Music Monday: Ellie Goulding, Lennon & Maisy Stella, Keira Knightley

It's the return of Music Monday!

Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
I haven't gotten around to watching Fifty Shades of Grey yet but I heard this song for the first time yesterday and instantly fell in love with it. It's one of those songs that's fun to sing along to in the car at the top of your lungs.

Lennon & Maisy Stella - Boom Clap (Charli XCX cover)
You might recognize these sisters from the TV show, Nashville. (On a sidenote: ugh, how annoying is Maddie Conrad?!) I first fell in love with the Stella sisters when I heard their cover of Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend". Their voices work so well together. I hope they put out an album together sometime down the road.

Keira Knightley - A Step You Can't Take Back
I used to dislike Keira Knightley but she's grown on me over the years. I didn't know she could sing! I love this song from the film, Begin Again. I actually really liked the movie; I'm surprised it didn't get much attention. I don't even remember it being in theatres for very long...

Nothing Smells Better Than Fresh Baked Cookies

I definitely wouldn't call myself a baker but sometimes I get a craving for fresh-baked cookies and I finally found an easy recipe to satisfy my cravings. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies recipe by Averie Cooks is so simple and I love how few ingredients there are. It's also gluten-free! I've made it twice now: once for Michener's Respiratory Week Bake Sale (it was a hit!) and again yesterday. For some reason, mine always end up flat (even when I follow the instructions and leave it in the fridge overnight) but I don't mind. It's got the perfect amount of chewiness for me and I love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, mmmm. Be right back; gotta grab one from the kitchen now :)

Coffee Coffee, Buzz Buzz Buzz!

I love this video by Aslan (The Worktop):

His steamed milk could be improved to get a better consistency for latte art but overall, it reminds me of my time working as a barista at Soma Chocolatemaker. When I first started working there back in November 2012, I knew absolutely nothing about coffee. Learning how to make espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos was so intimidating, especially when the lineups would start forming. The worst were the handful of people who ordered "bone-dry" cappuccinos! Eventually though, I loved working the lunchtime rush of coffee orders and getting into a rhythm of making drinks. Ironically, I hated the taste of coffee and never drank any myself even though we were allowed to make ourselves a drink anytime.

Fast forward a year later to being a student again. McDonalds had their free coffee promotion and my friend encouraged me to try a "double double" - 2 creams and 2 sugars. It was so good! I always thought coffee tasted too bitter but I guess my taste buds changed.

Now, I'm officially a coffee fan. Instead of ordering small sizes, I'm getting larges. I blame it on being a full-time student. I ordered a double double the other day (and won a free donut at Tim Hortons "Roll up the Rim"!) and it was way too sweet. It tasted like a dessert! I'm a 2 milks, 1 sugar girl now. I'm trying to see if I can cut out sugar altogether. If only I could rewind back time and make myself more lattes at Soma. I wasted the opportunity for free drinks! I guess I made up for it with all the scoops of gelato I used to eat....

A Late New Year's Resolution for 2015

I was feeling nostalgic the other day and signed onto my old LiveJournal account, circa 2004-2009. There was nothing very exciting to read but it was still nice to have a record of my daily life, especially since my memory has gotten terrible over the years. I wish I continued writing during my time at George Brown College/Ontario Science Centre, and at Soma but blogging was the last thing on my mind after coming home exhausted every night.

I'm going to try writing more often here, not necessarily about my daily life but perhaps about things that interest me and other randomness. Being in the Respiratory Therapy program at Michener Institute has consumed my life. I've turned into a nerd (a bigger one than before); I feel like I'm constantly studying. I need to take a step back and remind myself there's more to life than school.

Gotta Put My Face On First

Thanks to the gorgeous YouTube beauty gurus, I've developed a bit of an addiction to makeup. It's fun to get dolled up in the morning and experiment with new looks. Here are a few of my favourite products that I always seem to gravitate to. 

1. The Body Shop All In One Face Base 

2. Urban Decay Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette

3. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

4. Benefit Brow Zings in Dark

5. Wet n Wild Colour Icon Blush in Pearlescent Pink

6. Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Waterproof Mascara

7. eos lip balm

8. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny

Oscars 2013: Favourite Looks

As I browse through the red carpet pictures I like to make a note of the ones I like and then from that list, I choose my top picks. It just so happened that my favourites were the metallic dresses. I didn't even notice the trend until I had all the pictures side by side! Anyway, on to the dresses!

1. Jessica Chastain in Armani Privé

This looked gorgeous live. I love the detailing of the beading that's placed in the most flattering directions. Normally I would say it's a dull colour but it paired really well with her hair and lip colour. It also fit really well (!) which doesn't always happen with Jessica Chastain. She looked like old Hollywood glamour. So pretty!

2. Naomi Watts in Armani Privé

The neckline is interesting and it made her stand out from the typical strapless dresses seen on the red carpet.  I kind of like the intergalactic feel it gives off. 

3. Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan

I love the art deco feel of the dress, which I think is going to be a huge trend after The Great Gatsby is released this year. Not only did Stacy Keibler look amazing, but she also had great eye candy as her date. Hello, George Clooney! Lucky girl. 

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Couture

Special mention goes to Charlize Theron who looked AMAZING. I'm not usually a fan of hers but she looked so damn gorgeous. I could not stop staring at her face. That haircut totally suits her. I'm not a huge fan of the dress but she makes it work. 

And I can't forget about the men looking handsome in their suits!

1. Daniel Day-Lewis in Domenico Vacca
Daniel Day-Lewis is like the coolest, hottest looking 55 year old. I love the navy suit.

2. Eddie Redmayne in Alexander McQueen

I have a soft spot for Eddie Redmayne. He looks both awkward and hot at the same time, I can't explain it. He always looks great in a suit; they fit him well. And I love the comfy shoe choice. 

YOLO = You Oughta Look Out?

Every Saturday, I PVR Saturday Night Live. The episodes have been consistently bad for the last few months. Even Jennifer Lawrence couldn't make it funny and I love that girl. So when it was announced that Adam Levine would be hosting, I had low expectations. He's not really an actor but at least he would be hot to look at. Who knew it would end up being one of my favourite episodes of the season so far? A large part of it is due to Andy Samberg making a guest appearance. I didn't realize how much I missed him and his digital shorts. I also find him really attractive in a dorky way. Just me? 

Here's The Lonely Island's "YOLO" featuring Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar. I'm already hooked on it. Time to find an mp3 version!