Today's Obsessions

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:12 AM PDT

I'm one of those people that listens to a little bit of everything. I don't mean that in the "whatever is on the radio" kind of way – I listen to music from other places in languages that I don't speak. You'd be surprised by the amount of great music being made across the world. Here are 10 foreign pop songs that get a lot of play in my iPod…

1. Shakira – Lo Hecho Esta Hecho

I've always preferred Shakira's music in Spanish. I think there is a growl in her voice that just doesn't translate as well into English. Imagine how excited I was to find that her song about was also in Spanish! Yay! Another perk of this song is the video. She paired up with dancer, Daniel "Cloud" Campos for a steamy video. It’s okay, you can hit the repeat button over and over. I won't tell!

2. G-Dragon – Heartbreaker

If Lady GaGa was a hetero Korean guy with years of training in rapping, dancing and singing, she'd be Ji Yong Kwon – the stylish leader of the guy group Big Bang. He ditched his real name too, going by the stage name G-Dragon. GD, as he's called by fans, is known for his talent as well as his exciting wardrobe. He acts, sings, dances, raps, produces for other groups on his label, writes songs and composes music. And he's only 21.

3. Big Bang – Gara Gara Go

In case you hadn't guessed it by now, Big Bang is my favorite Korean group. This band boasts 2 rappers, 4 singers and 5 hotties and songs in Koran, English and Japanese. With their hip hop influenced beats it's hard not to dance anytime you hear them. Gara Gara Go is a Japanese single from their latest album.

10 Accessories to Boost Any Outfit…

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 04:28 AM PDT

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and they are the perfect way to add new elements and update an old ensemble! I'm always investing in new accessories to update my old favourites, and I've been searching for the hottest Spring accessories… here are my top ten accessories to boost any outfit!

1. Reiss Zeiter Womens Wide Brim Straw Hat

Price: $65 at asos.com
Nothing says classic like a straw hat, and this gorgeous wide brimmed version just screams chic style! Team it with natural-looking hair and a cute mini for maximum impact… it's great for keeping the Sun out of your eyes, too!

2. Oasis Nautical Stripe Scarf

Price: $27 at asos.com
This gorgeous scarf is one of my favourite accessories ever… it feels amazing against my skin, and is the perfect way to add a nautical touch to any outfit! I've been wearing it with everything, and if I don't need a scarf, I've even worn it as a belt and a hair band! I love it!

3. ASOS Body Con Waist Belt

Price: $25 at asos.com
A belt can transform an outfit, and this one is perfect for changing how a dress looks! Whether its to add extra detailing to an already tight dress or to add shape to a flowing dress, its comfortable and adds great shape… I love the lace, straps and poppers!

10 Cute Floral Dresses For Spring…

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 04:14 AM PDT

Everyone loves a floral print, but it can be so hard to wear! I mean, those pink flowery leggings might look divine on the catwalk, but will they suit me? And while it's easy to pick up a gorgeous floral bag, I always manage to leave something important in my old bag. I've decided to take the bull by the horns and invest in some gorgeous floral dresses to keep me on trend and cool through the spring and here are my top then cute floral dresses…

1. MinkPink Floral Bandeau Dress

Price: $94 at asos.com
This bandeau dress is a perfect casual day dress, whether you are shopping or meeting friends. The pastel colours keep it very trendy and easy to co-ordinate with girly accessories! The big print and sweetheart neckline are divine, too, and teamed with a cute pastel clutch and matching shoes you'll be ready for daytime chic!

2. Warehouse Moody Floral Silk Tunic

Price: $68 at asos.com
I love this tunic! Whether it’s for day or a night out, the print looks gorgeous, and the monochrome colour keeps it looking formal. It's the gathered waistband and floaty sleeves which make the look, though, and teamed with black trousers and fabulous heels you'll be dressed to kill!

3. Mango Floral Jersey Dress

Price: $85 at asos.com
This casual dress is smart enough for work but cute enough for brunch and is so flattering! The print is carefully positioned to give the illusion of a smaller waist, and the belt is perfectly placed to highlight your hourglass shape. The square neckline is so trendy, and all this dress needs are some fabulous flats or heels to finish it off. It's gorgeous and effortlessly stylish!

7 Exercises to Tone Your Legs …

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 03:08 AM PDT

Do you want your legs to be toned and sexy for the summer? If so, you are in luck! I have 8 top exercises to tone your legs and I am going to tell you all about them. It's time to bring out the pretty dresses and bathing suits, because after you read this blog, you will be well on your way to perfect legs!

7. For toned calf muscles

Photo Credit: AndreJenny.com
In order to lose leg fat and tone your calf muscles, all you have to do is lift your heels up off of the ground, stand on your toes and hold it there for a couple of seconds and then bring it back down to the original position. You should repeat this exercise a couple of times a day. This is going to bring more flexibility to your legs as well as shape the calf muscles. Once you get used to this, try the same exercise with weights in your hands. It’ll make it more challenging and the results will be well worth it!

6. For your hamstring muscles

Photo Credit: thestrongwoman.bootcamp
If you are trying to tone your hamstrings, stand facing a object that is waist high with your feet together. Grab the object for support and bend your left knee as you are trying to touch your buttocks with your left foot. Hold this position for a couple of seconds and then go back to the original position. Beautiful legs are not far away!

7 Types of Bad Friends and How to Dump Them …

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 02:33 AM PDT

You don't have to be in junior high or high school to be burned, back-stabbed, or annoyed by a bad friend. It's sad, but true — bad friends can drain your time, energy, and even your bank account. Who are these bad friends, and how do you spot them? Or, more importantly, how do you get rid of them? Here's my list of the seven bad friends, and how to dump them…

1. The Frenemy

Photo Credit: k-ko
She acts like your friend, but is she really? When she pays you a compliment, there's always a sting along with it, like "You look great, for someone your size" or "You're the only one I know who could pull off those ugly shoes with that dress!" If your friend makes you feel bad most of the time, and you know she's nearly as nice behind your back as she is to your face (which isn't very nice to start with), then she is probably the dreaded back-stabbing, mean-spirited Frenemy. How do you get rid of her? Stop calling her. Stop taking her calls. Delete her from Facebook, and ignore her pointed questions about why she's no longer invited to your parties or girls nights out. She already knows why.

2. The Mooch

Photo Credit: aqui-ali
There are times when all of us are a little out of pocket, or when we forget our wallet or debit card. That's when the good friend we're out to lunch with, or are shopping with, will come to the rescue. Those of us who aren't bad friends won't take advantage, and will always pay back our debt as soon as possible, without having to be asked, and without excuses. If you have a friend that's constantly asking for a small loan, conveniently forgets it's her turn to buy the next round of drinks, or shows up to pot-luck parties without a dish to share, then she's probably a Mooch. This bad friend can drain your pocketbook and your patience. The best way to handle a Mooch is to stop giving her cash, stop paying for her lunch, and stop inviting her to pot-lucks! If she still doesn't take the hint, then you may have to cut her out of your life entirely.

10 Spring Green Accessories …

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 02:27 AM PDT

Spring means buds on trees and fresh green grass… so why not celebrate spring with a new green accessory, maybe a belt or a bag? There are so many pretty ones out there… here are my picks and suggestions for spring green accessories!

1. Deux Lux Mini Pebbled Satchel

Price: $48.00 at urbanoutfitters.com
I love satchel bags, and this one especially! It's made of nubby, pebbled faux leather with distressed hardware and comfy padded handles. It's roomy, but not too big, and there are lots of little inside pockets to help keep you organized… and it's green! I love it!

2. Mushroom Bunny Necklace

Price: $12.00 at shanalogic.com
Artist Claire Benton has her own take on spring greenery, with a sweet little bunny relaxing under a green mushroom. The mushroom is covered in pretty white hearts, and the expression on the bunny's face is precious! Wear this necklace with any outfit to add a bit of spring green color!

3. Prepared for Precipitation Umbrella

Price: $29.99 at modcloth.com
Boy Scouts aren't the only ones who are always prepared — you are too! It is spring after all, so no-one should be surprised at a few sprinkles, right? Carry this smart umbrella with you this season to avoid being rained on… it's large enough to share with a handsome fellow… I love the pretty white leaves and vines… perfect!

7 Hottest Wedding Trends …

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 12:48 AM PDT

It’s your big day, one of the most important days of your life! You want your wedding to be romantic, memorable, and fun! But you always want to be on trend, because you are, after all, a fashion bug! Not sure where to start? Here’s my list of the seven hottest wedding trends, culled from the pages of current bridal magazines, wedding blogs and guest visits to lots of recent weddings!

1. Romantic, natural hair

Photo Credit: JoyceMedeiros
Gone are the days of the tight, shellac’d bun or un-natural looking updo with just one or two spiral curls left down. Soft curls, gentle waves, and wispy, loose updo’s are in, and they’re so pretty! Also hot are pretty hair accessories, like tiny tiaras, sweet headbands, and a creamy fresh-picked flower tucked behind your ear.

2. Vintage wedding gowns

Photo Credit: saucy dragonfly
Vintage dresses are a big wedding gown trend right now and I can see why. Why spend thousands of dollars on a dress you’ll only wear once, for a few hours? Why not borrow your mother’s or grandmother’s gown and have it updated, or search for a vintage gown that flatters your own style? Skip the poufy sleeves, huge butt-enhancing bows, and over-beaded bodices from the 1980’s, and look for romantic details, delicate lace and flowy fabrics of the much earlier decades instead!

3. Candid photography

Photo Credit: {nikole b}
Of course you’ll want to capture photos of you and your groom and family at the church, posed and professional. But the hot trend in wedding photography is more photo-journalistic, more candid and so much more sincere and romantic! Find a photographer in your budget that will follow you around all day, capturing the moments you'll want to remember forever.

6 Reasons to Be the Girlfriend His Buddies Want to Have Around

Posted: 24 Apr 2010 09:00 PM PDT

By Veronica Cannon
At the risk of bragging, I have actually been INVITED to come along on more than one "Boys Night Out" with my boyfriend and his buddies – and he wasn't always the one inviting me. I am considered as one of the best people to ask for advice by my boyfriend's brothers. I was even allowed to come along on a recent all-guys trip (although I would never actually suggest that). To say the least, when my man and I had a temporary parting of ways, his boys were happy when we got past the nonsense.

I share this with you because I really believe it is a good position to be in. Now, I can tell you through these all-boy sessions I have been witness to some crude behavior I sometimes wished I hadn't. But I have also been a part of many conversations I can guarantee they don't share with their girlfriends, sisters, and sure not their mamas. You see, when your significant other's buddies not only like you, but actually want you around, it works out better for everyone involved. Let me tell you why:

When the time comes when one of them thinks he's found girlfriend quality, he'll ask for your opinion. This can only be a good thing, because you don't want to be stuck hanging out with a bubble-headed nail tech named Candy.
When your man is "venting" about the latest fight you're having, they hopefully won't be so quick to throw you under the bus or even worse… suggest he needs to be a bachelor.
When they're trying to decide where to go to watch the game, you may want your house to get the overall vote. You may be asking, "Why would I want a bunch of guys yelling and spilling beer on my sofa?" I can understand that. They always have Hooters. Plus, I hear some strip clubs are adding televisions so they can watch the game AND the erotic entertainment.
When a guy's friend genuinely likes his girlfriend, he typically has more respect for her. So when your guy drinks one too many beers while playing pool, that slutty waitress won't stand a chance.
Your man will look like a stud. Men like knowing their girl is a hot commodity. The fact his friends like you and say you're smokin’ makes him look good; which makes him feel good having you around. This is what you want.
Once I had a boyfriend's best friend let me in on the fact my boyfriend was cheating on me with his ex. Need I say more?

So support and encourage the time he spends with his friends. Don't complain that they're gross and obnoxious (even though they are), don't roll your eyes and make disgusted faces when they comment about a girl's ass. Just accept that boys will be boys, be yourself, and you might gain some great friends in the process.