Happy Thanksgiving!

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I have long said that Thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday if I didn't love giving presents so much.  I love the smells, the food, the friends, the family and just this general time of the year. 

I am thankful for my incredible family who love and support me through my toughest times and taught me how to love others. 

I am grateful for my amazing friends who make me laugh, cry and push me to excel and be a better me. 

I am thankful for my sweet Waldo who loves me even when I am hungover and pain in the butt.  He gives the best snuggles and brings a smile to my fave on a daily basis. 

I am thankful for B and his support, love, and intelligence.

And I am thankful for all of you that read my blog, and leave me comments that bring a smile to my face (often times a chuckle).  It means that world to me that you take time out of your busy day to read YBB and I love you for it!  

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

XOXO

Happy {It's Already The} Weekend!

Oh me oh my!  What a busy, crazy week it has been.  I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off and as happy as I am that it is the weekend again, there is still so much to do!  I am feeling a little unorganized and stressed this week and I need to get some things together and "set myself up for success" as I always say. 

I apologize for my lack of blogging, commenting and being absent in general.  Here's hoping this weekend gets me back on track and returning to my regularly scheduled posts. 

Sending hugs and happiness to all of you!

XOXO

I'm Lovin' It

Last week I was ever so luckily invited to attend the private shopping event at Christian Louboutin store on Robertson by my gf Kristina (in the gorgeous coral number).  Unfortunately I was unable to do any shopping at all, but I did get to meet and be photographed with the amazing Brad Goreski! 

He couldn't have been any cute in person, and can we just say that he is as nice as can be.  He was sweet enough to answer a few questions I had, such as when will your show begin taping (soon), where will it be filmed (LA, NYC, all over) and what channel could we watch all the goodness (Bravo - SWEET).  I wished him the best of luck and then threw back a glass of Veuve to celebrate.  When I left he was waiting for valet and he actually waved and said goodbye to me and wished me luck. 

I am officially even more in love with him than before!

This Asos Boxy Flat Lock Clutch.  I want to wear it with white denim and a bright colored tank and some amazing wedges.  Love the bright pink and gold details.

I know we all love Atlantic Pacific's fashion choices, but this ensemble had me absolutely drooling on my keyboard at the straight up fabulous-ness of it.  Adding to my must purchase for summer necessities - blue and white gingham button up. 

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This weekend marks my girl Christy's 30th, and as a graduate of Wazzu, we don't know how to celebrate a little bit...only a lot of bit.  I have a feeling stuffing our purses/pockets with these napkins isn't the worst idea ever...

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Now that I am able to eat chocolate again, I find myself surprised that I haven't been gorging myself on any and everything chocolate.  That was until I tried my coworkers dark chocolate covered edamame and find that I am constantly wanting to sneak into the snack cupboard to grab another handful.  Dangerously good.

B.  He makes me smile, laugh and happy.  It's a pretty amazing feeling that I feel blessed to experience.

Almost there....

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First day back at work after vacation is always tough.  Luckily I am surrounded by amazing girls who helped keep things running while I was away.  However, I was still in a haze today with all the things that needed to be finished. 

Good news....taxes are filed, tomorrow is Friday and all is just dandy!

XOXO

Oscar Time 2011

It's Oscar time again!  This Sunday will be an evening of glamour, movies and hopefully some laughs courtesy of co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  I am excited for these two hosts as they are both multi talented and sure to bring something new to the show, which it could definitely use. 

I am proud to say that this year I made it my goal to see all ten best pictures nominations.  And I succeeded!  Below are my reviews and votes for best picture (in order of my favorites).

And the nominees are.....

I kept hearing in October about this movie the The King's Speech.  I read the description of the film and was like *yawn*, even though I really like Colin Firth.  When they announced the nomination for best picture I knew I had to my butt to the theater and can I just say, I am SOOO glad I did as it is my favorite film of the bunch. 

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are so excellent in this film.  It made me nervous, it made me laugh (a lot) and it really made me want to pick up a history book.  I LOVED it and really think it is a crowd pleaser.  I am also betting that Colin Firth takes home the Best Actor statue. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 35%

I am not sure why, but I wasn't super excited to see The Fighter - I mean it has Marky Mark in!  I watched this on a Saturday morning and was blown away by Christian Bale's outstanding performance as drug addict brother Dicky.  Also, Melissa Leo is unrecognizable as mother Alice and both deserve the supporting actor statues. 

The story is similar to all those come from behind to win movies but there is some serious heart in this film and it is my second favorite flick of the nominees. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 25%

I have loved all of the Toy Story Movies and am happy to report that Toy Story 3 is my favorite of them all.  I saw this movie with B in 3D and was holding back the tears at the end of the movie, as it just pulled on my heartstrings.  The characters, the idea of growing up and all that you leave behind and the nostalgia of my old favorite toys (Peaches & Cream Barbie anyone?). 

Toy Story 3 proved that sequels can be better than the original and also that some cartoons really do deserve to win best picture.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

Black Swan was a movie that disturbed me on so many levels and yet I loved it as well.  Natalie Portman's frightening portrayal of a ballerina trying to be perfect should definitely earn her the Best Actress Oscar, and the costumes and music were beautiful.  This movie literally had me squirming in my chair at parts and I left feeling unsure and weird. 

The movie was unique and interesting and I feel it deserves all the press it has been receiving, including its best picture nomination.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

B and I take turns picking movies at the theater and this flick was his choice.  I heart Jeff Bridges big time.  I once saw him at Palimino at lunch with his mom and he was carrying her purse for her and pulled out her seat and just was a true gentleman and ever since then I was a fan. 

The cinematography of True Grit is breathtaking and the cast is pretty impressive as well.  Matt Damon & Jeff Bridges are both hilarious in their roles and young Hallie Steinfeld is a welcomed fresh face. 

The film takes you back to simpler times and also the savageness of it all.  B and my girl Nicole seem to think that True Grit could be the dark horse and take home the Best Picture Oscar.  While I enjoyed the film, it wasn't best picture quality to me. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 9%

The Kids Are All Right was the last film I saw of the nominees and I was surprised to find that I ranked it so high out of all ten nominees.  The story is so intriguing and I found Mark Ruffalo, Annettte Bening, and Julianne Moore outstanding in their roles as parents to Joni and Laser. 

The film was the perfect combination of comedy and drama and really left me wanting to dine at Paul's restaurant and enjoying a glass of whatever Nic was drinking.  It also shows that family is family regardless of if it is man and woman, woman and woman or man and man. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 3%

I saw Inception last summer and walked away entertained, whereas B walked away disappointed and annoyed.  Which I think was most peoples reaction.  You either loved it or hated it. 

I loved the idea behind the film as well as the awesome cinematography and special effects.  The idea was creative and most walked out wondering what world Cobb was really in at the end.  Do we think there will be an Inception 2?  

Again, while I thought it was a good movie, not the best movie in my opinion. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

The Social Network or better known as The Facebook Movie was informative and amusing.  I didn't walk out of that movie thinking Mark Zuckerberg was an asshole (as I was warned I might feel) but instead I walked out feeling sorry for this genius as well as this Eduardo character. 

Jesse Eisenberg is satisfying as the role of Mark Zuckerberg and I finished the movie wondering what the REAL story is.  I also left thankful that Facebook was created. 

I know it won Best Picture for the Golden Globes by I don't think it holds a candle against The King's Speech or The Fighter. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 6%

I watched 127 Hours at my home and was told that not seeing it in the movie theater takes away some of the greatness of the film.  This movie takes you through the journey and struggle Aron Ralston experienced for (you guessed it) 127 Hours.  His knowledge and determination was impressive and inspiring.  

James Franco did a great job of portraying the highs and lows that Aron went through and the music compiled by A.R Rahman really intensified scenes and your emotions.  The landscape and scenery of the film (minus that one scene) was stunning and made me want to explore nature a little more.  

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

Winter's Bone was a flick I knew nothing about going into.  I knew it was a drama and that's about it.  My thought after watching was what an F'ed up flick. 

It was intriguing and dirty and made me want to shower as soon as I finished watching it.  It also made me feel so sorry for the main character Ree, played by the gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence. 

The movie was at times hard for me to follow but I ended up understanding at the end.  It is not a film for everyone but again one that leaves you thinking long after the credits end. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2%

Now it's your turn! 

What do you think will win best picture?  Was there a film that was left off the nominations that should have been included?  What were your feelings on any of the nominated films? 

Scenes from the Weekend

Enjoyed a Grilled Three Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Basil Soup from Westside Tavern Los Angeles before seeing The King's Speech - which was outstanding!

Braved the weather and hit the open seas!  For the most part the weather cooperated and the beers and company made it all the merrier.  Plus adding a little extra sparkle to the sea never hurts either :)

It was a pretty chill weekend, I took it easy in order to prep for the busy work week ahead and birthday festivities! 

Twenty Eleven

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If 2009 was a year or rebounding and starting over, then 2010 was a year of rebuilding and letting go.  2010 had it's ups and downs and although the downs ALWAYS suck the life out of you, they also teach you how to lift your head back up and dust off your shoulders. 

2010 brought me new friendships, a new career opportunity, and new love.  It also brought me financial woes, tested relationships and a whole lot of self revelation. 

So while there are definitely some times I wish I hadn't experienced, I know that all those hard times taught me some sort of lesson and also have made me stronger, more confident and ready to tackle 2011.

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I am starting 2011 with a clean slate and gearing up for a fantastic year.

Goals for 2011:

*Working on my fitness

*Dusting off my passport and hoping to head to Europe

*Career advancement

*Paying off those darn credit cards/student loans

*Organizing my bedroom

*Busting open the cookbooks

*More concerts

*Read more, watch less TV

*Write more

They may seem simple and ordinary but they are everything I want and need to feel complete (for now)....

Cheers to you and all of your goals!  Let's make 2011 the best yet!

Happy {Harvest} Weekend

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Woo-hoo!  This week went super fast for me and I am so happy it is Friday!  This weekend my pals and I will be celebrating our third annual "Oktoberfest/Harvest/Fall" party, where we sip seasonal fall brews, and enjoy a autumn-ish appetizer (I am attempting pumpkin risotto balls).  We always have plans to venture into the bars but always are too full from the delish beers and tasty treats.  Let's see if we make it this year!

(2008 - The Shipyard is the best!)

(2009 - Sam Adams Cherry Wheat = Tasty)

Here's hoping your weekend is full of pumpkin treats and friends and family to keep you smiling!

Happy Weekend!

This weekend is supposed to be full of sunshine and heat.  I am planning to hang out with my girl Mrs. R in town from DC:

(at Septemberfest in Culver City)

Give this little munchkin lots of snuggles...

(Little Jake in town visiting from Seattle with Mom and Dad)

As well as possibly laying out by the pool and soaking up these gorgeous October rays!

Can't wait!  Cheers to your weekend ahead!!

Let's Go Rhinos!

Our softball season started off a little bit shaky, but wouldn't you know it....we pulled it together and made it to the playoffs!  Tonight at 7:45 we take on a team that we have lost to already twice, but third times a charm right (knock on wood)?  I always have such a good time with my team and I am crossing my fingers that we win tonight to play again at 9:00 against the undefeated Hard Hats. 

Even if we don't win our league championship, we did win our own team clover at Tom Bergins!

These little clovers are all over the ceiling of the bar and we are honored to be featured! 

GO RHINOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woot!

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I have been dying to try Drybar in Brentwood ever since Daily Candy sent me an email.  I absolutely love having my hair washed and dried whenever I get it cut and wished that there was a more affordable way to enjoy that part without having to constantly get your hair cut. Well now I can at Drybar for $35 and after reading Danielle over at Sweet Nothings review I was sold. 

But wait a minute you LA ladies...here's something even better.  Today at Groupon you can get a blowout for $20!  You better believe I purchased that steal and am already browsing my calendar for my next social event that I can use my blowout for.  I will most definitely post a followup once I experience Drybar!

Don't feel left out if you don't live in LA, click here and sign up for the Groupon in your city.  I look forward to  my daily deal emails and have already utilized two deals since joining in June.  Just sign up, get your deal of the day and then choose to delete it or grab it up.  So simple and so great! 

Vote for J.O.A.T!

My girl Jamie over at J.O.A.T has entered the scrumptious looking cupcake above for Duncan Hines Red Carpet Cupcake Challenge.  It would be really awesome if you could take a moment out of your day and vote here for Jamie!  You can vote once a day until the 28th!  My girl Jamie works very hard and really does create the tasty cakes, so I would be the happiest gal alive if she won!  Thank you!

Happy Birthday Kris!

The happiest of birthday's to my gorgeous girl Kris!

Welcome to club 30!  The year ahead is going to be incredible for you!  Sit back, relax and enjoy it my love!  You deserve it!

XOXOXO

Jury Duty.....

Hello Dolls!  I am away at Jury Duty and will return tomorrow with the continuation of the Summer Essential Series.  Been here since 8:30 AM and haven't even been called into a room...guess I should start reading my new book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

See you loves tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Shelby!!

Natalie Moser Photography

A very happy 30th birthday to my San Diego neighbor and darling friend Shelby!

May this year bring you lots of success, joy and happiness! 

Love you lots and lots! 

XOXO

And because this "Trash The Dress" session is one of my favorites, shot by my absolute favorite photographer Natalie, be sure to enjoy some more shots below of  R & S. 

Natalie Moser Photography

Natalie Moser Photography

Natalie Moser Photography

Natalie Moser Photography

(this one is my fave - the joy in Shelby's face is priceless!) 

So I Put My Hands Up...

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I love it when I wake up on the *right* side of the bed.  Today I am all smiles :)

 

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Shuffle, Shuffle...

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Wouldn't you just know that it has been another crazy busy week and my brain is just about on overload and I can't even begin to think of what to post...that is until Shelby posted this guy and I just HAD to participate seeing as music plays such a huge part of my life. So here goes..

The Rules:

1. Put your iTunes/ ipod (or any mp3 player) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Encourage others to play along!

My Results:


1) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
On Board - Friendly Fires (Usually!)

2) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Born Into A Light - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

3) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
No More Talk - T.I. (hmmmmmm)

4) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Spaceman - Dave Matthews Band

5) WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Union - Black Eyed Peas

6) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
What We Talkin' About - Jay-Z Ft. Luke Steele

7) WHAT IS 2+2?
She's Out Of My Life - Michael Jackson

8) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
She Is - The Fray (interesting!)

9) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Shadow - Britney Spears

10) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
She's Mine - Brett Dennen

11) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
By Night Into Paradise - Chet (Doesn't sound too bad to me!)

12) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Young Forever - Jay-Z Ft. Mr. Hudson (Ha!)

13) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
I'm Real (Murder Mix) - Jennifer Lopez Feat. Ja Rule (well....)

14) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Pump It Harder - The Black Eyed Peas (seems a little inappropriate for the dance floor...later in the night maybe - j/k)

15) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Give It Up To Me - Shakira Feat. Lil Wayne (lol!)

16) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
How To Say Goodbye - Paul Tiernan (this would have been better for the question above)

17) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

18) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
The Heart Of Life - John Mayer

19) HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Paper Planes - M.I.A. (interesting...)

20) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Here We Go - Mat Kearney

21) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Boots & Boys - Ke$ha (boys for sure)

22) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
I'll Stand By You - Carrie Underwood

23) WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
December - David Gray

24) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Ventura Highway - America (the 101 is a scary road I avoid at all times!)

25) DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
The Chain - Ingrid Michaelson

26) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Shake That - Eminem

27) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Miss Independent - Ne-Yo (not really - I kind of like it)

This is really fun I promise and kind of a fun way to enter into your weekend! Give it a shot!

Oscar {Catch Up} Time

With the best award show of them all arriving this weekend, I have a lot of movie catching up to do before Sunday.

Anyone else super excited for these two to host together? I heart Alec mucho and Steve is just as lovable.

Here is what I have (or will have) seen in the Best Picture Category:

Although I had zero desire originally to see this movie, after many great reviews and a great date I could no longer say no. Turns out I REALLY enjoyed it and was massively impressed by how beautiful and touching this movie about aliens could really be. It reminded me of another Oscar winning picture, "Dances With Wolves" (love that one too).

YBB Odds of Winning: 20%

Most people found this nomination a surprise, but with big time director Peter Jackson you have to wonder. I have this flick in my DVD player right now at home and just need to commit to watching it. (Update: Finished this movie on Wednesday...very interesting. I didn't LOVE it, but I could appreciate the idea behind it and was intrigued by the idea)

YBB Odds of Winning: 1%

I am the most excited to watch this film as it seems to have the most buzz behind it and I have heard it described incredible. I am hoping to get to watch this one tonight after dinner. (UPDATE: Watched this Tuesday evening and was holding my breath the ENTIRE movie. Talk about intense! I was blown away (no pun intended) by this movie. The actors, the cinematography, and just the story line. Talk about being on the edge of your seat. You must see this one!)

YBB Odds of Winning: 39%

I started watching this Quentin film in January and fell asleep (not due to being bored but rather tired). At home waiting to be finished. What I did see, although very graphic was amazing and I think I am going to really enjoy it. Definitely predicting Christopher Waltz will win for best supporting actor. (UPDATE: Finished this flick last night and I just LOVED it. I have always been a fan of Quentin's work, but this movie is his best yet! This movie had me laughing, covering my eyes, cheering, gasping, just everything. Brad Pitt was great and I am just amazed at the storyline. So creative and touching at the same time.)

YBB Odds of Winning: 10%

One of my personal favorites was "The Blind Side". The story was touching, the characters well portrayed and that Sandra Bullock was amazing (definitely winning Best Actress). It was the movie you cried, laughed and left feeling incredible and all of suddenly rooting for the Baltimore Ravens.

YBB Odds of Winning: 5%

I watched this amazing Pixar film on my flight from Los Angeles to Seattle (gotta love Virgin America) and cried not once but twice watching! The story is touching, the animation impressive and the characters pulled at my heart strings throughout the entire film (SQUIRREL!).

YBB Odds of Winning: 5%

The four other nominated films that I will not be able to see in time are "An Education", "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" (look for Mo'Nique to bring home Best Supporting Actress), "A Serious Man" and "Up In The Air". I will give all of these films a 5% chance as I am thinking it is really a race between "Avatar" & "The Hurt Locker".

What are your Oscar predictions for 2010? Which celeb are you most excited to see on the Red Carpet? Any fun plans or ideas for this coming Sunday? I will most likely be cuddled up on my couch, munching on some snacks, and analyzing the fashion, perhaps with some champagne in hand. I just love Hollywood!