New Year, New Me - Really!

I'm back!

Life has changed a lot since my last blog post. I have been cheating on my blog with a book that I'm writing. I wish I could say that I'm sorry for the hiatus but really, I'm not. Life has been absolutely amazing! I moved to Kingston, got two amazing jobs and am taking care of myself. I've kept busy doing things I love rather than distracting myself from things that made me unhappy. For this reason, I haven't had time to blog as religiously as I used to. I think it's a worthy excuse.

Oh, I've also been blogging for Lovebird Bridal Boutique so technically, I have been doing something right in the blogging world! www.lovebirdbridal.wordpress.com - just cause! :)

Yes, I'm writing a book! I figure if Snooki can write two best seller books and Courtney from the bachelor can publish a book on being a reality show villain, I sure as hell can write an meaningful book about life's turmoil and how to overcome it... right?

Yes, I moved to Kingston. I work in a bridal boutique! I just love it! Working with wedding dresses is seriously a dream come true! There is truly no happier job! If you're looking for a wedding dress - come to Kingston! You'll be happy you did :)

No, I haven't been tanning! My last blog post was about a horrible habit I kept even after promising someone I would stop. I promised a makeup free selfie on my 23rd birthday aka typically the coldest day of the year. I am very white and happy to say that I love it! Stay tuned my friends.

That's it for now! I promise to update more often. You can certainly count on posts about my favorite dresses from this award season and perhaps my take on .. anything I feel like talking about. Probably wedding related stuff, I'm obsessed!

Oh the joys of blogging.

Till next time,

DD

Should you handle the heat?

Since I can remember I've been going in tanning beds. 

Woah now, ok, I'm not the only one, but it doesn't make it alright.

It's truthfully a terrible thing to do to my skin and, 3 years ago I promised a little lady that I would quit for good. She wanted me to take care of my skin and not end up in her shoes and asked me to stop. By no means was I addicted and going twice a day or anything. But going at all was wrong. How could I say no? I made the promise. What's next is horrific, I know. But I kept going in the tanning beds in spite of the gut wrenching guilt that haunted me. Ugh, I was and still am the worst for not following through on that promise. 

You see, everyone has that thing! Some feel beautiful in a gorgeous pair of new shoes, or with a good spread of makeup up and rockin lashes, some even feel beautiful with their hair did, everything did and some feel it when they put a fresh coat of lipstick. Everyone feels comfortable with a certain additional oomph! Mine? A tan. God I felt horrendous when I was pale! A good tanning session brought up my confidence and God forbid I'd go a whole winter without tanning. Out of the question. It was a question of feeling beautiful and asking me to take it away? Ya right! Try telling someone to go to shopping without a perfect outfit or to dinner with no makeup on. I can think of a few people who know what I mean will understand this feeling. 

Now, I've come to the realization that it's really about inner beauty in the long run. Why torture my skin to have a glow right smack in the middle of January when it'll create problems for me in when i'm forty. My insecurities took over after I promised that I would stop. I'm battling insecurities every day of my life and this is the next war, ladies and gents! No fake bakin for this girl all winter! You mark my words.  

Look, here's my new promise: on my birthday, January 30th, usually the coldest day of the winter (it's true!) I will take an infamous selfie with not an ounce of makeup on! Y'all are gonna this Irish white freckle face chick for who she truly is. More than that, you'll see my imperfections! As much as I hate them, its what makes me perfectly myself. I suspect my skin will appear much healthier without a weekly tan and perhaps a day or two a week with no makeup, IN PUBLIC!! Feels amazing to say that I will follow through on her promise. Besides, saving money from no tanning is quite awesome! 

I know a lot of you go for an occasional mid winter tan and I'm encouraging you to join me on my mission! The war against my insecurity commences this very second! Anyone else taking the pledge? If you do, you have to show off your true beauty with me on my 23rd birthday! No makeup selfie for everyone! Let me know! I sure as hell will show it off! Will you? 

DD

Make it count

As I sit here eating some well deserved Easter chocolate, I would like to share my latest adventure with you! As mentioned, I completed Insanity and, 31 days ago, I started the Asylum, which is essentially a step up from insanity! Just when you thought it couldn't get any harder right! Well it does! And it is well worth the struggle! 

(after last workout April 2, 2013)

Lets just say the first fit test, I was dying! But when you get into the groove of it, you get stronger and stronger and that's what the asylum is all about! It's about athletic training so you get faster and stronger just like the pros! 

This time around I did it right! I did the fit test on day 1 and day 30, I took before and after pics of each angle and I measured myself day 1 and 30 so i can earn my asylum tshirt! I gained some inches where I wanted to (arms chest and thighs, though it's hard to tell)  and I lost inches where I wanted to as well (waist, hips)! And through all the muscle gain (which the pounds are unknown), I also managed to lose 5 pounds all while defining everything!

March 5th, 2013 (130 pounds)                                   April 2nd, 2013 (125 pounds)

Ok listen, a year and a half ago I weighed 155! Now I weigh 125! Last time I weighed 125 was grade 8 people! This goes to show that ANYONE can hit their goal weight! Or in most cases, look the way they always dreamed they could in a bikini! Think I ever thought I'd look good in a bikini? HELL NO! When I lost the first 15 pounds I figured: ok this is as good as it gets! I'm ok with this weight but there is always an extra step you can take.

I went from:

• 155 to 140 by eating ''healthier'' and working out. (keep in mind, ''healthier'' consisted of more subway, less mcdonalds and no pop except on the weekend. a long stretch, i know, but it worked to get that water weight off!)
• 142 (upper left corner below) to 135 by cutting out bread and milk ONLY (paleo style) and continuing the same workouts. 
• 135 (middle picture) to 130 by doing insanity. 
• And now 130 (bottom left corner) to 125 by doing asylum. 

PLEASE EXCUSE THE UNDERGARMENTS. Never dreamed of getting anywhere close a weight loss to have it published on the Internet, guess I cant complain!

What's next? Who knows! All I know is that good things for your body will only help you achieve what your body is meant to look like! Impossible is not an option when it comes to your body. If you know it's bad for you, cut it out and make it a cheat item! Read up and get unbiased opinions on nutrition and do what's right for your body! So don't give up and don't settle, is the moral here! 

And to all those who discouraged me and said that 125 would make me look skeletal, i hope you're eating your words. 

Because this is fit and healthy. 

Toned is the new skinny. Sore is the new sexy. And you wont get results if you don't work at it.

It only starts working when you feel the burn. Pain is all in your head.

Now i know and I feel fantastic! 

You only have one life to live, so make it count.

October 2011 - April 2013 

30 pounds in a year and a half.

how to dress for this spring/summer

It's backkkk! 

Here are a few trends to look out for when you're searching for new summer clothes! 

Now that I am posting these pictures, I'm seeing my oblivious attitude towards keeping my bed clean when taking pictures. I SWEAR, I just pulled out all my clothes to take pictures, it is always much cleaner. So sorry! But here it goes...

First thing is first, MAXI SKIRT. Everyone needs one! Paired nicely with a tank top, you can find them for very cheap at FOREVER 21!

Another skirt/dress trend would be the MIDI. It falls just below your knee. It usually a flowy style. This one is from AMERICAN APPAREL, but they have some really cute snug & flowy ones at ARITZIA and FOREVER 21.

WHITE PANTS are the perfect go-to jean for the summer season. They are hard to pull off during the winter so take advantage during the summer. These are boyfriend jeans from AMERICAN EAGLE.

Anything NEON is in right now from tops, dresses, pants even necklaces. It makes a statement and it's one of the top trends this summer. The shirt is from AMERICAN APPAREL and the pants from FOREVER 21.

Eeek, this is my favorite look!!! Combining the CHAMBRAY BUTTON UP and TEXTURED SKIRT, this is a super summery look that can work for anything! Especially a country music festival ;) Shirt from AMERICAN EAGLE and skirt from FOREVER 21. Totally from Pinterest, too! 

COLORED SHORTS! No need for more detail. It can be done as a dress up look or dress down. Here is an example of dressing it up. Again, from FOREVER 21.

Like the white pants, a WHITE BLAZER is also a must... for similar reasons of course :) This outfit is also a good example of using neutrals with pastels. Its light and summery which is exactly what we should be aiming for! Shirt is from ARITZIA, and blazer and skirt are from ZARA.

You see this next look everywhere on Pinterest: JEAN JACKET with a MAXI STRAPLESS DRESS. It's perfect layering that will workout for the spring or "in between" months. Jacket is from SIMONS and maxi dress can be found at FOREVER 21.

LACE SHORTS are all the rage! They are also very comfortable! What's especially wonderful about them is that it can be both fancy and casual, depending on the top. These shorts are from ZARA and the top is from DYNAMITE. Oh, and sheer tops are good to have as well! Especially when you need to dress up for work and its like 40 degrees outside!

 Another one of the favorite trends: HIGH WAISTED JEAN SHORTS! One of my secrets: i got these as men's 90's pants for 3$ at VALUE VILLAGE, and destroyed them myself! It's the perfect casual "walk in the park" outfit. Top is from AMERICAN EAGLE. It's also great to have a bunch of strapless flowy tops to avoid attrocious tan lines, ya know.

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES! 

OK, so I'm really excited for GREECE! But this can still apply for a day at the beach or going for a walk downtown. Important to have:

• A hat: hats are really in right now. Doesn't have to be a fedora like me, anything beachy is in, so go nuts!
• A bunch of light satchel bags: nobody wants to lug around a big leather purse so having a "barely there" one is perfect! You can find these anywhere, really.
• Cute pair of flip flops: ok, so I'm a loser and I have gold flip flops, black flip flops and colored ones so I don't clash when I wear silver BUT, comfy sandals are perfect for beach time or a casual dinner.
• Sheer headband: nothing too heavy but it's just something to add to your outfit instead of a scarf! Again, on those super hot days!
• Comfy walking shoes: yes friends, I learnt my lesson: don't go to europe with only flip flops, flats and mocassins. I get it. So I got myself some Sperry Topsider Boatshoes! Something with a little more support will help this time around. You could even go for Toms or flat's Crocs! Anything to give you a big of support if you're sightseeing or just walking your dog!
• Beach bag/carry on: something to keep all your stuff together! Enough said! Mine has cute birdies on it! What ever guys, it's cool!

SCARVES! Something very light and airy for those early mornings! The bottom one was from URBAN OUTFITTERS. They have a bunch of circule scarves like that! 

Finally, a little dress up fun! Other than maxi dresses and skirts, everyone needs a HIGH-LOW DRESS! It's one of the biggest trends this summer and you can find them virtually anywhere! This one is from FOREVER 21.

The last trend this summer, which might seem a bit weird, is LEATHER. To avoid a "Ross and baby powder" situation, get something flowy this this skirt from FOREVER 21. Another super cute trend that works wonderfully with high waisted shorts is bralettes! There is a huge variety at GARAGE! 

I think we all learned one thing today: FOREVER 21 has almost everything! So go have fun and post your own pictures!! Gonna be a fabulous summer ladies and gents, just fabulous! Stay tuned for a bikini post soon enough!

..for anyone who didn't understand my FRIENDS reference, I feel sorry for you..

Watch it here - too funny

DD

Insane is an understatement

I'm feeling a little more excited since I have seen my results with my latest health and fitness endeavour. So much so, that I am starting the next level this week. It was no easy task, let me assure you but if you want results, this is the way to go.

The gym can only take you so far. No matter what, your body hits a plateau and I never truly understood it until this past summer. Then I tried the Paleo diet, which I am sure you have all read about it in my previous posts in September. That whole food routine change allowed me to lose 5 pounds (my goal weight), but I still lacked a bunch of definition because I was still following the same old gym routine. Cardio, weights, cardio, with a bit of sweat if you run long enough? Ya. No good.

Insanity is insane. Let me just put it out there. The name does not fall short from how truly intense the work out is. I must say though, it has changed my life. It is a 60 day challenge that pushes you to your max. The first month is a lot of cardio and muscles. The second month seems like a whole of muscle but the workouts are much longer. What is so great about it is that you don't need a single accesory. More importantly, you don't need that much space. It saves so much time and effort when you just need to go in front of a TV and workout. An even better workout then if you went allllll the way to the gym.

When you purchase the ''hardest workout ever put on DVD'', you get a calendar telling you which workout to do and a nutritional guide. The best part about it all is that you get a personal trainer. Shaun T  designed intense workouts with a combination of cardio, muscle plyometric workouts as well as yoga techniques to get the best results. It's not intimidating like P90X. He is an encouraging and the environement is bright and welcoming. You can't ask for anything better. Plus, you don't do a SINGLE crunch or sit up!

If that didn't convince you, maybe this will. This is my before insanity picture and after! 6 pounds later and only God knows how much muscle gained! (Please excuse the bra and panty in the first one. I guess i just never thought my body would change enough for me to feel the need to share it!)

Now, its not perfect but I shrunk a lot and became a lot stronger. For instance, I went for a run the other day and bolted through my usual paths and ended up running double the distance I usually do. At a faster speed! It truly works wonders. Now I'm trying the Asylum. Its a step hard from Insanity but you still have Shaun T. It's athletic training so I will be sure to keep you posted on it.

I'm just another person on the long list of people who got their lives changed by Insanity. I know two people who were inspired and bought it for themselves. There is no better feeling than comparing before and after shots. That's when you realize you can sculpt your body. It's not just a dream, anyone can!

And for those who are wondering, I followed paleo for the first month. However, the second month are the ''max'' DVD's so I continued a low carb diet. Carb right before workout and protein and sugar after! Works just fine!

Please let me know if you try it!

DD

que pasa for VFF, you say?

We are picking up all your pennies, that's what!

Say HELLO to our ''SEE YOUR PENNIES SAVE LIVES'' campaign!

Our government suggests offering all the rejected and sad looking pennies to charity. SO, Valérie's Flutter Foundation came up with this sweet little campaign to collect the unwanted pennies and give them one last job : save lives!

Were working a little promo bit to encourage everyone to give, but I thought I would give you guys the inside scoop in the meantime.

So here's what you can do (its super easy):

• Take out all your pennies from your wallet or pant pocket (lose a couple pounds, ya know)
• Dig in your couch and break the piggy bank
• Find a plastic bag and dump it ALL in there!
• Email me (deborah.desmarais@hotmail.ca or message the foundation on facebook)
• I'll be at your doorstep to pick up your AWESOME donation

You see, when it comes to cancer research, even the pennies count. It all adds up. It is that ONE penny we couldn't offer to cancer research. But now, we can!

For more info and upcoming events for our ''See your pennies save lives'' campaign, check out our Facebook page (Valérie's Flutter Foundation) or check out our Twitter page (@FlutterFnd)

Thanks for all your support!!

DD

globes to oscar: best and worst

GOLDEN GLOBES : ANNA HATHAWAY IN CHANEL COUTURE
She has a hint of peplum and the strapless looks gorgeous with her short hair! She's a simple girl and the simple look is amazing with a touch of texture in her dress.

GRAMMY'S: RIHANNA IN AZZADINE ALAIA
It's so obvious why this is a winner. It's a calm version of Rihanna with a hint of sass. The red is so beautiful with her ombré hair and the way it flows makes it absolutely perfect!

SAG AWARDS: JESSICA CHASTAIN IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
She made up for her flop at the golden globes. That blue number with the saggy chest was disgusting. Red on red looks amazing with her skin tone and totally flatters her curves. Can't go wrong wit McQueen.

OSCARS: JENNIFER LAWRENCE IN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE
AHHH, she kept the best for last. Bridal or not, this look was amazing. Though I agree it looks like a wedding dress option, it still takes your breath away. She won her first oscar, it's probably more important than her wedding day. I'm surprised she hasn't said something silly like that yet? Nonetheless, she looks stunning! She is totally the BEST role model for a healthy body image ANYDAY!

CONSISTANT THROUGHOUT: JENNIFER GARNER
Though Ben Affleck was in the spotlight, Jennifer Garner was a gem by his side. She never failed to impress. Her mix of fashion and subtlety made her a winner at each award show. Her hair was also perfect every time!

WORST DRESS: ADELE @ GRAMMY'S
She looks like a lamp? I think this one speaks for itself. She usually KILLS it. But I think this look just killed her reputation. At least she redeemed herself at the oscars. She does have one of each, after all. So i guess she can wear sweat pants next year.

FAVORITE NEW TREND: BACKWARD NECKLACE
Personally, I love JLaw's necklace more than Anne Hathaway. But it's still a pretty cool trend!

DD

My public apology full of shame

It has been approximately 2 1/2 months since I posted on my blog. I KNOW, I know. I am disapointed in myself too. This (last) semester of school has been way too hectic for words. I know that all my PR friends will be nodding their head after that last sentence. Now that there is only 10 more days of school, I am preparing a whole lot of posts for you guys.

• I have been collecting a lot of spring/summer pieces to show you all and you can be sure that I will share all the upcoming trends by the end of March.
• I am leaving for Greece in about 2 months and will post some tips on how to plan the BEST trip with your girlfriends, even if it's just to Montréal.
• I recently finished the ''Insanity'' challenge and will begin the ''Asylum'' challenge shortly. Interested? Stay tuned, it is the best workout on this planet. Trust me! ... yes, it is insane.
• VFF news? You can be sure I'll keep you updated on that!

And.. well.. I'm sure that once I can concentrate on something that is not the BP oil spill and the Gulf of Mexico, my creativity will kick in and I will be able to be critical on something a little more relevant.

LIKE JENNIFER LAWRENCE'S DIOR DRESS AT THE OSCARS?! Hummmm.. I smell a post brewing. Relevance might not be key here but I know you ALL love her.

Stay tuned!

DD

small dose of my wardrobe..

It has been a while since i've done this post but thats only because i've been spending time collecting the best outfits to show you! Or... i've been in sweat pants. Either way, here is a small dose of my wardrobe! :D

My Aritzia outfit! High waisted baggy black dress pants with an ish leopard print satin top!

This one was stolen from pinterest! Red pants, jean blouse with leopard scarf and a sock bun! The best!

Navy blue skirt with black sequin detailing on the side from Forever 21 with silver accesories.

Girls night out outfit! Leather leggings with a sheer beige blouse with red lip and gold accesories!

Comfy boho outfit! Making a summer skirt work for winter simply requires sheer black tights with an oversized sweater and a cute scarf! I also added my wanna-be victorian brown booties.

My sisters half and half sheer top with all black everywhere else!

DD

How to dress for the holiday season

Never an easy task! You need to be prepared and assess the situation. You can't dress the same for every single event! You need options so here is how you chose:

Work Christmas Party: Depending on where you go, this is the time to sparkle! Make sure to wear you highest heels and your brightest lipstick and just be a show-off! Your co-workers never get to see you like this to take this opportunity to live in the moment and rock your best holiday outfit! Here's a example: Gold is always a good holiday color because it looks like glitter! Adding a nice accent necklace will add drama and I would put on my usual red lipstick. Gorgeous!

Last day at the office: This is like the ultimate Friday TGIF outfit with a touch of the holidays! This is probably the day where there will be a potluck and you all get to socialize. So make it cute! I'd recommend wearing a cute little dress with a cardi on top! Just to look a little cheerful yet comfortable. I will probably wear this red peplum dress with black sheer tights and a black cardigan! A bit a flare to say goodbye to your coworkers for a few days!

Friend's gift exchange: Obviously, this is a tricky one because it depends what theme your party is! If it's casual, wear something comfortable like leggings and a cute sweater. Your stretchy pants, as Joey would call them. Give yourself some "give" so you can eat till you roll. Ugly Christmas sweaters are always fun too! I would wear a stripped sweater with a big scarf, glasses and a sock bun. Super cute for pictures! I have yet to find my ugly sweater!

Church and Dinner with you family: For this, you should dress up a bit more than the friend's exchange, but a bit less than the work party! It's a comfortable classy look where you should take the opportunity to add sparkle! You know, so you look cute when you open presents! Navy blue with sequins is always a Christmas-y look so that's the skirt I would wear with gray long sleeve. Add some bling too!

New Years Eve: DO IT RIGHT! This is the night that requires THE MOST GLAM of the year! If you can afford it, find something cute on Boxing Day. If not, recycle an old dress Kate Middleton style. Hey! If the future Queen of England can recycle her clothes, damn it, so can you! I would avoid the red lips though; you don't want to get it all over your man. On second thought... Anyway! Heres what I would do (recycled from last new years!):

DD

How to plan a Christmas party

This year, I have the wonderful task of planning our Christmas party amongst friends. It's not easy but I figured I would give you some inspiring tips on how to be merry and sparkly for your get-together.

Tip 1: Set a date that WORKS

If you're a student, you know that finals are a stressful time. Like it or not, it puts a damper on the weeks leading up to Christmas so try and plan your party when everyone is exam-free! Make sure it's a weekend night so no one has to go into work the next day! This way, everyone will be in a good mood and you can start your holiday season on the right foot!

Tip 2: Build an appropriate menu; who brings what?

It's always a good idea to do a potluck! Or at least make sure that everyone brings something! This will save you a whole lot of a time in preparation and its more fun to cook all together! Figure out your menu so it resembles a Christmas one! Now, I know that we don't have time to cook a turkey or bake truck loads of pies but something like a fondue is nice! It can last hours and you can spend the time talking and not preparing!

Tip 3: Organize fun games

A Chinese gift exchange is the best bet! Everyone brings a neutral present and you get to steal it from each other before unwrapping it! Always good fun! If its a smaller group of friends, a secret santa is probably best! It's much more personal! Afterwards you could play a board game! Its super nerdy but how else do you expect to appreciate your friends other than staying up super late and having a good time doing something different! Monopoly would do nicely.

Tip 4: Ultimate Christmas Playlists

Pick the good ones! The typical Christmas songs! Im talking Mariah Carey, Britney Spears and Nsync 90's Christmas music! I can't imagine listening to anything else! Make a playlist on your Ipod and let it play! It'll set the mood and after long hours of studying, it will finaly start to feel like Christmas.

Tip 5: Decorations & Themes

Make sure you have a general theme for your evening. Whether its an ugly sweater, christmas pyjama or fancy pants party, make sure its clear. Because there is bound to be some one taking pictures and you dont want anyone to look out of place. For their sake at least. I know it sucks when you come from hot yoga to a gathering and everyone is purdy and wants to take pics when you look like trash. -_- not cool!
As for decoration, look at the room your going to host the party and try and pick colors that will match. Lets say your kitchen is where you're hosting and theres a lot of light blue accents, then decorate with snowflakes! If theres red or green accents.. well you know where im going with this! There are amazing ideas on Pinterest for DIY decorations! Individualize your party!

Tip 6: HAVE FUN! That is all! :)

This is the time to enjoy good company, eat good food, and laugh a whole lot!

How to be green this Christmas

Tip 1: No need for paper cards
It's always nice to receive Holiday cards in the mail but this year you can save money and the environment by opting out. Sending an e-card via email could do the trick. If you absolutely need to send out a card, maybe look for eco-friendly cards. Maybe you can reuse paper or old cards that you currently have. People will be grateful no matter what.

Tip 2: Reuse last years wrapping
This year, look through your old gift bags and wrapping paper to reuse it. You could even go as far as wrapping it in newspaper with a cute ribbon for your vintage-loving friends (I can think of one!). If you must buy some, make a mental note to keep for next year or recycle the paper that cannot be reused.

Tip 3: Setting the mood
Turning off the lights is a big money saver. It will set the mood if you use candles, the fireplace or your Christmas tree light to keep things bright. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with CFL's. Those are 75% more efficient! You can't go wrong.

Tip 4: Check the list twice
Stick to your list! Don't go out and buy more than you need. It's so easy to get caught up in the madness at the mall so make sure to review your list constantly. You could even check out local second hand shops for fun and unique gifts. Look out for eco-friendly gifts that contain recycled packaging. As for those difficult friends who seem to have everything, maybe make a donation in their name to a charity?

Tip 5: Shop locally
Shopping locally can give you creative ideas that you wont find in the typical stores. Plus, you saved emission because you didn't need to have it shipped across the world. Its from right here!

Tip 6: The gift of giving
Giving a gift doesn't have to be concrete. Volunteering in the community will give you a sense of happiness. You could even look through your closet and gather some items to donate to those who are less fortunate. Warm items are the best!

Tip 7: A must have this winter
Mark this bad boy on your list: a travel mug. You could even buy it for a friend. It will save the environment! Think of how many cups of coffee or tea you have during the winter! Wonder where they are now? Probably in a landfill. This is an ongoing issue in the world and this is where it starts.

everyone loves bullies... think about it.

While I was at the gym, I saw an interesting segment on CTV about bullying. It is a hot topic these days and we address a lot of concerns from teen bullying but I think we all need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. We love bullies. We buy into so easily. We thrive on it and it's pure entertainment. Some of us could watch people being bullied for hours with a popcorn and drink. 

Don't know where I'm going with this? Well look at it this way: Chef Ramsay, Donald Trump, Simon Cowell, Sue Sylvester. I'm convinced that you know at least one of these famous figures. Well, sorry to break it to you, but they are HUGE bullies. And we just eat it up! Countless time I've sat on my couch and giggled because I KNEW that Simon was going to just rip them apart for that audition. It's a sad truth. It glorifies a behavior that is unacceptable in our society. What? Because they're adults it's ok? 

Now, I know that the majority of it is a facade. I'm sure that in real life they are nowhere near that mean to people. However, as a child, you have a hard time telling the difference between what is real and what is not real. Even as a teenager, when you have a greater sense of awareness, it is human nature to see something on TV and what to replicate it. That's the twist with advertising, marketing and public relations; you don't know what is real (it can be good or bad). With that being said, we are inevitably bombarded with hundreds of things through media every day. So sitting there watching Glee, for instance, and see how they treat some of the characters, we're not sitting there thinking ''Man, that's mean. Is that bullying?’’ No. We let it go in ear and out the other and that's when it becomes a problem.

I realize that the kind of bullying that is happening in schools lately is much more severe and have unfortunately resulted in deaths, but you have to wonder where the idea comes from. You can't point the finger at a teacher or a parent alone, its a combination of what is being portrayed in the media and what they are being told is right or is wrong. It's interesting to look at the flip side and wonder if these famous names need to tone it down a notch. Or two. Or three. If we all want to stop bullying and make a change in this world, we need to start with the one thing that is defused on a daily basis. They have the control.

This is obviously a tricky subject and there are many opinions out there. Knowing people who have been bullied, I do not stand for it for a second. Though it is interesting to argue the other side of the story (while still remaining against it entirely). The one that is not obvious. The whole media monitoring is much more complex and debatable on its own but its unfortunate that we have these kinds of behavior right before our eyes and not much is being said.

DD

fondest halloween memory - the only one at that

I’ve always had mixed feelings towards Halloween. It is a simply terrifying time of the year but, if you push through the fear, you get candy. Really? It’s a twisted mind game but I always played along to get the goods. However, there is one great moment from my childhood that I recall every year. I was 6 years old and the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast had just been released. Oh, I cannot tell you the countless hours I spent daydreaming of being Belle. I was born to be her, I continuously told myself. All that wishing and hoping finally paid off the day my mother took me shopping for a Halloween costume. I was on a simple mission: find that yellow dress from the ballroom scene. From the moment I walked in Walmart on that fateful day, it didn’t take too long to find it. I was in heaven. It felt like pure bliss. I even remember purposely playing the movie the night we bought the dress and running upstairs to change into my costume when the scene appeared. Of course, the scene ended by the time my mother did my hair to match the outfit but I was Belle. There was a rush of joy that came over me; it felt so right. This all sounds a tad melo-dramatic but you can’t expect anything less from a kid, now can you?

It was one of the best Halloween’s I’ve ever had! Although, the fact that my parents forced me to put a winter jacket underneath the costume was beyond humiliating. Not exactly the slimming look a 6 year old aims for but I rocked it nonetheless.

 

Hope everyone has a good Halloween this weekend! Be safe!

RIP diet

 

DD

autumn nail colors & peplum galore

My favorite nail colors for the fall would have to be the following:

RED

Always a good one. Its dark and sort of introduces the fact that Christmas is just around the corner. What's so great about red is that it is dark enough to fall worthy, but it adds a pop of color. When its vibrant colors, I always see nails as an accessory. It's as good as a colorful necklace or bracelet. It's a statement!

GRAY/PURPLE

This is an unexpected one! For summer, neutrals are in! For fall, neutrals are acceptable but you want to go a bit deeper and richer. This has the darkness I like but adds a gentle purple which works nicely. I call it my fall neutral!

BLACK

Black nails is the definition of class. You cannot go wrong with black. It goes with everything that it just looks clean and slick! The only problem is that when it chips, it is obvious. But when you're wanting to look professional, black never goes out of style!

I will post more colors as I explore! I've never been much for nail polish, but now it is my mission to find the perfect colors for every season!

PEPLUM!!!

OK, so I am in love. This new trend has got me going bananas! I have decided that this style can work for anyone! It is flattering from every angle (yes, I tested it!). The black on is simple but elegant! Perfect for work. The pattern one is actually a lace with gray underneath. Get this, its a lace print mixed in with butterflies! I could not resist! I highly recommend that every one at least tries one on! Forever 21 has a whole bunch, you just need to have the time to look around for it!

I also bought a super cute peplum wine color dress that I will wear for an upcoming gala! Stay tuned! :)

DD