Word of the Day 7/30/2010

Inchoate (adjective): being only partly in existence or operation; especially : imperfectly formed or formulated

Example Sentence: Kate had an inchoate suspicion that things were about to go wrong, but she was unable to think of any concrete reason for her concern.

Did you know?: "Inchoate" derives from "inchoare," which means "to begin" in Latin but translates literally as "to hitch up." "Inchoare" was formed from the prefix "in-" and the noun "cohum," which refers to the strap that secures a plow beam to a pulling animal's yoke. The concept of implementing this initial step toward the larger task of plowing a field can help provide a clearer understanding of "inchoate," an adjective used to describe the imperfect form of something (as a plan or idea) in its early stages of development. Perhaps because it looks a little like the word "chaos" (although the two aren't closely related), "inchoate" now not only implies the formlessness that often marks beginnings, but also the confusion caused by chaos.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

(25% done!)

Flip Flap Solar Plants!

& I got a Hello Kitty one!
I just love my impulsive shopping!!

My grandmother got a similar flip flap from a friend, but her's is a ladybug. And just to show you how EXCITING this flip flaps are, I found a video for you all to enjoy!



I think it's just the cutest thing! hahahaa

Word of the Day 7/29/2010

Adjure (verb)
1 : to command solemnly under or as if under oath or penalty of a curse
*2 : to urge or advise earnestly

Example Sentence: "Byron fled the country, adjuring Annabella to 'be kind' to his beloved sister." (Merle Rubin, Los Angeles Times, September 16, 2002)

Did you know?: "Adjure" and its synonyms "entreat," "importune," and "implore" all mean "to ask earnestly." "Entreat" implies an effort to persuade or overcome resistance. "Importune" goes further, adding a sense of annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request. "Implore," on the other hand, suggests a great urgency or anguished appeal on the part of the speaker. "Adjure" implies advising as well as pleading, and is sometimes accompanied by the invocation of something sacred. Be careful not to confuse "adjure" with "abjure," meaning "to renounce solemnly" or "to abstain from." Both words are rooted in Latin "jurare," meaning "to swear," but "adjure" includes the prefix "ad-," meaning "to" or "toward," whereas "abjure" draws on "ab-," meaning "from" or "away."

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Planning #80 DZP

80. Find a personally inspirational quote and work it into a piece of art or home decor

I always felt this explained me in one simple sentence... and it came out of my idol Audrey, so even that much better! Now I think after I paint my bedroom, I'll paint that quote on a set of 3 canvases, and of course hang those up on the wall.

“I was born with an enormous need for affection,

and a terrible need to give it.”

- Audrey Hepburn

#35 DZP: Buy a Hot Tub

Yes, yes I did... I bought my own spa!

Thanks to the wonderful people at the California Home Spas & Patio, I got a great deal and an awesome 6-seat hot tub!

Check the pics out:

So guarantee that every night and weekend I'll be having pruney-fingers!

It's going to be especially sweet after a good workout and the gym!

BTW: I'm STOKED I'm 10% done with the DZP!

8 Savvy Travel Aids By Real Simple

8 Savvy Travel Aids

By Yolanda Wikiel; with Jenny Kim and Stephanie Sisco
Wherever you’re headed this summer, be sure to pack these helpful companions.

Disposable Pillowcases: Save yourself the who-knows-where-this-has-been? anxiety by slipping a single-use case over that dubious airplane pillow.
To buy: $5 for two, amazon.com

Bandage Kit: Be prepared for the occasional boo-boo. Help Remedies’ slim, pocket-sized case includes six small and six large hospital-grade hydrocolloid bandages that can be worn for days at a time. They also have other "Help Me" kits too!
To buy: $4, helpineedhelp.com


Antibacterial Paper-Soap: Flight 001’s thin sheets, which suds up on contact with water, will be extremely welcome the inevitable moment when you discover the public loo is out of hand soap.
To buy: $6 for 30 papers, flight001.com

Mini Speakers: Pop the pint-sized Tweakers Mini Boom speakers into your carry-on and blast tunes anywhere laptops, iPhones, or iPods can go. Done rocking out? Just unplug them and retract the cables. Available in black or red (shown).
To buy: $38, cambriacove.com

Spa Slides: Whether staying with friends or holed up in a hotel, a good pair of comfy slippers is a necessity—who wants to scurry barefoot across cold tile floors? Simply toss them in the wash if they get grimy. In pink, sage green, blue, and white (shown).
To buy: $35 to $38, endless.com

Transit Maps of the World: Whether you’re riding the Tube, the T, or the Metro, you’ll have a hard time getting lost, thanks to the research, graphs, and photos within this helpful compendium.
To buy: $25, anthropologie.com

Sleep Mask: What to do when it’s sunny and 8 a.m. upon arrival but your internal clock has just struck midnight? Glide a pretty silk-lined mask over tired eyes to catch up on ZZZ’s.
To buy: $22, flight001.com

Crease Release: Even the most vigilant packer can end up with wrinkled clothes. Spray this all-natural miracle-worker onto fabric, gently smooth the lines with your hands, and crumples are softened within seconds.
To buy: $8 for two ounces, thelaundress.com

#6 DZP: Lawrence of Arabia

An inordinately complex man who has been labeled everything from hero, to charlatan, to sadist, Thomas Edward Lawrence blazed his way to glory in the Arabian desert, then sought anonymity as a common soldier under an assumed name. The story opens with the death of Lawrence in a motorcycle accident in London at the age of 47, then flashbacks to recount his adventures: as a young intelligence officer in Cairo in 1916, he is given leave to investigate the progress of the Arab revolt against the Turks in World War I. In the desert, he organizes a guerrilla army and--for two years--leads the Arabs in harassing the Turks with desert raids, train-wrecking and camel attacks. Eventually, he leads his army northward and helps a British General destroy the power of the Ottoman Empire. Written by alfiehitchie



Based on the memoirs of one of the most remarkable men of the twentieth century, Lawrence of Arabia tells the tale of TE Lawrence (Peter O'Toole), an obscure Oxford scholar who transformed himself into a fierce desert warrior and charismatic leader. He took on the might of the Ottoman empire with a rag-tag army of Arab tribesmen, and beat them!



On the way, Lawrence negotiates the treacherous intrigues of both Arab diplomacy and British military politics to achieve his end - the liberation of Arabia from the Turks. Blowing up trains or rustling up gold and armoured cars to fuel the Arab revolt, Peter O'Toole is masterful in his portrayal of this enigmatic hero.

Along the way, he encounters remarkable men of all types, from Prince Faisal (Alec Guiness), Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif), Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) and General Allenby (Jack Hawkins) - all of who produce some of the best performances of their careers in depicting these widely differing but crucial identities.

Now I'm sure this is a definitely a classic movie for most... but I couldn't latch on to this flick. Yes Peter O'Toole is witty and charmingly good looking, but the movie just couldn't lift off the ground for me! I mean it starts with Lawerence's death from a motor cycle... I sat there and thought "well which movie did I get? I thought this movie was about Cairo and Arabs... did I miss something?!?"

#1 DZP Watch the Sunrise & Sunset in the Same Day

Yup! #1 is Complete!

I woke up a little earlier for work... and just looked out the window to find the sun saying "Good Morning" right back at me!

Then after work, I headed out the beach to find a wonderful sunset saying "Good Night" to me!

Mother Nature is beautiful is she not?!?

There's Something About...

Lip Gloss!
Create alluring lips with brilliant color and shine!
And "OMG" to picking out just ONE gloss... especially if you're a Sephora Addict like me!

I think I have like a draw full from just Victoria's Secret's Beauty Rush!

Do Something Good Every Day.

Like eat ice cream!

Thanks Marilyn....

Word of the Day 7/26/10

Parlay (verb)
1 : to bet in a parlay
2 a : to exploit successfully* b : to increase or otherwise transform into something of much greater value

Example Sentence: The young actor parlayed his popularity as a teen heartthrob into a successful film career.

Did you know?: If you're the gambling type, you may already know that "parlay" can also be used as a noun describing a series of bets in which a person places a bet, then puts the original stake of money and all of its winnings on new wagers. But you might not know that "parlay" represents a modified spelling of the French name for such bets: "paroli." You might also be unaware that the original French word is still occasionally used in English with the same meaning as the noun "parlay."

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

#2 DZP Write a Letter to Myself to Open in 10 Years

This was easy to do, but it will be hard not to read it for another ten years. I forgot to finish it when I started in a little after my birthday, and so I got around to finishing the ending and thinking about what the 36-year-old me will think when I read this. Will me life change? Will it be the same? Will I have a husband and children? Will I be single (oh gawd)? Will I love myself or still be battling the self-worth drama in me? Lots of things and situations to ponder... ten years from now... but I won't know till June 2020 now will I!?!

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” — Frank Herbert (Dune)

One Day...

Like most little girls, I dreamt of my wedding day... and still do.

When I was little, I already knew what style of dress I wanted (the prettiest, duh!), how my hair would be pinned up for the veil (like the princess'), what color my bridesmaids would wear (Tiffany blue), the bouquets (Lily flowers), the type of cake (3-tier... the flavors are subject to change), etc...

Some details might have changed as I was growing up, but one special piece of my wedding puzzle never changed and always remained delightful... the ring.

I will confess that today I spent sometime dreaming of this baby on my left hand: The classic Tiffany's three-stone combination. Three round brilliant Tiffany diamonds are always "painstakingly" matched for color, quality and proportion. (This one shown with the Channel-set band ring) I've ALWAYS loved this ring! She's gorgeous and she's my dream ring...

So while I was on the Tiffany's website, I just happened to find.... *drum roll please*.... The Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder application for the iPhone! Only one marvelous app lets you browse Tiffany engagement rings, determine your ring size and view actual carat size.

Well one day it will be my day...

I Caved In....

... & got my Starbucks fix...

Super Fun Jewelry Pieces

7 Fun Jewelry Pieces: Real Simple

These are Uber fun pieces and great for summer outfits!

I got this Real Simple email & I couldn't resist to see what treasures they found!

Boysen Beaded Elastic Ring
Add a punch of color to any outfit with a beaded rhinestone ring from Forever 21. Its flexible metal band ensures you’ll get a just-right fit.
To buy: $7, forever21.com
(I also found rings like this at LoveCouture)

Solstice Necklace
Anthropologie’s woven strand of pretty pink acrylic beads makes a major statement when worn with something simple, like a white cotton sundress.
To buy: $20, anthropologie.com

Wide Enamel Cuff Bracelet
A stunning bracelet of gold plate, Austrian crystals, enamel, and resin by Blu Bijoux is the kind of piece that effortlessly pulls your look together. Also available in black.
To buy: $38, maxandchloe.com

French Wire Rhinestone Ball Drop Earrings
Before a night out, sweep up your hair in a quick knot and put on these alluring beaded danglers from Target for instant sophistication.
To buy: $15, target.com

Coral Reef Starfish Studs
Once in a while, swap your chunky chandeliers for something more delicate, like Kate Spade’s beachy gold-plated posts decorated with natural shell and pearls. They come beautifully packaged in a red-and-purple box, perfect for a gift.
To buy: $45, katespade.com

Pastel Enamel Bangle
Slide on a few sherbet-hued enamel bangles (these are by A.V. Max) for a look that’s feminine without being overly fussy. Available in pink, lavender, yellow, white, and aqua.
To buy: $25 each, avmaxaccessories.com

Cluster Ring
A sizable cocktail ring by ABS by Allen Schwartz adorned with faux pearls and crystals offers can’t-take-your-eyes-off-of-it iridescence.
To buy: $50, bloomingdales.com

(I found the same ring at Forever XXI, and LoveCouture cheaper)

Word of the Day 7/22/2010

Inenarrable (adjective): incapable of being narrated : indescribable

Example Sentence:"Their songs were sometimes frenzied like the dances in which they whirled to syncopated rhythms, but more often muffled and sad with the inenarrable misery of their bondage." (Ross Lockridge, Jr., Raintree County)

Did you know?: "Ineffable," "inenarrable," "indescribable" -- English has quite a few words for expressing that which can't be expressed. The prefix "in-," meaning "not," teamed up with Latin "enarrare" ("to explain in detail") to give us "inenarrable," and the same prefix joined with Latin "effabilis" ("capable of being expressed") to create "ineffable." English speakers have used "ineffable" since the 14th century, and "inenarrable" made its way into the language from French in the 15th century. "Indescribable" was a late arrival, relatively speaking -- it has only been with us since the 18th century.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Hello Kitty Waffle Maker

Yes, it's a Hello Kitty Waffle Maker (which I'm totally buying btw!)
So it's time for breakfast with Hello Kitty! This colorful waffle maker browns 4 different Kitty-shaped waffles at once on its nonstick, easy-to-clean aluminum cook surfaces. A built-in thermostat keeps the temperature consistent, and a locking lid and stay-cool exterior ensure that curious little hands don't get burned (like mine haha). Comes also with several waffle and topping recipes.

#37 DZP: Make a birthday cake/cupcakes for someone

HA! I forgot that I had this one on the list!

So July 10th, I went over to Jenn's house celebrate her 25th Birthday at her 90's-themed party. Now I promised her cupcakes... but unfortunately my kitchen wasn't liking me and I had problems with the plumbing... so I couldn't make them before the party. (wah wah waahhh!)

Instead I went to Jenn's a couple of hours ahead and baked them at her place! They aren't much to look at, and yes I realize they kinda look like psycho ghetto Christmas cakes, but they're colorful birthday cupcakes, damnit! They're rainbow fun-filled cupcakes, with Vanilla frosting that was mixed with four flavors of Nerds candy, and topped with more Nerds & strawberry Poprocks! (Favorite candies of the 90's I might add)

"Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel" by Lauren Conrad

Just finished reading the second of the LA Candy Series, can't wait for the third one!

How Sweet it is?

Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Now the girls have an all-access pass to Hollywood's hottest everything. But there's more to life on camera than just parties and shopping. . . .

When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she finds herself at the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to her co-star Madison Parker for help, unaware that Madison is scheming behind the scenes. She might be Jane's shoulder to cry on, but does Madison really have Jane's back?

Scarlett's working on a scandal of her own. She's fallen for someone who's strictly off-limits—which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep . . . from the L.A. Candy cameras, the paparazzi staking out her apartment, even from her best friend.

Of course, nothing stays secret for long for the stars of the newest hit TV series, and all this drama couldn't be better for ratings. But can Jane survive another season in the spotlight?

Conrad has her own clothing line, book series and movie in the works. Her career all started out with her being featured on MTV's fake reality show about Orange County idiots called "Laguna Beach."

LC has come a long way since then. She has since turned down her huge salary from The Hills to pursue other projects. She has a very strong and loyal fanbase and Lauren Conrad fans are eating up her books.

Look-a-Like Find

Maybe...?

Adam from Maroon 5

(shown here in newest video Misery)

+

Evan, 2010 Olympic champion as an American figure skater

... or it's just me! hahaha

On the iPod today... Misery

Ohh Adam Levine, I would love to kick the shit out of you while nibbling on your earlobe... any day!

Oh yeah
Oh yeah
So scared of breaking it
But you won't let it bend
And I wrote two hundred letters
I won't ever send
Somehow it is cut so much
Deeper then they seem
You'd rather cover up
I'd rather let them be
So let me be
And I'll set you free

I am in misery
There ain't no other
Who can comfort me
Why won't you answer me?
Your silence is slowly killing me
Girl you really got me bad
You really got me bad
I'm gonna get you back
Gonna get you back

Your salty skin and how
It mixes in with mine
The way it feels to be
Completely intertwined
It's not that I didn't care
It's that I didn't know
It's not what I didn't feel,
It's what I didn't show
So let me be
And I'll set you free

I am in misery
There ain't no other
Who can comfort me
Why won't you answer me?
Your silence is slowly killing me
Girl you really got me bad
You really got me bad
I'm gonna get you back
Gonna get you back

Say your faith is shaken
You may be mistaken
You keep me wide awake and
Waiting for the sun
I'm desperate and confused
So far away from you
I'm getting here
Don't care where I have to go

Why do you do what you do to me, yeah
Why won't you answer me, answer me yeah
Why do you do what you do to me yeah
Why won't you answer me, answer me yeah

I am in misery
There ain't no other
Who can comfort me
Why won't you answer me?
Your silence is slowly killing me
Girl you really got me bad
You really got me bad
I'm gonna get you back
Gonna get you back

Word of the Day 7/21/2010

declivity (noun)
1 : downward inclination
*2 : a descending slope

Example Sentence: The hikers cautiously made their way down the somewhat steep and rocky declivity that led to the river.

Did you know?: Three different English words descend from "clivus," the Latin word for "slope" or "hill" -- with the help of three Latin prefixes. "Declivity" combines "clivus" with the prefix "de-," meaning "down" or "away." "Acclivity" uses "ad-" (which may change its second letter depending on the root word), meaning "to" or "toward." Hence, an acclivity is an upward slope. The third word has a figurative meaning in English: "proclivity" makes use of the prefix "pro-," meaning "forward," and this word refers to a personal inclination, predisposition, or "leaning."

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Gotta Reach My Telephone!

I found another phone I gotta have!
The previous Hello Kitty Phone

Japanese Names

... And my name is AKIKO!!!!

The girl's name Akiko \a-ki-ko\ is pronounced AH-kee-koh. It is of Japanese origin, and the meaning of Akiko is "autumn's child; bright child; glistening child".

Here's some other female Japanese names I found to be cute, interesting, ... or both!

• MIYAKO: Japanese name meaning "beautiful night child."


• ARISU: Japanese form of English Alice, meaning "noble sort."


• JUNKO: Japanese name meaning "obedient child" or "pure child."


• YOSHI: Unisex short form of Japanese names beginning with Yoshi-, meaning "correct", "fine, happy", and "good, nice." (no wonder I always loved Mario's Yoshi!)


• TAKARA: Japanese name meaning "treasure."


• HITOMI: Japanese name meaning "pupil (of the eye)." This name is usually given to girls with especially beautiful eyes.


• SAKURA: Japanese name meaning "cherry blossom."


• NATSUKO: Japanese name meaning "summer child."


• SAYURI: Japanese name meaning "lily." (my personal favorite... the name of my future baby girl!)

Watermelon Stroller

Watermelon Stroller

Life-Altering Watermelon Stroller of the Day: The $230 portable watermelon cooler/heater is a Japanese invention because of course it is.
From the Daily What

(yes, laugh at us Japanese... I am!)

Maroon 5 @ The Greek Theatre!

Official site of The Greek Theatre - Maroon 5

Maroon 5 takes their 2010 ‘Hands All Over’ tour to The Greek Theatre, LA on Friday, October 8 following the release of the band’s third studio album, Hands All Over, out September 21st. Joining Maroon 5 for their Greek Theatre date will be Bruno Mars and pop rockers OneRepublic. (all of them are sex on a stick if I might add *drool*)

I'm sooooo stoked!!!

Produced by rock studio legend Robert John "Mutt" Lange (AC/DC, Def Leppard, The Cars), Hands All Over is a killer hybrid of rock, pop, funk and R&B. In addition, the band’s first single “Misery,” which was released on June 22nd, debuted in the Top 40!

Starting with the hard-rocking title track, the album’s 15 tracks take several intoxicating twists and turns including such compositions as “Out of Goodbyes,” a stunning country ballad infused with musical and vocal contributions from Nashville chart-toppers Lady Antebellum. Long-time fans will get a thrill out of the single “Misery,” with its funky guitars and high-stepping melody, as well as the propulsive “Stutter,” melody rich “Give A Little More” and “Don’t Know Much About That,” which professes a classic soulful vibe.

October 8th can't come fast enough!!!

Word of the Day 7/20/2010

Conn (verb): to conduct or direct the steering of (as a ship)

Example Sentence: The captain successfully conned his ship through the ice-packed waters.

Did you know?: In the 19th century, warships (and, later, submarines) began to be built with structures known as "conning towers." These structures were so called because it was from them that an officer could "conn" the vessel. The verb "conn" (also spelled "con") is first known to have appeared in English in the 1600s. It is an alteration of "cond," which is probably an alteration of Middle English "condien" or "conduen," meaning "to conduct." Since the 19th century, "conn" has also been used as a noun ("the control exercised by one who conducts or directs the steering of a ship"). This noun, though seldom encountered in general English, is likely familiar to fans of the various Star Trek series in which the directive "You have the conn" is sometimes given from the starship captain to another officer on the bridge.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

(20% done!)

#6 DZP: Rebecca

Rebecca tells the story of a young "companion" who, while accompanying her employer on vacation in Monte Carlo, she meets the wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter. After a brief courtship, the young girl and Maxim are married and return to his home in England. All of the servants at Manderly, especially Mrs. Danvers, seem to be constantly comparing the new Mrs. de Winter to Rebecca, the deceased former wife of Mr. de Winter. As time goes by, the young bride becomes more and more distraught over her inability to overcome the ghost of her predecessor. Even Maxim himself seems preoccupied by the memory of Rebecca. It is only after a freak accident that the second Mrs. de Winter learns that her husband truly is obsessed with his former wife, however not in the way she had believed. It turns out that it is only Mrs. Danvers who remembers Rebecca fondly, and that it is she alone who wishes the new bride ill. With this new found knowledge, Mrs. de Winter gains the confidence to truly take control of Manderly. Through the many twists and turns of this labyrinthine tale, true love finds a way to win out over the demons that haunt all who have known, whether they loved or loathed, Rebecca.

Director Alfred Hitchcock's first American film and produced by David O. Selznick, this strange love story pairs Laurence Olivier with Joan Fontaine, but the real fireworks (and the film's most memorable scene) occur between Ms. Fontaine's character and Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, played brilliantly by Judith Anderson.

I really liked this movie for the fact that Hitchcock's film was definitely before it's time. It was slow in the beginning, but once Mr. de Winter showed his crazy side from the "loss" of Rebecca. One of my favorite quotes from Mr. de Winter: "I'm asking you to marry me, you little fool."


And Mrs. Danvers character was just as psychotic! From the introduction of Mrs. Danvers, you knew that she was crazy and deranged. When she was urging Mrs. de Winter to jump out the window and end her misery, "Go ahead. Jump. He never loved you, so why go on living? Jump and it will all be over..." So depressing!

And then the newly Mrs. de Winters... poor thing. I felt for her. So sweet and innocent, and Rebecca's memory hurts and ages her. "[Her father] had a theory that if you should find one perfect thing, or place or person, you should stick to it. Do you think that's very silly?" I have to agree, but be certain about it.