loving the little things

Inspired by a post today on my favorite blog, The Frisky, I’ve decided to, in the spirit of spreading the love on Valentine’s Day, create a list of 10 things I love about life at this moment.

10. My light grey DKNY coat that I thrifted at the Salvation Army. I’m telling you, this is a thing of beauty. I couldn’t have paid more than $8 for it, and it’s impeccable. Knee-length, menswear-inspired, the warmest, and is a delight to put on every morning. I pair it with this oversized chunky cable knit infinity scarf from Gap, and I basically walk the runway (a.k.a. the sidewalk leading to the front door of work).

9. My desk. It’s quirky, and it’s mine. I’m the type of person who gets excited over things like “decorating” my desk, so it consists of a tacky gold desk lamp, picture frames, knick-knack boxes, my favorite mouse pad of Michaelangelo’s David filtered in Andy Warhol-style colors that I made in high school, and a Cubs beanie baby, amongst other things. Yeah, I’m that girl.

8. The prospect of baseball season. Planning a possible Spring Training trip makes beers, sunshine, baseball hats, and green ivy feel that much closer . Also, today I tweeted at the Cubs that I want Anthony Rizzo to be my Valentine.

7. Reddit. Honestly gets me through the day. r/Iama, r/todayilearned, and r/aww are some of my favorites. Once you get into the routine of checking Reddit everyday, it’s impossible to leave. You’ve been warned.

6. Nala Cat. Do you follow this adorable being on Instagram? Holy moly, she is the cutest.

5. Listening to the same CD in the car everyday. I only have a 10-15 minute commute to work each day, but I play the same CD in the car there and back. I never get sick of it.

4. The Lumineers. This is not the CD that I listen to in the car everyday, but I definitely could. I listened to their album on Spotify the other day and I loved every track. Also, The Lumineers Pandora station is killer, killer, killer.

 

3. Prabal Gurung for Target. So, I’m kind of crazy. I told myself a while back that I wasn’t going to buy anything from this designer line until items started hitting the clearance rack (I’m a frugal fashionista). But then I was watching the Grammys red carpet, and I swear to god they played the damn commercial for it every chance they got. Well, their marketing worked on a sucker like me, and I ran out to the store, bought 7 pieces from the collection, and made it back home in time for the Grammys to start.

2. 30 Rock on Netflix. I was very, very, very late to catch the 30 Rock bus. I never watched, or had the intention of watching, the show when it was on the air. But the other day I was browsing aimlessly through Netflix and figure I’d give it a shot. It. Is. Everything. And I watch an episode (or five) every chance I get. Liz Lemon 4 Eva.

1. Man Repeller’s V-Day post. Let me start out by saying that Man Repeller (a.k.a Leandra Medine) obviously dresses amazingly, yaddah yaddah yaddah, but the look on her face has never sat well for me. (Sorry.) However, I started following her on Twitter the other day because I follow her on Instagram and she was all over NYFW, naturally, and anyway, she posted a link to her latest blog post, “Celebrating V-day.” I’m forever a fan. Here’s my favorite snippet from the article, but I suggest you read the whole thing, especially if you are like me and needed a little pick-me-up on Valentine’s Day.

You have a companion within yourself and depending on your sense of humor, her name might be Ninja Boot. She will never abandon you and though often attack you with a deep rouge surprise, her intentions are only in your best interest. I think that’s important to remember.

I’ll drink to that.

why Vine is so right now.

If you’re into the social media scene, it’s highly unlikely that you haven’t at least heard the word “Vine” thrown around on the Internet in the last week or so.

Vine is Twitter’s response to Instagram – a way to share quick six second looping videos and clips – and it’s pretty genius. Especially with culture’s obsession with GIFs, abbreviation, and instant gratification. Vine ranges, like Instagram, from annoying multi-angled posts of food and meals (guilty) to more artistic stop motion clips that I enviously admire for their beautiful simplicity.

As like every social media network, getting started is tough (what to post! who to follow! how to find interesting people to follow!), but because Vine was acquired by Twitter, you can log in with your account (or choose not to) and easily see who of your Twitter followers/following is on Vine. I posted a lame clip of the garden at my work while it was raining, a few steps on how I got my polka dotted nail look, multi-shot close ups of doughnuts (?), and I’ve already got a bit of a following. Yay! I’m hoping to use Vine to do more beauty tutorials, and mix in some fashion and artsy things – and I think there is a large following for that.

Also like Instagram, Vine also allows you to easily explore popular posts, tags, and even selected editor’s picks. You can find some really inspiring, creative pieces. And while many people bash Instagram and the likes for not being “real” photography and/or not being “real” art, “true art” (if that can even be defined) is boundless – and fresh innovative outlets (like Instagram and Vine) are being used as their own art form. Sure, the quality is low, and it’s a mass media/pop culture spread, but art reaches people. And I think there is some beauty in that.

Anywho, I digress. Besides art, at this time of year, I’m especially loving Vine as a way to following the happenings at Fashion Week. Cause that’s kinda what I do. (Side note: I’m squealing over Prabal Gurung for Target.) I still am devoted to Instagram, but I respect Vine’s quirky way of capturing a shortened form.

It’s all very new, and still in need of necessary updates – iOS only as of now, muting the volume on a post I think would be a good option, along with a better editing step once you’ve captured your snippets, and oh what the heck, some filters. We all love a low quality filtered visual experience. Find me on Vine!

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And I do have more than 6 followers now, thank you very much.

Samantha’s Top Picks: The Christian Grey Edition

I know, I know. Fifty Shades of Grey is so last week. But ogling at handsome fellas never gets old, so let’s play.

My top selections for who should (and should not) play the oh-so-craveworthy Christian Grey.

1. Henry Cavill.

A British actor who will be playing the iconic Clark Kent/Superman in the upcoming release of Superman, his classic beauty has the slightest hint of a bad boy undertone that is just subtle enough to be the perfect Christian. He is not TOO popular of an actor already, which I find necessary in Christian because I don’t want to associate said actor with anything he’s previously done/popular roles. Also, a standard Samantha jawline.

 

2. Alexander Skarsgård.

Swedish actor, and the latest vampire to steal my heart as the crazy/sexy/might-be-good-might-be-evil Eric Northman on True Blood (no spoilers, I’m only on season 4), A.Skars’ blonde hair, towering height, and unbelievable buttocks and abs are a shoo-in for Christian. You also can just tell he likes to get freaky. (Eric has a sex chamber in True Blood.)

 

3. Michael Fassbender.

Known to be definitely packing heat after Mr.Fassbender-Not-So-Jr.’s cameo in “Shame,” this German-Irish actor may be considered too old, like most of the men on my list, for this role, but I’m obsessed with him and his European/sugar daddy/sex bomb charm. And, after a random watch on Netflix, Fish Tank became one of my favorite fucked up movies – it’s very British, and very weird. Also, REAL MEN DON’T WEAR TRENCH COATS THAT WELL.

 

4. Matt Bomer.

Best known for playing the so so sexy womanizer and con artist Neal Caffrey on USA’s “White Collar”, Mr. Bomer is openly gay and still makes women everywhere go absolutely nuts – he already is a fan favorite to play Christian. I wouldn’t argue with that, however, there is something not bad enough about him, but his classically good looks carry him a very long way.

 

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

 

Alex Pettyfer. He’s sexy, but I couldn’t put him on the official list because didn’t he used to abuse Diana Agron?

 

Chris Hemsworth. Duh, he’s Thor. Plus, his long blonde hair and piercing eyes don’t hurt.

 

 

 

And Now, Men Who Are NOT Christian Grey

1. Ryan Gosling.

He is just too… I don’t even know how to put it… baby-faced, I guess, to be Christian. He’s also never done anything really to convince me that he’s a bad boy who has a secret sex chamber. I just don’t know if I would believe him as Christian.


2. Robert Pattinson.

Probably the most awkward man on the planet, but oddly enough a logical pick for Christian since Christian came to life through the Twilight fan fiction and in turn, Edward. I have no trouble believing that Rob would have a secret sex chamber, HOWEVER, I do have trouble believing he would have the confidence to carry the role of Christian. You know he’s my homeboy, but he’s an Edward, not a Christian.


3. Ian Somerhalder.

While he is undoubtedly an amazing looking gentleman, there is something TOO sinister and piercing in his eyes that reads as “I’m a bad boy! I have a secret!” and should read as “I have a secret that I can’t tell you” to be the perfect Christian. He used to be on my “should play Christian” list, but I’m over it.

 

So… Agree? Disagree? I wanna know your picks and what you think!

Ladies, I need your help! (Guys, you can help too, if you are so inclined.)

Look, I need a new work bag.

I’m currently using my Michael Kors Hamilton bag (the smaller size), and it’s great as an everyday or weekend bag, but I need something a little more spacious for work.

The Hamilton

And I for the life of me cannot decide what kind of bag I want. There are just too many good choices. So I want to know if you have any recommendations!

You should know:

  • I don’t really like bright pops of color for bags, I’m a very neutral gal.
  • My budget is no more than $400 (maybe $500 if you can convince me).
  • I don’t want another Michael Kors. Nothing against Michael, I’m just looking to change it up this time around.
  • I’m not sold on bags with flaps over the opening. Seems kind of impractical to me, especially for work, but again, if you can convince me otherwise, please do.
  • I’m looking for something timeless, something that will be a classic staple in my wardrobe for years to come.

I’d love to see any ideas that you have!

it’s shiz like this that i don’t like.

Meatier…? MEATIER? I understand the whole “play on words” here because she’s wearing the meat corset – HA! *eye roll* – but come on.

I came across this article on Huffington Post earlier today, and I was a little bothered by how pointless it was that this is even constitutes as news. (I am guilty, however, of clicking on it in the first place, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog post.) Gaga “came out and admitted” that she has gained 25 pounds. And in the same interview she said, “And you know I really don’t feel bad about it, not even for a second.” She goes on to defend rumors that she’s gained “so much weight” due to excessive drinking, and instead says, “I love eating pasta and pizza. I’m a New York Italian girl.” I love her for saying all that she did, and I respect the way she is blunt and honest about things like this, but I don’t necessary like that she defends herself.  Alas, I didn’t really think much else about the article after that or the fact that now apparently Gaga is “fat,” because who really cares.

And then THIS pops up on my news feed:

Kinda just pushed it over the top for me. So what if she is pregnant? And so what if she’s more voluptuous? I’m surprised Kelly was the one to say anything after the wrath she has faced from the media over her weight.

Anywho, I don’t really have that much to say about this whole thing at all, except that I don’t like it, and we shouldn’t have to have headline news because a woman likes to get her eat on every now and then. And I could go into this whole spiel about loving yourself and your body and ignoring the culturally-injected “ideal” female body image we’ve become too familiar with, but I’m not going to because I think Gaga said it just fine.

 

So here’s to all the women (and men) who love pizza and pasta. Don’t feel bad about it. Not even for a second.

The Rizzo Effect

For being such a “die-hard” Cubs fan, I don’t know too much about the one-and-only Anthony Rizzo, except for the typical rumblings and that he’s started what I like to call “The Rizzo Effect.” In the couple of hours surrounding the buzz that Rizzo was going to be playing with the Cubs Tuesday night, a frenzy of Cubs fans purchased tickets and noticed the now-in-demand tickets jumped quite a bit in price. So what came first, jacked-up prices? Or are they high in result of “The Rizzo Effect”? I’ll be extremely bummed if they stay high; I quite enjoyed those $15 tickets in the 140 section.

So aside from all that mumbo-jumbo, I kinda feel bad for the poor kid. As much as I welcome him to the club and am excited to keep seeing the team build and grow, most Cubs fans are expecting this:

But he’s just this:

Anyway, I hope he kicks ass tomorrow, I really do. And that he doesn’t let all the hype and pressure get to him, if he’s been paying any attention to that. But by no means am I expecting him to be the savior – we’ve tried that once (scratch that, way more than once) already. I still have a lot of faith placed in Theo though. In my opinion, this was never meant to be the year where we win it all, as much as we all wanted it to be. I do think it’s gonna take a while, and I’m willing to wait.

Eamus Catuli.

why I’m really pinteresting.

As some of you might know, I’m completely in love with Pinterest. I wouldn’t say I’m addicted to it, but I am a visual person who is addicted to lists and collections, so it’s quite the perfect fit.

Basically, Pinterest is what my room looked like before Pinterest even existed: a million little ripped up magazine snippets of looks I love, products I want to buy, yummy recipes that I will never make, and pictures of handsome men. (Get over it.)

And now I get to put them all in one place without the chaotic clutter.

So, I present to you a sampling of my Pinterest “boards”, as they are called, and I hope you do find me somewhat pinteresting. If you want to see all of what I’m pinning, check me out here. Or, if you’re interested in a specific board, click on the pictures below and you’ll be on your way.

• • •

“Amen Fashion“, aptly named after the heartfelt Lady Gaga tune “Black Jesus, Amen Fashion“, is where I like to pin particular articles of clothing that I’m inspired by and are quite “me”… if I had a walk-in closet and an infinite amount of money to spend. What to watch for: You’re gonna see some weird stuff, you’re gonna see some beautiful stuff, lots of black and neutrals, but that’s all my taste.

I’m a huge foodie. I think the right pictures of food are just as good as how some of these treats are going to taste. Some of the things I pin on here are just for looking at (aka food porn), but the majority of things I would like to try to recreate sometime in the future. Check out the “Buttery Popcorn Ice Cream Sundae”. What to watch for: burgers, drinks, & sweets.

This might be my favorite board because I’m obsessed with accessories and just beautiful looking things in general. Shoes, handbags, rings, necklaces, etc. I love classic items, but I also am attracted to odd/artistic items that are eye-catching and unexpected. I’m currently losing sleep over the gorgeous skeleton finger necklace pictured above, but also the Jeffrey Campbell Puffer Spike Sandal, which would both be classics in my wardrobe. What to watch for: Must. Haves. (That I will never own.)

You simply can’t go wrong with a miscellaneous board. I’ve got some fantastic photos saved in here, people I admire and swoon over, as well as some other funny anecdotes. What to watch for: It’s miscellaneous, so you never know what you’re gonna get. Basically, they didn’t have a home anywhere else.

Sometimes I mix this board up with “amen fashion”. It’s very similar, but really, everything makes much better sense in my head. I mainly collect overall looks that I love here, hence “I love this“. What to watch for: Be prepared for an overwhelming amount of chic.

Lastly in my mini-round up, the obligatory wedding board. Many female pinners (and yes, there are male pinners out there and they make some damn amazing boards) started out using Pinterest as a place where they could visualize their weddings: dresses, locations, tableware, all the goods. How can I resist? What to watch for: I die for lace wedding gowns.

• • •

There’s so much more to see, so be sure to check it out. And also check out my “likes” on Pinterest, which is a weird/confusing situation in itself; I’m still not sure why I “pin” some things and “like” others… But it’s still a good collection.

I’m looking for suggestions for new boards. I want more variety other than just fashion-y stuff all day. Books? Music? People? Photography? I’m open to all and any advice/suggestions.