{On the Same Wavelength}...Contrasting Colors

Something I've always been attracted to is contrasting colors. I am so fascinated by the way colors cooperate. The color wheel is so much fun to play with. The the experimenting available is endless! A never fail standby is the classic blue and orange combo. (Green and red can look pretty christmasy, and purple and yellow looks like your a MN Vikings football fan.) Blue & orange can be worn any season and adds dimension to your wardrobe or table setting! Next time you throw a dinner party, throw out the standard black dress and china. Go crazy! Use these plates and entertain in this dress. I promise you'll be a colorful knockout!

{This I Must Read}...An Object of Beauty

When I think about my childhood, I immediately hear a soundtrack of wonderful music, chatting friends, books on tape, and Steve Martin. A Wild and Crazy Guy will forever be a favorite of mine. Steve Martin never fails to put me in a cheerful mood, whether it be a comedy sketch CD, Father of the Bride, of a good book. I can't wait to read this! It's been out for a while, but it's still on my "to-read" list. 

Have you read it yet? New York Times raved... what are your thoughts? I'd love to hear your input!

The Five-Year Engagement

I'm a fan of the following: weddings, comedy, Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother), Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), the movie Bridesmaids, British accents, films featuring the Midwest. Needless to say, "The Five-Year Engagement looks great! It comes out in theaters today! I'm pretty busy this weekend with a choir concert, so I might not get to see it right away.

Will you see this movie over the weekend? What are your plans? Saturday and Sunday look to be cloudy/rainy in the Cities so perhaps a movie would be perfect! Happy Friday!

Peacock Print & Pigment

Teals, emeralds, plums and periwinkles. I love them all! Peacock feathers were once signs of wealth and would show up in home decode, dress and the like. Now, they're just down right cool. Although I've never been a huge fan of wearing actual feathery earrings, I think the metal alternative by Lucky Brand are totally rad. Sometimes, there's this idea that peacock "theme" can be a little ultra-quirky. It's okay to have a theme to your outfit or event. Just make sure it's not too literal. 

Try wearing a dress or bracelet that features the same hues of peacock feathers. With a simple shift dress, wear some funky feather tights. Grab a basic, but interesting clutch with the peacock feather print or wear a feather in your hair, but keep the rest of your outfit simplistic so that your accessory can really make a statement. You don't want to look like Big Bird.

Even centering a dinner or party around the peacock can feel fun, aristocratic and easy. You're entire table doesn't have to match. In fact, I suggest it should never match. Your dish ware could be teal, while your stemware or water glasses be purple. Flower arrangements or candles can feature shades of greens with some pops of blue and plum. Heck, add a peacock feather or two in the bouquet! 

So if you're getting inspired by something, weather it be art or animals, go with it!

Bracelet / Clutch / Tights / Earrings / Dress / Plates / Old Fashioned Glass / Fascinator

Peacock Cape photo by Gail Adams via

Bottom Painting Myartspace on Etsy 

14 Actors Acting

14 Actors Acting is one of my favorite works of all time. It came out a while ago, but I find myself going back to it over and over. All the short clips feature only action & music, no narrative or dialogue. It is absolutely brilliant. You will have a new appreciation for every one of these actors. It is phenomenal.

Featuring: Matt Damon, Natalie Portman, Tilda Swinton, James Franco, Rober DeNiro and more.

Watch it here. 

{Weekend Update}...A Night at the Opera

Over the weekend, Nick & I went to the Minnesota Opera's production of Werther by Jules Massenet. We were able to go opening night and it was absolutely fantastic. The cast was phenomenal with James Valenti (pictured above) as the lead tenor, Werther, and Roxana Constantinescu as Charlotte, the object of Werther's affection. Refreshingly, the orchestra didn't overpower the vocalists (as is sometimes the case with any musical production), but rather added an indescribable richness & depth. A scrolling english translation above the stage enriched the experience and understanding of the heartbreaking tale. If you are a first time Opera-goer, it is a must see. Soaring voices from the lead adults to fluty, elegant melodies from a small children choir showcases an expanse of tone, timbre and utter quality. 

Through Project 20-Something, a program by the MN Opera, Nick & I were fortunate enough to attend an after party with the cast at Sakura. Great music, mingling & a sushi bar made the entire evening feel so special. It had that fabulous VIP feel. Did I mention my favorite part? I met the world renowned lead, James Valenti. Although we didn't talk long, Nick & I chatted with him quickly, fervently gushing to him about his fantastic performance. Valenti is not only an unbelievably talented performer, he has a genuine personality that is refreshing, appreciative & welcoming. All in all, it was a marvelous and unforgettable night. 

Top photo via 

Flying Light

What a gorgeous site. Lantern festivals are becoming popular for wedding receptions (even in The Hangover 2) on a beautiful night, and I can see why! I would just love seeing this in person. It seems so ethereal & cozy. Like a bonfire in the sky, these lanterns remind me of close to earth stars floating away. Absolutely captivating.

Image via, anyone know the credits?

High Tea

I am suddenly craving a tea party ever since I set my eyes on these awesome tea cups by Jasper Conran at Wedgewood. Wouldn't it be fun to invite all your best girlfriends over, set out some finger sandwiches and have high tea just like the Brits? The bright, funky design of the tea set would definitely keep the get together fun instead of stuffy. Because every one has different preferences when it comes to tea, this variety box is both helpful & pretty enough to keep out so every one can experiment. 

I would also wear this amazing little tea dress!

{Eat It}...Late Night Snack

Every slumber party requires a few essentials. Painting nails, gossiping about the Kardashians & taking movie breaks for late night snacks!

We girls decided it was high time for some comfort food fun! Thus, we made some little weenies! I know, funny name. They are basically mini pigs in a blanket. To keep us guessing, some had a pinch of shredded cheese for a surprise every time! Warm bite size yummies!

I'm sure you know how to do it, but just in case.... 

Get a package of lil' weenies, or lil' smokies. Whichever you prefer. Cut a package of crescent rolls into  strips. Instead of tear them apart into triangles, keep two together making a rectangle and cut width wise so you get about eight to ten strips. Wrap lil' weenies in dough and add your extras as you roll. Perhaps you like cheese, or some garlic salt, peppers, etc. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Enjoy!

Parenthood

Parenthood is already on its third season on NBC, proving that I'm a little behind the times. I've been wanting to watch it, but I can't seem to find the time. I've always very much liked Lauren Graham. She was absolutely endearing in Gilmore Girls. Over break, I discovered that Parenthood is on Netflix! It's been a never-ending marathon of it ever since! I'm already completely engrossed in the lives of the Braverman family. The acting is great (Lauren Graham & Peter Krause); the parents are weird, protective & sometimes completely unprepared. The kids (Max Burkholder & Savannah Paige Rae) are utterly adorable. This may be one of my new favorite shows. 

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander (via)

     I saw the American version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo recently & was very much impressed by it. Before my actual review, here are some things I thought were great.

Christopher Plummer (Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music) is in it!

Via

Rooney Mara had no piercings prior to filming this role. 

L via; R via

Character Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) wears his glasses in a funny(hanging on one ear) yet chic & attractive way. 

Via

     Horrifyingly graphic & intellectually engaging. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is a raw thriller both cerebral & violent. I must admit, I have a weak stomach. However, I find that unnerving bluntness is completely necessary. Without giving away too much: viewers would find it difficult to empathize with such a bizarre character if not exposed to her traumatizing experiences. At points, we as onlookers feel simultaneously violated & responsible as Lisbeth is assaulted. Visually terrifying, scenes are extremely real & therefore much more frightening. Unlike sic-fi, many of these incidents are far too frequent in reality. Her blossoming relationship with the curious journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) adds a sensitively (but not overtly) romantic element that creates a beautiful whole of emotions. 

     The mysterious plot that is the backbone of the entire story is fascinating. Hardly predictable, the turns & surprises may give you whiplash. It picks up quickly with a pace that's exciting, but allows sense of ease. We are emerged in the complex story; not thrown. The plot thickens as mysteries unravel nowhere until finally we sit shocked. By the end of the lengthy film (it doesn't feel long) we are fulfilled. The mystery is solved. Yet there it's bittersweet. With the task completed, characters face different situations. Some of happiness & love, others of embarrassment & heartache.

    I was skeptical to begin with. I was disturbed during it. Afterwards, I was amazed. Great film, great adaptation. The soundtrack is an exemplary supplement to the visual aspect. All in all, a must see.

So Long, Farwell

    

      I can't believe it's already New Year's Eve! It feels like just yesterday I put on my sparkly dress & attended one of the most beautiful weddings ever. But, alas, it has been a year & I am ready to toast to new beginnings, continuations & even endings. I find it bittersweet occasionally; so many wonderful things happen in a year & you leave that behind. I know they still happened, but there is certainly a form of closure as you open your new calendar. But how exciting is that? At this point, there are only a few things I'm certain of for 2012. Yes, I'm a planner so uncertainty has always been something difficult. But I'm learning that it can be exciting, exhilarating. So tonight, as the ball drops & I surround myself with family, friends & food, I'll be toasting the old, the new & the unknown.

     Thank you for a wonderful year of blogging! Your support, readership & comments are truly helpful & inspiring. See you next year! (I just had to make that joke.)

Sequin Search

Teal Sequin Skirt

I'm almost on Christmas Vacation! Almost! I only have a few things left & then I'm homeward bound to my favorite town. EC. Anyhow, with Christmas upon us, I've realized that New Year's is coming up as well! I have now entered the panic mode for what to wear. Of course, something sparkly would be nice! I wore this dress for a dance as well as a New Year's Eve wedding (sigh-how romantic) and now I need something equally disco ball-esque! I love this dress because it makes such a statement: completely sequined & backless key hole style. My other favorite part? It comes a little above the knee. Short enough to be sexy & long enough to be classy & leave intrigue. It's almost sleeveless, not quite cap sleeve and has a wonderful boat neck. All it all, this dress is the love of my closet. I need something as great or better this year! And I need your help!

My dress last year.

Dress for the NYE wedding

HERE ARE SOME POSSIBLE OPTIONS...

Black & Bronze front. Mesh inserts. Solid black back.

White sequin with mesh cut outs.

Silver sequin, one 3/4 arm.

Full sequin, Charcoal or Gold (can't decide!), long sleeve, V-Back.

Reality Check

Brilliant man.

 Biographies. There is a never ending supply of interesting people and thus, an eternal desire to know about them. If I had the time, I'd would adore to have a biography reading club. I'm an avid reader & I am fond of almost every genre. Novels, poetry, even travel books! But I always thoroughly enjoy a biography or memoir. Memoirs are the perfect blend of novel & reality. Biographies are simply fascinating. Here are few of biographies I'd like to get my hands on this Christmas break!

Hilarious Tina

Most interesting family

The Ellen Show

These two memoirs are some of my favorites! I read each in about two or three days. Both are bluntly honest and eye opening. Jesus Land and Oh for the Glory of it All are revealing and eye opening. Not to mention out right dramatic.

photos via (here)

"My Week with Marilyn"

I am very much anticipating My Week with Marilyn. Firstly, I've always been intrigued by the mysterious Marilyn. Plus, this film is overflowing with an amazing cast! (Michelle Williams, Dame Judi Dench, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh....the list goes on and on!) It was released October 9th at the New York Film Festival & released November 25th in the United Kingdom. So. I am planning on seeing it soon! If you see it, let me know what your thoughts were!

Here's the breathtaking & engrossing trailer!

photo via (here)

Deck the Halls

Hosting a holiday party? Looking to dress up the table? Here are handful of lovely items that I'm quite in love with. One of my favorite things is playing with different styles. Mixing and matching until you create a new cohesive look that is uniquely yours! 

This concept board is probably my personal favorite of mixed styles. It combines natural elements with sleek, modern design. Notice that it is very clean looking. Most of the color pops are from the organic elements like the wood serving dish, moss wreath and hydrangeas. Everything else is crisp & elegant. Try mixing natural pinecones with white porcelain ones. Also remember: hydrangeas have very little fragrance so it won't conflict with the smell of your meal & sensitive guests won't be uncomfortable like with pungent bouquets. And don't forget! Everyone loves Michael Buble! (sigh.)

1. Glass & Chalkboard Carafe: keeps everyone's drinks separate and identifies beverages.
2. Moss Wreath: woodsy, kind of indie, still green. Just quirky enough to start a conversation too!
3. 3 Tier Desert Stand: Mix it up and put your appetizers on here instead. Or you can alternate levels.
4. Michael Buble Christmas Album: the voice that makes you swoon...
5. Hydrangeas (photo via here): not fragrant! Keep your guests happy! Plus, the look like fluffy snowballs!
6. Lucite Glass Cake Pedestal: Protect the cake from eager fingers but you can still see how pretty it is!
7. Wood Serving Tray: Modern design, rustic feel. Embodies the combo.
8. Metallic Taper Candles: Unscented and elegant.
9. Placemats: Fun assortment to compliment the white & glass table settings.
10. Pinecones: Combine pretty porcelain with woodsy organic ones for an interesting dynamic.

Mr. Roboto

The second installment of Christmas lists is all about the techie. With technology always changing, make sure your presents keep going & going like the little bunny. These cool tech accessories get an AAA rating. The techno guy will surely love you with these gifts, and you'll love your fashion forward, good smelling AV Geek. (What girl doesn't want their man to smell like JT?) He'll be able to text you on his iPhone without having to take his gloves off! How sweet is that? Yay for warm fingers & texting! Sure, he may tune you out once in a while with these, but maybe he'll even be super sweet & capture the holiday moments on this & share his new music with you using this!

1. Givenchy Play
2. Transit Nylon East West Messanger-Fossil
3. Beats By Dr. Dre-Monster Tour In-Ear Headphones-Red
4. LaCie 1TB Rugged All Terrain Hard-Drive
5. Flip Video Camera
6. Free Hands Gloves
7. Music Branch Headphone Splitter

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Someday by Justing Bieber has been out for a while now. With the holidays coming up & the Bieber baby scandal put to rest, all the girls are swooning for the teen heartthrob. This fragrance might as well be pure gold for some girls. I'm wondering how many middle school adolescents sporting orthodontia and glasses actually wear perfume!

Also, do you find it at all a little funny that this young boy is making a flirty girl scent?

Would you try this fragrance? Would you buy it for a teenage girl?

Before the Feast...

Here's a quick post from my Thanksgiving break. More to come, I promise. I know that all the hype surrounding Thanksgiving is about the main meal that day. However, I feel bad that everything else is forgotten. This year, I had a lovely brunch with my sister and parents. The day before Thanksgiving, we explored gave them a mini tour of the city and great places to go. Of course, that included a light brunch that was perfectly satisfying so that we had room the next day. I had a chicken & spinach quiche with a balsamic salad and fruit water! Don't forget shared sips of coffee! What are you're pre Thanksgiving activites?

Rad Plaid

The chilly season has me craving plaid. The whole family can go crazy for this traditional seasonal print. Kids look cute, men look like classic american sportswear models, women look casually chic & comfortable. In short, plaid & checkerboard look rustically stunning. 

1. Duluth Pack Plaid Satchel-$120

2. Alexander Olch Tartan Tweed Tie-$140

3. Burberry Kids-$135-185

4. Gingam Check Mug (Crate & Barrel)

5. Mod Plaid Stemware-$14.99-16.99

6. Kate Spade iPhone Cover-$40