Sunday, September 30, 2012

Emmy Awards 2012

On the whole, I was underwhelmed with Emmys fashion this year: in my opinion, there was nothing jaw-droppingly amazing or horrible, but lots of run-of-the-mill nice looks. Are the celebrities already trying to save their best for the Oscars?? See below for my picks.

Hayden Panettiere
Kind of a random pick, but I like the blue gauzy parts with gold, though I think it might look better with one less gauzy/drapey part

Jessica Pave
Simple and lovely

Leslie Mann
The best part of her outfit are the turquoise earrings and bracelet, which you can barely see in this photo. Fun and bright!

Tina Fey
Easy and flattering

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Vertical Space

I moved in to my new apartment a full month ago, and until this weekend, paintings were still leaning against walls, my drill and hammer were perching on any available surface, and random cleaning bottles my neighbor kindly left for me were still hanging around.

It was driving me crazy. I'm the type of person that needs to organize things asap otherwise I feel unsettled. My lack-of-organization was lasting so long even a friend mentioned that it wasn't like me. I think it was taking me so long to "move in" because I need to purchase a few big-item pieces, like a new desk and TV stand, and I can't afford them right now. So, no need to organize if I can't do it right, right?

No. Yesterday I tackled my sad little messy apartment. I bought some hooks and shelves from Amazon, and went to work putting them up and putting stuff on them. And, wow: vertical space. How has it taken me so long to realize that, though my apartment is small on horizontal space, I have acres of vertical space? I don't need an entryway table, because I can buy a shelf that will serve as a landing zone for entry-and-exit necessities. I don't need to keep dumping my bag and coat on the back of the couch, because I can buy a hook to put that stuff on! My art doesn't have to sit on the floor, because it belongs on the wall! It's ridiculous how happy a few hooks and shelves have made me, and now all that shit is up off the floor and my apartment feels bigger.

I just purchased a utility closet rolling shelf unit, and I'm so excited. It will give me much more useable vertical space for the closet, and really open it up. Plus I will actually be able to get my vacuum out of the closet without everything else tumbling down.

I just can't believe it took me so long to realize that walls could be more than walls. Viva vertical space!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Dressy

Selena Gomez
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Venice Film Festival
Photo credit: ?

Selena Gomez
Venice Film Festival (again)

Kate Hudson
Toronto Film Festival
Photo Credit: M. Abeyewardene/BroadImage

Gwyneth Paltrow
Toronto Film Festival
Photo credit: MediaPunch Inc./Rex USA

Emma Watson
MTV Video Music Awards
Photo credit: Matt Sayles/Invison/AP

America Ferrera
Toronto Film Festival
Photo credit: Eric Charbonneau/WireImage

Monday, September 3, 2012

Work Vacation

Tomorrow evening I head out to Portland, OR for a work-related workshop. Less than two months into this new job, and they're already sending me to out-of-state workshops! I like it. I get to stay in a hotel, eat out every meal, and see my best friend who just happens to live in Portland (and oh yeah, learn about stuff...). It's like an educational vacation for free!

Meaning, however, that I will be quiet this week, but with hopefully lots to tell you about when I return. Have a lovely first week of September!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Resolution Update #8

Here's the break-down for August.

Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 17% (abysmal)

A. Go to the gym once a week: 0/4 (0%)
B. Stretch once a week: 1/4 (25%)
C. Drink a glass of green tea a week: 1/4 (25%)

This is pretty bad. I canceled my gym membership last month in favor of a closer gym on campus, but never got around to getting the new membership. Have to do that this month.

Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 61%

A. Write in my journal once a week: 5/4 (125%!)
B. Meditate once a week: 0/4 (0%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 13/23 (57%!)

Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Fail

Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Resounding success!!

I'm so excited about the clothes I bought in August: two blazers, two dresses, and a belt. All work appropriate and cute; they make me feel like a grown-up.

Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Fail

Wow. This is the first time I ever failed this resolution. That's because for most of August (and a bit of July...) I was reading Great Expectations, which is, as we all remember from 9th grade English class, freaking long. It took me forever to get through, though I enjoyed reading it again. Pip and Estella are totally not meant for each other (sorry Pip), and I picked up on much more of the humor as an adult.

Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via spreadsheet
Result: Half-assed

I tracked my expenses for the first few weeks of August, then let it slip, as I was buying a lot on my new income. Oops. Still solvent though, which is the important thing!