Starving for Katniss

Right before I left for Florida I remembered to purchase my marketing textbook on amazon. Since I was going to spend over $100 on a book for school, I figured why not up that bill up a smidge for some fun books to read before classes started.

The Hunger Games Trilogy has been everywhere lately. Many magazines and blogs have given these books rave reviews stating that Katniss was the character Stephanie Meyers wished Bella could be. The girl is strong, level-headed, and self-sufficient.

When I was surfing through Amazon, I noticed that I could buy each book in hardcover separately for less than the box set. I figured this was a safer way to handle things. If the first didn't grab me, I would have the option to send the other two back. But if I was hooked, there would be no delay in finding out what happened next.

Flash-forward six days after opening book one.

OMG those books are like crack for your imagination.

I don't want to ruin any of the adventure or images for you. Just simply trust me and start reading. The initial focus of the trilogy is the Hunger Games - which is an annual event where district children are randomly chosen to compete in an arena to the death. This mayhem is considered entertainment for the Capitol citizens (the upper echelon) to see children ages 9 - 14 kill one another. These people are unaffected by the deaths, as their children will never be selected to fight, and thus have no connection to the contestants beyond the one they bet on. Although I would estimate the first novel focuses on the "sporting event" for about 75% of the pages, I was still able to feel emotionally connected to the characters.

Don't worry, the book isn't solely focused on the killing, there is a love story intertwined in which involves Katniss and two boys, but it isn't a traditional triangle. Katniss isn't daydreaming about boys, she stays focused on family and her own abilities for the most part. She was a breath of fresh air as a female character - who is to appeal to tweens - who was determined, powerful, and not forgetting how to breath because a hottie sent her a loving gaze. I love her.

Now don't delay, go read these books so we can discuss them :)

My CC is keeping me on budget

Ever since I moved out of my parents' house, money has been my biggest concern. I needed to be sure I was covering all my bills, have some left over to save for a rainy day, and then still even more for retirement. Bills were initially easy, as was saving. It took me until about year out before I really started with any retirement savings.

Then I got a little too ambitious. I decided to live by myself. This quickly cut down my ability to save. Once I returned to school, there were a few additional costs, but class and homework got in the way of part time work. This meant serious budgets!!! I need to reduce spending that does not fall under utilities, rent, gas, and food. After a unexpected trip to the garage, leaving me with a $139 bill, I was bummed that I wouldn't be able to pick up some items from Sephora I had meaning to get, or a new pair of winter pants. Boooo.

Just to be sure that I was up to budget for January, I went to check on my credit card. That is when I noticed I haven't cashed in my points for about a year. I use my credit cards for everything. All those charges allow for me to gain points, and I always use them to order $25, $50 or $100 gift cards. It allows for me to treat myself guilt free. :)

This time I am going with Amazon, J-Crew, and Sephora. This should allow me for a combination of things I need and want to get me through the next semester. Honestly, if I could charge my rent check I would be this much closer to a Banana Republic guilt-free splurge.

Never was a Dawson Creek-er

But I do love me some Van Der Beek! (Whoa, that rhymes)

Earlier this month James Van Der Memes was launched with the help of a great Funny or Die video. I love that he has acknowledged that he became an internet sensation due to a small scene in Dawson's Creek.

Vandermemes from James Van Der Beek

Personally, my favorite is the Eyebrow String Dancer - sadly I don't know how to blog a gif so here's the image...


On a related note, be sure to check out his DILF Khaki ad such a hottie!

Gorgeous Calendar

I was due back from FL in Boston at 7 pm on the 11th. Instead, do to one mega b*tch of a storm, my friends and I didn't touch down until 10:30 am on the 13th. While my friends were concerned about missing work, I took it as it was, and looked for the silver lining. God just gave me two more days of relaxation before Opening.

Opening consists of the first two weeks of school. Our office opens all of MLK weekend, extends hours to 8-7 Tues-Thurs the first week and 9-7 Mon-Wed the next, and we have the pleasure of working these long hours with 30 minute lunches. The plus side is that lunch is provided by management. Oh, and by the way, while all this is happening, I started my second semester of school: 3 classes this time, including a Saturday one!

I had hoped that those days would help keep the stress out, but we are at the end of Tuesday and I am already crying for a vacation day. Blogging is pretty much out of the question. I did find a series of amazing photographs. Fortunately for me, I also found a video that goes through all twelve of them, if this wasn't here you would have gotten at most three. Let's face it, I would have stopped after two. I hope you enjoy!

It was in the stars

When the Social Network came out last year, I said I had no interest in going to see it. I further revised this statement and decided not only did I not want to pay for a movie ticket, but I didn't want to even watch it on HBO. In fact, the only way I would watch the flick is if I were on an airplane and it was free.

Well, thanks to Jetblue bribing me into a happier place after delaying my return flight, that exact situation fell into my lap. There I was at 7:40 am, just about to lift off and ready to spend the next few hours watching the story of facebook.

To be honest, I loved the opening scenes and the fast paced dialogue. In the end, the movie was enjoyable, but if I had to recommend my favorite movies of this past year, it wouldn't be in the top three (Inception, Despicable Me, Black Swan). If you have an afternoon to waste and have access to the film for free, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, if you haven't yet seen it, feel good knowing that your life is no less amazing than mine is now, it wasn't a life-changer or a breath-taker.

More Resolutions

New Year's resolutions are silly, I know. People make a number declarations about how they will quit smoking, join a gym, and eat healthier. Others will read the classics, cut down on tv, or start hiking. A month later, old habits return and gyms make out by taking in new memberships but don't have to worry about dealing with an increase of visitors to the facilities. Wait, now that I think about it, many people make a resolution to join a gym, they don't often specify that they will ever step into it afterward, so I guess that means they went through with their plans. Just a thought.

Please don't read this as me saying that I am above making resolutions, I made two on my blog on January 1st and since then have added a few more as ways to improve my quality of life. I am a realist in the sense that I know putting join a gym on the list is a silly way for me to throw away money, but I will look into either another social sport to play, I'm looking your way broomball and touch football, or a dance class. Maybe if I find a really good deal I could find myself frequenting a pilates or yoga studio.

One of my new resolutions that I have found easy to implement and is already providing me with amazing results is cleaning for 15 minutes each day. I had read about a resolution like this before, in fact, I might mentioned this idea at least 2 other times in the blog - clearly it didn't stick. For the last few days I have gone home and done a 15 minute clean. I think I am able to get more done in that quarter of an hour than I do when I try cleaning for an hour because I knew that it would be over soon and I wanted to be productive.

If you tend to let your apartment/house/condo get messy and then feel overwhelmed at the idea of tidying up, this process is totally for you. :) I'll spare you the rest of my resolutions because A) that can be boring to read and B) in case they don't stick you won't know I failed.

Still vacation until I go to work pt. 2

As if the day couldn't get better, I did eventually make it to the mall, after a brief pop into H&M to find yet another jem. I like to enter through the Weston Hotel so that I can start my shopping by gazing into the Jimmy Choo store. Just as I was about to step off the escalator and into the mall, I had the sudden urge to blink a few times just to make sure I was actually seeing a Michael Kors store straight ahead of me. Where did this magical place come from??? And for the life of me, I can't remember what used to be in that exact spot.

Of course, I had to go in and see what it was like inside. The space was very white, bright and inviting. A saleswoman saw me enter in, wearing my typical shopping uniform- which consists of old jeans, motorcycle boots, and a t-shirt - not the most fashion forward look, and welcomed me with a large smile and warm hello. (I don't always get such a warm welcome when I look so disheveled) She continued to escort me around the shop pointing out various products that were on sale.

When I asked to try on a pair of pants, she brought in a top just so I could get a feel of what a potential work outfit would look like. She did check in on me a little excessively, but found it cute that when I let her know the look wasn't for me, she continued to let me know about future stock and whatnot that was coming into the store. As she fed me this information, she interrupted herself, saying that she should probably let me change in peace but would be waiting for me to exit to give me any final information. I found this interaction charming and not at all pushy. Thanks!

In the end, she sold me on a pair of earmuffs. They are actually lighter in person than in the picture to the left. I was drawn to the stud detailing and the oh so soft fur muffs. Again, I scored myself a 50% off deal, woohoo!

Both stores left me very satisfied and extremely happy with the service provided to me. I hope to be able to return sometime when I have cash to burn through.

The one upside of returning to work tomorrow is that I will officially work on staying on a budget as cash will probably get a little tighter in the coming year. Shaky fist to you, school books. No more splurging for me. :)

Still vacation until I go to work pt. 1

For the last few years, I have taken advantage of the fantastic sales at the beginning of the new year by wandering around Newbury St and the Copley Mall here in Boston. Previously, I have scored finds such as Lucky Jeans, silver pendants, and blazers from Lord & Taylor. 2011 might have been my best year yet.

For months now, I have coveted a pair of Hunter rain boots (and fleece liners) more than any pair of heels. The brand's reputation is fantastic, quality superb, and I have yet to hear of a bad review from a friend.

Normally these rain boots are priced at $120.00. Not the most expensive shoes in the world, but I do have a hard time justifying that price to a simple galosh. I have spent many hours searching the web for a sale on these boots and have yet to find a deal.

Fortunately for me, I decided to walk up Bolyston on the way to the Copley Mall today. A new branch of the Tannery has popped up near the gardens and I noticed a big 50% off sign. I figured there was no harm in taking a quick look-ee-loo. As soon as I walked in there was a pair of bright blue Hunter boots with a big ol' 50% orange dot on them. When I went to get a closer look, the sales guy let me know that he was sorry because they only had one size 7 (the ones in my hand) and some 11s. Well, that is perfect for me and my teeny feet. I quickly tried them, checked out some fleece liners and was out of the store $90 poorer by 100 times happier.

Working On A New Years Resolution

At this point I have two definite resolutions. 1) Drink more Narragansett Lights over Lagers to help with my caloric intake. 2) Catch up on my magazines and keep up on them every month.

Currently I have about a foot and a half of magazines to flip through. The September issue of Vogue has been sitting next to my couch for months now and I finally dove in. Just as I was about to finish it off, I came across one of the most amazing editorials I have ever seen. "Monsters Inc" is a piece that highlights accessories with the help of Nick Cave, a performance artist. Below are most of the images in the spread, enjoy!

Try not to smile. I dare you. I particularly love the last one.

Year 3! Welcome 2011

Welcome to 2011 folks. I spent the time with some wonderful people in Cambridge, MA. We ate, drank, played board games, and sang along with BSB/NKOTB. Going to a bar can be fun, and I totally did that last year with a group of people, but I don't know if there could have been a more perfect way to welcome the 2o11. Hope your NYE was as enjoyable as mine.

PS - What was with Avril Lavigne performing? Who cares about her right now?