Wonderwall: The Tumblr Archive

kristaselene.tumblr.com

Now Playing: "We Can't Stop" by jj ft. Ne-Yo
*Love this one so much

Tumblr

I finally grasped the concept of tumblr and set up a page. I'll be sharing thoughts, inspirations, memories, favorites and more. Come tumble with me for a look inside my idealistic, romantic, dreamy, twisted mind.

kristaselene.tumblr.com

WINNING!

I've read the celebrity gossip/humor site dlisted.com for years. It's not your typical content. The guy who creates the blog, Michael K. is one of the funniest writers I have ever come across. He has such a fascinating and hilarious perspective on the world. This week, I decided to submit some writing entries into the CAPTION THIS contest on dlisted. I thought it would be a nice way to practice my writing and maybe get some new readers to my blog. After a few days of my captions going unnoticed, I am thrilled to announce that yours truly wrote the winning caption for Thursday's contest! There were over 200 submissions, so I am pretty proud of myself. This was actually the second writing contest that I found out I won this week (the other being one for Writer's Digest)! It gave me the motivation that I needed to really work hard on my manuscript. I'm not great at a lot of things but writing has always been something that I loved. It comes naturally to me. Nothing makes me happier than when I know other people are laughing or enjoying what I put together :)

Here is the photo we were asked to create a caption for:

And here is my winning caption along with the runners-up (my handle is SteelCityGirl):

Now Playing: "Hang Me Up to Dry" by Cold War Kids

Inside the Actor's Studio

Over on one of my favorite sites, dlisted.com, they posted an amusing mock interview with Jennifer Aniston. I thought the questions were pretty good so I answered them myself.

JL: What turns you on?
Good music, good drinks, good people.

JL: What turns you off?
People who are closed-minded and arrogant.

JL: What is your favorite word?
 Love.

JL: What is your least favorite word?
For its overuse, epic comes to mind but I don't really have one.

JL: What sound or noise do you love?
Talk radio. Coast to Coast AM in the middle of the night. It relaxes me, opens my mind and takes me back to a time when there wasn't distractions like the internet or DVR.

JL: What sound or noise do you hate?
Loud motorcycles. See a specific episode of South Park for reference.

JL: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I've always wanted to be an inventor of some sort. I don't have an interest in the business side of things but the creation process appeals to me very much. The idea wouldn't have to be a life changing product or service but hopefully something helpful or fun.

JL: What profession other than yours would you not want to attempt?
I could never be an accountant. I loathe math and find it to be extremely dull.

JL: What is your favorite swear word?
All of them. Preferably used in conjunction with one another.

JL: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say to you as you enter the Pearly Gates?
"That's what she said." Seriously. Did you catch the last part of that sentence? I have been told that I have a dirtier mind than anyone; I'd be grateful just to be there.




Now Playing: "St. Elsewhere" by Gnarls Barkley

Get Lit Book Review: THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

I've heard about The Perks of Being A Wallflower for quite a long time. In the fall of 2004, during my freshman year of college, my roommate said that it was one of her favorite books. This wasn't the first time I heard someone rave about the book. The title intrigued me and I knew that I would someday get around to reading it. When film producers announced that the movie for The Perks of Being A Wallflower would film in Pittsburgh this year, I wanted to get my hands on it before the movie was released in theaters. After doing a bit of research, I was reminded that the book is actually set in Pittsburgh as the author grew up in one of the suburbs. I was really excited to see what all the hype was about and maybe even recognize a few of the scenery locations in the book.

I ordered Perks from Amazon.com. When it arrived, I quickly began reading. It's not a long book and it's a rather quick read. I read a little before bed each night and finished in about 10 days. You could read this on a plane ride or in an afternoon if you wanted to. What I liked the most is the style in which Perks is written. I am the type of person who likes to read nonfiction. Even though Perks is fiction, I was able to picture the characters vividly in my imagination and let the scenes play out as if it truly happened. This was easy to do because I recognized the imagery that Stephen Chbosky painted in my head. There is one particular part in the book that I loved the most because it describes something that anyone who is from Pittsburgh or even visited, can relate to on pgs. 91-92:

There’s something about that tunnel that leads to downtown. It’s glorious at night. Just glorious. You start on one side of the mountain, and it’s dark, and the radio is loud. As you enter the tunnel, the wind gets sucked away, and you squint from the lights overhead. When you adjust to the lights, you can see the other side in the distance just as the sound of the radio fades because the waves just can’t reach. Then, you’re in the middle of the tunnel, and everything becomes a calm dream. As you see the opening get closer, you just can’t get there fast enough. And finally, just when you think you’ll never get there, you see the opening right in front of you. And the radio comes back even louder than you remember it. And the wind is waiting. And you fly out of the tunnel onto the bridge. And there it is. The city. A million lights and buildings and everything seems as exciting as the first time you saw it. It really is a grand entrance.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower does a good job at describing the coming of age tale of its loveable protagonist, Charlie and his eclectic group of friends. I enjoyed the references to music and literature. The one complaint I had about this book is that the characters are crying on virtually every other page. I am one of the most sensitive people you could meet but even I don't cry as often as the teenagers do in this book. I don't think I've ever met a 15-year-old boy who cries like Chbosky's Charlie does. The ending leaves something to be desired but it is still a great debut novel. It's worth the read for anyone in their teens, 20s or just young at heart. It's a sweet story and I look forward to the screen adaptation.




Now Playing: "Asleep" by The Smiths
(Often mentioned in the book)

NEW RULE: SURVEY SAYS

NEW RULE: Stop asking me to fill out your company's quality assurance survey when I'm online shopping during work hours. I'm not interested in the chance to win a $10 gift card off my next purchase of $100 or more. I'm paying you to send me what I'm too lazy to drive to the mall to get. Your job is to not ask any questions.

Nail Polish of the Moment: Borrowed & Blue by Essie

Photo Courtesy Google Images

Essie's Spring 2011 Wedding Collection includes the perfect pale blue. I didn't have any powder, baby blues in my nail polish collection and have been looking for the ideal bottle. Borrowed & Blue fits the bill. It's easy to work with and is fully opaque in just 2 coats. Borrowed & Blue reminds me of what a baby boy's royal nursery may have looked like during the French Revolution. "Let them eat cake!" (FYI Marie Antionette never said this).

Color: 5/5
Packaging Quality: 5/5
Application: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5

Final Verdict: A+
(24.5/25 or 98%)


Now Playing: "Hearing Damage" Thom Yorke

Flashback Friday: THE TWIST!

Taking it back to the good old days, here's Chubby Checker's (really?) "The Twist" (1960). I just love this song!

According to Billboard Magazine, "The Twist" held the honor of being the number-one song on its "Hot 100 50th Anniversary" list of "The Billboard: All-Time Hot 100 Top Songs" in the first 50 years of the Hot 100 chart.

The song is ranked number 451 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Handwritten

I think our handwriting says a lot about us. I've always taken pride in my handwriting. Unfortunately, over the years, my writing has gone a bit down hill because I type so often. I've answers numerous "memes" or survey/questionnaires, but I thought it would be fun to do a handwritten one. I see this done in magazines like Cosmo and on other blogs. I'd love to see others' but here is mine (you may need click the image to enlarge):





SIDENOTE: I researched what our doodling says about us. I tend to draw signatures, boxes, faces, hearts, stars and flowers. Here's what it means....

Stars:The doodler's ambitious character is reveled, a strong desire to achieve success. It could be professional success or the personal front.

Hearts:Clearly an expression that reveals the feelings in heart. Joyous heart is usually expressed by way of string of hearts soaring high up into the air. An arrow piercing the heart with drops of blood expresses the sorrowful feelings of the doodler.

Flowers: Gentle as flowers, the doodler is keen on fostering social relationships and strike amicable friendship.

Dimensional objects: Probers, intellectuals and those with a logical mind usually doodle with 3 D objects.

Eyes: Doodlers who doodle big eyes arerevealing their outgoing personality and those who doodle small eyes like to keep to oneself. Closed eyes convey a strict 'no' to look within and laughing eyes reveal the joy and happiness within.

Nail Polish of the Moment: SAN TAN-TONIO by OPI

3 coats (OPI base coat and top coat also applied) of SAN TAN-TONIO. In true life, it's actually lighter.

I picked this up from OPI's Texas Collection. It's the perfect nude/tan shade to go with all of the spring 2011 trends. It can easily be taken into fall as well. I love that this polish makes my nails look polished but it still feels natural! I hope it becomes part of the permanent collection because I think it's one of my favorites. Despite nudes being popular, I don't think I've seen a quality dupe. OPI would be wise to keep this one.


Color: 5/5
Packaging Quality: 5/5
Application: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Value: 4/5

Final Verdict: A+
(24/25 or 96%)



Now Playing: "Tell Yer Mama" by Norah Jones

Word of the Week: MACABRE

In an effort to expand my vocabulary, I'm going to feature a word of the week! I'll try my best to use this word in speech and in writing to ensure that I soak it in.

The word for May 2nd-8th is:

MACABRE adj.


Definition:
-having death as a subject
-comprising or including a personalized representation of death
-dwelling on the gruesome
-tending to produce horror in a beholder

Examples of MACABRE:
1. a macabre story of murder and madness
2. Police discovered a macabre scene inside the house.

Origin of MACABRE: French
First Known Use: 1889

April 2011 Favorites!

This month I started a new job and watched the wedding of the century. Along the way, I've had a few beauty favorites. Enjoy!

Xhilaration Saniya Point Toe Flats from Target
I actually got these last year at Goodwill for a buck or two (brand new via Target- they had tons of pairs)! My particular Goodwill always scores Target shipments. If you live in the Pittsburgh area, McKnight Road's GW is the best place to shop. While leopard print is synonymous with fall, I have been really enjoying wearing these to work. I have very distorted feet and have a difficult time finding shoes (especially flats) that are comfortable. These are so easy to wear, soft and go great with so many outfits! I love wearing them around the office with anything from slacks, dresses, jeans or leggings (we have a very casual environment).



Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Italian Red Mandarin with Rose
I got this lip balm in one of my birchboxes. I love the smell, packaging and the way it makes my lips feel. When I run out, I think I'm going to purchase a new one from Whole Foods or one of the other places that carries it in Pittsburgh. My lips are constantly dry, so I keep this handy at all times.



Huge Lips Skinny Hips Lipgloss in Clear as Crystal

At the beginning of the year, I ordered a few of these glosses when Urban Outfitters was having a big sale. I got them for about 60% off which is great for luxury cosmetics. While the colors aren't that great, the products do what it is intended- supress your appetite! I don't have a traditional lunch hour at my job and I'm trying to diet, so I love having this on my desk. I'm always reapplying it. I've noticed that it does make me less likely to indulge in food. It contains hoodia which is a natural remedy. The smell alone decreases my appetite. As for the lip plumping, I do notice a slight tingle that I've gotten used to but I don't think it's the best. If you can score this on sale (QVC is a good place to try), I recommend Clear as Crystal!



MAC Sakura Blush from the Quite Cute collection
I love everything about this blush! The packaging is definitely what sold me. I was initially just going to pick up the shade Miss Behave (peach/mint green) but I'm glad I got both. I was afraid the Sakura would be too similar to my Physicans Formula happy booster blush in Rose but they are definitely different. Sakura has nice lavender and pink hues and is perfect for spring!



Mischievous Mint by MAC (Quite Cute Collection)
Another item from the Quite Cute collection that I really loved this month was Mischievous Mint nail polish. I'm wearing it now. It's divine for spring and puts me in such a happy mood. I thought that I would be disappointed since it reminded me of the much more affordable Minted by Revlon, but I'm happy with its creme finish.



Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey
My favorite fashion moment of the month (and very well for a lifetime) was easily Kate Middleton's wedding dress. The Alexander McQueen (designed by Sarah Burton) ensemble was imbeccable! Kate did her own makeup and her manicurist used a combination of Bourjois no. 28 Rose Lounge and Essie's Allure.


1960s Vintage Inspired Gold Tone Pen Nacklace by 1928

Last October, when I was considering being Joan from Mad Men, I ordered this pen necklace to replicate her traditional costume piece. I scored it for only $5 and thought it would be nice to have for everyday wear because it is my style- vintage, gold, unique and useable. I'm always jotting things down, so I loved the idea of a necklace that also doubles as a pen. The ink is a blue-purple hue and I enjoy wearing it to work.


Too Faced Shadow Insurance

I've used this product for a couple years but I realized that I like it better than Urban Decay Primer Potion. It's a bit on the costly side of the cosmetics spectrum but it's worth it. My favorite eyeshadow this month was actually the bhcosmetics 88 cool shimmer palette. Without my trusty Shadow Insurance, the colors would not last as long or appear as vibrant! If you don't already use a primer and are sick of experiencing fading or creasing, I can't recommend this product highly enough!


bhcosmetics 88 Cool Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

I picked this palette up online during a spring sale. I have a Coastal Scents 88 palette that I enjoy and heard the brands were similar. The color range is great. With a nice base/primer, you can create endless looks. There is one particular eyeshadow that I LOVE in this palette (second to last row across, second shadow down- it's a beautiful gold/nude/pale green shade that I can't even describe). I wish I had it in full size! Definitely look into this if you're in the market for expanding your range of colors.


Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray
I know exactly what you're thinking. You bought water in a spray can? I actually horded four packs home from a thrift store that someone had donated. I had never heard of such a thing but I'm glad I discovered it and in such a cost effective way (I paid $6 per 3 pack). I spray this on in the morning to wake me up and as a prep for moisturizer and makeup. Not only does it feel great but it makes my skin soft. I will definitely be splurging on more when I run out!


Maybelline Falsies Mascara
My mom mentioned that she need a good mascara, so I bought her this for her birthday. I had heard great reviews and secrelty wanted to try it out (my Mom will wear just about anything). I love this stuff! It is great for lengthening lashes and the packaging is so cute!


Tresor in Love by Lancome
Speaking of my Mother's birthday, my Dad and I bought her Tresor in Love. She loves Tresor but hasn't worn it in a few years so I thought this would be nice. I wanted to get this for Christmas, so I was happy to finally get it for someone who lives at my house ;) Unfortunately, my boss is highly allergic to perfume so I can't wear any to the office :( But for evenings and weekends, I will definitely be borrowing some of this. I prefer this after it has worn off a bit- initially it's a bit alcohol-y but develops nicely. Notes are: nectarine, wood, cedar wood, a rose with a luminous jasmine character, bergamot, tart pear, peach, violet and Turkish rose.


Lancome Bi-Facil Makeup Remover
I got this as a gift with purchase (all of it was acutally a gift) and I love it. This makeup removed takes off everything with a quick swipe. It does leave a bit of a greasy residue but I cleanse and moisturize after and all is well. The packaging is nice. My only complaint is the price but it's worth it!


Lemonade Gatorade
Because I gave up most forms of pop (soda) for Lent, Gatorade was always fully stocked in my frige this month. Lemonade is easily my favorite! It is so refreshing and goes great with all of my favorite snacks.





Since April was so full of tornados, I can't help but share my favorite YouTube video of the month. While it was technically filmed in March and I first viewed it on the day it was posted, it certainly got a lot of views this month! Tornado Boy is from the Pittsburgh area and this video is priceless.




My favorite song in April was played at the Royal Wedding- Jerusalem! "And did those feet in ancient time" is a short poem by William Blake from the preface to his epic Milton: a Poem (1804). Today it is best known as the hymn "Jerusalem", with music written by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916.



Now Playing: Up From Below album by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Now Drinking: The rest of my Andre champagne from the Royal Wedding (it tastes like college... expect a blog post to explain!)

Royal Wedding!

I was up at 4 am to catch all of the pomp and pageantry (with just a few hours of sleep)! Unfortunately, I also worked all day and I'm now ready to get to bed early! I will dedicate a substantial blog post tomorrow to all of the fashion and romance!

Coming Soon!

I'm working on some updates to my blog- trying to give it more of a "professional" look and feel. Hopefully, in the coming months I will have a new banner and layout. This week, I'm going to work on updating my music playlist!

For info on my upcoming videos including hauls, reviews & vlogs, please follow me on twitter @KristaRoman and check out my YouTube channel!

Book Club!

Starting next month, I will be doing a book club on my YouTube channel as well as here on my blog! As an aspiring author and someone who works with novelists on a daily basis, having a book club seemed appropriate! I don't read books nearly as much as I should. I thought that this book club might be a nice incentive to get some reading done! I'm still trying to come up with a cute name for the book club but for now, I have announced the first 4 books that I will be reading and reviewing! Please note, I will read the book the month prior to reviewing it. Example: It's April and I am now reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I will review it in May!

May: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
June: Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me by "Various Victims"
July: A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
August: This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you have any suggestions for books or any names that you like for the club, please feel free to send me a message or comment! :)



Now Playing: "Fader" by Temper Trap

20 Questions Tag

I recently answered these questions in a blog post but I recorded a video for YouTube!

Big Lots Beauty Haul

Since I posted my first (albeit average) YouTube video, I decided to do an accompanying blog post. Here are the beauty product thats I hauled from Big Lots!

elf Hypershine Gloss in Fairy $1


Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in 619 Rose & Shine $2


Diamond Cosmetics Eyeshadow Brush $1


elf Nail Polish in Desert Haze $1


Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain in 410 Bit of Blossom $2


elf Lip Gloss & Conditioner in Perfect Pink $2.50


Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in Navy Baby $1.50


Black Hand Mirror $2.50



Now Playing: Same Boy You've Always Known by The White Stripes

My First Beauty Video!

I've been watching YouTube beauty videos since spring 2006. I finally posted my own! I imagined that my first video would be something spectacular but I decided on a whim to just quickly do a recording. This was shot on my webcam at night talking about a small, Big Lots haul of all things. My hair wasn't fixed, my makeup was going on its 10th hour and my enthusiasm isn't quite there. But I had the courage and I ran with it! Whether my videos get 10 views or ten thousand, I'm happy to finally be participating in something that I was just a spectator in for so long :)

My CNN iReport Royal Wedding Entry

20 Questions Tag!

I found this set of questions on WinterRose84's YouTube channel! :)


1.Thing you cannot leave the house without
A purse. I don't mean to cheat but whether it has one thing or one hundred things inside, I feel lost without a handbag.

2.Favorite brand of makeup
MAC

3.Favorite Flowers
Cream/Pale pink roses.

4.Fav clothing stores
Wherever I can get something of good quality that is unique and affordable- thrift stores, places like TJ Maxx, etc. I love Forever 21 as well.

5.Fav perfume
Chance by Chanel but I'm starting to move away from it.

6.Heels or flats
Flats are far more comfortable but heels are cuter and more flattering. It depends.

7.Do you make good grades?
I made excellent grades in grade school. High School and college I was just average. I didn't apply myself as much as I could have in some subjects. I make good Jeopardy scores ;)

8.Fav colors
Pale pink, gold, ivory/cream, royal blue, emerald green

9.Do you drink energy drinks?
Not usually but if they are around I will have one

10.Do you drink juice?
I'm drinking a Lemonade Gatorade right now

11.Do you like swimming?
In a pool, yes.

12.Do you eat fries with a fork?
Not unless they are covered in slimy cheese

13.Whats your fav moisturizer?
Olay Daily Renewal

14.Do you want to get married later on in life?
Yes

15.Do you get mad easily?
I get annoyed somewhat easily but I'm not an angry individual

16.Are you into ghost hunting?
Yes! I love it and want to join a group

17.Any phobias?
Bees, tractor trailers... I'm not scared of stink bugs because I've killed thousands but I hate them. When I was little, I was scared of pinecones for some reason. I also hated the sound of motorcycles and the machines that lifted wood at stores like Home Depot.

18.Do you bite your nails?
Not anymore

19.Have you ever had a near death experience?
I had a difficult birth but other than that, I don't think so

20.Do you drink coffee?
Nope!