Fun Week

Sorry for my absence this week. I've been ridiculously busy. First, I must tell you what Chance and I did over the weekend. We met my friend for one of the strangest events I have ever seen, CLAW: Charlottesville Ladies Arm Wrestlers.


(Image courtesy of CLAW)

Two ladies go head to head in an arm wrestling competition. There are various rounds with different arm wrestlers with names like "Spawn of Bridezilla" and "Pitbull." People have favorite competitors and bet on who they think will win. There are many penalties and do-overs. Best of all, the money raised from this awesome event goes to various charities and organizations, such as Books Behind Bars.

Last night, I stayed over at a local fire station to research a story I am doing. The firefighters were so nice and fun. They are volunteer, so they all have jobs or school work to do on top of this huge commitment. I was surprised how hard they worked even when not doing calls. I definitely have a new respect for the work they do. One of the funniest things I learned about the crew was that they love to watch Rescue Me. Who would have thought?! I love that.

I never thought I would have the opportunity to do so many fun and exciting things as an intern. I feel so lucky! Speaking of which, the new issue of the magazine arrived on Monday. I was so excited to see my first ever issue! I was able to mail copies to friends and family with little cards that had the magazine's logo. It was so much fun! It might sound silly, but the biggest thrill was seeing my name in print. I don't think I could have gotten a better internship!

Likes

This week, I'm loving:

-the new Sharpie no-bleed pen

(Image courtesy of www.sharpie.com)

-the Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt photo layout in InStyle

(Image courtesy of I Heart You)

-my iPhone - especially the People magazine application

(Image courtesy of iPhoneHelp)

And:

-bright, sunny days (they've been hard to come by this summer)

-extending my internship through the academic year (woohoo!)

-planning for next year (scary but fun)

A Star

(Image courtesy of marion-media.org)

This is Marion Cotillard. French actress. Oscar winner. My new girl crush.


(Image courtesy of marion-media.org)

I saw Public Enemies over the weekend. Of course, Johnny Depp was fantastic. No matter who/what he plays, he is charismatic and adorable. I also adored Marion in this. Usually Johnny Depp outshines his costars, but they really had fantastic chemistry. It was beautiful.

Away We Go

Chance and I recently saw Away We Go, one of the many movies on my must-see movie list.


(Image courtesy of Away We Go)

I had heard mixed reviews about the movie, but I loved it. I related to it so much. It was funny and sad and reminded me of so many things. Maya Rudolph is so, so delightful. John Krasinski's character is really quirky and funny. Maggie Gyllenhaal has a minor role, but is completely hilarious. She is one of my favorite people and I thought she was hysterical in this film. It was great! Days after, I'm still thinking about it.

Birthday Best

Sorry for my lack of posts as of late. It was my 21st birthday on Thursday. I've basically been celebrating since then. Not to worry, I didn't go overboard with the drinks, but I did fall in love with a Cotton Candy Cosmopolitan. Delicious.

I was given lots of really thoughtful gifts and many "happy birthday" wishes. It was a great day.

Among the favorites:

(Image courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

My cousin gave me this moleskine reporter's notebook, which I love. It will come in handy as I start doing interviews more and more. I just love holding it. It's beautiful and sleek. I love journals and books, but I especially love this one. It's gorgeous.

(Image courtesy of happygirlgreetings)

Chance got me calling cards with a little typewriter on them. They're super cute and they make me feel professional. (Just in case, that's not my name and not my information. Please don't try to use that information). He ordered the cards from Etsy - happygirlgreetings.

(Image courtesy of www.apple.com)

My crazy nice parents saw me lusting over the iPhone I gave Chance for his birthday. So, they got me a white one. I am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

(Image courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

My very thoughtful aunt gave me this book, The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children by Nancy Lamb. She knows about my love for children's books and my desire to publish a children's book some day (it's a dying art being taken over by celebrities, but I'll spare you...), so she gifted me with this book full of useful information. (She also gave me gorgeous pearl earrings, not pictured. Images don't do them justice!)

I got lots of other really fun, sweet stuff. In honor of my 21st, my sister bought me Hofbrauhaus beer, which is a really famous biergarten in Munich. We went there a few years ago (on a non-drinking trip), so she tracked down some of their beer for me to sample. Chance's sister handmade me little butterflies (I have a thing for butterflies) that are my favorite colors. She is ridiculously good at making things and I love them. Chance's parents got me John Lennon related items, as he is my idol. It was just a really perfect time!

I apologize for my long absence, but I'm back and better than ever!

Ed's Interns

I recently stumbled upon a blog that I've been reading obsessively, Ed's Intern Diaries.



Four anonymous NYC magazine interns write about their experiences and provide helpful tips about breaking into the magazine world. Although this is geared more toward other interns working in New York, I've found it to be really helpful (even though I'm just a small town intern). I hope to be in their fancy shoes one day (even better if it's a paying gig!). Here's hoping.

Upcoming Movies

There are two awesome fashion movies coming out that I cannot wait to see:

The September Issue


(via A Cup of Jo)

Coco before Chanel


(via Lola)

Can't wait!

Gwen on Elle

I cannot get over the last issue of Elle magazine featuring Gwen Stefani. I've loved Gwen for years. I used to sing "I'm Just a Girl" like it was my theme song. I'd watch the "Don't Speak" and "Sunday Morning" videos over and over again on MTV when I was younger. Tragic Kingdom got me hooked, but I totally loved Return of Saturn with "Simple Kind of Life" and "The Magic's in the Makeup." I even liked Rock Steady, although it was a little too dancehall for me. I loved Gwen. When she went on her solo tangent and did the pop girl thing, I wasn't into it. So, I'm so glad that she's returned to No Doubt. I really hope to see them on their upcoming tour.

Although the article by Aaron Gell starts off rocky, the layout is fantastic. I love how the light looks in each of the photos. It's great. Definitely one I'll be keeping around.


(Image courtesy of www.theinsider.com)


(Image courtesy of www.mtv.com)


(Image courtesy of www.theinsider.com)


(Image courtesy of www.elle.com)

Obviously, images are ultimately courtesy of Elle magazine.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you go to a parade, enjoy a barbecue, and "ooooh" and "aaaah" about some beautiful fireworks. I know I will get to do all three!

Happy Birthday, America. I love you.

Why can't I have tons of money? I am feeling frivolous, but I know that I don't have the money to act like it. So, I'll just online shop and forbid myself to buy. Right now, I can't stop drooling over the unconventional necklaces from Urban Outfitters.

The envelope (with a little note inside)

The pocket watch style clock

The camera

The monacle

I went to my first ever photo shoot yesterday. I got to informally interview two people. I asked them questions and took notes in my little book. It went by way too quickly, but it was awesome. I cannot wait for this magazine to come out. I'm so excited about it!

Tomorrow, I'll be going to a small town parade for Independence Day. My friend is going to be on a float, which should be really entertaining. Of course, I'm going to see fireworks also. And probably listening to Shooter Jennings "4th of July" a lot. What are you doing for the 4th of July?

Have you seen Bo Obama's downloadable baseball card? I think it's funny that Bo's favorite food is tomatoes. What will they think up next?


(Photo courtesy of the White House Flickr)

On frustrating days, I like to watch this:



Whenever I watch it, I can't stop laughing. Just look at those little feet!

IT'S JULY!



I love July, as my birthday is in this month. I will be 21 in eight days. Jeez.

This week is going by fast. Tomorrow, my grandparents are coming in from Alabama. I'm having lunch with a friend and then going to a photo shoot for the magazine. It makes me feel so official.

Today was a rather horrible day. Work was good, but my class was terrible. I am doing a group project with three other people. Of course, none of them want to do anything, so I get stuck with all the work. It's ridiculous and frustrating. I hate group work.

I was complaining about having to do research for an article I'm writing for my internship. My seminar T.A. reminded me that the opportunity to co-write a cover story is insanely awesome and unusual. What was I thinking?! I should really be more appreciative of this wonderful position. I just lost sight of that for a second. Silly me.

Well, it'll be a busy, long weekend. If I do not write, Happy 4th of July. Have a very pleasant Independence Day.