29

The last year of my 20s. This decade has brought many highs and lows. Some of the best times of my life as well as the darkest. I feel this overwhelming sense of pressure to make this year count. As my birthday falls exactly one month to the day of the official start of the new year, I always view January as a bit of a warm up period. My new year starts today. Here are just a few of my resolutions for my 29th year...

• Save money. 
• Enjoy the things I have. Purchase less.
• Simplify my wardrobe.
• Improve my career.
• Redecorate my space. 
• Travel as often as possible. 
• Strengthen my relationships.
• Be open to dating.
• Update this blog!
• Write. Write. Write.
• Eat less. Exercise more.
• Make a difference.
• Don't speak ill of others.
• Read more. 
• Practice my spirituality.
• Continue to learn new things.
• Have fun. 
• Love.
• Be courageous.

Now Playing: "Gold In the Air" by Jesse Woods

Sun in Pisces, February 19 - March 20

I've always been a fan of female Pisces. Three of my best friends in the world were born in the early part of this sign. As I've mentioned before, despite having strong Aquarian (Air) placement in my chart, I'm Water dominant. Perhaps this is the reason that I've always gotten along swimmingly with the Fish people (pun intended). But it's not just me, Pisces have a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most well-liked signs in the Zodiac. Many of the Pisces in my life are among the funniest and most outgoing people I know.

Those with Sun in Pisces or strong Piscean placement in their chart may possess the following characteristics:

• Intuitive
• Friendly
• Familiar
• Outgoing
• Fluid
• Hot and Cold
• Social
• Entertaining
• Materialistic
• Vain
• Emotional
• Moody
• Popular
• Extremely Deep/Shallow
• Religious
• Spiritual
• Psychic
• Sympathetic
• Affectionate
• Peaceful
• Sacrificial
• Hilarious
• Energetic
• Bipolar
• Lucky
• Extravagant
• Dramatic
• Caring
• Loving
• Nature
• Wise
• Understanding
• Altruistic
• Cameleon
• Idealistic
• Dreamer
• Naive
• Fun
• Impressionable
• Sappy
• Intense
• Impractical
• Fearful
• Adaptable
• Quick
• Musical
• Indecisive
• Artistic
• Encouraging
• Changing
• Creative
• Warm
• Inviting
• Sensitive
• Compassionate
• Non-confrontational
• Self-destructive
• Wealthy
• Hopeless Romantic
• Memorable
• Attractive
• Talented
• Easygoing
• Empathic
• Sophisticated
• Sharp
• Genuine
• Sincere
• Nurturing

Famous Sun in Pisces':

• Chelsea Handler
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Sharon Stone
• Olivia Palermo
• Steve Jobs
• Albert Einstein
• Osama bin Laden
• Edgar Cayce
• Rihanna
• Cindy Crawford
• Eva Longoria
• Kurt Cobain
• George Harrison
• Justin Bieber
• John Wayne Gacy
• Mitt Romney
• Geogre Washington
• Kesha
• Javier Bardem
• Bruce Willis
• Tony Robbins
• Jessica Biel
• Eva Mendes
• Jennifer Love Hewitt
• Drew Barrymore
• Adam Levine
• Chris Martin
• Jon Bon Jovi
• Billy Corgan
• Frederic Chopin
• Antonio Vivaldi
• Pete Doherty
• Daniel Craig
• Bobby Fischer
• Victor Hugo
• Johnny Cash
• Chuck Norris
• Benicio Del Toro
• James Blunt
• Liza Minnelli
• Carrie Underwood
• Olivia Wilde
• Ellen Page
• Dakota Fanning
• Lou Reed
• Karen Carpenter
• Emily Blunt
• Vanessa Williams
• Queen Latifah
• Erykah Badu
• Ivana Trump
• Josh Groban
• Chelsea Clinton
• Taylor Hanson
• Chas Bono
• Desi Arnaz
• Jerry Lewis
• Shaquille O'Neal
• Charles Barkley
• Rupert Murdoch
• Glenn Close
• Tea Leoni
• Jack Kerouac
• Joanne Woodward
• Brittany & Cynthia Daniel
• Ali Larter
• Kyle MacLachlan
• Kristin Davis
• Pattie Boyd
• Holly Hunter
• Brittany Snow
• Patrick Duffy
• Lauren Graham
• Shannon Tweed
• Alexander McQueen
• Nina Simone
• Timbaland
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Sidney Poitier
• Freddie Prinze Jr.
• Emile Hirsch
• Jamie Bell
• Jon Hamm
• John Steinbeck
• Johnny Knoxville
• Aaron Eckhart
• Rob Lowe
• Robin Thicke
• Kat Von D
• Spike Lee
• Ted Kennedy
• Jean Harlow
• Billy Zane
• Billy Crystal
• Laura Prepon
• Thora Birch
• Ashley Greene
• Bryan Cranston

Now Playing: "Shark In The Water" by VV Brown
*A Pisces type of song for sure!

Sun in Sagittarius, November 22 - December 21

I have Saturn and Uranus placed in Sag. While I don't generally pay too much attention to the outer planets, I'm an Aquarius Sun. Being that Aquarius is co-ruled by Saturn and Uranus, I do have a powerful Sagittarius connection in that regard. My Jupiter (which rules Sagittarius) is also in my Sun sign of Aquarius. A bit confusing but lots of ties back to Sagittarius.

My Dad is a Sagittarius as was as my beloved childhood dog and some of my best friends from college. Next to Libras, I've always found Sagittarius to be one of the most popular signs of the zodiac. You can always count on them to be fun-loving, full of energy and outgoing. They make some of the best friends you could hope to have.

Those who have Sun in Sagittarius or strong Sag placement in their chart may possess these personal attributes:

• Social
• Powerful
• Strong
• Outgoing
• Hot
• Fun
• Energetic
• Willful
• Longevity
• Athletic
• Upbeat
• Lucky
• Gregarious
• Optimistic
• Courageous
• Inventive
• Warm
• Restless
• Adventurous
• Impatient
• Flirty
• Partiers
• Popular
• Well-liked
• Friendly
• Truthful
• Honest
• Loyal
• Spirited
• Enthusiastic
• Arrogant
• Blunt
• Prideful
• Perfectionists
• Creative
• Headstrong
• Travelers
• Playful
• Intellectual
• Frank
• Free
• Reliable
• Hardworking
• Philosophical
• Tireless
• Successful
• Vain
• Artistic
• Superficial
• Sporty
• Generous
• Funny
• Fearless
• Independent
• Confident
• Scattered
• Nomadic
• Flaky
• Curious
• Inquisitive
• Real

Famous Sun in Sagittarius':

• Brad Pitt
• Jim Morrison
• Jimi Hendrix
• Taylor Swift
• Miley Cyrus
• Britney Spears
• Christina Aguilera
• Nicki Minaj
• Alyssa Milano
• Scarlett Johansson
• Bruce Lee
• Jay-Z
• Beethoven
• Steven Spielberg
• Woody Allen
• Frank Sinatra
• Daryl Hannah
• John F. Kennedy, Jr.
• Caroline Kennedy
• Jake Gyllenhaal
• Katie Holmes
• Tyra Banks
• Tina Turner
• Ted Bundy
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Keith Richards
• Jane Birkin
• Jane Fonda
• Vanessa Hudgens
• Pope Francis
• Walt Disney
• Julianne Moore
• Jane Austen
• Anna Nicole Smith
• John Malkovich
• Ben Stiller
• Katherine Heigl
• Amanda Seyfried
• Ozzy Osbourne
• Kaley Cuoco
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Jeff Bridges
• Frank Zappa
• Billy Idol
• Nikki Sixx
• Christina Applegate
• Julie Delpy
• Mark Twain
• Jon Stewart
• Sarah Silverman
• Ray Liotta
• Bette Midler
• Marisa Tomei
• Ann Coulter
• Andrew Carnegie
• John Kerry
• Ed Harris
• Joe Dimaggio
• Steve Buscemi
• Ashley Benson
• Little Richard
• Donny Osmond
• Larry Bird
• Mos Def
• Kathryn Bigelow
• Bill Hicks

Now Playing: "Everlasting Light" by The Black Keys

*Sagittarius type of song.

Go Deep: Life Path #9 in Numerology

As a number 9 myself (02/01/1986), I found this video to be quite on point. If you're interested in finding out more information on the other life path numbers, Alyssa Sharpe's channel is one of my favorites. My Mother's maiden name was Sharpe so I happen to like her even more because of this connection! :)











Now Playing: "Anything Could Happen" by Ellie Goulding

Sun in Virgo, August 23 - September 22

Personal attributes that those with Sun in Virgo (or strong Virgo placement in their chart) may possess:

• Perfectionists
• Orderly
• Authoritative
• Safe
• Reliable
• Cold
• Observant
• Calm
• Outdoorsy
• Analytical
• Skeptical
• Detached
• Independent
• Critical
• Rough
• Adventurous
• Powerful
• Strong
• Silent
• Intelligent
• Meticulous
• Pessimistic
• Scientific
• Precise
• Vain
• Materialistic
• Practical
• Ruled
• Obsessive
• Judgmental
• Image
• Organized
• Attractive
• Quirky
• Thinkers
• Talented
• Planners
• Achievers
• Internal
• Worriers
• Gifted
• Reserved
• Conservative
• Cautious
• Disciplined
• Athletic
• Honest
• Hard Working
• Followers
• Arrogant
• Confident
• Focused

Famous Sun in Virgos:

• Michael Jackson
• Keanu Reeves
• Beyonce Knowles
• Cameron Diaz
• Rachel Zoe
• Sean Connery
• Prince Harry
• Pippa Middleton
• Amy Winehouse
• Fiona Apple
• Charlie Sheen
• Sofia Loren
• Stephen King
• Pink
• Niall Horan
• Nick Jonas
• River Phoenix
• Tom Hardy
• Faith Hill
• Michelle Williams
• Blake Lively
• Warren Buffett
• Lance Armstrong
• Tim Burton
• Oliver Stone
• Twiggy
• Moby
• Jason Priestley
• Alexander Skarsgard
• Evan Rachel Wood
• Mickey Rourke
• Leonard Cohen
• Kobe Bryant
• Andy Roddick
• Jennifer Hudson
• Adam Sandler
• Karl Lagerfeld
• John McCain
• Bill O'Reilly
• Paul Walker
• Ryan Phillippe
• LeAnn Rimes
• Gene Simmons
• Jeremy Irons
• Liam Gallagher
• Macaulay Culkin
• Leo Tolstoy
• Bill Murray
• Luke Wilson
• Jimmy Fallon
• Maria Montessori
• Roald Dahl
• Dr. Phil
• Wiz Khalifa
• Van Morrison

If you're interested in finding out your own personal natal chart (free!), have your date, time and place of birth ready and click here.
*Cusp dates are approximate by year.

Now Playing: "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart

*Nice little Virgo song.

Sun in Leo, July 22 - August 23

As my Sun sign is in Aquarius, Leo is therefore, my partner sign. I appreciate that Leos are natural leaders. The ones that I know are very likable. Leos are usually the first to be spotted in a crowd or looked to for guidance. In my experience, Leos are generally very popular, good-looking (great heads of hair) and successful. With the Sun as their ruler, those blessed with this placement are generally lucky in life. Many go on to be famous, talented, wealthy or quite powerful in whatever they choose to pursue.

Personal attributes that many with Sun in Leo (or strong Leo placement) may possess:

• Confident
• Ambitious
• Leader
• Successful
• Powerful
• Attractive
• Magnetic
• Warm
• Sexy
• Talented
• Energetic
• Mature
• Bright
• Unique
• Original
• Intelligent
• Wealthy
• Creative
• Presidential
• Vain
• Arrogant
• Proud
• Serious
• Stubborn
• Hot
• Temperamental
• Dependable
• Loyal
• Refined
• Worldly
• Athletic
• Charming
• Funny
• Materialistic
• Egotistical
• Self-centered
• Popular
• Well-liked
• Dominant
• Memorable
• Good hair
• Strong
• Positive
• Enthusiastic
• Kind
• Heartfelt
• Clear-minded
• Fatherly
• Driven

Just a few of the famous Sun in Leos (there are many!):

• President Barack Obama
• Madonna
• Stanley Kubrick
• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Robert Redford
• Whitney Houston
• Mick Jagger
• Edward Norton
• Halle Berry
• Daniel Radcliffe
• Robert de Niro
• Bill Clinton
• Ben Affleck
• Sidney Crosby
• Roger Federer
• Charlize Theron
• Lynda Carter
• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
• Carl Jung
• Coco Chanel
• Sean Penn
• Roman Polanski
• Mila Kunis
• Patrick Swayze
• J.K. Rowling
• Alfred Hitchcock
• Andy Warhol
• Robert Plant
• Jennifer Lawrence
• Chris Hemsworth
• Jonathan Rhys-Meyers
• Iman
• Kate Beckinsale
• Fidel Castro
• Hilary Swank
• Julian McMahon
• Neil Armstrong
• Hugo Chavez
• Lisa Kudrow
• Matt LeBlanc
• Matthew Perry
• Yves Saint Laurent
• Louis Vuitton
• Tom Brady
• Hulk Hogan
• Gerri Halliwell
• Anna Paquin
• JonBenet Ramsey
• Steve Carell
• Joe Jonas
• Louis Armstrong
• Amelia Earhart
• Lucille Ball
• Slash
• David Duchovny
• Gillian Anderson
• James Cameron
• Kevin Spacey
• Martha Stewart
• Helen Mirren
• Evangeline Lily
• Kim Cattrall
• Charles Bukowski
• Steve Martin

If you're interested in finding out your own personal natal chart (free!), have your date, time and place of birth ready and click here.
*Cusp dates are approximate by year.











Now Playing: "The Sun" by Portugal. The Man
*A quintessential song for Leos.

Flashback Friday: Winter '10

Post-game shots at the one and only Jack's! It's the Cheers of Pittsburgh and my favorite bar to have a beer. If you're ever in the 'Burgh, this is a priority stop. East Carson Street on the South Side. Open 365 days a year. Morning, noon and night. Even the ghosts hang out there (background).

Now Playing: "Southside of Heaven" by Ryan Bingham

*Apropos, right?

Flashback Friday! 02-01-09

The Steelers win their 6th Super Bowl on my 23rd Birthday, February 1, 2009! Celebrating the big win on the North Shore! One of my most memorable birthdays ever! The entire city was on the streets going insane!

What To Buy The Woman In Your Life?

1. Cashmere/Wool Scarf

Burberry makes gorgeous styles but if you're not looking for a luxury product, you can always go with something in your own price range. If you take care of your scarfs, they can last a lifetime. It makes a wonderful gift. She'll get lots of wear from it and surely receive plenty of compliments.

2. Crystal/Diamond Stud Earrings

If diamonds aren't in your budget, Swarovski makes stunning crystal earrings that are of high quality. It's a reputable brand that will last for many years to come. I love stud earrings because they can be worn every day or dressed up for the evening. Swarovski catches the light quite beautifully. It's a terrific alternative to diamonds and she won't have to worry about losing them.

3. Artwork

If you're shopping for someone creative, she will appreciate art as a gift. Etsy has plenty of independent artists who can custom make something for you. It's a unique gift that she will have forever.

4. Nail Polish

If the woman in your life likes to do her own manicures, nail polish is an excellent stocking stuffer. Chanel is pricey but every girl likes to have a bit of glam in her life. Quality nail polish brands that are favorites among many ladies include OPI and Essie. Popular colors for 2012/2013 are reds, neutrals and glitters. If your girl prefers to have her nails professionally done, treat her to a gift certificate to go with a polish that you like for her.

5. Tickets

Be it a concert, the ballet, theater, museum, sporting event or movies... whatever the lady in your life enjoys, tickets are always a nice way to share a gift together. If you're both movie fanatics, yearly passes are available at many complexes. The same goes for most cultural centers. If you wanted to kick it up a notch, plane tickets are also a nice surprise. Vacations or weekend getaways make an excellent present. Having something to look forward to in the new year is always fantastic.

6. Wallet/Handbag

Most women appreciate a great leather wallet or handbag. Treat your special someone to their favorite designer. If you're not one for labels, a leather craftsmen can custom make something for her that is one of a kind. 

7. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

This is the item that is always on every woman's wedding gift registry. It's the type of product that most women want but don't wish to spend the money for on themselves. If she likes to bake, this makes a fabulous gift. Just make sure it suits her needs. It comes in many colors, so choose wisely! Sidenote: Unless she is an aspiring Betty Crocker, I would avoid this as your only present. It's expensive and very generous but lacks romance. 

8. First Edition Book

If your lady is a book lover, find a first edition copy of one of her favorite works. If she is a big fan of a certain author, contact their PR person and arrange to have a copy personally autographed. Speaking of books, companies like Shutterfly.com help to make wonderful scrapbook photo keepsakes. Your lady friend will appreciate the time and effort you put towards such a special gift.

Every woman is different but these are just some ideas of  presents I would be more than happy to have under my Christmas tree!

Now Playing: "Last Christmas" by Wham!

My First BIRCHBOX!

Yesterday, my first BIRCHBOX arrived in the mail! It was for the month of February. I'm really pleased with the goodies that I scored. I haven't had the chance to use and review them yet, but I thought I'd atleast give a sneak peak. In case you are unfamiliar with the service, you pay $10 per month and BIRCHBOX sends you 4-5 deluxe-sized beauty samples. It's nice for people who like to try out high-end products without the risk. I like getting the little surprises in the mail. I'm a fan of beauty products in general but I also love miniature things. It's kind of perfect for me. I don't plan on doing this every month ($110 is a bit steep for my budget) but I will probably do 4 or 5. I'll probably order another BIRCHBOX for June (summer), September (fall), October (Halloween) and December (Christmas). But I'll be curious to see what's inside the BIRCHBOXes for the months I passed on. I love that the internet and YouTube can satisfy my curiosity. But on to the products that I got for February (my birthday/Valentine's Day box).

1. Befine, Night Cream. Full-size, $30

2. myfaceworks, Sheet Mask. Six Full-Sized masks, $55

3. NARS Face Illuminator, Full-size, $29

Pomega5, Daily Revitalizing Concentrate. Full-size, $48

5. (Birchbox Treat) sweetriot Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs

I'm really into skin care these days. I'm one of the few girls who doesn't own NARS orgasm blush/bronzer. I do like illuminators, so I couldn't be happier to try this out. If it works well with my skin, I may buy the full-sized product to mix with body moisturizer. It would be nice in the spring/summer for the face & shoulders. I'm excited to try the sweetriot chocolate! What girl doesn't love a little candy for Valentine's Day?



Now Playing: "I'm Not Calling You a Liar" by Florence + the Machine

Happy 25th Birthday to Me! :)

When your 25th birthday lands on a Tuesday in February with a massive winter storm sprawling the country, the best thing you can do is sit back and enjoy it at home. When I was a little girl, I had a few birthday bashes effected by the weather. By now, I'm used to it. I actually don't mind the winter. So, today's freezing rain is fine. I'm planning on celebrating this weekend with my close friends and ofcourse Super Bowl Sunday will be an added bonus! Hopefully the Steelers will win their 7th Lombardi trophy!

25 is kind of a monumental birthday and while I am so thrilled to kiss 24 goodbye, I am a bit apprehensive about growing a year older. I'm no longer in the 18-24 age bracket and I feel like an adult. I have so many dreams that I have yet to achieve and I'm hoping this birthday will signify the start of a new year to work towards reaching my goals! Thank you to anyone who has wished me a happy birthday! I always get scared that no one will remember and I'll feel unloved, lol. Thank you, Facebook for notifying everyone :)

Love,
Krista


Now Playing: "Growing Up Beside You" by Paolo Nutini

Nail Polish of the Moment: Quarter of a Cent-Cherry by OPI

Quarter of a Cent-Cherry by OPI
My 25th birthday is tomorrow & since I didn't want to spend it painting my nails, I gave myself a manicure this morning. I fittingly chose "Quarter of a Cent-Cherry" by OPI. It's a beautiful, deep, cherry red hue. It would also look great on Valentine's Day! I can't believe I'm going to be 25 tomorrow- scary! I'm starting to feel like an "adult". But I digress. This polish really impressed me. You can get away with one coat (great for on the go) but for a perfectly, opaque finish, I went with two. I definitely recommend this one! :)

Quarter of a Cent-Cherry by OPI


Now Playing: "The Funeral" by Band of Horses (One of my favorite songs of the past decade)

As If?!

As I was reading one of my favorite sites, DListed.com, I came across a post that mentioned actress Stacey Dash turned 45 today. This stopped me in my tacks. Stacey is best known for playing Dion in the 1995 movie, Clueless (and later, in the television series).


Clueless is one of my favorite movies of ALL time! The fact that Stacey Dash was playing a high schooler at 30ish should have garnered her an Oscar. She's 45 and looks unbelievably good. By the way, Cher AKA Alicia Silverstone is pregnant and Brittany Murphy had a tragic, untimely passing last year. I'll be 25 in twelve days. I now feel like time is slipping by. Pass the moisturizer!


All of these reflections on age made me miss my large and fabulous collection of fluffy pens (I was the envy of every fourth grade girl). I recently tried to find some online but I didn't come across any that weren't "toe up." To cheer me up, here is nice little montage of Dion's best Clueless moments. Enjoy! :)




Now Playing: "Kids In America" by The Muffs (Kim Wilde Cover)