It's "that" time again

Yay! It's ANTM time:) This means a new cycle (12) with a new crop of girls. I couldn’t be more excited and looking forward to it all. I have a feeling these girls will be good. I am doing a co-post with The Cherry Journal on this “event”, as she is equally excited and ready for the action. BRING ALL YOU GOT TYRA, we are READY for MAMA!

ALLISON

STEPH: A little squirrly looking, which I have no qualms with… I love the furry little creatures. She is an artist, which could mean some creative posing from this one.
AMBER: Super pretty eyes and nice shaped lips, I think she'll do pretty well. I could see Mama Tyra making her hair a lot darker for the makeover episode.

AMINAT

STEPH: I love the fro. What will they do to it??? She is reminiscent of Dani, the winner of Cycle 6.
AMBER: I get this feeling her name was really Tanima, but to sound more unique, she wrote it backwards. Little did she know this season (oops, sorry, CYCLE) is all about uniquely-named model wannabees. Back on topic though, I think she's gorgeous. Although I could see Tyra deciding to let the 'fro go. I hope not though, yo. ;)

CELIA

STEPH: Mmmmmm, she has nice hair? This hair actually reminds me of your hair Amber, before the switch to the dark side :)
AMBER: What?! I'm offended that she reminds you of me in any way. She looks like she's 47! I'm going to feel really bad for writing that if she ends up being the nicest, most wholesome person on the show. But that leather jacket makes me think she's gonna have a major attitude. Don't all people with leather jackets have that?

FO

STEPH: Oooo – I like this one:). She has adorable freckles, she is wearing a nice vest and she has a tiny tattoo. I want to hear the story! I just hope she has enough attitude to stand out in this competition.
AMBER: I like her...and can definitely see her being versatile and a good Cover Girl. She looks like she might be a bit of a troublemaker.

ISABELLA

STEPH: She’s pretty and I do like her haircut. But she can’t coast on pretty.
AMBER: Too pouty. She looks like she's going to be the whiney one. And she's an aspiring model, so she may possibly be whiney AND think she's better than the rest.

JESSICA

STEPH: “Sexy bedroom eyes” or “I will kill all you skinny beeyotches with my laser glare”? Hmmmm she has long flowing hair which can only mean on thing… a pixie cut a la mia farrow might be in order?
AMBER: Noooo! No pixie cut! I think maybe they'll do chin-length bob. This girl is really pretty, but she needs to lay off the eye squint. She'll learn. Tyra will show her the ways. I think I'm impartial though, because Jessica was always my favourite twin from the Sweet Valley days.

KORTNIE

STEPH: I have a beef with this girls name. Kortnie, pffft! Two things which may work in her favour, or be her demise… BOOBS. I can’t do up my vests either Kortnie.
AMBER: Guaranteed her name is really spelled Courtney, but she's going the unique road like Aminat too. She's cool looking though - I think she'll either the the bitch or the really laid-back one of the group.

LONDON

STEPH: Amanda Bynes knock-off.
AMBER: Nicholas Cage knock-off. I don't like her. First one off, even before Celia. I hope. And are those pleather pants I see?!

NATALIE

STEPH: This one slightly reminds me of Jaime-Lynn Sigler. She looks sad.
AMBER: You're right Steph, way too sad though. Smile, Natalie! We're so proud of your not changing the spelling or letter order of your name

NIJAH

STEPH: Stunning. I like her. I hope she isn’t the crazy one.
AMBER: Ooooh, fierce. Look at that look! And I love that she's from Rancho Cucamonga - because I like saying it. Sounds like cowabunga - but better. She looks like she could be the season's Big Bitch though, orrr crazy.

SANDRA

STEPH: She has very strong features, but I am having trouble getting past her “Troll-inspired” hairdo.
AMBER: This girl is stunning. I can get past the hairdo, although I don't think we'll have to for long, I'm sure Tyra will have it cut right down to almost nothing.

TAHLIA

STEPH: She looks “nice”, therefore I am thinking she is heading home sooner rather than later. I’m not sure if she stands out, but she has lovely curly hair, and blue eyes (They are blue? It’s hard to tell.
AMBER: Ahh, the "plus-sized" girl (also known as not plus-sized at all). She does look super sweet, and her eyes are gorgeous. I hope she's got confidence, I think that will help her stick around.

TEYONA

STEPH: Ty-ty picked Tey-tey. Fancy job you have there, Teyona.
AMBER: Teyona scares me.

Top 2 picks for the win?

STEPH: My top 2 girls that I am betting all the marbles on: Nijah and Fo
AMBER: As if I'm gonna spill those beans! I'm holding off my bet decision until I see the first episode.

Shopping is my game

Clean out your closets ladies! Confessions of a Shopaholic is coming to a theatre near us!!!! EEEeeee.... now I just have to think of what I will wear to watch it:)

Girly Movie Gold Collection: Enchanted

Disney ruled my childhood. I bought into the idea of princess's, sparkly dresses, and cuddly forest animals. I didn't know it at the time, but I was being influenced by the art and design of Mary Blair, among many other talented animators/illustrators. And it has stuck with me to this day. I recently caught up on two that I missed when they came out.... Anastasia and Lilo & Stitch. I will have to save the gushing about Lilo&Stitch for another post.

But today I would like to kick off the "Girly Movie Gold Collection" with Enchanted. 

Enchanted starts out with a classic disney style animation, but changes to real life when Giselle is sent to "a place where there are no happily ever afters". I love the way scenes from past disney movies are woven into the storyline. Also, keep your eyes peeled for appearances from the actresses who provided the voices for past disney princess's!!

Amy Adams is PERFECT in this role. She plays over-the-top cuteness so well. And no modern day fairytale is complete without McDreamy (or James Marsdan).

Disney aside, this movie has some slapstick humour that makes me giggle just thinking about it. Watch a clip here of "Happy Working Song". Ah ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhh!

Oh, and did I mention that there is a talking chipmunk?

Bond Girly

Everything surrounding the 007 empire intrigues me. It continually inspires and influences art, design, literature and film. 

Recently, I came across a new series design for the James Bond books that made me come to a halt (despite my frenzy of christmas shopping, and people weaving). Published by Penguin (so classic), and illustrated by Michael Gillette. Read an interview with Michael here. I LOVE the illustrations and the typography, and I wish I had half the talent of this guy. 

Previously to finding these book covers, I had really enjoyed the typography in Quantum of Solace. To see some screen shots, Doublenaut blogs about that here. Oh and check out their work too. Not Bond related, but also good.

All I want for Christmas

Forget the front teeth, I want this stuff! Some of it is no longer available, but a girly girl can dream, can't she? Make it happen Santa! 

Here are some links, as pictured counter-clockwise: Owl Mittens - originaly sold at Art Effect, Pretty Ring - not sure where I found this one, Burburry Purse - I cannot fathom paying $1495.00 for a purse but this one sure is pretty, and this Peacoat from Couture Candy. 

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a great holiday filled with warmth, love, cheer and maybe a few good presents!

Illustrator + Designer = My Hero

In an attempt to bring my blog up to speed, I am posting some excellent holiday illustrations from my newest favorite illustrator Tad Tarpenter. He is everything that I aspire to be. Check out his flickr for even more visual awesomeness. Oh, and he has a blog.

Spooky Sock Monkeys

K, I realize Halloween is over, but I just came across these Spooky Sock Monkeys and the are too cute not to share! After purchasing this Monkey n Round Blankie (from Holly at Small Potatoes) for a baby shower recently, I have had sock monkeys on the brain. Sign up for the mailing list to find out when a new batch is coming out!