The Times New Tarot: THE HANGED MAN

The card represents the critical factor for the issue at hand. The Hanged Man: Pausing to reflect. Surrendering to an experience. Adjusting to new ideas through sacrifice. Opening oneself to intuition and enhanced awareness. Letting go of past patterns and growing beyond them. Inner peace, faith, and serenity.

letting go

having an emotional release accepting what is surrendering to experience ending the struggle being vulnerable and open giving up control accepting God's will

reversing

turning the world around changing your mind overturning old priorities seeing from a new angle upending the old order doing an about-face

suspending action

pausing to reflect feeling outside of time taking time to just be giving up urgency living in the moment waiting for the best opportunity

sacrificing

being a martyr renouncing a claim putting self-interest aside going one step back to go two steps forward giving up for a higher cause putting others first

November Workout Playlist!

I'm trying to get in shape before my birthday in February (and continue on through the new year), so I updated my workout playlist to help me along with my goals! Good music always gets me going :)





1. "Black and Blue" by Miike Snow (George Mathews Remix)
2. "Heads Will Roll" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Tiesto Remix)
3. "Call On Me" by Eric Prydz
4. "Haterz Everywhere We Go" by B.o.B. (Remix)
5. "Rich & Black" by Raekwon ft. Nas
6. "Next Girl" by The Black Keys
7. "Love Lost" by The Temper Trap (Keljet Remix)
8. "Guns and Dogs" by Portugal. The Man
9. "Hang You From The Heavens" by The Dead Weather
10. "Crown on the Ground" by Sleigh Bells
11. "Heartbeats" by The Knife (Rune Lindbaek Remix)
12. "Leavin'" by Jesse McCartney (Bimbo Jones Remix)
13. "Once Again" by Girl Talk
14. "Drop The World" by Lil Wayne ft. Eminem
15. "Black & Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa
16. "Hypnotize" by The Notorious B.I.G.
17. "Kids" by MGMT (Datsik Remix)
18. "I Follow Rivers" by Lykke Li (Tyler the Creator Remix)
19. "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO (David Guetta Remix)
20. "We Can't Stop" by jj ft. Ne-Yo
21. "She Wolf" by Shakira (Kaiori Breathe Remix)

Halloween Movie Faves!

Hocus Pocus


The Texas Chainsaw Massacre ('74)


The Shining


The Devil's Rejects


Carrie


Scream


I Know What You Did Last Summer


Wrong Turn


The Craft


The Ruins


Stigmata


Interview with the Vampire


The Blair Witch Project


The Silence of the Lambs


The Birds


Serial Mom


American Psycho


Sudden Death


Striking Distance


Hard Candy

Word of the Week: RUCTION

The word of the week for October 31st through November 6th is...

RUCTION
n.

Definition:
1. Noisy fight
2. Disturbance or uproar

Example:
The ruction inside the bar prompted the bouncers to toss the men out.







Now Playing: "Science of Fear" by The Temper Trap

Happy Halloween!

Eddie Munster with his beloved doll, Woof Woof

 Growing up, I loved watching The Munsters on Nick at Nite. It was definitely one of my favorite shows.  I especially loved how eccentric it was. Its humor still works today. Everything about The Munsters was so cute.












Now Watching: The Steez/Pats Game!

One In Every Color, Please!

Double-Cloth Townhouse Trench, J. Crew, $350.

I saw this amazing coat on Brooklyn Blonde's blog. J. Crew always has the best coats. I'd love this in camel (or "caramel" as J. Crew is calling it) but all of the other colors are also gorgeous!









Now Playing: "Paradise" by Coldplay

Shooting Hoops

Portugal. The Man should probably add this girl to their stage show. This was more exciting than the Pretty Lights show I suffered through earlier this month.

The Times New Tarot: TEMPERANCE

MEANING VIA BIDDY TAROT:

Temperance indicates that you are learning to bring about balance, patience and moderation in your life. You have been able to take the middle road, avoiding extremes and maintaining a great sense of calm in your life. You have learned to keep calm in situations of great stress or anxiety, and you give the impression of being a swan, paddling madly underneath the water but appearing so graceful and elegant on the surface. You do not let things get to you, and you have found a place of peace where you can put things into perspective when things get hectic. Your respect for balance and tranquillity is what will help you to achieve and experience fulfilment in your life. Your temperament will be well balanced and you demonstrate good management and balance in your outlook on life.

The Temperance card reflects that you have a clear, long-term vision of what you want to achieve. You are not rushing things along; rather you are taking your time to ensure that you do the best job you can. This card also reflects a higher learning in what you are doing and demonstrates that you are learning a great deal on your journey. You are at peace with what you are doing and it is all coming together very well. Your inner voice is guiding you gently to the right outcome and you are patiently listening and following. You have a very balanced perspective on the situation at this time and you are in a very good position to make the right choices.









Now Playing: "Hinnom, TX" by Bon Iver

Michael, Michael, Motorcycle

'80s teen dreamboat, Jason Patric, as Michael in The Lost Boys. Yes, please!










Now Playing: "It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars

MoonWOKing

Since it's my favorite time of the year, I thought I'd share one of the best videos ever... the drunk Ewoks from the Today Show Halloween spectacular. This one always gets me. Nothing is lamer than those stupid morning show segments when an expert type goes on an on about how to make your holiday unique and memorable. The host feigns interest while the audience is only concerned with getting their homemade sign on national televsion. The Ewoks knew that they weren't going to sit by and let this segment be another boring one. They kept it real with their 8 am martinis and moonwalking. They made it work. So cute! So funny!












Now Playing: "22" by Lily Allen

Pittsburgh- One of the Best Places in the World to Visit in 2012!

National Geographic Traveler has named my city, Pittsburgh, as one of the top 20 places to visit in 2012! It is the only place in the United States (along with Sonoma, CA) that made the list. I actually think I'm going to make it to Sonoma next fall, so this is pretty cool.

National Geographic describes Pittsburgh...

Extreme Metropolitan Makeover
Three rivers. One reinvented city. On all counts, the Steel City’s transformation over the past quarter century qualifies as revolutionary. Its mourning for its industrial past long concluded, this western Pennsylvania city changed jobs and reclaimed its major assets: a natural setting that rivals Lisbon and San Francisco, a wealth of fine art and architecture, and a quirky sense of humor.

Pittsburgh’s century-wide swath of architectural styles persuaded British film director Christopher Nolan to use downtown as a stand-in for Gotham City in this summer’s Dark Knight Rises. Sustainable design has transformed Victorian landmarks like the glass-domed Phipps Conservatory and created contemporary ones like the swooping waterfront convention center.

So many people are surprised at how beautiful Pittsburgh is with its rolling hills and gorgeous skyline.  The people here are incredibly down to earth, friendly and real as they come. I love my hometown and I'm so proud to be from here! If you're ever in the area, send me an email. I'd love to have a beer with you!










Now Playing: "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes

Flashback Friday

"Breathe Your Name" by Sixpence None The Richer, 2002.



A few weeks ago, I was shopping for my vacation when this song came on over the store speakers. It stopped me in my tracks because I could only hear it faintly but it sounded so familiar. I could only hear the words "I can only breathe your name." Of course, I wrote these lyrics down (thankfully they aren't a common grouping) to look up when I got home. I hadn't heard it in such a long time. It's nice when you hear an oldie but a goodie. Oddly enough, this song was released in 2002. I can usually place a song within a few years of its actual year of release but I could have sworn this one was mid-late 90s. Kind of interesting. Oh, and enjoy the Twilight fan video, lol. It was the only one I could find on YouTube that would allow embedding... deal with it ;)

Flashback Friday

"If You Leave" by OMD, 1986.



When I hear thing song, it takes me back to those classic, '80s, John Hughes movies. Jake Ryan?! Yes, please! There's a small part of me that wishes I was a teenager in the 80s but I was born in February 1986 which is right around the time this song hit the airwaves. It was probably one of the first songs I ever heard (even if I don't remember it). "If You Leave" is one of my favorite songs from the decade. In fact, if I were to attempt to compile a list of my top 100 favorite songs of all time, I have a strong feeling it would definitely make the cut. I just love it!

What's In My Purse? Travel Edition

One of my favorite videos to watch on YouTube are What's In My Bag/What's In My Purse! Since I'm going to be leaving for vacation very soon,  I thought I'd share what I have in my purse for the plane ride to Las Vegas. I'm an over-packer by nature. I'll be in the desert for about a week, staying in Vegas until Saturday morning, then flying to Arizona for the Steeler game and Sedona on Monday. My suitcase and carry-on will surely be packed to capacity. I purposefully brought a medium sized purse so I wouldn't over-pack even more unnecessary things. But without further adieu, here's what I currently have in my purse!

CONTENTS:

Paul & Joe Sister leather bag that I got on sale on Gilt for around $70! I also have this bag in black. I highly recommend it!

Terrible Towel! Gotta represent when you travel. Black & Yellow, baby!

Minteas that I got in this month's Birchbox

Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitzer that I got in a previous Birchbox

October issue of Harper's Bazaar for reading material. I'm so behind on all of my magazine subscriptions!

Gummi Worms for a snack.

Hello Kitty notepad- I'm always writing thoughts, ideas or songs down. I'm also a list maker.

Signo Uni-ball Pen (207)- I'm really picky about pens. This is one of my favorite kinds.

Wallet- I got this at Forever 21. I also have it in blush/beige-ish pink. It's my favorite!

BlackBerry Storm (beyond ready for a new phone!)

Sunglasses
*Inside my Chanel pouch is two more pairs of sunglasses and my eyeglasses just in case I need them (I wear contacts)

MAC Holiday Pouch- I put my Gucci Guilty perfume in here so it would be safe from getting broken. I packed travel sized perfumes in my suitcase but I wanted to have this for evenings.

YSL Cosmetic Bag
-Chanel Lipstick in 31 Waikiki (My favorite)
-MAC Lipstick in Speed Dial (Cremesheen)
-NARS Turkish Delight Lipgloss
-Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in 010 Hot Pink Rose
-EOS Lip Sphere Balm in Lemon Drop
-Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Italian Red Mandarin with Rose (love this stuff!)
-Crest Toothpaste (I dab a tiny bit on my tongue if I run out of gum/mints)
-Compact Mirror
-MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3
-Brush











Now Playing: "In For the Kill" by La Roux

A Hallmark Moment

Great minds think alike and so do sisters. We picked out the same card for our parents but I gave it to them first by a few hours, hahaha! We also both gave my Mom a Yankee candle. My sister got all fancy with pearl jewelry and cufflinks since that is the traditional present for 30 years. I was going to go with lilies (the flower for 30th anniversaries) but didn't like the floral shop's options and instead went with an autumnal arrangement. It was a nice little day.












Now Playing: "What If" by Coldplay

Happy 30th Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

Today is my parents' 30th wedding anniversary! They've actually been together since Halloween 1964. So, technically, it's almost been 50 years of being a couple. My Dad served in Vietnam, stepped on a landmine and lost his leg but my Mom stood by him through it all. They have worked through a lot to get to this day and I'm very proud of their commitment to each other and our family. My parents have been a stellar example of working hard to make a marriage work. I love and appreciate everything they have done for me and my sister. I owe my flair for fashion, intellect, responsibility and creativity to my Dad. I get my writing ability, thoughtfulness, manners and love for animals from my Mom. Together, they are your typical "old married couple" but they are very special to me and I love them both dearly. Here's to 30 more years of wedded bliss!











Now Playing: "Dedicated to the One I Love" by The Mamas and The Papas

Word of the Week: COCKAIGNE

The word of the week for October 17th through the 23rd is...

COCKAIGNE
n.

Pronunciation: kah-KAYNE

Definition: An imaginary land of great luxury, ease and idleness.

Example: I'd like to retire at 35 and retreat to some sort of utopian Cockaigne.








Now Playing: "The Ghost Inside" by Broken Bells

Luxe Living: Kyle Richards' Closet!

Admittedly, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is one of my guiltiest pleasures! I love Kyle Richards' style. She always has on amazing blouses and handbags- two of my wardrobe essentials. I love how she either wears neutral ensembles or has bold, beautiful pieces that work perfectly with her coloring. She also manages to add the right amount of girlie sparkle without looking over the top. Kyle recently did a Bluefly commercial that featured the inside of her closet, which is where I was able to capture these screenshots. I really love the way she displays her bags and jewelry. It's all very organized and feminine. I like how her clothes seem to have "breathing room". It makes it much easier to find things, prevents wrinkles and looks chic. The color scheme is clean and lets the imagination wander. Fabulous!








Now Playing: "With Every Heartbeat" by Kleerup ft. Robyn

Conversations with Other Women

"If the cardiologist decides that you are too old and decrepit and ugly to be at all lovable, I am available to tolerate you in your golden years." 


I found this little gem of a movie via Netflix. It reminds me a lot of my favorites, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. If you liked those films or are interested in a unique picture that truthfully displays human interaction, I highly suggest checking this one out. Helena Bonham Carter is superb!









Now Playing: "Glass" by Gavin DeGraw 

Jingle Jangle

I love the background music used in this pretty slick Verizon commercial. Upon further investigation, it appears to be an original score produced by Tonic Music in London. You can download the track for free here.

Halloween Make-Up!

Every so often, I browse MakeUpGeek's contest forum. Sometimes, I enter the artistry contests but mostly, I'm inspired by the talent that is on the boards. One particular artist's submissions always stand out to me. Her name is Heidi Larsen and she's an extremely talented makeup artist from Norway. Here is a fun, achievable look that she created for Halloween. She has a lot of more intricate looks on her site and YouTube channel. Check them out and be inspired! :)

Now Playing: "The Go Getter" by The Black Keys

To "Nailing It"

SHAME movie trailer


Works for me!

Flashback Friday

"Move This" by Technotronic, 1992.

This is one of the songs on "the soundtrack of my life". It instantly takes me back to my childhood. Dance classes, cheerleading competitions, skating parties, summers in the backyard... so many memories that I love! I used to sing all the words in my coolest neon stirrup pants and have the best time. This was the era of scrunchies and roller blades. It makes me want to get up and MOVE!

Baby let me show you how to do this... 
...Shake that body for me!

Quoteworthy

“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything."
-Nikola Tesla 1856-1943








Now Playing:  "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac

Sole Sisters

I'm not a shoe person. They usually bore me. But I was in need of a few new pairs for fall/winter. Here are a couple of the ones I bought online. Of course, I got both of them on sale!

Seychelles "Clue" Bootie in Mustard

This is my first pair of Seychelles. I saw these shoes on a fashion blog and loved the way it stood against denim. It's the perfect pop of color for a neutral, fall ensemble. Seychelles has such a great description of its brand that I really enjoyed reading and felt I could identify with:

Express "Suede Lace Up Wedge Booties" in Black

These are the perfect fall shoe! They will go with so many outfits. I love that they give me height (I'm 5'4") but provide comfort because of the wedge. They also manage to make my size 8.5 feet look rather small. These are fantastic! Love!









Now Playing: "Conversation 16" by The National
*One of my favorite songs in recent years by one of my favorite bands! I hope I can see them again live in the near future... not sure if they have a new album or tour in the works, though.

Gotcha!

15 years later and I finally figured out a song that has eluded me! After watching Scream at 10-years-old, I loved a particular song used in the movie. The acoustic cover of "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Gus was used in the scene when Billy is in Sidney's bedroom and she asks him to settle for a "PG13 relationship". It drove me crazy at the time that I couldn't figure out the artist or song title (no computer for me in 1996). It's amazing how things have a way of finding you after so many years. Thank God for the internet!

October Birchbox!

I received my October Birchbox in the mail today! Perfect timing- today is so dreary. It was a nice treat. I love getting things in the mail and I also love beauty products. So, for $10 bucks a month, I really enjoy getting my little "gifts". I really liked the products in this month's Birchbox, so I thought I'd share what I got!

blinc Mascara (Full Size $24)
*If I like this, I'll be sure to mention it in a future "favorites" post!

Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea Facial Mask (Full Size $40)
*I really like Pangea's lip balm and a few of its other products. Excited to try this because my skin has been horrible lately!

Orofluido Beauty Elixir Hair Treatment (Full Size $30)
*I love the packaging of this stuff and it smells nice. Can't wait to try it! But at $30 for full size, it would have to work miracles to justify buying it.

Tea Forte Minteas Lime Mojito ($3)
*I love mints and tea is definitely a great antioxidant. I'll take these with me on vacation next week!




BeFine Lip Serum (Full Size $25)
*I couldn't find a decent picture online but I've used this already and it's nice. I highly doubt I'd purchase the full size though... for $25, I'd rather put it towards something like a Chanel or YSL lipstick.








Now Playing: "How Soon Is Now" by The Smiths

Pattern Recognition

 

Pattern Recognition by William Gibson

I was doing some "fall cleaning" and going through my books when I came across Pattern Recognition by William Gibson. I was assigned to read this for one of my English Lit classes in college. It's a pretty interesting sci-fi novel. When I was younger, I was a bit of a label whore but this book changed my perspective on how I view logos and branding and the corporate world as a whole.

The main character, Cayce, makes it a point to not wear anything blatant or distinguishable. It's an interesting point of view. It really is laughable when women are carrying Louis Vuitton monogram bags with Louboutin heels just because it has a red sole. It's desperate. I'm all for high-end designers and luxury products but I like it for its quality and aesthetic not its notoriety. I appreciate things that are unique. When you wear things just because it's a status symbol, you're only doing the company a favor. You're paying the label a high price to be its walking advertisement. Sure, some people will buy into the scheme and think you're "special" for owning (assuming it wasn't put on a credit card) something that is knowingly expensive. But newsflash- someone else is bound to be sporting that exact same item within the next few blocks.

Why buy into the notion that we need to impress people in the first place? Your friends should appreciate you for the person you are and not what color the bottom of your heels are. Anyone with a good eye would rather compliment you for something they haven't seen on every sorority girl or soccer mom at the mall.

I hate to be like everyone else. I think most people like to be memorable. I just don't see how wearing something recognizable makes you special. It's quite contradictory. Pattern recognition (the process not the book itself) is a big reason why our country is in debt. So many people are concerned with showing off to the world "what they have". They're typically the same individuals who built the McMansions with a loan they couldn't afford and are leasing the luxury vehicles but not making the payments. I'd rather own a charming house that has character, drive a used car and own it outright (albeit a classic car or something nice), and wear designs that aren't nearly as embarrassing. "In this economy", most people can't afford such expensive things. Why live a lie? Just a thought.

Now Playing: "So American" by Portugal. The Man

Meow

I came across this little t-shirt while browsing ASOS.com
I love pink but don't wear it because it totally clashes with my coloring.
But it's on sale and makes a cute sleepwear item.
I'm a sucker for anything Pittsburgh.
I also happen to love cats.
Sold.








Now Playing: "Express Yourself" by NWA

Illuminati Baby

Hmmm...

Word of the Week: WIDDERSHINS

The word of the week for October 10th through the 16th is...

WIDDERSHINS
adv.

Definition:
1. In a left-handed or wrong direction
2. Counterclockwise
3. Contrary

Example:
During daylight savings time, in the fall, we set the clocks back in a widdershins motion.





Now Playing: "Take Care" by Beach House

Manuel Rebollo

I really loved these three illustrations that I stumbled upon online. I couldn't find much information about the artist, Manuel Rebollo, other than he's from Spain and is inspired by fashion and music.









Now Playing: "Junk of the Heart" by The Kooks

Love at First Listen!

"Heaven" by I Monster

Fact

Now Playing: "Moonchild" by M83

"Um, I invented post-its."

Entertainment Weekly apparently did a little special feature that reunited the cast members of beloved shows and movies. Romy and Michele's High School Reunion was one of them! This is one of my favorite comedies for sure! In 7th grade, my friends and I did an impromptu play of the movie for one of our classes. I played the part of "Christie Masters Christensen, mmmm." Heather Mooney? Perfection. I really wish they'd do another movie! 25 year reunion? Yes, please!









Now Playing: "There Is So Much More" by Brett Dennen

Flashback Friday

"I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" by Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige, 1995.



I heard this last weekend while I was visiting my alma mater, WVU, for homecoming. It was played at my favorite bar, Bent Willey's! I hadn't heard it in a very long time. It put a smile on my face. An oldie but a definite goodie!

Pittsburgh Weather? WTF?!

 When I opened my laptop, I had to do a double take at my little weather iMap. I initially mistook it as some kind of flashing warning with bright yellow lights. A virus, perhaps. Then it hit me.... those were the graphics used to forecast sunny, clear skies. Three days in a row? Unheard of in Pittsburgh! When we get nice weather in my city, it certainly doesn't go unappreciated. I plan to soak up every minute! I love the fall :)








Now Playing: "Beautiful Love" by The Afters

Missed Connections: Spooky Edition

Since it's Halloween season, I thought this post was fitting. It serves up the perfect dosage of macabre and dark romance. You may have to click the image to enlarge.

Now Playing: "Monster Mash" by Bobby Pickett

Quoteworthy

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” 
-Steve Jobs 1955-2011 



 

Luxe Living: The House From Practical Magic

"My darling girl, when are you going to understand that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage."

I recently watched the charming movie, Practical Magic. Since Halloween season is upon us, I thought it was the perfect time to share the gorgeous Victorian home that was used in this film. I was very saddened to discover that this home was actually built for the project (taking about 8 months to complete construction). It was just an architectural shell. But what a gorgeous building it was! Unfortunately, when shooting wrapped on San Juan Island in Washington state (the movie was actually set in New England), the structure was destroyed. Despite not being a real home, the set designers did a phenomenal job. I was so inspired by the decor and overall style of this house!

Living in western Pennsylvania, there are many houses that resemble this style of architecture. Sewickley, PA, which is one of my favorite parts of the Greater Pittsburgh area, has many stunning Victorian mansions. I've always been a fan of older homes. I could definitely see myself living in a place like this someday.









Now Playing: "Coconut" by Harry Nilsson
*Used in one of my favorite scenes of the movie, "Midnight Margaritas"!