Trivial Pursuit Online!

Trivial Pursuit (R) Bring on the 90s Test your 90's knowledge in this special version of the popular trivia game.

Boston Public Library

Following a brief stint where I once again was without glasses aka practically blind in Boston, after a crack across my lense left seeing too difficult I explored the Boston Public Library(BPL). Granted I have been to the BPL prior to this for books or research purposes but never to the McKimm building (the museum like side). Needless to say this visit was somewhat fuzzy as it was without glasses while I waited for Lenscrafter to fix mine, but it still was definitely a sight.

I wandered across one of the most beautiful courtyards I have ever seen! I do not know why I have never ventured across this area before, but it was definitely nice to sit in the sunny courtyard and eat my brownie (bought at the cafe in the library...who knew?!) I then wandered through some of the most fascinating exhibits full of art and historic books. This was all lined by beautiful stone statues that added to the historical feel of the BPL. I finished the trip by wandering amongst the rare books and manuscript section with its airtight seals.

Needless to say I was absolutely floored by this place and amazed I haven't ever really seen it before. I will definitely be back again...with glasses!

Boston Public Library
Central
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-536-5400
Monday-Thursday: 9-9
Friday-Saturday: 9-5
www.bpl.org

My Nail Salon Review

So I finally sucked it up and got my nails done. I am sloppily typing this as my fake nails desperately try to search for the proper keys...ugh its hard to adapt to actually having fingernails. This is a review for My Nail Salon at 669 Tremont Street in Boston.

So I got the works here, pedicure, full-set of nails, and waxing. Needless to say I was not entirely impressed with the pedicure, but I don't have much to go in terms of prior experience. It might have been the woman who worked on me but I felt that the whole process was somewhat rushed as she huridly worked to get through my nails. The price was right, and being on Tremont street the location is close to downtown Boston. For what I paid my nails looked great. I would reccomend this for a quick touch-up or pedicure/wax for cheap if you are not looking for anything to fancy.

Check it out for yourself:
My Nail Salon
669 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02118
617-424-6261

Because I feel like the world needs to see this thing...

Here is a picture of the bridesmaid dress I will be adorning for my firends pennsylvanian wedding this weekend.

Eat, Pray, Love Review

I recently finished reading Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. I picked this book up mainly because of all the hype surrounding it. Originally I had written it off as another self-discovery book about another woman's sob-story following divorce and how she regained herself through a journey of self-discovery. That being said upon reading the first few pages I realized how off my initial perception had been. This book was expertly written in a language so rich that I couldn't help turning the page. Following her divorce, Gilbert went on that self-discovery journey that so many of us declare we eventually will make but never do. First visiting Italy where she learned to live life and eat fantastic Italian food. Then on to India where she learned to reconnect with herself through a spiritual journey at an Ashram. Then Indonesia where she discovers love again. My favorite part of the book was definitely Italy where she talks with such passion about the Italian way of life that I almost booked a ticket through Jetblue that day! I felt that upon reading the last few sections on Indonesia though that I had grown weary of the author's journey and too wished to resume normal life.

All this being said, somewhere in the middle of the book I decided I would read reviews of it to see if other people found it as amazing as I did. The reviews I read ran the full spectrum, everything from loving it to absolutely hating it. I recall one who said the book was mainly a "me, me, me" diatribe. I did not quite understand this reviewer as I felt that that was the point of the book, to write about this woman's experiences as she went through her divorce and subsequent recovery.

Needless to say I highly reccomend this book. Its a quick read and quite easily readible. Check out Gilbert's website here: http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/

The book is available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com/

Guilty pleasure video...

After such a long and stressful day nothing beats watching something a bit oldschool on youtube. Here is one of my all-time favorite Janet Jackson songs and videos. I love her abs! As a PS I scored Sex and the City tickets for Thursday night....so excited.

Janet Jackson---Love will never do without you

I want it!

This is my first official post of things that have made my shopping links list in my "favorites" section in my computer. Every once in a while I will post about something that I want/may purchase in the future, just for the hell of it.

This post is about: Farmhouse Fresh Goods

Apparently Oprah also agrees with me that these products are absolutely adorable. And seriously, who can go wrong with and Oprah endorsed product?!

I especially want their Honey Heel Glaze. It comes in a cute little jar with its own application brush. Its so adorable and its suppose to wicked moisturize with the power of honey. Check it out at www.farmhousefreshgoods.com

Awww...pt. 2 <3

In case there was any doubt as to the awww factor of last nights Grey's Anatomy episode I give you example A:




My favorite scene is "the house" that Meredith creates out of candles. I believe there were several shrieks from the room when that moment occured.

Example B:
Meredith to Dereck: Because I believe that, we can extraordinary together, rather than ordinary apart.

Hope the evidence speaks for itself...well I gotta run as I am preparing for another 4 am work day. But I will be posting reviews soon for books and hopefully for the new Indiana Jones 4! Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!

Awww... <3

So Grey's Anatomy's season finale tonight reminds me of why I loved this show in the first place. The ending (and if you haven't seen it don't let me spoil it for you) will be replayed over and over again once it is made available on either youtube or itunes as it was absolutely perfect. Me and my roommate would have been ridiculously upset had the season ended with Derrick and Meredith not together and the way they got together....well you can read the title of this post. With so much love in the air right now its hard not to get caught up in it all.

That being said there is something for being a single gal.... After Sex and the City ended (with all the lead characters with a male character) I found that my TV had turned into couple city. What happened to all my happily single girls on TV. Those confident, education, independent women who didn't need men to be complete or happy. Would TV shows just tank if these women became the norm. Women in my generation mock our mothers and grandmothers who love to follow the endless plots of soap operas while secretly watching our own version of the late night ones. We tell ourselves they are more realistic and educated. We tell ourselves that they aren't like the sappy shows that come on during the day when people who stay home watch TV. But in all honesty they are simply the same kind of show just late at night. Now don't doubt me...I love my Grey's and the end where she sets up their future house in candles was enough to cry at in tears of pure joy. Why is living vicariously through TV shows the ultimate of women's guilty pleasures. Is it because we know the men will never disappoint us, that they will always go back to the women they are "suppose" to be with and in such over the top proportions that will never be recreated in real life. Is it a great escape for us, to live the pain, love and triumph through these people...I'm not sure yet, but I do know that I am on the edge of my seat till the next season of Grey's.

Summer of Shia

Its official I am a Shia LaBeouf. I totally thought that he would be one of those actors who chose indie flicks for awhile before trying blockbusters, but I was completely blown by his choices of Indiana Jones 4 and now his new movie Eagle Eye, which looks to be just as big. Smart choices on the part of this actor if he wants to create a name for himself (and he has if you've checked the celebrity blogs lately...creating quite a buzz) and gain a lot of money! The teaser for his next flick Eagle Eye is out and it looks great just from the preview. Check it out:

Centipedes and such...

Needless to say this week has been quite hectic. In addition to gearing up for the wedding next week...my home has been subsequently invaded by centipedes. Haircuts, nails, and nights spent killing bugs has subsequently taken over my life so I decided to call it an early weekend today and not go to class or leave my bed until 2:30pm. Bad choice? I think not, since the majority of my weekend will be spent waking up at 4 am for an eight hour shift. And while this week has been mildly painful running around from appointment to appointment I know that next week will top the cake. I have already looked at my planner and cringed (as well as at my bankaccount...eeek!) Here are a few things that are keeping my sanity hopefully until next weekend:

• I finished Eat Pray Love and have started The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids by Alexandra Robbins (loved her book Pledged, can't wait)
• Indiana Jones 4 is out and I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to the movie more or Shia
• Gossip Girl and Greek have kept me entertained in the TV world, as season finales season has hit and I am forced to look forward to a summer of reruns
• Sex and the City the movie is so close I can taste it and have been gearing up by watching all the TBS reruns on cable (hence the lack of sleep the past few weeks...totally not my fault they air them at 11pm)
• www.boston.com crosswords which I am determined to do almost everyday this week

This post is sorta lame I know, but I will be posting again soon with hopefully something a litte more interesting than my hectic week!

Young Folks

So I have had this song spinning in my head for the past 24 hours...

Young Folks - Peter, Bjorn and John

If i told you things i did before
told you how i used to be
would you go along with someone like me
if you knew my story word for word
had all of my history
would you go along with someone like me

i did before and had my share
it didn't lead nowhere
i would go along with someone like you
it doesn't matter what you did
who you were hanging with
we could stick around and see this night through

and we don't care about the young folks
talkin' 'bout the young style
and we don't care about the old folks
talkin' 'bout the old style too
and we don't care about their own faults
talkin' 'bout our own style
all we care 'bout is talking talking
only me and you

usually when things has gone this far
people tend to disappear
no one will surprise me unless you do

i can tell there's something goin' on
hours seems to disappear
everyone is leaving i'm still with you

it doesn't matter what we do
where we are going too
we can stick around and see this night through

and we don't care about the young folks
talkin' 'bout the young style
and we don't care about the old folks
talkin' 'bout the old style too
and we don't care about their own faults
talkin' 'bout our own style
all we care 'bout is talking talking
only me and you

and we don't care about the young folks
talkin' 'bout the young style
and we don't care about the old folks
talkin' 'bout the old style too
and we don't care about their own faults
talkin' 'bout our own style
all we care 'bout is talking
talking only me and you
talking only me and you

talking only me and you
talking only me and you

Shopping on a rainy Sunday...

Once again Boston had a forecast of rain for the day, thus forcing us to relocate to the indoors...again. So what is a girl to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon...shop! Me and my roommate decided to hit up the Natick Collection (www.natickcollection.com) aka "The Former Natick Mall." Each time I visit the re-vamped version of this mall I am continuely amazed by how many stores they have managed to cram into this tiny area (and they are adding more!). One place that I had yet to visit was Moonstruck Cafe (www.moonstruckchocolate.com) which had tons of truffles and chocolate beverages for all chocolate lovers. They had tons of yummy samples and the staff was extremely nice. While the original purpose of this excursion was to find some silver shoes for the wedding my only real purchases were a wedding card from Papyrus (www.papyrusonline.com) and body butter from Sephora (www.sephora.com) in Guava Passion. I definitely reccomend both, but I am still in need of those silver shoes...ahh the frustration. Guess that means more shopping days!

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

I admit I went into this movie with some skepticism. The last movie (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) was somewhat of a disappointment when I saw it. But call it rainy day optimism (or boredom) that me and my friends on a Friday night went and saw this. To our surprise upon entering the whole theatre was filled (most likely due to Disney's incesant marketing and advertising campaign) and not necessarily filled with children.

The story follows the adventures of the four Pevensie children again as they return to Narnia only to find that 1300 years have elapsed. In their absence apparently the magical creatures of Narnia have all but been erradicated by the human race called the Telmarines. Their only hope is Prince Caspian (played by the ridiculously cute Ben Barne...see him also in Stardust for a brief second) who is the true heir to the throne and wants to help the Narnians. In his way is his scheming uncle who wants the throne for himself, thus trying to kill the prince. In desperation the prince calls upon the Pevensie children to help him.

The movie was surprisingly really good. The battle scenes were quite graphic for a PG rating and small children, but other than that the story line was quite developed. The graphics were fantastic and the character development compared to the first film all aided in making this film entirely worth my $9. I definitely reccomend going to see this and giving the Chronicles of Narnia a second go!

Because the date is getting closer...

I feel like every magazine, website, TV show, and paper is broadcasting that its wedding season right now. As my friends wedding date approaches I am constantly reminded of this factor in addition to my singleness and the fact that I could be a lot more toned right now.

I have written previously about my quest to find new ways to work out (i.e. not running) and just discovered another. Via an e-mail advertisement I read in my morning e-mail I found out that I can actually dance to get healthy. And while they may not be exactly groundbreaking new news...it is when you see this kind of dancing. NightClub Dance Series promotes a line of DVDs that will teach you how to dance moves for the club. And yes they have a line of DVDs for men as well check it out at http://learnclubdance.com

After all that "working out" I can really use a nice day of pampering. If my friend (or me) had a ton of money I would totally spring for a Sparty. According to www.idosugar.com these spa parties (get it "sparty") are perfect for get togethers. Intrigued I browsed through their website (http://spa-party.com) and found they had some of the most amazing sounding spa parties...I want one!

That being said I am religated to my newest obsession...the Olay Body Thermal Pedicure. It heats up when applied and has Bora Bora white sand, pumice, and micro-crystal formula in order to exfoliate. I don't know if its working, but it sure is a great start to my day! (www.olay.com)

Hope everyone has a great start to your weekend and enjoy this somewhat hectic wedding season!

Gender Equality?

After spending two hours, four days a week talking about gender in my Gender & Society class I find myself noticing more how much as a society we rely on gender as a way of organizing our daily life. And while I fully support gender equality there are still times where I find myself realizing that I too rely a good deal on "gender roles." One of these came up in conversation with a friend of mine the other day: male makeup. Up to this point I had always thought of male makeup as being for theatrical purposes. Its one of those advantages that females have of being able to apply concealor to those little imperfection, whereas men are forced to show the pimples and marks. So I was extremely surprised to find that men use makeup. This had been a conversation for quite some time with my friend as we know males who use cover-up, but came up further by a question asked by a reader in a recent issue of Cosmopolitan about male-friendly makeup. Intrigued I googled the Clinique product (www.clinique.com) and found that the makeup mavens had a complete skin care line designed for men with the sole premise being that they were packaged in guy friendly tubes (black) so that men would not be embaressed to use concealor. While I don't know how many guys will be sold on the idea of manly makeup, I was more shocked my reaction to men using makeup. Realizing slowly that we are all suceptible to labeling certain things as "male" or "female." So if you know any men who have complained about not being able to hide acne marks like females you can inform there are guy friendly makeup options available...who knew!

Because doing nothing is worse...

The tragedy in Myanmar has touched many people. There are plenty of places to donate to or aid that is desperately needed. There are many resources online that you can check out to help these people in desperate need. Check out this website: http://www.interaction.org/burma where you can learn what you can do to help, because the worst thing we can do is nothing.

Another Cool Website

So I was web surfing (again while I was suppose to be studying) and I came across this website called ChickAdvisor. This website allows real women to rate and give reccomendations for anything from beauty products to doctors. While I usually don't care too much for rating websites this one caught my attention as it rated a wide variety of items in pretty cool site. Check it out: www.chickadvisor.com

Because sleep is a girls best friend...

So for the past few days I have been suffering from insomnia. To be fair enough I have been surfing the internet and watching too much TV too late at night. That being said after a brief interlude with Unisom (aka "the poor mans benzo") which left me sleeping for like 12 hours I decided I need some kind of better sleep pattern. I have a sleeping bowl (don't ask) beside my bed, some pretty heft sleeping pills (thank you doc), and now we can add aromatherapy to the mix. I just picked up Bath & Bodyworks Aromatherapy: Sleep in Lavendar Vanilla. This scent is quite relaxing (thanks to the lavendar) and smells wonderful. I got the scent in a pillow mist, which sprays a light amount of the scent. I don't know if this scent will help me sleep, but needless to say it definitely smells relaxing!

Girls Next Door Workout Video

So I was in danger this weekend of losing my quest for working out before this wedding. After trying on the bridesmaid dress and realizing I could stand to tone up a bit I was worried that since I had gone out of town I wouldn't be able to work out. In this conundrum I realized this was the perfect time for me to check out the free exercise videos that are available through cable television. Because its the weekend and I did a pretty grueling workout on Thursday I decided to take it easy and found the Girls Next Door workout video on Cox exercise TV. I figured it was mainly geared toward the average male who wanted to check out the girls in skimpy workout outfits or towards fans of the show (i.e. me!). The listings allowed me to chose the workout of either of the three girls so I chose Bridget's Bootcamp. Needless to say 20 minutes later I was sweating and realizing I really need to work on my thighs more. Bridget's workout focuses mostly on lower body and abs (trouble spots for most of us!). And while she is no real workout instructor the video is easily accessible and does provide a bit of a workout. I don't know if I will do the workout again (maybe one of the other girls) , but it was nice to know that I can always access workout videos wherever I am. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Flashback...

I am currently watching 40 Hottest Hotties of the 90s on VH1 instead of doing something productive. As such I feel it is my duty to inform you that Keanu Reeves made the list with a huge emphasis on Paula Abdul's "Rush, Rush" video. I remember this video as its more of a mini movie than a music video. But here it is in all its glorious Keanu Reveeness, enjoy!

Mental Health Month

I just want to throw it out there that May is Mental Health Month. As a psychology major I feel its necessary to share with people the importance of taking care of oneself not only physically but psychologically as well. And apparently other people think so too: http://www.nmha.org/go/may

Grilled Cheese

So to actually go along with the healthier eatting habits I did make dinner tonight and go to the gym. (yeah me!) To be fair enough I managed only a meager effort at the gym and my dinner consisted of grilled cheese and tomato soup...but its still a step in the right direction. And while I could go on about how the first day of summer I classes blew (8 am class!) I wont drag on but rather say that I love the Epicurious website (www.epicurious.com) as I was able to find a simple grilled cheese sandwich recipe as well as tons of other recipes and not all of them complicated. I also established my very own recipe box online, full of all sorts of yummy recipes. I can totally see why people who love to eat flock to this website and various magazines.

On the same topic this popped up in my e-mail box today...Absinthe flavored lollipops. Go figure once they made absinthe legal it shows up in everything from your local cocktail to suckers. Check it out at www.lollyphile.com

P.S.

As an addition to my previous post here are a few things that have popped up on my computer screen and in life that I feel are worth mentioning:

• Blissfully Domestic (http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/): this website is everything I am not, but I aspire to be. I swear in a future life I will be the next Martha Stewart...for now I am more of an observer
• Covergirl's Lash Blast Mascara: After about the hundreth print ad and the five billionth viewing of Drew Barrymore's commercial for this mascara I decided to go out and purchase it. Most people who know me know that I have tried just about everything short of false lashes to create the look of having gorgeous eyes. Upon my first application I was quite timid with the size of the brush, but after getting used to the brush size (quite large) I found that I was able to coat all my lashes with a few quick strokes achieving a fantastic look. (www.covergirl.com)
• Someecards: This website, while not being completely PC, provides one of the funniest sites for e-cards. Have you ever wondered where exactly you could get a card that proclaims: "Today's the anniversary of you being expelled from your mother's uterus" check it out at www.someecards.com
• Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer: dessert and a great cause, count me in! If your in the Boston area this is a great event, between May 5th and May 11th if you stop by a participating restaurant and order the designated dessert 100% or the proceeds will go toward the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to benefit breast cancer research. www.bostonbakesforbreastcaner.org
• Japan Trend Shop: so I opened my dailycandy (www.dailycandy.com) e-mail awhile back and was greated by a link to this fantastic shop that sells Japanese gadgets. I really cannot fully do this website or their products justice I would just reccomend checking it out. (My personal favorite is the showerhead that spurts vitamin c). www.kilian-nakamura.com/
• The Elephant Walk: I have been talking about going to this Cambodian and French restaurant for the past few months and hope to go their quite soon. www.elephantwalk.com
• Paste magazine: I got this magazine in the mail as a freebie try and I was instantly addicted. This fantastic magazine (and website) features some great indie/alternative/not heard on main-stream-radio all the time bands as well as talking about film, books, and culture. Every month I get a great magazine filled with interviews an reviews on the lastest music, movies, and books as well as a sample CD filled with great new/emerging music. I absolutely reccomend checking out this magazine or at least the website. (www.pastemagazine.com)
• Greek: I am in college and this ABC family show somehow has me hooked. I think it might have something to do with Scott M. Foster's portrayal of Cappie a greek fraternity president. If you haven't tuned in you should check it out. You can download the show on itunes or (as I do) watch full episodes at www.abcfamily.com
• Musings of a Muse: I have been reading beauty blogs for quite some time and frankly this is one of my favorites. Perhaps its the Muse's frank honesty about the beauty products she tests or the fact that she tests everything from high end makeup to drug store buys. Either way its worth checking out... www.musingsofamuse.com
• Neil Gaiman: if I haven't written enough of how much I love reading this man's work, lol. I have started on The Sandman series. This follows Morpheus (aka the ruler of dreams) in a fantastically written and beautifully illustrated graphic novel. The plots are fantastic and constantly keep me engaged. The writing is (as many of Gaiman's work) is incredibly intelligent. Needless to say you can check him out at his website (make sure to check out his journal!) as www.neilgaiman.com.
• The Melting Pot: I first saw this restaurant on an episode of The Girls Next Door and became instantly intrigued by the idea of a restaurant surrounding the concept of fondue. Needless to say I am excited they are building a location in Boston. Psych yourself up and check out their website: www.meltingpot.com
• Trapeze School: There is a trapeze school in the area! Doesn't that concept just excite you?! Check it out at http://boston.trapezschool.com
• Kaze Shabu Shabu Restaurant: Cooking food at your table in a broth where the picks of meet include ostrich? Sounds like my kind of place. Check it out at www.kazeshabushabu.com

Those are just a few of the things spinning 'round my brain for right now. I'll write again soon, enjoy the beginning of the week!

Almost time again...

In two days I will yet again face large mounds of homework/classes/discussion in my pursuit of a B.S. degree in psychology. And while this event looms in the back of my mind I am calmly reminded that I still have a good 48 hours before I must once again sit in a classroom. That being said tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo (or the fifth of May for those who don't speak Spanish). This day celebrates Mexico's defeat of French forces during The Battle of Puebla. (thank you www.wikipedia.com!) In America it is usually celebrated as a reason to get drunk on Tequila and eat burritos. Here are a few celebrations tomorrow that due to an untimely need to go to work...I will be unable to attend:

• Excelsior on Boylston street is having a Cinco de Mayo party including $5 margaritas! (http://www.excelsiorrestaurant.com/home/)
• Tavern on the water has a Jalapeno eating contest (http://www.tavernonthewater.com/)
• And while its not strictly for the holiday a new restaurant in the Back Bay area opens up...The Daily Grill (www.dailygrill.com). I am excited as it apparently takes up the space once occupied by Applebee's in the Prudential Center, thus providing me with ample chain store food at a reasonable price within a great shopping complex. Can't wait to try this place out!

Well I hope everyone has a happy Cinco de Mayo and a great start to their week!

Made of Honor

So as I mentioned below I made it out in this miserable weather to go see the movie Made of Honor with Patrick Dempsey. The movie was precisely what it claimed to be...a chick flick with a predictable ending. It centers around the friendship of Tom (Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) whose relationship becomes complicated when Hannah comes back from a trip to Scotland with a fiance at the same time Tom realizes that he has fallen for her. Adding to this is the fact that Hannah has named Tom to be her maid of honor. As the wedding approaches Tom becomes more and more sure of his feelings. This movie was the campy, sappy movie that brightens my rainy day a bit...well that and Patrick Dempsey. Its probably best a rental for those who are on the fence, but if like me you need a little pick-me-up and feel that Dempsey is a key reason you watch Grey's Anatomy anymore...then this movie is perfect for you. Here's the trailer:

Committed

So its less than 30 days till my friends wedding in which I am a bridesmaid. As such I have decided to embrace the "d" word...diet. I hate saying it but I could definitely use an overhaul on the items I choose to consume in the average day. To be honest it mainly consists of salsa, chips, and some form of hot pocket. So for 30 days I've decided to actually try to live a bit healthier. My roommate has already guessed that this will last about a day and a half. But I am determined that by the end of this month I will be all of the following: more organized, more physically fit, have a healthier diet, and have more money in my bank account. While the majority of those will most likely not happen I would like to get a bit healthier. Here's to hoping...

As I mentioned above I am in a wedding at the end of this month. And while I have been to plenty of weddings before I suppose this is my first "real wedding." By real I mean that its a close friend, I'm in it, and they are the same age as me (actually younger...). So I guess this one feels more personal. As I type this up I am watching 27 Dresses and just came back from watching Made of Honor. Clearly love and weddings will be on my brain for the next month (in addition to my above commitment of trying live healthy). So bare with me as I try to get through this hectic month of school, work, and wedding season. Hope everyone has a great weekend!