Twas the Night Before...

I've been racking my brain and scouring the internet for something that I'd really love to have, for my last day of unrealistic Christmas presents. And try as I might, I just haven't been able to come up with something great.

The truth is, I came up with (in my opinion) the one thing that I want so badly:

Yankees Season Tickets - $$$$$

Then I could see Derek, Mark, Andy, Joba, and Jorge all the time. Oh my god.

Just remember that my birthday is coming up, so whatever you want to buy me from my list is greatly appreciated!


But I digress.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone! I'll be taking the rest of the year off...unless of course there's something that I absolutely have to post about. See you in the New Year! Make sure you keep an eye out for Define Magazine coming your way January 5, 2010!!

Ring Around the Rosy

More often than not, accessories can make or break an outfit. Unlike Coco Chanel, I don't believe that less is more (depending on the mood and environment you're in), in fact, I usually try to add as many accessories as possible before leaving the house. But, I'm always running (fashionably) late so I don't always have on as much as I would prefer.

With only 2 days until Christmas, I am drooling over:

Lee Angel Jewelry 'Etienne' 18 Strand Necklace - $155

With a statement piece like this, little else is really necessary. It's in-your-face, but not over-powering. I love the ethnic feel that it has, and I imagine it to make noises that you would hear in a Middle Eastern or Greek market. A necklace like this would be perfect for a cocktail party or even New Years.

2 Are Better Than 1

And according to Britney, 3 is better than 2. *awkward pause*

Ever since Lauren Conrad made 2 finger rings cool on The Hills, I have wanted one. So bad. Preferably with my name, just like LC. Although 'Erin' is significantly shorter than 'Lauren' and wouldn't look as good. But I digress. Now that, what, 2 years have passed since she was first seen sporting her 2 finger ring, they're becoming hot. Well, maybe lukewarm. But that still hasn't changed the fact that I WANT ONE. Like, yesterday. However, a lot of 2 finger rings are kind of ugly. But then I was proved wrong...

Jules Smith 'Knuckle Lover' Stackable Ring - $77

This Jules Smith ring is gorgeous. Simple, classic. Just like how LC would want it. And really, anything that LC likes, I like.

Gift of Design

Last Thursday was the Gift of Design fashion show at the Vancouver Club. It was a great event; the designs were great and the venue was fabulous. I felt like I was in an episode of Gossip Girl. The event was hosting by the fabulous Mandy, plus I got to hang out with my family, boyfriend, and Niki from A Haute Mess.

Here are some (ok, lots) pictures from the event:










Overall, I thought that the designs were great. There were lots of couture-esque pieces, and some Ready to Wear pieces too. Very impressive. I wonder if any of them will actually make it.


The hair for the event was done by my cousin from Zootz salon on 4th Ave.
The jewelry in the first 2 photos and the last one were made by her fiance, Michael Reilly - who is going to be a Define Magazine contributor.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

It took until 4 days before Christmas for me to post a second shoes that I would love to have. A rarity, since it seems like I spend all my time looking at shoes.

Elizabeth & James 'Rizzo' Suede Cuff Bootie - $395

What initially caught my eye with these booties was their wonderful colour...or lack thereof, I suppose. That creamy winter white shade is just so inviting. It definitely stands out against the typical black and greys for winter boots. The second thing that caught my eye was the cuff, the snake embossed cuff. L-o-v-e. That was then I noticed the metal heel. Brassy and detailed. The Olsen twins really know how to take a piece that extra inch without going overboard.

Pin a Rose on Your Nose

With 5 days left until Christmas, I haven't posted a single item of jewelry for my wish list. Consider that fixed! Trolling around ShopBop the other day, I came across these:

Tom Binns Classic Gold Safety Pin Earrings - $220

I love accessories. I love accessories that make people stop and say, "OMG. I love that!" Purses and shoes are always great for compliments, but usually they're much more well known. Jewelry, on the other hand, is a lot more difficult to pick out, making compliments much more exciting. These safety pin earrings are big (love it) yet simple. I can see them being rocked out with liquid leggings and a slouchy tee, or dressed up with a sheath dress. Totally versatile, and totally need to be in my jewelry box.

A Tisket, A Tasket

Can you believe that there are only 6 more days until Christmas? Holy cow!

In January I'm starting (yet another) new job. And the perfect thing for my first day?

Yves Saint Laurent 'Roady' - $1395

I love the hobo style. It's so versatile, relaxed and casual or businessy for the office. But what really caught my eye was the gorgeous blue colour. It's such a bright piece that pops against the muted tones of winter. But it's also bright enough that it works in summer. I also love that the handle is big enough to throw it over my shoulder, but not too big so i can still wear it in the crook of my elbow. Plus it only has one handle (a preference of mine) which means I can still carry it in my hand. I can just imagine how soft the leather is. And yes, I'd probably want to rub this against my face too.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Or just an incredibly sequined dress. Sequins are h-o-t this season. From extreme nighttime sparkle to a more subdued day appropriate look, sequins are everywhere. Every store with sequins in the window manages to catch my eye - it's like a moth to a flame. So on my 7th day of my unrealistic Christmas, I present to you...

BCBG Textured Sequin Dress - $548

This beauty of a sparkler. BCBG dresses are always fashionable and gorgeous. I like this dress because it's sequin-y but not over the top. There are tons of dresses out there that are covered in sequins, and they're gorgeous, but I'm not sure that they're for me. This particular one is punchy but not in-your-face. It also has a sexy back - a deep-V. Total understated sexiness. Well, for sequins.

Skip the Garter

By now you've probably heard about the Jeffrey Campbell 'Obscene' Boot. If not, well then, you are about to lose it...

JC 'Obscene' Boot - $249.95 at Solestruck

Forget the pants. If you're looking to rock the Lady GaGa look (no pants) but are concerned about freezing to death, look no further! The 'Obscene' is for you (they even come with their own belt!)! Seriously though, I'd love to see these worn in person, but Vancouver being, well, Vancouver, it's doubtful that will happen. Own them? Send me a picture!

I was creeping around Akira Chicago the other day and I came across something oddly similar...

Report Signature 'Kane' - $475

To be honest, I definitely prefer the look of the 'Kane' to the 'Obscene'. I have a love affair with heels, and being short, such insanely high boots will just midgetize me (especially as flats). What I dislike about the 'Kane' is that the garters attach to your belt loops, pulling on them and looking ridiculous.

What are your thoughts on the fly-fisherman inspired boots?

Chip on Your Shoulder

Or maybe, it's just this season's hot look of exaggerated shoulder. Oh, how I long for a piece so enviable that people swoon every time they see it (like a Chanel bag). But it's not Chanel (yet). It's Balmain.

Balmain Exaggerated Shoulder Blazer - upwards of $3000

And on the 8th day of my Christmas, God created shoulders. I love them. They're classy, edgy, extreme, and amazing. They're a conversation starter. Who knows, they may give that cute guy who works in your building an ice-breaker.

Sky's the Limit

With 9 days left before Christmas, there are still lots of holiday parties to attend (and of course New Years!). No outfit would be complete without the perfect shoe.

Yves Saint Laurent Platform Pump (shown in Navy Lizard Leather) - $795

I love, love, love YSL platform pumps. Don't get me wrong, I still love Louboutin's, but there is just something undeniably sexy about the YSL's. Platforms are such a godsend, especially when your heel is upwards of 4.5". And I love the height. It feels so foreign to me when I wear heels that are less than 3.5"-4". But when you're wearing heels like this, make sure you valet the car! You must ensure that your boyfriend (or date) doesn't park 5 blocks away, forcing you to walk! (Personal experience)

Buy a House or a Birkin

On the 10th day of Erin's dream wishlist is none other than the highly coveted:

Hermes Birkin - $ down payment on a house

The only way I could ever afford a Birkin (in a world where I could actually get my hands on one) is if I decided that I didn't want to own a house. Instead, I'd have to live in my Birkin.

Baby, if it's cold outside...I need me some Burberry

Just 11 days before Christmas! How time flies! A time for family and merriment, it's also a time to dream big and allow yourself to want things that you really can't have.

So, allow me to introduce 'Erin's 11 Days of Christmas'. Over the next 11 days, I'll be posting about fabulous things that I'd love for Christmas, but can't afford. But, feel free to pick me up one or two for my upcoming birthday...

Burberry Giant Check Scarf - $295

It's Burberry, it's classic, and it's cashmere. I can't get over the price tag, despite knowing that it's an 'investment' piece. Truth is, as much as I love the scarf, if I had $295 laying around, I'd rather buy shoes. Or a handbag...which makes the scarf the perfect gift!

WTF? and Whine Wednesday

Today's Whine Wednesday also coincides with Fashion Smashion.

While trolling around online for things that I can't buy (why do we insist on torturing ourselves?), I came across 2 beauties.

The first isn't too surprising considering where I found it, but the mere fact that it exists is purely mind boggling. I've been scouring Ebay lately for vintage pieces. I already got a couple, one perfect for the holiday season, the other to be saved for summer. But I digress, let's cut to the chase.

Credit

What are these? It's like a Grandma's craft room vomited all over them. They're a DIY project gone awry! Who would wear these? What purpose do they serve? My mind is so boggled by these pants that I can't even begin to answer these questions!

And these.

Credit

Can you even believe that these pants are from Topshop?? And to top it off, they're silk! Topshop is a UK company and anyone who's been to the UK knows how much rain they get (it's like here), how are silk pants even worth having? Did a clown design these pants? Did MC Hammer try to update his look? I just don't get it.

Prime Time

More and more women are using makeup primers these days. For those who don't know, primers go on like a lotion (after your moisturizer and before your makeup) and create a barrier between your makeup and your skin. This prevents the clogging of pores by all the grime and filth in makeup. Primers also give the makeup something to adhere to, making your makeup last longer.

I've used 3 different primers. The first one I used was Philosophy's The Present. I don't remember much about this product, but it's gotten good reviews. I didn't have any complaints about this product, but I suppose that I didn't love it enough to continue using it.

The second one I used was the highly recommended Smashbox Photo Finish. It's quite expensive ($36 (1oz.) - $49 (2oz.) ), yes, but I can assure you that it is amazing. It's a mattefying formula, removing any shine from your skin. Plus it's full of antioxidants, is scent-free and makes your skin feel silky.



The primer I'm using now is Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer. This product goes for $32 (1.01oz.). I bought it because I was curious about the HD line, and because I was trying to save a bit of money. The formula is a bit more moisturizer-like than the Photo Finish, but almost a bit too runny. It provides a nice sheen/lustre to my skin, but not oily looking. However, the smell...ugh. It reminds me of an old lady. The scent is very purfumey.


In the end, I'm glad that I tried out the HD Microperfecting Primer, but the scent is a huge deterrent for me. I can tell you that I will definitely be purchasing Photo Finish the next time I need primer. It doesn't just win out because it's scent-free but because it's definitely a great product and I loved the way it felt on my skin.

Images from Sephora

A Little Lovin!

Thanks to Niki from A Haute Mess for giving me the "I Love Your Blog" Award! I love your blog too!


I'm going to pass it on to: Being High Maintenance, Not Bitchy and On the Fringe.

I Want to Have Their Babies

No, not the Yankees. Not even Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte. If fact, it's not even a person.

It's the Jeffrey Campbell Madness Boot.


Just look at them. Knee-high. Leather. Wedge. Buckles. Metal detail. Seriously, these boots are pretty perfect. So perfect that I'd settle for them over the Clinic, which I'm so in love with. It's kind of like incest...but it's only OK in this case. But I digress. DemiCouture teamed up with Akira Chicago for a discount, so that means that you can get these lovelies for cheap(er). Too bad I can't afford them at the moment. Ugh. My heart, it's breaking.

I do have a birthday coming up, so if you want to get me them, I wear a 7 in these bad boys. ;)


Photo from akira chicago.

Gimme a 'B'!

If you were to survey 10 women on the street, I would guess that you would receive 4 different answers. Mascara is one of the few beauty products that is very personal. Products like concealer and eyeshadow are created for one use. But mascara, you can get formulas that lengthen, curl, volumize, and any combination of those! There are different types of applicators, mascaras for lower lashes, for upper lashes, and even waterproof. With so many options, it's no wonder that everyone has a different favourite.

My go-to mascara is Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash.

With the mascara you get a little pamphlet with mascara secrets and some statistics on Buxom. For example, did you know that...since your lashes are thicker at the bottom, you should "first apply mascara to the tops of your lashes in order to even out the thickness, and then apply full coats". I did not know that, thanks Buxom Lash!

Not only do I love the little pamphlet, but I also adore the big, voluminous brush. The shape of the brush is "designed to lift and separate every lash", which is actually fairly true. But, more on that later. With a brush this big, application is really easy, sometimes I feel like I could apply it in the dark. But let's be honest, I'd end up with black smudges all over my face.

Buxom Lash is great because it delivers. I've found that it meets my needs, volumizing and lengthening. The packaging is cute, the little info pamphlet is great, and it's full of antioxidents (bonus!).

But what's the catch? I find that there are times when I get clumps, which I haven't decided is a user error or not, and I sometimes get raccoon eyes. Not horrible, not even really noticeable to others. But again, I'm generally prone to having my eye makeup smudge a bit. A big downside from what I read of the Sephora reviews, is that it's not waterproof. But, I believe they are making a waterproof version soon enough!

Overall, I'd definitely recommend trying it out if it seems like something that would work for you. But I totally understand if you just can't bring yourself to cheat on your old faithful.

Hey You!

Are you a writer?
Do you want to be a writer?


Look no further!!


A friend and I are collaborating on an online magazine called The Empire Mag. We're both extremely excited about this venture, but right now we're looking to recruit the right people to get involved. And that could be you!

If you feel like you can write about fashion, technology, business, or entertainment, send me an email at hausofhybrid [at] gmail.com

Stay tuned for more information!!

Tis The Season!

Just like summer is known for being 'Wedding Season', December is known for being 'Party Season'.

Here's where you can catch me over the next few weeks:

Tweetup for a Cause - December 2

On Wednesday, December 2, Bloggers and Tweeters from Vancouver are meeting at Library Square to collect non-perishable food and monetary donations. Stop by between 5-7pm and bring an item or two, or even $5 to donate to help someone else have a memorable Christmas.

What's Hot for the Holidays - December 2

Yes, my second event for Wednesday. Thankfully, this party, held at Boudoir in Yaletown, runs from 7-9pm. The event, hosted by Crave, Operation Style and Boudoir, will feature 20% off Boudoir dresses and gift certificates, plus plenty of other surprises.

Haus of Klaus - December 10

From 5:30-7:30pm, Noir Lash Lounge is hosting an invite only event. Celebrating the Holiday season, and the launch of the much anticipated Noircissist card, this party is going to be fabulous!

Gift of Design Fashion Show - December 17

As I previously mentioned, the Gift of Design is a great opportunity to get a sneak peak at Vancouver's up-and-coming designers. Dress to impress, as the dress code of The Vancouver Club doesn't allow jeans. Which, for us ladies, means that the men there will be well dressed...mine included.

Gift of Design

On Thursday, December 17th is the Gift of Design Fashion Show.

Gift of Design is a showcase of Kwantlen's 3rd year design students. The event is being held at the fabulous Vancouver Club and tickets are just $30! That includes admission, a free drink, and the chance to win some great door prizes. Plus, in the spirit of Christmas, proceeds are being donated to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau!

My cousin, who currently works at Zoots (on 4th) and will soon be moving to Moods (in Yaletown), will be doing all the hair for the event. Plus her fiance is working with the jewelry.

If you're anything like Mandy and I, we're already trying to decide what dress we're wearing. Something fabulous, obviously!

If you want more info, contact Mandy, since she's the communications coordinator!

Hope to see you there!

The Greatest Baking Accomplishment Ever

Almond macarons.

They have feet! Success!

I made an almond buttercream rather than the typical ganache. I'll definitely be making a ganache next time.

Ganache or not, they were still delicious.

Lusting

Elizabeth and James Isis Dress - $445

Since I first saw the line created by the Olsen Twins, I have been in love with Elizabeth and James. They have such an amazing knack for design, recognizing how fabrics drape and fall on women. The Isis dress is amazing. It reminds me of the asymmetrical dress that Serena wore on Gossip Girl last week. I love the ruching detail on the sides to hide a less-than-perfect stomach. Kimono sleeves are my favourite because they're so comfortable. The length is great because you can just wear a simple pair of killer heels to complete the look - minimal to no jewelry. And with a hook-and-eye closure, leaving a slit in the back, is classically sexy. To finish, the fabric looks so smooth, like suede, that I just want to rub it against my face.

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Escape

On the Sea-to-Sky

Vacation anyone?

Gimme S'mo

S'mores Cupcakes.

They were much better than the Rocky Road ones. Chocolate chip and graham cracker cupcake with a faux marshmallow icing. Yum.




If you ever want a recipe, just email me.

Let's Hear it For the Boy

Not all of us fashionistas are blessed to have a fashionisto as our leading man. But, thanks to this article in the Globe and Mail, there is hope!

The article was inspired by, Put This On, a fashion blog by men for men. It features How-To webisodes that address issues that men have.

The idea of the site is great; there is definitely a need for fashion blogs directed at the general male population. Looking through the site though, I didn't find it as helpful as another blog though.

The Style Blogger is another male targeted blog that I find a lot more informative than Put This On. I really like that it has questions from readers about issues that are practical and informative. If I were to recommend a blog for men to read, it would definitely be this one.

Fashion Smashion

There are no words to describe this debacle.

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Lusting

Sam Edelman Zoe - $320

Like most fashion bloggers, I'm always browsing shopping websites. I never buy anything though, because I'm always so freaked out that whatever I buy won't fit, and it will just be far too much work to ship it back and exchange. So because I'm on a quasi-shopping ban, I've been doing more browsing than usual. I was fortunate enough to come across these lovelies. I love the contrast of the suede and leather, but what made Cupid's bow strike my heart, were the harness-esque straps. Yes, they would be tedious to put on, but with skinny jeans, liquid leggings, a skirt/dress and tights...oh baby.

As Seen On...

Global Grind!!

The Haus of Hybrid was quoted on Global Grind - The World According to Hip Hop, and I couldn't have been more stoked.

It was my piece on Steph Pratt's plastic surgery. And while it was a rant of sorts (because she looks totally ridiculous), it's also an important subject.

Young women these days have such distorted views of beauty. They think that they need to be stick thin and have the perfect everything. That's not the case, at all. Unfortunately, the industry that we all love promotes this image. But the biggest culprit is Hollywood, obviously. If Steph Pratt wasn't on TV, there would be no way that she would have even thought about getting plastic surgery. But because she is, she felt pressured by everyone around her, probably indirectly, to go under the knife. There is no reason that anyone that age (what, 22?) should ever get plastic surgery, unless it's for medical reasons. Starting young like that just creates more and more problems and before you know it, you'll have a forehead like Vanessa Williams or Nicole Kidman.

As a community, promoting a healthier image is something that we need to advocate. Start at the grassroots level. Make our voices heard through little things, like writing a letter to Glamour Magazine, telling them you loved a certain model in their pages.

Happy Weekend All. Happy Friday the 13th!

My Love is Like...Vampire Blood?

If you know me really well, you know that I am Anti Twilight (as well as Harry Potter), which is why this is kind of a weird review for me to write. I almost feel hypocritical, but I justify it because I am so Pro DuWop Lip Venom. I love the tingly sensation that you get when you wear DuWop products, so when the DuWop Lip Venom V was announced, I was skeptical because of the Twilight influence, but intrigued.


The DuWop website says that Lip Venom V is not a gloss but a "shimmering crimson lip stain" with a "super potent bite". It is considered to be a lip conditioner and contain argan, avocado, olive oils, and vitamin E.

Let me start off by saying that anything that is written on the website about vampires and crap, is well, just that. Crap. "This product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds". Seriously? If I had seen the website prior to buying the product, there was no way I would have. I'm 25 for Pete's sake! I don't want some crap thrown at me about vampire and human worlds. The marketing for the product is horrible. It's a $25 lip stain! Not a gloss. So, using this ploy to market is a bad idea. 15 year olds can't afford $25 lip-anything, nor should they be wearing lip stain. But that's another issue all together. I understand that the product is Twilight sponsored, no problem there, but the marketing is totally corny.

But other than that, everything else said about the product is bang on. It provides a great red colour, an awesome tingly sensation, and it feels good on your lips!

The downside is that the red colour is a bit too bold for every day wear. It's a night shade of red, and would be difficult to pull off at work or school. But props to you if you have the confidence to rock that look in the day.

Overall, I'm not too satisfied with the product though. But here's why: I didn't know that it was a stain. I was expecting a red lip venom gloss, so imagine my disappointment when I discover that it's just a stain. I didn't read up about it before - I saw DuWup, I saw red, and I wanted. So any dissatisfaction that I have with the product is entirely my problem.

Verdict? Toss up. If you're willing to spend the money for a small lip stain, then do it! But I know that I wouldn't because there are other products out there that are a bit more economical for me.

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Lest We Forget

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Make sure that you take a moment today to think of all of those who gave their lives so that we could be here today.
And of course, those men and women who are over in Iraq and Afghanistan today and those who are preparing to go over there.

~

A friend of mine is in Afghanistan as a US Army Medic - everyone who loves him is counting the days until he's back safe.

When Stop-Loss came out in theaters last year I went to see it. It upset me so badly that in the middle of it, crying, I texted one of my really good friends, a ROTC Army Cadet at Arizona State, that I didn't want him to go to war.

To Americans, knowing someone that has been or is going to war is common, but in Canada, it is extremely rare (at least to my knowledge) to know someone in that situation, which is why I brought up these two individuals.

Regardless of why people choose to go to war and regardless of why we are fighting these wars in the first place, these people are heroes, and today, we honour them.

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Another One Bites the Dust

I suppose it's that time of year where people are pinching their pockets in order to save up for Christmas.

True, the MARC by Marc Jacobs bag that I'm lusting after isn't super expensive. However, I haven't had a job in almost 2 months. Yes, I have a job that I'm starting on Thursday, but it's still going to be at least another 2-4 weeks before I even see a pay cheque. So needless to say, it's not going to be mine anytime soon. (That being said, it doesn't mean that it, or it's close relative, won't be mine ever, just not in 2009.)

So it's true, I too, am on a shopping ban of sorts. Nothing compared to Nicole's ordeal, but rather, I'm just trying not to make crazy outlandish purchases.

Yes, I know that I have a job, but it's not permanent, so it will end probably around May. Plus, my best friend moved to London (Boo! Hiss!) and we're hoping to go to Egypt for Easter, so I need to save for that too.

So, here's to all of us who are trying to save some money, for whatever reason, and end up crying ourselves to sleep at night because there are so many fabulous things that we have to hold ourselves back from buying. (A lack of shopping creates a void in your life! Men can't understand it.)

Good Luck Everyone!

Lusting

MARC by Marc Jacobs Natasha Classic Q shoulder bag - $330 on Net-A-Porter

I saw this purse the other day on TheStyleSpy and it was love at first sight. Not only is purple one of my favourite colours, but I love over-the-shoulder bags - look Ma, no hands! The size is great - sometimes I find my bags a bit too small sometimes, and the one bag that is the perfect size is too casual for some outfits. Thankfully, this bag also comes in basic black, perfect for everyday use. But with violet as an option, is there really any competition? *Sigh* If only I had a job, then I could justify spending that kind of money.

WTF? and Whine Wednesday

I haven't done a WTF? Wednesday in awhile, mostly because there haven't been many things that I have found so irritating that I need to vent about them. Or, I've found things to drive me crazy but they would have been far too difficult to write about. But this one came easy...


Top 10 Things That Make Gossip Girl Suck (This Season)

10) Relationship longevity. What's the point of introducing a character (like Bree) and have them leave within 3 episodes? Especially in Bree's case when you try to develop a storyline and end it in 1 episode.

9) Letting Michelle Trachtenberg sign a contract for Mercy. Sure, Georgina was a bit psycho this season, but the girl makes for good TV.

8) Scott. I can't stand him. He freaks me out.

7) Dan. I had hope for him in the first episode when he was a jerk and got everyone to stay at Georgina's rooftop party rather than going to Blair's saketini party. (Who doesn't want saketinis?? Especially free saketinis. Pretentious or not, college students love free.) But it's been downhill since.

6) The lack of Blair's original followers. They were hilariously awesome.

5) Blair's new followers. They don't even have names. Or lines. Or really serve any purpose whatsoever.

4) The lack of Nelly Yuki.

3) The lack of good storyline for Vanessa. She's pretty and has potential. But stop making her waffle from bad to good and vice versa. Plus her hair is bad. Quasi-dreadlocks? No thanks.

2) Letting them graduate. I understand that people age, but did you ever see Saved by the Bell?? Once it went to College Years, it was bad news. Same with The OC. High school drama is where it's at. Has there ever been a show about kids starting college and how they deal with drama?

1) The show is called Gossip Girl. Where is GG? Aside from the occasional voice over, she's nowhere to be found. Didn't GG say that she would be following them to college? If that's the case, then what's up?! I want the simultaneous texts!


Honourable mention goes to Nate and his lack of storyline.

What else would you add?

Mrs. O Knows

In the December issue of Glamour, (Michelle Obama on the cover??! Loves!) the First Lady discusses dating. She says, "Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, 'Who are you as a person?' Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good. ... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole."

This is definitely something to think about. It's definitely a politically correct way of saying "don't date a douchebag". But of course, there are articles out there that try to make sense of why Hot Girls Date Douchebages.

I don't think Nice Guys have to finish last.

It's a Rocky Road

Last week, I bought a new cupcake book, which I previously mentioned. While I have at least 2 other cupcake books, I bought this one because the recipes seemed to die for! From Margarita cupcakes with lime glaze, to Tiramisu cupcakes with mascarpone cream, and White chocolate panna cotta cupcakes with passion fruit sauce, I was practically drooling in the store.

I first conquered the Rocky Road cupcakes, a childhood favourite.

The Rocky Road mixture, marshmallow, walnut and chocolate chips

I am a big cupcake fan, so I've made my fair share of cupcakes. There was just something about this recipe that didn't quite work out for me. The batter was really thick and sticky, nothing like a normal cupcake batter. This lead to the cupcakes being very dense and cakey. I'm not sure if this is how they're supposed to be or maybe I messed up somewhere (doubtful because I was pretty methodical). It's possible that they were supposed to turn out dense because they have the rocky road mixture in the cupcake, in addition to the topping. The idea of the cupcake is really great because it's such a classic combination. If I were to do it again, I'd try using a standard chocolate cupcake batter and then add in the rocky road mixture, just to see how it works. But regardless, the cupcakes were a big hit when I took them to the boys that I volunteer with!