Red Carpet Rundown ~ Teen Choice Awards 2010

While I didn't tune in for the entire show (just for the Jason Derulo and Justin Bieber performances), I did check out the red carpet, and to be quite honest I was pretty bored with all the fashion.  There weren't really any standout looks (perhaps because of the casual-ness of the event and the age its geared towards) but below are some of my fave and least fave looks.

all photos{via}

I though Jenna Dewan looked gorgeous in this off the shoulder black dress and black heels.  The pearls are a great accent piece and she looks fun and sassy without looking slutty or overly trendy. 

Photo credit: Bob Charlotte / PR Photos

Although I am not a fan of Megan Fox I will say that I thought she looked really cute last night.  I loved the skirt and heels and thought the top brought a little youth to what could have been a super sexy, slinky number.

I hope that I am not the only one tuned into ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars.  I have been hooked since episode one and the girls showed up at the Teen Choice Awards looking like bonafide stars.  While I loved all four of their looks my favorite look for the whole red carpet was Lucy Hale.

Her makeup, her hair, that dress!  Just perfection.  I am thinking she could be the next Rachel Bilson...

Some of my not so favorite looks:

Lea Michelle is completely gorgeous but I feel as though those shoes are just too heavy and clunky and her pose here is just throwing me all off.  I will say that her makeup for the evening was pretty glamorous and gorgeous!  Lea is usually always on and one of my favorites for any red carpet, this time I was just left feeling - ehhh.

The darling and fresh faced Emma Roberts looked as if she had just walked off the set of Twilight.  The makeup, dark hair and pale skin was just too much.  She looks like she hasn't slept in weeks and is thaleeepy. 

What the Teen Choice Awards did get me excited for is the August 29th Emmy Awards.  More beautiful fashion, just around the corner - Yay!

Song Of The Week: Your Love

Back in college, I used to love me some Lil Kim.  Her raunchy raps were always blaring at the sorority and her videos were equally scandalicous.  However, Lil Kim grew up and we were missing a powerful, talented female rapper for a little while.  Enter Nicki Minaj.  I heart her. 

I first heard of Nicki Minaj watching Timbaland's sons Sweet Sixteen party on MTV.  This girl Nicki Minaj was all the rage and she escorted him to his party.  No idea who this gal was until "BedRock [Explicit]" came out and the female solo was completely inappropriate and completely awesome. 

Nicki Minaj's solo album is set to drop in November I believe but you are able to download her latest and greatest single "Your Love" right now and you will not regret doing so.  She samples Annie Lennox's "No More "I Love You's"" in the background and sings/raps some excellent catchy lyrics. 

I think we may just have a winner in Miss Nicki Minaj!  What do you think - next Lil Kim or just an impostor?

Summer Essentials Series ~ Avery Bleu

The final installment of YBB's Summer Essentials Series is from one of my dearest friends (and roommate) Miss Avery Bleu.  Aves and I have known each other since our freshman year of college and was also present for one of the drunkest nights of my life (TKE + Spiced Rum + Newport Cigs = bad news bears).  My girl Avery has a keen sense of fashion and trends, is one of my most favorite gals to party with, a wonderful Auntie Avery to Mr. Waldo and one of my very best friends.  Below are her summer picks which do not disappoint. 

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock SPF 55 - 1.4 oz.

Since I sit outside most everyday at lunch during the week and spend time in the sun on the weekends, I definitely need sunblock on my face, neck and chest and my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer doesn't have a high enough SPF. I recently purchased this Neutrogena sunblock and really like it. The lightweight formula goes on super smoothly, blends invisibly and is not thick, greasy or sticky like many others. It works great under my moisturizer or foundation.

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

Top Row: Left, Center,Right

Bottom Row: Left, Center,Right

I'm a sucker for dresses, and in the summer they're practically all I wear. I would love to stock up on a bunch of light and airy frocks like these from Urban Outfitters. They'd be perfect for work (with a cardi) and play.

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

My summer song for this year was "California Gurls" by Katy Perry, but unfortunately I've already almost reached my limit due to the immense airplay it's been getting. So...I'll choose an old standby. Jack Johnson's tunes always put me in a good, summery mood and make me want to be outside chilling in the sun.  "Bubble Toes" is a good pick. (What's funny is that the album cover is Jack in a jacket in the rain)

Thank you Avery for sharing your summer picks.  If you are ever looking for great celebrity style, or what trendy and happening now, be sure to head over to Avery Bleu and see what she's posting about. 

Thank you also to everyone who contributed to the YBB's Summer Essential Series.  Whether you shared a post, read a post or commented on a post I really am so honored to have you all stop by to read and share your thoughts and feelings.  Until next summer!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Lovely Happenings

Today I am honored that Megan over at Lovely Happenings had the time to share her summer essentials with me and all of you lovely readers.  I have been following Megan for over two years now and this Portland girl always posts exactly what I am looking for often.  Whether it is cute inspirational quotes, some Pacific Northwest love, pretty interior pictures or Dexter/True Blood videos, the girl has it all.  Plus her sister goes (or went to) WSU which makes me adore her all that much more. 

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

My must have summer beauty product: Dove Ultimate Clear Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, Sensitive Skin 2.6oz.. Yep, it is a must. Summer means sun which equals sweat. Sick. This is the best deodorant because it doesn’t smell so it doesn’t compete with my perfume. And it is for sensitive skin so it keeps my armpits nice and cute for all my tanks and arm lifting (is even possible to have cute armpits though?).

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

{via}

I am always craving a million different things. I cannot wait for happy hours outside in the sun, trips to the Oregon coast, lazy weekends, learning to longboard (hopefully I won’t break any bones), camping, spending hours with friends, summer weddings, concerts at the Gorge, and so much more! I just love this time of year.

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

This is hard to pick. It has to be "King Of Anything" Sara Bareilles. I have heard this song a million times and am still not sick of it. It is so catchy and she is just too adorable.

Thank you Megan for sharing your summer selections.  I just recently heard this Sara Bareilles song and it is rather pretty and lovely for summer.  I also heart anywhere up north during summer, the Pac-Northwest is always so sparkly, green and lush.  Gorgeous!  And I am sure that the people close to you thank you kindly for wearing deodorant in the summer heat.  Nothing worse than stinky pits.  Be sure to head over to Lovely Happenings and check out the darling suitcase Megan is craving or the Season 5 preview for Dexter (a whole post dedicated to my favorite show on television is in the works), you won't regret it!

Tomorrow, Miss Avery Bleu will close out the summer essential series as well as the week.  See you tomorrow! 

Summer Essentials Series ~ Let's Be Honest

Happy Hump day to all!  This week is going by already so fast - I like it!  Today Mariana over at Let's Be Honest is sharing her summer essentials.  Mariana is a friend via a friend.  Although I have never actually met Miss M, I can often be found cracking up reading her posts over on her blog.  She calls it like it is and is witty as all get out.  One of these days I swear I am going to meet up with her and have a drink and laugh the next time I am in Seattle.

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

My college roommate Alicia was a fanatic of Blistex Lip Balm Dct(Daily Conditioning Treatment) Spf 20, 0.25 Oz 3 Pack, or as she simply called it, lips. She had one in every coat pocket, every room of our apartment, in her car, backpack, purse and even one in her pillowcase. I am not quite as obsessed but I've looked around and have never found a comparable product. It's a staple in my cosmetic bag and my beach bag. It has SPF 20 which is super important given the rise in lip skin cancer. I recently heard a story on the radio about an increase in lip skin cancer rates due to the non-SPF products we use on our lips that dangerously intensify the sun's rays. This stuff will protect your lips and the best part is that it's only about $2 and it lasts forever.

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

I had this amazing watermelon and Haloumi salad on a recent vacation and I've been dying to recreate it. I've patently been waiting for watermelon to be in season and finally was able to try it out on Father's Day. Haloumi cheese is a Greek cheese that has a really high meting point so you can grill it and it won't melt. You can find it at Whole Foods. It's amazing on its own but even better grilled. This salad is so easy to make and it came out really delicious. You simply soak red onion rings in lime juice. Cube the watermelon and grill the Haloumi over medium heat in a nonstick pan for about 3-5 minutes. When the cheese is nice and browned you toss it with the watermelon, lime juice and red onions and garnish it with a few mint leaves. Amazing.

*the picture is kind of grainy but you can see (hopefully) what a beautiful colorful salad this is!

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

Paul Simon's "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" reminds me of summer and always lifts my mood. It's one of my favorite songs and every time I hear it I wonder why I don't just have it on repeat all the time.

Thank you Mariana for sharing your summer essentials!  You now have me craving that watermelon salad which I am most definitely going to attempt and make one of these weekends.  Also, that Paul Simon song is totally summery and happy.  I have been in filing hell all day and that song just put a smile on my face.  If you want a good chuckle, be sure to head over to Let's Be Honest for your daily dose of witty honesty. 

I only have two more summer essential lists to share with ya'll, so be sure to check back tomorrow for Megan over at Lovely Happenings summer must haves!

Mile High Time

So I am a little (okay a lot) delayed in recapping my adventures in Denver.  I had the best time in the "Mile High" city which I am sure helped a lot since I had a wonderful tour guide B, who grew up in this lovely town.  Denver was one of my top 5 cities to visit in the United States (I will need to replace it now), along with Chicago, Savannah, Martha's Vineyard, and Austin.  The weather was incredible, the skies like nothing I had ever seen before and an altitude that definitely caught up with me on Saturday night (ruh-roh). 

Glass of wine at Chili's To Go bar at LAX

Tour of Red Rocks.  So gorgeous!

Self guided tour through the Coors Brewery.  So fun and you get 3 free beers at the end! 

I was happy to find out that Coors brews Blue Moon, so I happily enjoyed two glasses of that (with an orange of course) and a glass of their season summer ale Honey Moon.  Both were so refreshing (did I mention it was 92 degrees this day?)

 

I sampled some Rocky Mountain Oysters.  Which surprisingly weren't that bad and tasted kind of like chicken nuggets. 

Rode the 1/2 mile long Alpine Slide down the mountain (490 feet high) - so fun!

View from our room at The Sheraton in Downtown Denver.  Kind of looks like Vegas minus all the flashing lights.

Jack on the rocks and Grey Goose Pear & Soda to start the night off.

The night started off innocently enough at El Camino Community Tavern in the Highlands and progressively moved throughout Downtown Denver, where we closed the night at The Drink (ridiculousness documented below).

Loved the cheap/free drinks in Denver (and yes the gent to my left is shirtless - pretty hilarious)

The rest of the trip (I apparently forgot I had a camera) was lots of incredible food, meeting friends and family and just trying to stay cool (reached 102 degrees the Saturday we were there).  It was such a great city that has this spirit to it.  I highly recommend checking out Denver if you haven't been yet.  Next time I go I am hoping to get to check out Breckenridge and also a Rockies game. 

Song Of The Week: Little Bit

I am not a "Little Bit" in love with this song, more like A LOT OF BIT.  I first heard this song a few months ago here and was immediately found it on Itunes and purchased.  While I love the Lykke Li version, the addition of Drake makes it so much better.  I am loving the contrast of Lykkie Li's sweet angelic voice against Drake's smooth raps.  His voice is just so sexy I think.

Are you also a little bit in love with this song?