New 'Yoncé Resolutions

After a glory filled week of scrutinization, text message fanfare and overall bewilderment, we finally had the opportunity to come together over the weekend to adore the only thing that is to be adored currently (Christ-what?): Beyoncé.

In doing so we made some heavy declarations; including one-hundy-percent locking down a #flawless dance routine to Jealous in time for cottage sing along season. More pressing however, and on the heels of a brand new year, we'd like to share with you 10 life experiences we are resolving for as a direct result of the The GAMAW (Goddess Among Men And Women) that is Beyoncé.

10. Fight over a hairdryer with a beauty pageant contestant.

9. Fly to Paris, get in town car. Sing: "Driver roll up the partition please."

8. Determine what are cigars on ice. Incorporate into life accordingly.

7. Sneeze to make the beat get sicker.

6. Get pregnant while listening to Rocket. Just kidding, mom.

5. Create work appropriate outfit consisting of fur cape/coat and bathing suit.

4. Establish how "Pull up on ya" is achieved. Execute. With someone you love and trust implicitly obviously.

3. Flex in Texas.

2. Cook a meal...in a penthouse...half naked.

...and our #1 'Yonce Resolution.

What is on your list for 2014??

Links: Fail-Proof Recipes We Love

In the interest of full disclosure, we want you to know we are not professional cooks and did not invent the following recipes. They are simply a short list of dishes that we have made multiple times and always turn out heavenly. Amen sister friend!

For those of you that have some extra time around the holidays (Jewish?) and, coincidentally, are not naturally gifted in the art of cooking, give these guys a try!

1. Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas Casserole: Making this casserole is chief among my accomplishments. This healthy and tasty recipe takes a bit of prep, but it's worth the extra muscle! It's great to make for a relaxed dinner party.

2. Zucchini Fritters: This recipe smugly calls them courgettes, but that's fine. They are delectable little crowd pleasers and an impressive side dish! We are toying with the idea of making these Christmas morning accompanied by a fried egg.

3. Lentil Soup: This one is super easy and you'll be eating it for days. I like to add cumin and potatoes!

4. Shrimp Summer Rolls: Don't let the name fool you, these are great year-round. If your grocery store is of the fancier variety, they probably have a raw shrimp bar, mine carries coconut Thai flavoured shrimp and it's to die. AND constructing summer rolls is a fun group activity, duh.

Happy Friday superstars!
Caitlin

Emergency Beyoncé Moment

Well sportsfans, it's happening! Beyoncé has pulled the ultimate musical stunt: she has released a new album without ANY HYPE WHATSOEVER. It's all we can do to not write this entire post in KANYE CAPS.

She must know that she is making all of our dreams come true in one morning? We are truly feeling inspired and empowered by this sleuth release. OR is it just that we want to wear nude lipstick for the first time?

Preview the videos here and sample/buy the album on iTunes.

Happy Friday, Birthday, Christmas and New Year,
us

Decor Inspiration: Zebras!

This is a bold trend that could easily go horrible wrong, so please use sparingly! You don't want your home to turn out looking anything like this. Regardless, we like a little zebra in the room!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Your Unauthorized PPBB Christmas Viewing Schedule

'Tis the season to celebrate with loved ones but try not to lose sight of your priorities: TV and Movies. This can be a struggle as shopping, socializing and celebrating make it hard to fit in all your favourite holiday classics, so as an early gift to you here is our must-watch viewing calendar:

Click here to download Printable PDF



Happy December Y'all!

Thursday Links: Time Wasters Edition

Guys, it's been a longgggggg week for us too.

With the holidays coming up, you might find yourself at your parents' house with not much to do...especially if you come from a smallish town. Well, as long as you have Wi-Fi, you can catch up on some mindlessly fun Internet stuff! Here are some links that we are particularly addicted to. WARNING: Do not visit these sites if you don't have at least 20 minutes of unadulterated free time, they are serious rabbit holes.

Cute Overload: This can't be the first time you're hearing about this site. It's been around for a few years and we do not wish to publicly declare how many minutes, hours, days we have spent on it.

Passive Aggressive Notes: We just recently heard about this site and it has become a daily read! Described as "funny (if not necessarily "passive-aggressive") notes from pissed-off people", this site is really doing it for us. We've all seen notes like this around the office or your apartment if you live with roommates. The difference between us and them: we aren't crazy enough to actually leave the psychotic notes we have drafted in our minds. In all honesty, I got to page 14 before closing the tab…by accident.

Things Fitting Perfectly into Things: This one might not be for everyone, but there is something special about seeing this stuff that brings us a little peace. Maybe this world isn't such a bad place after all. See above image for a truly inspiring fusion.

BONUS LINK!
Friends Quote Quiz: Just for funzies!

Take pride in your browser history! Peace!

Decor Inspiration: Styling Bookshelves

It's possible you will be hosting guests this party season and will surely want your home looking stylish and put together. Well, a quick and easy way to refresh your place is to rearrange your bookshelves. See below for our OFFICIAL PPBB tips and some inspiration!

Our tips on how to style bookshelves:

1. Pick books based solely on the cover and spine design. We kid. But not really, maybe you need one more aqua coloured book in order to complete your rainbow organization.

2. Add framed art and family photos. Medium and small sized frames will break up the space nicely and fills an area if you have fewer books.

3. Include decorative objects. Think funky bookends, groovy bowl, stack of pretty boxes or even a small plant. Some of the shelves below feature fashion accessories. This trend is for the bold and, of course, only high end looking fashion goods will do.

4. Mix up the book arrangement. Place books vertically and horizontally in a stack on the same shelf.

Handsome Fellas Hanging Out: Harrison is Foxy Edition

We don't give Columbus Short enough attention; neither does Scandal (though he was getting a little precocious this week, so step in the right direction!) We saw photos of him at the 'GQ Man of the Year Party' last week and immediately sparked an email debate, SUBJECT: Um, Harrison is foxy.

Caitlin professed past attraction for Harrison, but for me he only came into vogue after seeing (and then immediately Googling more) real life Columbus photos. Classic question of Who's Hot! Check him out looking sharp and hanging with equally hot Michael B. Jordan. Katie Lowes must be dying inside, we would be.

If you're dealing with snowy weather today, maybe stay inside and photoshop your face into the below picture. It might soothe any impending winter heartache.



Getting Excited for Girls!

Look, we would feel remiss if we didn't bombard you with every morsel pertaining to the upcoming third season of Girls. We are so frickin excited! But having to wait until January 12 seems like a very unfair, crimeless punishment. See below for screech-inducing behind the scenes preview.



Ps. How do we get a job at Rays??

Look We Love: Statement Necklace and Casual Top

Greetings muffin makers! As we have previously stated, the holiday party season is commencing its annual creep in a mere fortnight. Since we are devoted to providing you, our loyal readers, with pretty and easy wardrobe fixes, we would like to present one of our favourite looks: the glamour statement necklace paired with a casual top. We recommend a non-descript sweatshirt to combat the cold weather or a tee/blazer combo. Really anything goes! See below for some inspiration and a selection of goodies that can be purchased online from the comfort of your messy apartment!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Highlight of the Week: New Lord on the Scene

Our highlight is sadly also our lowlight as we shut our laptops on the final episode of Downton Abbey Season 4 this week. We run with the dangerous crowd when it comes to the Crawley gang and view the season prior to it airing on PBS (yes, we are super bad ass). In the interest of not offending you, (WWTDCD amirite?) we won't ruin the plot, but will simply warn your heart that it WILL burst upon laying eyes on new cast member and all over studmuffin: Tom Cullen.

Get ready to start the new year so over Matthew Crawley and all lorry related tragedies. Lord Anthony Gillingham is where all your 20th-century society fantasies will (or already do) live in 2014, take a gander at him.


#DowntonQuiver


#ModernQuiver

So now we impatiently await the Christmas Special; all we know is that it's Christmas time at Downton and an appearance from Gillingham would be a glorious, festive touch to the manor.

Chin chin,
Us

Proper Pretty Party Dresses

Guys, holiday party season will be here quicker than you can say "I hate showing my pale upper arms. Why can't they make more dresses with sleeves?!? We can't all have Michelle Obama's biceps! Damnit!". While we can't give you any advice on how to tone your flabby arms, we can present you with some classic holiday appropriate dresses inspired by our FAVOURITE FASHIONISTA OF 2013: Kiernan Shipka (see post below for the lo-down)! Honestly, it's like impossible to find party dresses with sleeves. Sorry boo.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

10 TV Grievances (and why they remind us that television could, sadly, never be reality)

Even if you won't admit it, this is a familiar scenario: You're 15 episodes deep into a binge watch, but have a cursed social commitment. Instead of cancelling, you forcibly tear yourself away from the TV set. Regardless of being out socializing in civilization, all you can focus on is what you might be missing at Pope and Associates!!

Yes friends, TV is a cruel mistress and honestly we wish we had advice to bestow on how to skillfully avoid the above scenario. What we do have, however, is a list of TV grievances that will snap you back to reality! Prepare to have your mind blown and we apologize in advance for shattering any illusions.

10. When people never have time to eat that delicious breakfast (insert any daily meal here really), yet seem to have an abundance of free time before work and/or school. TV Land: Five different types of pancakes mystically appear, complimented with bacon/sausage combo plus toast and brewed coffee. Everyone nonchalantly walks past them to get on with their storyline of the week (which generally includes roughly 3 dramatic happenings before the work day commences, presumably at 11 am??). There is no sign of dirty dishes.

Reality: You generally opt for 15 minutes of extra sleep thus barely have time to toast a piece of bread in the am. On the off chance you want to wake up at 5 am to cook, everything is burnt, you're obviously late AND you forgo the clean up of this failed attempt for days.

9. When couples face a forgotten anniversary or partner's birthday.

TV Land: Husbands forget anniversaries and birthdays like they are Jessica Simpson hits.

Reality: You talk about plans months in advance; particularly milestone occasions (also, why have family and friends failed to inquire about what special things you've got planned?!) If you're expecting a vacation or extravagant party: venues must be picked, vacation time requested and you've likely (annoyingly) been posting a countdown on your Facebook for weeks. This guy had no chance at forgetting.

8. When people just order "beer." TV Land: There is a universally good tasting alcohol on tap called "beer".

Reality: Waitress looks at you impatiently like you're from another country, waiting for you to identify Molson, Heineken, Stella, et al. We realize that this is likely a TV tactic to avoid brand names/unpaid product placement, but come on! They could at least specify the type of beer i.e. light, IPA, pilsner.

Familiar Faces: GAP Love

If you happen to frequent GAP as often as we do, you may have noticed a familiar face in the latest Fall/Winter ads: Connie Britton!

Connie and her son, Yoby, look just adorable. Did you guys know Connie used to work at GAP? So did Caitlin, by all means they are kindred spirits (jealous!).



Also, in case you aren't in the know: 35% off online and in stores this weekend! Get to Holiday shopping.

On the Cutest Young Fashionista in Show Biz

We'd like to shine the PPBB spotlight on one talented little ingenue called Kiernan Shipka (Known formally as Sally Draper on AMC's hit drama Mad Men). 2013 has been a stellar style year for this little darling. Her red carpet style should be hastily adopted by all other starlets under the age of 19 (we're looking at you cast of Modern Family).

And GURRRLLLLLLL, that hand on hip pose is FIERCEEEEEEE (in a really sweet and cute way of course).

We present our favourite Kiernan looks from 2013:

Monday Links: Mini Edition

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I, Caitlin, love all things miniature. This obsession goes beyond the obvious (doll houses, Polly Pockets) into the extraordinary. Please enjoy the below links to view some adorable unexpected miniatures!

1. PetitPlat Miniature Food Art (shown above): Not only are these little foodscapes too charming for words, you can actually buy them through the artist's Etsy shop! We are dying the for the sushi minis. We can only assume this type of art (and jewellery!) exists purely for weirdos like me, we won't worry about the specifics of how and why. The realism is truly astounding. I could literally look at these all day.

2. Scrumptious Mini (and edible) Food Masterpieces: If we ever host a major event (wedding if we're lucky, surprise party if we're unlucky) we will definitely try to create an entire menu of food minis like these!

3. Sweet Piñatas Pequeñas: We are ordering these post haste for our next group fiesta! Ole! (Not really though, they're $38 for 4 and the economy is basically in a recession. We're not that estúpido.)

A long time ago...we knew Logan would age HOT.

The second Veronica Mars docu-trailer has graced our eager laptops! Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, it's main plot is good guy vs. smoldering guy. Also there seems to be a crime involved, classic Ronnie.

Though historically #TeamWallace, we can't help but notice the fine preservation of one Logan Echolls during this somewhat campy, 4-minute long Logan or Piz debate. Thank you time. So please enjoy the below, also don't strain your precious eyes, we'll tell you straight up: as hard as we looked, Leo D'Amato didn't make the cut...this time around.

Woof! Amirite?

AND you guys, isn't is precious that Veronica has this old school, circa Neptune High photo of Logan as her caller ID. Melt.

Come Play with Us (& wear these Mary Janes)

Halloween weekend is upon us and it's freezing in Toronto. Yes, these two things are unrelated but it fits the tone of this spooky recreation of the Grady Twins, featuring Kiernan Shipka. We LOVE it and it may be the closest we actually come to celebrating All Hallow's Eve this year (let's be honest, no matter how remarkable it is, one's famous mime costume can only be worn so many times).



Also, we've decided to take advantage of the aforementioned weather restrictions and devote the day to online shopping. The money we saved by staying warm in bed, combined with our fixation of the above has scarily led us on a hunt for the Mui Mui shoes used in the shoot...is there a neighborhood where we could trick or treat for pumps?


Click here if you're also interested.

Additionally, we also like these similarly fashioned Valentinos just incase anyone feels inclined to buy us an extravagant Halloween gift.

Happy Halloween y'all, now go get cray and light the black flame candle!

Jason Street in Crocs

You read that right...we are a bag full of emotions at the sight of this! On one foot, we are positively ebullient with gratitude at the sight of these hunks hanging out, but we just cannot accept that Six fully wears Crocs in his everyday life! Coach would be ashamed.

Why can't he take a page out of Luke Cafferty's book and sport some casual, yet on trend navy Vans? Hmmm??? Is that too much to ask? Doesn't he know that comfort must take a backseat to fashion? Doesn't he??

Sorry for all the loud questions. We told you we were emotional.

Anyway, back to our original point: these dudes are handsome and we miss them.

Crazy in Love with this kid!

Happy Monday sports fans!

We promise there will come a day when we don't do a post about Beyoncé. Alas, today is not that day.

Beyoncé superfan Chris Koo has posted a spellbindingly glorious dance video on Youtube that we guarantee you will watch til the end. Boy doesn't even break a sweat. This homage is a sweet escape down memory lane for us and we feel inspired and entranced by it! Plus we want that t-shirt.

We really just can't get enough of Beyoncé, her dance moves, music, life and everything else she stands for (OBVI). If you can think of a way for us to show our devotion in a public format other than a dance tribute, we would be ever so grateful. Our hair just doesn't flip the way Chris Koo's does...

Enjoy!

Highlight of the Week: Three-Year-Old Beyoncé Dancer

Just to be clear we plan on raising all future kin like this.

Can't believe we've overlooked such a fool proof way of getting Beyoncé's attention until now!

Who's Your TV Alter Ego?

It's fall, so we can only assume that you're currently living vicariously through a new episode of your favourite TV show. It isn't our intention to interrupt you, but if you do find yourself with a little extra buffering time (we totally sympathize!) between shows why not determine once and for all who your TV land alter ego is?

We've scientifically (obviously, not really) pinpointed the personality types of four of our most viewed and esteemed lead female characters. Take the quiz to find out which one you are!



And now we humbly suggest you go and watch the premiere episode staring your counterpart, unless, unfortunately, you're a Hannah (we can actually hear you moaning about the Girls 2014 premiere date right now!).

Familiar Faces: New Girl Strikes Back Edition

Like many of you, we are delighted to be again watching new episodes of New Girl (after a summer of binge re-watching...). We think it's necessary to point out that Schmidt's part-time girlfriend Elizabeth and recent Emmy winner Merritt Wever first made our acquaintance in one of our all time fave movies: Strike.

The 1998 film was mysteriously renamed All I Wanna Do at an unknown date (but was clearly called Strike when I rented it monthly from Blockbuster circa the 2000's). If you haven't seen it, we highly recommend! It stars Kirsten Dunst too! Yay for teen movies that stand the test time!

Although it doesn't seem like she has been up to much (in Hollywood) since Strike, a quick IMDB query has revealed she has in fact been up to a lot! We are loathe to admit that we didn't make it past a few early Nurse Jackie episodes (only because we are poor and without cable). Anyway, she was a hit at the Emmys with this memorable acceptance speech:

We approve! And hope to see more of her in future projects.

Morning After: The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards

Best Dressed Lady: Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein Collection. If we ever need to go anywhere fancy ever again, we wanna look like this.

Best Dressed Man: Zachary Quinto

The Cast That Dressed Exactly How We Expected: Girls obviously. We kinda wanna see Lena Dunham in TLC's What Not To Wear, she has so much potential.

Best Dressed Young Fashionistas: Homeland's Morgan Saylor in Honor and Kiernan Shipka in Delpozoa.

Best Dressed Lady (Circa the 10th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1958 of course): Zooey Deschanel in J. Mendel

Hottest Couples: Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt, Shasi Wells and Dylan McDermott, Julianna Margulies and Keith Lieberthal

Campaigning For Sex Symbol Status: Contrasting the 50's housewife frock she wore to the (hilarious) James Franco Roast, Sarah Silverman is looking seductive in a $60 form fitting dress, you go girl! Linda Cardellini wearing a gorgeous Donna Karan Atelier dress.

Campaigning For Red Carpet Risk-Taker Status: Mindy Kaling in Georges Chakra, Kate Mara in J. Mendel, Michelle Dockery in Prada.

Ladies in Bizarre and Colourless Gowns: There are far too many of these dresses on the RC than we would like.

Most Inexplicable Outfit and Presence: Paula Abdul

Veronica Mars Flashback We Wanted To See The Least: Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna

The 4th Ever Bangin' Awards: Emmy Edition

The 65th Annual Emmy awards are almost here (hint: they're tonight!) and in keeping with tradition lets discuss character style before scrutinizing red carpet fashions. There was a ton of drama, and hilarity on the small screen this year and a lot of great clothing to go with it.

Best Dressed Leading Female Character
Olivia Pope, Scandal
Go to look: Clean cut jackets, all black [white & grey] everything, designer staples & peplum tops
Enviable Accessories: Sleek handbags, arm length gloves and white hats
We’d like to see: How she'd change things up as first lady, her take on Inauguration outerwear
Style Rival: Selena Meyer, Veep

Best Dressed Supporting Female Character
Megan Draper, Mad Men
Go to look: Shift dresses, bold psychedelic prints,and maxi dresses
Enviable Accessories: Bouffants, winged eye makeup, headscarfs, fishnet tights & hoops
We’d like to see: More of her bohemian casual wear
Style (also, occasional romantic) Rival: Betty Francis, Mad Men

Best Dressed Leading Male Character
Schmidt, New Girl
Go to look: Binder full of suits, jeans paired with collared shirts
Enviable Accessories: Driving moccasins, belts that light up your midsection
We’d like to see: What he'll wear to the Crystal anniversary party
Style Rival: Daniel Grayson, Revenge

Best Dressed Supporting Male Character
Nolan Ross, Revenge
Go to look: White jackets, candy colors, popped collars and nautical inspired pieces
Enviable Accessories: Penny loafers, and a shockingly hot body
We’d like to see: the Drive-esque varsity jacket back in Season 3
Style Rival: Mitchell Pritchett, Modern Family

Best Dressed Cast in a Television Series
Nashville
Go to look: Bold sequins & sparkels, sophisticated LBD & LWD, romantic floral & lace, denim
Enviable Accessories: Loose curls, great leather jackets, rockstar boots and guitars
We’d like to see: More red-carpet looks. The CMA's weren't enough
Style Rival: Parenthood

Best dressed, underage character in a Television Series
Sally Draper, Mad Men
Go to look: Mod skirts, knee socks and ruffled pajama sets
Enviable Accessories: Headbands, cigarettes & attitude
We’d like to see: Her allowed to wear those go-go boots eventually!
Style Rival: Rachel Berry, Glee

Best Office Wear in a Television Series
Mindy Lahiri, The Mindy Project
Go to look: Silk shirts, vintage-esque collared dresses, pleated skirts and cardigans
Enviable Accessories: Smart, sexy eyewear, skinny belts and colorful scarves
We’d like to see her in: More daring scrubs
Style Rival: Penny Hartz, Happy Endings

Best use of J. Crew in a Television Series
Jessica Day, New Girl
Go to look: Cashmere sweaters, colorful tees, pea-coats and pajama sets
Enviable Accessories: Everything goes with J. Crew
We’d like to see: More printed pants
Style Rival: The ladies of Pawnee, Parks and Rec

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...