Never too soon

I was in H&M (out of state) with my girlfriend hoping to find some inexpensive summer outfits. I managed to pull out of there some dressy tees, cute short-sleeved button-ups for work and seductive clubbing tops. My girlfriend and I were trying on the clothes in the middle of the store because you know the dressing rooms are always ridiculously crowded. Just as we continued walking around the store loading up on magnetic clothes dripping over our arms, I spotted it: a black satin full bell finely pleated skirt! I immediately thought New Year's Eve party or company holiday party. What is this doing out on display in the store and available for purchase in July! Then I remembered the fashion world is always a step ahead, maybe 5 steps ahead. Anyway, I had to have it and at $50 it was a no-brainer. I have no top in mind for it at the moment, but I was blown away that H&M could have such a classy photogenic piece. The skirt hits at my calves so I'm thinking a tall heel, a subtle solid-color top and accessories will pull the look together. I'll be the bell of the ball!

Off to Origins

I'm off to Origins to spend money that I would not otherwise spend without this coupon. I purchase most of my skincare products from Origins, therefore every year the store sends me a $10-off coupon in honor of my birthday. The receipt of this coupon was timed perfectly since I'm out of moisturizer right now. I'm quite certain I'll find other things to add to my shopping cart because I just heart their products. I've actually been meaning to pick up a body scrub so now is the right time to shop away with them!

OMG Shuz

Oh my Goodness I found the most hot, the most sexy, the most do a double-take shoes of my life! I stopped by Dillard's today with my girlfriends before an after-work function just to browse, and this stunning hot pink BCBGirls peep-toe pump just screamed out at me; "try me on, you know you wanna". After drooling and caressing them, I more than wanted to try them on and I did. My friends busted out laughing at my reaction when I scoped them on my feet. Hello Lovah! The way the heel curved from the bottom of my foot to the ground literally took my breath away! After prancing around in them I desperately knew this fuchsia patent shoe, despite its full price, had to find a place in my closet. See the picture, aren't they amazing! Now my next task is to pair these vibrant obsessions with the right outfit.

Dial no more!

I'm a big fat JINX! As you most likely know by now I am a huge fan of the show So You Think You Can Dance, and I am obviously a huge fan of dancer Will on the show. We are now down to the top 8 dancers, where we are no doubt getting down to crunch time. The talent at this point is so superb that the elimination round is nerve wrecking to everyone including the viewers. With this in mind I take it upon myself to pick up the phone and dial the assigned "888" number for the first time to in observing the show. Who do I vote for you ask? Of course Will and Twitch! I'm partial to men and these are arguably two of the best male dancers this show has ever seen! I'm sure most of America feels the same way; there is no way voters were not inspired to pick up the phone for these two! Only yes there is a way. Will and Twitch are the bottom two men this week! I, and it would seem the judges (who have no power at this point in the season), are baffled, stunned, shocked!!! This has to be some sort of prank; I demand a recount! Will was ultimately sent home packing in astonishment, and not the good kind. We'll see him again though... Well, I will as my friends are I are seriously contemplating going to the SYTYCD tour! Will is only 21-years-old, so he has years and years of brilliance to display to the world. In the meantime, I'll miss your smile on the show Will (and those abdominals)!

Get off the Banana Boat

I heard an interesting fact on the radio during my morning drive today. The DJ listed sun protection products that don't do much protecting, one namely Banana Boat. Yes one of the biggest, successful, popular skin care products is on the list of suspicious components when it comes to sun damage protection. I was most interested because I was at the beach a few weeks ago and used Banana Boat's Ultra Defense spray product in SPF 30. I naturally have a lot of melanin in my skin, which means it takes a lot for the sun to burn me. I applied with this Banana Boat product quite liberally, but for some reason throughout the weekend it felt as if I hadn't applied anything at all. The sun is extremely strong in the south hence why I oppted for the Ultra Defense sunblock line. Well just like the DJ reported this morning, the product did not work! Despite constant application, I was burned just as I suspected was happening! I knew I heard my back sizzling. Hawaiian Tropic was another product on the list where its ingredients are not up-to-par according to this report. I cannot recall what specifically is in (or not in) these products that deem them unfit sun protectants, but after experiencing first hand the lack of effectiveness, I'll add Banana Boat to the do not use list.

Heavenly Will

I have a new love of my life: William Wingfield. Will dances on season four's TV show So You Think You Can Dance and is arguably the most talented of the ten remaining dancers; I mean his technique is ridiculous. He trained with dance choreographer legend Debbie Allen, who shows up regularly in the crowd to cheer him on. Aside from Will's incredible skill, his body is off the charts!! Now everyone knows that dancers have some of the best bodies on the planet, but Will's body is unbelievable! I only noticed this quality of Will's during week five where he performed a Mandy Moore's lyrical jazz routine shirtless! In the piece his shirt ended up being the prop that helped tell the story and boy was I thankful! The number was absolutely incredible, and the best his partner Jessica King has ever danced on this show. The following week Will danced practically naked to a Tyce Diorio contemporary routine where my jaw was to the floor. This man has to be about 3 percent body fat, I mean amazing; And the moves these choreographers request of him, the astonishing strength and power that are needed to achieve the beauty behind the numbers are extraordinary. Any style that Will performs he does so with grace and makes his moves look effortless. At a recent judgement Mia Michaels told Will that she thinks he is tired of carrying his current dance partner Jessica; Well I wish he would carry me. He could carry me anytime!

Photo from YahooTV

The Bachelorette final rose week

I was at work the whole day dying with anticipation of the final episode. Who will she choose: Jason or Jesse? After last week I truly feel like it's going to be Jesse, but lets find out shall we! First they summarize the relationship she has with the two men, and it's so clear how different the relationships are with both of them. During this episode she takes them to meet her family in Georgia who she confesses she is extremely close to. Jason is up first and he seems to be very comfortable right from the start. He's being himself smiling, being articulate, sharing his feelings for his son and for DeAnna. He handled the interrogation from her sister and her father with grace. Jason even asked her father for his permission to propose to DeAnna, which her dad was especially impressed by. After his departure DeAnna's family enthusiastically gave Jason the two thumbs up.

Next Jesse comes to DeAnna's family's house where her father warns her just before Jesse's arrival that he plans on grilling him. They could tell immediately that Jesse was nervous. He came across less than talkative, shy with not much depth to him. Her dad took Jesse for a one-on-one conversation where he basically threatened him if he doesn't let his daughter visit home frequently. Jesse admits to DeAnna that he "blew it" during the visit. He was not incorrect in his assessment of how the day went. In the family summary of the two men they raved about Jason and definitely encouraged that relationship. Her father also shared his disappointment that Jesse did not ask his permission to marry DeAnna if it came down to it. I LOVE Jason, but I thought the family was very judgemental when it came to Jesse and did not give him a chance from the beginning. Also, they kept focusing on how long his hair is - um WHO CARES! Does he love and treat your daughter with respect?

Later that day the men get the chance to met her entire family, and Jesse is first. He seems a little more relaxed and less nervous this time around, but five minutes later the doorbell rings and Jason is standing there. The entire family meeting is a big party (slash competition) for the two men to simultaneously vie for the family's affection. They did a great job and I could see both men fitting into the family nicely. Jesse takes this opportunity to ask DeAnna's dad for his permission to propose to her, and he grants it after a few questions. The family now seems torn about who DeAnna should choose, so I suppose that puts her back to square one. Man after this day Jesse has moved up tremendously in my book.

The scene returns back to the Bahamas where they show Jeremy needing to talk with DeAnna - WHAT THE?! This is like real life, wow! He shows up at her place and tells her that she's made a huge mistake by letting him go. He tells her how much he loves and needs her, and practically begs her to give them a chance and I just lost it. He says he didn't open up during the process and he was afraid and guarded. Huh? He was the one man who opened up the most and let her know just how he felt from the beginning. She tells him that she doesn't love him and that they're not meant to be. You heart breaker you. They hug goodbye and that's the end of Jeremy. God where are my kleenex.

DeAnna goes on one more date with Jesse. Jesse's calves look amazing in his shorts, but more so than that, Jesse's hands are so sexy! After the beach he gives her a photo album and tells her she is his soul mate and that he loves her; so cute! Next up is Jason and he is running into her arms. They swim with sharks then back in his room he gives her a board game that he made that described their time together... Have I mentioned that I LOVE Jason! He tells her he loves her and they say goodnight.

Now for the moment we've been waiting for. The men go engagement ring shopping by Tacori and Jason chooses a cirque setting (center stone encircled) with a cushion cut center stone and one smaller round stone on each side. Jesse chooses a pave' setting (diamonds down 3 sides!) with a princess cut center stone. Both men look so incredibly handsome; Jason with a navy suit, royal blue shirt and orange tie (which he noted his son chose). Jesse with a charcoal suit, pink shirt and multicolored tie. DeAnna looks beautiful wearing a strapless chiffon blue/green gown and subtle strappy silver heels. First to pull up in the limo is Jason... OH NO!!! Not really a surprise, but it's reality now that he's getting dumped. He walks towards her with a huge smile plastered on his face. He reaches her and hugs her tight. They gaze into each others eyes, then he immediately gets down on one knee. He looks up at her only to hear "no, I can't". The look on his face after hearing that, I instantly started balling! He sat on one knee for what felt like an eternity staring at her in disbelief. I kept torturing myself by rewinding that clip, I just couldn't get over the look of distress on his face. She finally pulls him up and tells him that he's amazing and that she cares for him, but that she's in love with someone else. He gives her a long hug goodbye and she walks him out to the limo. While in the limo he legitimately looks confused and distraught and it's so sad to watch. Jesse pulls up in the limo next and he looks very nervous. The host leads him to DeAnna and they embrace and kiss. She stands there in silence and Jesse begins speaking to her about his feelings for her. Another moment of silence then he gets down on one knee while showing her the ring in the box. He asks, "will you spend forever with me"? She stares down at him then answers, "yes"! He stands up briskly and kisses her then places the ring on her finger. She finally tells him she loves him in return and places the final rose on his lapel. That's the finale. I don't want to nip pick, but I hope my guy actually uses the word "marry" in his proposal. Anyway, a very cute ending and a very good choice for her. They revealed later the wedding date is in May 2009. Hopefully this couple works out.

Friday uniform

Today is Hawaiian shirt day at work! Okay, this is not as corny as it sounds. Some of the folks at my company decided to pay homage to the classic movie Office Space, which has a scene where the boss (Lumbergh) tells his employees that this Friday they can where a Hawaiian shirt and jeans. In the movie, the revelation was received with less than enthusiasm i.e. no reaction at all after the announcement, which made the scene even funnier. Some of my coworkers and I actually went shopping for the distinctive shirt but all we could find were big manly sizes. So the mission turned into which one of us women can take this big ugly Hawaiian shirt and make it fashionable. I have to say that I was pretty impressed with today's outcome: One woman put a trendy thick white belt over her big Hawaiian shirt - Very chic! Another woman wore the big shirt unbuttoned over top a long tank and tied the big shirt into a knot at her ribcage with the two ends - Very sexy. I tucked the big shirt into my jeans after cinching it at the waist in the back, which left the front clean and sleek, and the back a slight droop. I topped off the look with a skinny yellow belt through the belt loops of my jeans. Don't worry, it was very cute considering!

The Bachelorette week 7

Wow, what a tear jerker! I could also say, wow what a shocker! This week, after she finally got rid of Graham who was showing her zero love, DeAnna takes the guys individually on a romantic getaway excursion to Grand Bahama Island. Jeremy was first up for his last opportunity to prove his love for her. On this date they hung out on the beach, talking, goofing around, well Jeremy's boring version of goofing around but who cares did you see his body?!! Okay focus. They had dinner and Jeremy was acting nervous and fidgety, then he finally got it out that he really cares for her and cannot see his life without her in it. Throughout the day she seemed very into him and labeled him "perfect" countless times. She thanked him for expressing his feelings and lead him to the fantasy suite where they made out and God knows what else.

Next up was Jason on the same island. Is it only me who finds it weird that she's romancing these guys intimately at the same location? As soon as Jason sees her he runs into her arms. I'm sorry but I just find Jason so amazingly adorable. His smile is a winner and the way he looks at her and kisses her; envy! He has so much more life in him than Jeremy. Jason is constantly talking (in a good way) or laughing or showing her affection. They went on a picnic and kayaked, then to a late night dinner. I was a bit nervous for him however because I got the feeling during dinner that she wasn't as much into Jason as he is her. Every time he kissed her, which was a lot, she seemed to be caught off guard or would pull away I thought. I sat there baffled. What woman in her right mind wouldn't kill for that kind of attention from Jason?! Anyway, Jason went as far as to tell her he is falling in love with DeAnna, then off to the fantasy suite they go!

Last was Jesse to join her at the exotic location. Her face lights up enormously as she sees him running towards her. I'm wondering where did all of this come from? She's into Jesse? Jesse seems like a great guy, but she admits that these fond feelings for him are unexpected. During their day-date they went horseback riding (how romantic) and had a picnic where they seemed to just fit together in every aspect. He even calls her "Dee"! She initiates plenty of kisses with Jesse, which I did not notice her do with either of the other two men. Then was dinner where he pretended to not want to go to the shared suite until after he meets her parents. DeAnna was stunned, but he didn't let the feeling of rejection last too long and they took off to the fantasy suite.

After those three very different very intense dates I pretty much know who she is letting go: Jason, sniff sniff. Maybe I can find him for myself! First she calls out Jesse's name to receive the rose. My prediction is coming true. There's no way she's getting rid of Jeremy... right? "Jason, Jason will you accept this rose?" WHAT! OH MY GOD! From day one she's been all about Graham and Jeremy and you mean to tell me that neither one will be meeting her family or be putting a rock on her finger?! Wow I am shocked, and so was Jeremy. The perplexed look on his beautiful face lead me to tears. He admits that he is in love with her and that he is hurt. After a few miles in the limo, he tells the driver to stop and he gets out of the car to pace the grounds. This episode really touched me.

The Bachelorette week 6

All I need to say is FINALLY! Finally DeAnna sent Graham on his merry cocky way. This week DeAnna visited the home towns of the final four men. Colorado, Texas, Washington, and North Carolina. The first three town visits and dates went very well and I could see that the men were really into her. Jesse finally kissed her, Jeremy and Jason were their usual loving affectionate selves. Graham started out as loving with DeAnna, but for some reason after dinner with the parents he completely turned cold. I think he is bipolar with a really really hot body. At the end of all of the home visits as DeAnna goes to leave them, the men hold her in his arms as if he can't live without her and we viewers can feel the passion. Graham barely looked at her, barely touched her, not even a peck and put her in the truck with hardly a goodbye. How could he behave that way knowing the next time he sees her will be at the rose ceremony? He either 1) overestimated his hold on her or 2) is just not that into her! The answer is 3) all of the above. Finally at the rose ceremony DeAnna comes down the stairs looking the best she's ever looked in my opinion with some crazy hot shoes on and doesn't wastes anytime but delves right into the rose distributions. She calls Jesse, Jeremy, then shocker she calls Jason and not Graham! Wow she finally took the blinders off and realized that this guy who she has a strong attraction to is not treating her the way she deserves. She offers to walk Graham out to say goodbye forever this time. They go to sit on the bench outside and she lets him have it. She tells him that she gave him numerous chances for him to express his feelings for her and he refused. She told him that he was the only one she was in love with. She accused him of swaying back and forth while smiling during the rose ceremony, which she was not happy with. I'm beginning to think she had every intention on calling Graham's name until that very moment. He turns his head away from the cameras as if to hide his too little too late emotions. He stands up and hands her a letter and asks her to read it. It's not clear if it was a goodbye letter and he expected not to be called, or just an old fashion love letter. I guess we'll find out next week. For now, peace-out Graham.

Shopping spree

I was walking around downtown with my girlfriend who was in town on business when we discovered the cutest little boutique. "Let's go in" she said... OK! CATCH22 is such a cute little shop with a young female owner. It has a men's side and a women's side, with of course most of the inventory dedicated to women. Man there were some cute stuff in there, and stuff I'd never seen before; very innovative and creative clothes. I wanted everything in there. Dresses, trousers, jeans, tees, et cetera, but not your typical style. I loved how they placed throughout the store framed pictures of celebrities who don some of the purchasable items. I also loved that the price points were from the low end to kind of pricey. A little something for everyone. My girlfriend purchased a really cute bag. She was hesitant to pull the trigger initially because it was a big bag (I love big bags) and it was silver. I convinced her to buy it and she did. Did I mention that I wanted everything in there? Reality set in and I only purchased a few tops that are so cute that I'm already planning their reveal. I also picked up a pair of Kasil jeans designed by David Lim. The tops were reasonably priced, but the jeans were a bit up there. There were many other items in the boutique that I wanted to acquire but I decided to be relatively good. There was a bright red dress and I keep thinking about it. It did not come in small and I could have tried on a medium, but was advised against it. It would have been a great addition to the wedding invitation wardrobe, but oh well. I'm quite happy with what I did decide on.

The Bachelorette week 5

I know why I am obsessed with this show - the guys are unbelievably hot! Kudos to ABC for selecting this crop of smiling, olive skin, 12-pack having male suitors. I don't know where these guys are from and what's in the water there, but I've never met 30-year men with normal jobs that have bodies like this. Jeremy is a Real Estate Attorney. I know for a fact that this profession puts in numerous hours at the office, so where in the world does he find time to look like that?! ABC lists Graham as a professional basketball player, which would explain the body, but he clearly states that he is a business professional living in New York City. I guess the basketball thing didn't work out. Jason is an Account Executive, and the guy I find most attractive. Like I said, normal jobs right. Jesse is a Snowboarder and is probably the least physically fit (but still not bad), which is ironic considering his profession. In last night's episode DeAnna mentioned how she found herself suddenly attracted to Jesse for the first time during their group date where they each rode an all-terrain bike. I have to say that I concur. The way Jesse handled the bike was pretty sexy, but then he takes off his helmet and displays his timidness in front of her - not sexy. Sean gets a one-on-one date with her where they enjoy dinner from atop a mountain. Sean is my kind of guy in that he really cares about his appearance and also cares about having the finer things in life. While they were hanging out and conversing, I could tell that it was not there for DeAnna. The only other one-on-one date this week rests with Jeremy. In my opinion his personality seems a little stiff and lacks a sense of humor, but then he disrobes to get into the pool... Whoa, incredible! Pick him, pick him! Graham is still displaying arrogance with his feelings presuming he is the front runner. He actually mentions this in so many words when DeAnna and Jeremy leave for their date. Graham and DeAnna grab a little time together during the group date where it was obvious to all watching how into Graham she is. He, on the other hand, barely touched her, and I don't think I saw him look into her eyes even once while they were talking. But as usual he got a rose at the rose ceremony and she offered it to him with an astronomical smile on her face. Can you say shoo-in. This week was important because the four she chooses get to take her home to meet their family and friends, which tell a lot about a person. I'm glad she chose the four she chose: Jason, Jeremy, Jesse, and Graham. The saga continues.

The Bachelorette week 4

At the risk of sounding psycho, I have to say that I just love this season's Bachelorette! I'm actually pretty darn obsessed with the show. DeAnna Pappas, who was one of the rejected girls from last season's bachelor, gets to choose a man out of 25 who she hopes will propose to her at the season finale. I just love the way she handles herself on this show. Typically with the bachelor, the men go around getting to know his female contestants by seeing how many faces he can suck on. Out of 25 men, DeAnna has "made-out" with only 3 of them: Graham, Jeremy, and Jason. I have to commend her for being such a lady on the program. She speaks her mind, pours her heart out and looks graceful while doing it. If she were to behave any other way, the criticism would be overwhelming I'm sure. Can you say double standard? Honestly, if you've seen most of these guys you'd have to ask yourself, how the heck does she control herself?! There are quite a few guys on the show who are so amazingly aesthetic that no one would blame her if she were to disregard the cameras and put on her mischievous cap. I mean some of these guys are smokin' hot, and you know how some of us woman can be around a hot guy! DeAnna is no exception; she is so so so into Graham and not holding those feeling back in any way shape or form. On this past Monday's episode she clearly expressed her interest in Graham. On their one-on-one meeting she came right out and asked him for a kiss. His response: "I don't want to be one of a bunch". What? Yeah that was her response too. Dude, are you nuts? The rest of the episode was filled with drama mostly due to her feelings of rejection induced by Graham. The tension throughout the episode was so abundant and emotions just as potent that I was trying to Will her to dismiss Graham this week. Who goes on a dating show, meets a hot girl, and refuses to kiss her but expects to stick around? An arrogant jerk that's who. DeAnna and Graham did not even speak the remainder of the show until Graham finally decides to pull her aside just before the rose ceremony. Again tension existed, but somehow the conversation ended with a kiss...NOOOOO! Girl, he is not that into you can't you see! At the rose ceremony it came down to Graham and Brian and there was one last moment to hope that she'd do the right thing now and save herself the heartache later. Not so much: "Graham will you accept this rose?" Boooo! Anyway, this is still one of my favorite shows this summer so I'll keep watching despite disagreeing with the bachelorette's decisions sometimes.

Where am I?

I took a plane last weekend to Columbus to see and hang out with some old friends just because. My girlfriend and I went to the spa for deep treatment facials, which I was really looking forward to and boy did my skin need it. I did some shopping (of course) at some local boutiques. I also went out both nights last weekend and I have to say that I was sort of confused. What were these girls wearing? I felt like I was in Miami or Las Vegas somewhere. I mean these girls wore zero clothing! Granted it was probably the hottest night of the year; the humidity was excruciating. I wore a spaghetti strap v-neck below-the-knee jersey dress with silver 4-inch strappy sandals. My crew and I were simply cute, but the Columbus girls last weekend looked like they just stepped out of a music video or a XXX club. Heck had I known Columbus was getting down like this these days I would have been happy to oblige. Out were short-shorts, midriffs, cleavage, heels high as mountains that made my platforms look like those stupid crocs. I own such attire but they are usually reserved for places where nobody knows my name!

Missed it

Did anyone check out the MTV Movie Awards last night? Yeah neither did I. I was unaware that they were even in the vicinity of airing; I suppose part of that is due to my lack of interest in the channel these days. Since The Hills season finale a few weeks ago, I haven't tuned in to MTV at all. There's absolutely no show of interest on that network these days, and God knows they play no music videos, at least not at a reasonable time. Anyway, lucky for me if I do decide that I'm interested in viewing the movie awards, MTV will air them again about 10 thousand more times.