Edward. No, Jacob.Edward. Jacob. Um...Can we have both?
(The fact that some poor soul made this breaks my heart.)
"Eclipse," the third movie of four in the "Twilight Saga" was released today. I've heard good things about the movie, and it supposedly is "the best of the three" movies that are out.
Because I am a fan of the novel series, I feel compelled to go see the movie. However, I honestly don't know how much more of Kristen Stewart's awful acting that I can take.
I would imagine that it is difficult to cover a popular song...I know that I've heard my fair share of covered classics that just sounded awful. How many times have American Idol contestants attempted to cover Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston and miserably failed? It hurts my ears just thinking about it.
Sometimes, though, a song or artist can be successfully covered. Not to say that they are better than the original (although sometimes it seems that way), it's more of that they usually give you a different perspective of the original song and if executed well, it can be pure magic.
Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable
A few weeks ago, my photography-crazed sister showed me this website that has all sorts of fun photography related items for purchase. As we were browsing the site, we saw a "Wish Frame Bank" that was part picture frame, part piggy bank!
Isn't it so cute? The website gives the good idea of putting a picture of something that you are saving up for or even just a silly picture like the one shown above.
The only problem: I had a small problem paying $27.00 for a picture frame that's supposed to help me save money! So, I went to IKEA and bought a similar version of this frame/picture box for $2.99. Score!
Then, we drilled slot in the top of the frame. (I don't fully trust myself with power tools so I got some help).
The next decision that I had to make was what picture to put in my frame. My mind raced to Nordstrom's shoe department when thinking of things that I should save up for.
Unfortunately, my conscience got the better of my desire for fantastic sandals, and I realized that I should be responsible and save up for school. So, I decided to put a picture of my friends and I in the frame to start saving for my last year of college. Boring, I know...but it is always fun to see pictures of you and your best friends!
(And maybe I will sneak half of whatever I save to go to Nordstrom's to satisfy what seems to be more of an uncontrollable need than a want for these gorgeous wedges.)
"I have found that my work has to be both deep and shallow. All of my songs have meaning, all of my clothing has iconography buried into it. But by the same token, it's just as special if you look at it in its shallowest form. A quick moment of melody, a beautiful dress. People think, 'GaGa's so sweet', or 'GaGa sucks'. The point is that it's memorable."
"I'm dressed conservatively today, I should take off my pants just to freak them out!"
-Lady GaGa
Whether you hate her or love her, you have to at least respect her for being fearless and for doing what appears to be whatever the heck she wants.
I have been a fan of Regina Spektor for about 4 or 5 years now, and my love for her has far from faded. She's been on and off the radio, I think that "Fidelity" might have aired on a few alternative-indie stations, and I've heard mixed reviews about her from my peers. She truly is a great example one of those people/artists that can either be viewed as absolutely nuts or absolutely genius.
Well, I think she's not only genius, but she sounds phenomenal live. Here is Regina (yeah, we're on a first name basis) playing "Folding Chair" at the gigantic 4-day Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival that took place this past weekend in Manchester, TN.
Regina Spektor, I think that you're fabulous. (And you are adorable in your floral dress and red lips!)
I've always been a fan of sunglasses--on other people. It seems so difficult to find the perfect pair of sunglasses for my face shape. Sunglass shopping usually just ends up with me trying on every pair in the store until I find one that looks halfway decent.
With summer here, the sun bringing Phoenix area 105 (& up) degree days, and Nordstrom's summer magazine sitting on the counter tempting me with new styles and shapes to try, I decided to suck it up, learn what looks best on my face, and get some sunglasses.
There are several websites that offer the same tips, but here is an article from Women's Health that actually shows a few examples of types of sunglasses to fit your face shape! (The less people who have to struggle like I do to find sunglasses, the better.)
g. Printed Round Frame, Emilio Pucci:$295.00 (Ouch, but they're fun to look at!)
The good news is that you don't need to spend $295.00 out of your next paycheck to have fun sunglasses for this summer. Nordstrom's BP section as well as Urban Outfitters have some for $10.00! And this way, if you accidentally sit on them, you won't feel bad about having to get a new pair.
As this book series is all that seems to be on my mind as of late, it seems only fitting that today's post should be about it. There isn't much to say, except that if you are looking for a phenomenal summer read, "The Hunger Games" novel series by Suzanne Collins will not disappoint you.
As of right now, only "The Hunger Games" and "Catching Fire" are in stores now, but the third and final novel of the series, "Mockingjay," is said to be available for purchase 08.24.10. I am mid-way through "Catching Fire," and I'll be honest when I say that although I love my new hobby that is blogging, I'd rather be reading right now. This is probably the most addicting book series I've come across, and believe me, I went through the "Twilight" phase with all the other Edward loving, Jacob loathing (until the movies came out and Taylor Lautner's shirt came off, of course) teeny-boppers.
I'll leave you with an excerpt from a book review written by Stephen King for Entertainment Weekly (www.ew.com) that can serve as a brief book summary. Although it doesn't clue you in on the fact that this novel will be almost glued to your hands until you finish it, it does give an plot accurate description without giving too much away.
"The United States is gone. North America has become Panem, a TV-dominated dictatorship run from a city called the Capitol. The rest of Panem is divided into 12 Districts (the former 13th had the bad judgment to revolt and no longer exists). The yearly highlight in this nightmare world is the Hunger Games, a bloodthirsty reality TV show in which 24 teenagers chosen by lottery — two from each District — fight each other in a desolate environment called the ''arena.'' The winner gets a life of ease; the losers get death. The only ''unspoken rule'' is that you can't eat the dead contestants."
I promise that you won't be able to put the book down, unless, of course, you feel compelled to write a quick blog about it.
"Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations."
— Jean Paul Richter, German Romantic novelist and humorist
When we are so frequently surrounded by friends, we are undoubtedly going to be influenced by them. I have a friend who, during this past year of college, bought a few reusable grocery bags from various grocery stores for around $1.00. Each time thereafter when she went to the grocery store, she would use these bags in place of the plastic ones that the stores provide. I have always respected her for doing this, especially since, although she offered to share these bags, I rarely remembered to bring them along on my own outings.
I honestly don't know if I would have ever made a real effort to remember these reusable bags had it not been for my trip to a Walmart "Neighborhood Market" this past week and had I not seen a mother who probably had 6+ mouths to feed at home, judging by the mountain of food-filled plastic bags piled into her cart. My issue is not the amount of purchased food, but said "mountain" de plastique.
I am not a hippie (although, I've often imagined how fun it would be), I am nowhere near a vegan (or vegetarian, for that matter), and I am not an environment "freak." But, this incident presented me with somewhat of an "eco-ephiphany," if you will.
I would never go up to this woman and preach about the dangers of plastic bags, but after finding this article, Say No To Plastic Bags: The Shocking Facts ..., I realized that maybe there are times when we should be environment freaks--especially if it's as easy as remembering to bring your own bag with you at the grocery store.
Recently I've been introduced to BAGGU, and they make such fun, brightly colored, reusable shopping totes for cheap! A few days ago I bought a BAGGU in "Electric Poppy," and I am so excited to use it.
Here's "Navy White Stripe":
The best part is that one BAGGU holds the contents of 2-3 plastic grocery bags, holds up to 50 lbs., and comes with a 5'' by 5'' carrying pouch. By folding the tote into the small pouch when its not being used, it's easy to keep in your purse without taking up much space. And this way, if you're forgetful like I am, you don't have a choice but to remember your shopping bag in case you drop by the store unplanned.
If this is a pre-meditated grocery outing, they have a drawstring sack to carry all your shopping bags to the store.
Here's one in "Electric Purple":
And if you're ready for more intense earth saving, they even have reusable produce bags that come in two sizes. I love it!
photo credit: http://baggubag.com/#Shop
Don't worry, I will get off my soap box, but give it a chance. It doesn't have to be BAGGU, any tote or bag that isn't plastic will work. Most grocery stores now have them for less than a couple of dollars.
According to the previously mentioned article, only 1% percent of all plastic bags thrown away in America are recycled each year. My thinking is, if I could help to make that 1% rise to 2%, it's still making a difference. A tiny difference, but it's still there, and I think that's pretty awesome.
Each time that I step inside a craft store, it's as if some magnet is pulling me towards the silk flowers. I'm not sure why, maybe it's just a thing with women and flowers, but I've always wanted to buy some; however, something always pulls me back. For some reason, I have always felt that fake flower arrangements reminded me of tacky model home displays, or maybe even something that, well, my grandmother would have in her home. Recently, I found this awesome Crate and Barrel vase at a local thrift store for $1.50. My sister has been trying to redecorate her room, so I decided to take a shot at making artificial flowers look somewhat modern for her.
I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts and picked out 5 gerber daisies and some colored ribbon, and then made my way to believe it or not, Dollar Tree, and bought some glass "river rock" stones. I mixed the two bags of stones together and filled up the vase, tied the ribbons around the stems of the daisies, and positioned them in the vase.
The project ended up costing only about 8 or 9 dollars, took me about 10 minutes to put together, and it satisfied my odd craving for purchasing fake flowers. It matches my sister's room perfectly, and the best part about this project is that I'm fairly confident that this arrangement won't end up collecting dust on the front desk of a retirement home with all the other artificial flowers. It's too cute for that.
I saw my first pair of TOMS shoes in the hands of my friend Kylee about two years ago in a small surf shop in Huntington Beach, California. And to be honest, I found them hilarious and strange-looking. When she told me that a needy child receives a pair of shoes with each pair bought, I admitted that it was a kind and thoughtful idea; however, I still thought that they would never end up in my closet.
Two years later, I now have to admit that TOMS are probably the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn, and believe me, I have plenty of shoes. What makes them sweeter is finding them on sale. And this past weekend, I found these babies for $18.99, brand spankin' new. The listed price on the TOMS website is $48.00.
My find was sent to me by the angel that is Nordstrom's Last Chance in Phoenix, AZ. As listed on the Nordstrom's website, this is essentially a clearance store filled with clothing, shoes, accessories, etc., that has either been returned or was overstocked in the regular Nordstrom stores.
1. Go on a week day, if at all possible. Unless you get excitement out of a smaller-scale "Black Friday" type shopping experience, don't go on a Saturday. The amount of people in the store is slightly annoying, but it comes with the territory.
2. Be prepared to dig. They have hundreds of pairs of name brand shoes, but some might be slightly damaged, and they don't always have multiples of a certain style. Therefore, be prepared to search. You can find tons of great name brands (that are still in season, too!) in pristine condition, but you must be willing to spend some time.
3. Make sure your search for scuffs and/or tears is thorough, because there are no returns or exchanges, and all merchandise is sold as is. It's unfortunate, but as long as you give your items a glance-over, you should be fine. I would say that most items that they sell there are brand new, but it's wise to keep an eye out for the small percentage that has been worn.
Last Chance is definitely a neat place to check out if you're into bargain shopping. But really, who isn't?
Here's a video on TOMS with founder and CEO, Blake Mycoskie. His company is cranking out shoes for needy kids, saving the environment by using eco-friendly materials to create his shoes (check out Toms' Vegan line), and giving us comfy shoes that go with just about any outfit.
My sister and I took a trip to Ikea yesterday, and I came across these adorable ice cube trays for only $1.99 each. I didn't have anything in mind at the time, other than the fact that my beverage of choice would have "cute" ice cubes.
When we came home, however, I remembered the glass bowl filled with lemons from our tree outside. I decided to attempt lemonade, and then use the ice cube trays as blended frozen fruit for flavor for the lemonade. And thankfully, it was so easy. I cut up some strawberries, and blended them with a little bit of natural cranberry juice and some Splenda. I filled the ice cube trays and let them freeze over night.
They came out so well! I made some lemonade this morning, using the juice from 3 large lemons, 1 quart of cold water, and about 2/3 of a cup of sugar. I mixed the three ingredients in a pitcher, poured it into a mason jar, dropped the iced fruit cubes in, and the strawberry lemonade was delicious.
Keep in mind that you could also use Crystal Light's lemonade mix instead of incredibly sugared, send-you-straight-to-the-dentist lemonade. And since the iced fruit cubes are made with Splenda, they would also be a good addition to ice water to give it a little bit of flavor without adding many calories.
A little over a year ago, my friend showed me a website called "Cardboard Love" where a "JH" writes little notes with a Sharpie on scraps of cardboard to his girlfriend, Maria. Sounds simple, right? It is. And it's absolutely wonderful and surprisingly addicting. I check the site often, and it makes my day to see posts filled with so much happiness, love, and even a little humor!
Here are a few of my favorites:
Check it out! I promise that it will make you smile, no matter how cynical about love you may be.
Hi! And welcome to Harmonic Daisies. Summer's here, and it's a perfect time for me to begin my first blog. I've decided to use Harmonic Daisies as somewhat of a creative outlet and a way to share all the things I love and the fun (and hopefully painless) projects that I take on!
Summer is a great time of year--beaches, cook-outs, popsicles!--so many fun things to do. But in AZ, you risk 2nd degree burns stepping outside come July. I decided to make a trip to the local library to grab some new books to entertain myself while avoiding the AZ heat.
To kick off "HD," I decided to make some bookmarks. Scrapbooking is becoming such a popular hobby, but one thing that I've never seen "scrapbooked" is a bookmark. And with my new library books and abundance of scrabooking paper, I decided to make some myself to avoid ripped pieces of paper, receipts, and other random bits of paper that we often find to use as make-shift bookmarks.
Here is how you can make some in just a few minutes.
First, I started with a few sheets of paper. I used a patterned piece for one side of the bookmark, and a solid color for the other.
Next, I cut each of the pieces of paper down to size. They can be as wide or as long as you'd like. I made a few in different sizes. I used a very thin layer of a glue stick to glue the two pieces of paper together, and laid them underneath a book to dry flat for about 10 minutes.
I then added a few embellishments. This can be up to you. You can put whatever you'd like--pictures, quotes, ribbon--as long as it will lay flat between the pages of your book.
Voila! Cute bookmarks for all your summer favorites.
