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 :)

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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?

Dose of silliness

I love my Netflix, and love that the instant stream section is upping its anty and getting a TON of new TV shows and movies for me to watch. I love it even more that I can watch on my iPad in bed. If I could figure how how to connect my DVD player or Wii to the internet, I'd instant stream there too. That said, I'm not so sure about the recommendations feature. Just for the laugh factor, here's what Netflix recommended me today. 

I'm pretty sure that Meerkat Manor does not have a strong female lead, when it is animals. Needless to say, I first was confused, and then I laughed.

Anyone else love their Netflix? How do you watch your instant stream?

Nutella Cookies

A while back, my friend Stacy at Every Little Thing posted an amazing sounding recipe for nutella cookies. Now, I know that this will sound insane, but I have never tried Nutella before. Everyone I know insists its heavenly, in Spain my friends bought it in massive quantities. I was skeptical, but I picked up all the ingredients and my first ever jar of Nutella, and gave the recipe a whirl. Given my not so great track record of late with baking, I was nervous. But, the cookies turned out SO delicious. I'm not usually a fan of chocolate, but these were different.

They're basically chocolate chip cookies with a twist, the Nutella gives them a richer, almost nutty flavor. I took them to work and they were a hit with my co-workers and my roommate. I was surprised at how easy the recipe was, and I will be making these again. The only downside, would be the calories- I made sure to give plenty away!

The recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp Nutella

1 cup chocolate chips

Mix up the flour, baking soda and salt in one bowl. Mix up the butter, sugars, eggs/tofu, and vanilla in another. Combine, then mix in the Nutella. Use an ice cream scoop or a spoon to separate the dough into balls. 

Bake at 375 degree for 8-10 minutes.

Then be prepared to enjoy the delicious cookies!

        

Cinque Terra, Italy

I'm once again in a reminiscing mood, and wanted to share a few of my photographs and  memories from one of the most beautiful places I visited when I studied abroad. It is hard to believe that it was three years ago, that I met my family over Easter in Italy, and went to the Cinque Terra. We were staying in the Tuscan region, and it was a two hour train ride. You can hike between all five towns, and my family hiked between Monterossa and Vernazza. We had the most amazing lunch in Monetrossa, feasting on fresh fish, calamari and caprese salad and then began our hike

Turns out, that is the most difficult hike of all the cities, and my family is NOT the most naturey of people. The hike was long, and through the mountains, on narrow pathways where at times we'd have a good couple hundred feet drop off right into the water on our side (which freaked my Dad out that we'd somehow fall to our death). We were all exhausted by the time we finished and had gelato in Vernazza. But wow, the view as we made our descent into Vernazza (just look at that amazing photo above) left us awestruck. I twas worth it.

My entire trip to Italy was unbelievable, from the scenery, and the food, and the gelato. I'd love to go back to Italy some day. But for now, I'll just look through my photos. Below, are just a few of my favorites.

    

        

Inspiration of the day

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Reflecting on 2010

I've neglected my blog over the holidays; spending two weeks back in my hometown distracted me from everything online related, aside from being online for my job. Christmas and New Years has come and gone, and they were lovely. I had a wonderful white Christmas, filled with oodles of family, food, and laughs. Of course, there were presents too, but it was more about my family. I mourned the horrendous University of Michigan football loss in the Gator Bowl, and went to hockey games, as well. But, its great to be back in the District, and getting into my routine again. I have a lot of posts lined up, as a result of my neglect.

I entered 2010 in a rough patch. I was jobless, single, and living at home, and just sad. What a difference a year makes. I brought in 2010 in Chicago, IL and it started with a bang. I had hoped by doing something special for NYE it would mean 2010 would be better. I was able to get an amazing internship, and moved to Washington, DC on a whim. I knew one person, and moved alone, and lived completely alone for the first time. I explored my  new city, tried new restaurants, and loved every thing about it (despite the horrible metro). I visited Philadelphia on 4th of July, and had a family wedding in my back yard. I met The Detroit Tigers. I finally have a real job I absolutely love. I moved into a new apartment and got a roommate. This has been an amazing growing year for me, and I've learned a lot about myself. I know I can be independent and live on my own. I'm teaching myself how to cook, and on my way to becoming an "adult."

2010 was a better year for me - but I think 2011 will be even better as I grow in my job and continue get more comfortable in DC and develop my social life. I have lots of goals (and a few minor resolutions) I hope to achieve this year. Those will be a whole nother post.I hope my blog will continue to evolve and grow as I do. 

I hope all my lovely readers had a wonderful holiday season, and are just as excited for the new year and "new beginnings" as I am!