My 2010 Golden Globes Favourites

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Top: (L to R) Alicja Bachleda, Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton, Dianna Agron in Reem Acra, Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior, Anna Kendrick in Marchesa.
Bottom: (L to R) Lea Michele in Oscar De La Renta, Christina Aguilera in Versace, Christian Hendricks in Christian Sirriano, Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace and Maggie Gyllenhaal in RM by Roland Mouret

Clockwise from top: Julianne Moore's emerald teardrop Bulgari earrings, Drew Barrymore's crystalized Versace gown, Anna Paquin's sequin Stella McCartney dress, January Jones' black satin headband and Carey Mulligan's Fred Leighton diamonds.

Oh Dear...

Toasting the Groom

Well, should anyone be surprised that I have once again neglected this? I know that I'm not. It's Christmas break, that automatically means that all of the days run together, I owe no one anything and I can neglect whatever I want (ie the blog amongst other things).

Quick update: I passed all of my classes this semester! I honestly cannot describe how I felt right before I looked at my grades online. The very moment that I told myself "Okay, you really need to check your grades; just get it over with", my heart started pounding in my chest and a huge wave of anxiety washed over me. I literally clicked the "grades" button with my eyes squeezed shut, and then, like air out of a tire, I saw that I had passed. I cannot begin to describe how happy I am that I never have to deal with Macroeconomics or Physics ever again.

Moving on, this past weekend I went to a wedding for my two friends, Claudio and Melissa. It was definitely the best wedding I have ever been to. The ceremony was at the Methodist Church in Winter Park off of Park Avenue. Melissa looked absolutely gorgeous in a cream strapless mermaid gown with lace detail and ribbon sash. The bridemaids wore irridescent navy blue and the gents wore Hugo Boss tuxes and black skinny ties. The ceremony was fairly traditional (although when it came to lighting the "Unity Candle", it wouldn't light! Down in the pews we joked that it was a "sign"). After the ceremony ended, we waited outside the church and blew bubbles on the leaving bride & groom and they sped off in a vintage Rolls Royce (nice!).

From the ceremony we headed downtown to the Citrus Club (very ritzy and exclusive) which is on the 18th floor, so the view of downtown was just spectacular. It was a great place with a very warm feel to it with a lot of dark wood and leather sofas and thick oriental rugs. Not too mention that it was decorated for Christmas, strands of fake pine garland hung from the chandeliers and a monumental decorated Christmas tree adorned one of the corners of the room. I had a mini "woe is me" moment when it came to the bar. It was open bar with plenty of really class alcohol. Problem number one, I am not yet 21. "Okay," you say, "just drink it anyways". While this would have been very easy, they wouldn't have ID'd me given that everyone thought that I was 22, I don't drink. Even if I wanted to, it probably wouldn't have been the best place to do so.

We all got situated at our tables (so elaborately decorated, the centerpieces were ginormous) and watched as the bridal party and the bride & groom came in and hit the dancefloor for the first time. The toasts were very mellow, Claudio lucked out having Bruno for his best man; any of the other guys would have probably told embarrassing stories. The food was incredible. The starter was a Waldorf salad, followed by a surf 'n turf entree of shrimp, steak, crab cakes, mashed potatoes and baby asparagus and ended with cake. After that entree, I couldn't handle any cake, haha. Good thing we all decided to dance after eating, I needed to work all of that off! The dancing was of course the best part. Let me just sum it up by saying we were all put to shame by the eight-year old flowergirl who began breakdancing.

Might I also add, at the end of it all, a group of us thought, "Hey, we're already downtown, let's go out dancing". Sure, it sounds like a fun idea, but let's reflect on the fact that it was close to freezing outside with strong wind and Kara and myself were wearing nothing but strapless dresses and heels. Oh the things we do for a bit of fun. Needless to say, I didn't stay very long. I was thrilled to go home and curl up in my plushy, warm duvet.

Anyways, last night Jordan and myself went and hung out with two of the guys that I had met at the wedding (both of them were groomsmen). We had a great time with them, they and their friends have plenty of entertaining stories. I'm excited because tonight all of us plan on going to see Avatar in 3-D on the IMAX together. I've heard mixed reviews, but I'm looking forward to it! Okay, that's about enough typing for now, if anyone gets to the end of this, I commend you and high-five you and will leave you with wedding pictures as a reward!

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1. I now present for the first time, Claudio & Melissa Gambin!
2. "You may kiss the bride"
3. The first of many toasts that night
4. The groomsmen giving Melissa the bride a lift
5. Claudio and the bridesmaids engage in a stunt
6. Boys will be boys
7. Groomsman (and date for the night) Mark & myself
8. Groomsman Davey dancing away with a bridesmaid
9. Nolan leads the party train around the room

Miley Cyrus in "The Last Song"

So I had my doubts when I picked up Nicholas Sparks's latest novel, "The Last Song", especially after hearing that he had written the lead role specifically for Miley Cyrus (whose only role has been "Hannah Montana", can you understand my hesitation?). However, I've learned to "not judge a book by its cover", so I gave it a chance.

The novel is about 17-year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller who is sent from New York to North Carolina to spend the summer with her estranged father. Although incredibly reluctant at first, Ronnie ends up mending her relationship with her father and simultaneously falling in love with the town's local stud, Will.

Okay, so, forgive me, but Nicholas Sparks epitomizes inumerous cliches in this book. Angsty teen becomes significantly less melancholy, the town "hottie" is athletic, incredibly good-looking, extremely rich - and yet is the most humble being known to mankind, the duo fall in love despite their differences and his mother's disapproval ("The Notebook", anyone?) and a there is a tragic occurence, yet, of course, there is still a fairytale-esque happy ending. Let me also again state that the book is set in Wilmington, North Carolina (what Sparks book isn't?)

Despite the immense predictability, Sparks wrote a very readable book. The book isn't written in numerological chapters, but rather in sections portraying each different character's point of view which gives more depth than being merely a single third person point of view. Sparks managed to branch out by incorporating gang activity, environmental issues, blackmail and shoplifting, however other issues in the book (arson, adultery, disapproval, unlikely pairings and death) all seem to resound to his other works. I can't say that I didn't enjoy reading it, but it has a very juvenile tone to it, which isn't surprising given the audience that Sparks was tailoring it to (Miley Cyrus fans). Sparks did manage to strike a nerve with me towards the end of the book; I tried my best to maintain composure while reading it in my local Barnes & Noble. It contained an issue that struck very close to home and that I could relate to all of the character's thoughts and feelings in those moments; I valued this part of the book, because despite this particular issue occuring in more Sparks books than just this one, it was written in a new light that I could appreciate. I refuse to say the particular issue, I cannot stand spoilers.

Then there's the movie, oh where to begin. Miley Cyrus, I will have my doubts about you from beginning to start, so be forewarned. Ronnie is a complex, mature character and it's going to be difficult to imagine you as her until I see it happen. Thankfully, Cyrus hired a voice coach to rid her of her Southern drawl (what a blessing) and there will undeniably be chemistry since she is dating her costar, Liam Helmsworth (Will) in real life. The only actor I'm genuinely excited about is Greg Kinnear as Steve Miller, Ronnie's father. I loved what he did in "Little Miss Sunshine", and the role of Steve could be Oscar-worthy if portrayed immaculately.

All-in-all, I'd recommend it. Although, I'm most looking forward to Sparks's "Dear John" that hits theatres in February. It hasn't receieved as much hype as "The Last Song", but it does contain one of my girl crushes, Amanda Seyfriend, as the lead character, Savannah. You can bet that I will see that movie opening weekend.

Now I must be off; I have yet to write my speech for tomorrow's presentation (typical, I should give a speech on procrastination). On another note, I bought my first hot Starbucks beverage of the season, which I believe officially signifies Winter and I have a job interview at Abercrombie & Fitch tomorrow (if you haven't watched the Mad TV parodies of A&F, I recommend you do -just don't mock me afterwards). Goodnight all.

Yoga

Namaste B-Spot.
I am absolutely exhausted, I can't even think of anything verbally satisfying to write on here. I suppose the fault lies with me of course. I probably shouldn't have stayed up til quarter after three in the morning talking to friends (Facebook will be my demise, I swear). I cannot believe it's already noon, I feel completely unaccomplished; definitely will be doing some yoga after this post, followed by a shower and maybe then a trip to Barnes & Noble for a new book.

That's about all I have for now, in the meantime, how about a playlist of my favorite songs from this past week?

"Under the Sheets (Baby Monster Remix)" by Ellie Goulding
"Oh My Stars" by A Weather
"I'd Rather Dance With You (Redlight Remix)" by Kings of Convenience
"Winter Winds" by Mumford & Sons
"When They Fight, They Fight" by Generationals
"Detroit" by Black Gold
"Late in the Evening" by Paul Simon
"Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro
"Keep Me Up All Night" by The Glitterati
"Little Garcon" by Born Ruffians
"Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble

Not-So-Black Friday

"Sufficient Breakfast"

So needless to say, I did not partake in the madness known to mankind as "Black Friday". I cannot be bothered to wake-up in the middle of the night (is there really a point in sleeping?) to go hunt down the so-called bargains. Yes, I'm sure there were many to be found and celebrated, but unlike most females I know, I absolutely must be in the mood to shop. Of course there are times when I'm bound and determined to track down that one particular black wool peacoat with the military-esque brass buttons that may have come in at Zara or how about that oversized studded grey leather purse at Urban Outfitters, but I am not an aimless shopper. If I am going shopping, it's because I have a specific list in my mind of things I need.

Oh, and for the love of God, even if I DO have a list, I will not shoe shop. I detest shoe shopping with every inch of my being. I feel like that may change now that I moved past the phase of my life where merely owning every color know to man in the same pair of flip-flops was okay (forgive me, I am a Florida native). Now I'm slowly become more inclined to shoes. My Carvella black ankle boots and my Michael Kors silver T pumps have certainly been loved, and I've only had them for a few months. I suppose that my feet are extremely grateful for drastic upgrade (well, maybe not so grateful for the calluses, but it's just a price to pay).

So in leiu of shopping, I ducked out to Starbucks with Jordan for coffee (he immediately deemed this an insufficient breakfast; I however believe that anything that tastes that wonderful and gives me energy eliminates any cons).

Okay, so another thing that kept me out of the rat race was the fact that my body decided to gift me with immense pain. I was balled up for two-and-a-half hours and popping Aleve like candy (bit of an exaggeration, I'm more of a "follow the label" kinda gal). This "gift" is just another reason to hate twelve days of the year and persuades me more and more each time to take up the "Brangelina" lifestyle when I get older. I love children, I do, and I'm okay with having ones that didn't cause me pain, nausea, vomitting and mood swings for a total of nine months (I'm sure my husband would be glad for a lack of those 274 days of pure "pleasantry").

Anyways, I'm probably going to turn in for the night. Jordan's too busy to watch "Mock the Week" with me, so I won't be getting my fill of snarky British humor tonight. I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. It certainly is the holiday that keeps on giving (leftovers!).

Do YOU Believe in Magic

Dwight Howard

Why Dwight? WHY? Ugh, I just feel inconsolable after the Magic's loss tonight to the Miami Heat. Everyone was sure that the Magic had this one in the bag. However, from the very beginning, the Magic trailed behind (not by much, but still). They seemed to regain their mojo in the third, and then threw it away again in the fourth, allowing the Heat sixteen straight points with nothing on the Magic's end. I'd rather not get started on the poor refereeing that went on (and on our home turf!)

As far a free throws go, however, Orlando needs to step up their game. Dwight Howard was Not-So-Superman tonight, missing several very clutch free throws. If anything, I'd like to ask the Magic community to back off Jason Williams. He played a really fantastic game tonight, scoring 25 points total and consistently making his threes. Now, I know that everyone is saying that Williams was the "deciding factor" of this game, I beg to differ. Yes, he missed his two free throws, and coming from a guy whose average is 80%, that's rather surprising. I happen to be a bit of an empathizer and can see how the pressure may have gotten to him. With hundreds of thousands of viewers holding their breath (or screaming from their arena seats or couches), with nine seconds on the clock and your entire team looking at you with anticipation and pleading eyes, no wonder he lost his flow. I don't blame Jason at all, and neither should you. The Magic allowed several shots that could have been prevented if good defence had been played (how many times did "second-chance" shots happen due to a lack of defensive rebounding?) Need I again remind you of Dwight Howard's poor performance at the line?

I plan on mourning this loss over a sappy novel and several bottles of water (yeah, drinking Natty Light and being all-around belligerent isn't my style). We're back in action tomorrow night against the Atlanta Hawks. Hopefully we can go from losing to the number 13 team to defeating the number two team. Now that would be something to be thankful for.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friends, and don't forget to always believe in Magic.

Praying for [Winter] Time

Ellie Goulding

Oh dear, once again I have managed to prove to myself how god-awful I am when it comes to "journaling". I'll no doubt look back on this one day and laugh, because surely I'll still be the same way down the road as I am now.

While the title of this post may allude to a George Michael song, he's certainly not a current musical obsession on my playlists. Now, I may normally be content to slip into a sort of lull to the tunes of Iron & Wine, Damien Rice and John Mayer, I've recently found my brother's musical interests slowly infiltrating my own. I find myself playing more and more "dance" style music - strong, catchy beats. Although he would object to Lady Gaga (Bad Romance is slowly climbing the "Most Played" list), he can't disagree with one artist, and that is Miss Ellie Goulding. Ellie Goulding is an up-and-coming artist from England and she's irresistable. She's got a fun, edgy vibe to her and her music screams "blast me in your car". Check out her single "Under the Sheets" here. Did I also mention she covered another upbeat favorite of mine ("Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro), she gets extra kudos for that.

But Sam Beam and Clarence Greenwood needn't fear, it never hurt to make new friends, after all

"Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."