off to the races

images of Lime Rock Park 

Boyfriend and I had an amazing memorial day weekend which culminated in a day at the races. Things started a little shaky. We woke up to pouring rain, which was a bit disconcerting. Even more disconcerting was that the alarm didn't go off and we overslept by three hours. Someone bumped into the alarm clock while sleeping and disloged the wire. That someone was not me. But there was no time to dicuss these minor details as we grabbed whatever we could remember and jumped in the car.

Halfway there, we realized we had no food. This was a major problem as boyfriend must eat every two hours or he becomes extremely cranky. After deciding the fastest and cheapest course of action was to stop at the next grocery store we saw, we split up, running up and down the aisles like crazy people. We ended up with three bags of chips, a footlong turkey sub, sliced pineapple chunks, popcorn chicken, and famous amos chocolate chip cookies. A bit of an overkill.

However, it was all worth it once we arrived and staked our ground. The cars were ah-mazing. Boyfriend knew exactly what model each car was, even though they looked like ants from where we were sitting. And we even arrived in time to join the fan walk, which consisted of me oohing and ahing as we got a close look at all the cars. Unfortunately, we forgot the sunblock in the trunk. So we are now burnt to a crisp. Still, the day was fun and fabulous. And definitely worth the craziness.

memorial day weekend anticipation

For me, the best part of any holiday is the feeling of anticipation. And as the hours approach the end of the workday, I'm becoming more and more excited. Memorial day is one of my favorite holidays because it marks the  beginning of summer. Laying in the grass. Hotdogs on the grill. Ice cold popsicles. I love it all. And to celebrate, I've planned a weekend full of surprises for boyfriend and I. It's going to be ah-mazing. I would explain what we're doing, but then it wouldn't be a surprise, so you're just gonna have to wait.

Happy pre memorial day jitters everyone!

michelle obama, fashion powerhouse

The words striking, classic, and strong come to mind when looking at images of michelle obama. Whether wearing a dramatic Alexander McQueen print, a cobalt blue one-shoulder dress, or a strapless sequined gown by designer Peter Soronen, michelle always looks the part of self-assured first lady. By just watching her, you can tell that she is most definitely a partner in her relationship with the president. Always captured wearing bold, vibrant colors. At his side. Shoulders back. She simply exudes confidence. I cannot think of a better way to represent our country.

For more fabulous looks, check out Everday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style.

bringing a little sunshine to rainy weather

images and designs via Ruche

This is how you do rain. Throw on some red lipstick, a vintage inspired yellow polka dot one piece, a floppy hat, and some boots.  Man and fireworks optional. Nothing is stopping this girl, and frankly, I like her attitude. Yes, it's still raining here. It was fun at first. Then it became a little old. But today I decided to turn over a new leaf. If it's going to rain, I'm going to embrace it. Take that grey skies! Unfortunately, the bathing suit is out of stock.

feeling sensually moody, bordeaux red

Today I'm feeling moody in a sensual sort of way. Maybe it's the rain, but it doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon. At least I'm amongst good company. Wine, blood, megan fox, all sensually moody.

“I have seen the sea when it is stormy and wild; when it is quiet and serene; when it is dark and moody. And in all its moods, I see myself.” (Martin Buxbaum)

“Moody and withdrawn, the lake unites a haunting loveliness to a raw desolateness.” (Dale Morgan)

“They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?” (Princess Diana)

“I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood.” (Bill Watterson) 

the cullen residence from twilight

 

images via design tavern

After coming home from work last night and realizing it was raining for the fifth day in a row, boyfriend and I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to watch yet another movie. We quickly decided on Twilight, as neither one of us had seen the third installment. I apologize in advance to Twilight fans, but this movie was pretty bad. However, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed watching Taylor Lautner with his shirt off (to boyfriend's dismay) and the rainy weather of Seattle perfectly complemented what was occurring outside my very own window. All in all, a perfect choice.

Even more perfect was the Cullen Residence. Turns out it's actually the Hoke Residence, designed by architect Jeff Kovel in 2006. It was love at first sight. The house is stunning. Clean lines, open spaces, a mix of industrial and natural materials. Truly minimalism at its finest. But for me, the best part of the sloped property are its expansive floor to ceiling windows which look out onto green forest views. Incredible and most definitely inspiring.

obsession: fast five

I'm sort of embarrassed I loved this movie. Just wanted to get that out there. Moving on.

Fast Five is surprisingly awesome. In this installment, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker head to the beautiful Rio de Janeiro to lay low. Fortunately, their plan is soon thrwarted after they hijack three cars from a moving train and are framed for murder by a ruthless druglord. If this isn't enough to convince you how ah-mazing this movie is, it also contains every superstar from the previous four films, along with newcomer Dwayne Johnson (The Rock).   

Overall, Fast Five is over-the-top, ridiculous fun. The director completely ignores the concept of gravity. I truly didn't mind as I'm pretty sure I spent half the movie with my jaw in my lap. No joke. Highly recommended if you like off-the-charts action. A great way to kick off the summer with or without your man.

p.s. It scored a 79% on rotten tomatoes.

indoor rainy day essentials

     

It's been raining for three days and mister weatherman says there's basically no end in sight. So instead of being gloomy and depressed, I've decided to embrace the tsunami. When I get home, I'm going to jump into bed, make myself a hot chocolate, put on a face mask, and enter the magical world of Harry Potter. Boyfriend is equally as excited. Most likely because he knows harry potter and his friends always put me in a ridiculously good mood.  

Now, if only my facemask will make my poors magically disappear.



obsession: blake lively

photography via everywhere

There are very few actresses that look better photographed on the red carpet than airbrushed in an editorial. Blake Lively is one of them. Her body is killer. Her hair is to die for. She looks incredible in every color. She's skinny and curvy at the same time. Her fashion sense is impeccable. She comes across as sexy without being trashy. Glamorous without being overdone. Natural without being messy. I actually don't understand how this is possible. I'm inspired, obsessed, and jealous at the same time. Enjoy.

new beginnings

photography via Hartford Courant

At boyfriends graduation, it poured all day long.  So we tromped through rain. And rain. And more rain. Until we found cover. There we hid, waiting for the storm to pass. It never did. But it was worth it. Torrential downpour and all, boyfriend graduated. And I'm so proud of him.

my savior

It's been one of those horrible, awful, terrible weeks where I've been so completely and totally overwhelmed with everything that I just want to curl up in a ball under my covers and not come out. Unfortunately, I'm a grownup. If I did this I would fail my classes, lose my job, and end up living in a cardboard box on the side of the road. So instead I've turned to my only true friend to get me through these tough times: caffeine. I've gotten to the point where I'll actually drink anything that promises to keep me awake. Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Breakroom, Sitting In the Pot From Last Night. It doesn't matter. I'm in a sad, pitiful state. Pray for me.

p.s. Apologies for not posting for days. Much has happened. Will catch up soon.

luxury incarnated

Georges Chakra spring/summer 2011 rtw collection 

Beautiful fabrics. Luscious colors. Precious jewels. These evening gowns are simply sumptuous. Just looking at them makes me feel like I should be draped over a chaise in some exotic locale. If these dresses were men, I'd marry them. Indulge.

obsession: the voice

tuesdays at 10/9central on NBC

I'll start off by saying I'm not usually a big fan of reality competition shows. I especially dislike American Idol. I think it's pretty sad that America's idea of entertainment is watching people with awful voices audition for three judges who laugh at them. This isn't funny, nor is it amusing. At least from my perspective.

That being said, I love love love The Voice. Unlike Idol, the coaches are only presented with the nation's most talented singers. And there is some serious talent on this show. I mean crazy, jaw-dropping talent. Also unlike Idol, the coaches begin by listening to the singers blind (meaning they can't see them perform). During this round, the coaches are actually competing with one another to select the best singers. If Christina and CeeLo both want a singer on their team, the singer gets to choose which team to be a part of. Ultimately, each coach will form a team of eight singers to train and develop.

Why I'm obsessed: The coaches come across as genuine and passionate. The singers are truly inspiring. And Christina Aguilera's curves are killer. This show is just starting out, but so far, it's definitely worth watching.

lovely lace, homage to our royal bride



dress designs by elizabeth fillmore. photography via wedding style magazine.

Never a big fan of lace, I was suprised to find myself completely infatuated with Miss Middleton's dress friday afternoon, so much so, that I simply couldn't stop thinking about it. Apparently, I'm not the only one. The world’s top designers are raving about the Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown, calling it “beautiful" (Oscar de la Renta), “very pretty and modern” (Valentino), and “perfection” (Mark Badgely). It seems the general public carries the same sentiment. Stunning images of lace gowns are being displayed on fashion blogs everywhere and I'm loving every bit of it. As an aside, boyfriend now becomes extremely nervous every time he passes my computer. Anywho, what I'm loving about these dresses is that they're so unexpectedly modern and fresh. I'm especially loving the strapless gown with the cinched waste. So delicate and charming. Who knew lace was capable of reinventing itself?