Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Television Gems (Part One)

So everyone loves television. Well, at least a good majority.  Now, a problem I have is there are just too many shows, so which ones to watch?  Well, my friends may watch this, and this got a good review, and oh, I like that actress, I should DVR that one.  Right?  Well, here is my opinion.  It is important to watch popular shows so that you can use it to INTERACT with people, but if you don't have a show (or two) that is a guilty pleasure, than it is time you got one.  So, without further ado, here are my tried and true favorites for this season (and they'll make sense if you just tune in now, with only a couple of re-runs needed to understand the shows basics). *Note: this post is a two part series*

THE BACHELOR

Call me cheesy.  Tell me it's fake and they just want to be on TV.  The truth is that I don't care.  For some people this show may be hopelessly romantic (and yes, even I get swept up into the cuteness), but it's also hilarious.  Some of the things that come out of people's mouth.... I swear, THIS is my guilty pleasure.  Because when you put a bunch of pretty (but catty) girls in one house and have them compete for a guy, it's like watching high school students gossip.  And trust me, THAT is comedy.

Oh, and about the video.  Wait and watch, the drama begins!

NEW GIRL

And on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Fox's New Girl will make you laugh until you (almost) pee your pants.  Zooey Deschanel is perfectly quirky and her roommates are just as hilarious.  From the player/feminine Schmidt to the gruff but lovable Nick, the cast balances each other well.  Plus, the theme song is adorable.

Who's that girl? It's JESS!

So that's the first installment of my TV guide, with the next one coming up soon!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Looking to a New Year

This year has been both prosperous and disastrous for our country, and the world at whole.  US Troops came home, but there were bombings in Israel.  Windows 8 launched, as did the new iPad mini, but there are 26 people in Newton who will never use these gadgets.  It's tragic and bittersweet.  But, it seems that the times we live in constantly involve this tug of war between good and evil, success and failure.  We can never know happiness without pain, and so I believe we must simply live our lives to the fullest, being grateful for what we have, because there are people who would kill to be in our shoes.  This post isn't about fashion.  It's one of the only times I will post something that's not here to help you be better on the outside.  This post is about your inside.  After all, as Audrey Hepburn once said  "Makeup can only make you look pretty on the outside, but it doesn't help if you're ugly on the inside.  Unless you eat the makeup." So, here are my New Year's resolutions, not for just me (although many of them I need to follow) but also for the world, so that we can continue to make progress and to make the world a better place.

1) Talk it out

We all have a bad tendency to act rashly when confronted with an opinion we disagree with.  Whether it's your best friend saying she called dibs on that guy or if it's the leader of another nation saying that land is HIS, it is my belief that starting wars (both literally and figuratively) is something that should only be a last resort.  So, put your big girl/boy panties on and at least TRY to talk it out.

2) Respect yourself

This one is mostly for everyday people.  Sometimes I look in the mirror and I think, "You're too fat, too ugly, too..." and I know I'm not the only one who does this.  But it's time we all start respecting ourselves, even if that just means paying yourself one compliment a day, because in the end, we are our own worst enemies.

3) Respect others

Um...no explanation required.  Just do it.

4) Experiment

Both in life and in fashion, it's important to experiment.  If we always do the same things, life goes by without any new experiences.  So next time you are ordering at a restaurant, try one new dish.  Next time you are shopping, at least try on that trendy dress.  And next time you are sitting in your room alone, be brave, and call up that guy you've been thinking about.  Who knows, you just might be surprised. 

5) Try your best

Every year we all make resolutions that we never keep.  Whether they are to lose weight, experience more culture, stop cursing, etc. everyone has those goals that they set every
New Years that inevitably fall by the way-side.  I'm not going to tell you that this is unacceptable, because God knows I have these little broken promises too.  No, I'm simply going to tell you to do your best.  Your best is definitely not just going to the gym for two days and then saying you are too busy.  If this change really matters to you (and it should) then sit down and look at your schedule.  Maybe waking up twenty minutes earlier and taking a shower at night instead of in the morning gives you just enough time for a morning run.  Maybe not.  But the point is, if you don't try, and I mean REALLY TRY, then you never will succeed. 

Here's to what has been a great 2012, and hopefully an even better 2013!

Kisses,
Anonymous

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide Edition Two: Dream Presents (A.K.A. Insane Gifts That We May Never Buy But That Is Fun to Dream About)

Last year one of my most successful posts was this one.  People really seemed to like it so I decided to give you yet another round of ridiculously amazing gifts this year.

This beautiful dress from Valentino comes in at a whopping $5,880.  As I am not a celebrity, I may never wear a garment so very expensive.  But I do dream, as do you I am sure, and hey, what girl wouldn't feel like magic in this dress?

This watch is worth 15 million dollars...................so, yeah.   I just have to say that if I ever had this on my wrist, I don't think I would feel safe going out in public.  I mean, there are 201 carats of DIAMONDS on there.  Still, it is absolutely stunning and thus, a true gift of my dreams. 
Now I don't know much about cars, but I do know that this $1.25 million dollar automobile is the cream of the crop.  Get him this and you can guarantee he'll love you forever (or is it wrong to buy love? I don't know, but I don't think you can hate a person who gives you this...). 

Can't think of a good gift for your kids? How about this teddy bear made of real gold, sapphires and diamonds for $71,500?

Are you a serious chocoholic? Well, then let me introduce you to one of the most stunning chocolate collections I have ever seen.  And the cost? No less than $275!

Or, if those chocolates aren't enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can head over to Serendipity for a sundae that will blow your mind.  As the world's most expensive ice cream sundae, this gold leaf covered confection is $1000.  I would savor the moment.

So there you are, another edition of my insane gifts.  I can't believe it's been over a year since I started this blog.  Whether my audience is large or small, I love to write these posts and share them with everyone!

Kisses,
Anonymous

P.S. This article from listverse.com was a big help in writing this post, so you should go and check it out for more insane gift ideas!





 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide Edition Two: $35-$200

Recently I did some sprucing up around the blog (new background, new icon) and I really like how it turned out.  Do I look professional? ;)

Anyway, here is the next installment of the Holiday Gift Guide Edition Two, this one broken down with gifts for everyone who's important to you, with prices reasonable but still enough to get that something special for those special someones. 

Boyfriend/Husband/Fiance/Male Counterpart:

These amazing noise-cancelling Bose headphones are only $162 and will have any music lover loving you!


Mom and Dad:

This delectable Holiday Tower of Treats form the ever amazing Harry and David is the perfect way to remind mom and dad just how sweet you think they are (did you catch the pun?).  $59.95 at Harry and David


Best Friends:

Every bestie deserves something special at holiday time and this dress from Polyvore will take her through the New Year and the parties that come with it in style.  Plus, at only $130, you can buy her these heel too...

...AND LOOK, THEY MATCH! (Also from Polyvore, $40)

Girlfriends:
And for any guys reading this, I have you covered too...
This silver and black diamond pendant from JCP has the perfect amount of romance and beauty.  Plus, it's only $100!


I hope this has help you with the tricky task of gift buying!

Kisses,
Anonymous


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide Edition Two: $10-$35

Sometimes there are those people who we know deserve a gift, but we aren't about to hand them the rent.  This may be true for average friends, coworkers, nieces, nephews, cousins and neighbors.  So, here are the perfect gifts for those special acquaintances that, while important, aren't getting a new iPhone from you.

Chocolates are the perfect gift for tons of occasions.  They are fancy, but not overly so, and they are 100% delicious. (See's Candies, $20.40, Dark Chocolate Soft Center Candy)
Movies provide wonderful entertainment and choosing ones that you know the recipient will enjoy make them feel heartfelt.  Have a romantic relationship? The Titanic is the perfect love story.  (amazon.com, $24.99 discounted from $54.99, Titanic Four Disc Combo)

You may not be getting them an iPhone, but the wonderful cases from Speck are the next best thing.  This one comes with a built in pocket for cards and money, plus it comes in a variety of colors.  (Speck, $34.95, Smartflex Card for iPhone 5)

Or for those who are a bit more unique, how about this ear shaped case in a fuschia?  (bigbigeye.com, $9.99, Ear Styled Case) Yes, I am aware this is one cent under the cost range of $10 dollars, so just consider it your own little present.  You are now a penny richer.

And finally, jewelry is a great gift for any girl.  And while some pieces may be out of your budget, this one is definitely not, but it still looks like a million bucks.  (Overstock.com, $26.99 discounted from $42.99, Tressa Collection Sterling Silver Vintage CZ Bridal and Engagement Ring) *Note: just because the ring says engagement doesn't mean it has to be for that occasion necessarily.  Trust me, any girl would want the bling, regardless of the cause*

Overall, the most important thing about buying someone a gift is that they really truly like it.  It's important to make it something unique and tailor it to them, so they feel like they are truly special to you.  Good luck with your shopping, and I hope this helped to give you some more ideas.

Kisses,
Anonymous


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide Edition Two: Stocking Stuffers (Under $10)

Last year I comprised a few posts of the perfect gifts, organized by price.  Since it got such a great response, I've decided to try again this year in Holiday Gift Guide Edition Two.  Now last year I started with  gifts that were under $20 but looking back, I realized I never gave a comprehensive list of stocking stuffers.  So, here are the little gifts I feel will most brighten your holidays. 

This nail polish from Tilly's is only $2.99 and is just gorgeous.  I bought myself a bottle a few days ago and I love it! This is the perfect small present for any girly-girl!


On Amazon.com there are tons of discounted CD's.  While CD's are on the way out, sometimes it's nice to have the real thing, and one can always download the music onto iTunes if need be.  This vintage Dirty Dancing is only $6.99.

And if you don't know what music to give them, an iTunes gift card should work just fine. 
This candle from Paper Source is just $5.95 and will keep the holidays bright for whoever receives it.  Paper Source also has several other wonderful stocking stuffers like...

...this mini paper calendar to have them dreaming of the new year ($7.95, Paper Source). Plus...
...a reindeer that poops cola-flavored jelly beans! How cute! ($6.95, Paper Source)  Plus...
...this Santa Claus lip gloss and soooooo much more! ($2.95, Paper Source)

I hope this list gives you plenty of ideas for little ways to brighten the holidays ahead.

Kisses,
Anonymous

P.S. More Gift Guides are to come!





Friday, November 23, 2012

Has it Really Been a Whole Year?

It seems like just yesterday I was typing up posts about getting into the holiday spirit and exactly which gifts to buy.  And yet here I am once again poised to begin giving tips on preparing for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, etc. I mean, Thanksgiving has already come and gone!  Speaking of Turkey day, my Thanksgiving yesterday was wonderful (and I hope yours was too).  I baked apple pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate pecan pie as well as several types of biscuits that turned out absolutely perfect.  For some reason, cooking/baking always calms me down and now that Thanksgiving is done, I think it's time to get into the holiday frame of mind.  Here is some inspiration to have you longing for December.

Adorable holiday gifts (including the most amazing Grinch mug) from the ever wonderful Paper Source.

Some delicious looking Holiday Butterfinger truffles from Epicurious.  

I don't care what you say, I love this song, it makes me happy, he is hot. And for all you loners who don't know who this is, the name is Bieber. Justin Bieber. Mistletoe by Justin Bieber.

And of course there are Christmas lights.  For some reason the colorful glow that is every neighborhood at Christmas time always makes me warm inside.  It reminds me of when I was a kid and I would drive with my parents down this one street in my town that always had the craziest displays.  I would be drinking hot chocolate and drawing patterns on the frosted windows of our car while Christmas carols played over the radio.  These are some of my favorite memories and whenever I see holiday lights they take me back to those wonderful days.  How about you? Any wonderful holiday memories to share?

I will finish this post with hot chocolate, because it is delicious and possibly the best holiday drink EVER! Try it with peppermint, it's pretty darn good. 

Kisses,
Anonymous