2011 Book Addiction: Read List

A few years ago, I started writing down all the books I read in order to keep track of what I am reading and to see how much I have read in a year. As you have noticed from the various book reviews on this blog, I enjoy reading and I read a lot - in variety of genres. I will not do book reviews on all the books I read, BUT I have decided to include a section where I will update what books I have read. Feel free to comment and make any suggestions for additional reading and it can be included in my future reading list. I am also interested to know what you thought of any of the books I have read that you have read.  Follow the link here to see my list. You can also follow the page link on the side to see the most up-to-date list.

I have also created a page with last years book list. My goal this year is to try to reach 75 books.

What are your thoughts on my goal?

UPDATE: I am also going to create a few pages of books I want to read. I am hoping I can add to the list from any suggestions I get. Thanks! 

Celebrity Gossip: Mar. 22 to Mar. 27

Good Morning Kiddies,

You know what day it is today: Gossip Day! Unfortunately, due to being super busy at work last week (a certain person who shall remain nameless was abscent 2.5 days of last week leaving me INCREDIBLY BUSY) and being very sick this weekend, I will not be able to do this week in gossip justice. You will have to wait for a good old big review next week. 

Here is what I have for last week anyway: 

 - In accordance to his ex-wife (Brooke Mueller)'s custody agreement with her ex, Charlie Sheen has been banned from seeing his children until he undergos a psychiatric evaluation. Finally... I mean seriously... do people see the news... this should have been decided three tiger bloods, and one warlock ago...

Lindsey Lohan

- Lindsey Lohan has turned down the plea deal offered by the judge in her theft case, her lawyer has confirmed. There were rumors that jail time was definitely part of the plea deal. The judge had basically said as much during the trial. Lilo has decided she would rather let a jury decide if she stole the 2,500 dollar necklace she is alleged to have taken. Alright, we will see if a panel of her peers is more sympathetic... uuummm yeah... I'm not sure how this will go but I am definitely interested...

- Amidst scandal surrounding the amount of dancing Natalie Portman did in her Academy Award winning performance Black Swan (her dancing double is saying that she did most of the dancing and Natalie very little), EW is reporting that Mila Kunis is standing up for her castmate stating that Portman "danced her ass off". Kunis continues on to say that Natalie herself will tell you that she was not able to do all the dancing. Both her director and co-star / fiance say that Natalie did 80% of the dancing herself. I saw this movie and it freaked the crap out of me. BUT there is no denying Natalie rocked it in my opinion and even if she didn't do all the dancing - as she herself has admitted - it def did not take away from the film. It was an amazing movie. It sounds to me like someone is trying to gain fame off of Natalie's success...

Natalie and her fiance Benjamin Millepied dancing in the film.

Sorry I do not have more this week. Stay tuned for later this week. I will be putting together a posting about a Hollywood leading lady who left us last week. :( She loved jewelery more than me and was a fierce fashionista, as well as quite the lady lover!

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Images:

1. Lindsey Lohan - http://www.wildsound-filmmaking-feedback-events.com/images

/lindsay_lohan_court.jpg

2. Natalie Portman - http://www.parcbench.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/

blackswanbenjamin.jpg

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Information accumulated from browsing on EW, Perez Hilton, People, TMZ and watching ET and TMZ - and seriously having a problem when it comes to celeb news. 

A Touch of Me Celebrity News Section is my opinion based on rumours and information obtained from entertainment media sites and blogs. This information may contain errors and inaccurate information, although the information is carefully selected. This is not intended as a means to harm. All images that appear are copyrighted by their respective owners unless otherwise indicated. All images and information is sited based on where the information and images were obtained. Thank you.

Book Review: "Secret Daughter" by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Interweaving the stories of multiple characters linked by a country and a child, Gowda creates a sweeping tale about the life of women. Somer is an American living in California desperate to have a child with the man she loves. In India, Kavita is a young mother having girl children her husband's family does not want in a society that covets the male child over the female. Asha is the daughter that connects these women. Asha must return to the country of her birth to truly come to terms with where she came from and discover who she will become.

Book Art and Author Photograph

What I loved about this novel was the way the author explored a culture by giving us snapshots of this world. She provided us with a rich look into the history, the social structure and customs of India. She showed us both the good and the bad. She developed characters that had different feelings about this country and whose opinions changed over time with their own changing views on life. She gave us a look into what it means to be a woman in India, in all walks of life from poor to rich to even being a foreigner. Most importantly, she explored the universal theme of a mother's love and what it can mean.

The other idea Gowda explored was the idea of self-discovery. Asha must learn who she is by traveling to a country where she was born but had not been back to since she was a baby. She realizes how little she understands of her own culture and background. Through her travels and studies, she learns who she really is and also learns to appreciate the women who have loved and sacrificed for her. I found this idea of self-discovery compelling because it fits so much into where I am right now in my life and I could really relate to how she processed her feelings about it.

Coming Soon: Review of Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay.

Holly: The Life and Times of a Terror and Cutie - Part Un

Hello kiddies,

This week has been nuts (I am getting sick, work has been crazy, I have bday celebrations coming out my arse there are so many) and I have been neglecting my blogging duties so there will be no Top Ten unfortunately, but I decided I would start writing the adventures of my sassy, nutso kitten Holly.  

I adore her. She also kinda adores me too (when I say kinda I mean actually). She tolerates others, loves the roomie.. but she is really mine (both literally and figuratively).

I love her for a variety of reasons which include:

1. She is soooo cute and pretty. Seriously, she really is. Take a look:

Holly looking gorge - sitting on the back of my couch gazing lovingly at me :)

She has the nicest medium length fur that is so soft and fluffy! She is a reverse skunk because she has a white strip up her stomach and white little paws and whiskers. Her eyes are this yellow green and she has this adorable little black nose. I love her cute little nose!

2. She gets crazy eyes. I think this is the funniest thing. She will sit in front of me when she is in her mood. She will look up and start pushing her head back and slightly shaking. In Holly, this means she is about to do something funny, crazy, bad or some combination of this. She literally 10 minutes ago did this and went bonkers running around the apartment propelling herself off of the window ledges - running into things and basically making a ruckus. She weighs about 10lbs max, is all fur but man when she does this, she makes a ridic amount of noise it's like a elephants are running through our apartment. It is both strangely endearing and horrifying.

3. She likes to cuddle. She likes to cuddle. I like to cuddle. Nuf said.

4. She talks in a sweet little voice. Now I know what some of you are thinking- its' time to see a dr cause you're crazy. When I say talk, iImean she meows and I mostly do not understand her. I do, however ,talk back to her. Saying things like "oh yeah" or "hhhmmm" and it makes her happy. I can tell. She keeps on talking so she must like it...

5. She is really really bad. I thought we had worked this out between us. She gets up on things I don`t want her to, she gets sprayed with the water bottle. Apparently, not so much. Here is a picture of her favorite place to get up on which she is not allowed to:

Holly watching the movie babies which she was fascinated with. Her other favorite things to watch on tv include Hockey and anything bright or shiny - she obvs takes after me.

Her being bad also connects to her crazy eyes. She gets that look, goes bonkers and destruction usually ensues. While her being nuts and bad usually ends in me saying "God Holly" in some form or other, I still love it. Being bad and crazy is one of my favorite things about cats in general, and Holly specifically.

Well this is the first in a - I am sure - long line of postings about my little she-devil.

Cat and blog lovers, can you relate?

xxx

Spring Accessories: My New Obsession

Last week, I went shopping with some of my lovely ladies. I spent a good amount of time looking at accessories and jewelery - which is one of my absolute favourite things. I put together this little set below to highlight the different trends I noticed while shopping. There seems to be a contrast in trends this season. I saw lots of earthy, light, neutral tones (natural feathers, gold, pearls) and then lots of very bright colourful pieces as well (peacock feathers, bright beads).

I think I am definitely a more bright and colourful person when it comes to my clothing - neutrals make me look washed out - except of course the always flattering go-to black which I will always have the most enduring and passionate love affair. When it comes to jewelery, however, I am usually drawn to the shiny and earthy with light splashes of colour.

My favourite from this series has got to be the Alexander McQueen skull necklace. I love this kind of pendant and I have always had a huge love of skulls. I also adore all the feathers. Simply gorgeous.

What do you like from this seasons trends?

Spring Accessories by Killerqueen_jess featuring peacock feather earrings

Lanvin chain necklace
$1,075 - net-a-porter.com

Feather earring
$875 - barneys.com

Choker necklace
$750 - kirnazabete.com

Alexander McQueen skull necklace
$495 - net-a-porter.com

Beaded necklace
$413 - robindira.com

Avanessi rose gold ring
$298 - maxandchloe.com

Rachel Roy skull ring
$48 - rachelroy.com

Linda Macdonald sterling silver earring
35 GBP - johnlewis.com

TopShop stud earring
$20 - topshop.com

Miss Selfridge peacock feather earring
13 GBP - missselfridge.com

Gold pendant
$7.95 - zumiez.com

The next day, I picked up some things from each of the two categories: I got a set of three different colours of plastic crystal earrings ($8 from Aldo Accessories) and a beautiful gold peacock pendant necklace with jewel coloured stones in the tail ($15 from Aldo Accessories). I have become obsessed by this necklace. I want to wear it at all times. It hangs low and it looks good with every solid colour I own. I wore it four out of five days this week. I probably need to put it aside for a bit. I will try.

Here it is: Isn`t it beautiful?

Peacock Pendant Necklace - $15 from Aldo Accessories

Peacock obsessed signing off,

xxx

P.S. my obsession with peacocks is slightly dirty sounding, isn't it?

Celebrity Gossip - Mar. 14 to Mar. 20

Brad proposing to Emily on the show.

Happy Tuesday!

You know what day it: Celeb News Day! 

- The Bachelor Brad Womack chose his girl: Emily Maynard! My favourite. YEAH!! But it has not been all roses as they so eloquently put it (wuh wah...). On the after show, Emily said she struggled watching her fiance romancing other woman while watching the show.  They even, pause - gasp as dramatically as the audience -- broke up. But Brad assured us all they are still happily engaged (while not wearing her ring). Emily, seriously, if you are going to go on NATIONAL TV to meet your dream man on a show called THE BACHELOR... and you're a teensy bit insecure... my advice to you would be NOT TO WATCH THE SHOW WHEN IT AIRES!! you got the man for now forever... why torture yourself? 

- During the early 80s, Queen and MJ recorded three songs together and Queen is currently working on them according to member Roger Taylor. I could not be more excited about this!!!!!!!! I love Queen! I love MJ - especially in the 80s. BEST. COMBO. EVER.

Queen

- Some extremely graphic, nude photos surfaced of Vanessa Hudgens this week. Being the curious girl that I am, I looked at them. They are graphic to say the least. This is apparently the third time this has happened to her. Just one question I am curious about... why keep taking pics like this? Why ever take pics like this when you are a celeb? I mean I feel bad for her... that blows but why even do it?

- David and Victoria Beckham have announced the baby they are expecting is a girl. They already have three boys. Honestly, I kind of love Victoria Beckham so I am super happy she will have a cute little girl to dress up now!! Can't wait to see those baby fashions!

David and Victoria Beckham

 - Ryan Philippe's ex girlfriend is pregnant and saying it is his. Ryan broke up with her last year and has been on and off with Amanda Seyfried. Interesting twist. According to People, he is waiting for a paternity test before making any public statements. Smart move, buddy... Philippe has stated that he was blindsided by the pregnancy but this seems not to be the case. According to Perez Hilton, Ryan Philippe did in fact know about his ex-gf's pregnancy. He asked her to have an abortion! None of this information has been truly confirmed by anyone other than "sources close to..." blah blah blah. I hope this gets worked out.

-Lindsey Lohan received a plea deal last week from her cranky judge (I like him!!), but the details have been secret. According to Perez Hilton, some sources are coming forward now describing the consequences for not taking the plea which could include between 60 to 90 days in prison. While going to trial might not result in jail time for THIS alleged crime, Lilo will face jail time regardless on previous parole violation charges. The sources go on to say that Lilo should take the plea bargain. She has until March 23 to accept. How many times is this girl going to face charges and jail time. She needs help... Someone needs to give it to her... Maybe jail would be the best thing.

- This week on Glee, the cast debut new original music which included the hilarious Fat Ass Heart by my lovely Puckerman, a lost love ballad by Rachel and an anthem for the disenfranchised "Loser Like Me". I loved the original music. It was fun, true to character and exciting. I look forward to more!

 - Last week, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel broke up amidst absolutely no scandal whatsoever. This week, People is reporting that it was neither cheating nor marriage that was the reason behind their breakup.  Also, Mila Kunis, JT's co-star in his new movie is not to blame. Wow, what did cause the break up then??

- Ashley Greene broke up with Joe Jonas and has now been seen out with Jared Followfill of Kings of Leon (One of my fav bands!). Two cuties. Good for you Ashley! I actually like her. She doesn't seem to crave all the attention the other young starlets do. I also like her fashion. I hope this new relationship works out for her.

That's it for this week. 

xxx

 Information accumulated from browsing on EW, Perez Hilton, People, TMZ and watching ET and TMZ - and seriously having a problem when it comes to celeb news. 

A Touch of Me Celebrity News Section is my opinion based on rumours and information obtained from entertainment media sites and blogs. This information may contain errors and inaccurate information, although the information is carefully selected. This is not intended as a means to harm. All images that appear are copyrighted by their respective owners unless otherwise indicated. All images and information is sited based on where the information and images were obtained. Thank you.

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Images:

1. Brad and Emily - ABC (http://www.celebritybrideguide.com/photos/brad-emily-278x400.jpg)

2. Queen - (http://www.8notes.com/images/artists/queen.jpg)

3. David and Victoria Beckham - Inquisitr (http://turbo.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2010/08/david- victoria-beckham.jpg)

St-Patty's Day Outfit

Happy St-Patty's!!

Now I do not have many plans for tonight. It is a yucky gray day here today and I am supposed to meet up with some friends from school, but I am not sure if I will. Today, I did however decide to wear something festive. I do not have a working camera at the moment (BOO!!), so I put together a set that is more or less my outfit today. (My clothes are definitely from different stores then the ones I put in the set).

The two biggest differences are that my green sweater is a bit brighter and lighter (and from Old Navy) and my bead necklace has some white and gray beads on it (I got it in Venice so it was very difficult to find a match). Everything else is similar just not from these stores. My jeans are from Ricki's and my tank is from Old Navy.

As for shoes (which I forgot to add to this set), I am wearing my tried and true black flats I got from Payless about six years ago now. They are the best. They go with everything. They are super comfy and they do not make my feet sweat (bonus!).

St-Patty's Day Outfit by Killerqueen featuring slim leg pants

Forrest Bob white top
$17 - my-wardrobe.com

Patterson J Kincaid crew neck top
$78 - shopbop.com

Slim leg pants
115 GBP - houseoffraser.co.uk

1928 Jewelry beading jewelry
$48 - 1928.com

I will try my best to get the roomie to take a pic of me and update this post.

Hope you all have a wonderful day drinking green beer!

xxx

Quote of the Day

"Too much of a good thing is wonderful." - Mae West.

I thought in light of St-Pattys tomorrow and B's bday celebrations on Friday, this quote was appropriate.

Happy St-Patty's!

xxx

Image from DoctorMacro.com.

A Birthday to Celebrate...

Today is my roomie B's 25th Birthday. Twenty-five years ago today, she was born into this world and fifteen years later, we would meet and become friends and eventually live together in our adorable apartment with our sassy yet lovable chatton! 

There are about a million reasons why I love B and she is awesome so I am going to write five so it does not seem to greedy!

1. She is super thoughtful and sweet. On my birthday last year, she decorated the apartment for our party and made me a cake and gave me the best gift I could ever want (a gift card to buy books!). This is just one example of her amazingness.

2. She is super creative. She makes all kinds of cool things like cards, scrap books etc.

3. She takes a million pictures. She always has tons of pics from important events and loves showing them off. And I love looking at them / having access to them :)

4. She is humble. While she might not realise how hawt she is, she is gorgeous. She is never vain about it or annoying. She just is gorgeous in this totally natural way.

And finally... 

5. She is a great friend. She is always there for me and she always listens and offers great advice. I know I can count on her and that is so important!

Happy Birthday B! I hope your day is magical and great and we party hardy on Friday!!

Kisses!!

xxx

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Image from http://images.pinkcakebox.com/cake403.jpg.

Celebrity Gossip - Mar. 7 to Mar. 13

Good Morning Kiddies,

Here is your weekly dose of gossip. I get my dose daily, but its nice to know I am not enabling you myself with this my addiction by posting every day. 

Charlie Sheen or Warlock to his friends.

- Oh Charlie Charlie... in a dramatic turn of events not really, Charlie Sheen was fired from his hit show Two and a Half Men. Warner Bros Studios issued a letter stating all the obvious reasons why (you too can read the letter here.) I, in particular, commend the WB for  this part of the statement which indicates they are not just trying to ride out  the wave of publicity garnered by this freak show, "Warner Bros. would not, could not, and should not attempt to continue ‘business as usual’ while Mr. Sheen destroys himself as the world watches.” They go on to criticize Sheen's statements regarding his ability to self-heal his addiction and his inability to provide a letter from his doctor stating these statements as true, wah wuh.  The overral reason, it would seem, he was fired is that there is a morality clause in his contract stating an individual may be fired if they "commit a felony offense involving moral turpitude". Charlie Sheen is obviously going to sue both the WB and Chuck Lorres (the creator of Two and a Half Men) for.... wait for it... this is good... 100 MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!

-McDonalds is coming out with a McWinning product to capitalize on Charlie Sheen's "success". Oh brother... I know McDs is struggling to make money (???) ... but this is not the way to endear yourself to sane customers.

- In more related Charlie Sheen news (btws I can't believe I am paying this much attention to this nut), never mind. I won't... ok maybe I will just briefly mention that his home was raided by the police this week as well. Allegedly to remove a number of guns Sheen had in his possession as part of his deal with his ex-wife to see his children. blah blah blah...

Kate Middleton Barbie

- Barbie has come out with a Kate Middleton doll. Is it weird that I think this is pretty cool? Now you need to come out with a Prince Will doll so they can live happily ever after in their plastic world... sorry I just regressed there slightly.

- Has Christina Aguilera hit rock bottom? Star Magazine is reporting she has. I think her arrest for being overly pissed in public might also suggest the same. I miss the old Christina who just got down and dirty but not in any real trouble. :(

-  Chris Brown, in a new interview with US magazine, calls his domestic assault on Rihanna a "mishap", one he is done apologizing for. I am so glad this came out in the week where we celebrated 100 years of fighting for women's rights with International Women's Day on March 8. Way to celebrate bring us down, Mr. Brown.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel in happier times.

- Lindsey Lohan arrived in court 35 minutes late on March 10, Perez Hilton reports. She is in court to try to come to a plea deal to avoid a trial.  She is being charged for allegedly stealing a necklace. She has since refused to accept any plea deal which includes jail time maintaining her innocence. The judge involved has said any deal made in his court will include jail time for the starlet trainwreck..She has been scolded multiple times by the judge.  Could this girl get into anymore trouble?

- Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel broke up after 4 years. They are still friends. Boring end to a boring relationship. I guess it is good in this crazy celeb world of scandal. I also like that someone as hot as Justin Timberlake seems to enjoy serial monogamy. They were together a long time for Hollywood standards. He also was with both Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears for many years (eeerrr..separately obvs).

Well that's it for this round up. Pop by next Tuesday for more celeb news.

xxx

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Information accumulated from browsing on EW, Perez Hilton, People, TMZ and watching ET and TMZ - and seriously having a problem when it comes to celeb news. Thank you.

  

Photos:

1. Charlie Sheen - http://gossip.whyfame.com/files/2010/03/charlie_sheen.jpg

2. Kate Middleton Barbie - http://healthystylist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ B11G664_large-255x300.jpg

3. Timberlake and Biel - http://www.ayeahgames.com/Portals/44971/images /justin-timberlake-with-jessica-biel.jpg

Book Review: "How to Make Love to a Negro Without Getting Tired" by Dany Laferriere.

The Author

"Things are going terribly wrong these days for the conscientious, professional black pick-up artist" (13).

Echoing the sounds of the Beat writers and Kurt Vonnegut, Laferriere writes a raunchy, hysterical, realistic, culturally explicit look at sex and the world for a black man living in Montreal. He writes about what it means for him and society to have sex with white women. He delves into exploitation, cultural differences and plain old male-female dynamics. He writes from an authentic place, steeped in what feels like personal experience through his use of some stream of consciousness techniques and real world advice.

While this little book may first appear to be only about sexual relationships,  the reader needs to delve deeper into the author's discussion of sex and life to see a thoroughly intelligent narrator living in poverty, sick of the ways of the world, and what that world holds for him as a black man.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, interesting read. He presents a likable character who happens to be both obsessed with literature and sex with "types" of women most memorable among them: Miz Literature, Miz Snob, and Miz Cat. The author writes both intelligently and in a manner that makes him easy to navigate. His charm is the honest and authentic voice behind his words and phrases about criticism, injustice and sexual exploitation. It is a fascinating and interesting read.

Coming Soon: Review of "Secret Daughter" by Shilpi Somaya Gowda


Picture from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QwtjPMQBQj7EYpBUlzbSuj7o1z2cykPxDgyNzaM7XSjtB_zo-MzY97AzgbtJu5zA8OikyPxjKaW3Xbe4FQGzC7aZedKq9_uMPamQgZROGk1bHjHiGT3iuf174ig_jVzuHx5zSAH9T3o/s320/Dany+Laferriere+4.jpg

Jersey Thursday and Friday

Good Morning Kiddies!

As excited as I get about Jersey Thursdays, I think I love Friday mornings almost as much when I get a chance to read the recap on Entertainment Weekly of my beloved Shoredom.  The recapper, Darren Franich, is beyond quippy, sassy, hysterical and intelligent in his review of a show that is only one or maybe two of the things previously listed (bet you can guess which ones).

To start off the day right, and enjoy a good laugh, check it out here for this week's episode.

Enjoy!

xxx

P.S. As promised, more fun stuff and less weepy-ness :)

How I am Feeling Right Now

Since watching Glee on Tuesday (or better known as the day I freaked out about my life), I have been obsessively thinking about the song Landslide (originally by Fleetwood Mac). Last night, I downloaded three versions of it. I think it is hard not to make a beautiful version of this song but, my fav is definitely the Fleetwood Mac version. 

I feel like with not knowing what I am doing with my life and being slightly afraid of change, this song really speaks to where I am in my life.

Here are the lyrics: 

I took my love, took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'til the landslide brought it down
Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changing' ocean tides?
Can I handle the season of my life?

Well I've been afraid of changin'
'cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm getting older too
Oh, take my love, take it down
Climb a mountain and turn around

And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide will bring me down
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide will bring it down
The landslide will bring it down

Written by Stevie Nicks.

(bolded sections added by me)

Here is a video of the band performing the song in 2004. 

When it comes to music, I think it is the writer / appreciator of writing in me , but lyrics and the way the singer presents them is always the most important thing for me. The music sound itself is also very important but once that is good, I look for what the singer is saying and what it makes me feel. It is the best kind of poetry. And Stevie just kills it. This is such a beautiful, authentic song. I love how she is still singing it for him even years after no longer being together.

 The bolded sections of the lyrics are the parts that really get me. I think I am having issues getting older -  many of my friends are turning the big 2-5 over the next month and it is freaking me out. I thought I would have so many more things figured out by now and I just have more questions. While I realise that is the way life is and huge cliche (I hate being a cliche!!), I still stress about it. I wish I could go back to when I was 18 with what I know now. I would do so many things I did not do. I don't regret anything I did or did not do, I just might allow myself to have more experiences.

Sorry for all the self-reflection kiddies. It is where I am right now. I will have more fun things soon!

xxx




Picture of Fleetwood Mac from http://www.amoeba.com/dynamic-images/blog/Sarah/ fleetwoodmac1.jpg
Lyrics from http://www.lyrics.com/landslide-lyrics-fleetwood-mac.html 

New Look

I am definitely someone who likes to play around creatively with things like art, fashion, design etc. Last night, I decided I wanted to change the look on this blog. I will probably do it again (maybe 100 times haha). I like colour and graphics and design. That being said, you will have to bear with me when it comes to my design ADD.

Thanks kiddies!

xxx

From http://a.dryicons.com/files/graphics_previews/pop_art_kiss.jpg.

Work, Work, Work

Job security is so not an overrated thing. Let me tell you.

I had a terrible day yesterday when it comes to jobs. The renewal of my contract position covering a mat leave is STILL up in the air. Boo! And then a job I interviewed for that I really wanted I did not get. It had career potential and was actually a permanent position. The woman who interviewed me said I did well on the interview and test but, she was offering the position to someone else. Double boo!!

All around yesterday sucked in my work world. I really need a job and to start saving money. I want some money (and job) security so I can figure out my life - or more accurately, what I am going to do with my life. I was also hoping that job could help me figure out what I want to do by giving me the opportunity to work in a field of interest for me. Finding my current job was difficult enough in this economy and now it might not be renewed. bah! I am a tad stressed.

Anyway, to finish off, and to make myself laugh (and hopefully you), I am going to tell you a story about my worst interview. I was interviewing for a technical support position. I have worked in technical support before but it was very simple, level one technical support - helping customers reconnect their internet or fix any little glitches. I assumed this position would be the same considering I had made no exaggerations about my skill level on my resume.

I headed to the interview in a downtown office. I was interviewed by two people - one person who was from HR and one person who was clearly a very technical person. The tech person asked me a variety of questions I could not answer at all. At one point, I said, "I am not sure. I guess I would google it." The HR person thought that was a good answer, but the tech guy LAUGHED OUT LOUD!! It was awful, but I left laughing. I obviously did not get the job!

I still think people should not underestimate the power of google. I solve tons of problems googling!

Well I hope if any of you are having work or job search issues,  this little story made you smile.

xxx

Because Waiting Sucks

Good Morning Truebies!

Now I love True Blood - this might connect back to my guilty pleasure regarding things supernatural -- including surprisingly or not Supernatural - and this video helps get me through the terrible cold months of winter here in Canada. I cannot wait until the season 4 premiere this June. I find the creator Alan Ball does a good job of giving us little teaser videos for the new seasons.

This video is of my favourite character, Eric, played by the sexy Alexander Skarsgard (see my list of Top Ten Hotties). If you do not want any spoilers for the upcoming season, I do not recommend watching this video. SPOILER ALERT. If you want to have more questions for the upcoming season and a tiny tid bit of information, watch this video.

OMG!!!!! This makes me super happy and excited for the new season!!!!

This season is based on the fourth (and my favourite) of the Southern Vampire Series (also known as the Sookie Stackhouse books). I love this book sooo much because of that guy above!

Anyway, thought I would start the day off right with this post.

Thoughts?

xxx

March 8 - International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day.

Take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful women in your life!

I appreciate the following women in my life:
- my mum
- my grandma
- my besties (you know who you are!)
- my co-workers: past and present
- Anna Wintour (not really, well maybe but I do love Vogue!)

xxx

Welcome to the Jungle

I put this set together to show off the recent trend in animal prints. I have always loved animal prints, but like everything, only in moderation (haha). Let's be honest, that is a ridiculous statement coming from me (anyhoo...)

Now kiddies, you cannot pair animal prints with other animal prints. Pick one. V. important. Wear the dress with solid coloured shoes and accessories. Or with solid coloured clothing, choose the printed bag or shoes or scarf. I could go for printed shoes and bag, but only on very special occasions (aka when they work based on the style of print and the item). When I say solid colour, I do not necessarily mean black or white or beige. I love the idea of bright colours like red, blue, yellow and mixing them up. I just mean SOLID.

I especially like the unexpected colours that animal prints have been showing up (see the blue and red dresses and the scarf in this set). I recently bought a pink and black leopard print top from Zellers (12$ baby!!) and I love it. It is comfy, stylish and cute while being a bit different cause it is pink rather than white or beige.

In this set, I really love the belted top (Dorthy Perkins Shell Top) and razor back tank (Animal Print Top From Tilly). They could both be worn with skinny jeans or jeggings (love jeggings!!) or leggings or white cigar pants or even the razor back tank could be worn with short shorts in the summer for going out. The boots are also fierce. I see them paired with a skirt or a pair of leggings / jeggings and swooped neck shirt.

What do you think of animal prints? Too much or just enough?

xxx

Animal Prints 2011 by Killerqueen_jess on Polyvore.com

Tibi cap sleeve dress
$368 - tibi.com

Dresses animal print party dress
$278 - edressme.com

Dresses wrap around dress
$80 - macys.com

Single shoulder dress
60 GBP - warehouse.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins shell top
22 GBP - dorothyperkins.com

Animal print top
$15 - tillys.com

Snake print legging
$29 - spiegel.com

ASOS leather platform boot
$57 - asos.com

Stella McCartney bowling bag
$985 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Animal print jewelry
$37 - fantasyjewelrybox.com

Diane von Furstenberg animal print scarve
115 GBP - net-a-porter.com

bebe : JUST IN : FEATURES : Wild Animal Prints
bebe.com

Celebrity Gossip - Feb. 27 to Mar. 6

Happy Tuesday!

I spend WAY WAY WAY too much time on celebrity gossip websites. My favourites are EW, Perez, TMZ and People but I will look at many others. I have decided to make use of this lovely and ridiculous pass time by creating a short update for you all each week detailing the ups and downs (and usually crazy) of the celeb life.

Here is a short look at last week. I am hoping to write more and develop my style here.Here we go:

 - For the past few weeks, Charlie Sheen has been publically going insane (whether he was nuts before this and people did not realise or did not acknowledge it, should also be up for a consideration). From various interviews  with very prominent programs to twitter to weird video blogs, he has been everywhere. He has been sound bited saying some awfully interesting things: "I am on a drug. It's called Charlie Sheen" (said on an ABC interview) and  "[That way of life] was written for normal people, people who aren't special, people who don't have tiger blood and Adonis DNA" (said on an interview with Today). OK... These public displays of insanity have helped alienate him from all four of his children (his twin boys were removed from his house this week) and shown the world a look into the strange world which is CHARLIE SHEEN. From his rants to his goddesses to the custody battles! I seriously do not find the coverage on him funny at all maybe just a bit.

- Scarlett Johansson (26) and Sean Penn (50) have been seen canoodling. I, for one, have no problem with dating an older man, even if he is almost twice your age. For some reason though, all I can think when I see this is eeeewwwwww... and then a healthy dose of whyyyyyy???? when you had the haaawwwtness which is Ryan Reynolds. Boo Scarlett boo!!

- Christina Aguilera and her bf were arrested. Christina for being too drunk and her bf for a DUI. She was not charged. Wow, ok wow.I like what Pink said on her blog about how between her, Christina and Brit Brit, she was the one everyone thought would be arrested and she never has been. Huh?

-  Fashion designer John Galliano (DIOR) is alleged to have made some anti-Semitic and racial slurs while in Paris. When I hear this kind of thing, I honestly have no words. Rightly so, many have been speaking out against his alleged remarks including Natalie Portman who has recently become a spokeperson for a Dior fragrance. ooops!

Natalie Portman in Rodarte.

- Lots of wedding news about the only wedding I care about at the moment: THE ROYAL WEDDING!! As someone who should have been born in England (but unfortunately, was not), I am super excited for this! Peeps Mag has a running commentary on all the happenings surrounding the wedding! This past week or so, Elton John admitted he was invited, as did the other royal couple the Becks, Duchess Fergie was not (uh oh!) but some of Kate and Will's neighbours were. (Double ouch for Fergie!). Also the official coin for the wedding came out. (I don't care about that personally!)

-  The Oscars were on Sunday. Lots of fashion, pretty people and winners. The consensus seems to be that Anne Hathaway and James Franco were not good hosts. I thougth they were pretty funny.I am not part of the consensus obviously. I really like Halle Berry, Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman's dresses. I also liked looking at Colin Firth and was happy be won despite thinking he should have won for the Single Man last year.

Halle Berry in Marchesa.

Mila Kunis is Ellie Saab.

That's it for this week. Come back for more next week!

xxx

Pictures found through google images.

Information accumulated from browsing  EW, Perez Hilton, People, TMZ and watching ET and TMZ.