two pennies' worth

I just got home after watching the hunger games. Midnight screening aw yeh. It was pretty damn incredible and definitely lived up to my expectations. I think they could've done a better job with the costumes though. I pictured way more epic outfits in my head with more realistic fire... Peeta's suit during the interview looked slightly cowboyish with the flames on the sleeves and all. A bit tacky, imo 

Flawless execution of the rest of the movie though! I loved the parts in the control room and how immersive the whole experience was. When she blasted all the careers' food (side note. they were so dumb. for real. "Yeah, I'm just going to pile ALL the food up so you can blast it all in one go. I'm not going to save some at another location." herp derp), my ears were ringing from the explosion. I felt like I was in the arena with them. My friend joyce certainly thought so too. "OMG THE TENSION." *squirms in seat*

The parts with prim and rue were definitely touching. And I also liked the training sequences. The parts in the capital were my favorite in the book, but I think they chose to focus more on the actual game in the film. All the awards for Seneca's beard though. And his cryptic talks with president snow. 

I enjoyed Josh Hutcherson immensely. Even though he looked derpy in every other scene, he was such a sweetheart. That scene where he put medicine on katniss' forehead then proceeded to caress her face? My feelings. What are they doing ;~; 

Gale...No comment. He was hot though and did provide comic relief whenever there was a tender moment between everlark and the camera panned onto his grumpy face. "hrr hrr peenis. what a dumb ship name." 

But Jennifer Lawrence definitely stole the show. Burnt leg? Jennifer Lawrence don't give a shit. Tracker jacker sting? Jennifer Lawrence don't give a shit. You're going places, girl. She also gives great hugs and great kisses. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MOAR KISSES. 

This is the last post for my IS blogging assignment and I'm actually kind of sad that the first semester is coming to a close. 

I've written quite a lot this semester not just for school, but for this blog, my personal blog, and for The Bull & Bear (we're hiring by the way!). I really enjoy it (given my creative juices are flowing, which is quite often surprisingly..)! I must say, I didn't learn a whole lot from this assignment, since blogging is something that I already do. For those who are not accustomed to blogging, this project could be quite frustrating and difficult.

I am by no means shutting this blog down, and I'll probably still blog here from time to time. I like the title and the layout too much to delete it :P Check out my personal blog too for more of my misadventures.

Goodbye first semester, goodbye 5/749587273 core courses, hello finals... Good luck to everyone! WE SHALL ALL PASS.

I am not the most fashionable girl out there, but I do enjoy keeping up with current fashion trends (I can spend hours on Refinery29) and style blogs (Blushing Ambition is my fashion icon). I can't pinpoint exact words that describe my way of dressing, but I tend to gravitate towards sweet, vintage-inspired, and timeless pieces. So, without further ado, I present to you my 10 wardrobe essentials. 

1. A pair of comfortable jeans is a must have in my wardrobe. I recommend a pair of dark colored jeans because you can dress it up or down with the simple change of a top. Whenever I stand in from of my dresser thinking, "I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR ;~;", I always reach for my trusty pair of Uniqlo jeggings (yes, I wear jeggings. I like being comfortable).  

2. Although I have around 10 striped tops in my wardrobe, I still tend to reach for striped pieces when I go shopping. There's just something so flattering and classic about stripes. They literally go with EVERYTHING. 

3. I've had my pair of red chucks for over 4 years now and they've definitely become a staple in my wardrobe. They instantly add a pop of color to any outfit, and I could (and have) walk a mile in them.  4. Who says you can't wear mini skirts or sundresses well into the fall? I have a million pair of tights in my wardrobe to do just that. Layering a skirt, sundress, or shorts over tights immediately lends that autumn feel. 

5. I love chunky, oversized cardigans with pockets. I can't emphasize the pocket part enough. What I love even more is when articles of clothing which shouldn't have pockets have pockets. Dress with pockets? BUY. Skirts with pockets? BUY. Yeah, I think everybody now knows that I love pockets. 

6. A black skirt is an essential piece in any girl's wardrobe. I find it so difficult to find the right skirt though. I currently have a tulip shaped black skirt with pockets (heh), but I'm looking for a fuller, high waisted black skirt or maybe a pleated schoolgirl inspired one. 

7. I love wearing oxfords in the fall. I love the shape of the shoe and they look so crisp and elegant. They go with everything from jeans with a top to a skirt with a sweater. 

8. I don't know what I've been doing without a thin braided belt. I like belting them around dresses, skirts, and high-waisted shorts / jeans to create more of a defined waist line. The best thing about them is that it's got holes along the entire belt, so you can make it as tight / loose as you like. I got mine for cheap from H&M, but I'm sure there are genuine leather alternatives out there.  

9. One of my favorite buys of 2011 is definitely my Fjällräven Kånken. Blushing Ambition has two of these babies and after eyeing this bag for months, I decided to purchase one as well. I chose a black kanken with a laptop compartment. Although the kanken is very small and light, it's SO sturdy. Plus, it looks a bit quirkier than your average JanSport. 

10. I know this doesn't count as a piece of clothing, but whatever. My favorite nail polish is definitely American Apparel's Office. AA nail polish colors are very special, the brush is small (I have small nails, so I like smaller brushes), and it applies very smoothly. 

When I'm feeling intellectual and have some moments to spare (read: procrastination), I check Google Reader and catch up on the latest world news, technology buzz, entertainment gossip, and blogs around the Webosphere. 

Google Reader is my current obsession, but it and I go way back. I actually started using Google Reader back in high school, but it was for my Information Technologies class. I was required to follow only economics and technology websites, and they were rarely interesting reads. Being forced into using a certain piece of technology is never fun, so I didn't touch Google Reader again after the class ended.

After learning about RSS feeds in IS, I thought that I would give Google Reader a second chance because since then I have discovered so many blogs and websites that I check on a regular basis. The verdict? I love it! I'm really digging the new layout of Google Reader, Gmail, and Google Docs because it looks a lot cleaner, streamlined, and professional. I find Google Reader especially useful for news articles because it really brings stories to you in real time. 

I highly recommend Google Reader because it brings all your favorite websites to you (say goodbye to cluttered bookmark bars!), so you never miss a new post on your favorite blog or website. I know this post sounds like an infomercial, but I swear, this is my own opinion. As to why I have 200+ words to say about Google Reader... I guess I'm more of a geek than I realize.

IB midterm sucks

Writing in point form today?

Midterm mania is swiftly approaching, and after hours of IB, IS, and accounting, I've decided to productively procrastinate by writing a new post on my blog. Some people like studying at home, some enjoy the background chatter of cafes. I like library hopping. Here are some of my favorite cramming locations on and off campus. 

Nahum Gelber Law Library (Nom's)

I am actually here right now, so if anybody is in the neighborhood, come say hi! I love the still, silent, and studious atmosphere of this library and the abundance of natural light and POWER PLUGS (I need them power plugs! The desks are spacious with a lot of elbow room (I take up a lot of space on desks). The only drawback of this library is that it's pretty far from campus (it's all the way up on Peel), and the hike can be a little daunting in the winter or late at night, but the good thing about it's location is that it's relatively empty compared to other libraries on campus (People don't know what they're missing...). It can get a bit chilly at Nom's, so bring a jacket when you're here. Other than that, I highly recommend Nom's. I always get a ton of stuff done here (including writing this giant blog post). 

Blackader-Lauderman Library (Hipster library)

What I really like about Blackader is the huge windows overlooking lower field. I'm a sucker for natural light. There is ample desk space, but not all the desks have plugs, so check before you sit down. Blackader is the library of art and architecture, so there are some very fashionable students studying at this library (my friend once saw a girl drinking coffee out of a mason jar. Tres hip.). There is also a very cool stained glass window outside the library. Despite all these wonderful things, Blackader can get a bit loud and VERY busy on the weekends and during finals season. I don't know if it's my computer's problem, but my internet sometimes sketches out in there. 

Birks Reading Room (Birks)

If you've never been to Birks before, GO. NOW. The library is gorgeous. I love the hardwood floors (you have to take your shoes off +1), the retro looking green reading lamps on the desks, and the general ambience. There are also wooden chairs with tennis balls on the legs (TENNIS BALLS :D). It's a pretty small space, so it fills up fast, and it has crappy hours... It's been closed for a while (MUNACA..), but if you have a break between classes, consider visiting Birks, even just to admire the place.  

Bibliotheque et Archives nationales du Quebec (GB)

I don't know about you, but I dream a lot. If McGill offered a course on dream interpretation, I could greatly benefit from that. In this post I'm going to share two of my most memorable dreams with you.  Scary My mom, aunt, and cousin, and I are in an abandoned car. We are in the desert and we are hiding. I remember laying very still on the sticky, vinyl seat and holding my breath, hoping that whatever is out there doesn't feel my presence. It turns out that we were being followed by hamburger shaped robots (don't judge. it was scary). My mom and I had to exit the vehicle to find food and water because my aunt and cousin had passed out from the heat. We hid behind a cactus and overheard a cannibalistic cowboy with a bushy ginger beard talking about how they've spotted us. As beads of cold sweat ran down my forehead, I came to the harsh realization that we were going to die...

Sexy My cat ran up a tree and refused to come down. Just as I was wondering what to do, Iron Man just happened to be in the neighborhood and rescued him from the tree. He then asked me if I wanted some breakfast (uh...YESPLEASE) and flew me over to his uber awesome malibu beach mansion where he took off his suit and cooked me scrambled eggs. Tony Stark making me breakfast? Best. dream. ever.