The Gossip Corner with Stini

Sorry for the delay in posting everyone! I was without wifi for the past two days, scary thought I know...lol 
Let's see what shall we talk about this week...

-Jay Cutler broke off his engagement to Kristin Cavallari, the QB has super bad timing because K Cav just purchased her wedding dress 4 days before! Maybe she's dodging a bullet because from the sounds of it, JC was a bit to controlling of K's social agenda. (Photo Credit: People.com)


-In other sad news Amy Winehouse recently passed away :( apparently her body might have been too weak to function after dropping alcohol cold-turkey. She was a great talent that unfortunately was lost to the 27 age curse.


-On a happier note, Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries celebrated their bachelorette and bachelor parties, respectively. Wonder when the wedding will air on TV?? According to her sisters, Kim's wedding will be as big as the Royal wedding....with Kris Jenner at the helm anything is possible! (Photo Credit: People.com)

-The Real Housewives of New York had Part 1 of their 2-part reunion this past week and let me tell you it was a hoot to watch! These women are absolutely nuts, which makes for great TV. The craziness that was coming out of their mouths was absolute garbage! It was also hard to hear what they were saying because they would talk over each other (especially Kelly Bensimon-shut up and eat your jelly beans!) Now I have to admit that I haven't followed this series (NYC) ever since Bethenny Frankel left, because let's face it she was the best one on that series, however I always try to watch the reunions for sheer entertainment.


Moving on to Summer TV shows!


Summer has the best TV shows because that's when we get our guilty pleasure fix. Some of my favs this season are: 
-Covert Affairs and Necessary Roughness on USA (Photo Credit: Google Images)
-Keeping Up (with the Kardashians) on E!
-Love Bites on NBC (Photo Credit: Sharetv.org)
-The World According to Paris (I did say guilty!)
-Secret Life and PLL (Pretty Little Liars) on Abc Family (Photo Credit: Buddytv.com)
-Rookie Blue on ABC (Photo Credit: Sharetv.org)




What are some of your favorite Summer TV shows?

Thirsty Thursday's With Vicki

Family is Forever

This past Saturday night, I went out in Noho with my cousin, Rebecca. After a long week, it was about time we went out and had a good time! Even though my cousin and I are 9 years apart, were very close, and have been ever since I was young. She’s one of the strongest, craziest, most inspirational person I’ve ever met and don’t know where I’d be without her! Whenever we get a chance to go out together, it’s always a crazy and fun time.

This past weekend, we checked out a couple different places in Northampton. We made sure to check out The Northampton Brewery, in which of course I introduced her to my FAVE drink, an “Around The World”. After gossiping and catching up on life, it was about time we went dancing!  So we got on our dancing shoes and headed over to Tully O’Reillys, which is one of my favorite dance places in Noho. It’s a fun, young place, which has a room with a huge bar, and another room for dancing. It’s always a good crowd, and plays all the newest hits out at the time. This was actually where my friends and I spent most of our night on my birthday. Since I introduced her to my favorite drink, she introduced me to her favorite shot, a “Lemon Drop” shot. It’s not only scrumptious, but it’s very easy to make right at home! Just don’t forget to suck the lemon after!

Lemon Drop Recipe:                                                                                    

Photo Credit: Somewhatfunnythings.blogspot.com



½ OZ VODKA

½ OZ LEMON JUICE

1 SUGAR CUBE

ICE

Whenever Becca and I go out, we always are sure to look our best! As far as dressing for the night out, I made sure to play up the sex appeal a little bit. I wore a black mini skirt, paired with my Emerald Green Last Tango top. The rouging allows anything you want to hide to be hidden and enhances everything you want to be enhanced. With the weather that week being almost unbearable, I had to be sure to dress where I would be comfortable and wouldn’t have to start stripping off any layers. If I want to change my outfit around, I can wear the black mini skirt with almost any fun going out top while the top looks great with a pair of skinny jeans.

Black Mini Skirt: Express

Last Tango Top: Available at Caren & Company in Longmeadow, MA

"God made you my cousin, love made you my friend, but time and experience made you the sister I never had"

-Anonymous

Wacky Wednesdays with Jenbiff

Year of the Move

I’ve known for months that most of the people who I am close to would be moving at some point this year or at the beginning of next year. Last week was the first move. Now to fill you in a little on my life…the only time I’ve ever moved was to college, but everyone knows that is only a partial move because one goes back home a few times a year. You may be thinking what’s the big deal? People move all the time! Well my boyfriend’s parents, boyfriend’s aunts, boyfriend’s grandfather, my parents and brother, my grandmother, AND my aunt and cousins. HOLY. MOVING.  

Anywhosers, my parents and brother are moving on Sunday so this past week they have been trying to see everyone before they leave…meaning we’ve been going out to eat a lot this week (because obviously my mom doesn’t want to leave my sister and I out because we aren’t moving with them)! So I’ve had many opportunities to wear cute outfits while meeting up with family, family friends, etc for a nice dinner out. Tonight we ordered in, so I wanted to wear something casual but cute. 

 

Top: H&M

White Tank: Express

Jeggings: Express

Sandals: Old Navy

Sunglasses: Flea Market in Paris

Necklace: Gift from China

Watch: Gift from friend

Shoulder Bag: Vintage 

Quote of the day: "Norther Winslow: I want you to know, when you left Spectre it opened my eyes. There was a whole life out there that I was not living. So I traveled. I saw France, and Africa, half of South America. Every day a new adventure, that’s my motto."
Answer from last week: Give Me Everything By Pitbull Ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer

Travel Tuesdays With KM

I can only bring how many suitcases?!?

I am a notorious over packer...it's a problem but I have found ways to make traveling work none the less.  What you pack depends on where you're going and how long you're going to be there.  As always do you're research on where you're going before traveling there.  I have multiple types of luggage so that I'm prepared for whatever.  There's my small duffle, large duffle, small suitcase, medium suitcase, large suitcase, and even larger suitcase. 

Here is my typical start off packing list that I'll add to once I know where I'm going:

• Clothes (pants/shorts, shirts, blouses, etc.)
• Toiletries (travel size if possible and make sure that it is labeled.  Purchasing containers to put shampoo you already own in is convenient however some airport security will take them away.  If it says Herbel Essence Shampoo on it for example, then you're golden)
• Shoes (at least one pair of heels, flats, sneakers, flip flops, etc.)
• IPOD (usually I make a new playlist for when I travel filling it with songs that comfort me like the Beatles Here Comes the Sun)
• Books/Nook (I prefer books and usually pack three or if I have room then I'll pack more.  Usually I bring one that I have read already, chick-lit, and some sort of fiction novel)
• Travel alarm clock
• Choo Choo blanket (My mom made two of these blankets that have trains on them when my brother and I were little and it brings comfort to me when I'm away from home.  Some sort of comfort item is great when you're going to be away for a long period of time)
• If traveling to a foreign country then adapters and converters (Most other countries use different outlets and they use a different voltage)
• Backpack (I call myself Dora the Explorer when I travel because I like to have a backpack with me.  It's convenient and can hold useful things for different excursions)

I've used this backpack to travel all over Europe and in Egypt.  The red and white tassel was created by our Egyptian tour leader to help keep us together and recognize one another.  This is a great idea to put on luggage as well to help you find it easier.

What I've learned that makes packing MUCH easier is to know what I'm doing beforehand so that I can plan out my outfits.  

Weekend Getaway:

The girls and I went to visit Christine down in Philly and I did not want to over pack.  We were taking Megabus to get there and I wanted my luggage manageable.  We were getting there late on a Thursday and leaving late on a Monday.  I would need four outfits and we were going to be going to the Jersey Shore for a day so a bathing suit was a must.  I looked up what the weather was going to be like, which was extremely hot, and decided to pack three tank tops, three pairs of shorts, a maxi dress, and a comfortable t shirt for the ride home.  Since I'm an over packer, I always bring a "just in case" outfit which was an extra blouse and jeans in case it wasn't as hot as I thought it was going to be.  One of my rules is to bring an extra outfit and I haven't regretted it yet.  It worked out perfectly and I had just the right amount of clothes.

Extended Stay:

My bomber jacket was purchased from Delias

When I studied abroad I was in London, England for three months but traveled to other countries as well while I was there.  This seemed like an impossible journey to pack for.  It was my first time EVER leaving the country as well as being away from my family for a long period of time and I didn't know where else I would be traveling to.  I'm pretty sure I threw my whole closet into my two largest suitcases and added anything that wouldn't fit, into my large duffle.  I'm surprised they let me on the plane with all that luggage.  Looking back, I know I didn't wear half the things that I brought and know that I could have planned it out better.  I didn't bring wellies (rain boots) with me and on all the walks to my classes, I really could have used them.  My feet may not have been well off but I did bring appropriate jackets.  The weather in London is quite unpredictable and for most of my stay there, the temperature was amazingly comfortable.  I purchased a bomber jacket before I left and wore that frequently. After three months, a girl accumulates a lot of new items from clothes to trinkets and I don't even remember what else!  Upon arrival in London, my suitcases were already almost at the maximum weight so repacking was a huge issue.  Being the clever girl that I am, I managed by filling my bags to their maximum weight then taking any clothes that would not fit and shoving them into the pockets and sleeves of one of my jackets.  I then carried that jacket on the plane.  I was surprised that I wasn't stopped at security but not nearly as surprised as the nice gentleman who helped retrieve my jacket from the overhead compartment.  He couldn't understand why it was so heavy.  A girl will do what is necessary to bring all her clothes home.

This outfit was perfect for the weather in Egypt.
The cargo pants covered my legs and I could drape
the scarf differently to cover my arms if needed.

Week Long Journey:

Different countries have different outlooks on what sort of outfits are appropriate and what aren't.  Before traveling to Egypt, it was suggested to our tour group to dress conservatively.  The majority of the group were women and in Egypt, some of the women cover themselves almost completely.  It was for our own comfort to not draw anymore attention to ourselves than we were already receiving.  I took this seriously and brought long sleeved shirts, regular t shirts, and cargo pants.  I was offered to be purchased for 20,000 camels only once.  Some of the girls who disregarded the warning and wore sleeveless dresses were approached more frequently and with much different offers...use your imagination on that one.  It is very important not to be disrespectful when you travel.  You are the visitor and need to be mindful of the place you are visiting.

My advice this week is to go to over packers anonymous so you don't end up stuffing clothes into your jacket...

Any good stories from your travels?  Let me know!

Outfit Outtakes by Jen Bou

Casual Friday

I wore this outfit for casual Friday at work. I had bought these jeans about 3 years ago and found them when I was cleaning out my closet.  I’m so glad I didn’t get rid of them! The 70’s inspired trend is really big right now so I decided to try it out. I paired them with a flowy paisley printed top and some wedges so that my jeans would hit the heel of my shoe just right (my mom actually picked these wedges out for me last summer and I’ve decided that she has pretty good taste). I then added some silver accessories and was ready for a Friday at the office!

Top: Delias

Jeans: The Limited

Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory

Bag: H&M

Necklace: The Limited

Bracelet: H&M

What do you wear for casual Fridays? Would you try a new trend for work?

The Gossip Corner with Stini

The Art of Breaking-Up......

It seems like everyone in Hollywood is breaking up these days! Seriously where is the love people?? So many couples that we have rooted for are headed for splits-ville. From Arnold "the Govenator" & Maria Shriver, Christina Aguiliera & Jordan Bratman, Ashlee Simpson & Pete Wentz, Ryan Reynolds & Scarlett Johanson, and now J.LO & Marc?!?!?!

Top: Marc & Jennifer with twin Max and Emme. Bottom: Ryan & Scarlett just before divorce announcement (Photo Credit: People.com)

When it seems like everyone is breaking up it makes me wonder if a real marriage can actually survive in the Hollywood spotlight. There have been many couples that decide not to get married because "if it ain't broke why fix it?" Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell are the best example of this saying! They have been happily un-married since 1983, that's 28 years!!!!!

Goldie and Kurt at the Golden Globes (Photo Credit: People.com)

Now, I know that when your fav Hollywood couple decides to go their separate ways it can feel a little sad because you don't know the whole reason behind the breakup.The thing to remember is that those two people weren't happy together even if it looked that way from the outside. I mean would you want random people telling you to stay with your ex just because you seemed happy or looked good together, even though you were miserable? I don't think so.

There will be more A-list couples to rejoice and mourn over for a long time to come to don't fret my dear!

I want to end this week on a high-note so here are some of my favorite Hollywood couples:

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prince Jr. (Photo Credit: People.com)

Beyonce and Jay-Z (Photo Credit: People.com)

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale (Photo Credit: People.com)

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos (Photo Credit: People.com)

Kenda Wilkinson-Baskett and Hank Baskett (Photo Credit: People.com)

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith (Photo Credit: People.com)

Heidi Klum and Seal (Photo Credit: People.com)

Those are just some of my favs, who are your fav H-wood couples?

Have a lovely weekend and try to stay cool!!!

Thirsty Thursday's With Vicki

True Friends Last A LifeTime

Reunions are always the best. Just this past May, I graduated from college, and since most of my close friends live either across the state or possibly even further (Stine), it always means a lot to us when we get to see one another. Throughout college, I made some of the greatest friends that I could ever ask for, and when were together it’s like we never left one another.

Last night, Jen Biff and I both were lucky enough to have the day off from work, so we decided to take a trip to the Natick Mall. The town of Natick, that sits just miles outside of the beautiful city of Boston, has a lot to offer everyone. Since our school, was just a few miles away, every now and then we would make a trip to Natick, whether it was for dinner or to spend a few bucks on some “necessary” shopping. This is exactly what Jen Biff and I did yesterday, which from home, was only an hour and 15 minute drive for us.

After a few hours of shopping at our FAVE off price retailer, Nordstrom Rack in Shopper's World (located in Framingham, MA), it was finally time to meet up with the rest of the crew at The Cheesecake Factory. Considering we don’t have a Cheesecake Factory back in Western MA, we always make it a point to grab some dinner there. Most of us ordered a glass of wine; I always get a glass of Pinot Grigio-Campanile. It’s delicious, and always relaxing to gossip and catch up with the ladies over a glass of wine. For an entree I made sure to order my absolute favorite, Four Cheese Pasta which includes: Penne Pasta, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Romano and Parmesan Cheeses, Marinara Sauce and Fresh Basil (Cheesecake Factory).

And of course, you can’t go to Cheesecake Factory without ordering cheesecake. Jen Biff and I indulged ourselves in the Chocolate Mouse Cheesecake. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!

For the occasion, I had to be sure I could wear something that was appropriate for day wear as well as evening wear. I wore one of my new favorite summer pieces that I picked up this summer, a tie-dye maxi dress, which not only is trendy for the summer, but cute and affordable. Since I don’t have the broadest shoulders, underneath the dress I have a Second Base bra on. It fits right over your bra, allows for no bra straps to be shown, and is very comfortable for the summer heat.

For shoes, I wore my favorite summer black flat sandals that I’ve been obsessed about wearing since I first bought them in the beginning of the summer. For accessories I wore a long silver chained necklace detailed with a blue stone, as well as a brown beaded bracelet, that my talented cousin, Rebecca, made me for my birthday! This accessory works well with the Bohemiam trends that we see right now. For a purse, I used this adorable grey zippered shoulder messenger bag, that fits all my basic needs for a day or night out! 

   

 Maxi Dress: Forever 21
 Second Base Bra: Caren & Company in Longmeadow, MA
 Necklace: Forever 21
 Bracelet: Made by my cousin, Rebecca Budd
 Shoes: Kelly & Katie (DSW)
 Cardigan: H.I.P (Nordstrom)
                                                       Purse: H&M

"Side by side, or miles apart, friends are forever, close to your heart" (Unknown)