the OSCARS

First things first...ELLEN DEGENERES...she was amazing, stupendous, absolute perfection! She ordered pizza, fed it to A-List celebrities on paper napkins and then collected cash in Pharell's hat...she also took down Twitter. We don't really need to say anything else. Ellen rocked it. The Academy should really just ask her to host the show from this point forward...anyone else will basically pale in comparison.

I truly loved the entire show. There weren't really any major surprises - I actually saw every movie nominated for best picture, so my opinions were somewhat valid and for the most part I agreed with the winners. Megan feels strongly that Leo was robbed and I would have given it to my girl Jennifer Lawrence, but 12 Years a Slave was a clear win and Gravity was undoubtedly difficult to film, not to mention we all knew Frozen would take the animation slot. Girls have been singing their little lungs out for months.

The red carpet was a bit simple - I want to see ravishing beauty and dresses that are daring and risky. But I will give the gorgeous women some credit because it was WET in LA and we Californians don't really know what to do with weather. I'm sure they were thinking "what am I gonna do when my hair gets wet and frizzy" just like I would have been. The red carpet seemed a bit brief in general. E! did coverage for about 16 hours before the show started, but I don't feel like we really saw anything of value. That said, I picked six women to take "best dressed" - and Olivia Wilde deserves some major props for rocking that baby body even though she didn't make the list. DANG GIRL. I think Charlize Theron takes my top slot - those illusion straps and illusion stripes did me in...she was breathtaking. Jennifer's dress was fabulously bright, but I wasn't a huge fan of the hair and she totes did the back necklace last year. Sandra and Julia looked mature and sophisticated both of them just epitomize classy. Idina may have been super nervous while performing, but I think she did fantastic and she looked amazing while doing it! I watched her moment twice and will forever think she is a star! Finally we have the most talked about dress of the day - Kate Hudson - it is white and layered and angular and has a cape. Perfection.

I am so sad the Oscars are over. What is a girl to do when there are no more red carpets for watching while feasting and still losing weight by drinking skinny girl? Alas, I shall wait with bated breath and unspeakable anticipation for the Tony's on June 8 and then the Emmy's in August. Until then, the red carpet posts are on hiatus. Oh how I shall miss them! 

it's raining men...hallelujah

Just kidding, I am as single as ever - but it is raining which is a wonderful and glorious occurrence. There is something so perfectly alluring about heavy droplets of water splattering on the brick facade of our antiquated building in historic downtown Santa Ana. It is going to make walking to lunch with Shannon and Sienna a bit grotesque, but overall I just love watching the cascade through the window.

In typical Friday fashion, here are some of my very favorite moments from the week...

We had an unanticipated plumbing issue that drastically changed my plans for the weekend. However, it did allow me some down-time that was greatly appreciated in the long-run. I used the hours cuddled up on the couch immersed in an absolutely fantastic book. I finished The Fault in our Stars in a single day and absolutely loved it. I don't think I could tell you the last time I spent hours in a work of fiction, but I plan to do it far more often in the future.

Sunday I headed to San Diego to see my parents and spend some time with Anna. Anna and I went to Charming Charlie where we tried on approximately 20 pairs of hideous sunglasses that claim to be "on trend". We both came home with the same ($9) pair and according to the quantity of likes on instagram, they were a good choice. I think they're hilarious and I'm still not sure I have enough sas to pull them off!

Monday AND Tuesday were Bachelor nights this week. I honestly can't even believe I'm still watching the show since it is one episode of pathetic after another. However, there was a forecast for lots of tears and that typically makes for entertaining television. Unfortunately, it was all a ruse. At the end of the FOUR hours of total numbness, I don't like Juan Pablo any more than I did before, and I lost all respect for Andi who is slated to be the next Bachelorette. Do you think that will stop me from watching it, NEVER!

Wednesday I had breakfast with the gorgeous Mindy Taylor and we discussed her upcoming nuptials. Mins and I have breakfast at Kimmie's Coffee Cup about twice a month. We used to order oatmeal with blueberries. Delicious. However, we have since wised up and we are ordering full-on-breakfast. Let's be honest, if I'm gonna get up and be at a restaurant around 7:00am I want real food (especially since the cost is virtually the same)! We are GENIUSES Mins!

Finally, as pathetic as this is, a favorite reality of the week is that THIS is the week network television returned in all it's glory. 2 Broke Girls, Chicago Fire, Modern Family, Nashville, Chicago PD, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood and SO MANY MORE I have missed you and am so happy you're back in my home! According to one of my best friends, I am a television athlete - I wear my title proud!

This weekend is THE OSCARS so you're sure to see me with a chocolate covered strawberry in one hand a some bubbly in the other! I cannot wait for the most anticipated Red Carpet of the season and the Award Show of ALL Award Shows! Plus Ellen Degeneres is the host. THIS IS GOING TO BE EPIC!

they're my people...

Tonight "my people" return to network television after a hiatus that was far too long! I have been watching Grey's Anatomy since my sophomore year of college...I have been a devoted friend, dedicating each Thursday night to spending quality time together, shedding tears over traumatic life events including a horrific bombing, a train crash, being hit by a bus, a plane crash, the cutting of LVAD wires, falling in love, loosing love, getting married, having babies, adopting a baby, loosing a limb, building a house, being held at gunpoint, being electrocuted, having brain surgery, a complete emotional breakdown, cancer, several deaths, lots of weddings, and even more. We have danced in our underwear through the seasons of life and somehow survived it all. My mother calls it my smutty show, but I say it is a little slice of happiness. Tonight you'll find me cuddled on the couch with a Weight Watchers 1-point GIANT Chocolate Fudge Ice-Cream Bar in hand waiting expectantly for an evening of entertainment with some of my very favorite fictional characters. Grey's Anatomy - I will forever love you!

drugstore makeup junkie

I am a drug-store makeup girl through and through. I will say that I have pretty good skin (perhaps a little dry) and don't have to seriously consider the ingredients within the products. I also have pink undertones and am quite fair so most colors work decently. I am by far the most adventurous with lip colors (see my previous post referencing the great lipventure to see some of my favorites) and tend to stick with a fairly ordinary routine for everything else. I do not spend a ton of time on my makeup, but thanks to a whole bunch of fabulous drugstore products, I make the most of what I've got! Just because it is kind of fun - here's are little makeup love from my face to yours!

BASE FACE:
This is basically my go-to for everyday and for evening as well. Sometimes I add a bit more blush or contouring for special occasions, but this combination is tried and true. 
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
Rimmell Stay Matte Pressed Power
CoverGirl Classic Color Blush, Soft Mink
Covergirl TRUblend minerals loose powder
Milani Illuminating Face Powder
NP Set Contouring Pallete

EYES:
Maybelline Color Tattoo Metals in Barely Branded (this acts as my primer - it is AMAZING)
Stila Sensational in Sydney (this is my all-time favorite but is now discontinued)
The Balm NUDE'tude Palette
Wet & Wild Comfort Zone Palette 
Revlon Brazen Palette
Covergirl Perfect Point Plus
Covergirl lashBLAST volume waterproof

LIPS:
There are so many lip products that I love and it would be IMPOSSIBLE to list them all. However, here are some of my well loved and often worn recommendations.
Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Colorburst Balm Stain
Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick SHINE
Revlon Lip Butter
NYX Matte Lipstick
NYX Butter Lipgloss

book 5...check

"Were she better or you sicker, then the stars would not be so terribly crossed, but is the nature of stars to cross and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he had Cassius note, 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / but in ourselves.' Easy enough to say when you're a Roman nobleman (or Shakespeare!), but there is no shortage of fault to be found amid our stars."

This is a quote from the incredible "The Fault in our Stars" by John Green - my latest read and one that felt almost sacred somehow. I found myself reading sections, pausing, turning corners so I could go back and re-read again. I laughed and cried and felt honored to take part in the story even as a simple bystander captivated by the intricate weaving of words. I read the book in one day. It could not be helped. The rest of this post shall be comprised of my favorite pauses from the tale of a young love that would be far too short in a world that is far too cruel.

"It seemed like forever ago, like we'd had this brief but still infinite forever."

"I am in love with you, and I'm not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things. I'm in love with you..."

"You say you're not special because the world doesn't know about you, but that is an insult to me. I know about you."

"It occurred to me that the voracious ambition of humans is never sated by dreams coming true, because there is always the thought that everything might be done better and again."

"She is beautiful. You don't get tired of looking at her. You never worry if she is smarter than you: You know she is. She is funny without ever being mean. I love her. I am so lucky to love her. You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices. I hope she likes hers."

"There are infinite numbers between 0 and 1. There's .1 and .12 and.112 and an infinite collection of others. Of course, there is a bigger infinite set of numbers between 0 and 2 or 0 and a million. Some infinities are bigger than other infinities. There are days, many of them, when I resent the size of my unbounded set. I want more numbers than I'm likely to get and I want more numbers for Augustus Waters than he got. But Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn't trade it for the world. You gave me forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful."

And just to finish this off on a slightly lighter note...

"Do you know what Dom Perignon said after inventing champagne? 'Come quickly: I am tasting the stars'."

Now it's your turn to read the 313 pages that surround this gorgeous and heavily weighted piece of fiction. Or if books aren't really your thing, I'm pleased to announce that it will be coming to a theatre near you in June.

everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend...

And not because I have a ton of fun plans (in fact, I was headed to San Diego to spend some quality time with my parental units but that is now somewhat dependent upon how major our plumbing issue turns out to be...when water starts dripping from a downstairs bedroom ceiling while someone is in the shower upstairs, its probably not a good sign...) but simply because there is something glorious about a weekend. I love the freedom of staying in pajamas on the couch all day lounging while watching movies, reading books, painting nails, etc.. Sometimes a weekend of absolutely nothing sounds like perfection!

I didn't post a high 5 for friday last week, so you're getting 2 weeks of highlights RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.

My attempt to watch all Oscar nominated films is nearing an end. I have 2 movies left on the list - Dallas Buyers Club and Nebraska. The Oscars are on Sunday, March 02 - so I have approximately 9 more days to knock this out. In the last two weeks I managed to catch Wolf of Wall Street (I cannot recommend this in good conscience) 12 Years a Slave (absolutely phenomenal and I think my vote for Best Picture) and Blue Jasmine (which is not nominated for Best Picture, but Cate Blanchett is nominated for Best Actress and by golly they got that nomination right - she was stupendous and her ability to transfer between stable and completely mental was believable and engaging. LOVED IT). I really do love movies and can't wait for another Red Carpet weekend!

Megan came to town last week and we got to spend a smidge of time together...we had coffee, tried on bridesmaid dresses (we don't have to talk about it), went to the movies and celebrated Kenzie's birthday with breakfast at Kimmie's Coffee Cup. I had Friday off work, so it was a luxurious morning of chatter and good food with a side of fun gifts for Kenz. It was perfection. I LOVE BIRTHDAY BRUNCH!

Valentines Day was a full day of fun and friendship. After Kenzie's birthday brunch, I went to froyo with Shalina - I never get to see her so it is always a delight. Then I ushered at The Producers with Ally who gave me the most darling heart garland and gold dinosaur magnet EVER and finished the night off at Endless Love with my best. Carrie surprised and spoiled me with a darling gift including some of my favorite things. I cherish that so many of my friends made it a special day even though I'm single. So very nice of them!

I BOOKED A TRIP TO HAWAII

And finally, I got my haircut and then posted a picture of my new do on both Instagram and Facebook. NEVER IN MY LIFE has a picture seen so many likes or comments - apparently THIS is the hair for me! I totaled it up to appease my own curiosity and this gem has a total of 147 likes and 38 comments. THANK YOU INTERNET for the boost to my self esteem!

birthday wishes

My birthday is quickly approaching and out of the generosity of my heart, I've been putting together a little wish list so family and friends alike know what to graciously gift me! HA! Truth be told, I really do love birthdays - and look forward to celebrating with those I love the most. I know that most of these items will not be coming my direction this year, but it's always fun to dream! From Kate Spade to Michael Kors to makeup and jewelry galore, any and all of these items would make me squeal!

12 Years a Slave

In my valiant efforts to see all things Oscar nominated, I coerced (without much convincing I might add) Steven into a movie on Sunday afternoon. We went to 12 Years a Slave and I was not prepared. I anticipated it would be a hard movie to watch; however, I was moved in a deep and profound way - I was literally and legitimately rendered speechless. There was one point in the film when my heart was so deeply invested in the (true) story that I almost just erupted into agonizing sobs. It is horrifying to know that we did this to people and not very long ago. Throughout the entire film there is only one white man that stands up for equality. And though he is afraid, he decided to pursue justice. I know that history is sordid and grotesque and that we have come so far, but we've done so through the blood, sweat, tears, and the loss of many. This one man did the right thing and ultimately (spoiler alert) rescued a life and reunited a family. As I contemplated the movie later that evening I was struck repeatedly by the question of what our responsibility is for the gross injustices that are happening worldwide. I know that God wants more for us than to enjoy our comfortable and richly blessed existence. I know He calls us to move and act and give and love beyond what we believe comprehensible. We are called to walk boldly into the frightening and illuminate it with His light and hope. I don't know where the Lord is going to use me and I know I cannot solve all the unspeakable realities in this world, but I pray that I'll be courageous and that my life will in some way have value far beyond myself. I pray that if I am ever faced with such a choice, I will do right. 12 Years a Slave is a phenomenal film - it is one that everyone should see - we need to remember - because we definitely do not want to go back. I don't know if it will win the Oscar, but it is definitely deserving of recognition and celebration.

the countdown is on!

In January of 2013 my brother Kevin and his family moved to Hawaii where he is currently stationed as an Officer in the Army Nurse Corps. Although I guess it is not THAT sad to have family in Hawaii, and that does come with its share of benefits, it was terribly hard to say goodbye and I miss them more than I can possibly explain. I used to drive down to San Diego to spend time with them at least once a month and now it has been almost a year since I last hugged my big brother! I went to visit for the first time in March of 2013 - I spent my 28th birthday in Paradise and it was perfect. I woke up to snuggles in bed with Madeline and ended the night at a luau. I will turn 29 in exactly 1 month. This year my birthday is on a Wednesday...and I will be a work...SUPER DISAPPOINTING. However, it is with GREAT excitement that announce the COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN. I am headed back to the island where dreams come true in May 2014 and I CANNOT WAIT!

My birthday trip to paradise was my first ever experience with Hawaii. Growing up, my family camped together, that was our definition of vacation. I still have never been on a plane with my mom and I flew with Dad for the first (and only) time in 2012 when we went to Texas for Kevin's OCS graduation. My childhood lied to me - HAWAII IS VACATION! I went to see my family more than I went to lie on the beach and drink frozen delights - but I did my fair share of both and it was the perfect way to usher in 28.

I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and my little M was so excited to see me - that might have been my favorite moment of the entire trip. She gave me a lei and then we spent some time in the car catching up and waiting for KC (Kevin & Jamie's cat was my travel companion - though I'm not sure he enjoyed the trip quite as much as I did). We had dinner together on base and I got the official tour of their new home. Kevin was working nights at the time, so off to work he went and Jamie and I settled in with a glass of wine to catch up and watch the season finale of the Bachelor (spoiler alert: Sean picked Catherine) - some things are exactly the same in Hawaii. On Monday we went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation - it was gorgeous and we had a really fun afternoon exploring and eating pineapple whip (which is just as good at Disneyland, in case you were wondering). Tuesday was my actual birthday and we started the day with breakfast in bed (I kept the homemade construction paper menu) and then headed to Pearl Harbor - a stunning and really powerful place. Now that Kevin is in the military, I have a lot more respect for the people who have fought for our freedom and the true sacrifices that military families make to protect our country. It is real in a whole new way now and I am so grateful I have become acquainted with this new level of gratitude - I am proud to be an Army sister. After naps we all got dressed (I put a giant bow on Charlotte) and then spent the evening at the luau where we went on a canoe ride, made flower headbands, ate delicious food, and watching those hula girls dance! Wednesday Kev had to work again, so we went bowling and then grabbed lunch at the Kole Kole before he had to go. Thursday Jamie and I took the girls to the beach in front of the Turtle Bay Resort. I jumped a lot of waves with Madeline and did a bit of snorkeling (which is SHOCKINGLY more difficult than I remember - I took scuba in high school - but I was not prepared for underwater breathing). On our way home, we stopped at Aikos for shaved ice - a North Shore specialty and one of Madeline's very favorite things. Friday was another huge highlight for me - we drove to Waikiki for dinner and then watched fireworks on the beach. There was something truly spectacular about feeling the sand between my toes while my hair blowing in the cool Hawaiian breeze, I could hear the ocean rippling and fireworks were illuminating the glorious palm trees. It was absolutely radiant. After the show, we went to the Hale Koa (where Kevin and Jamie lived for their first month in Hawaii) and spent some time in their barefoot bar. THAT evening was the encapsulation of vacation - sitting (drink in hand) with people I love most and soaking up the beach. Perfection. Saturday Kevin was off again, so we hiked Waimea Falls together as a family. The hike was easy enough and the surroundings were extraordinary. The grand finale was a stunning peacock strutting through, that is an exquisite animal. Sunday we all went to church, did some quick shopping, and then had Malasadas (Hawaii donuts) which are probably my very favorite Hawaii food even though the rest of my family wasn't crazy impressed. This girl loves a beignet and these were VERY reminiscent. Monday I said a very tearful goodbye (hugging Madeline at the airport was pure torture) and headed for home.

It was an incredible trip and I loved being there so very much. I have said many many times before, but Kevin, Jamie, Madeline & Charlotte are my people. They're my family. They get me. They love me unconditionally and I love them. I wish we got to spend more time together, but I definitely treasure and cherish the time we do get. So here it is, the start of the official countdown... 80 days until I'm back in paradise!

because it's friday night and i just got...

NOPE, I didn't get paid this week!

I am so glad the weekend is upon us! I can't wait to sleep in and watch copious amounts of television (on the couch in my new men's XXL pj pants from Target - they were on clearance for $5.08. I couldn't help myself - this is a level of comfortable many have never experienced before!). Due to a total lack of regular programming, this week I started watching Gossip Girl on DVD from the very beginning and I am as addicted ever. I love Blair's fashion sense and total desperation alongside Chuck's debauchery coupled with Serena's short-lived attempts at being a good girl and Jenny's shameful entry into the upper east-side. It is just too good! I have a feeling you now know where to find me on Saturday and Sunday! I do have a couple more Oscar movies to fit in too, so I might catch a film at some point - I do still have a free ticket from Christmas...thanks Mom and Dad! Anyway back to the highlights of the week...

I had dinner at ChaChas with two of my favorite ladies - Carrie and Shannon. We drank frozen mojitos (Please try these if you haven't yet - you will be a fan. Guaranteed. Even if you don't like mint. I am telling you - they are DIVINE!) and talked about everything and nothing simultaneously. It was the type of night where I went home feeling refreshed deep in my soul. It was not an evening of light trivialities (though we did discuss the possibility of going to see Britney in Las Vegas together), but of real hearts in honesty shared amongst sisters. It was wonderful and I can't wait to do it again! We talked about making it a bi-weekly event. Count me in!

Over the weekend I went with Carrie and the kids to watch Joe run his very first 1/2 marathon. I am so not a runner and running a 1/2 marathon (or marathon for that matter) sounds like literally the worst thing ever. However, I am a stellar spectator and love to celebrate other people's accomplishments, so off I went. It was actually a really fun morning...Carrie and I had a delicious breakfast while Joe ran and then got as close to the finish line as possible to cheer for daddy. Carrie managed to get a really great view and even caught him crossing the line on video. He was pretty worn out when he was finished - but we sure are proud of him! There really is nothing I love more than being Aunt Shell and getting to love on those kids. Carrie and Joe have made me feel like family and it is a true blessing I do not take for granted.

Tuesday I managed to get something INCREDIBLE accomplished - I mailed out the very last of my Christmas gifts from 2013. I know, pathetic! I have friends that live all over the county and although I try to keep Christmas relatively small (you can laugh at that statement if you know me) I had three packages to send out that had been nagging at me for months. So glad that is done and off my list. Now to put away the Christmas wrapping paper and supplies that are still haunting my living room!

This week I also boxed up a variety of cupcake related supplies in pink and red with hearts all over for my little loves in Hawaii. I called this package "cupcake party in a box" and it included an apron for M, a pink spatula, a heart-shaped platter, a red oven mitt, funfetti cake mix with frosting and sprinkles, pink polka dot cupcake liners, paper straws and headbands. I hope M and C have a blast celebrating Valentines Day...I sure do love them!

My final favorite moment of the week was when I saw pictures of Rory's first day take over instagram. I had the honor of being present for Rory's birth and photographing the entire event. I took over 600 pictures that day, but the collage Carrie posted took my breath away. For the first time ever, I felt like a photographer and I think I really captured some sweet moments of her first day with Rory James. She says it was the greatest gift I could have ever given her, and I sincerely hope I can give it many many times in the future!