Oh, Paris!

Well, Oscar night 2012 has just concluded and I find myself wildly disappointed that my favorite movie of the year Midnight in Paris, didn't win best picture. That being said, I'd like to pay tribute to that wonderful city I someday dream of seeing. Paris is known as the world's most romantic city and a place I've been dying to visit since I was a little girl. There's just something wonderful about that tower glittering at night over the river Seine that makes the place feel magical. (That, and of course those lovely little local shops, oh what were their names? Chanel? Dior? Louis Vuitton? Yes, I believe those are the ones.) Maybe it's the city's old world charm that has passerby envision Monet painting water lilies across a blank canvas, or the beautiful midday songs played by Notre Dame's famous bell tower that makes a person realize how truly enchanting le capital is. As l'arc de triumphe stands proudly above le Champ de Elysees, one can't help but be awestruck of the grandeur and prestige Paris offers. A city rich in history, mixed with architecture so incredibly artistic it brings to life the grand events of the generations that came before. I can't imagine what it would be like to stroll past Moulin Rouge, explore Le Musee D'Orsay and Le Louvre, or spend a night in the Ritz hotel. Owen Wilson's character Gil Bender in Midnight in Paris literally loses himself in the city, imagining himself among the lost generation of the literary greats such as Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald (my personal favorite) who embraced Paris for all it was worth in the 1920's. I suppose the primary reason why I loved the film so much was because I could see myself doing the same thing! How wonderful to drink, dance and delight under the city of lights. One day, rest assured, I will travel to Paris and fulfill this longtime dream. One day, I think I might just fall in love avec Paris!

Will You Be My Valentine?

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching (less than a week!) and I find myself slightly consumed by it... (maybe because I happen to be listening to Andrea Bocelli sing Cuando m'enamoro, and how can a girl not feel romantic after that!) I've always loved the holiday for its celebration of love and all things affectionate... and the fact that pink happens to be everywhere doesn't hurt either! It's a day to feel special, decadent and sensual. With all this lust in the air I find myself a bit at odds, seeing that I don't have a Valentine close to me! It's been years since I've had a special someone for February 14th, and while I love receiving cards and sweet treats from the family & grandparents, somehow it's just not the same as a partner in love. I see Valentine's Day as very much a profession of one's most sincere sentiments from the heart, a day to show the world just how much one loves another. It's a day of pride really, a day to announce with the most beloved endearments that one person makes he or she inexplicably happy. I hate when people criticize Valentine's Day gifts and symbols of one's love for one another. A bouquet of roses tells a woman she's remembered and his love for her can only be represented through something as delicate, feminine and strikingly beautiful as a rose.Chocolates, so often scrutinized for their link to the single, lonely person, to me seem quite the opposite, as their sweet, smooth existence brings nothing short of bliss to their recipient. Teddy bears and stuffed animals which seem to be inherently linked to "tacky" are just simple reminders that someone is thinking about one in an innocent, caring way. To have something soft to squeeze at night, especially for couples separated by distance, gives a sense of comfort and fills the emptiness left from the miles in between them. Valentine's Day will always be important to me, whether I'm single or married, young or old, rich or poor, because, simply put, there is no stronger emotion in this world than love for another.

The First of 2012

Whew! What a month it's been. As February approaches this week, it's suddenly starting to set in that these last few months will end the lifestyle/occupation called college. I've been enjoying classes far more than any other semester and appears to be making a world of difference when it comes to a little thing known as time. January used to drag on and on, but this month has felt like a whirlwind, and I must admit, I'm rather pleased by it. While it's been stressful finalizing graduation requirements, balancing work and attempting to figure out what the next chapter of "ma vie" (en rose of course) entails, I've found time to appreciate friends, and the fun places around me. Speaking of fun places...
This weekend I'm going to visit my sister Shannon in North Carolina. We're planning on going to Asheville and touring the Biltmore Estate, which happens to be the largest "home" in America. I see the estate on more of a chateau level, personally. I'm very excited to see the grounds, particularly this time of year because of the orchid room that will be in full bloom! Orchids are one of my absolute favorite flowers with their exotic blooms of vivid color and longevity. In addition to this lovely orchid bonus, an audio tour is included as well as free wine tastings at the vineyard on the grounds. I can already see myself twirling the wine around in my glass and sipping on a taste of heaven! (Let's hope, anyway.)

You Learn

I am listening to Alanis Morisette's "You Learn" as I write this afternoon, and it at the present moment it's really striking a chord with the events in my life. For the past month, I feel like I've had "my heart trampled on" and while it's caused me enough pain and anxiety to last for the remainder of the year, as I listen to her repeat "you learn" over and over it makes me see the sun through this cloudy mess. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, manipulated, and empty but we learn so much in these moments, it ultimately makes us a more complete person. While I'd like to think that people don't hurt each other, I know, and have experienced firsthand the unfortunate effects of humanity's evils. It was depressing me the other night, as I was contemplating how people can honestly be so hurtful. I was thinking and came up with this: not all people are bad, if we just keep pushing through the tough times, and continue treating others the way we would like to be treated, we will eventually find the good. I keep hearing the phrase "karma is a bitch" and find myself wondering if maybe this is indeed true. Life is cyclical, what we project eventually rebounds back and we must consider this before the moment we are in the receiving end. In spite of the recent disappointment I've been feeling, the most influential statement I've heard from friends has been this, "don't change. Don't change who you are, or let yourself become bitter towards relationships. Don't let him ruin your spirit." The more I consider this advice, the more I agree. Why let someone bring you down, when it's ultimately going to be affecting you? Why surround yourself in negativity, when you weren't ever there to begin with? Why think in darkness, when there is so much light around us? This may seem on the philosophical side, but it's true. We each have the ability to make our lives what we want them to be. I want to live in love and peace, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Happy for Hepburn

This past weekend I treated myself to a couple of films from one of Hollywood's best-Audrey Hepburn. She is my favorite classic actress, as she exudes beauty, wit, humor, charm and grace that only few women can. I am of course quite familiar with Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday, and can now add Funny Face and Paris When It Sizzles to the list. I enjoyed each movie, especially because they were both set in Paris which automatically intrigues me. Her dancing was wonderful, and I found myself laughing out loud several times at her amusing comments toward her leading man. Audrey's stage presence is immediate, as soon as the viewer locates her on screen they are instantly captivated by her unique voice and wide eyes that illuminate the character she plays. Her costumes, designed primarily by Hubert de Givenchy in the majority of the films are absolutely fantastic as well. I can't get enough of her stylish sheath dresses and wonderfully flamboyant headwear! Audrey Hepburn has earned her fame completely, and after seeing one of her movies, one is sure to be enamored with the loveliest leading lady of twentieth century cinematography.

A Royal Affair

So it's officially spring which means...a ridiculous amount of assignments due within days, if not hours from each other. I have been trying to organize everything out, but any way I slice it, I'm going to be swamped certain weeks. However, it's okay because this year is rapidly coming to a close and next semester will be senior year!!! Can't even believe it.
Anyway, over this post I would like to talk about a topic far more interesting- the royal wedding! I don't know about anyone else, but personally I am dying to watch this event. I am practically jumping in my seat to see what Kate's gown will look like, she's so classy and stylish I know she's going to be glamorous. Maybe it's because she rocks great hats, and I'm a big hat kind of girl, but I think her fashion is wonderful. William, on other hand has been a favorite of mine for many years, and I think they make such a lovely pair together. The very idea of getting married in Westminster Abbey, where so many British poets, royals, and important others are buried is truly awesome. I can't even imagine being able to walk through the building, let alone share my nuptials there. I like how Kate has already decided to arrive at the Abbey in a streetcar and then exit by carriage, as is customary procedure. I don't blame her for wanting a tad more privacy, I'm sure she's going to be a little nervous and would prefer to have a less flamboyant entrance. Altogether, I think it's going to be an incredible ceremony and I am so excited for William and Kate as the next generation of the House of Windsor!

Classy Ladies

As of late, I've been rather obsessed with a few historical women. I've always been interested in history, particularly women's history because I find it far less predictable and tremendously more enchanting. The first leading lady I find myself dying to learn more about is Marie Antoinette. As far as I'm concerned, that woman had the best passion for fashion, and became royalty in one of the Europe's most glorious countries, France. She was the queen that knew how to live, and although she may have had an alternative fate from the guillotine if she paid more attention to the rising revolution, I still find her respectable. She was elegant, charming and in a way, trapped in a flamboyant world.
The second lady I've come to develop a great interest about is Abigail Adams. I chose her as the topic for my biographical essay in my United States History course and in the process have grown immensely fond of the woman. One leading cause of my fondness for her is because she was an advocate for women's rights and strongly urged her husband John to "remember the women" in his doctrines. Abigail was also a major part of this nation's beginning, and is commonly referred to as one of our "founding mothers" and a "lady liberty" because of her impact socially, and politically during America's birth.
The last historical woman I am hoping to be transfixed by is Madame Toussad. I stumbled across a new book in Barnes and Noble just the other day and was drawn to a lovely cover of a woman standing in front of a garden that resembled the grand jardin de Versailles. She was wearing a detailed yellow gown that looked to be from the 18th century and at this point I could not resist. The book is an account of Madame Toussad, the famous wax artisan who began her career in France and gained much popularity and recognition after creating the wonderful likenesses of... Louis XVI and MARIE ANTOINETTE!!! How awesome is that?! I definitely plan on reading this novel and can already feel myself typing a follow up post on this blog!

Book # 1- Heart of the Matter

So I wrote in my post below that my goal was to read 20 books this year, and I just finished book #1 of 2011 this weekend- Heart of the Matter by the talented Emily Giffin. I have three of her four novels and each time find myself thinking about the story and the characters long after the book has been closed. Heart of the Matter was my favorite so far because it examined the lives of two seemingly different women and drew the reader in to really care about the fates of Tessa and Valerie. Tessa Russo is a mother of two and wife to a highly praised plastic surgeon Nick in the affluent community of Wellsley MA. She recently quit her job as an English professor to be a stay at home mom with her 5 and 2 year olds. Valerie Anderson is a lawyer and single mother who works her tail off in an effort to compensate for her son's lack of a paternal figure in his young life. One night while Charlie attends his first sleep over at his friend Grayson's house his world is changed forever as he accidentally falls into the campfire Grayson's parents foolishly provided for energetic little boys. Charlie is rushed to the hospital with second and third degree burns on his hand and face as he is placed under Dr. Nick Russo's care. Nick and Charlie develop an instant connection and Valerie is warmed by the father-son like interactions she observes. Meanwhile, Tessa is finding herself struggling to find happiness in her domestic domain, and feels a shift in her and Nick's marriage as the weeks progress. Nick seems to have lost his enthusiasm for dining out, disciplining his children, and for the romance Tessa is desperately trying to evoke. As Nick begins to heal Charlie with skin grafts and they become used to seeing each other on a daily basis, Valerie starts to let her emotions take over. She knows he's a married man, but just look at him with Charlie! she thinks, he's the perfect man for both of us. Tessa meanwhile is noticing the distance more than ever in her outwardly "perfect marriage" according her best girlfriends April and Cate and her intuition suspects Nick might be having an affair after several questionable clues arise. I will not ruin the ending but I was thoroughly impressed with the way Emily Giffin crafted the ending such a way that makes the reader beg for more. Tessa and Valerie's struggle was realistic, their emotions raw, and their choices compelling. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wishes to explore a story of love, and ultimately forgiveness.

New Year, New Me

Well now that 2011 is in full force, I decided to write a post concerning my new attitudes and resolutions for the new year. My goal is to set attainable, realistic expectations that can actually be applied to my life instead of the outrageous, life changing ideas many come up with on a whim, simply because it sounds good at the time. I want to really make these resolutions work and in this effort, have decided to share my list so I may be constantly reminded by this blog and fellow readers! They are as follows:
1.) Be less critical (in general)
2.) Eat healthier (meaning less sweets!)
3.) Follow a workout routine and make a commitment to myself to get in better shape
4.) Write my book
5.) Read 20 books this year
6.) Go somewhere I have always wanted to go
7.) Finish my quilt
8.) Go to church more often
9.) Do not get a sunburn this year
10.) Always live by the philosophy "enjoy life, don't just get through it."

I'm certainly motivated for this year, and hopefully I will be successful with these ten practices, hope this is a great new year for all of us!

What is a friend?

I love my girlfriends. They are the people I trust completely and can relate to on all levels. They are amazing women, truly, yet I still seek company with males to broaden my perspectives on life. They give me balance, reality checks, and wonderful support. However lately I find myself at a loss with the definition of friend, for men. What are the boundaries? Why do they care about me? What makes him my friend in the first place? Will our friendship stop one day?
I care about these special people, but it seems lately their feelings appear to be disappearing. I don't know what's happened, sure people change but enough to grow apart from a person they once treasured? A person they felt totally at ease with, could share laughs, sorrows; reveal their inner dreams without any fear of judgement. I can recall so many times when these things came so naturally, and now it feels like it is a distant memory, a memory that sails onward toward the horizon. I feel so incredibly lost when I think about this thought, asking myself what could burn away a bond that seemed to be indestructible. I can't help but feel used at times, thinking that maybe the only reason they ever cared to get to know me was for personal amusement, that quickly turned to boredom. But what they don't see is that I am not a conquest. Our relationship is one that will never grow tiresome or old, instead it is one that has the beautiful possibility of lasting an eternity. Life is ever changing, and so are people, so why discard one that meant something special to you? The wonder of a friend is that they can be so many things in one body, a lover, a colleague, a classmate, even a soulmate. I know this is all part of a larger plan for us, and someday maybe it will make sense, but until then I suppose I will have to take a step away.

The Wonders of Wine

What is it about a glass of wine that makes one feel so...good? Surely, one could say the alcoholic contents but one glass is not enough to give even a remote buzz, so why the lovely feelings? Tonight, as I sit here on this very chilly December night in my bathrobe and white zinfandel I find myself quite content. Life has been rather stressful with this semester wrapping up along with holiday preparations, and tonight seemed an appropriate occasion to sit in with a glass of wine. I'm about to get started on french, revise a brief essay and write a summary of a presentation my group and I will be doing tomorrow afternoon for Eighteenth Century British drama and prose, but I don't yet find myself overwhelmed. Somehow this wine is telling me to relax, do what I know how to do, and everything will get done. I'm not certain this will be the case in the next few days when things really start intensifying but I'm going to go with that for now! Bonne soire mes amis, et acclamations!

NOOK NEWS!

I did it, I did it, I did it! I finally took the plunge and got myself a nook this afternoon. It's charging right now, so I'm not sure if I love it- but judging from the Charlotte Bronte illustrations on the screen I'm guessing I will grow quite fond of the little device. I ended up going with the Lilly Pulitzer sea shells cover and it is probably the cutest looking book I have ever seen. I can't wait to play around with it. Just wanted to post about this lovely little edition to my library as a follow-up to my prior post in March. Gotta love girls that go after what they want!

Stay

Well it's good to hear your voice
I hope you're doing fine
And if you ever wonder
I'm lonely here tonight

I'm lost here in this moment
And time keeps slipping by
And if I could have just one wish
I'd have you by my side

Oh, I miss you
Oh, I need you

And I love you more
Than I did before
And then today I don't see your face
Nothing's changed
No one could take your place
It gets harder every day
Say you love me more than you did before
And I'm sorry it's this way
But I'm coming home
I'll be coming home
And if you ask me I will stay
I will stay

Well I try to live without you
But tears fall from my eyes
I'm alone and I feel empty
God, I'm torn apart inside
I look up at the stars
Hoping you're doing the same
And somehow I feel closer
And I can hear you say

Oh, I miss you
Oh, I need you

I love you more
Than I did before
And then today I don't see your face
Nothing's changed
No one could take your place
It gets harder every day
Say you love me more than you did before
And I'm sorry it's this way
But I'm coming home, I'll be coming home
And if you ask me I will stay

I will stay
Always stay
I never want to lose you
And if I had to, I would choose you
So stay
Please always stay
You're the one that I hold on to
Cause my heart would stop without you

I love you more
Than I did before
And then today I don't see your face
Nothing's changed
No one could take your place
It gets harder every day
Say you love me more than you did before
And I'm sorry that it's this way
But I'm coming home, I'll be coming home
And if you ask me I will stay
I will stay
I'll always stay

And I love you more than I did before
And I'm sorry that it's this way
But I'm coming home, I'll be coming home
And if you ask, I will stay
I will stay
I will stay

Grandma Knows Best?

I've been hanging out with my Grandma lately and for some odd reason she keeps bringing up marriage. Funny thing is, she's discouraging it! Not entirely, but suggesting I put it on hold, (as if it's even a upcoming event!) She cracks me up, telling me about her mother-in-law's hang ups, or the outrageous situations married couples get themselves into, for ex. financial difficulties, power struggles or annoying quirks one now has to live with. In her own words "marriage at it's best is tough, you got that Kayla? T-U-F-F tuff!" I don't really know why this is her topic of conversation these days, but all the same it is entertaining. SOOO, I decided to bemuse the woman and show her my dream engagement ring to make her think I was dying to be a bride! She was hilarious, telling me how carat-crazy I am... it was great. However, if any of you future fiances would like to know what ring I like just refer to the photo. Tiffany Emerald Cut Ring 1.5 carats looks best on my hand =)

Summer Spending...Not this Year!!

Okay, okay we all know the cutest clothes are summer sundresses and teeny bikinis, and the day trips to the best shopping spots and restaurants don't like the piggy banks. Every year it's the same thing, the mentality "I AM GOING TO WORK MY BOOTY OFF" and by the end of the season, wonder where all the cash I thought I had, had gone. HOWEVER... this year is quite different. I will be working 2 jobs, PLUS odd jobs and plan to spend virtually NOTHING. I don't even know what I'm saving for, all I know is-it feels pretty darn good! Despite the fact that my closet is itching to house those delightful little Kate Spade Lover pink pumps, and that sexy pair of Chanel shades in the Sunglass Hut in Farmington, I have resisted the urge to splurge. It seems like the mature thing to do at this ripe age of twenty, I mean, why not collect checks from grueling hours on my legs, and sunny days I turned in for labor, just to see how much I dedicated this summer. I think it will be rewarding to show some discipline this year and make the less-amusing, adult choice... at least that's what I keep telling myself! =(

Get Your Golf On!

It may be finals week, but you know what? I don't want to write about tests and study routines. This afternoon I've been thinking about golf. I have not played in a long, long, long, long, long time and have been in the mood to swing the clubs lately. Not to mention, I've seen some really cute golf outfits that encourage me only that much more to get out on there. I love the sound of the driver head smacking the ball against the hush of the course. I love shoving a tee in the ground and looking down at that perfectly balanced ball just waiting to fly. Dad is a big fan of golf, and never thought he'd be able to play again until he got a knee replacement however, last year he went out a few times, and volia! He was able to keep up, due to a better diet and daily exercise! I would really love to play a round with Dad, he was the first person ever to watch me swing, and I'm sure we would have a lot of laughs!

Kitty Cats for Kayla

I love cats. Although there are many people who love their dogs, and claim to hate our feline friends, I would just like to announce that I am kitty crazy. I love animals in general but as I get older and contemplate what my first pet will be. I thought many times I'd like a yorkie, as they are about the size of a cat and have hair that's not as messy as fur, they still have to be walked, groomed and kept occupied. A friendly cat however is clean, independent and most important, an affectionate snuggle buddy! My family recently got a seal point himalayan cat we call Milo, and he is by far the best kitty I have ever known. I miss him so much, he has the most adorable doll face, and softest little body! I definitely think that I will get a himalayan kitten, they're just too perfect. If it were up to me, I would choose a white girl and name her La Perla, after the fine Italian lingerie! She'll be that satiny-cashmere feel of a luxury bathrobe... Kayla And Lala- what a marvelous pair!

I love Kentucky!

Yesterday evening I returned from my annual visit to the great state of Kentucky. My Uncle Tim and I have such a pleasant time together each year, we have decided to make it a spring tradition while I'm in school. I looked forward to this trip very much, especially because we had planned on traveling west to Louisville, the cite of the Kentucky Derby. I love watching that race each (the fastest 5 minutes in sports!) and was thrilled to be going to see Churchill Downs, and don't forget the visit to a derby millinery! Churchill Downs was positively gigantic, the track spanning over a mile. I was surprised to discover the location was literally just a few miles outside the city! After a trip to C.D. we went to Dee's a delightful little hat shop, that suits all your derby needs! Of course I would consider it a crime to leave Louisville without getting an official derby ensemble, and Uncle Tim was kind enough to get me a lovely white bespoke, complete with hot pink ribbon and satin floral decor. Can't wait to wear it with my Lilly Patchtastic Franco dress! An additionally thrilling memory of Louisville were the fireworks. Without knowing it, we happened to plan our first trip to the city during their busiest time of the year. This past weekend was "Thunder Over Louisville" the country's largest firework display shot off from the Ohio River. The fireworks were breathtaking, with shimmering whites followed by vivid greens, reds and blues. I was really impressed with the general feel of the city as well, I felt like I was walking through a quaint Southern village flecked with French charm. I highly recommend a visit to Kentucky, you'll truly get more than you bargained for!

Still Make Lemonade Taste Like a Summer Day

I was listening to one of my favorites by Dave Matthews Band, American Baby, and suddenly felt compelled to write about lemonade. Beyond margaritas, piña coladas, daiquiris and iced/sweet tea, lemonade is the beverage I enjoy the most. Just looking at the sunny butter- yellow stuff with a whimsy lemon wheel twirling around the inside of the drink can't help but make one happy! Apparently lemonade originated in Egypt, an unlikely location for such a seemingly American drink, but hey- the Egyptians were way ahead of their time with architecture, celestial activity, and embalming techniques, so why couldn't they whip up the world's perfect summer cocktail? Sounds like a plan to me =)

My Mediterranean Mood

Today I was exhausted and took a relaxing nap for two hours. In the course of the nap I had a dream about the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean Sea that inspired my post today. I'm dying to get over there and experience coastal Europe's finest region. The water is so perfectly blue, I want to go and stand on the rocky cliffs and feel the salty breeze on my face. I want to see the sun sparkle off the sea, and see the tiny fishing boats rock gently with the flow off the tide. I want to stand at the acropolis and look down upon the city of Athens and imagine what the ancients saw so many thousands of years ago. I want to have an old lady with a wrinkly face and crooked nose to shout something in Greek at me in a crowded market place. I would love to taste the cuisine and drink wine generously among locals. I want to buy white plaster buffs of the Greek gods and feel myself believe in the legends associated with each one. I want to hear the bouzouki, the Greek guitar (similar sounding to a mandolin) gently strung by romantic hands. And of course, I want to wear a pair of Versace sunglasses with the Greek crystal symbol shimmering under the hot sun. Hmm... sounds like a plan to me!