Cap & GOWN (Literally)

Just finished a Skype video chat with my dear friend Katarina who is getting her Master's Degree in War Studies at King's College in London (yes I'm bragging a little because I'm SOOO PROUD!!). Anyways, she informed me today that she will be wearing a "designer" gown to graduation in May. And she wasn't kidding! This year the King's College Graduation Gowns will be designed by the English designer Vivienne Westwood. Apparently in 2008 Vivienne designed 20 new gowns and hoods designed to reflect the academic excellence and legacy of the university.


As a student in the School of Social Science & Public Policy Katarina will be sporting a gold hood to graduation in May. Not many of us can say we wore designer to graduation...very exciting! :)

The Noisettes - HOT HOT HOT!

While watching last week's One Tree Hill episode I was exposed to what is sure to be one of my favorite new musical groups -
The Noisettes.



The Noisettes - who released their second album Wild Young Hearts in April - are an "indie rock" band out of London. Recognized by SPIN Magazine as one of The 30 Best Albums of 2009...So Far, this group is sure to be making "noise" in the coming months. Their chart toping single "Don't Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)" - feature on last week's episode of One Tree Hill - is a high energy tune with similarities to Lady GaGa and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

My favorite tune from their sophomore album "Never Forgot You" recreates the rhythms and vocal skills of the Motown and American Bandstand era - effortlessly combing Amy Winehouse and Diana Ross. Although comparisons can be made and there are definitely similarities but what caught my ear was truly the originality of this group - there is nothing else out there like it - and they have AMAZNG fashion to boot. So on this Fall Music Monday DEFINITELY check out the NOISETTES, you'll be very glad you did.

Wishpot and Avelle Kate Spade Giveaway!

Two awesome companies have teamed up to present a Kate Spade designer handbag giveaway. Wishpot and Avelle the New Bag Borrow Steal - right out of Sex and the City - offer an amazing chance to win a fun red handbag that retails at $429.



There are three ways to enter:

Tell or show how you want to carry in your Kate Spade Designer Bag!

For instance - I just finished up an incredible internship at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and I preparing to embark on my next big adventure. I want to carry this awesome red bag wherever I go on what is sure to be an amazing ride! :)

For each response on the Wishpot blog, Avelle FB Fan Page, or on Twitter RT #Avelle receive 1 entry.

Post a pic of what you want to carry on Avelle FB Fan Page or Twitter receive 2 entries

Sign up at Avelle, follow Avelle on Twitter or blog about this giveaway and get 3 entries.

Winner will be drawn on Monday Oct 5th.

VOTE FOR IGLU & HARTLY

Help support an awesome band! Vote now and vote often!



To vote click here!

Bumbershoot Music Preview

Get ready Seattle! Coming up on Labor Day Weekend - September 5th to 7th - at the Seattle Center is the annual Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival. And this year there are several musical acts that should not be missed;

Iglu & Hartly -


Jason Mraz -


Modest Mouse -


& AND &

Handful of Luvin' -


If you are a music lover or just need something to do for the holiday weekend definitely check out the festival music lineup. I'm going all three days, hope to see you all there!

Let's Get Fired Up!

Let's Get Fired Up: So it may be a corny phrase chanted by hundreds of cheerleaders across the globe, including myself, but it has this unparalleled ability to "get you fired up."

For me there are a handful of songs that have the same effect. "So Far So Great" by Demi Lovato; "I Believe" from the Honey Soundtrack; "Revolution" by the Beatles; "In this City" by Iglu & Hartly; and the list could go on and on...

But this week on particular song is really revving me up and keeping me going -->

"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross:



Love this clip cause her entrance is epic and there is even a little shout out to MJ thrown in there...RIP

What song get's you "fired up?"

If I were a movie star...

So I went to see Terminator Salvation this weekend with my Dad. It was an action packed flick with very little plot line but high levels of entertainment and Christian Bale so I have very few complaints. There was a woman in the movie who "kicked butt" in one scene and it got me thinking about women's roles in action movies. 

There have been some fabulous women "butt kickers" over the years. Renee Russo in Lethal Weapon 3; Angelina Jolie (although I'm not her biggest fan) she definitely kicks butt in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Tomb Raider and Wanted; Jennifer Lopez in Enough; Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz in Charlie's Angels; Uma Thurman in Kill Bill; and finally Moon Bloodgood in Terminator Salvation. 

The list could go on forever but the bottom-line is if I were a movie star I'd "kick butt" in action movies! What would you do? Who would you be?