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.