Saturday, December 31, 2011

For Auld Lang Syne...












Now Playing: "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra

Nail Polish of the Moment: OPI Rainbow Connection





When I purchased this polish a couple months back, I knew that it would be perfect for New Year's Eve! It literally looks like an explosion of confetti on my nails. I first put down a couple coats of metallic silver polish (LA Colors Color Craze in Live) and waited for it to dry. I then put 2-3 coats of Rainbow Connection on top and sealed it with Seche Vite. From a distance, it reminds me a bit of a stained glass window. I absolutely love it! I think this look would also be fun for birthday parties, Vegas, a trip to the circus (random) or anywhere that's a bit on the wild side. If you like to have fun with your nails and want to try something a step beyond a standard glitter, I highly recommend trying this out! Those who are into manicures know the difference between the kind of glitter that's used in polish and the kind that's found inside a craft store. OPI's Rainbow Connection is the exception. It truly looks like confetti glitter in nail polish form. I love it!















Now Playing: "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed

New Year's Eve Classic...

When Harry Met Sally, 1989.


"I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."










Now Playing: "It Had To Be You" by Frank Sinatra
*Duh

Friday, December 30, 2011

Flashback Friday

In observance of New Year's Eve, I must choose "Champagne Supernova" by Oasis as my flashback Friday song. If you know me at all, you know that in my world, champagne is not only reserved for December 31st.

"My only regret in life is that I didn't drink enough champagne." -John Maynard Keynes

But long before I developed a penchant for the bubbly, I was listening to this song. I've always loved it. Hearing it now, reminds me of the days when I would actually call the radio station to make a request, then wait for it to be played. If I was lucky, the DJ would put our conversation on the air. What's the Story Morning Glory was one of the first CDs I remember asking my parents to get me for Christmas. I wish I still had it but sadly, someone stole my entire collection a few years ago.

"Champagne Supernova" by Oasis, 1996.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

The Stroke of Midnight



I saw this "flyer" on tumblr and couldn't help but laugh. I've only spent one New Year's Eve inside a douchey night club (back in '06/'07). I swore then that it would be my last foray into the club scene. I have succeeded in my promise. New Year's Eve is an exciting time but I find that it's extremely overrated and can produce a tremendous amount of disappointment. One of my friends got married last year on 12/31, so it was an amazing night, but some of the best New Year's Eve parties I've been to were right at home with my family or close friends. I don't see what fun there is to be had in waiting an hour at a crowded bar to get an overpriced, watered down drink. I'd rather watch the ball drop from the comfort of my own home. I'm still waiting for my first new year's kiss, though. I ran away from the guy I was with last year because it wouldn't have been special enough. True story. I've waited this long, might as well hold out for the fireworks...












Now Playing: "Dazed and Confused" by Led Zeppelin

Quoteworthy

"A faith is a necessity to a man. Woe to him who believes in nothing."

-Victor Hugo




Ben Breedlove 1993-2011

This story touched my heart significantly because I've always believed that when we die, our souls pass on in the form of light and energy. One of my favorite books is entitled Hello From Heaven. It goes into great detail about after death communication. I feel that Ben's message came at a very powerful time of the year and will give hope to many who are searching.











Now Playing: "Bedshaped" by Keane

Nail Polish of the Moment: Milani Blue Flash


2-3 Coats of Milani Blue Flash



Last month, I posted about Milani's One Coat Glitter Polish that I found at K-Mart. I ended up ordering two more colors because I was so impressed with the quality and price point. Blue Flash is an electric blue that's perfect for the icy winter months (the color of my astrological sign, Aquarius). It reminds me of a glittery ornament. It somewhat lives up to its promise in that you can get away with one coat if you had to but I much prefer 2-3 coats to get a vamped up effect. I like the texture, so I didn't apply a top coat but I imagine it would be extremely sparkly and quite gorgeous with Seche Vite on top. This is the perfect color to add some brightness to the greyer months. It's a bit loud but it's fun.











Now Playing: "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol

Quoteworthy


"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."
-Mary Tyler Moore












Now Playing: "Love Is All Around" by Sonny Curtis
*Of course ;)

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Jungian Stimulus Word Association
















Head - Oral
Green - Four Leaf Clover
Water - Aquafina
Sing - Coffee Shop
Death - Death Cab For Cutie
Long - Walks
Ship - Shipwrecked
Count - Dracula
Window - Daydreaming
Friendly - Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
Table - Standing on Tables at Hofbrauhaus
Question - Court
Village - Fairy Tale
Cold - Snow
Stem - Roses
Dance - Middle School
Sea - New England
Sick - Couch
Proud - Tears of Joy
Cook - Pots & Pans
Ink - Quill Pen
Evil - Queen
Needle - Thread
Swim - Diving Board
Trip - Open Road
Blue - Sky
Lamp - Lava Lamp
Sin - Eyeshadow (Urban Decay)
Bread - Outback Steakhouse
Rich - Mahogany Wood
Tree - Weeping Willow Tree House
Stick - Cast Iron Fence
Sympathy - Card
Yellow - Steelers
Mountain - Sky
Die - Sadness
Salt - Rocks
New - York
Moral - Bible
Pray - Pew/Kneeler
Money - Green/Paper
Stupid - Mean
Magazine - Stack
Despise - Hatred
Finger - Sucking
Expensive - Overpriced
Bird - Blue Jay
Fall - Leaves
Book - Future
Unjust - Drama
Frog - Lilypad
Divorce - Hurt
Hunger - Empty
White - Oversized Turtleneck
Child - Dependence/Love
Attend - Participate
Pencil - Lead
Sad - Real
Prune - Nasty
Marry - Tradition
House - Home
Dear - Love
Glass - Water
Dispute - Anger
Fur - Soft
Big - Overdone
Turnip - Doug (Cartoon)
Paint - Creativity
Part - Hair
Old - Film
Flowers - Charm
Hit - Agression
Box - Hats
Wild - Fox
Family - Reunion
Wash - Machine
Cow - Countryside
Foreign - Misunderstood
Happiness - Universe
Lie - Deceit
Decorum - Policy
Close - Warmth
Brother - Friends
To fear - Not knowing
Stork - Baby
Wrong - Right
Anxiety - Caring
Kiss - Magic
Fiance(e) - Excitement
Pure - Love
Door - Isolation
Choose - Select
Hay - Fall/Autumn
Satisfied - Proud
Scorn - Standoffish
Sleep - Dream
Month - Calendar
Pretty - Poetry
Woman - Pretty Woman/Shopping
Scold - Violence











Now Playing: "Waltz of the Flowers" by Tchiakovsky

Luxe Living: Swiss Chateau


Chateau El Masr
Cologny, Switzerland

via Christie's International Real Estate:

Since the 18th Century, Cologny has been home to some beautiful country houses. As one of the eight towns juxtaposing the city of Geneva, Cologny is the least populated town and thus emphasizes its village character that is mainly residential.

Towards the end of the 18th Century, Jean-Paul Demierre purchased this property belonging to the Geneva cooper. It was his son, Ami Demierre, who built the tower at the entrance to this property, now covered with ivy. This tower is identical to the Champel Tower, since Ami Demierre used the materials left over from building the latter.

When this property was bought at the end of the 19th Century by Scotsman Charles Floods, who had just returned from Egypt where he made his fortune, he kept this tower and had the architects, Bourrit and Simmler build a half Gothic, half Oriental style chateau in 1883-1884, which he named El Masr, meaning the Egyptian.

Since then the current owner spent five years renovating this building. From the columns to the roof, everything has been renovated with great care, respecting each detail in order to perfectly maintain the Neo-Elizabethan style, which was very fashionable in Great Britain at the time of the initial construction of the chateau. The chandeliers of this residence were created especially in Murano for this chateau and the marble fountains and statues that decorate the outside of this chateau were imported from Venice in order to maintain the harmony of this trend.

The Chateau El Masr is the only example in Geneva of Neo-Tudor style. This home is comprised of a terrace donjon and a turret staircase with an incredible view over Calvin’s City and the Lake Geneva water fountain. This delightful locale also has crenels, machicolations, and a seigniorial chapel.











Now Playing: "When I Grow Up" by Fever Ray

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Year That Was... 2011 Favorites!

Days of the Year: Super Bowl Sunday (even though we lost), 3/19: I was in one of my best friend's wedding, 10/23: Steeler Game in Arizona

TV Shows: Real Housewives (NY, NJ, BH, ATL), Real Time with Bill Maher, Chelsea Lately, After Lately, The Office, Modern Family

Movies (not necessarily released this year): Conversations with Other Women, You and Me and Everyone We Know, Unmade Beds, Bill Cunningham New York, No Strings Attached, Crazy Stupid Love... There's still so many movies that were released in 2011 that I want to see!

Concerts: My Morning Jacket at Stage AE, Portugal. The Man at Mr. Small's, Ray LaMontagne at Stage AE... I didn't go to nearly as many shows as I would have liked this year. Hopefully that will change in 2012.

Songs: "Lotus Flower" by Radiohead, "Sleep Forever" by Portugal. The Man, "Calgary" by Bon Iver

Albums: Bon Iver by Bon Iver, In The Mountain In the Cloud by Portugal. The Man, Wounded Rhymes by Lykke Li

Books: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, No One Belongs Here More Than You Stories by Miranda July, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling, Louis Vuitton Art, Fashion and Architecture, Chanel: Collections and Creations by Daniele Bott

Web Sites: Twitter, YouTube, Google, SongMeanings.net, DListed.com, Temptalia.com, MarioGame.info, HauteLook

Present/Gift: Green Amethyst/Diamond Stud Earrings from my Parents for my 25th Birthday. Vintage Kevin Stevens' Penguins Jersey from my sister (Christmas). I loved him when I was little. 25 was my favorite number back when he played for the Pens. I had a major crush on him for sure.





















Biggest Surprise: Finding my cat, Katarina, across the street from my house and adopting her.

Photo of the Year: Kate Middleton on her wedding day. I love how the wind swept her veil in this photo. I've always admired long sleeved lace wedding gowns and I thought Kate looked phenomenal. I admittedly was so excited to watch The Royal Wedding!




















Fashion Trends: Infinity scarves, Lace Up Booties, Boho Chic/Vintage Floral Prints for Spring, Leopard Print Shoes (predominantly flats), Blazers, Thick Chain Necklaces, Equipment Style Blouses

Beauty Products: YSL Lipstick Opera Rose, Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, OPI Crown Me Already, Seche Vite Top Coat, Empreinte de Chanel (Highlighter that I've had for eons but still works like a dream), China Glaze Matte Magic, NARS Danmari Blush Palette, Revlon Lip Butter Strawberry Shortcake, Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Italian Red Mandarin with Rose, Crest White Strips, Gucci Guilty Perfume, Chanel Chance Perfume, Birchbox

Moments of Style:

Kate Middleton on her wedding day (as pictured above) and in Jenny Packham at the annual ARK Dinner:


























Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive at the Golden Globes:
























Selena Gomez in J. Mendel at the Grammys:







































Place I Visited:

Sedona, Arizona in October. We checked out all the interesting shops, took a sunset jeep tour through the rocks (with the best tour guide, by the way) and had an amazing dinner.































Now Playing: "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
*Their album was my biggest disappointment of the year but I still love 'em!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Things I Love...














Now Playing: "The Light" by Common

Word of the Week: DENOUEMENT

The word of the week for December 26th through January 1st is...

DENOUEMENT
n.

Definition:
1. The final resolution or clarification of a literary plot.

2. The outcome of a complex sequence of events; the end result.

Example:
a. For many, the denouement of 2011 will be celebrated.
b. In the novel's denouement, a surprising plot twist takes place.









Now Playing: "Season's Trees" by Danger Mouse (ft. Norah Jones)

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!



Love Always,

Krista












Now Watching: A Christmas Story
(Like many people, I keep it on TV most of the day)

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Night Before Christmas with Dick LeBeau!

Here's my imaginary lover, Dick LeBeau, reciting The Night Before Christmas to my Pittsburgh Steelers.

Christmas Morning Creaks

"Blood Bank" by Bon Iver.
Still my favorite of his songs. I love this fan made video.

Sugar Plum Fairies

Luxe Living: Christmas Decor!














Now Playing: "O Holy Night" by Nat King Cole

Friday, December 23, 2011

SantaLand Diaries by David Sedaris

In celebration of Christmas, I really wanted to share one of my favorite essays by David Sedaris, SantaLand Diaries. This is one of the stories that inspired me to become a nonfiction writer. Enjoy! :)


Part 1:


Part 2:


Part 3:


Part 4:

Flashback Friday

"December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)" by The Four Seasons, 1975.



Yes, I've been waiting all year to post this song! ;) This takes me back to '93 more than '63 (I'm only 25, duh) but I love, love, love it! It's one of my all time favs and a staple around my house.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Quoteworthy


“I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention.”
-Diane Sawyer







Now Playing: "Pain In My Heart" by Otis Redding

The Babysitters

Now I wouldn't necessarily recommend this movie to everyone (it definitely is far from excellent) but it does have its strong points. I took a lot of humor away from it, but that's probably just my twisted mind at work. What I enjoyed the most about this film is this quote:










Now Playing: "Bye Bye Bye" by Sia
*Loved this at the end of the film. Used perfectly!

This Reads More Like a Horror Movie to Me...

HBO's Game Change


Julianne Moore is one of my favorite actresses. I once auditioned to be her hand double for the movie Shelter but didn't get the part. lol! Thank God we all know the way this movie will turn out.

Quoteworthy


“A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.”

-Madeleine L'Engle, 1918-2007










Now Playing: "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco
*Immediately places me back in college at Fall Fest 2008

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Katarina's First Christmas!

Back in July, I posted about finding a cat when I was outside watching a movie on my laptop. I quickly and without much thought named her Katarina July (thinking she would only be a temporary pet while I found her a permanent home). Of course, I got attached and she's now a Roman. She looks so much like Henrietta Pussycat from Mister Roger's Neighborhood that I'm mad at myself for not choosing that name. I dressed her up in this little Christmas outfit to take a few pictures. Before Peta attacks, she actually really liked the ensemble (as gaged from her purring).













Now Playing: "Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!