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Stuffing Tomatoes: Trust Me, It’s Easier Than You Think!!

It’s taken me a while to truly understand how great a tomato can be. For years, I was convinced that there was no grosser dish than the red food with identity issues (Fruit? Vegetable? So confusing…) It took a tasty BLT by my best friend to make me realize that tomatoes shouldn’t just be relegated to condiments, carefully scattered inside a crispy taco. No, the tomato can serve as a much grander culinary vessel through which the average cook can play with flavor combinations.

In this particular recipe, the tomato becomes an edible basket for mushrooms, onions, green peppers and bacon. In reality, a great assortment of other fillers can be played with once this recipe has been conquered. Continue Reading »

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Manicure Monday: Girly Girl

This week’s Manicure Monday features my Senior Dinner Dance polish look.  I wore a long, black mermaid-style dress with silver jewelry.  I’ve worn that dress twice before and kept the look simple with a classic French manicure.  I wanted to keep the look classy and elegant, but I felt like I needed a pop of color.  And what would be better to add a splash of color than Nicki Minaj’s OPI line?

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United States of Tara: Question of Love

Love is some powerful stuff.  It can move a person to actions that person would never engage in otherwise and endure situations that same person would ordinarily look down upon and advise someone else (in the same position) to flee.  But how much shenanigans and hurt can one person really take, forgive, and move on from?  When the one in love is head over heels, hopelessly, and irreversibly in love with their partner, is there a limit to how much is too much for even the deepest of loves?

Showtime’s United States of Tara offers viewers a chance to gauge these questions in a hilarious and heartbreaking way.  As a woman with a strong case of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID; also known as Multiple Personality Disorder) Tara [played by Toni Collette] puts both herself and her family through a lot.  As of season three, Tara has over 6 completely different personalities that use her body as a vehicle for their own independent and conflicting purposes.  Although most of the alters come out to help Tara, their presence has resulted in her body cheating on her husband, getting beat up, threatening other people’s lives, nearly running over a pregnant family member and so many other indiscretions it’s difficult to list.  And through the midst of all of this crazy instability, Tara has managed to stay in a marriage with one of the most sweet, patient, and loving husbands of all time.  Who is this husband you ask?  The man we all came to love and root for as Sexy and the City’s Aidan, John Corbett. Continue Reading »

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Music video: The Temper Trap, ‘Need Your Love’

In 2009, The Temper Trap’s song “Sweet Disposition” propelled them into the spotlight after it was featured in the film (500) Days of Summer. This Australian rock band is now back with “Need Your Love,” their first single off their upcoming self-titled album, which is set to release June 5 in the U.S. The music video takes a different look at Johnny, the antagonist in the ‘80s film The Karate Kid, and what happens to him after his final fight with Daniel. It’s a very fun, creative concept, but the music video doesn’t cover up how underwhelming the song is.

If you take a look at the comments on the video on YouTube and the band’s Facebook page, “Need Your Love” is getting a lot of mixed reviews. Musically, lyrically, vocally – the song sounds flat and falls flat. I know this band is capable of more (case in point: every song on their first album Conditions). The only thing “Need Your Love” has going for it is that the chorus is catchy enough to get stuck in your head. I really want to like this track because I was a big fan of Conditions, but even after a few days and a few listens I still can’t get into it. With that said, I won’t give up hope for what they come out with next.

Take a look at The Temper Trap’s music video for “Need Your Love”:

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Trend Report: Primary Perfumes

Don’t primary colors instantly bring you back to kindergarden? (In the best possible way, of course?)  From finger paint to sidewalk chalk, you could make any color your little heart desired just by mixing these three colors. In this trend report, I’ll be bringing you three of the best perfume trios that come in sophisticated updates of the classic colors we all love.

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Burberry Thrifting!

Finding designer deals (vintage or otherwise) has always been a passion of mine. The thrill of wearing a great dress is only topped by the thrill of finding a one-of-a kind piece while thrifting or a surprisingly affordable gem at department store mega sale. Housing Works is a great place to try. On my last trip, I found this amazing vintage Burberry dress for $125. I ripped it off the display window mannequin for a chance to try it on, and I now own a classic plaid piece!

Read on to see my Burberry find and learn my basic thrifting checklist that applies to all kinds of effective shopping! Continue Reading »

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Listen Live: Kimbra – ‘Cameo Lover’ (Live at Sing Sing Studios)

Kimbra – Cameo Lover
Genre: Alternative pop/soul
Sounds like: A combination of ‘50s pop and doo-wop with an indie rock twist
Worth checking out: Two Way Street (Live at Sing Sing Studios)
Video highlights: the moment you realize Kimbra’s vocal prowess when she sings the word ‘trouble’ at 0:24, the tambourine at 0:45, her bom-bom-boms at 3:19

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Manicure Monday: Kicking Up the Classic French

I have to apologize – my Mani Monday post wasn’t uploaded first thing this morning.  Between finals week, job interviews, and trying to pack my life away, the fact that I’m graduating in less than two weeks is bringing my life to a halt.  But it’s also been the inspiration for this week’s Mani Monday!

I usually get bummed out when I have do take off my funky nail polish for a job interview.  I understand that I should look presentable, and hot pink crackle polish doesn’t always scream “Hire me!”  But I do like to have fun with my nails.  If you’ve read my other posts, you know by now it’s a slight obsession.  This week, I tried to figure out how to combine classy and funky in a manicure that would be perfect to blog about, but also perfect to wear for an interview.

The answer?  A French manicure … with a little twist.

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The Shops at Target

My favorite dress from The Webster Miami

Yesterday marked the launch of The Shops at Target! This promotion features a specially curated line of products from small boutiques getting some exposure to the massive Target audience. I had been looking forward to checking out The Webster, specifically, ever since I came across one of their amazing necklaces a couple weeks back. (Read on to find out more!) After enticing TV commercials for The Shops drove me crazy with anticipation, my local Target store was turned into a colorful carnival with mini stations set up along the main aisles. I eagerly bounced from section to section to see where The Shops had set up, er… shop, and check out all the fun boutique goodies.

Read on to see my reviews of each Shop’s offerings! Continue Reading »

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A Beauty Review: Neutrogena Cosmetics

I should start out this review by explaining that I am a BzzAgent.  I sign up for different campaigns, they send me free stuff, and I try it out.  My job as a BzzAgent is to spread the word – either good or bad – about the products I’ve tested.  I don’t get paid to do this.  I don’t get more campaigns if I say good things.  I just like freebies (who doesn’t?) and all I have to do to get them is talk about it.

I was asked to test Neutrogena’s new cosmetics line.  Considering my fascination with beauty, this is one of the most exciting campaigns I’ve had.  I was sent:

  • Neutrogena Healthy Skin® Brightening Eye Perfector
  • Neutrogena® Nourishing Eyeliner
  • Neutrogena® Revitalizing Lip Balm

Read on to see what I thought!

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