Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Friday, August 30, 2013

Movie Review: Kick-Ass 2 and Jobs

♥ Kick-Ass 2
Of course I headed to the theater to see Kick-Ass 2 as soon as it came out because of how much I loved the first movie back in 2010. You can read my short review of Kick-Ass and then come back here for the sequel.

Aaron (Kick-Ass) and Chloe (Hit Girl) are at it again in this not-so-comic book superhero movie about good people dressing up in costumes to fight crime. Only in this second installment, they deal with an evil army of villains. Kick-Ass and Hit Girl have to figure out whether the world would be a better place if they leave the masks and costumes behind, or if their masks and costumes are their true selves.

I just want you all to know that I vastly enjoyed this movie. It's not supposed to be as serious as the other comic book movies, but it still provides the gore and action, i.e. don't bring your kids! It also has a way of making you remember why you used to like certain actors like Nick Cage in the first one and Jim Carrey in this one. Plus, how versatile is Aaron Taylor-Johnson? He's the same guy from Anna Karenina and Savages--and he's British too. Don't even get me started on Chloe Grace Moretz (especially since I just read she's going to be in Dark Places). I want to be her when I grow up.
My rating:
♥ Jobs
Let me preface this by reminding you all that I live in California, and by California I mean the Bay Area, and by the Bay Area I mean Silicon Valley. So the movie Jobs is pretty much a big deal here in Apple's backyard, as I'm sure many Apple employees were sitting next to me in the theater as I watched.

What this movie did well was provide me with a Steve Jobs back story that I was unaware of (because I don't read books or Wiki pages about him), and the story of Apple in its early years. I can tell you that Steve was super creative, highly ambitious and crazy cutthroat--to the point of possibly being a psychopath or a sociopath. By that, I mean Steve did some things that would classify him as a terrible person in order to make Apple what it is today. But behavior like that can be seen in many smart people who harness it to create great things, instead of chopping up bodies and throwing them into the ocean Dexter-style.

What this movie did not do well is make me leave it feeling like I could relate to Jobs in any way. It sort of made him unlikable, really. And I didn't like that feeling (and I'm not saying that because I own an iPod and an iPad--as I don't own a Mac or an iPhone). And it also ends in 1997, which was way before his cancer, before all the i-products and with no mention of Pixar. So I felt a bit let down by the abrupt ending.

But to answer the question on all of your minds, Ashton Kutcher did a great job in his portrayal. Yet, I'm not sure that makes it worth watching, except on DVD. Maybe I should wait for the Woz movie.

My rating: 
~~~
Have you seen either of these movies?
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Inspiring Style: DIY Home Decor Accent Piece


It's amazing how a little color can really change your mood. My home decorating consists of adding orange tones and textures to my living room in the form of pillows, candles, curtains and more. Today I'm showing you a quick twig wall art that I spruced up to incorporate the vibrant color into the decor.

Step One: Organize the Twigs
I bought this twig wall art from Target because I really enjoy tree and branch-like design as well as Target. Who doesn't like Target? I set out the 18 pieces and arranged them how I wanted them to look on the wall.

Step Two: Get to Painting
A few years ago I used to paint all the time, but I haven't really been into it lately. But I really enjoyed using these acrylic paints on the wall art. I wasn't sure I wanted each leaf to be colored, so I sort of painted every other leaf.
Step Three: Texture on Texture
Since these are leaves, I wanted to keep the paint lines visible. Usually you would paint smoothly to provide an even look, but the leaves look more realistic with the lines, which adds more texture to the wall art.
Step Four:  Add the Adhesive
The packaging comes with clear pins that go into the back of the twigs. Place the pins into the provided slot on each twig and then attach the adhesive to the back of the pin. This is how it connects to the wall.
Step Five: Align and Decorate
Finally, I placed the twigs on the wall in the same fashion that I had arranged them previously. Each twig easily attaches to the wall without any force. You can see the lines in a lot of the leaves and flowers.
What do you think of my final product in this home decor accent piece?
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Monday, August 26, 2013

Lookbook: Clothes Before Bros

| Ray-Ban foldable wayfarers | Local Celebrity Clothes Before Bros tee c/o The Trend BoutiqueForever 21 boyfriend jeans | Charlotte Russe blazer | Lily Wang Queen of Hearts stretch bracelet c/o ShopLately | Towne & Reese Willow necklace | DSW Not Rated Bethany Oxfords |
I first wore this top a couple weeks ago to the movies. But we were running late so I only had about five minutes to take these, and I didn't like the way they turned out so I said...screw it! That means I re-wore this top (but everything else is different) to a party the next weekend so I could get better shots. How can you not re-wear the same shirt in one week when it says "Clothes Before Bros"--it's pretty boss.

Sidenote: If you order crab cakes at a restaurant and the cakes don't taste like crab, then the waiter should ask you if you want something else. And if a restaurant closes at midnight then they shouldn't take the hookah from you at 11:53. Just sayin'. I think I'll just eat from food trucks forever. 
What do you think of this look?

By the way, do you like the new layout? I know some of you really liked the old look (as did I), but change is a good thing, am I right?

Oh, and did you catch the VMAs last night? I thought the Justin Timberlake performance was also pretty boss. But can we get rid of Miley and Kanye already? They are super cray cray.
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Friday, August 23, 2013

My Summer Music Playlist

I think this is a good send off post for you Muses to start your weekend off right--a good, old fashioned music playlist. Usually I spend most of the time listening to my iPod, and I hardly ever add new music to it. I'm just way too lazy. So lazy that after I took my iPod out of my car, I got too lazy to put it back in so I've been forced to listen to the radio. 

Truthfully, I'm not a fan of the radio because it plays the same music all day long. I once heard Macklemore's Same Love four times in one hour. But if it weren't for the radio (and YouTube), I'd be stuck in '90s music mode because we all know MTV no longer stands for music television. Anyhoo, let's get to the playlist already.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Same Love -- I know I just talked crap about this song, but I honestly love it. Can't get enough as I clearly listen to it four times in one hour.

The Neighborhood: Sweater Weather -- If I owned a radio station I would play this song all damn day. It just makes me want to dance.


Lana Del Rey: Summertime Sadness -- Not jumping on the LDR train, but I will admit that this song grew on me. I like the jazzy parts more than the dancy parts though.

Of Monsters and MenKing and Lionheart -- It's not played on the radio as much as the other songs listed here, but after hearing it live a few months ago, it's pretty much been on repeat in my head (and it's the song in last week's video).

Nicki Minaj: Monster -- This is on here not because of the song Monster because I don't care much for the song. But I am in love with Nicki's verse on that song. Her best verse ever.

LordeRoyals -- This is the new hotness in my book. Her voice is brilliant and it's the one song on my list that you must listen to asap.


Robin ThickeBrand New Jones -- I know everyone is obsessed with Blurred Lines, but since I've been a Robin Thicke fan since forever, I have to tell you about this old school jam of his that still sounds good today. Beware of his old school hair.

En Vogue: Don't Let Go -- So this is definitely not a song you're hearing on the radio unless you're on the early 1990s R&B station, but it's one of my all-time favorite girl group songs. Give it a listen and become a convert.

Daft PunkGet Lucky -- Pharrell is everywhere. I don't know anyone who doesn't love this song (except for maybe me in another month once I get tired of it).

Azealia Banks: 212 -- Older song but it's addictive, even if you don't like Azealia. This song will make you want to learn the oh so dirty words. If you can handle it. But you probably can't.

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Inspiring Style: Orange Is the New Black


Decorating has taken over my life this month...and I love it! The main color scheme in my living area used to be black and brown until I added some blue pillows to go with the blue accent wall. Now I decided to brighten up the space with a secondary color: orange. Just so you know, orange, blue and brown totally go together. So these are some pieces that I'm thinking about adding to my decor with orange as my main inspiration.

What do you think about this color combination? Have you decorated lately?
~~~
P.s. Can you believe what this website said about the name "Cheryl"--it's pretty accurate!

  • The name of Cheryl brings opportunities for success in business and financial accumulation.
  • It fires you with ambition and promotional ideas, ideas that are original, progressive, and large-scale.
  • With this name, success to you is a foregone conclusion, for you cannot conceive any reason for not reaching all your goals, as you have self-sufficiency, supreme confidence, boundless energy, and enthusiasm. 
  • As long as you have a sense of freedom from monotony and drudgery, and can see progress being made, you feel buoyant and optimistic.
  • However, obstacles and frustration can give rise to feelings of impatience, intolerance, and depression.
  • The ever-present desire to progress does not allow you proper relaxation or the proper expression of the softer feminine qualities of sympathy, encouragement, and affection. 
  • Others may see you as rather shrewd and calculating.
  • Your intense, restless nature can bring on tension which affects the solar plexus and digestion, or the female organs.
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Monday, August 19, 2013

Lookbook: Greek Goddess, Meet Jedi Knight


I just can't get enough of these sandals! And I found a maxi (although it's a side slit) that I can actually wear with flats. Apparently, 55 inches is the max length for flat-wearing maxi dresses for my short stature. This dress/sandals combo has the ability to make me feel one of two ways: like an ethereal Greek goddess or a Jedi Knight. I'd be happy with either scenario and the side-braided hair is killing it.

| Dee Elle side slit maxi (Nordstrom) | Qupid Athena gladiator sandals (Urbanog) | InPink and other assorted jewelry and belt |
In case you're wondering, I'm in less of a slump than I was last week and that's due to the fact that I've taken on a new project. I'm in the process of redecorating my place. I'm used to moving pretty much every year, but I'm staying put this time around so I've decided to get rid of a lot of crap, move furniture around and bring in new hotness. Moral of the story: redecorating will bring you inspiration!

What do you think of this look?
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Friday, August 16, 2013

A Week In the Life

You might not know this but I've wanted to do a video for this blog since 2011. I actually got so frustrated trying to make one for a blogger meetup in L.A. that I said screw it and just did photos instead. The second time was when I tried to make an outfit post video last year, but hated the visual quality and bad audio syncing that I turned it into an animated gif instead. But guess what? Third time's the charm! I took the videos on my Samsung Galaxy and used Windows Live Movie Maker to edit and add the audio--it was pretty easy.
This video is a week in my life, which you see mainly consists of window shopping, eating and playing with the dogs. Stay for the last scene at the end of the credits for an added clip from the first time I tried to make a video.

Have a fab, fab weekend!
P.S. ~ Be sure to check out my nephew Chris Denton playing in the Bucs vs. Patriots NFL game today if you're into football. I believe he's #16 on the Bucs!
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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

What I'm Loving in August

Beautiful Interiors are everything to me right now. I feel like I need hardwood, built-in bookshelves, and sleek yet comfy couches to aptly decorate. I love carpet, but hardwoods are my muse. | The ease and comfort of fab flats that dress up outfits with wearing you down -- (l-to-r) Sam Edelman, Valentino, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chinese Laundry, Splendid, Topshop, Cosmopolitan | Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector -- I've only been using it for about two weeks now, but it makes me feel like it's working.| I know that fall is more about muted tones, but I'm dangerously in love with colorful statement necklaces right now. They're the easiest way to turn an all black ensemble into a chic masterpiece. | Making myself get back into bike riding. My bike's been collecting dust for a few months now, and I seriously need more outdoor activity in my life. I can burn calories, get toned, be more energetic, enjoy the outdoors--and it's free and not a team sport. Plus, maybe I can get enough bike-riding bloggers together and we can do a fashionable tweed ride! I know how much bloggers love to take photos with their bikes. |

What are you loving this August?

~~~
The winner of the Divissima Giveaway is Julie Ruamthong!
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Monday, August 12, 2013

Lookbook: The Black and Blues

The title is pretty literal today: I am black and I'm feeling a little blue. Are you feeling a summer slump like I am? I don't know if it's because I was sort of out of the rhythm of blogging with all the crazy travel or what, but I'm seriously considering revising my posting schedule. I know I wouldn't be happy if I were inundated with blog stuff, but at the same time, I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I had no blog outlet.

I don't know. Maybe I need a pick-me-up or something...like a mango smoothie or a caramel macchiato or a Kahlua and cream. Maybe I need to release endorphins. Any of you ladies do any sports or hobbies that excite you? I need a physical hobby (that's not a team sport) so I can do it whenever. Any suggestions?

Side-note: It's like some crazy 1990s Breckin Meyer-athon on TV right now. | Sway Chic kabuki necklace | Forever 21 colorblock shift dress | Urbanog Qupid Athena gladiator sandals | What do you think of this look?
~~~
FYI: My at-home Sally Hansen gel manicure lasted without any chips for 5 days, which is pretty good for me because I'm hard on my hands. If you're good about wearing polish then the manicure will probably last at least 8 days.
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Friday, August 9, 2013

Makeup and Muses: Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Kit Review

One thing you need to know about me is that I don't have a lot of patience. Even though I know patience is a virtue, I'm the type of person who will secretly scream at you when you take too long to get to the point of a story or decide to chit-chat at the counter when there's a massive line behind you.

So when it comes to doing my nails, I generally have no patience for letting them set and dry only to have them peel two days later. This brings me to the reason I dropped $65 on the Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Kit at Target a week ago. I've always liked the idea of getting an at-home gel manicure that dries in seconds and lasts for two weeks. Let's see how it worked!Step One: Clean, Push, Shape
Clean your nails with the provided cleanser pads. Then push back your cuticles with the cuticle stick before shaping and buffing your nails with the included file.Step Two: Gel Base Coat Application
Apply the Gel Base Coat on all five fingers on one hand. Use a cleanser pad to remove an excess polish.Step Three: The LED Lamp
Then plug in the LED lamp and place your four fingers inside. Press the top button. The LED light will automatically go off after 30 seconds. Remove your first four fingers and then place your thumb inside. Press the top button again and keep your thumb in place until the LED light turns off. Only keep your fingers under the light for 30 seconds.Step Four: Apply Nail Color
Apply the Gel Nail Color. As of now, the kit comes in three colors: Red My Lips, Shell We Dance and Wine Not. I bought the Wine Not color. After applying the Wine Not gel color to your fingers, wipe off any excess polish with the cleanser pad and repeat Step Three.Step Five: Gel Top Coat Application
Add the Gel Top Coat over all five fingers. Be sure to remove any excess with the cleanser pads. Each kit includes 10 cleanser pads. Repeat Step Three.Step Six: Cleanse and Done
Finish the process by using a cleanser pad to go over all your nails to remove any excess and to smooth out the finish. Your nails are dry after this step. Repeat the entire process on your other hand and voila!I really didn't have any issues with the Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Kit as far as the kit, itself. It was easy to use; my nails were dry in seconds; and the entire process took only about 30 minutes. My only issue was with myself because I'm not used to nail polish being dry so quickly so it was hard for me to apply the polish on the non-dominant hand since I was always thinking that my polish was going to smudge--yet it never did.
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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Featured Fashionista: Meredith

Featured Fashionista

Meredith from TexasI can guarantee that you've never seen a more colorful and vibrant blogger than Meredith of Create That Outfit. I can't go to her blog and not smile. The girl is a color queen! She's always giving amazing color with a positive and radiant style. Honestly, how can you not like her creations?

What do you think of Meredith's look?

Want to be a part of Featured Fashion? Then leave a comment letting me know that you want me to feature your style on the Muse!
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Monday, August 5, 2013

Lookbook: Villa Living

We were only in Thailand for a few days, but one day was a designated "do-nothing" day, which meant hanging around the villa, lounging by our pool, and actually relaxing. This also meant it was the perfect time to make the hubs snap a few outfit photos because there's no better way to relax than cheesing for the camera.

These steps that led from the outdoor lobby to the hotel restaurant were amazing. I feel like I need to have concrete steps to nowhere with oversize plants in my house because they're just so darn grandiose! | Forever 21 hi-lo dress | fibi & clo turquoise sun sandals | Ray-Ban light havana folding sunglasses | But I've been back for two weeks now and am finally on California time. The other weekend we went to the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival (garlic is really good for your hair, btw) and also got to see Postal Service in concert. Are you a fan? I feel like my entire freshman year of college was defined by that band (their album "Give Up" and the movie Garden State) and "Goodies" by Ciara.

What do you think of this look?
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Friday, August 2, 2013

Giveaway: DiVissima Beach Wear

Are you guys still feeling the summer heat? I sure hope so. I really enjoy the summer season because of all the great outfits I get to wear, including bathing suits and other swimwear. So for one last hurrah before summer becomes fall, let's celebrate with a Beach Wear Giveaway by Divissima. 

Divissima is a swimwear company that creates pieces like sarongs, bandeaus, mini bikinis and more that are all 100% made in Italy. The company works with fabrics like lace, embroidery and tulle to bring you comfortable and original pieces.

One of my favorite collections from Divissima is the Rice collection. The Rice Shirt and Rice Hot Pants immediately caught my eye and I just had to have it. What do you think? I've teamed up with Divissima to offer one lucky Muse a chance to win a free bathing suit or swimwear of your choice. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win!
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents and International Readers and ends 8/9/2013.
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