Thursday's Mini-Thoughts

Life can be so funny sometimes. You think you have the next day, week, month, or year planned out when something comes flying out of nowhere. Being the planner that I am, it keeps me on my toes. Maybe life is more fun that way instead of always knowing what to expect.

If this formatting/font looks funny, it's because I'm mobile blogging for the first time. Living and learning in progress!

Golden Geometrics

{Success!}

I thought these stick-on nails would be so difficult to use that I shelved them immediately after I rushed out to buy them (ironic, no?) I always wanted to try them after seeing them on Katy Perry and Whitney Port, but thought they were only available at a nail salon that I could never seem to locate. Wrong. Sephora sells these chic minx prints in several different prints.

When I found them in my bathroom drawer, I wanted to use them up so I attempted to master this tricky nail situation. Turns out, it was so easy! I will definitely be trying out more of these nails - not only are they unique, but you can use your hands immediately after instead of having to wait for them to dry!

Which print should I use next?

In the Jazz Age



{flapper dress for dinners, parties, fun}



I recently saw Woody Allen’s new movie, Midnight In Paris. Within minutes of the opening credits, I was already in love. Just as Owen Wilson’s character, Gil had nostalgia for the past, I, too, would want to be transported to Paris in the 20’s. Is there really a better time period? Jazz, literature, romance…all beautiful things in an era.

Every second of the film oozed magic. Whether it was when Hemingway and Fitzgerald were having a casual conversation, when Gil found his way to a jazz lounge, or when Picasso was agonizing over one of his paintings. Because I can’t physically transport to the jazz age, I stocked up on Fitzgerald books for the time being. Just like movies, novels and short stories can also sweep you off your feet.

1 Item, 3 Ways

Before seeing a movie last weekend, I popped into The Gap to scour the sale racks. I found some goodies that were too good to pass up, and before I walked to the check-out counter, something neon caught the corner of my eye. This is not something I would normally buy, but the outfits I could pair with this skinny belt in my mind were endless. This accessory was something different and out of the norm for me. Take a chance with accessories and clothes - life is all about having fun and looking good while doing it! :)

Tourist by Day: pair this belt with colorful shorts



Sunny day/Warm evening: cotton T-shirt dress with a pop



Cool mornings and evenings: classy khaki capris with a hint of eccentric



T.G.I.F.

the most delicious juicy dumplings

 

Photo: metmuseum.org



Photo: london-paris-train.blogspot.com



A random assortment, but the things that are currently inspiring. Have a great weekend!

Next Stop



Photo: internationalist.org

Photo: cache2allpostersimages.com

Today is the 6th Annual National “Dump the Pump” day. “Dump the Pump” day encourages people to take public transportation and save money instead of driving their cars. With its rising prices, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to avoid spending money on gas.

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), “The latest APTA Transit Savings Report shows that a two person household that downsizes to one car can save – on the average – more than $10,000 a year.”

Today’s “Dump the Pump” day is a great way to promote public transportation, save money, and go green. By taking the bus, train, or even walking, we are greatly reducing our carbon footprint and doing a favor for the earth.

In this poll, there are more people who are sticking with their cars because it is easier. Those who are digging for old change in the depths of your purses and pockets, putting on your tennis shoes, or dusting off your bikes, I commend you!

Our car gets us from Point A to Point B quickly and comfortably. We can listen to our own music and sing along, we have time to gather our thoughts in silence, and we have the power to turn up the heat whenever we please. However, by driving our cars, we consume gasoline at a rapid rate, increase our carbon footprint, and have to deal with finding tricky parking spots.

I've found public transportation to be very convenient (parking spot number what on level where?), pleasantly inexpensive (hello $1.25 bus ticket, goodbye $70 gas receipt!!!), and wildly entertaining (here’s looking at you man with the green spiked mohawk).

Do some good today and leave your car keys at home.

Are you dumping the pump today? (or any other day?)



Photo: lolitas.se

If my dreams became reality, this is what it would look like.

And Best Picture Goes To…

Photo: filmindustrynetwork.biz

The Academy Awards is without doubt one of the best award shows of the year. With captivating hosts and the right production team, the Academy Awards is also one of the most entertaining shows.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recently announced that they are making a change to their “Best Picture” category. Instead of having 10 “Best Picture” nominations, the Academy will now have the freedom to nominate between 5 and 10 films. If there are only 7 movies that are deserving of the “Best Picture” title, 7 it will be.

In 2009, according to the Washington Post, “the Academy expanded the category to 10 nominees, aiming to generate interest and more viewers.” While this was a justified business move, what should the criteria be for the Oscars’ highest honor? Do you nominate more movies to produce a “highest viewed awards show in 50 years” and attract a mainstream audience with movies such as James Cameron’s Avatar and Pixar’s Toy Story 3? Or do you nominate the films that did not gain much attention but had a truly compelling story and was well produced? Not to say that Toy Story 3 or Avatar didn’t have compelling stories or weren’t well produced, but how can one differentiate between box office gold and just...gold?

The most recent Academy Awards in February 2011 had an astonishing 10 ‘Best Picture’ nominees, including The King’s Speech, Black Swan, 127 Hours, True Grit, and Toy Story 3. Other categories such as “Best Actress” and “Best Directing” were limited to 5 nominees. Having so many nominees in one category almost takes away from the prestige of the Oscar. Just as it is difficult to win an Academy Award, it should be even more difficult to be nominated for one.

I am looking forward to seeing this new change be implemented in this year’s award show. As the Academy executive director Bruce Davis noted, “A best picture nomination should be an indication of extraordinary merit. If there are only eight pictures that truly earn that honor in a given year, we shouldn’t feel an obligation to round out the number.”

Films will not know how many slots there will be in the “Best Picture” category until the votes are cast and the nominees are announced. The bar has been raised for everyone in the film industry, and I can’t wait to see how producers, actors, directors, and studios, (etc.) will step up their game!



Peaceful Afternoons

My own

Some of my most enjoyable afternoons have been spent walking my puppy around the park. Blue skies and sunshine make these afternoons even better. Seeing an old bench, a tall tree, or a calm lake through the lens of a camera or filter can make even the simplest things seem magical.

My own

My own

Summer Sorbet

Summer is the perfect time to kick back and enjoy a big bowl of ice cream or sorbet. When I was feeling inspired one night, I decided to see if I could make a melon sorbet with this recipe.I had made ice cream before, but sorbet seemed more challenging. I followed the instructions and ended up with a delicious honeydew sorbet. The sorbet was neon green in color, but it was purely just the ripe fruit color. I would go lighter on the mint so there is a more fruity taste in this icy treat. Also, I recommend eating right away because it doesn't save well in the freezer.

Hiatus #2

[Photo Credit - jenniferbrogee.files.wordpress.com]

I haven't posted anything in what feels like forever, and while I'd like to blame finals, work, and family...it's really no one's fault but my own. I definitely have not forgotten about my reader (readers?) Who's really even reading this blog anyways? :)

That said, there will be a new post up tomorrow morning! I'm back and ready for blogging!

Pure Magic




[Photo Credit - glamour.com]



[Photo Credit - v7web.com]

 

[Photo Credit - delish.com]



[Photo Credit - flickr.com]



[Photo Credit - naturaltechnology.net]





Happy Birthday, Audrey!

[Photo Credit - glassesandgummybears.blogspot.com]

Audrey Hepburn was not only a beauty icon, but an incredibly talented actress. I've read a couple of her biographies, and each time I was wowed by her life and all that she had been through and accomplished. Happy birthday to an inspiration!

[Photo Credit - covellifashion.wordpress.com]

[Photo Credit - classicfilmstars.com]





Biker Chic

[Photo Credit - wrenhandmade.typepad.com]

 I had an idea yesterday that I am still obsessing over. I am throwing the idea around to invest in a bike (with a basket). When I want to pop over to the mall or pick up groceries, a bike is a healthy and cheap way to get there. It would take 10-20 minutes, and I would save a lot on gas, not to mention get an extra workout in for the day. I would also be out in the sun and getting my Vitamin D. There are too many benefits, here!

I would save hundreds of dollars in gas, especially with the rising gas prices. While I do try to be green, I'll admit I'd rather drive to the park to walk my puppy rather than actually walk there. But this summer, that will not be the case. It really pays to slow down and take time to walk or bike somewhere. I'm on a mission to find a cute, vintage-looking bike. This is one more step/goal to my Summer of Learning (as I've officially dubbed it).

Does anyone have any bike (and helmet!) recommendations?



[Photo Credit - thesweetestoccasion.com]



[Photo Credit - sfgirlbybay.com]



[Photo credit - thechicerantiquer.blogspot.com]



[Photo Credit - elizabethannedesigns.com]



Comfortable Isolation



[Photo Credit - mi9.com]

I've reached a point in my night where I have focused so hard all day that I can't even focus on my book or a television show. Frankly, I'm not even feeling tired. A few lines I just read in Katie Couric's new book perfectly summed up what I am feeling: "Listen once in a while. It's amazing what you can hear. On a hot summer day in the country, you can hear the corn growing, the crack of a tin roof buckling under the power of the sun." - Russell Baker

This description is exactly what I would love to be doing right now. Watching the sun go down over a sea of corn, basking in the leftover heat from the day, closing my eyes, just listening to the sounds around me. Because that way, even though I am not running around or jumping and singing, I would still feel alive. Alive in that way when you feel very connected to nature and the world around you.

Another way to describe this feeling could be expressed through The Notebook. This scene in particular:



[Photo Credit - entertainment.ezinemark.com]

In this scene, the moon and streelights are the only sources of light. It is that time of night on an empty street when it only feels like you are the only breathing being. Also, there is a hint of romance and first love, not only in this movie, but in this stillshot itself. Most importantly, Billie Holiday's I'll Be Seeing You plays in the background. I am comfortably independent, and this type of isolation is something I absolutely wouldn't mind. Bring on the corn, sunset, and slow dancing under the moon.



[Photo Credit - flickr.com]

[Photo Credit - smithcountylakehouse.com]

Pretty Things

Black and white photography / Cinema / New York City



Everyday I am inspired by something, whether it is a color, a book I am reading, a magazine article, a stranger's nice manners, nature, the environment and people around me, beautiful pictures, or recipes. There is always a lesson to learn from an action, an awkward moment, an event, or a lecture, and even though I am not in a classroom 24/7, I feel like I am learning a little bit more about the world and myself every day. I want to constantly be motivated and in awe of what is around me. I hope to always find pleasure in the little things, and to find joy in simple moments like standing still in the middle of a crowded New York City street or organizing my books and magazines.

P.S. Happy Easter!

Carrie's Closet
[Photo credit - honeybee-emily.blogspot.com]



Organization / Shoes




Photo contrast / MK / Color



Polka dots / Room decor
[Photo Credit - ohjoy.blogs.com]



Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you give me a plate of chocolate chip cookies, it is guaranteed that I will eat every last one of them. So when I craved whipping up a batch of my favorite cookie, I wanted to find a recipe that was a little more healthy. Luckily, this recipe did the trick! There was a different texture to the cookie once it was fresh out of the oven, yet it contained oats and it still tasted like a delicious chocolatey cookie! The right half of the cooling tray has cookies that I left as a round ball, and the left side are cookies that I pressed down flatter before placing in the oven. Both had the same taste and texture - they just came out looking slightly different. I love that oatmeal doesn't just work for breakfast or raisin cookies, and adding chocolate to a traditional recipe always results in a tasty surprise.



Hello Seattle





I caught Seatle on an off-day, and the sun was shining and sky was blue. After a couple of days of rain, the city felt clean and calm. I explored downtown with my sister and cousin, and indulged in delicious ice cream at Molly Moon and sugar-coated beignets at the Seattle Center. We walked around for a bit, and then rested to enjoy a street performer jazz out on his soprano. Before we left we found a patch of bright red tulips that lined the street. When I wasn't soaking in the beautiful spring day, I managed to take these pictures to capture the moment.











Spring Palette

During the winter, I am often found bundled up in a chunky knit scarf to keep warm. While scarves are thought to be a Winter accessory, they can also serve as a perfect Spring accent piece. Though the Spring brings sun, there is usually a morning chill that a light colorful scarf would appropriately combat.

a. Jil Sander cotton shawl, $395

b. TopShop printed scarve, $32

c. Cashmere shawl, $98

d. Halogen fringe scarve, $38

e. Pins and Needles lace shawl, $24

f. Bindya wool shawl, $47

g. Chan Luu silk shawl, $185

You Wear It Best

In my philosophy class, a hot topic has been the unrealistic beauty standards for women. In Jean Kilbourne's film, "Killing Us Softly 4," there is a clip of how a regular girl is transformed into a billboard “beauty” for a Dove advertisement. She has her makeup done professionally and is then Photoshopped. The picture of the model that goes up onto the billboard for thousands of people to see looks nothing like the real girl. What is dangerous about this is that girls everywhere look at these pictures, magazine covers, and advertisements and think that this is what celebrities look like and what women should emulate. This, however, is simply not true.

Real life men and women have flaws, but with the wave of a Photoshop wand, love handles or wrinkles can be erased and abs can be added. Not only does this idealized and false beauty standard make women look at themselves differently, but they start to compete with other females.  The media plays a major role in creating what beauty is and what qualifies as “cute” or “hot.” Just like fashion, beauty has trends, too. One year skinny, tall, blondes will be trending, while the next year is all about exotic-looking brunettes.

Here is an example of how the media pits women against one another:

Photo Credit - channingtatumunwrapped.blogspot.com

 We are constantly judging and critiquing one another – so much that it has become an unhealthy obsession. To add insult to injury, women are often put down if they are intelligent, educated, and not living up to beauty norms. Because technology doesn’t move backwards, Photoshop and beauty-altering creams and devices will be a constant pressure that both men and women will have to deal with. Instead of spreading false images around, it is more important to spread the truth around - the truth about what actually goes into creating magazine covers and that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.