd love to try and find some accessories, such as shoes, bags, or jewelery, to dress up an otherwise dull outfit. Would you wear this look?

Why I love DC: #1 Cherry Blossoms

There are many times I don't appreciate the city I live in, and I grumble about how expensive things are, the humidity, or the metro. But, at the end of the day, I love where I live and living in our nation's capitol. I'm going to make this a new section of my blog, "Why I love DC" to look back on as little reminders for why DC is so amazing.

These photos are now a few months old, but nothing, and I mean NOTHING beats the cherry blossom season in DC. Its such a short time window, but it is just beautiful. Walking around the Tidal Basin, knowing that spring is in the air and looking at the amazing blossoms, you can't help be happy with life. Here are a few of my favorite photos.

Favorite TV Couples

I'm experiencing some "blogger's block" (hehe) and its one of those days I feel like writing but don't know what to write. So, in honor of the dreaded Valentine's Day, and because I saw this somewhere else (I cannot remember where), I give you a list of my favorite TV couples. Choosing to do my top five, although they're in no particular order. If I really wanted to I could probably continue this on forever, aka a sign that I watch far too much television. All these relationships make me realize that your "Prince Charming" is out there somewhere, you just have to have faith :)

1. Rachel and Ross - As one of the iconic TV couples in the 90s, I just love them. I was so happy to see them end up together in the end.

    2. Derek and Meredith -  They're "dark and twisty" but this season they've been 100 percent adorable, and I hold out hope that I find my "McDreamy"

    3. Marshall and Lily - They're total weirdos, but they work well together, and are hysterically funny. 

    4. Pam and Jim -  Again, they're totally strange (and this season, I think they've gotten stranger) but I just love them. I love that Jim always held out hope he'd be with Pam, makes me have hope for men :)

    5. Cory and Topanga - Classic couple; and made love seem so easy.

Who are your favorite TV couples?

Things I love Thursday

I don't think that I've done a "Things I love Thursday" post before, but it seems like  fun, so I thought I'd give it a try :)

Nando's Peri-Peri - this restaurant is a chain (my co-worker told me she first had it in London!) but OH MY GOSH IS IT AMAZING. Its basically a Portuguese chicken place, and the food is just delicious. I got a chicken wrap with a lemon garlic sauce, a chili jam, cheese and pineapple and it is the best thing ever. I've had it twice in two weeks. 

Old Navy leggings - I dont typically shop at Old Navy but my leggings all got holes in them and I desperately needed a few pairs. These were the right price, and are so comfortable! Definitely recommend them.

Donkey Kong Country Returns - I may be the biggest dork ever, but this game is a lot of fun and reminds me of my middle school days playing the original on Super Nintendo.

Need You Now - Glee; I love Lady Antebellum's original version of the song, but I'm also a fan of this one. Glee songs just always make my day a little better.

What are you loving this week?

Superbowl State Pride

I watched the Super Bowl last night with my roommate, more for the commercials than anything. I played games on my iPad and ate lots of food, while watching commercials and counting down until Glee (and lets be honest, I totally watched the Puppy Bowl for some cute overload). Not very many commercials impressed me, but one in particular stood out to me.. as just amazing. It represented Detroit and my state SO well. We may have a high unemployment rate and things have not gone our way, and have a not great reputation. I feel like a lot of people who aren't from Michigan just don't get Detroit/my state. But, the people from Michigan have immense pride - and this commercial shows it. 

Check it out. I love that our celebrities, especially Eminem and Kid Rick, use their fame to help voice their pride for our state.

Also, I loved that both the Steelers and Green Bay have former UMichers on their team. Even more state pride!

Just Smitten with Mitten

Its one of those weekends where I'm missing my home state and my friends/family/dogs. I love living in the District and in a city, but nothing beats the Mitten. So, when my friends Lauren and F directed me to some websites that celebrated our awesome state, I had to check them out. I wish I could buy everything I found, just to show some Michigan pride. I mean, what other state lets you use your hand to show where you live?

 

I'm extremely tempted to by the first t-shirt, I think its so cute. If you're interested in checking out the rest of the sites, here and here!

 

Golden Globes Fashion roundup

Three-day weekends are the best, leaving me feeling like I have enough time to actually accomplish everything I'd like to get done in a weekend, but still having time to just relax. This was the perfect weekend for an awards show.

I love watching awards shows, mostly for the fashion. I enjoy the Golden Globes because they are a great mix of movies and television, and not as serious as the Oscars are (I mean, do you really think the movies The Tourist will be up for an Oscar? I really hope not). As always, Ryan and Giuliana never fail to make me laugh with their very awkward/sometimes inappropriate questions. Ricky Gervais' jokes were shocking to me, because at times I felt he was a bit harsh, however, it was still hilarious. I loved the Robert De Niro segment, I guess I never realized how many movies he's been in (and I found it interesting they left Meet the Parents/Meet the Fockers/Little Fockers out of the clips montage- which De Niro himself mentioned). I was happy to see Glee win awards, but when it came down to Best Television (Comedy), Glee didn't deserve to win. It should have been Modern Family, in my opinion one of the best shows on television.

I loved a LOT of dresses last night, and hated a few too. (Don't hate me, but I wasn't a huge fan of Natalie Portman's dress - it didnt look bad on her, but I never would choose that). Continue on for a few of my favorites!

I had a tie for my favorites of the evening. Between Carrie Underwood, Amy Adams and Anne Hathaway (below). All three of them are just.. classy, on screen (or in their music) and off. I love Carrie and Anne's sparkles, and Amy's one shoulder dress in such a pretty dark blue. I can't wait to see what Anne will wear when hosting the Oscars with James Franco!

Ryan Gosling- again, nothing else to say, I just love him :)

 Eva Longoria -I love how this dress is simple and elegant. Clearly, I love all the sparkles, glitz and glam (as showcased in my other favorite looks of the night) but I think this is a great look for Eva!

Hailee Steinfeld  - How is she only 14? This is a beautiful, age appropriate dress. AND I heard rumors she will be playing Katniss in the movie version of Hunger Games. Could be interesting!                                    

Jake Gyllenhaal - nothing else is needed :)

I adore Jason Segal, and the fact he was singing Meatloaf with Jimmy Fallon makes me love him more.

Who were your favorites of the night?

Favorite Accessories: The Headband

Long before Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, my go-to accessory has been the headband. Basically, I wear one one almost every day. When you have a crazy curly hair, like me, they make me feel more put together despite my mess of hair. I easily have 20-30+ of them in my bathroom right now. They are my signature go-to accessory, and have been for years. While I'm trying to experiment with new hair styles and leave the head bands at home, I still love ones that have fun patterns or are sparkly. Through Christmases and Birthday's have accumulated a few beautiful sparkly ones that are fit for a princess. 

How gorgeous are these ones from Anthropology? I actually have the bottom two. They boost up any bland outfit!

What's your go-to accessory?

Book #1: One Day

 "Live each day as if it's your last', that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that? What if it rained or you felt a bit glandy? It just wasn't practical. Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance." - One Day - David Nicholls

What: One Day

By: David Nicholls

My thoughts: This was my first book I read in 2011; and what an excellent book it was. Basically, the book follows two people, Emma and Dexter, from high school graduation until adulthood. The catch? The book only covers one day each year, giving you just a glimpse into their lives. Maybe it was interesting to me, because the day each year is one day before my birthday. I loved this book; that it went from 1988- 2005; that you could catch the pop culture references as the years changed; that you could kind of use your imagination to fill in what happened in between. Emma and Dexter both grew tremendously as the book went out, and it was interesting to see how much they changed in a one year period. Both characters were extremely well-developed and the book was heart breaking at times.

The book has been made into a movie, starring Anne Hathaway. It will be out next year; and while books are always better than their movie counterparts, I will probably still go see it. I can definitely see Anne as Emma!

Rating: 5 stars!

What's next: For once, I'm not 100% sure! My goal is to finish Decision Points.

What are you reading?

Currently Lusting - Statement Necklaces

Over Christmas, I was constantly raiding my Mom's amazing jewelry stand, and developed a newfound love for statement necklaces. My Mom had so many beautiful pieces of jewelry which all my aunts' and cousins' kept complimenting me on. Of course, I couldnt take the credit, but I loved wearing them all, and am now "shopping" for some necklaces for myself. I love all of the necklaces at Anthropologie, unfortunately not the price tags. For now, I will just continue to lust over them, and hope I can add to my collection when whey are gifts :)

all via

Aren't they all just lovely? 

Elvis Birthday Fight Club

Last night, I went out with my two friends where we did something.. well, a little out of the ordinary. My friend saw in The Washington Post's weekend guide a plug for, Elvis's Birthday Fight Club at The Warehouse Arts Complex. What the heck is this, you say? Well, it was a burlesque boxing show. I wish I had taken pictures, because words do not explain what I saw. The event was hosted by "Elvis" himself, and featured fights by some of the greats and of course lots of Elvis music. There was even some Elvis trivia. Abe Lincoln versus the Washington Monument (see photo below), Sarah Palin versus a male cross-dresser, Colonel Sanders versus a Chicken; there was even a robot!

In between fights, there was burlesque dancing. The shows were sold out, and it was hysterical. Can't say I've ever done something like this before. It was definitely a change of pace, but it was fun.

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Only in DC will you see a cardboard Washington Monument beat the crap out of an Abraham Lincoln....

What did you do this weekend?