A Fine Frenzy

Last one for today, I promise! (Although why would you want me to stop? This stuff is GOLD!)



A Fine Frenzy, aka Alison Sudol. How gorgeous is she?



"Almost Lover."

Myspace.
Website.
Buy her album for $8.97, here.

Motivational Music to Help You Survive Studying

The Virgins.

No videos to embed or samples for you here, because, GASP! I can't find any posted anywhere online. So just click on the link above, for serious.

To sample more of their songs, go here.

Apparently, you can buy the songs off of iTunes for $5, but since iTunes has made my LIST, there will be no direct link to that found in this post. Although I'm pretty sure you can buy it off their myspace page, too, so if you must have it - get it there.

[Or...shhh...download the best song, here.]

Obsessive List-Making

I used to think that I was the only crazy person who had the obsessive-compulsive tick of writing lists for everything. Seriously, it's like a disease. In college, I would wake up in the middle of the night to make a list of random stuff, i.e. things I had to do, groceries I needed, people's birthday's coming up, etc. My desk was literally covered in Post-its of lists. (Oh yeah, I'm also obsessed with Post-its, but that's another story, entirely.)

But it turns out, I'm not the lonely only like I once thought. The todolistblog proves me wrong. Here is an example of fantastic listmaking at its finest:



Pretty brilliant, right? Why WOULDN'T you make a list of possible screennames? It's just smart thinking, people!

Priscilla Ahn, or For People Who Love Girly Indie Folk Music

Thanks to ~S~, I have another girl crush to add to my growing list: Priscilla Ahn.



She's pretty, she's Asian, and guess what? She sings. And not in the lame "Oh check out my friend, she's a really good singer," but then you listen for a bit and it's totally not that great even though you have to pretend that it is because it's your friend's friend. This girl can REALLY sing.

Check her out if you love: Amos Lee, Joshua Radin (who she's opened for), Cary Brothers (who she's also opened for), Schuyler Fisk, and all other artists generally associated with Zach Braff. She kind of reminds me of Tristan Prettyman, who is also awesome.




For more samples and her myspace:
Priscilla Ahn.

Buy her album here, for $5.

Free Samples and more Sample Sales~!

Who doesn't love free?? NOBODY. That's who. Thanks to another law school friend who sent me an email notice, Everyday Minerals is giving away free makeup, you only have to pay for shipping and handling, which ends up being around $3.97. I did it, hey. $4 to try on makeup so that i can find the right kind? SWEET!

Go to Everyday Minerals, click on "custom kit", and then "free sample kit". You get 3 shades of loose powder, blush and concealer!

Next! Thanks to a friend of mine (a boy!) who forwarded me an ad for the Kooba sample sale, you can get a $750 for $150! yeah, HUGE!

Sale is from Nov 29-30 and Dec 3-4 from 11am-2pm, then 3pm-7pm. Located at 141 W. 36th St. 6th Floor between 7th Ave and Broadway.

Enjoy!

In the Spirit of Giving

Following suit, I thought I'd post some info on private sales from some of my favorite luxury stores.


Burberry Sale: 30-40% Off selected items. Starts Thursday, November 29.

Bottega Veneta: About 30-40% Off selected items. Starts Monday, December 3.

Gucci: About 30-40% Off selected items. Starts Monday, December 3.


Don't pass these off as too expensive or extravagant - during the last year or so, I've scored BIG TIME during these sales. Jacket for almost half off, classic handbags at severely discounted prices, leather agenda for more than half off, I'm getting anxious just thinking of all the great stuff that will go on sale this time.

Although, seeing as how it's exam time, I may have to be a bit careful that I don't indulge in too much, if any, retail therapy. Same goes for you all. Shop, but proceed with caution.

Sample Sale Time~!

As much as I DON'T want to share this coveted information... sigh....I will. Thanks to a fellow law student friend, we have been alerted. Sirens are going off. Red flags are out. Yes. That's right.

The Theory Sample Sale is here.

Friends and Family sale:
Thurs Nov 29 1oam-7pm
Friday Nov 30 10am-6pm

261 West 36th Street, 2nd Floor
Between 7th and 8th Ave.

There are also a bunch of Public Sale dates, which I am too lazy and busy to write down. But it's Dec 1-7, 10- to around 5, depending on the dates. Leave a comment if you want to know specific times!

Coming Soon...
Tory Burch and Iisli
Dec 12-15, same location form 10am to around 6pm depending on date.

excited???

More Money Saving Tips~

I don't know about you, and it's probably pretty painfully obvious by now, but I am an avid fan of money saving tips. I horde them, like a fat kid hiding candy bars. I store this knowledge in my imaginary file cabinet and take it out for everyday use. My philosophy on life is, if you can save a little here and there, you can spend more money on the things you care about~! like...books, or shopping, or gifts, or food~! All of my favorite things. A little effort here and there goes a long way to spoil you and your loved ones!

SO! Thanks to New Beautiful (again!) and her helpful hints, I bring forth...
The Printable Coupon Blog it's awesome. it literally carries a coupon for every single store on earth. And it's all on one blog.

I highly recommend Googling coupons before any purchase if you can, but here is a great way to find coupons all on one site!

So quick! Register on ebates, find what you like through them, look for coupons on "printable coupons", and buy your items at a severely discounted price! Plus! you get the additional 2-5% cash back through ebates even without a coupon.

Happy shopping~!

Something Geeky, But Awesome

A lot of people call me a geek.

And, you know what, I am. Sci-fi movies and series? Sure. Fantasy stories? Absolutely, sign me up. But for some reason I never really got into the whole graphic novel scene - I'm going out on a limb to say that it's probably because my parents always told me that "reading comics isn't reading" and graphic novels are similar enough to fall in that non-reading category. Also, I thought it was for nerds and I thought I was OBVIOSULY WAY TOO COOL for that.

Now that I'm older and (not too much) wiser, I am learning to embrace my nerdy/geeky tendencies for what they are, and I'm exploring the possibilities.

This summer, I read my first graphic novel, and to tell you the truth, it was kind of fun. I'd forgotten how much pictures add to a story - it's another layer of depth so I'm still getting something meaningful out of it...but it also makes me feel like an adorable little KID!

American Born Chinese.



Three individual stories: 1) Jin Wang, Asian American kid who just wants to fit in, 2) Danny, the white guy, always shamed by his caricature Chinese cousin, Chin-kee, and 3) the fabled Chinese monkey king and his determination to become revered as a god.

Separate stories, but with commentary on finding yourself and accepting and loving your roots - and amazingly, author Gene Yang is able to tie it all together in the end.

Buy American Born Chinese. $12.21, guys! That's chump change!

The next graphic movel on my radar is "The Arrival" by Shaun Tan. Wordless, but astoundingly beautiful piece about a man's journey and experience of traveling to a new country. Look at the pictures below and honestly tell me that it doesn't move you in some way.



For an exclusive excerpt, go here.

More information on Shaun Tan: his website, and
Buy The Arrival. $13.59! Also cheap!

In case you couldn't tell, if I'm going to read a graphic novel, I want it to be a little strange, a little relevant, a little cheeky, and a little haunting. Hopefully you will take my advice and check these out, because I'm here to broaden your horizons, people.

That and provide things that might waste a lot of your time and/or money. Not this, though; this is not a waste of anything - except some valuable cultural perspectives if you choose to ignore me. And why would you do that? I'm so entertaining!

...

Facebook is a JERK

News reports have been slowly popping up all along the West Coast (and supposedly, the East Coast, too, but I haven't heard anything, have you?) about a new Facebook marketing strategy that seems to be an invasive new application which is pissing off users.

This "strategy" publicizes your purchases on your friends' Minifeeds, even when you're not logged into Facebook, unless you click a "No Thanks" box on the page of your purchase. It lists what you bought, where you bought it, and at what time.

WHAT?!

But Tee, how are they doing this when it's not even an application that you can add or opt out of? What kind of sorcery is this? Well, friends - it's called cookies. Using Javascript, cookies are inserted onto your computer that tells websites who you are, what you're doing, and then allows those websites to publish that information on Facebook.

Say you go to Amazon, (which, for the record, I don't know if Amazon has embedded this feature yet - although Fandango, Overstock, Gamefly, and others have) and buy some books, movies, presents for your friends and family. The website where you're doing the purchasing doesn't notify its consumers that this new feature has been implemented, but you're supposed to know to check a very small "No Thanks" box somewhere on the purchasing page.

Sneaky, infringing on privacy rights, and TOTALLY LAME?! Yeah, I think so.

For more information:
Join a Facebook petition group.
Read this guy's blog to find out what happened to him.

Pinkberry...in Flushing?!

So, this is Pinkberry.



It's delicious, non-fat, and trendy. And now it's also in FLUSHING, NY! Corner of Roosevelt and Main, across the street from Old Navy.



Also, thanks to a tip from a friend, let's call him, "Nick," there is something new and exciting to try at Pinkberry the next time you go...



MOCHI!!! It's especially good when you get it with the Cap'n Crunch option. But it doesn't look like that delicious stuff pictured above with the yummy filling...it looks like this, below:



So it's like this super-elite-only-people-in-the-know-can-have-it ingredient that you have to ask for when you're ordering, but that they don't put out on the menu, because, let's face it, it's more fun that way. It's like the secret white gummi bear flavor at Jamba Juice. Wait, what?! You didn't know about that? Well, now you do. Yum.

In other less exciting Pinkberry news, they have pomegranate for the fall, too.



Yawn. Less sour trendy fruits. More mochi! Well, maybe not too much mochi - I actually like more Cap'n Crunch. More cereal with old pirate men icons!!! Yay!


For more locations, Pinkberry.

Cool and Interesting Gift Ideas Guide: Part Deux

I think these are pretty self-explanatory. Go NUTS!

The Slanket: $44.99 (9 colors, 3 are sold out - green, brown, and RED)

Hug Salt and Pepper Shakers: $25.00

Mix Tape USB Stick: About $42 (Originally priced in pounds)

Things You Do That Really Piss Me Off: $6.95

Stand Umbrella: $60.00

Slumped Vases: $314

Custom Photo Lunchbox: $35.00 (Can we bring lunchboxes back?)

Text Ring: $60 Any text you want - just not "Rock On," please.

Kyle Knit Scarf by Mike & Chris: $52

SWIMS..."The Modern Galosh"

According to my good friend, Wikipedia, "Galoshes" are also known as gumshoes, dickersons, or overshoes. Just those names have sold me! Makes me feel like I need to be saying them in British accents! (My accent, by the by, as I have been told from real street Britons in London, is exactly what British people think that Americans think British accents are like - which is to say "very unreal" and "way too proper for normal people." For the record, I like to think that I'm imitating Mary Poppins more than Harry Potter, but who can say where I really get my inspiration from? The heavens, everyday life, my own incredible genius?

...It's probably Harry Potter.)

Back to galoshes. They're like rainboots, but much smarter - instead of wearing around rubber boots that suffocate your feet all day or carrying around an extra pair of shoes in a bag while you wear your rainboots, galoshes are rubber boots that go OVER the shoes you're already wearing.

Here is one of the first pictures that Google comes up with when you search "galoshes."

I'm assuming the handles are to help you pull them on and off your shoes. Not too fashionable or practical for the modern man or woman, right? Enter: SWIMS.

Look at that dapper gentleman! That lovely lounging lady! And what are those on their feet? SWIMS! They're cute, they're not too flashy, they're functional, and they're being featured everywhere. I think it's safe to say that people love them. Protecting your feet from the wet nasty cold, it's also made with waterproof material to keep your shoes safe and shiny. Plus, the website is cool - and we know I'm all about that.

My only problem is the fact that all the pictures of the men are these well-dressed fellas looking regal (and a little scary), while all the ladies' pictures are of girls lying around on the ground in weird places and strange poses. But I guess that's just being picky.





Priced in Euros, SWIMS range from about $88 - $118. (Look at that! I converted for you guys! That's dedication, folks.)

For more info: SWIMS.
Buy them here: SWIMSstore.

Take a...Bow?

Back again! I know, ultimate procrastination. This is why I need to study at a place with no internet connection. Anyway! With all the gift giving, gift buying, and gift wrapping to be done, I've come across my dear friend Martha's site on how to tie the classic bow! Has this ever happened to you, where you find a present someone hid for you and you want to take a peek, so you unwrap the bow and in your excitement, didn't pay attention to how it was tied and your, gulp, caught? (yes, happened to me many times. ) Well here is your solution, as well as your solution to beautiful ways to tie your gifts.

Simply Vera~

Hello hello~! I hope you all have had a lovely Holiday break, complete with lots of food, family, and fun! I enjoyed my holiday very much, but now, it is back to work!
With all the family friendly stores (Target, JC Penny) coming out with high end designer features, I thought I'd post about Kohl's Simply Vera~! Of course it's every girl's dream (i think) of owning a beautiful V.Wang gown to walk down the aisle with, now we can afford to buy her more casual wear at decent prices!
So far, I'm loving and I'm most likely, buying! Only problem is, since it's sale time, a lot of the sizes are gone. so shop soon!

Rock Band!!!

I'm sure you've heard of, if not played, GUITAR HERO and/or KARAOKE REVOLUTION. And I'm sure you've heard, if not know from firsthand experience, that they're awesome. Well, this past Tuesday saw the release ROCK BAND - which is even more exciting and supercool for multiple reasons.

• 1) It's GUITAR HERO + KARAOKE REVOLUTION + a collapsable drum set (which is super hard but fun to bang around on)
• 2) Alot, if not most, of the songs are the actual real versions with the original artists - not like in the other games where it's usually remake versions with sound-alike artists.
• 3) Every week, there will be new songs available for download for a couple of bucks - and even some entire albums for download, so the game is always changing.
• 4) According to ROCK BAND, I am an amazing singer. (I don't know if that counts as a reason to convince y'all to get/buy/play this game, but I thought it was pretty relevant information.)

As MTV's first major foray into the dangerously addicting world of video games, I'd say that if they play their cards right, they're going to have a serious cash-moneymaker on their hands. I can say that my brother, his friends, and I (yeah, I hung out with a bunch of high schoolers, so what?) spent at least 2 hours playing it last night - and I'm sure they will be logging in way more hours the next few weeks, while I, lucky me, get to go back to the cold and wet East Coast to study and take exams without the warmth and glow of ROCK BAND emanating from a humongous LCD flatscreen to console me.

Rock Band for more information. About $160 - $170. Available right now only on PS3 and XBOX 360, and unless you go instore, I don't think you can get it online yet - but you can try. Gamestop.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I Love This Song~

Isn't this picture great? It's Alicia Keys and John Mayer, singing a duet. I love their new song, "Lesson Learned". Below is a music video, but it's not the official video for the song.

sigh, still awesome.

H&M Sale~!

As a big H&M shopper, it is a very exciting event for me when they have a sale, which is pretty much never. So take advantage of their 2 great offers go nuts!

P.S. In the midst of your excitement, remember to read the coupons before you print them. The first coupon doesn't require you to print, the second one requires you to register at H&M to get the printable version. Happy Shopping!

A Little Something For Me...

Johnny Depp’s Sweeney Todd Studio Sessions




Oh Johnny, oh Johnny. I love you.

Thank you, Tim Burton.

Quote of the Day

"Illegitimi non carborundum."

Don't let the bastards grind you down.

- Motto of General Joseph Stilwell.

Blake Lewis, Whoever He Is

Remember the runner-up from last season's American Idol? The guy they referred to as a beat-boxing Justin Timberlake? You know, the guy who STOLE Melinda Doolittle's spot from the top two? (Singing starts at 3:48)



Man, I love her.

Well, anyways, BLAKE's new single is finally out.

And...you know what? The song is kind of great. It grows on you. Sigh. I guess my ban on him for not being as awesome as Melinda Doolittle is lifted. For now.




FOR NOW. I'm withholding judgment on him until more music is released to help me decide whether I actually like him or not. You best watch yourself, Mister.

Funky Holiday Dresses (All by Lux!)

The holidays are fast approaching us (I can't wait for the FOOD) and for some people, that means parties, get togethers, and meeting up with people you probably haven't seen in a long time - which also means you want to look good without looking like you tried too hard.

And what better way to do that than to have a super cute and funky party dress on that isn't the typical black and shiny number that everyone else will be wearing?

Here are some options that I saw and am kind of obsessed with now, all from urbanoutfitters.

Lux In Between Days Dress: $78.00




Lux Deep Purple Dress: $135.00

Lux Silk Button Front Dress: $68.00




Lux Waterlilly Dress: $68.00




Lux Black Tie Optional Dress: $78.00

Throw one of these babies on, add some tights and sexy shoes and you'll be ready to set the party on fire with your hotness and good style. And take some pictures, so we can all admire and ooh and aah. And then let me borrow the dress. Thanks!

Disclaimer...

Hi Guys! I'm back at Panera with a fresh cup of coffee and not so much work done. My hands are slightly frozen stiff from the gust of wind coming from an invisible vent. Where the heck is this damn vent????

Shout out to SKim, who has just purchased Lucky Jeans at the rec. of our very own Tee, and to MJ who purchased the acrylic ring AND used ebates! Thanks for using our sites and trusting us with your purchases! We hope you are satisfied, and if you aren't, let us know so we can let others know! This would be a great place for review.

So one disclaimer on Ebates. Ebates, is awesome because it gives you cash back for all the purchases you make online. All you do is go onto Ebates.com, register, and then go onto the site you want to make purchases on THROUGH ebates, and you will get your cash back. BUT, it takes a couple of days for ebates to receive confirmation from the merchant of your purchases, so you may not see the amount reflected in your account immediately.

Anyway, just thought it'd be a great idea, esp. with all the Friends and Family coupons available online!

Requests

So even though I know that I have really good taste and people love to hear my thoughts in life (and by people, I mean probably just ~S~), I've decided to open the floor to requests, suggestions, pleas for help, and [insert some witty remark about me being wonderful].

I'm particularly good with shopping, in case you couldn't tell.

Ready...Go!

Snapshot of What I'd Rather Be Doing Than Studying

Saturday Fun~...

I love lazy Saturday mornings...sleeping in, slowly waking up and laying in bed for an hour or so...thinking random thoughts while falling asleep mid day dream...reading a book in bed with my feet up on the wall...i love lazy Saturday mornings.
This morning was no exception. Woke up very late, rolled out of bed and went to eat brunch at the new Panera that just opened up by my house. Being a city girl, I never knew what Panera was, I just heard of it and didn't understand what the hype was about. But...being here...i LOVE it. Free wi fi internet, big tables where i can lay out my books and study, outlets on every corner, tasty food and most importantly, free refill on coffee! (and it actually tastes good!). The bf and I strolled in and we each got a free spinach and bacon and turkey sausage souffle, which was light and crispy like a croissant on the outside, and quiche like on the inside. I also had a bread bowl with creamy portobello soup...so good. Perfect for a lazy Saturday, when I know I will be spending all day on the computer and studying. They also have a huge array of wonderful breakfasts foods (including muffin tops!) and an amazing selection of beautiful breads such as Country, french, Focaccia, Ciabatta, Three Cheese, Asiago Cheese, etc., all of which will come in handy for future dinner parties~! ( I love dinner parties, lots of food, lots of drinks, and great convos.)

Anyway, in the midst of procrastinating, I read that Martha Stewart's mom, Big Martha, has passed away at the age of 93. Poor Martha, well both Marthas. May she rest in piece. I also discovered Martha Stewart's Blog! It's actually not all that interesting, but a great place to gather recipes and decorating tips. Martha is acutally really boring and corny. Once on her show, she was talking about lazy susans (those round tables in the middle of your table that you can turn to serve food....you know, at chinese restaurants.) And she mentioned that she had had lunch with 3 susans, 2 of them friends, and ONE OF THEM THE TURNING TABLE! And she thought that was hilarious! Kathy Griffin, who was the guest was like "... great...you are def. invited to my house for dinner..."
anyway. back to studying. Have a great Saturday!

Country Music is Amazing

I know that it's, like, a social faux-pas or whatever to love country music in urban areas, but you know what - people who say they don't like it probably just have never listened to a good song. I mean REALLY listened. The words, the raw talent, the emotion. This is the stuff that gut-wrenching love, pain, and joy are made of. LORD, I love country music!

Sugarland

Watch this music video on Youtube (they disallowed embedding because of Universal's rights, otherwise I would have posted it) and just you TRY and not feel heartbroken. And if you actually don't feel anything at all...what are you, a ROBOT?!


Sugarland - "Stay"

The Cool and Interesting Gift Ideas Guide

Giant Plush Microbes: $7.99







Moo personalized cards, postcards, stickers, etc: $9.99+










Alissia Melka Teichroew's Acryilic Bling-Blink "Diamond" Ring: $10









Rob Brandt's Ceramic Crinkle Cups: $10











Citizen Citizen's SHOPLIFTER Totebag: $25











Suck UK & Tobias Wong's THE SUNJAR and MOONJAR: $34.99








Polaroid One600 Ultra: $42.99









Gauri Nanda's CLOCKY - The Alarm That Runs Away: $52








Thorsten Van Elten Stamp Mugs - Set of 2: $56







Dean & Deluca Snacks on the Run: $120