Modern Marie

PAMPLEMOUSSE!

2011-06-22T00:33:00.000-04:00

Check out my new blog!

thepinkgrapefruitblog.blogspot.com

Farewell, My Friends

2010-08-01T15:32:00.005-04:00

I am writing to tell you that this will be my last post on Modern Marie. I have been blogging for nearly 4 years and I must say that it was a very positive and encouraging experience. For the last few months I have felt uninspired - not only for the blog, but in my real life too. Sometimes posting would seem more like a chore than an enjoyment, and it should not feel like that at all. I am taking some time off from blogging to experience things in my own life and get inspired again. This wasn't a rash decision, but something I have been pondering for a long time. I know that I will be back blogging again in the future, but with a new blog and a new mission. I started this blog when I was 17 and I am 21 now - I have definitely grown up and changed. These past 2 years have not been the best years of my personal life, so I want to take every minute to make the next two years fantastic.

I feel like with my next blog, it will be more personal and just everyday accounts of my adventures - wherever I shall be in life! I want my family and friends to know about it too - I have been blogging anonymous for the last 4 years. I will still visit all my favorite blogs (I have a lot) to keep in touch and to still be in the "blogging world" somewhat. Think of this as a Sabbatical and when I come back I will better than ever. Thank you for reading my blog for the past four years and leaving my encouraging and sweet comments along the way - it is definitely something I will NEVER forget!

See you soon!

- Modern Marie :)

...

*I keep the blog up for another month and then shut it down.

I'll also be spending my new time making stuff for my etsy shop.

And feel free to shoot me an email : modernmarie@live.com

Picnic

2010-07-30T18:02:00.003-04:00

I just had an evening picnic with my best friends last night. It was our last big hurrah all together before everyone heads back to college. Sangria, brie, fruit, french bread, and fabulous people - such a great way to "end" the summer :)

Queen of Spade

2010-07-28T19:28:00.006-04:00

Kate Spade always has the cutest lookbooks.

This collection of colorful clothes comes even more to life with the fun, summery collage background. I also love that she remixes all the pieces to show you how versatile everything can be. Keep it coming Kate!

Also, the lake was relaxing - it was nice to be away for a little bit. Now, I have some post inspiration again! Yay!

Vacationing People

2010-07-24T01:32:00.003-04:00

I'm going to the lake for a few days with family. It's a much needed break from work and blogging. It's just a long weekend, but hopefully enough to recharge and refocus me :)

I will resume blogging and commenting (I've been bad about that - sorry) no later than Tuesday. I leave you with some more summery, summery tunes. They remind me of the beach, riding bikes and driving your car with the windows rolled down - stereotypical of summer music, right? We normally would be going to the beach, but because of the oil, we decided to go to the lake, where the oil can't even get to even if it tried. These Diana F+ pictures are from back in March in Charleston when my friends and I went to the beach one day when it felt like June outside. And yes, that is me in the hat ;)

1. Skinny Genes – Eliza Doolittle

2. Rill Rill – Sleigh Bells

3. Vacationing People – Foreign Born

4. Holiday – Vampire Weekend

5. New in Town – Little Boots

6. Heaven’s On Fire - The Radio Dept.

7. Melancholy Astronautic Man – Allie Moss

8. Gonna Get Along Without You Now – She & Him

9. Stay Close - Delorean

10. Don You Want To Share the Guilt? – Kate Nash

Running on Low

2010-07-21T23:46:00.003-04:00

I am running a little low on inspirations for posts as of late. If you have anything you would like me to post about, it would be greatly appreciated. I think I'm just in a little funk. However, a little R&R at the lake this weekend will be nice way to clear my head and refocus.

(the picture above is of my favorite musician, Jenny Lewis, whom I am sure is never dry of inspiration)

Yosemite via Diana F+

2010-07-19T23:15:00.004-04:00

Here are some of the pictures I developed of Yosemite that I took with my Diana F+ camera:

^ I took two pictures on the same frame in this photo. First the mountain, then the sky and trees. I love the way the mountain looks like it has a pattern or reflection on it.

^I love the vintage look of Diana photographs. Definitely the best view in the entire park.

^If you look closely in the bottom right you can see me - appearing as though I am floating in air. This picture was taken deep in the woods. The first shot I was looking up at a huge redwood and the second overlaying shot I took of trees, so it appears as if I am ascending in air or something. I had no idea the picture was going to come out like this, so it was fun to see the result.

Workout Mix #2

2010-07-17T16:19:00.003-04:00

Below are some songs that I love working out to. I am always looking for new fast paced workout music, so tell me what you like to work out to!

1. Bulletproof – La Roux

2. Up Up & Away – Kid Cudi

3. Good Morning – Rogue Wave

4. Kids Don’t Stand A Chance – Vampire Weekend vs. Miike Snow

5. Ampling Alp - Yeasayer

6. Cousins – Vampire Weekend

7. SexyBack – Justin Timberlake

8. The Fame – Lady Gaga

9. Summertime Clothes – Animal Collective

10. You’ve Changed - Sia

Wildflowers

2010-07-14T22:03:00.011-04:00

I am a bit obsessed with the new Dior couture collection. The huge flower backdrop sets the theme for the entire collection. I love everything from the bright colors, to the swirly hairdos, all the way down to the cellophane headpieces. The models remind me of those pressed flower prints I used make when I was younger.

My Etsy Shop!

2010-07-12T22:37:00.004-04:00

Over the past several weeks I have been putting together my little Etsy shop (yet to still have a name - if it ever will). Take a look around - I'll be updating it a lot, it's still a work in progress. ...and its full of color :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurenlonergan

there's also an ad for it on the side of my page now

Purchase Now!

2010-07-10T15:36:00.002-04:00

These songs are superfantastik - get a hold of them asap!

1. Verigo – Anya Marina

2. Mango Tree – Angus and Julia Stone

3. Giving Up the Gun – Vampire Weekend

4. All The Pretty Girls – fun.

5. Love Lost – The Temper Trap

6. It’s Gonna Be A Long Walk - Apparat

7. I Still Care For You – Ray LaMontagne

8. Norway – Beach House

9. Excuses – The Morning Benders

10. Symphonies – Dan Black

Elizabeth and Darcy

2010-07-07T23:27:00.012-04:00

Pride and Prejudice is without a doubt my favorite movie. It's one that right after I watch it, I want to rewatch it again immediately. It's just beautiful.

Also, Design Sponge did an amazing interior design post all inspired by the movie.

The Charging Sky

2010-07-05T12:29:00.004-04:00

{these pictures are from last 4th of July because this year's kinda sucked...i guess its the recession?}

I meant to post yesterday, but I just got finished transferring all my photos, itunes and documents into my new computer, which is time-consuming to say the least. Any who here is my 4th of July playlist. Its very Americana, borderline country music - in an indie sort of way. Happy Day July 5th lol!

1. The Box – Johnny Flynn

2. Long Way Home – Mates of State

3. A Burden – Horse Feathers

4. The Charging Sky – Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins

5. Just Traveling Though – The Thrills

6. Easy – Deer Tick

7. Got Me – She & Him

8. Leap – The Cave Singers

9. Lonely Goat - Angus and Julia Stone

10. Flame - Buxton

What did y'all do for the 4th - American readers? I celebrated with my best friends and our families :)

The Diana Diaries

2010-07-01T22:40:00.003-04:00

Recently I have gotten my rolls of film from my Diana F+ camera developed. I must say that I am very pleased with all of them. Film is such a great medium to use because you never know just how it will come out. With the Diana camera, which based on a toy camera from the 70's, you can layer several shots on one frame, like I did with the one above. Taken in San Francisco, I took a picture of the Painted Ladies, didn't roll the film and then took a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge on top of it. Getting these rolls developed makes me feel like a kid on Christmas morning and each shot is so precious because you only get 12 to a roll. I love it - many more to come :)

Tres cute

2010-06-29T14:44:00.006-04:00

I am in love with the Marc Jacobs Resort 2011 collection. I am swooning over the hats that cover the eyes, the 60's style dresses, the trench coats and the plethroa of polka dots! The girl who I imagine wearing these clothes is a heroine from a vintage French children's book who solves mysteries and always saves the day. Too fun :)

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner:

2010-06-29T14:40:00.003-04:00

is...... Ellie Grace of Fresh Grace! CONGRATS!!

Show Me Your Teeth

2010-06-26T10:50:00.001-04:00

Yes, that is Mother Monster (aka Lady Gaga) sporting vampire grillz. She would.

As the whole world knows, Twilight Saga: Eclipse is coming out, and with a new movie comes a new fabulous soundtrack. I was disappointed with the teenypunkness on the first Twilight soundtrack, but after they hired a new music supervisor the music on these past two installments has been just splendid. New Moon was fantastic and Eclipse is even better. Vampire weekend, Florence + the Machine and Sia are all on the same CD AND singing all new songs. It makes me so happy.

Still, it's fun to make up my own soundtrack to the movie, so here is the Modern Marie Eclipse Soundtrack:

1. Teeth – Lady Gaga
2. Howl – Florence + The Machine
3. Bella – Angus and Julia Stone
4. Wicked Blood – Sea Wolf
5. Mt. Washington – Emily Wells
6. Blood On the Snow – Horse Feathers
7. My Boy Builds Coffins – Florence + The Machine
8. Bleeding – Animal Collective
9. Warm Blood - Seabear
10. Monster – Lady Gaga

Important Question for Apple users: My hp is slowly dying and I'm going to get an Mac that will last me much more than 2 years. Should I get a Macbook or Macbook Pro?

ALSO, enter my Shabby Apple DRESS GIVEAWAY! Contest ends Monday!

You Can Bring Me Flowers

2010-06-24T22:43:00.005-04:00

I love when I come home from work and my mom puts fresh flowers from our yard in a pretty little vase for me in my room :) It makes a day all that much better.

ALSO, enter my Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway!

Somewhere

2010-06-22T23:37:00.004-04:00

The woman behind the inspiration for my blog has a new movie coming out.

Yes, Sophia Coppola, who directed Marie Antoinette has a new film coming out! The trailer looks very promising. It looks like it will be visually appealing, though all her films tend to be. Looks like it will be a tearjerker too. See for yourself:

The soundtrack will be amazing no doubt. The songs used in the trailer are "Love Like A Sunset, Pt.2" by Phoenix and "I'll Try Anything Once" by Julian Casablancas.

***ALSO, enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

E Salsa!

2010-06-21T00:45:00.004-04:00

I love Latin/salsa/tango Spanish sounding music! In fact, my love for that kind of music even inspired my fiesta themed birthday party last year. If I were ever to throw a fiesta themed party again (which I'm positive I will), then I would play these songs:

1. Mas Que Nada – Sergio Mendes
2. Waters of March – Anya Marina
3. Habanera – Kate Nash
4. Tropicalia - Beck
5. Heart it All Before – Emiliana Torrini
6. Purple Skivvy – Angus and Julia Stone
7. Sexi Plexi – Jack Johnson
8. Hey Mama – Black Eyed Peas
9. Gorrion – Juan Serrano
10. Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti and Spearhead

ALSO, enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

2010-06-17T23:37:00.004-04:00

Shabby Apple is the absolute cutest online store - and is perfect for the everyday Modern Marie. They sell vintage inspired and flattering women's dresses, bathing suits and accessories galore! They have amazing different city themed collections. Of course their French inspired collection sparked my attention, after all Paris is my favorite city in the world.

Shabby Apple is giving away this adorable striped "Oh La La" dress from their Parisian collection for one of my readers.

Here are the rules to enter:

For 1 entry: Leave a comment telling me your favorite dress from shabbyapple.com

For 2 entries: Follow Shabby Apple's blog and tell me in your comment that you did so.

For 3 entries: Become a follower on my blog.

This giveaway is only open to US residents!

I will run the giveaway thru Monday June 28th. The winner will be announced the next day, Tuesday

All of my readers receive 10% off coupon for Shabby Apple!

Just enter the code: modernmarie10off at checkout!

California Coast

2010-06-15T22:34:00.008-04:00

Driving along the coast of California is undoubtedly the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My pictures do it no justice.

...

Also I am thinking of getting a Nikon D3000 Camera- do any of you use one? Love it? Hate it? Is a Canon better?

Fairytale Ending

2010-06-13T23:43:00.003-04:00

{a cake i made for a friend's daughter's 2nd b'day - princess themed}

This week's playlist is inspired by something I love - Fairy tales! Harps, chimes, harpsichord, etc make all these songs Princess ready:

1. Running – No Doubt
2. I’m Not Calling You A Liar - Florence + the Machine
3. Candyland - CocoRosie
4. Golden Brown – Alexi Murdoch
5. Walking On A Dream - Gary Go
6. Loch Raven – Animal Collective
7. Night Swimmer – Beth Jeans Houghton
8. Jynweythek Ylow – Aphex Twin
9. Cuddle Fuddle – Passion Pit
10. Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) (ACOUSTIC) – Florence + the Machine

Yosemite National Park

2010-06-11T17:41:00.011-04:00

Here are my pictures from our little 2 day trip to Yosemite National Park in Northern California. The huge mountains, redwoods and waterfalls were so majestic, it took my break away. Tres beautiful! I took some in black in white in honor of Ansel Adams, who took many of his famous photographs there.

Imogen Heap

2010-06-09T21:49:00.007-04:00

Last Friday I went to see Imogen Heap at the tabernacle in Atlanta. The friend I went with had been to her shows several times before and had raved about them. She was right, it was truly an amazing and inspiring experience.

The set had a million (exaggeration) different instruments on it and in the center of the stage was a light up tree that had chimes and gongs hanging off of it. There were mac books all over the stage - even on her clear acrylic "grand" piano keyboard.

Imogen had these little sensitive microphones on her wrist that were connected to all these computers. She (or a person from her band) would play a little of an instrument and she would record that sound from the microphones on her wrist. On the computer, she would playback the sound over and over, looping it. She layered all these sounds on top of each other until they finally sounded like a song. That is how she makes her background music - in the studio and on stage. Also, her voice sounded EXACTLY like she does on her Cd's! It was just amazing to watch her make her music from scratch, so to speak.

Add in great lighting, a great backup band, and her fairy-like hair - it was an unforgettable evening. Not to mention she played ALL my favorites (she does a poll for each city to see what they want to hear). First train home YOU got to get on it!

**we got there an hour before the doors opened so we could be up close - there was no one between me and the stage!

Napa Valley

2010-06-07T14:54:00.016-04:00

Napa and Sonoma Valley was my favorite part of my NorCal trip. Vineyard after vineyard, the scenery and landscape was absolutely beautiful! It reminded me a lot of Tuscany, which I think that's why I loved it so much. We did some wine tastings at Hop Kiln Winery and a few others. During these tastings I discovered that I really do like red wine much much more than white. Sort of odd for a beginner wine consumer I suppose, but oh well - at least red is better for you :)

Lily White

2010-06-05T17:23:00.007-04:00

It's time for another color coded playlist! This time all the songs, artists and items refer to the color white. (Here's the green, red, blue, yellow, grey and pink ones)

1. A White Demon Love Song – The Killers

fredflare.com

2. White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes

fredflare.com

3. White Shadows - Coldplay

dress, Alice by Temperly @ net-a-porter

4. Entering White Cecilia – The New Pornographers

shoes, Church's @net-a-porter

5. Snow White – Jaymay

necklace, Modcloth.com

6. White Sky – Vampire Weekend

dress, Stella McCartney @net-a-porter

7. Percussion Gun – White Rabbits

gloves, Modcloth.com

8. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

nixon watch @net-a-porter

9. White Hat – The Choir Practice

vest, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen

10. Meg White - Ray LaMontagne

top, Jason Wu @net-a-porter

American Apparel Flea Market Sale!

2010-06-04T00:31:00.005-04:00

If you live in the Atlanta area and are a lover of American Apparel, you want to check out their Flea Market sale where they're selling things up to 85% off!

Here's the deets:
American Apparel Flea Market
Atlantic Station20th & Fowler
Atlanta, GA 30363
.
Friday, June 11th 10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, June 12th 10:00am - 8:00pm

...and the Facebook event!

I'm planning on going and hope you can too!

Chinatown Surprise!

2010-06-01T12:12:00.005-04:00

San Francisco's Chinatown was a gazillion times better than the NYC one because it was more authentic! I loved all the architecture, the lanterns and the shops (although after you go into three of them, they all start to look alike). Everything was so vibrant and colorful - a cheery fix for a rainy day :)

SanFran

2010-05-30T23:57:00.011-04:00

Here are some pictures of San Francisco - the Golden Gate Bridge (of course), the wharf, Ghiradelli Square, Lombard St. (curviest street ever!), an Italian meal in North Beach (a.k.a Little Italy), the Painted Ladies (row of pretty houses in pastel colors), and sea lions! More to follow...

C is for Chorus

2010-05-30T23:56:00.003-04:00

A playlist of artists that start with the letter "C":

1. Coconut Records - Microphone
2. Carla Bruni - Quelqu'un m'a dit
3. Cary Brothers - Ride
4. Charlotte Martin - Veins
5. Cocorosie – Not For Sale
6. Coeur de pirate – Comme des infants
7. Cold War Kids - Audience
8. Coldplay – The Scientist
9. Cat Power - Song to Bobby
10. Christina Aguleria – Mother

Holiday

2010-05-28T16:04:00.004-04:00

I am back from my vacation in Northern California. The weather was so superb there, it's hard to get used to humidity again. I can't wait to share my pictures with you! But first here's the new video from Vampire Weekend called "Holiday." I am already in love with them , but the fact that they are dressed like they belong in Versailles and are gorging in cake a la Marie Antoinette makes me love them that much more :)

West Coast

2010-05-18T00:51:00.005-04:00

{these pictures are from flickr - they're not mine. they were taken with a diana f+, which i have and am bringing on my trip - hopefully they come out as good as these}

I'm heading off to California today for a week! I will be going to San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite. Its my 21st birthday present from my parents (since now I can legally enjoy the wine in Napa) :) I'm very excited - cant wait to share all my pictures with you! A San Francisco, California themed playlist:

1. San Francisco – Vanessa Carlton
2. California – Phantom Planet
3. San Francisco – Brett Dennen
4. West Coast – Coconut Records
5. San Francisco – Ingrid Michaelson
6. Over My Head (Cable Car) – The Fray
7. San Francisco Song – Camera Obscura
8. California English, Pt. 2 – Vampire Weekend
9. California – Rufus Wainwright
10. Come Back from San Francisco – Magnetic Fields

Out in the club, sippin' that bubb'

2010-05-15T00:11:00.005-04:00

(some cupcakes from my birthday)

It's my birthday week of turning 21 - so here is my playlist of songs perfect for girls getting ready to go out and have a good time (notice all the Lady Gaga, I can't help but love her):

1. Love Today - Mika
2. Hurricane Drunk – Florence + The Machine
3. Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus
4. Cheap Champagne – Georgie James
5. Telephone – Lady Gaga
6. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
7. Boys Boys Boys – Lady Gaga
8. Drinking Song – Jenny Owen Youngs
9. Dancing With Myself – The Donnas
10. Just Dance – Lady Gaga

^LOTS of guilty pleasures!

It's my birthday and I can drink if I want to

2010-05-12T01:22:00.001-04:00

An "I Love List" - Birthday Edition:

I love my friends. Last night I went over to spend the night with my best friends from high school. My friend who had it at her house got all these balloons, made a cake and had out all this food for a little celebration. It totally made my day. At midnight we popped open some champagne and celebrated by 21st! Then we continued to talk and snack until 5am - I had work at 10am, mind you, but it was completely worth it :)

I love my the people I work for/with. They all wished me happy birthday and gave me a bottle champagne and an adorable apron. They're all just so fun!

I love sleep. Right now I am crashing BIG TIME. I even started falling asleep kinda at dinner - running on 3 1/2 hours of sleep is hard and I don't recommend it right before your b'day.

.
I love my parents. They took me out to a yummy sushi dinner tonight. It was my first time ordering alcohol, but since my parents made such a scene about me being 21 and how it is my birthday to the waiters, they didn't even card me, because they just assumed that we were telling the truth - which we were! Still - I wanted to be carded though! There's always a next (thousand) time (s) haha

I love how everything is in bloom. Everything is so lush and green. When I came home from work, my mom had cut all theses fresh flowers from our yard and put them in vases in my room. She knows how I love flowers (and ice cream cake, which is pictured above).

I love Anthropologie. I am on their member /shopper list thingie and they send me this adorable candle necklace with a 15% off coupon. Talk about customer service. It made my day when it arrived in the mail. I plan on using it in California :D

I love birthdays.

Wish List

2010-05-11T00:21:00.006-04:00

This is my WISH list for my birthday, emphasis on the WISH. Some of these I dream of receiving (like the designer dresses), others just might happen :)

...plus some good wine and cute cocktail glasses

It's always Summer, back in Alabama

2010-05-07T01:12:00.003-04:00

In the last 3 days I have taken a final, packed my dorm room, driven home 6 hours, unpacked and worked a full 8 hour day at work! My hands are stained with food coloring, so that means one thing: it's summer!

This summer I will be working to same job I had last summer - decorating cakes, garnishing desserts, helping out with kid's parties. I love what I do and I love the people I work for. It truly is a dream job.

All my best friends will be home, which makes me merry happy. This means sleepovers, Starbucks hangouts and just frolicking around random fields (I swear we are in college lol).

I also turn the big 2-1 in just a few days! I am quite excited about this. It kind of stinks that I'm the oldest though, so no one can go out with me to the bars. Though come to think of it, I'm not a bar-hopping type of girl. However, I can buy us wine for themed dinner parties! As a birthday gift my parents are taking me to Napa Valley and San Francisco for a week, because now I can legally taste the wine at the vineyards.

Also, for the summer I have already bought tickets to see Greg Laswell and the IMOGEN HEAP! I am ecstatic about this purchases :)
.

I'm only one day into my summer, and I think its shaping up to be a good one!

Here is my sunny summer playlist:

1. My Boys – Taken by Trees
2. The Summer – Coconut Records
3. Swing – Zero 7
4. Sweet Road – Animal Collective
5. Travel – Thao
6. I Sing I Swim - Seabear
7. Better Together – Jack Johnson
8. The Strums – The Dodos
9. Caterpillar Playground - Nurses
10. Summerboy – Lady Gaga

What are your plans for the summer?

Heath Toffee Cookies

2010-05-04T11:55:00.001-04:00

I made these yummy cookies for a bakesale a few weeks ago and basically only used what I had in the pantry. They're semi-healthy with the wheat flour and margerine (or so I tell myself). I wish I took pictures, but they're much better tasting than they look. In fact, they were DELICIOUS!

1 1/2 c. sifted white wheat flour, minus 3 TBL
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. margarine (I used Parkay)
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/3c. toffee bits (1 package)

1. Combine flour, soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream margerine and add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy and stir in dry ingredients.
3. Blend in candy.
4. Drop 2 inch apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Makes approximately 3 dozen

Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway Winner:

2010-05-04T11:46:00.000-04:00

is Ashley Lauren! CONGRATS!!!

Petit Rococo Giveaway Winner!

2010-05-03T19:10:00.001-04:00

....and the winner is Chelsea Rebecca from Triumphs and Blunders of a Kooky Gal
CONGRATS!!!!!!

I put a camera to my eye

2010-05-02T22:13:00.004-04:00

Songs about cameras, pictures and photos:

1. Pictures – Sia
2. Kamera - Wilco
3. Moving Pictures, Silent Films – Great Lake Swimmers
4. I Hate Camera – The Bird and The Bee
5. I Turn My Camera On - Spoon
6. Your Picture – Camera Obscura
7. Photocopier - Fujiya & Miyagi
8. The Sun On His Back - Camera Obscura
9. Pictures of You – The Last Goodnight
10. Anti- Western - Camera Obscura

Floral 'n Leather

2010-04-30T13:17:00.008-04:00

The Teen Vogue accessories editorials always captivate me. I loved this one from the May issue especially because right now I am loving vintage looking leather and liberty prints. So spot on!

**ALSO, enter my Orient Watch Giveaway and Petit Rococo Giveaway!

Tangerine Chiffon Cake

2010-04-27T23:40:00.005-04:00

When I was home for Easter a few weekends ago, we had over my best friend's family for dinner. We had a very spring-like menu for dinner and when I was put in charge of dessert, I wanted to do something light and airy. I've always liked the way a chiffon cake sounds, I guess because I love the fabric. This Tangerine Chiffon Cake I made was delicious - flavorful because of all the zest, moist and light. I also attempted to make the candy flowers they suggested to go on top. They looked cute on the cake, but I don't think I'll make them again - they were much harder to do than I thought!

**Also, enter my Orient Watch Giveaway and Petit Rococo Giveaway!

Fine Frenzies

2010-04-26T16:53:00.006-04:00

Combine Alison Sudol (of A Fine Frenzy) and ban.do's Black Line and you get this.

The images are absolutely stunning. I love how her hair pops against the green background, not to mention the amazing hairpieces! It looks like a magazine pictorial, not pictures for a website.

It's pure loveliness!

** Also ENTER my Orient Watch Giveaway and the Petit Rococo Giveaway!

Petit Rococo Giveaway!

2010-04-24T12:36:00.007-04:00

Petit Rococo creates beautiful jewelry fit for any modern Marie Antoinette. All the beads and baubles, bows and fans that make the jewelry resembles the decadence of Versailles. The woman behind the line, Madeleine, was kind enough to host a giveaway for y'all. She's giving away a pair of her adorable Bowtie Earrings (there are more colors available):

Rules to enter:
For 1 entry: leave a comment with your email address on this post
For 2 entries: become a follower and tell me in your comment
For 3 entries: go to the Petit Rococo website and tell me your favorite piece.
I will randomly choose a winner with a random number generator. The giveaway will run through Sunday May 2nd 11:59 pm and the winner will be announced that Monday. Good Luck!

Rando

2010-04-24T12:35:00.003-04:00

Hit the random button on my itunes and here is what I got:

1. Heads Up – Karen O and the Kids
2. Love’s Not A Competition, But I’m Winning – Kaiser Chiefs
3. No Sound But The Wind - Editors
4. Complaint Department – Lykke Li
5. Mayor of Your Town – Leona Naess
6. The Information - Beck
7. Du Og Meg – Of Montreal
8. Come Back Margaret – Camera Obscura
9. Into The Fire – Thirteen Senses
10. Count to Ten – Tina Dico

Barefoot in Barcelona

2010-04-22T12:58:00.003-04:00

This is what color is currently on my nails - a creamy mocha

Barefoot in Barcelona by O.P.I.

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Also, enter my Orient Watch Giveaway below!

Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway!

2010-04-20T15:53:00.004-04:00

I got another Orient Watch giveaway for all my readers: This fabulous, silver woman's watch - a truly timeless piece!
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Rules to enter:

For 1 entry: leave a comment with your email address on this post

For 2 entries: become a follower and tell me in your comment

For 3 entries: go to the Orient Watches website and tell me your favorite of all their mechanical watches

I will randomly choose a winner with a random number generator. The giveaway will run for 2 weeks through Monday May 3rd 11:59 pm and the winner will be announced that Tuesday.
Good Luck!

orient 2er00001b

PrettyLights

2010-04-17T01:07:00.004-04:00

I took this picture of the Chihuli fountain at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. For some reason I thought it went well with the "lights" theme lol.

Songs containing the word "light(s)":

1. Shoot the Lights Out – The Watson Twins
2. Red Lights - Vib Gyor
3. Leave the Lights On – Priscilla Ahn
4. Keys Out Lights On - Jenny Owen Youngs
5. There is a Light That Never Goes Out – The Smiths
6. Blue Light – Bloc Party
7. Baby You’re My Light – Richard Hawley
8. Lights and Music – Cut Copy
9. Traffic Light – The Ting Tings
10. Lights On – The Pierces

Guest Post: Sara Bimmel

2010-04-15T15:58:00.010-04:00

Strawberry Galette

flickr

If you’re used to the perfectly crimped borders and heaped filling of pies, a galette may seem strange at first. As a rustic tart, it’s not often pretty, and it’s not for those who prefer filling over crust. But if you don’t care much about aesthetics and you appreciate the flakiness and flavor of a good pastry, the galette is right up your alley. And with farmers’ markets soon to open their doors for the season and push summer’s beautiful stone fruits and ripe berries, the time to make one is fast approaching.

I recommend a strawberry filling, especially if you can get your hands on some wild berries. The flavor is so great on its own, but the other wonderful thing about strawberries is that they meld well with almost any other fruit, so you can fill the tart with a combination that includes blueberries, peaches, rhubarb, or even apples.

Strawberry Galette
This makes one tart and will serve 6 to 8.

for the pastry:
• 1 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/3 c. whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 tsp. finely ground sea salt
• 1 T. sugar
• 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 c. ice water

for the filling:
• 2 pints (4 c.) fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 1/4 c. tapioca flour
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 T. strawberry liqueur or 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)

1. Toss together the flours, sugar, and salt for the pastry. Cut the cold stick of unsalted butter into small pieces, and use a pastry blender or food processor to cut the butter into the flour. Stop when the butter is in pea-sized lumps.
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2.Gradually add the ice water to the pastry, a tablespoon at a time. Toss the pastry after each addition, and stop adding water when the dough comes together in a lump.
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3. Gather the dough into a rough ball, pat it down into a disc, wrap the disc in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes and up to two days.

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4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

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5.While you chill the dough, make the filling for the galette. Pour the strawberries into a large bowl, and toss the sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Sprinkle the dry ingredients evenly over the strawberries, and toss to combine. Pour in the liqueur or vanilla extract (if using), and stir the mixture again. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

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6. When the dough is done chilling, unwrap it and place it on a flat surface that you have coated with flour. Sprinkle flour on a rolling pin, and roll out the dough to an even, flat circle that is close to 15 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough circle to a baking sheet coated with parchment paper.

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7. Heap the strawberry filling in the middle of the dough circle, making sure it doesn’t spread too much by scooping it in at the sides if necessary.

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8. Create the edges of the tart by grabbing the edges of the dough and folding them inwards. If you want better looking edges, trim the dough to an even circle before you fold it. If you’d like, paint the edges of the tart lightly with melted butter.

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9. Bake the tart at 375 for 45 minutes or until the crust is a light golden brown. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. If you’d like, sprinkle the tart with powdered sugar and serve with fresh whipped cream.

This post was contributed by Sara Bimmel, who writes about Halloween costumes over at StarCostumes.com

I Heart SF

2010-04-13T17:31:00.003-04:00

For my 21st birthday, which is a month away, my parents are taking me to San Francisco and Napa Valley for a week. I'm super excited, but haven't done too much travel research on them yet. Do y'all have any recommendations for shops, sights, or restaurants?

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See more travel posters like the one above at The Heads of State

WORKOUT Mix #1

2010-04-10T14:11:00.003-04:00

As much as I love my sweets, believe it or not I love working out just as much. But my workouts are only enjoyable if I have an amazing playlist to go with. My workouts start out intense, then slow down some, then the last few minutes I step it up again. I rotate between the elliptical, treadmill and weights. Here are some songs that really get my heart going:

1. Embers – Just Jack
2. Radio - Beyonce
3. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
4. Womanizer – Britney Spears
5. Calabria 2007 - Enur
6. Piece of Me – Britney Spears
7. XR2 – M.I.A.
8. Pump It – Black Eyed Peas
9. Jungle Drum – Emiliana Torrini
10. Starstruck – Lady Gaga

What songs do you like working out to?

Go Do Now

2010-04-08T12:47:00.004-04:00

My roommate introduced my to this artist: Jonsi - the solo lead singer of Sigur Ros. I never really heard much of Sigur Ros' stuff before, but I can tell you after listening to Jonsi, I will be now. The Icelandic singer has this sprite like falsetto voice that is almost non-human. There's lots of layering, percussion and twinkle sounds throughout his album, Go. Also, some of his songs are in Icelandic, making them seem all the more magical and ethereal. This is truly one of the most beautiful albums I have heard in a long time. His music just has that feeling of inspiration and exhilaration that energizes me. Now, Go Do and listen!

Hear the song below and see the video here (it doesnt allow embedding): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6HjT4SQKJI&feature=related

Nightstand

2010-04-06T13:12:00.004-04:00

I went home this past weekend for Easter and it was so beautiful, not only because I got to see my best friends and family, but also because of all the daffodils and cherry blossom trees were in bloom. When the wind wold blow off the petals from the flowering trees, it looked like snow falling. My mom made me this little mason jar arrangement of the flowers from our yard. I put it right next to my bed, for a little reminder of home :)

Many Maries

2010-04-03T15:29:00.003-04:00

I love the look of this video for Acid Girl's Lightworks. The song is okay, but the theme of this video - Marie Antoinette - is super fantastic! The costumes and the food - it literally is eye candy!

The Pianist

2010-04-03T15:25:00.004-04:00

I love the sound pianos make! Here are some songs that are purely piano - no other instruments accompany them, except for maybe a voice or two:

1. Dawn – Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack
2. Ballerina – Leona Naess
3. Postcards from Far Away - Coldplay
4. Many Rivers – Charlotte Martin
5. Avril 14th – Aphex Twin
6. Typical – Laura Marling
7. Bones – Charlotte Martin
8. The Beacon – A Fine Frenzy
9. Hero – Regina Spektor
10. Internalize This – Charlotte Martin

We've got our love to pay the bills

2010-03-31T13:15:00.004-04:00

I LOVE...

I Love Ingrid Michaelson and Mat Kearney (yea thats my blurry picture of them above). I just saw them live Monday night and it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Both were so entertaining and sounded exactly like they do on their albums (it's so disappointing when artists' voices are horrible live). Mat Kearney was incredibly sexy and even sang about Charleston. Ingrid Michaelson is HILARIOUS! She and her band covered "Toxic" then did a little dance in the end. Then they both she and him came out to sing Death Cab's "I Will Follow You Into the Dark". It was such a special show - I highly recommend going if they're playing near you! Also the girl who opened for them, Cara Salimando, was supercool - I just bought her ep on itunes.
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I Love the fact that I am going home this weekend for Easter.
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I Love that it is finally spring! No more coats and tights and chapped hands! And the fact that it is spring means that summer is near.
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I Love honey whole wheat bagels from Einsteins with peanut butter.
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I Love my Modern Marie readers!
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***Also, Sunshine and Carousels has an adorable little giveaway! Check it out!

Lilacquer

2010-03-30T01:34:00.002-04:00

This is my current nail polish : Lilacism by Essie

It's a cute Easter Egg lavender!

Le Printemps

2010-03-26T23:41:00.004-04:00

{screen shots from Marie Antoinette}

This week marked the start of spring, so to celebrate here is my list of spring-y songs. They are very beautiful songs- just like the season itself:
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1. The First Days of Spring – Noah and the Whale
2. Printemps - Coeur de pirate
3. Honey Bee – Zee Avi
4. Red Berries – Angus and Julia Stone
5. Between Two Lungs – Florence + The Machine
6. Colors – Kira Willey
7. Lille – Lisa Hannigan
8. There Are Too Many Birds – Arthur & Yu
9. Effigy – Andrew Bird
10. Heartbroken – Meaghan Smith

It's Going to be a Long Walk

2010-03-24T13:27:00.005-04:00

I don't get much of nature living in a city, so when I go home I relish in the fact that I live in the country. I find it so peaceful to walk through my neighborhood and the roads nearby. I just make a relaxing acoustic playlist and let my mind wander. It is so refreshing - I get a lot of thinking done when I take walks. These are some pictures from one of my walks in the early morning this past summer...it's making me want school to be over even more!

Guest Post: Sarah Bimmel

2010-03-22T13:31:00.009-04:00

Raspberry Lemon Pudding Cake

When spring arrives, I tend to want lemons and berries all the time. Well, that's a lie—I don't want actual lemons. Straight-up, they're a bit too sour for me. What I really want are lemon desserts that are light and pillowy and preferably come with berries. When those desserts include include pudding, so much the better. Am I right?!

That’s why I adore this recipe for lemon pudding cake. It’s never failed me, and I’ve made it many, many times—it can be whipped up in less than a half hour, and it’s divinely delicious whether warm or cold. Plus, it’s perfectly suited for any kind of accompaniment. If you don’t have raspberries, try blackberries or blueberries. No berries at all? No worries; just stick on a dollop of whipped cream and some lemon zest along with the confectioners’ sugar. You can’t go wrong! The cake makes four giant servings or five to six more moderate portions.

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Ingredients

1/4 c. flour

2/3 c. + 1/4 c. sugar, separated

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 c. buttermilk

2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/4. c. fresh lemon juice

2 T. melted butter

2 large egg yolks

3 large egg whites

1 1/2 c. raspberries

Confectioners’ sugar
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Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), and spray an 8-inch square baking pan or similarly sized soufflé pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the 2/3 c. sugar, the salt, and the nutmeg. Add the buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, and egg yolks. Whisk until smooth.
Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until they are foamy. Add the 1/4 c. sugar to the whites, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg-white mixture into the buttermilk mixture, just until combined.
Finally, fold in the berries, reserving a scant 1/2 c. to scatter on top of the cake. Pour the batter into the baking pan, and place the pan in large casserole dish that is filled with 1 inch of hot water. Bake the cake for 35 minutes or until it springs back lightly when touched. To serve, sprinkle on the berries and sift the confectioners’ sugar over them. It might be simple but it’s a beautiful spring treat!

This post was contributed by Sara Bimmel, who equitably divides her time between baking and writing about Halloween costumes over at StarCostumes.com

It's Hard Being Green

2010-03-21T01:51:00.006-04:00

Because of St. Patty's Day being this past week and all the spring weather and re-growth that I'm seeing, here is a GREEN playlist - green songs and artists with items to go with. I also have a red, blue, yellow, gray, and pink one!

1. See Green, See Blue - Jaymay

shoes, Kate Spade

2. Green Eyes – Coldplay

cupcake liners, layercakeshop.com

3. Green Light – John Legend

watch, Timex

4. Green Fields – The Good, The Bad, and the Queen

cardigan, anthropologie

5. Secret Tongues – Adam Green

floss, fredflare.com

6. Come On – Green River Ordinance

top, Maharishi (at net-a-porter)

7. Green Grass – Matt Pond PA

print, Rifle Paper Company

8. Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

cardigan, See by Chloe

Cypress Gardens

2010-03-18T15:08:00.005-04:00

Right outside downtown Charleston there is a enchanting, swampy forest called Cypress Gardens. Last spring a few of my friends and I went to visit and take a canoe ride. This place might look familiar if you have seen The Notebook, remember the scene with all the white swans surrounding Noah and Ellie?

Well the swans weren't there, but the romantic and serene setting still was. Here are some of my pictures:

Do Wah Doo

2010-03-16T00:01:00.005-04:00

Kate Nash is back! My favorite British songtress who sings the soundtrack to my life debuted a video for her new single "Do Wah Doo" (the album is due in April). Its been a while since her last CD, which is one of my most frequently played - so this is soooo overdue! She sings songs about mouthwash, skeletons, and dickheads... but other subject matters too, like crushes, drinking wine after a breakup... You get the idea: SHE IS AMAZING!

Anywho is video is super duper retro and super duper cute!

Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway Winner:

2010-03-15T13:38:00.000-04:00

Congrats to randomly picked #9 - AMANDA!

Sash-a Fierce

2010-03-13T02:41:00.002-05:00

I just bought The Sash from American Apparel in Mint Green. Two of my friends had it in pink and dark purple, so I saw how much versatility this little sash had. I hate being a copycat, but with all the colors it comes in and all the different ways you can wear it - it can transform countless outfits into something new. I don't think we will ever wear it with the same thing or style it the same way, which is the beauty of The Sash :)

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Also, my Orient Watch Giveaway ends Sunday 11:59 pm - enter now!

Purchase Now:

2010-03-12T14:53:00.001-05:00

These songs are fantastic, you must get a hold of them!

1. It's Not My Fault (It's My Fault) - Discovery
2. Knocked Up (Rodeo Mash Up) - Kings Of Leon Vs. Lykke Li
3. Armistice - Phoenix
4. Skeleton Boy – Friendly Fires
5. 15 Step - Radiohead
6. Colors – Amos Lee
7. O.N.E. - Yeasayer
8. Jerusalem - Mirah
9. Song For No One – Miike Snow
10. Now – Mates of State

Les Fleurs

2010-03-10T23:29:00.004-05:00

This is the left side view from my window. Seeing all the colors is such a pleasant way to wake up in the morning:)

The lighting on my window ledge is best, so I decided to take some pictures of my flowers I bought. I love walking to Harris Teeter with my eco grocery bags, filling them with yummy food to cook, and buying myself a bouquet of fresh flowers just because. My favorite part walking back to my place carrying my filled bags with flowers hanging out the front.

I must say I feel so French whenever I do it!

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Also, enter my Orient Watch Giveaway!

Academia

2010-03-08T22:52:00.005-05:00

I was pleased with last night's Oscar red carpet! Lots of blush pinks, golds, nudes, and purples - my favorite colors! Anna's dress was probably my favorite of the night, it was so delicate and ethereal. I could so see myself wearing this! And her skin is FLAWLESS! I'm loving all this gold on Cameron and Sandra - they look like Oscars themselves! Carey took a risk, and I think she pulled it off. I really like all the edgy yet youthful dresses she's been wearing lately and I LOVE her pixie cut! She's so adorable! Meryl always looks so radiant - she just glows. I bow down to her - she is queen! I love the murky lavender in Rachel and Elizabeth's dresses. Good color on them - and I am digging the watercolor pattern and ruffles! The material on Amanda's dress kind of looks like cellophane/bubble wrap. She looks like a futuristic princess :)

Who was your favorite?

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Check out my guest blog post over at Pocket Change!

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AND, enter my Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway!

Fly Like Paper

2010-03-06T13:09:00.005-05:00

paper doves image via flickr
My blog was neglected this week due to the papers, midterms, quizzes and all the other school assignments that had to be done before spring break! But now I am home and relaxed (I slept 11 hours last night). After staring at paper all week, decided to make this week's playlist about just that: paper!

1. Paper Planes – M.I.A.
2. Paper Bag – Fiona Apple
3. Paper Doll - Blondfire
4. Paper Aeroplane – Angus and Julia Stone
5. Hotel Paper – Michelle Branch
6. Paper Doll – Rachael Yamagata
7. Paper Bag – Anna Nalick
8. Paper Aeroplane – KT Tunstall
9. Paperback Writer – The Beatles
10. Paper Gangster – Lady Gaga

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ALSO - don't forget to enter my Orient Watch Giveaway!

Charmed I'm Sure

2010-03-03T13:29:00.006-05:00

I am just completely charmed by this little stop - motion video featuring A Fine Frenzy! I think you will love the arts and crafts feel of it too :)

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Also, enter my Orient Watch Giveaway!

Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway!

2010-03-01T13:48:00.006-05:00

I got another giveaway for all my readers: This fabulous, blue faced, silver woman's watch! The high quality of Orient watches makes this a truly timeless piece!

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Rules to enter are to simply leave a comment with your email address on this post and I will randomly choose a winner with a random number generator. Only one comment for person please! The giveaway will run through Sunday March 14th 11:59 pm and the winner will be announced that Monday.

Good Luck!

ctd09001b

Roll the Credits

2010-02-27T00:22:00.003-05:00

This is a cake I did for a movie and popcorn themed party. Whenever I go back home my mom and friend's parents plan a huge themed party for all the families who have kids away at college to get together, eat and socialize. It is something I always look forward too....and believe one might happen when I'm home for spring break in a week :)

To go along with the movie cake, here is a playlist of some of my favorite songs from some of my favorite movies:

1. All Is Love – Where The Wild Things Are
2. The Sound of Music - The Sound of Music
3. Liz on Top of the World – Pride and Prejudice
4. Falling Slowly - Once
5. Come What May – Moulin Rouge
6. Let Go – Garden State
7. Moon River – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
8. Meet Me On the Equinox – New Moon
9. O Saya – Slumdog Millionaire
10. Cell Block Tango – Chicago

Jewels of Denial Enamel Ring Giveaway Winner

2010-02-26T13:46:00.004-05:00

....and the winner is #22 (chosen by a random number generator) - The Fashion Fool! CONGRATS :D

Browse more of their other enamel rings and other products!

In My Place

2010-02-24T13:20:00.005-05:00

My roommate and I decided to move into another dorm together - our close friend's - because her roommates had transferred. So now we each have our own room, un-lofted beds, and an unbelievable view of King St. and the beautiful bridge (those pics to come...). Moving also meant a new bed size,a full, and more wall space to be decorated. I ordered this reversible quilt from UO.

For above my bed, I got this paper towel roll art idea from Design Sponge. It was free to make and only involved toilet paper/paper towel rolls, scissors and a stapler! I thought it went well with the leaf motif of the quilt.

...and my closet: uber organized and never closed (I want it to be like a California Closet haha)

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ALSO, you have until this Thursday night 11:59 pm to enter my Jewels of Denial Giveaway!

Check out the other rings they have too!

Mixology

2010-02-22T10:28:00.003-05:00

I'm always interested in the "new" trendy nail polish color, so when I saw this Taupe Nails post over at WhoWhatWear, I knew it was something I wanted to try. I couldn't find a taupe in stores (but I am nowhere near an ULTA) so I decided to mix up some colors I already had: brown, white and a little yellow. I mixed it up on a piece of tin foil and painted my nails with the brown brush. As a tip, only make enough color for the first coat because it will get tacky between coats. You can easily match up the 2nd batch of color. I'm quite proud of my resourcefulness ;)

Also, don't forget to enter my Jewels of Denial Enamel Ring Giveaway! It ends Thursday! Check out more cool rings they have!

First Giveaway: Jewels of Denial Enamel Ring

2010-02-21T01:02:00.001-05:00

"Jewels of Denial is giving away a sterling silver enamel ring! The winner can choose either the gold-plated aquamarine or orange ring shown here which are available in whole sizes 5-10."

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Jewels of Denial is a fabulous online jewelry store specializing in sterling silver that sells everything from pendants to bracelets to toe rings! Check out what else they have:

http://www.jewelsofdenial.com/

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To enter the giveaway leave a comment with your email address on this post between now and next Thursday night 11:59pm. For a second entry blog about the giveaway and link back in another comment. I will use a random number generator to choose the winner - good luck :)

Tough Love

2010-02-21T00:30:00.001-05:00

I know Valentines Day was this time last week, but in case if it didn't go the way you wanted it to, here are some "anti - love" songs :) Be angsty and take a listen!

1. Gives You Hell – All American Rejects
2. Not Fair – Lily Allen
3. I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week – Mandy Moore
4. F*** You – Lily Allen
5. Everyday I Love You Less and Less – Kaiser Chiefs
6. Cold Cold Heart – Norah Jones
7. Straight to Hell - Lily Allen
8. Lover I Don’t Have to Love – Bright Eyes
9. Love Hater – Andre 3000
10. Not About Love – Fiona Apple

Kiss Me Kate

2010-02-15T15:12:00.004-05:00

These outfits and prop styling from the Kate Spade Spring 2010 lookbook make me want spring to hurry up and get here! The looks are giving me great ideas to add on my spring shopping list: colorful umbrella, polka dots, yellow, ladylike shorts, fresh flowers, woven basket, and some hot pink!

I don't want anything more, than to see your face when you open the door

2010-02-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

My parents sent me these flowers a few weeks ago when I was feeling a little homesick - I Love them so much! Fresh flowers really do brighten my day :)

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...and because Valentine's Day is this weekend, here are some "LOVE" songs:

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1. My Love – The Bird and the Bee
2. Love Me – Department of Eagles
3. Bitter Heart – Zee Avi
4. Enchantment – Lily Frost
5. Tonight You Belong to Me – The Bird and the Bee
6. Married Life – UP Soundtrack
7. Chinese – Lily Allen
8. Crazy for You - Adele
9. How Deep Is Your Love – The Bird and the Bee
10. Love it All – The Kooks

Love Letters

2010-02-10T13:08:00.007-05:00

I saw Bright Star last week and it was one of the most beautiful yet sad movies I have ever seen. Therefore, I highly recommend it! Its about the poet John Keats and his relationship with Fanny Browne - aka the Bright Star. Here is the poem that inspired the movie:

Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art--

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,

The moving waters at their priestlike task

Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,

Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask

Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--

No--yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,

Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,

To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,

Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

And so live ever--or else swoon to death.

- John Keats

Parisian Love

2010-02-08T15:04:00.004-05:00

Here is a commercial that will make you tear up! It's my favorite one of the whole night (Super Bowl). Perfect for V-Day <3

Think Pink

2010-02-05T22:48:00.006-05:00

There is a color coded post for grey/silver, blue, red and yellow.....now here is the pink one just in time for Valentines Day. Songs and artists about the color pink/rose with items to go along:

1. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1 – The Flaming Lips

earphones, fredflare.com

2. Razzle Dazzle Rose – Camera Obscura

necklace, anthropologie

3. Goodnight Rose – Ryan Adams

book, anthropologie

4. Pink and Blue – Andre 3000

sneakers, Lanvin

5. Roses – Andre 3000

dress, Stella McCartney @ the out net

6. Everywhere – Pink Martini

a pink Amy Atlas party

7. Dominoes – The Big Pink

cardigan, fredflare.com

8. Pink Moon – Nick Drake

tunic, anthropologie

9. Tennessee Rose – The Deep Vibration

top, D&G

10. Rose City – Viva Voce

necklace, modcloth.com

Wolfgang Amadeus

2010-02-03T13:52:00.006-05:00

I have recently seen pictures of this movie called Amadeus that was made in the 80's and won lots of Oscars. Where I have I been, I had no idea about this movie! These pictures alone are aesthetically pleasing and remind me of Marie Antoinette - I must add Amadeus to Netflix pronto!

Red Candy Apple

2010-02-01T13:36:00.003-05:00

All the nail polish I have been wearing for the past 2 months has been Mint Candy Apple by Essie, so it was nice to take a break and go back to a color found in nature :)

Speaking of apples, I LOVE the Be Delicious DKNY fragrance - I got it for Christmas and have doused myself in it every day since!

B is for Boombox

2010-01-30T02:48:00.007-05:00

^a boombox cake I made in high school for my dance team

The weekly top 10 songs that all feature artists whose names begin with a "B" (here is "A"):

1. Bloc Party - Signs
2. Band of Horses – No One’s Gonna Love You
3. Bon Iver - Flume
4. Beach House – Used to Be
5. Bat for Lashes - Prescilla
6. Beirut - My Night With The Prostitute From Marseille
7. Bombay Bicycle Club – Cancel on Me
8. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Sympathetic Noose
9. Beck – E-Pro
10. Ben Folds – Landed

I Love

2010-01-27T13:39:00.006-05:00

April from The Right Hypotenuse tagged me to list things that I love right now:

I love this kid's drawing above, I laugh everytime I look at it!

I love Whole Food's homemade peanut butter

I love the view from my new room (more on that soon)

I love Glee! All this past fall, all my friends have been telling me to watch it, so for the past few weeks I have been renting then on Netflix. It is so entertaining

I love Vampire Weekend's new CD Contra

I love watching Friends re-runs with my roomie

I love daydreaming about traveling through Europe again....

What do you love right now?

My A-List

2010-01-25T14:07:00.004-05:00

Award season is here and while usually I am good about watching the actual shows, this year I have been so busy that I forgot they were even on until I saw the red carpet review the next morning. Then again, the red carpet is mainly all I care about. I was disappointed with the gowns from the Golden Globes, but loved a few from the SAG awards the other night!

Diane is pulling a Michelle Williams moment at the Oscars and I love it! Carey is a new face that I am excited to see, she seems like she has a fresh style. Drew looks fabulous in blue - the shape and detailing are almost oriental looking...
...Toni has a dress with a lot going on, but i love it: tulle, gold and turquoise! Plus it looks great with her hair and skin. Lea looks tres sexy in this gorgeous emerald green (also, I LOVE Glee)
All of the women of Nine looked fantabulous! I'm especially loving Nicole's dress and I think she looks great with her darker red hair back!

Last but not least, Meryl, the coolest, most talented actress ever and my husband, J.Kras look wonderful as always :)
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Who were your favorites?

Tables and Chairs

2010-01-23T14:57:00.004-05:00

I have had a crush on these Louis XIV Ghost Chairs for a few years now. The shape looks like it should belong in Versailles but the clear acrylic modernizes it. I understand these are quite expensive, but I think they would look really great in my future dining room. I suppose I should start saving now!

to go along with this post about chairs, 10 songs referring to pieces of furniture:

1. Tables and Chairs – Andrew Bird
2. Big Kid Table - Thao
3. Black Tables – Other Lives
4. Folding Chair – Regina Spektor
5. Bedshaped - Keane
6. Deskchairs and Cigarettes – The Thrills
7. Under My Bed - Meiko
8. Hospital Bed – Ben Kweller
9. Sofa Song – The Kooks
10. In My Bed – Amy Winehouse

You've Got The Love

2010-01-21T15:04:00.003-05:00

I am loving this video for Florence + the Machine's song "You've Got the Love". Its such a happy, festive video for a dreary, rainy day like this. She is a rock goddess!

The XX did a cover/remix of her song and I think it might even be better than the original (don't tell Florence). RCRD has that version for free on their website....and while you're at it, sign up for their newsletter in which they give you links to 2 free songs daily :)

Ruffles

2010-01-19T15:59:00.003-05:00

I made this cake over winter break and was inspired by fall leaves. I took my piping bag and put a dollop of yellow and orange in there at the same time and came out with this effect. It has a cool ombre effect to it. I topped the cake off with yellow and gold edible glitter (my signature touch to every cake - edible glitter!). I think the 2 color icing idea would work good on cupcakes as well, just don't do contrasting colors, like blue and orange because you will get an ugly brown color! Happy decorating: )

Summer Sun

2010-01-17T02:01:00.009-05:00

Right now it is cold, humid and raining outside and all I am daydreaming about is summer: having the cake decorating job I love, being with my best friends and family, vacation, no school work, and warmth. I have about 4 more months till I can enjoy any of that, so now all I have is summery, happy music to help get though it, like these songs:

1. Lights Out - Santogold
2. Beat (Health, Life and Fired) - Thao
3. Ice Cream – The Sound of Arrows
4. No One’s Better Sake – Little Joy
5. Ladies of Cambridge – Vampire Weekend
6. 1901 - Phoenix
7. 50 Lashes – Floating Action
8. Mr. Pitiful – Matt Costa
9. Poppy – Zee Avi
10. Rave On – M. Ward

^^ I took these pictures at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens back in the fall. I love capturing bumblebees!

Piggy Bank

2010-01-13T13:37:00.003-05:00

I not really a dog or cat person. This probably has to do with the fact that I was terrified of dogs for most of my childhood and even to this day, they sense my apprehension. When I get my own apartment one day, I still do want a pet and after hearing about this breed of domesticated miniature house pigs, I was dead set on getting one. I mean just look at them....too cute, right? I did some research on them and found they aren't more than 20 lbs when full grown, use a litter box, and are relatively clean (which is not a word I usually associate with pigs...). But then I saw the price tag - $5,000!!!! Of course that killed the dream right away - 5 grand for a mini pig? Sigh. Perhaps if I win the lottery this purchase would seem a bit more reasonable. The idea of having a miniature pig that you could take for walks and name it something grand like Isabella or Frankfurt (I would love to give a pig a royal, grandiose sounding name...it would be so ironic) just sounds too fun! Oh well, when pigs fly!

Vampy

2010-01-11T15:44:00.003-05:00

Vampire Weekend's sophomore album Contra just came out today and I'm loving what I've listened to so far. I have loved these preppy-dressing, afrobeat-making, talented guys for the past few years and have been awaiting this release for a while now (their first album is one of my all time fave albums ever - BIG statement). Above is the video for their first single "Cousins" - its festive, fast, and peppy just like it should be.

... I would purchase the album from amazon.com - its only $3.99 and it downloads right into your itunes library.

Back to the Start

2010-01-09T00:15:00.004-05:00

^ I took this picture of a telephone wire outside my neighborhood. I like the clean crisp lines and colors...it looks fresh!

Today I leave to go back for another semester in Charleston. I am looking forward to new classes (now they actually pertain to my major now that I'm done with gen ed), new teachers, new classmates, auditions for plays....its all very exciting! Things will be different though, as one of my close friends is transferring and another studying abroad. I still have other close friends, but it gets exhausting sometimes trying to re-adjust to changes in your friend group, just as it is trying to establish a friend group in the first place. While making friends in college, I have not only learned about my everyone's different lives and beliefs (I was in a bubble before) but I have also learned more about myself and the person I want to be. The process is ongoing, but the result is worth it in the end. Its all a part of this thing we like to call college.

And with that, I wish everyone a great semester!

Some tunes about a fresh, new start:

1. Brand New Day – Joshua Radin
2. Brave New Girl – Britney Spears
3. Brand New Start – Little Joy
4. New Soul – Yael Naim
5. Start Today Tomorrow – Youth Group
6. A Good Start – Maria Taylor
7. Back to the Start – Lily Allen
8. I Will Buy You A New Life - Everclear
9. The Start – The Bees
10. New Shoes – Paolo Nutini

Fields of Gold

2010-01-06T21:33:00.006-05:00

My best friends from home and I love to have picture fests! We coordinate outfits, scout the location, then meet up with all our cameras in tow. Last week, we met up on someones private property (it didn't say no trespassing and there isn't a house on it hehe) across from my neighborhood. In the summer, its a lush green field of tall grass, but in the winter, its dead and "yellow." However, I like to think of it as "gold" and if you squint your eyes and look real fast it looks like wheat! Anyways, it was a beautiful, windy, crisp day and fun had by all :)

I'm wearing a flowy knit dress from LOFT, mustard yellow cardigan, cowboy boots and tights from Target, and a cool tshirt scarf from some boutique near where I live...

...and as you can see I am using my Diana F+ Camera for the first time :D i still need to take some more pictures to complete the roll, but will get them devloped asap and post

Sparkly

2010-01-04T06:17:00.001-05:00

We had fun with my camera New Years Eve by making these exposures with sparklers:)
^ the last one is peace, love and understanding

2010>2009

2010-01-01T18:29:00.008-05:00

^^these are pictures from last year's New Years Eve cake and cookies I made (the marshmallows are supposed to look like bubbles in champagne)
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Let's just say 2009 was NOT my fave and it didn't like me so much either. But instead of dwelling on the past (I am a big dweller), I am looking forward to 2010 - a lot. The most important resolution I am going to try and keep this year (and hopefully the rest of my life) is to be more positive. I am a happy, energetic person, but I am also paranoid and think the worst of most situations. Being positive is the root of so many other resolutions as well, like not being judgemental, not worrying and being stressed all the time, etc etc. I realize that when I'm not being positive, it affects not only me but others too. So starting now my resolution (for life, because these resolutions should really be life changes, not changes for a year) is to always look at the glass half full, even if it a half full glass of yucky grapefruit juice.
Cheers to a wonderful and positive 2010!

What are your New Years resolutions?

My Favorite Songs of 2009

2009-12-31T18:29:00.000-05:00

1. Telephone – Lady Gaga
2. Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
3. Cosmic Love – Florence + The Machine
4. French Navy – Camera Obscura
5. My Love – The Bird And The Bee
6. Walking On A Dream – Empire of the Sun
7. Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
8. He Wasn’t There – Lily Allen
9. In These Arms – The Swell Season
10. You’ve Got The Love – The XX (REMIX)
11. Sleepyhead – Passion Pit
12. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
13. Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
14. Whatever You Like – Anya Marina
15. Savior - Lights
16. A Little Love – Meaghan Smith
17. Horchata – Vampire Weekend
18. I Know – Meaghan Smith
19. Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus
20. Blue Skies – Noah and the Whale
21. Last Dance – The Raveonettes
22. Hideaway – Karen O and the Kids
23. 1901 - Phoenix
24. Worried Shoes – Karen O and the Kids
25. Pop Art Blue – Zero 7
26. Animal – Miike Snow
27. Carby (ft. Ezra Koenig) - Discovery
28. Ghost Under Rocks – Ra Ra Riot
29. I’ll Never Smile Again – Priscilla Ahn
30. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas
31. Love Vigilantes – Iron and Wine
32. Lasso – Phoenix
33. Blood Bank – Bon Iver
34. Maps – Rogue Wave
35. She Wolf - Shakira

1-2-3

2009-12-29T00:00:00.003-05:00

Today is Modern Marie's 3rd Birthday!

I really cannot believe I have had this blog for three years now, and it is because of all you readers and fellow bloggers who keep me inspired to do this. I know in the past few months I have been bad about writing short posts and not commenting all of you back - I blame the hectic life of a college student for that. But it is one of my new years resolutions to be more involved again in blogging because I truly love this community! I plan on keeping this blog for years to come, just making tweaks along the way to make it better. Is there anything YOU would like to see more or less of...or what I should do differently...should I start doing outfit posts? I have pondered showing my face on here once and a while haha (you can see the side of it in my profile picture). Anyways, I want to thank you all again for stopping by every once and a while - here's to three more years!

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Since we are celebrating a birthday of some sorts, here is an adorable little video made my a friend for a friend...and if it is your birthday, well HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Also here is the weekly playlist, a bit early - artists and songs containing the number 3, songs about learning as you go and looking forward to the future:

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1. 3 – Britney Spears
2. Set The Fire To The Third Bar - Snow Patrol Feat. Martha Wainwright
3. Three Wishes – The Pierces
4. Now Three – Vienna Teng
5. Jumper – Third Eye Blind
6. Learning As We Go – Leona Naess
7. Three Hopeful Thoughts – Rilo Kiley
8. Semi- Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
9. The Crane Wife 3 – The Decemberists
10. The Next Time Around – Little Joy

I took that picture of balloons this past spring on my bday - appropriate, no?