Christmas Time in Tennessee

As everyone knows, Christmas is about six days away now! One week from right now, Christmas will be completely over with. Everyone is probably frantically Christmas shopping and grocery shopping for family feasts, and they are probably stressing out. It's the Christmas season. Everyone should be smiling and having a wonderful time with friends they haven't seen in a while and family. I know I love this season!

With the Christmas season comes the usual: lights, egg nog, trees, music, you name it! In regards to music, it's usually the same types of songs. Of course several music artists record their own versions of songs and that makes them even more popular. Everyone has a favorite and mine is "Last Christmas."

It was only three years ago or so when I first heard that song. I was working at the mall and I heard Ashley Tisdale's version of the song and fell in love with it! I would hear it play over and over again so I learned to love it! And recently, I have been listening to Taylor Swift's version of it. Taylor Swift is my absolute favorite artist! However, I really like Ashley's version - maybe because I heard it first and that is my memory of that song. Anyway, Glee had its Christmas episode a couple weeks ago and the characters Finn and Rachel, Cory Monteith and Lea Michele, sing it. I really enjoyed the way they sang it because they both have beautiful voices and the song really fit the situation they were in. It was nice hearing that song with both a girl and guy's voice.

video credit: Youtube.com

End Relationships Like the Year

It seems like everyone in Hollywood is breaking up or getting divorced. That does not really help the Hollywood love curse very much.

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens called it quits after five years of dating! I will admit, I have faithfully watched all of the "High School Musical" movies, and they seem to fit well together. Vanessa was not always my favorite person, but over the years, she laid low enough that I began to like her more. It is Zac that I like. So I guess I should be happy that he is single now...

The other break-up, soon to be divorce, that I am sincerely sad about is that of "Sexiest Man Alive 2010" Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson. They have only been married for about one year. So sad! I had high hopes for them, however, I did think they were an odd couple to begin with - but that is why I thought they would last. They WERE a gorgeous couple!

Let's see... who else? Well, there are those couples that no one really knows what will happen. I don't even think the stars themselves know. Exhibit 1: David Arquette and Courteney Cox. They sure made a big buzz about separating. But they keep getting photographed together and are apparently not wanting to divorce. Who really knows? Technically, they have been married around 11 years or so, so maybe they just want to stick with what they know.

Exhibit 2: Eva Longoria and husband Tony Parker. Apparently they are separating also, but they keep getting photographed together and do not want things to end. Again, I have no idea what to think about that. Honestly, I never really liked them as a couple. He is really just not that cute. I said it. She always seemed happy with him though. Plus their height difference makes me laugh. Seriously tall guy, you should date a tall girl because if all the tall guys are taken, then that leaves tall girls with squat.

I'm sure there will be a million more break-ups before 2011 - at least maybe five more. It is so sad. Why is it that Hollywood relationships have low hope for working out?

But on the up side, there have been marriages and new couples emerging lately, so I will have to watch E! News closely to keep my tabs on them!

photo credit: thebosh.com

So Close, Yet So Far Away

The red carpet premiere of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" was in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. Being a Knoxvillian, I decided I would go. To be honest, I have never read the books, although I have now decided to read them over the holidays. I have seen the movies, but it was so long ago that I do not remember it at all. So it is safe to say that I went because I am attracted to red carpets...

From what I have heard, this was the first USA red carpet for the Narnia movies (they are based out of London). Their next stop is to NYC. The two actors from the movie to attend the premiere were Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley who play Edmund and Lucy.

Anyway, I showed up about an hour before the reception started. Just so you know, it was below freezing outside. I could not feel my fingers or toes. That is not even the sad part about the night. I had to leave early because I had a final at school. Yep, a night final that started at 7:15 which is an inconvient time when there is a red carpet happening. I made it up in my mind to leave by 6:30 to get to school in time. It wound up being about an hour that I was there and I crossed my fingers that I would get to see the celebrities. Nope! I had to leave before they got there! DISAPPOINTED! I was so sad. Even though I'm not the biggest Narnia fan, I got excited standing there waiting that I want to get more into it now.

It is just too too bad because I was front and center waiting outside the theater. I knew I had a small chance of seeing them. At least I tried!

That's Tight!

Turtleneck, JCPenney, $7.99
Shorts, Forever 21, $22.80
Fur Vest, JCPenney, $17.99
Shoes, GoJane, $12.00
Purse, Forever 21, $26.80
Tights, Forever 21, $5.80
Bracelet, Forever 21, $4.80

Total: $98.18

Get Out Those Dancing Shoes

I have only ever watched Dancing With the Stars when Drew Lachey was on there because he was amazing and I loved watching Newlyweds and boy bands are forever fabulous. It was something about this season, however, that compelled me to watch it. I guess it was the fact that I knew who the majority of the dancers were. So now it is down to the final three. This is my take on the competition.

Kyle and Lacey: THEY SHOULD WIN! They are absolutely amazing! Not only does he have amazing dancing talent, but he is so fun to watch. He brings personality to the dances and it makes it even better. Ever since their first dance of the season I knew they had my heart.

Bristol and Mark: I honestly like them. It is obvious that she is not the best dancer out of the group, but she is someone you want to root for. Yes, everyone is saying that the only reason they are still here is because of Bristol's mom getting people to vote for her. Hello, doesn't every mother do that for their child? Sure, she has a lot more influence over other mothers, but that honestly makes no difference. People like Bristol because she is real. I got your back girl!

Jennifer and Derek: I just want to go on a date with Derek. He seems fun. Anyway, Jennifer is an amazing dancer, but I do not like her. Before each week's dance, a clip is shown of their previous week's practices. She is a complainer. Yep, I said it. All she does is complain about how she is old or her knee is hurt or her neck cannot turn or her back doesn't bend or something. She always cries and storms out of the room. I have to give it up to Derek for not going crazy. I am sure she has her good personality moments off camera, but from what I have seen, it makes me not like her. With all of her injuries, she dances perfectly. You would never know. Yes, congratulations for being able to deal with it, but it looks like your complaining is a little over the top.

As for next week's elimination, I am sad to say that I think Kyle and Lacey will get voted off. Even though they are my favorite, America is voting for Bristol and Jennifer has obvious talent. As for the complete winner, I am going to go with Jennifer. Hopefully I am wrong about all of that. I guess next week will let me know!

photo credit: accesshollywood.com

Hogwarts Haircut Gone

Emma Watson is an actress that needs no introduction. She is the face of Harry Potter more than Harry Potter himself! Being involved with the same movie franchise for ten years, she was unable to cut her hair or do anything drastic to it. Now that the filming is completed, she decided to go for it! She cut her beautiful locks! AHHH!

I will admit that I did not like it one bit when I first saw it. I always thought her hair was beautiful! But now that I am seeing it more and more, I am getting used to it and I love it now! Honestly, I think confidence can make a person beautiful and she has so much confidence and shine that it makes her haircut look so chic. I look up to her a bit... can you tell? She started out in this business as a young actress and was thrown into the biggest movie franchise of all time! She has held herself extremely well and I admire that. She has not let fame go to her head.

So her old hairstyle is still amazing in my mind, but this one is too. If I had to choose between the two, I could not say. She looks completely different both ways. The longer hair makes her look younger but the short 'do makes her look independent and sophisticated. I guess I am kinda feeling the new 'do right now. Honestly, she cannot look bad. It is just impossible. Geez Emma!

She has plenty to be shining about right now because the next installment to the franchise is coming out Friday! Technically, at midnight on Thursday, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 will be out and I will be seeing it then! I am SOOOOOO excited! And guess who I will be dressing up as. Hermione Granger - but I am not cutting my hair.

photo credit: accesshollywood.com

Like Dating Brothers

Spotted: Girl next door Amanda Seyfried leaving with Ryan Phillippe on Halloween night.

I find this story particularlly interesting because 1: it's totally unexpected and 2: Ryan looks just like Amanda's former co-star on "Letters to Juliet," Christopher Egan.

When "Letters to Juliet" first came out, I could not quite figure out who Christopher looked like. After the upteenth time watching it, I finally figured out he looked just like Ryan. I just see Ryan in the movie instead of Chrisopher.

Anyway, Amanda has become everyone's sweetheart and has been in the spotlight ever since her two blockbuster hits came out recently - "Dear John" is the other one.

Her costume choice for Halloween was not what anyone would say was cute, unless you are 2 years old. She wore a huge dog costume, which looked more like a mascot outfit. And it did not even appear that Ryan dressed up at all. So at least Amanda was in the spirit.

I also heard on E! News that Ryan was spotted leaving Amanda's house early the next day... oh la la. I can see his taste for her because she reminds me of his ex-wife Reese Witherspoon. They are both blonde, girls next door types.

I guess we will have to see if this is indeed a relationship or just something the press falsely read into.

Photo credit: Earsucker.com, atnzone.com

An Hour's Worth of Time

Success or failure? Mostly I am hearing failure, but I am honestly quite proud of myself.

Every year, about a week before Halloween, I always get a pumpkin (well technically my mom does), and I carve a fun and usually spooky picture into it. I look forward to doing this and absolute LOVE to do it!

As I was flipping through the carving possibilities this year, I decided to step it up a notch. I was going to go with a mummy, but obviously did not. So I went to the computer and looked up Harry Potter carvings because I am obsessed with Harry Potter. I did not really find one that I liked though. On the "things similar" suggestions I saw Twilight carvings. That is when I found it.

I found the Edward Cullen pumpkin carving shape. It looked so good on the computer and I knew that mine would not look like that, but I had hope it would at least resemble it and people would know what it is.

That did not happen. Pretty much everyone I have talked to has said that they have no idea what it is. Even when I tell them and show them it is Edward, they still say they do not see it. Sadness!

Oh well, I am proud of my creation and I think Mr. Robert Pattinson would be flattered (but probably not impressed).

I think it is pretty obvious which pumpkin I did. Too bad the picture is terrible - it is from my cell phone.

Photo credit: pinkraygun.com

Fabulous Families To-Do List

Halloween is approaching quickly! It is only three days away and that is the reason that basically every celebrity in Los Angeles has been spotted at Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch with their kids. I guess it is tradition for the families and it is at the top of their to-do list. This place must grow the best pumpkins for the "somebodies" to go there year after year. Seriously, every magazine or gossip site I look at has a few pictures of different famous families picking out pumpkins for carving, decorating, eating (gross) or for some other unknown reason.

Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is not only a pumpkin picking place either. Apparently it has fun inflatables and games and maybe animals, too. So it is a fun place to get into the Halloween spirit in a kid-friendly, non-spooky way. But I am sad to say that I have only seen a small number of people that are actually dressed up in costumes. Things are way more fun in costume people!

So if you want to become a celebrity or be star-struck, my best advice would be to make your way over to the pumpkin patch. But remember, only three more days until the holiday!

In these photos, you see Victoria Beckham with her son and Heidi Klum with her son. Awh.

Photo credit: babble.com, zimbio.com

Look at her Eyelashes

When my sister texted me to tell me Taylor Swift was playing at the Grand Ole Opry, I immediately jumped to the computer and looked for tickets. I was asking away to see who could come with me, but several people already had plans since it was a school holiday. My sister is not the biggest Taylor Swift plan and she did not want to "waste money on Tay Tay." Hater. Thanks Julie. But really, thanks because I would not have known about my future best friend's concert without her telling me. And I pride myself on known everything about my favorite celebrities, so whoops!

After begging Julie to come with me, she told me I should ask our friend Bonnie to come. Her parents live in Nashville and she was going home for the weekend. I had class with Bonnie the next day, so I planned on asking her then. Julie and Bonnie usually have lunch together on campus and Bonnie texted me that day saying she had a surprise for me. I figured it had something to do with our class. When I got to class, she asked me what I was doing over the weekend and I basically said nothing and then she blurted that she had an extra Taylor Swift ticket. At that moment, I am pretty positive that I embarassed myself. I think I screamed or something spastic. So that worked out awesome.

I finally arrived at Bonnie's house and a large group of us got ready. It was a pretty fun group if I may say so. It was me, Bonnie, her sister Casey, Casey's roommate Kelli, Bonnie and Casey's brother Justin, and their mother Jane. We went to downtown Nashville to eat and get pumped for the concert, then made our way over to the Grand Ole Opry.

This was the Grand Ole Opry's 85th Anniversary concert featuring Trace Adkins, Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton! I think this was only the second concert in the new Grand Ole Opry house since the Nashville flood. It looked as good as new (however I must admit that I had never been in it before). Our seats were in the very back, but honestly, there were no bad seats in the whole place.

Besides the three main people, a few old people sang. I do not have a clue who any of them are, but considering the audience was made up of several older people, they enjoyed them.

When Trace Adkins started playing, several people ran up to the stage and squatted down and took pictures. Bonnie looked at me and said we should do that when Taylor Swift comes out. I was all for it!!! So when it was Taylor's turn, we went downstairs and to the door and an attendant asked Bonnie if our seats were in that section, she just said "Um, yeah, right over there." Yay Bonnie, because we went right down front. We squatted for a while and our legs were killing us (our tallness did not help in that situation).

Taylor came out singing "You Belong With Me." She had a fun gold dress on with black boots. She sang amazing live. Several people I know diss Taylor and say she sounds terrible live. NEWSFLASH: No she does not. She sounds perfect! Listen for yourselves then you will see!

We were taking pictures like paparazzi (well me at least since Bonnie's camera died at a terrible time). It is safe to say that I got plenty of pictures for the both of us. I must also add that Taylor is in amazing shape. She is very tall and thin, but not a sickly thin. You can tell she is fit from all of her performances. And I love her hair. Bonnie also pointed out to me that her eyelashes were very caked on with mascara. She even said, "You can barely see her eye balls." Ha! I guess if you are a performer, you have to wear heavy make-up. It is probably in the handbook.

The second song she sang was her new single, "Mine." All of her back-up singers and guitar players went backstage and Taylor did this all on her own old-school acoustic. She played the song slower than what is on the radio, but it sounded beautiful.

The third, and sadly last song she sang was "Love Story." She brought out her sparkly guitar for this one. When she finished that song, she walked to the edge of the stage and was accepting flowers that fans brought her, and she even pulled one little girl up on stage to give her a hug. It was so sweet! Taylor then ran along the line of fans clapping their hands.

At this point, I looked at Bonnie with bug eyes and ran to the stage as close as I could get. We stretched our hands out to touch Taylor (wow, that sounds creepy), but we missed her by only an inch or two.

Dolly Parton came out after Taylor and sang a couple songs. Dolly has a lot of energy! Her accent is also so much fun. Anyway, after she sang, she brought out a huge birthday cake for the Opry. Not edible. I thought someone was going to jump out of it, but no one did. Can you say disappointment?

After it was over, me and Bonnie rushed outside to wait for Taylor. We waited about 20 minutes and realized eveyone who worked at the Opry was leaving. They even said she left after she performed. We believed them since there were no cars or buses or big, black SUVs in the parking lot. We finally gave up and went to the car.

It was such a great concert and Taylor did not disappoint. The car ride back to Bonnie's house was a quiet one since we were all half asleep. Oh, fun times! Oh, fall break!

Knoxville in Knoxville

Something I recently figured out is that school does give you benefits. My public relations teacher came into contact with private screening tickets to see "Jackass 3D" with a special appearance by Johnny Knoxville, and I jumped at the chance to go. You know me and my celebrities. It was a plus one kind of ticket, so I invited my sister Julie to come along.

I have never seen the Jackass movies before, and I was honestly more excited to see Johnny than the movie. Well when we showed up at the theater, we waited in line for around 45 minutes. A local news station reporter from WATE walked up to us and asked if she could interview us. Julie said yes for the both of us. Then when the reporter asked which of us she could interview first, Julie nominated me. Thanks sis! The reporter asked us a few questions, but the part that made it on the air is us answering the question whether we have a crush on Johnny Knoxville. Duh!

When we signed in (because I RSVP'd), we got tickets for free popcorn and coke. Sweet! Then when we walked into the theater, we got free t-shirts and cups with "Jackass 3D" on them. Sweet! Anyway, this may be too much information, but I really needed to use the potty. I had finished my drink and a bottle of water waiting for Johnny and could not wait any longer. He was already 45 minutes late anyway! So I walked out of the theater. I saw the reception line for him of cheerleaders and Smokey the mascot, but I did not see him. I darted toward the bathroom. When I darted back out, I saw Johnny at the end of the reception line about to enter the theater. He stopped and announced that he wanted to go pee before introducing the movie. He left the reception line and walked right toward me. I was the only one over there. He stopped face to face with me and I had no idea what to do. I just stood there like a weirdo and said "Hiiiii" in a weird way and just left to enter the theater. Hello Laura- you were RIGHT IN FRONT OF JOHNNY KNOXVILLE ALONE! HUG HIM, HIGH FIVE HIM, KISS HIM. DO SOMETHING!

Have I mentioned that I am awkward? When I entered the theater, the announcer said, "And here comes Johnny Knoxvilleeeeeee." And then I walked in. Everyone looked at me. AWKWARD! I climbed to the middle of the aisle back to my sister and filled her in that he was in the bathroom and explained our little meet 'n greet. Then she laughed at me.

When he finally came in, he explained that Knoxville was not a part of the movie tour, but he added it because Knoxville is home. He got choked up and had to pause a few times while talking. It was so sweet! He had friends and family there and even brought out a birthday cake to his mom because it was her birthday. He then sat beside her and the movie started.

The movie was hilarious!!! It was also gross. With the 3D element, it made it even better. I laughed out loud and I am not the kind of person who ever laughs out loud in a movie. When it was over, several people left, but we went to stand in line at the edge of Johnny's row to get a picture with him. He took time to talk and take pictures with everyone in line. He seriously is the nicest guy I have EVER met! He is so humble. And good-looking!

When it was my turn for a picture, he said, "Nice to meet you." PS, he has the sexiest voice. It's all deep and scruffy. Ahhhh! He had his hand out and I did not notice. Then I introduced myself and stuck out my hand. He did not notice. But then we finally shook hands at the same time. It was just as awkward as it sounds. At least I am memorable. Then he said, "I think you are taller than me." That is when I just said, "Yeahhhhh." Again, TALK TO THE CELEBRITY THAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU AND IS ALREADY TALKING TO YOU! Julie took the picture of us and then we switched. He looked at her and said, "I bet you are taller than me too." She said, "We're sisters." Okay Julie-that response was weird.

We each got a great picture with him and talked to him. It was such a memorable night and we left smiling. Note to self: learn to talk to celebrities. Stop being starstruck. You have been around enough celebrities to learn this by now.

Mary-Kate Knows Her Stuff... No Matter How Many Times She is on "What Was She Wearing?"

Shirt-Forever 21-$23.90
Shoes-Forever 21-$29.80
Purse-Forever 21-$29.80
Tights-Amazon-$6.81

Total: $90.31

(Mary-Kate) Photo credit: lidiapriskila.blogspot.com

The Band. Perry. The Band Perry?

I have to give my sister credit for me being a huge fan of The Band Perry. She introduced me to their music this past summer before our trip to Nashville to see Carrie Underwood playing at the Grand Ole Opry. The Band Perry was one of the other groups performing. Up until that time, I had never even heard of them.

I quickly became obsessed with their songs, and memorization started! Well, back to what I am really wanting to talk about. The Tennessee Valley Fair came to town last week and they were scheduled to perform one night. My friend asked me if I wanted to go and I had no idea she even liked them. I obviously said "heck yeah!"

My friend, Sara, and I reserved our tickets online so we had better seats than if we just showed up. We got into place and I was themed out in my cowboy boots, fringe vest and Taylor Swift Wal-Mart dress. We sat in our pretty good seats and waited for the show to begin.

They played for a good full hour. At the Grand Ole Opry they only had time to play three songs, so it was great to hear lots and lots. They played all the ones I knew, plus several others from their upcoming album. One thing I love about The Band Perry is that they sound like the radio when they are live. Most musical acts sound COMPLETELY different live and most of time not as good, but they were amazing live!

Let me just describe what I saw on stage. Kim (the lead singer) was wearing the cutest boots which were over-the-knee boots. Reid has long shaggy hair and bangs which makes me think he should be from the Beatles. Neil played an accordion which I find fascinating and wore extremely tight pants. Well, Reid did also, but Neil's were tighter.

After the show, I noticed everybody going to stand in line. I saw that they had the t-shirt and picture table out so that was what that was. Sara and I went straight to their tour bus to wait for them to get on so we could maybe get a picture. Time went by and the t-shirt line got extremely long. After we heard screams, we realized they were at the table signing autographs and taking pictures. When I say that the line was long, I mean LONGGGGGG. I decided I wanted to stand in it anyway, because I never pass up an opportunity to meet a celebrity. Hello, have you met me?

I stood in line for about an hour or so, but it really did not seem that long. As I was getting closer, I noticed they were tall taking a picture with everyone and signing one item per person. I got my camera out, which was blinking because it was dying and I got out my ticket for them to sign. When I was up, I handed a girl my camera praying it would not die at the worst possible time.

The Band Perry- Kim, Reid and Neil- motioned me over and Reid took my ticket to sign first while Kim and Neil shook my hand and introduced themselves. Then Reid did, too. I introduced myself and told Kim, "I really like your boots, FYI." She said, "Thank you! They are really comfortable. And I really like your entire outfit." I think the fact that I can quote our conversation shows that I love them.

I was super excited that 1- she liked my outfit and 2- they were so nice and normal. They all stood for a picture with me and I was like a little kid at Christmas.

Loving Some Vampire Talk

Last week, I decided to start watching True Blood. The thing that triggered my interest in the show is the fact that the two main characters are married in real life. Since their wedding, I have seen pictures of them everywhere and I could not help but think, "Awh." I knew it was a popular and well-liked show, but I like to think that I do not always follow what is popular and that is why I did not watch it initially.

Bill is the main vampire in the show and he is played by Stephen Moyer. First of all, why are vampires always so sexy?!?!?!?! Maybe it is the pale skin - it matches mine (Ha!). Second of all, why is his name Bill? I know he was born forever ago, but still. I guess it does not even matter. He could be named anything and I would still love his name. It is a little obvious how in love with him I am. Anyway, he falls in love with normal girl Sookie and she is played by his wife (awh!) Anna Paquin. She even asks him why his name is Bill, so I am not the only one. I think my favorite thing about the entire series is the way Bill says Sookie's name. Instead of "Sook-E," he says "Sook-eh." I know it is something small and silly, but I cannot help but wonder how he would say my name. Oh boy, I am a lost cause.

Sadly, I have only watched Season 1. I have a feeling that I will have Season 2 watched in no time. One thing that is totally weird and random is the introduction to the show. The theme song is perfect, but the whole introduction thing is totally not what I expected. First of all, it is really long. Second of all, I am sad to say that none of the characters are even shown. It is a good-looking cast. They should be shown.

Now that I am obsessed, I really want to take a road trip down to Louisiana and see places where they film. In case Stephen Moyer happens to read this blog - I love you. And can you please say my name out loud?

Picture from: Truebloodnet.com

To Bang or Not to Bang

Every girl, and some boys, LOVE the way a new haircut feels. It is like a weight has been lifted off of you and you feel like someone new. The trouble is deciding which haircut to get.

When I am watching television or movies, I always notice which haircuts and styles I like best. Sure, some of them would never cooperate with my hair and some I am just too scared to try. There is one hairstyle that I love and keep going back to.

The bangs.

I usually think of kindergardeners when I hear the word bangs. It reminds me of parents taking their children to get their haircut and the children have no say in it. Well, I am now officially banged.

You may wonder how and why I decided to get bangs. Truthfully, this is the third time I have gotten them. I love them each time, but my hair grows so quickly that I wind up letting them grow out before deciding that I miss them and wanting them cut again.

It was "The Devil Wears Prada" that got me hooked! Anne Hathaway's haircut was gorgeous (after the make-over). She had bangs, and she wore them several different ways - straight, swooped to the side, parted in the middle. It all looks good!

Then there is also Zooey Deschanel. I have only seen probably two movies she has ever been in, but I have always noticed her hair. It is adorable! I just wanted to copy her.

Both of these girls have brown hair, like me, so I was able to see what my hair would look like. So my prediction is that I will probably let them grow out and get them all over again because they are so gosh darn fun! And they look pretty fashion-forward, too!

Don't Have to be Rich to be a Richie!

Maxi Dress/Target/$21.99
Purse/Target/$24.99
Shoes/Forever 21/$15.80
Sunglasses/Forever 21/$ 5.80

Total: $68.58

Keep Up With Kourtney

Dress, GoJane, $26.50
Shoes, Charlotte Russe, $25.00
Clutch, Forever 21, $12.80
Bracelet, Forever 21, $ 4.80

Total: $69.10

Rob's Wrap Party

I will just get to the chase. I saw Robert Pattinson last night. Not only did I see him, I was only two inches away from him. And not only was I two inches away from him, my friend Jessica and I were invited into his wrap party for cast and crew for his movie, "Water for Elephants."

Once Jessica and I heard Rob was at the Chattanooga Billiard Club, we went straight there. It is a two level bar, and he was upstairs. The upstairs is huge, and anyone could get up. The wrap party was by the bar and that area was blocked off with an “invisible line” so the cast and crew did not have to worry about anyone bothering them. The VIPs all had orange wrist bands, so if you did not have one, you did not get in.

Jessica and I were invited into the VIP area by one of the orange wristbanders. We wound up talking to several crew members. They were all so nice to us, and we kept finding ourselves closer and closer to Rob – which is how we got to two inches away from him.

Rob really seemed to be enjoying himself. He did not seem bothered by anyone and he was talking to everyone at his table. He looks VERY good in person, and it was kinda hard to stop looking at him. It was refreshing to see that he acted like a normal guy. He is a normal guy - he just happens to be a super good-looking movie star.

It was such a fun night, and Jessica and I have a million stories to talk about. It really was one of the best nights of our lives, and we genuinely enjoyed ourselves.

The Hills Come Alive

Romper, Alloy, $32.90
Shoes, Charlotte Russe, $25.50
Bag, Forever 21, $30.80

Total: $89.20

Making It To Miami

I just got back from a road trip to Florida. The thing is, I was only actually there for less than a weekend. My mom and cousin had tickets to an Antique Show in Miami, so I decided to tag along and go around the town while they were doing their old stuff thing.

When thinking about Miami, the first thing that comes to mind is “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami.” Seriously! So naturally, I stopped by DASH Miami to check out the store I keep seeing on their show. The store was decorated so chic, but it was much smaller than I anticipated. I did not buy anything though, because everything was a bit too pricy for me.

After visiting DASH, I went by the condo they stay in and it felt cool to see their Miami home and think that I was walking the same ground as them. That may sound cheesy, but it was a cool feeling.

Then it was beach time… South Beach time! It was over 110 degrees, so the beach could not have been more perfect. The water was the perfect temperature, and listening to the waves was perfect. I did not even want to read my book because laying in the sand was so relaxing.

I must say, Miami is completely different from anywhere I have ever been. Every type of person imaginable was in Miami, and it was a cool vibe. I defiantly see myself going back several times!

I Got My Letter

June 18 marked the day as the Grand Opening to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. June 18 marked the day that one of my dreams came true. I got to go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

My mother and I were in Orlando’s Universal Studios for the grand opening. We arrived at the park an hour before opening, but we did not even get in the gates until one hour after it opened. So that is two hours right there. After we got into the park, we saw a VERY long line to the Harry Potter portion that is on the other side of the park. That is the moment a park worker told us in line that it would be anywhere from a five to nine hour wait. Oh boy!

We decided to wait in line. Some may call us crazy, but some may call us true fans. Let’s just say we got to know the people around us very well being that we were in line with them for about six hours inside the park. That is right – we waited in line for eight hours total just to go inside Harry Potter’s world.

The wait was worth it! The castle was by far my favorite part of the park. It was beautiful! Beautiful does not even cut it to be honest. The ride inside the castle takes you on a journey through the movies, and I felt like I was really there. The line to the ride was more like a ride itself because we were able to walk through the castle and see Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor Common Room, the Defense Against the Dark Arts and so much more!

The entire town of Hogsmeade was breathtaking. I felt like I walked right into the books. I was able to go to Ollivanders, Zonko’s, Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks! Oh, and the butterbeer was actually really good. The pumpkin juice on the other hand, not so much.

I have memories to last me forever, and I WILL return to Hogwarts one day!

In Great Company

Some great people I know asked me if I wanted tickets to the 2010 CMA Music Awards. Uh, yeah! So I was on my way…

My mom and I each got a ticket to the show, but these were not just regular seats. These were special seats. We were brought in by the producers of the show to be “official seat fillers.” So when celebrities or their managers leave or go backstage for a while, we go sit in their seat until they get back. The seat fillers had to do this only on the section that was the filming area around the celebrities so every seat looked full.

Throughout the night, I was in three different seats. The same goes for my mom. For most of the show, I was about 10 rows or so behind the celebrities. But when the seat fillers were called to leave their seats and come into the hallway, I was confused why. I stood in the hall for the length of one song, and then the crew grabbed me and seven others to fill in seats closer to the celebrities. As the eight of us were going into an empty row IN the celebrity section, the main crew woman pulled me aside and told me to hold on. I was left standing alone… in front of Tim McGraw. He was literally inches from me. And it was not just him. Beside him were Faith Hill, then Nicole Kidman, then Keith Urban. Seriously?! The funny part was that I was just left standing there staring at them. I tried to scan the section so that I was not freaking them out. But everyone in the entire celebrity section was looking at me. I am sure they all thought that I was not supposed to stand there.

Finally the main crew woman came back and decided to seat me in the second row directly behind Carrie Underwood! Yep, I was in the seat right behind her. On each side of her was her fiancé, Mike Fisher, and Hayden Panettiere. Wow. Then the group of Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw were just seats away. Eventually Taylor Swift comes back into her seat which is just four seats away. This is what I call great company!

So if you see any pictures or video from the show, I am the girl right behind Carrie in a maroon dress. I was only in that seat for the last 45 minutes or so of the show.

PS – in this picture, I am on the very left. All you can see is my leg (directly over Mike’s right shoulder), but hey – that is still me!

I’ve Gone Country

Tennessee people are supposed to love country music, right? I will admit that country has never been my first choice, but I do enjoy a select few artists and songs.

My sister and her husband LOVE country music and got tickets to a Carrie Underwood concert in Nashville. Carrie is someone I just started loving and I was so excited to go! When time finally came, it was my sister, her husband, his brother and I. It was a fun group of people and I knew the night would be one to remember.

It was about 45 minutes until the concert started and we were still at the hotel waiting on shuttles and taxis but nothing came. Finally, we gave up and decided to drive ourselves. Once we turned the corner downtown, we saw a massive line of people around the building we were supposed to see Carrie at. My sister and I jumped out of the car to run to the back of the line while the boys parked the car.

When I say long line, I mean long line. It was hundreds of people long. But I was pleasantly surprised that it moved rather quickly. The concert was even pushed back 15 minutes to ensure that the people in line got in. Phew!

This concert was a part of the Grand Ole Opry. One of the bands we saw was The Band Perry which I love! My sister introduced me to them before our trip and I love their music! We also saw Josh Turner. I could listen to his voice all day long. He was great to watch (and not just because he is a good-looking guy). Trisha Yearwood came out, but to be honest I had no idea what she sang. Then she started singing, “She’s In Love With the Boy.” I know that song! I had no idea she sang that, so I was very excited!

It was time for Carrie Underwood. She is by far the best performer I have ever seen. She is enjoyable to watch and she sounds perfect live! Everyone I went with agreed. She sang 6 songs, and I sang to all of them of course! I will also admit that I went camera happy and took a ton of pictures.

All I know is that I now have a greater appreciation for country music and I will definitely be coming back to more Grand Ole Opry concerts!

Try To Pull Vanessa's Look Out of Your Closet!

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Total: $100.69 (If you use a coupon, it'll make up for the extra $.69)