Thursday, January 28, 2010

Social Networking

I have finally started a Facebook page, and am beginning to use the Twitter account that I have had for over two years. I'd love to connect with all of you, so please feel free to click on the images below and add my accounts!






Don't forget to enter my giveaway for The Body Shop!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland


There has been a lot of anticipation for the March 5 premiere of the classic Disney movie, Alice in Wonderland, mainly because the often explosive threesome, Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Having produced interesting, whimsical, and may I dare to say sometimes dark, films, Tim Burton may quite well have another hit on his hands. From the photos and trailers that I have seen, I am intrigued to say the least.

Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the Mad Hatter reminds me of his role as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. That’s based purely on his creepy look, though.



While I was never a huge Alice fan, I cannot wait to catch this flick in theaters in IMAX. If you have yet to see what it’s all about, check out the preview:



Do you plan on seeing this movie?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for The Body Shop!



Photos courtesy of: MSN

Monday, January 25, 2010

My Week in Photos

I love my iPhone's camera. It takes some good quality photos. If only it had a built in flash...

Here are some photos that I have taken in the past week with my phone. They are right before and during the storm that California is having. Enjoy =)

The last sunset without rain





Dawn appears to bring clear skies





The impending storm




Palm trees and rain--two things that usually are found together in SoCal




A shot from underneath a tree right before dusk




A rainbow on the horizon promises brighter days


Don't forget to enter my giveaway for The Body Shop!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Add Kris Allen's Debut Album to Your iPod


Kris Allen's self entitled album is on my iPod on replay, and I still cannot get enough! The CD was released in November with the first single "Live Like We're Dying" playing scarcely on one LA radio station. As soon as I heard it I immediately purchased it (that's the amazing thing about having an iPhone =), a few weeks later buying the entire CD.

Last season on American Idol I didn't have a favorite until the contestants started dwindling down, right about when Kris Allen started performing amazingly I started gaining appreciation for his talents. Of course it didn't hurt that he's a total cutie either. I was so happy when he was announced as THE American Idol.

Now that his CD is out, I completely realize the musician that he is. I will admit that most of the songs have a similar sound; however, I like that sound so it works for me. It's good to have a cohesive album that flows.

You can listen to some of Kris Allen songs on iLike.

The songs just make me smile...even the slow sappy ones that I usually despise. His voice is so soothing. My favorite track is "Alright With Me." It's actually the song in his Ford commercial. For those of you who are watching this season of AI, you've seen it I am sure.

On one hand, I want Kris to be successful and have a long career. But, on the other, I hate when artists/songs get too popular. That equates to too much radio play and high concert ticket fees. I kind of hope that this song doesn't blow up. I know that is very selfish of me.

Here is a video of the song, check it out:



How do you feel about artists and fame? Do you like or dislike it?

Be sure to catch Kris Allen singing the National Anthem before the Saints vs. Vikings game this Sunday. This playoff showdown starts at 6:40 pm ET on FOX. (GO SAINTS!)



Photos courtesy of: tvfanatic.com and aol.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

When it Rains, It Pours


I love the rain. That is probably because I live in Southern California and we don’t get many showers. However, when it rains here, it really rains. Usually we have storms that last for a few days, as opposed to some dampness. Since we are really just a dessert out here, we need the rain badly.

So far it has been pouring since Sunday and isn’t expected to get any lighter until this Sunday. A week of rain for us equals havoc really. People seems to forget how to drive, mudslides occur, and of course those beloved power outages.


We have even been warned about possible tornadoes. Isn’t it enough that we have earthquakes? Californians aren’t equipped for tornadoes! Of course, if a twister hits, it’ll be nothing like what the Midwest experiences.

Here is what The Weather Channel is saying: “Some of the stronger thunderstorms may contain wind gusts over 50 mph, small hail, and possibly a few funnel clouds or brief tornadoes.”


Although all of this is going on, I am still content. The only thing I dislike about the rain is the fact that I work in Los Angeles and don’t have a parking spot at work. This means I have to walk in the cold, wet, dark to get to my car after work =(

Above is a picture of Holloywood/the Hollywood Hills from our window at work. This was taken Monday morning with my iPhone. As you can see, it's been pretty dark all day long. Much darker than it usually is when it rains. This was just a sneak peak at what we have in store this week.

Aside from all that, I say, "Bring it on Mother Nature!"



Photo courtesy of: The Weather Channel and Daniel Berehulak / Getty (via guardian.co.uk)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Use. Love. Repeat.

Two years ago I discovered AG Hair Cosmetics and since then I have been a dedicated customer to the company. Not only are AG's products good for your hair, they also make your hair look good. AG is a green company that doesn't test on animals, and they use mild to no sulfates (which means less chemicals in your hair).

For the last two years AG Hair Cosmetics have been featured in the Oscars Gift Bags--so you know they are fabulous products!

This year, along with their fresh motto: "Use. Love. Repeat.", the Canadian company is rolling out a whole new look with category distinction. The bottles will now clearly display the type of hair product that they are--be it curl, color care, therapy, etc. Inside these revamped bottles are still the same great products that AG consumers know and love.

You can head into many U.S. salons to pick yourself up some AG products. My salon carries them and my hair dresser uses them, so hopefully you'll be able to easily find them as well.



Photos courtesy of: AG Hair Cosmetics

Monday, January 18, 2010

my {stylish} pursuit of happiness

What comes around goes around...

I love the blogging world! You can so easily make friends via posts and comments. In a matter of words, one can begin to see the personality of someone else located in another city, state, or even country.


Recently I came across my {stylish} pursuit of happiness via New England Girl, and am I glad I did! The author, LenkaLovee, is not only an interesting blogger but also a talented artist who does amazing sketches.

She was so kind to feature Join the Gossip today, and I am beyond grateful! It’s so touching to know that another person enjoys your blog—heck, I am just thrilled to have anyone read it—so being featured is a great honor. THANKS LENKALOVEE!

If you have not yet experienced the greatness that is my {stylish} pursuit of happiness, please stop by her blog as soon as you get a chance!



Photo courtesy of: my {stylish} pursuit of happiness

Sandra Steals the Show

Last night at the Golden Globes Sandra Bullock was the showstopper with her amazing purple Bottega Veneta dress. Stunning!



She was rightfully awarded as best actress in a motion picture (drama) for her role in The Blind Side. If you still haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? It's sooo good!




Photo courtesy of: AP

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Come Original


I am beyond excited to announce the latest Join the Gossip giveaway. I am a huge lover of The Body Shop and they have been good to this blog. They are so amazing, in fact, that they are providing one of you with an incredible set of products worth approximately $100!

To kick off a new year and decade, The Body Shop is going back to their basic, fantastic products. Originals is a collection of the great items that used to sell in the 80s. The products are still the same quality that you are familiar with, but now made with community trade ingredients and packaged in 100% recycled PET bottles.


Check out this list of amazing items that one lucky reader will receive:

Cucumber Freshening Water
Cucumber Cleansing Milk
Passionfruit Facial Cleansing Gel
Carrot Moisture Cream
Dewberry Body Lotion
Fuzzy Peach Bath & Shower Gel
Dewberry Bath & Shower Gel
Green Apple Bath & Shower Gel
Banana Shampoo
Banana Conditioner
Ice Blue Shampoo

I think the appropriate reaction is: W-O-W!!!

If you weren’t aware, the integrity of The Body Shop is beyond honorable. In addition to being a cruelty-free company, they also support community trade, defend human rights, and so, so much more that you can read about here.

So here is how you enter this contest (only open to US residents, sorry to everyone else):

Leave a comment on this post.
Leave a comment on The Body Shop Blog.
Follow my blog.

You can do one, two, or three. One gives you one entry. Two gives you two. And three gives you three.

Ready…set…GO!

One winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Monday, February 1.

Photo courtesy of: Ignite Social Media

Monday, January 11, 2010

Every Day Matters®

My new, local JCPenny is a stand alone store, not in a mall. I never really used to shop at JCP, but now I love it! They have some great work clothes, awesome gifts for dads, and most importantly—a Sephora!

During my Christmas shopping I picked myself up a gift, which I happen to be wearing today. A pair of great black tights. I have a problem finding tights that I like. Usually they are too thin and more see-through than black. Even when I go a size bigger, I still don’t like the way that they look. But these tights I found are great, and they were cheap! So if you are looking for a pair, I recommend a visit to JCP.

Also spotted during my visit was a hot pair of heels! I need to go and buy them because I can’t stop thinking about them. It’s like I am in love.

These babies that have stolen my heart? Worthington® 'Apryl' Colorblock Suede Pumps. They are on sale for $49.99—$10 more than they were selling for last month—and come in black or purple suede.

I adore them both but would get more use out of a black pair. Then again…I do already have black suede pumps. And the purple pair could add a little funk to any outfit. Oh, the decisions I am faced with! ; )

Here are the colors to choose from:
Sorry that these pictures are so small! You can also click here for better images.




Photos courtesy of: jcpenny.com

Monday, January 4, 2010

A Taste of Wine

Happy 2010! I hope you all had a great holiday season.

I was fortunate enough to have almost two full weeks off of work so I did a lot of lounging around. After I was lounged out, I decided to take a little trip up to the Central Coast of California for some wine tasting. The destination--Paso Robles.


Located about 30 minutes inland from San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles is situated in a region comprised of over 250 wineries. While most think of Napa for California wines, the Central Coast is abundant with vineyards as well.


Instead of trying to decide which wineries to visit, we hopped on the Grapeline. This was an awesome decision! For $86, we got picked up at our hotel and taken to four wineries over the course of about five hours, given an amazing picnic lunch, then we were dropped off back at our hotel. It was great to get to taste all of the wines without the worry of having to drive.


I am not the biggest wine drinker. I drink it, but never know what kind to buy...usually picking the bottle with the coolest name that tastes the worst! Therefore I was excited to go on the tour and taste the wines and learn what I enjoy. And boy was there opportunity to try different variates.


At each winery we sampled anywhere from four to eight wines. I already knew I liked white and blushes, I learned to like some reds, and I now know I HATE port! Not my thing!

The scenery was so beautiful. It was a great little getaway and for a nice price. Using Priceline's "name your price," I booked a Courtyard Marriott room for $60 that rents for $145.


On the way home we drove down the 101 through Pismo Beach (pictured above), Santa Barbara, and back to LA. The drive was really plesant. There's nothing better than viewing the coast while driving!

If you live in the LA area, I suggest you take a trip to Paso Robles. From the city it only takes just over three hours to get to the gorgeous area.