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Man Candy Monday: Adam Brody

2012-01-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! This week's Man Candy Monday selection is Adam Brody. He may not be the typical Hollywood hunk but he's definitely that dorky, good guy that most of us have a soft spot for. I mean, how could you not love this baby face...

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: melificent.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Name

Adamn Jared Brody

Born

December 15, 1979

From

San Diego, CA

Relationship Status

Single?

Interesting Facts

-Asked his parents' for college money to enroll in a Los Angeles school but instead used the money to finance an acting coach.

-Is a drummer in the band Big Japan.

-Was the first male actor to appear on the cover of Elle Girl Magazine.

Notable Roles

Scream 4

Cop Out

The Romantics

Jennifer's Body

The O.C.

In the Land of Women

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Gilmore Girls

Your turn! Join the link up party - we'd love to have you contribute some Man Candy. Grab the button above, write a post about a hot celebrity, and submit your blog post link below. Have fun :)

{Blog Swap - Wear that Room}

2012-01-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! It's Lindsay from {lastyearoftwentysomething} and I'm so excited to share my Friday's Fancies with you! I have been dying over everything black and gold on {pinterest} recently...This includes decor and fashion...So, what better way to express my love for the color combo then to do a "Wear that Space" post?!

Here are some of the decor images I have been swooning over...

{via}

The colors are so classic and give off a vibe of elegance together...it reminds me of a designer that is classic and timeless...

{via}

CHANEL...

Black & Gold Chanel by lindsayktwentysomething featuring chanel jewelry

If you like what you see, hop on over to my blog {lastyearoftwentysomething} for more fashion, home decor and event planning fun!

A big thanks to Leeann from Join the Gossip for letting me guest post today!

Happy Weekend! :)

xoxo,

L

P.S. To read my post, head over to Lindsay's blog!

From Beautiful Ben to Beegee Brother

2012-01-26T04:21:00.000-08:00

I love me some Ben Affleck. I even like him with Jen and think the girls are super cute. Anyone else hoping baby #3 is a boy? Anyways...look at this face - that's one attractive man.

The above picture is how I'm sure we'd all like to think of our main man. Not so much as of late. Despite my love for Ben, I gotta say that I cannot get on board with his new 'do. I get that it's for a movie. It's just hair and it'll (hopefully) be tamer soon enough. But in the meantime, it's killin' his looks. Am I right?

Let's look at the current state of Mr. Affleck, taking an evolutionary journey of hair over the past few months:

OK it's gray. Bound to happen. Maybe he'll turn into a stone fox?

Wait, what?! Your name is B-E-N, not Justin.

You're married to Jennifer, not her gay stylist!

This is full-blown Beegee hair.

That nasty excuse for hair has bred and is not taking over his face as well.

I miss hot Ben. The one that captivated the world with his handsome boyish Boston looks! He turns 40 this year, that's not that old. However, he look much older than that. I blame JLO. He's never been the same since.

On a side note, tomorrow i am exchanging blogs with Lindsay from Last Year of Twenty Something...! Be sure to stop by and check out her post and visit her blog to see mine.

Photos courtesy of: INF Daily, WWTDD, and IMDB

Mid-Week Inspiration

2012-01-25T03:18:00.000-08:00

Source: stumbleupon.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: stumbleupon.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Leeann on Pinterest

It's Wednesday. We're halfway there. What the hell though, this week has been rough. I feel like it's been a week of a million Mondays. At work we're launching a new site and it's hectic. So I needed some happy pictures to make me smile. I hope they brighten your day also!

Linking up with Christianna of The Girl With the Blue Bow for What the Hell Wednesday and Michelle of The Vintage Apple for Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!

Time to Make a Decision

2012-01-24T04:39:00.000-08:00

Pun intended ;)

Last week I got a lot of positive feedback on my watch post. You all loved the watch/chunky bracelet look and encouraged me to replicate it. Now I need your help - I have narrowed it down to two Michael Kors watches and I want to know which one I should select.

The styles are the same, except one is tortoise and the other silver. I think I like the tortoise better, BUT the silver is more timeless.

Tortoise

Silver

Please let me know which one you like better! It'll help me make my decision.

Photos courtesy of: Amazon

Man Candy Monday: Garrett Hedlund

2012-01-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today's Man Candy Monday is actually one recommended via Twitter! When Garrett Hedlund was suggested I had no clue who he was so I Googled him...then oogled over his photos. Um, he's DEF Man Candy Monday worthy. Since I know nothing about him, this post will be a learning experience for me, and maybe some of you.

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: fanpop.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: hotmommagossip.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Name
Garrett John Hedlund

Born
September 3, 1984

From
Roseau, Minnesota

Interesting Facts
-Grew up on a farm as a young child.
-Moved to LA right after graduation and within a month was cast in Troy alongside Brad Pitt.
-Was a huge fan of Tim McGraw then played his son in the movie Friday Night Lights.

Notable Roles
TRON
Country Strong
Georgia Rule
Four Brothers
Friday Night Lights
Troy

I hope this post made your Monday a little happier! Want to pay it forward? We could all use some happiness as a result of looking at ridiculously handsome men! Grab my button, blog about your hottie of the week, and link up!

Outfit Inspiration

2012-01-19T20:58:00.000-08:00

Today's theme, courtesy of Friday's Fancies is outfit inspiration. Here are some amazingly stylish images I found on Pinterest!

Photos courtesy of: Pinterest

Who isn't obsessed with Pinterest? I think we can all admit that we've spent countless hours pinning recipes, home decor, and fashion finds. I have made crafts and meals thanks to some of my pins, but I have yet to replicate an outfit I've found. Have you recreate any Pinterest looks?

Watch It

2012-01-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

I love the trend of a bulky wrist. Putting on a watch and piling up bracelets around it. It's busy, but it works. A bunch of my Instragram friends have been rockin' this trend and documenting it via the photo sharing site and it makes me want to give it a go. For some reason once I stack up the arm candy on my wrist I feel awkward. Like it's too much. Maybe I just need to get used to it. Here is some inspiration to help me get my fashion courage...

Source: mackenziehoran.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: chiccoles.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: sweet-southern-charm.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Are you into this trend?

Kentucky Never Looked So Good

2012-01-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

Justified is back! That means I get to watch Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens (played by Timothy Olyphant, one of my favs!) kick some major bad guy ass! I'm not going to lie, I started watching because Mr. Olyphant made cowboy hats look good. However, from the first episode I was drawn into the story line and action. Last season ended with some surprises and from the explosive start to season 3 last night, I can tell that viewers are in for another entertaining season.

Who else watches? What did you think of last night's episode? There were some seriously tense moments.

For those who want to start watching, you can find Justified on FX Tuesday nights at 10. Even if you haven't watched other seasons, you can totally join in. And if you have any questions about what happened seasons 1 or two, feel free to ask me!

That brings me to Christianna's weekly link-up, What the Hell Wednesday, over at The Girl With the Blue Bow. My topic this week (fittingly) is TV. I watch too much of it. On Monday nights I have 7 shows and on Thursdays I have 8. Seriouly. WTH? That's not even counting the other days of the week. I have my parents DVR shows so I can watch them when I go to their house. That's just sad isn't it?...

Photos courtesy of: FX

Emma to the Third Degree

2012-01-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

Emma Roberts, Stone, and Watson all have three things in common: they are young Hollywood, up-and-coming actresses, and all seem to have promising futures ahead of them. They're talented, beautiful, and, as of now, not part of the party scene. Hopefully the days of talented young adults wasting their lives away with drugs and alcohol is going out of style because these ladies are on the fast track to serious starlet status.

Emma Roberts
Born February 10, 1991
Daughter of Eric Roberts and niece of Julia Roberts
First big role was in the movie Nancy Drew

Source: thevoguediaries.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: marquee.blogs.cnn.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Leeann on Pinterest

Emma Stone
Born November 6, 1988
Her natural hair color is blonde
First big role was in Superbad

Source: ohhpaprika.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Leeann on Pinterest

Emma Watson
Born April 15, 1990
Appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue at 15 (youngest ever for Teen Vogue)
First big role was in Harry Potter

Source: wallpaperhd.org via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: watsonspam.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: atr0n.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

I'm really glad that young women are working hard and staying focused. It's so refreshing these ladies also serve as great role models.

Man Candy Monday: Chris Pine

2012-01-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

This week's pick is Chris Pine. Like many other of my choices, I think you really have to see him in action to experience the hotness. If you are unfamiliar with him, rent one of his movies before you say yay or nay.

Leeann on Pinterest

Source: sodahead.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: sexy-male-celebs.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Name
Christopher Whitelaw Pine

Born
August 26, 1980

From
Los Angeles, California

Relationship Status
Notknown

Interesting Facts
-Has a English degree from UC Berkley.
-Was called the "new Harrison Ford" by US Weekly.
-Lost the role of Sulley in Avatar to Sam Worthington.
-Looks short (to me) but it 6' 1".

Notable Roles
Unstoppable
Star Trek
Carriers
Smokin' Aces
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

What are your thoughts on Chris Pine? Think you can do better? Grab my button, write a post about your Man Candy Monday selection, and link up!

Color Crush

2012-01-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday the 13th! In the spirit of spooky I'll let you in on a secret I have - mixing and matching bold colors is a bit scary to me. I get a little nervous when my clothing is too bold. The bravest I've ever been is my red skinnies.

I know that color blocking is going out of style, but here's a milder version. Beautiful, yet simple, dresses with accessories that don't match.

Are you brave enough to go bold? What's your favorite way to wear color? I usually paint my nails brightly and it's an added pop of color that I can feel confident in. Or wear a bright pair of heels to add personality to a dull outfit.

Source: Uploaded by user via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: lateafternoonblog.com via Leeann on Pinterest

If you're blogging about fashion today, link up for Friday's Fancies and/or Fashion Friday!

Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy some football :)

On the random...

2012-01-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

Source: hotairballoonoverthewindycity.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

I scored tickets to see Coldplay at the Hollywood Bowl on May 1! Not sure how I snagged them since pre-sale was sold out before they technically went on sale and regular on-sale tickets were gone as well, but somehow two became available and I got 'em! I've never seen Coldplay live but been a fan for over 10 years. And any show at the Bowl is amazing due to the setting.

Can't wait for spring! New Orleans trip April 25-30, then the day after I return, Coldplay!

Source: tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

In other news...

I'm excited that I've purchased my ticket to go to Social Blogger Meet-Up next month! Last time around I wanted to go but since it was in the San Diego area and I'm about two hours north in LA, I couldn't make it. This time when I saw the event on the blog of one of the hostesses, Tammy of Lemons, Avocados, and the Bay, I was in. It's being held in beautiful La Jolla (a SD suburb) and should be a great time!

Check out how the event page describes the meet-up:

What can we expect to happen at the meet-up?

The meet-up will be a fun few hours of mingling, good food, drinks, and games. You will meet an amazing group of young women and hopefully make some great friends! We'll even send you home with a gift bag filled with goodies from our sponsors. And if you're lucky, you may win one of our many raffle prizes!

Sounds like a blast! If anyone else in SoCal would like to go, be sure to head over to the event page and register. The fee increases after January 15 and I heard last time around they had to stop allowing bloggers to sign up because there was such a big response.

Let me know if you're going!

The Big Easy!

2012-01-11T04:50:00.000-08:00

Source: neworleansonline.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Over the weekend I booked a springtime trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. I am really excited! Spending 6 days and 5 nights in the Big Easy with one of my best friends is sure to be a blast. AND we're going during Jazzfest where greats like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Eagles, and John Mayer will be playing.

I can't wait to try creole food, enjoy jazz music, and take all of the haunted tours that the city boasts. Here are a few Pinterest images that have me psyched:

Source: designsponge.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: openbooksociety.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: myrecipes.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: iwanttobehere.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

And since we're on the subject of New Orleans, I have to throw this in! Drew Brees is the man! Living in SoCal and seeing him leave the Chargers was a sad day. But since he had to go, I had to go with him. I root for the Saints. And I'll be cheering as he returns to Cali this weekend to stomp the 49ers! Too bad I won't be in NOLA during football season.

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: nola.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Here's where my What the Hell Wednesday comes into play: travel fees. For the airfare + hotel (5 nights at a place in the French Quarter) it cost $970! That's insane to me. The hotel is the most shocking. Even after splitting the room I'm still paying nearly $500. Let's hope I have a blast on my trip and it's well worth the sky-high price.

Anyone been to the Big Easy that would like to offer some tips on what to do and see? It'd be greatly appreciated :)

Link up and play along with The Girl With the Blue Bow and The Vintage Apple!
P.S. Check out the giveaway Michele's got goin' on over at The Vintage Apple!!

Current Obsession: Topshop

2012-01-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I haven't yet purchased anything from Topshop. I guess it's because I am not big on buying clothes that I can't easily return if they don't fit. But if I were more of an online shopper, these items would be at the top of my list.

They are all classic pieces that won't go out of style. Well, maybe the peep toes will. But they're so cute they'd be worth the purchase!

Topshop Obsessions by leeannm

1. Black Tie Dye Cover Up - $64
2. Knitted Textured Stitch Cardi - $76
3. Multi Skinny Glitter Belt - $24
4. Zip Tapered Trousers - $84
5. Loco V Throat Sandal - $130
6. Pleat Sleeve Blouse - $72

Have you ever shopped at Topshop? If so, how was your experience?

Man Candy Monday: Ryan Gosling

2012-01-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

OK, I get it. It finally clicked for me and I, too, am now a Ryan Gosling lover. Want to know what did it for me? The Funny or Die Drunk History Christmas video that was circulating last month. He just looked so dapper in those old man pjs he was wearing!

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: bing.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: staygoldponygirl.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Name
Ryan Thomas Gosling

Birthday
November 12, 1980

From
London, Ontario, Canada

Relationship Status
Dating Eva Mendez

Interesting Facts
-Roomed with Justin Timberlake and his mother during his Mickey Mouse Club days.

-Was born in the same hospital in London, Ontario as former girlfriend, Rachel McAdams.

-Was taken out of elementary school and home schooled due to abuse from other students.

-Opened a Moroccan restaurant called Tagine with his friends in Beverly Hills, California.

Notable Roles
The Gangster Squad (2012)

The Ides of March

Crazy Stupid Love

Drive

Blue Valentine

Lars and the Real Girl

Fracture

Half Nelson

The Notebook

Murder By Numbers

I'm pretty sure everyone is satisfied with my pick this time around. Right? Now who do you chose for your Man Candy of the week? Link up and play along!

Flat-Footed

2012-01-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Flats by leeannm

I'm all about flats right now. I own a few pairs but not nearly as many as I'd like to have. Every time I go shopping I eye cute little ballerina styles but I haven't bought any lately. If I did, these would be among my top picks:

Banana Republic ballet flat shoes
$90 - bananarepublic.gap.com

Nude shoes
£80 - seasonsclothing.co.uk

Miss KG ballet shoes
$55 - asos.com

Mango flat heels
€55 - placedestendances.com

Giuseppe Zanotti ballet shoes
$595 - giuseppezanottidesign.com

Juicy Couture ballet shoes
$225 - jildorshoes.com

Steve madden shoes
$100 - endless.com

FOSSIL flat shoes
$78 - piperlime.gap.com

Zara shoes
$50 - zara.com

I already have a similar pair to the leopard babies above so I think my next fav are the sequins. Which pair are your favorite? Are you more into the classy, simple styles, or do you like funky and flair?

Linking up with Blonde Episodes for Fashion Friday
and Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies!

Luna Park

2012-01-05T03:31:00.000-08:00

On Monday I treated a friend to a meal at Luna Park, a Los Angeles restaurant in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood. I snagged a Groupon as soon as I saw it because I've been wanting to try this place for a few years now. Although known for their bottomless sangria and mimosas, we went in for dinner...but I plan on heading back for the all-you-can-drink specials soon.

The atmosphere was pretty cool. Dark and cozy. I liked that despite the fact it was dinnertime, it wasn't packed and there were a good number of patrons. Then again, Monday was a default holiday so that may be why.

I also liked the adorable old fashioned Dr Pepper bottle they gave me. I wanted to keep it to put a flower in at home but I completely forgot.

And the food? I ordered the El Camarone which is listed as "Rock Shrimp, Mozzarella, Chili Flakes, Baby Arugula and Aioli" and I was intrigued. The flavors were different and very interesting. I think the combo of the chili flakes and aioli made for a tasty treat.

When it came time for dessert the menu had me at "Make Your Own S'mores"! Sold. Although I was psyched to order, the actual eating part was a bit messy. Because the marshmallows were cooked to an almost liquid state they started to firm up again and it's a bit messy getting the gooey goodness out of the bowl. The chocolate was completely melted so it was hard to keep it on the graham cracker. It was pretty good but I wouldn't order it again.

My one complaint for the night was that valet didn't have the proper change and took extra to accommodate for that. I should have caught it before I tipped though, so that's also my fault.

All in all, it was a pretty good experience and I'll certainly go back to Luna Park again. Maybe for breakfast so I can enjoy the bottomless mimosas.

Somwhere Over the Rainbow...

2012-01-04T04:48:00.000-08:00

The Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie. I'm sure many of you can say the same. The magic of being able to wish upon a star and the realization that there's no place like home. I have seen it countless times and it still is special to this day.

Source: Uploaded by user via Leeann on Pinterest

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Source: imagekind.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Leeann on Pinterest

Maybe it's the hope that a new year promises, but I am all about having an amazing 2012. Less worrying, more fun. Stressing how important relationships in life are, but not sweating the small stuff.

What the hell, right? We only have one life. I'm tired of wasting it on the petty things. Here's hoping that in 2012 when you wish upon a star you'll wake up where the clouds are far behind you!

Today I'm linking up for What the Hell Wednesday hosted by Christianna of The Girl With the Blue Bow and Michelle of The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday. Join the fun!

Ushering in 2012

2012-01-03T04:20:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! I hope you all had wonderful holidays, vacations, and New Years celebrations! Today I'm officially back to work after a week and a half off. I'm sure a bunch of you are in the same boat - hope you make it through the day.

NYE celebrations were pretty awesome for me. Every year I'm usually disappointed because my plans wind up being lame, but this year was different. We headed to Laguna Beach for dinner and cocktails before heading to a rooftop bar to ring in the new year. Unfortunately it was really foggy all day and although we were right on the sand, we couldn't even see the ocean. Nevertheless we had a great time ushering in 2012. Here are a few photos from the night:

I bought a Forever 21 sequin top that I almost wore but decided on the dress above instead. F21 has some awesome items right now. Everything in the photo below was picked up on my latest visit. I may just go back and buy more blazers in different colors.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Starting the new year off with a bang, let's announce the winner of my blogiversary giveaway. Congrats Jennifer of Starving, Insatiable...!! You were randomly selected and have a bunch of goodies headed your way. I hope you enjoy :)

Thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you who visit my blog ♥

Reminder: Pretty Little Liars returns tonight at 8/7c on ABC Family. Who is excited? I sure am! The second half of the second season promises to be a good one. Lucy Hale, the actress who plays Aria, tweeted last month that A will be revealed during the season finale!! And yes, the show will go on.

Stay tuned for Man Candy Monday next week! I'm on the hunt for someone extra hot. Gotta start 2012 off with a bang, right?

4 Year Blogiversay Giveaway!

2011-12-26T05:06:00.000-08:00

This Thursday marks four years of Join the Gossip. Above all, the most exciting thing about this blog is YOU. Yes, you. Each and every one of you who take a second to read my posts and/or leave comments. I am so lucky to have met so many amazing people as a result of blogging. I could have never imagined that when I created Join the Gossip and hit "publish post" for the first time on Saturday, December 29, 2007 that I'd still be going four years later. So thank you for inspiring me on a daily basis. I am extremely grateful to you.

To show my thanks, I am hosting a HUGE giveaway. One lucky winner will walk away with all of these incredible prizes:

A pre-made blog template of your choice, courtesy of Silly Grrl.

A 16oz Christmas Cookie candle and a Cake Batter Ice Cream body whip provided by I nfinity Line.

A trio of iPhone 4 cases donated by Reni of in HER shoes.

A Full Set thanks to French Tip Dip.

The Alternatives CD, T-shirt, and tote bag sponsored by Christianna of The Girl With the Blue Bow.

Deluxe Samples (a pack of six travel size body washes and shampoos) from Bath Bar.

Sound pretty awesome? Want to win? Follow my blog and let me know you did so to be entered (mandatory). For extra entries:

-Like Join the Gossip on Facebook (+2)

-Follow @jointhegossip on twitter (+2)

-Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @jointhegossip (+1)

-Follow Silly Grrl's blog (+1)
-Follow @sillygrrl on twitter (+1)
-Follow @infinityline on twitter (+1)
-Follow in Her shoes' blog (+1)
-Follow @inHER_shoes on twitter (+1)
-Follow @FrenchTipDip on twitter (+1)
-Follow The Girl With the Blue Bow's blog (+1)
-Follow @BlueBowGrl on twitter (+1)
-Follow @TheAlternates on twitter (+1)
-Follow @BathBar on twitter (+1)

That's a total of 15 possible entries! By no means do you have to do anything other than be a follower of Join the Gossip, but if you want to up your chances, there's plenty of opportunities!

One winner will be selected and announced on Tuesday, January 2. Good luck :)

White Hot

2011-12-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

Three more days until Christmas! Are you all ready? I sure am. I'm ready for a beautiful Christmas mass, to be with family, pig out on food, officially get the Apple TV my parents bought for me, and enjoy a full week of work off.

To celebrate the season, this week's theme is white hot. We don't get white Christmases in Southern California which sucks, but then again earlier this week it was warm enough to drive with my sunroof down so I guess the trade off isn't too bad.

White hot by leeannm

I may only have pops of white in my outfit but I def think it's white hot. This is the perfect outfit for me - totally something I'd wear. I'm all about black and white. And how cute are those pumps?

If you're blogging about fashion link up for Friday's Fancies and Fashion Fridays!

And since I won't be back until next week, I wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas! I hope it's magical and filled with all of your loved ones :)

Stay tuned for a big announcement on Monday. Here's a hint: it involves my four year blogiversary and lots of awesome items!

San Francisco: Round 2

2011-12-22T04:47:00.000-08:00

Today I'm guest posting over at Chrsitina's Pop Life. It's all about Christmas in San Francisco so please stop by and check it out. And be sure to read her other posts while there - she's great!

******************************

Continuing with my San Francisco recap, let's pick up with Alcatraz. My dad and I headed to "the rock" early Friday morning and the weather was perfect. Sunny and clear skies. Plus, nothing says father-daughter bonding like a maximum security prison haha.

Definitely a must-see when you visit SF. This was my second trip and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. It's incredible that the families of the guards lived on the island and had a peaceful existence as if the prison wasn't even there. And the views from Alcatraz are incredible. We heard stories about how the city of San Francisco was so close yet so far away for the prisioners that it was a form of punishment in itself. On New Years Eve they could actually hear the city celebrating at the stroke of midnight - that's how close the island is to the mainland.

After our tour we picked up my mom and headed to North Beach (the Italian neighborhood) for some pizza at Tony's Pizza Napoletana. We ordered a traditional NY pepperoni pizza and a side order of deep fried garlic string beans which we all loved.

Before heading to Lombard Street for a ride down the crooked road, we stopped in at an amazing hat store called Goorin Bros. Hat Shop. It seriously felt like stepping back in time in to the 1920s. They have been around since 1985 so they know what they're doing. I walked out with a Liam flatcap (or newsboy cap) and am loving it. It's the one I'm wearing in the pic below.

After driving around for awhile we ventured into Chinatown for some authentic food. It was quite the experience. There are so many shops and most of the restaurants are hidden but we managed to find Sam Wo's, a tiny place where you walk directly into the kitchen before heading up the stairs to a small dining area. I'm not a huge fan of Chinese food but for the cheap prices and amount of food served it was worth the experience.

The next morning we went back to Chinatown to pick up some fresh fortune cookies at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. It is located in small side street called Ross Alley (no joke, it was like a Jackie Chan movie!) and there was no parking so I stayed in the car while my parents went inside the shop. They said it was a cool experience to see the cookies being made. And you can choose from traditional or adult cookies with naughty fortunes! Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the inside but my dad did snap an alley photo.

All in all, I'd say our trip to San Francisco was pretty awesome! If you've been, what your favorite thing about the city?

San Francisco: Round 1

2011-12-21T04:22:00.000-08:00

Somehow I have a bunch of San Francisco to blog about, despite the fact I was only in the city for two days. I guess that's what happens when you're in a magical city around the holidays!

I traveled up north with my parents who have somehow never been to SF and the first night that we arrived we headed to Top of the Mark per the suggestion of Mayra from life is BANANAS. Thanks, girl. Perfect place to take in the city and get amazing views! Located on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel, you can see all of SF. It's quite the sight. We got there just in time for sunset so it was perfect. Although there are no meals offered there are some pretty tasty appetizers, along with a martini list boasting over 100 concoctions. I ordered the heirloom tomatoes (buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil) and loved it. I highly recommend you pay Top of the Mark a visit should you ever find yourself in San Francisco.

The next morning we were up bright and early to hop on our City By the Bay Tours bus. Another activity I suggest you partake in. We were lucky to have the tour to ourselves, expect for one other passenger. Not only did we get an intimate tour that covered almost the entire city, we were also pleased with the drivers' knowledge and personality. He made the experience really enjoyable! Here are a few photos that we snapped over the course of our nearly four hour tour:

Come back tomorrow for my Round 2 recap!

Blogger Meetups

2011-12-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

Today I am guest posting over at Blonde Episodes. Please stop by and check out my Christmas in LA post!

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The last few days I have been lucky enough to do two blogger meetups. One was with Claire of Bicoastally last week while I was vacationing in San Francisco and the other was this weekend in Los Angeles hosted by Joelle of Something Charming.

Joelle arranged for several L.A. bloggers to meet at Taste on Melrose (one of my fav places to dine!) for brunch. It was wonderful! Good food, great conversation, and meeting ladies who love blogging. Also in attendance were Julie of Smitten Mintons, Amanda of Beginning of Everything, and a non-blogger, Tiffany. Here are a few group photos courtesy of Amanda:

Me, Tiffany, Joelle, Amanda, Julie

Tiffany and me

Amanda, Tiffany, me, Joelle, and Julie

And take a look at what I ordered. Bottomless mimosas for $14 and the porcini mushroom omelette yum!

As for my meetup with Claire, it was more of a reunion. I met Claire in person earlier this year and we really hit it off and bonded right away. She's amazing and I highly recommend you check out Bicoastally if you aren't familiar with her blog.

Since I was in her neck of the woods we went to a restaurant that she recommended, farmerbrown. It was the perfect Southern meal. I ordered the ribs and a side of cheese grits and really enjoyed it. But even more than the food, I enjoyed my company! It was like Claire and I were old friends that had never been apart.

Claire and me

Looking forward to many more meetups with these wonderful ladies in the future!

The rest of the week will focus on my San Fran trip. So I hope you're ready for photo overloads ;)

Man Candy Monday: Liam Hemsworth

2011-12-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

Today is the last Man Candy Monday of the year. I'll be taking a break from this feature until the new year. So expect another hunk on Monday, January 2!

Not going to lie, today's Man Candy Monday selection makes me feel a bit like a perv because he's a youngster. BUT cougars are in...can you be a cougar at 28? Anyways, my pick is Liam Hemsworth. With all of the Hunger Games hype I'm not sure how anyone can deny that Liam is hot right now.

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Name

Liam Hemsworth

Born

January 13, 1990

From

Born in Melbourne, Australia and grew up on Phillip Island south of Melbourne

Dating Status

Back on again with Miley Cyrus.

Interesting Facts

-Is the youngest of the Hemsworth brothers, which also include Luke and Chris, all actors.

-Was beat out for the role of Thor by his brother, Chris.

-Is 6'3"

Notable Roles

The Hunger Games

The Last Song

Triangle

Neighbours (Australian soap)

Young but cute, right? Your turn! Pick your Man Candy, blog about him, and link up!

Sassy Sparkles {Krystal's Kitsch}

2011-12-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that I was able to guest post today for Join the Gossip! If you don't know me - I blog over at a little place called Krystal's Kitsch. I talk shopping, life, marriage, puppies and sales. I'm all over the map!

Leeann talks fashion a lot, so I wanted to make a post showing some of my New Year's Eve inspiration looks. I'm really into blush pink and sparkles right now. I'm longing for something that is girly and glittery to ring in the New Year.

Both of these dresses are in the current line at Forever 21 -- so they are accessible. I just need to bite the bullet and purchase them.

Source: forever21.com via Krystal on Pinterest

I'm leaning more toward the second dress as it looks more flattering with my body type - but we shall see. I'm hoping that if I order something online from F21 that it would make it by December 31st since holiday shipping can be delayed.

And, if one of those dresses is an option... I would need some sparkles on my nails and feet.

Source: thebrokeassbride.com via Davonne on Pinterest

Source: allyshocute.tumblr.com via Jaime on Pinterest

I wouldn't wear flats on New Year's, but aren't these darling?

Source: hfm.co.jp via Krystal on Pinterest

Though -- I already have the perfect shoes to wear for New Year's -- my wedding shoes:

They're Nine West that I purchased forever ago. They're sparkly, a mix of gold details with silver, and already worn in. I think these would be a great match!

Have you picked out your New Year's outfit yet?