We Are Young

This song by Fun. (terrible name) has been stuck in my head for five days, which means it's officially time I shared my silent obsession. Two things to notice:

1. The lead singer (formerly of The Format – what?!) looks like he's old enough to have toured with Mick Jagger. Yet, his Wikipedia page says he's my exact same age. Ouch.

2. Janelle Monae is in possession of the world's most perfect skin. There. I said it.



(If you want to see the "official" music video, here you go. I just like the acoustic version better.)

Timer

My friend Stephanie has been telling me to watch this movie for about a year, and I'm not even sure how I happened to stumble across it on Netflix tonight (maybe it was just the right time). But I need more people to watch it so we can discuss!

The premise is this: Scientists have invented a timer that goes off once you meet your soul mate. Both parties must be in possession of said timer or you never know if you've met "the one." The main character – who has a timer that's never started counting down – is looking for a nice gentleman who isn't wearing his timer yet. In the meantime, she ends up meeting a wildcard romantic who could be an imperfectly perfect match.

Of course, it brings up a lot of questions like, would you want to know when you'll meet your soul mate and give up on the journey? Or do you just go with your gut and take a leap with the one you love?

I was slightly upset with the end, but I suppose it's better to be left pondering a movie rather than dismiss it as boring and predictable. So when you have the time, watch it and let me know what you think.

Animation Station

To take full advantage of my three-day weekend (and celebrate MLK Jr.), I visited the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens and realized a new passion in life: stop-motion animation. I'm happy to present my first two masterpieces (don't sneeze or you'll miss them).

 Werewolf Problems (inspired by The Vampire Diaries)



Swirl (inspired by real life events)

Card Catalog Roulette

Two weeks into January and I've only kept one resolution: read more. It could be my new Kindle Fire or the incredibly mindless quality of the books I'm reading, but I've already tucked four books under my belt. Here's the long and short of it:

The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion (Book 4), by L. J. Smith
I know I should be ashamed, BUT I'M NOT. I started watching the series around November, and it became my #1 obsession of year. Hence, I'm reading the original source material as an auspicious start to 2012. The first two books are pretty simpleminded, but the story gets better as it moves along. And this fourth book has been the best by far. The characters and plot lines are barely similar to the TV show, so if you haven't seen one or the other, I'd start with the show. In this rare instance, it is way better than the book. Grade: B

The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune (Book 2), by Rick Riordan
Ah, another book I should be ashamed to read. After the initial Percy Jackson series ended, I was excited for the next Greek-demigod anthology. Then I read the first book. Disappointing. I didn't have high expectations for this one, so maybe that's why I loved it SO MUCH. Seriously, I never wanted it to end, but of course it did right at a place where I'm dying to know what comes next. If you haven't read Percy Jackson, be thankful that you have until Fall 2012 to catch up on your ancient mythology. Grade: A-

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, by Mindy Kaling
Counting this book is kind of a cheat because I started then abandoned it in 2011 while in the midst of vampire madness. But I just finished it last week, so I'll still give you two thoughts: (1.) Bad title. (2.) Mindy Kaling is cute and pretty funny and I liked getting into her head a little bit. But it's unfortunate her book came out the same year as Tina Fey's because that one was a lot better, and I kept comparing the two the entire time. Grade: B+

Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card
Wow. After I read Hunger Games, everyone said I should read this, but I kept postponing it. I don't know why because Ender is 100x smarter than Katniss and he doesn't let love-type feelings cloud his judgement in situations of planetary domination and death. Grade: A+

Any other YA Fiction I should read, book lovers?

I've been searching for a good resolution this year, and after seeing this photo on The Selby I think I need to organize my wardrobe, get rid of things I don't wear, and display the things I want to wear more often. Other ideas floating around in my head: read more (let's be friends on Goodreads!), drink more water, perfect the smokey eye, find my black boot sole mate.

Time for Tunics

By some insane stroke of luck I scored these DVF leggings at Century 21 last August. They've been hanging in my closet, patiently waiting for the weather to drop. And now that it's cool, I realize I have less than nothing (that would be zero) to wear with them. I'm thinking about a tunic. It's not my usual look, but it could work.

 

Mary Katrantzou

A.L.C.

Another option: a mini dress.

 McQ

On a side note, I'm really want this skirt. Maybe I'll find it on sale five seasons from now.

Rag & Bone

Old Dogs, New Tricks

It seems like just yesterday that I was shopping around Kiehl's for a new night cream (got some samples, no commitment). Well, Fashion Week to the rescue. I got a few Clinique samples from the Karen Walker show (extra credit reading: backstage coverage; collection review) and these two products are my new favorite things.

Remember, Chubby Sticks? I had a brown-ish one in college that I never sharpened, so I would just buy a new one when it dulled. Well, they're reincarnated as awesome tinted lip balms. Now, I'm using Mega Melon, which is a lot more flattering on pale skin. (Although I'd like to try Woppin' Watermelon next.) They're on the pricey side for a balm ($15), but they still beat Fresh Sugar lip treatment ($22.50).

Even better, the Moisture Surge hydrator also got a makeover. I liked the concept of the original (lightweight gel), but it wasn't thick enough for night, and I stopped using it after my first or second jar. After trying the new formula (Moisture Surge Intense), I have three words: magic potion lotion. I can't find it for sale on their site yet, but I'm definitely going to keep an eye out because I know I'll need to restock soon.