Planned for Production

Mini Coupe (To Be Released Fall 2011)

The sporty Mini! This is the true mini of Mini since it will only seat two, but maintains the ample storage space of models such as the Clubman and Countryman. Very sleek, this model is a nod to the racing history of Mini Cooper. This drops October 1, and will be available in exclusive colors and materials.

Mini Roadster (Launch Date TBD)

Think of the Coupe, but as a convertible! It has what is called a Nature Guard function that optimizes fuel efficiency by letting you know the ideal gas pedal position for maximum fuel economy, at any speed and any gear. Talk about a smart car! It also has Buddy Radar, letting the driver know where other Minis are on the road. You know we love to wave at one another!

Concepts in the Works

Mini Rocketman

Mini is optimizing space in close confines with hinged doors and a storage drawer in the boot. The all glass top also makes this mini Mini seem bigger. (I have a sun roof, and it definitely helps!) LED lighting in the interior also adds a bit of drama while saving the space that conventional bulbs would need. Why I like it? The doors remind me of a minivan in reverse and the Union Jack on the glass top is super cool.

Mini Paceman

This guy is super loaded: John Cooper Works 1.6 liter twin scroll turbocharged engine, 19″ wheels, and all wheel drive. I’m liking the tapered windows, which gives a curvier silhouette. Mini states it has the same masculine appearance of the Coupe, with the dimensions of the Countryman, calling it the “crossover-coupe.”

Mini Beachcomber

Let’s see, the top and doors can be taken off… watch out Jeep. Of course I don’t think this is meant for serious off-roading, but I can see myself heading down Pacific Coast Highway or an easy mountain trail in this all- wheel drive Mini.

Mini Scooter E

If my drive to work involved a short trip down the road, I would be all over this. I can’t decide which is my favorite. I’m loving the yellow and black because it reminds me of my Clubman, but the white has a Ben Sherman vibe, while the wood paneling on the green is very old school cool. Maybe if I switch careers and work way closer to home. One can dream!

Mini Airstream

I’m having a hard time deciding which concept is my favorite, and this may be it! How Lucy and Desi meets 2011 is this? Of course they’ve won me over with the yellow and black styling with the mid-century modern furnishings. I can see one of these attached to my Clubman already! The interior is waterproof and with the sunbathing bed and neoprene accents, this is the water sports enthusiasts dream.

Mini Concept Tokyo

This is a partly British, partly Japanese inspired design. Of course the colors are all Tokyo, and at first I thought, “What’s with the video game remote control top?” That is actually a storage area for a table and chairs, perfect for an on-the-go picnic. The interior Chesterfield leather seats are all British, while the window box stores all you need for afternoon tea. Those clever Brits at Mini!

All images courtesy of www.miniusa.com

I’m So There!

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. II (July 15)

I’m actually a bit of a newbie when it comes to Harry Potter; I didn’t read all of the books until about four years ago, and didn’t watch any of the films until after that. I was surprised at how much I really got into the books, but I do like epics, and this definitely fits that genre. Without giving away the ending for all of you that haven’t read the book, bring tissues, because there is a lot of sad moment, more than Part I. Actually, one of my favorite character’s death is shown in the preview. If I tear up at the preview, I can’t imagine what I’m going to be like during the movie. So why go see it? A great tale of good versus evil must have some sadness. If it didn’t, it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting and what the good guys are fighting for wouldn’t seem nearly as significant. Will I see it opening night? You bet! Will I see it in 3D? No, I’m not really into the 3D thing for live action.

2. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. I (November 18)

I have had some mixed emotions about these films. Given that I fell in love with the story, I don’t think the movies are that great, but instead of spending hours rereading the book, I can watch the movies, and fix the mistakes in my head. Twilight was awful, Eclipse left out some crucial dialogue, but I was pleasantly surprised with New Moon. My biggest problem is Kristen Stewart, but I’m hoping after playing Bella for the fourth time now, she gets a better grasp on the character. I will say that this preview does have me excited again. Maybe now Stewart’s portrayal of Bella won’t be filled with such misery and all the Team Jacob people will be silenced- there is no Team Jacob! (Read the book if you don’t get what I’m saying). Anyhow, I’ve been trying to think of a good place to end part one, and it should be when Bella “wakes up.” Will I see it the opening night? You bet! Will I see it at midnight? No. School, work, and the commute make that impossible.

3. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (December 21)

I know that all three of my movie choices are from books. That’s because I’m an avid reader, and good books make good movies- sometimes. I am fully confident that this adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is going to be spot on. Daniel Craig and Christopher Plummer are great choices, and from what I can see in the preview, the setting is just how I imagined it in the book, especially the flashback to the day the mystery began. How much I like this movie depends upon the acting abilities of somewhat-newcomer Rooney Mara. All I’ve seen her in is The Social Network, but that role is completely different than that of Lisbeth Salander. I know I’m being picky, but even though the makeover is great, she’s not tiny enough, but heck, Taylor Lautner isn’t really what I pictured Jacob Black to look like either. They’ll probably just write that out of the movie. For those of you not knowing what the story is about, combine the edginess of the preview with a plot line that reminds me of Agatha Christie: an unsolved murder with an isolated island full of suspects. Now that so many of my favorite series are wrapping up, I’m glad to see that this trilogy is getting some attention. Will I see it opening night? I’m actually going to wait until Christmas night to see this one. Christmas at the movies is a tradition!

Haven’t Made Up My Mind Yet

1. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (June 25)

 

My favorite cartoon as a child! While I really enjoyed the first film, I didn’t care for the second at all. I would like them to start introducing more of the original characters, sort of how the X-Men franchise always incorporates new characters into the plot line. This movie does have two things working in its favor: Megan Fox isn’t in it, and according to IMDB, Megatron is back. I think if I’m in the right mood I’ll see it, but I won’t be rushing out.

2. Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22)

 

I’m trying to see all the Avenger movies, but I didn’t see Thor, and this one may have to wait until it’s on my Netflix as well. I wish Hollywood would stop casting actors in superhero roles if they have already played a superhero. Chris Evans is the Human Torch, and now he’s Captain America? I don’t get it. However, the styling of this film may be the reason I see it. While movies like Thor and The Green Lantern (which I will not be seeing) have the standard superhero look, the World War II setting intrigues me, as did the the Cold War setting of X-Men First Class (Yes- X-Men set the standard high this year). It’s a definite maybe.

3. Cowboys and Aliens (July 29)

 

Yeah, not too sure about this one. I would have said heck no, but Daniel Craig is great, and I haven’t seen him make a bad choice yet. I did learn my lesson though. I thought Johnny Depp could do no wrong, and then I saw The Tourist. This may be the one that waits ’til Netflix. I think I’d have to be really bored.

4. The Three Musketeers (October 14)

 

Of all the movies on my maybe list, this is the one I think I am most likely to see. First, it’s in a release spot that isn’t near any of the others, and the cast! The Cast is phenomenal: Orlando Bloom, Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson), Christopher Waltz (Inglorious Bastards), Ray Stevenson (Rome), and Matthew Macfadyen (Pride and Prejudice). But then again, there’s Milla Jovovivich. It’s not that I think she’s a bad actress, but she makes really bad choices. Ultraviolet and The Fourth Kind come to mind. Given that she’s not the sole actor behind this film, and that I like the choices made by Macfadyen, Lerman is my new favorite, and nobody plays a villain like Waltz, I will more than likely pay the big bucks for this one.

5. Sherlock Holmes 2 (December 16)

 

I didn’t see the first Holmes film in the theaters, but I really enjoyed it when I saw it at home. I’d like to see a preview before I make up my mind. For me, Robert Downey Jr. can do no wrong recently, and I’m a long time Holmes fan. I would like them to pull from Conan Doyles original plots, however. Maybe we can make Christmas a double feature with this one.

Looking to 2012

Even though this year hasn’t been the greatest for movies, next year is looking amazing! Here’s what I’m really looking forward to:

Underworld 4 (January 20)

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (February 17) *For the husband

The Hunger Games (March 23) *More blogging about my favorite book to come!

Clash of the Titans 2 (March 30)

Marvel’s The Avengers (May 4)

Dark Shadows (May- TBD)

Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1)

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 22)

The Amazing Spiderman (July 3)

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)

Bond 23 (November 9)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (December 14)

The Lone Ranger (December 21)

Superman the Man of Steel (TBA)

I’ve also heard various rumors about Max Brooke’s World War Z coming out next year, starring Brad Pitt. It’s been in talks for years, so hopefully we see some movement on it soon, or my husband will go nuts!

So what movies are you all looking forward to this year, or next? How often do you go? Has Netflix replaced your movie experience? Let me know!

I know I’ve been talking a lot lately about how summer is coming up. It’s because summer is a time for me to relax and really get some things done that I normally don’t have time to do. This year I really want to learn to do some new things with my hair. With some stages in between, I have the exact same style as I did when I was a kid, long and straight, with blunt bangs. While I don’t want to change the cut because it is so easy to take care of, I want to find some ways to style it that are a bit more fun. Here are some of my inspirations.

Three ponytails that were then sectioned, looped, and pinned. I think I can definitely do this one. What a fun updo idea.

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I’m always willing to try a little something new with my color, as long as it’s not too drastic of a change. I think I want to do something like this ombre effect.

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More ombre coloring, only this time it is shown on hair styled like mine. I think I can do this.

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I love everything about this look, from the hair to the makeup. I’m going to need to do some serious practicing with my teasing comb.

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This is a very pretty updo. I think I just need to get out a large barrel curling iron and lots of bobby pins.

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If  could have anyone’s hair, it would be Kate Beckinsale. It’s always so put together but at the same time, not fussy. For this ponytail: teasing comb and hairspray.

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I have a great hairstylist, and she showed me how to do this to my hair (with my bangs of course). She made it look so easy, but I’m going to master it over vacation.

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To me, nothing says summer more than waking up, having a tea and scone, and grabbing a great book. Now that my summer vacation is only three little weeks away, I’ve decided to put together a list of my must reads (and re-reads) of the summer. I like to mix it up: classics, mysteries, nonfiction, how-to, even children’s literature. I hope I can add a little something to your must-read list too!

1. A Bit of Mystery: Murder on the Boulevard

(Available here for $2.99)

I love a good who-done-it. Normally I will pick up one of the few remaining Agatha Christie novels that I haven’t read for a quick summer read. This year, however, I’m choosing Murder on the Boulevard, written by my blogger friend over at Blonde Episodes. In addition to a murderous plot (one of my faves) it’s set in 1950s Hollywood. Glamour and murder- what more could I ask for!

2. The Classic: Jane Eyre

(Available here)

I’m kind of shocked that I still haven’t read this, and normally I would never see a movie without having read the book first. While I enjoyed the film version, I did feel that there was quite a bit of character development that must have been left out. I was thinking, “I don’t really know why Jane and Mr. Rochester are in love.” Being that I love classics, this has been added on to the list. I know I will enjoy watching the movie again with the added knowledge of what went on in the novel.

3. Design Book: Domino

(Available here)

Since I have decided to go back to school for interior design, I need to read up on it as much as possible. I’ve found my mother’s old textbooks from when she was a student, and there is of course my textbook, but I know to get the big picture, that is not going to be enough. I have already subscribed to Architectural Digest and Elle Decor as well. I picked up this book at Barnes and Noble last weekend (I loved the magazine, which, unfortunately, is no longer in print). It seems to be a quick read, but I’m sure I’ll be able to pick up some knowledge from it. One thing is for sure: this will not be the only interior design book I read this summer!

3. The New “It” Book: Water for Elephants

(Available here)

Like I said, I usually don’t see films adapted from novels until I’ve read the original version, and I stuck to it with this one. (You have no idea how much I was tempted to see my girl Reese!) I had heard great things about the book before I even knew there was a movie coming out, plus I love the time period/circus setting, but with finishing The Millenium Trilogy, I just didn’t have time to pick this one up. I’ll have it done before the movie makes its way to my Netflix queue!

5. Children’s Literature: Rick Riordan

(Available here)

(Available here)

To be honest, I’m not sure how much of my addiction to children’s literature has to do with my job, or if I really enjoy light reads with fast plots, and no violence, sleaze, and swearing. I think it is probably a mixture of the two. Anyhow, if you don’t know who the ‘It Writer’ for children is right now, it is without a doubt Rick Riordan. Both my husband and I raced through the entire Percy Jackson series (once again I was disappointed with the movie adaptation), which is about a young boy who realizes he is the demigod son of Poseidon. I’m really into ancient mythology (once again part of the job description), so not only are his books entertaining, they are also very educational without straight out saying, “Okay class, today we will be learning about the Greek Olympians.” Now that the Percy Jackson series is over, he has started The Kane Chronicles, a similar series, only now dealing with Egyptian mythology (thank you Mr. Riordan for writing my 6th grade history curriculum for me). The second book in the series, The Throne of Fire, has recently been released, as has The Lost Hero, a sort of spin-off of the Percy Jackson series. I can’t wait to read both of his new books, as well as the next book in the 39 Clues series, Vespar Rising, and the sequel to The Lost Hero, titled Son of Neptune, which is due out in the fall. What a great year for children’s literature; thank you again Rick Riordan!

6. Favorite Rereads: Pride and Prejudice and The Hunger Games

(Available here)

(Available here )

I know, I know, could someone’s two favorite books be any more different? Well, there are different sides to different people, and these two bring out two of my sides: I love romance (the historical kind- not Fabio), and I love science fiction post-apocalyptic epics. Wierd, I know!

Let’s start with Pride and Prejudice. I think I love this book so much because I first read it right before my wedding. Since, I have read it again every year, as well as seen countless movie versions and adaptations (uhumm, does Twilight ring any bells?) and recently written sequels. Yes, I’ve even read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies- not bad! Want more proof about how much I love this book? My dog’s name is Mr. Darcy. It is the ultimate early morning scone and tea read.

And moving on to my newest love, The Hunger Games. I picked this up over a year ago because Stephenie Meyer was raving about it. I could not put it down! Never before had I been entirely enthralled in a book. Okay, maybe Twilight, but I think more with this. The story is set in a future post-war North America. To prove to the people that the government is in complete control, each of the 12 districts have to send two tributes, aged 12-18, into The Hunger Games, a to-the-death match, which is mandatory television viewing. I could go on about the plot, but trust me, it is amazing! The final book in the trilogy came out last fall, and I had never before cried over a book. Oh, did I mention the movie is in pre-production. Please God don’t let them ruin this like they ruined Twilight!

I hope everyone enjoys their summer and makes time for a bit of reading!

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Well, I do believe Mother Nature has decided for the sun to stay out here in Southern California. These summer looks from Anthropologie, my absolute favorite store, have me thinking about the pool, the beach, girl time, and family vacations. I hope you are all planning so fabulous summer time activities as well!

Vacation Wear

A Day Out

By the Sea

An Evening Out

All images from Anthropologie.com

Don’t forget to check out Murder on the Boulevard by Kori Donahue, my blogger friend over at Blonde Episodes. It’s out today!!

This week has been all about setting into motion some important changes in my life, as well as finding inspiration for the future. Today I’m linking up for Pink and Green Thursday to bring to you some of my favorite, beautiful, inspiring images.

Interiors

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Fashion

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Everything Else

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Color

(Don’t be afraid!)

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Line and Form

(Add a variety of both)

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Unity

(Everything should work as a unit)

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Emphasis

(As in the fireplace)

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Texture

(Mix up surfaces)

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Proportion

(Pieces fit the space)

Balance

(Even it out)

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Scale

(Pieces should be of similar size, but not exact)

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Harmony

(That finished feeling)

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Rhythm

(Make the eye move)

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I do need new measuring cups!

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I’m thinking about switching to sticked butter just so I can have this!

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I’ve been eying this necklace for a while. Now that it’s on sale I might just pounce on it!

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This stands in my foyer. So striking!

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I was able to snag the owls on sale before they sold out.

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Waiting for these lovelies to go on sale.

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Contemplating getting this for my guest bathroom, one of the only rooms without an owl.

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I’m planning on creating a collage in my bedroom using cards from Sanna Annukka.

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I received this journal as a Christmas present; I keep blogging ideas in it.

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I have an apron made of the same whimsical owl fabric as this.

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Speaking of aprons, my collection hangs from this hook in my pantry.

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This week marks the start of the next chapter in my life. After some life altering events, I have decided to return to school to chase my dream of becoming an interior designer. The funny thing is, I didn’t even really know it was my dream until recently, but sometimes perspective on life is thrown at you in a split second. That moment came last October with the passing of my mother, and in that moment I knew a change was needed. I realize that balancing work, family and school will be a huge challenge, especially when work and school are nearly two hours away from each other, but in the end, even if I just go back for the fun of it, it was a needed and necessary step in my life.

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I’m going to need some commuting music. That would be the two M’s: Muse and Mumford and Sons

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Time to Get Organzied

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A Glimpse Into the Future

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To start, I tried thinking of who I could get to work with me on this. I have a great circle of friends, but I know they are all incredibly busy. They are all super mommies, many of them with infants and toddlers, and some already do community work, such as Relay for Life. With summer vacation on the way, I didn’t want to have to ask my friends to give up their precious family time. I did have another option, however. I have kept in contact with a group of very special middle school girls. We chat every once in awhile, and many of them come and visit me after school while I’m at work to help out. Most of these girls are really into student leadership, and all are excellent students. I know one of them even started a charity for a sick child a few years ago. To get things started, I sent them messages on Facebook. That night my in-box lit up! They were so excited at the chance to help the community and spend some time together. So far, I have eight fabulous teenagers willing to give up some of their time. Thank you Kess, Kayla, Victoria, Ashley, Sarah, Kathia, Summer, and Madi; you are all amazing!

Then I started thinking about what we could do. Since we are all so busy, I thought it would be best if we kept it to no more than four projects a year, perhaps one a season. This summer we are going to schedule a beach cleanup through Save Our Beach, a nonprofit organization in California committed to keeping our beaches beautiful. We’re still figuring out a date, but we are all really excited. As for other ideas, I was thinking Thanksgiving baskets for the Salavation Army and making stuffed animal Christmas presents for a local children’s hospital. I’m sure once we start talking more, the girls will have plenty of ideas as well.

Oh yeah, they are also excited about the Shine t-shirts and necklaces! We will proudly wear them during our beach cleanup!

If you are interested in helping this summer with The Fab Corner’s Shine Project beach cleanup, shoot me an email through the contact page, and I will fill you in on the dateonce everything is set!