Birthdays and Bucket Lists

This birthday, instead of making up a wish list of material things that don't matter, I decided to write down my bucket list. Because experiences hold far more value than any shoe/bag/ring or other sparkly things ever can.

On My Bucket List...





* Work at a fashion magazine. It may not be obvious on this blog (hahaha) but writing about fashion is my greatest passion, I'd love to live that dream. Do you remember in the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada', everyone tells Anne Hathaway's character Andy, "A million girls would kill for this job"? Well, I am one of them.

* Volunteer at an animal shelter. I have a love of cats and all things furry, and this is something I've wanted to do for ages. Unfortunately there isn't a shelter near where I live, so starting one here would be even better.

* Take creative classes - anything from art to origami, photography, floral arranging, tap dance (seriously, I've always wanted to try it), cooking and cake decorating. I truly believe that you will never what you like or what you're good at until you try everything!

* Visit the magical city of Prague. It's been my dream destination since I was young, I even started a 'Prague Fund' while I was in school. I want to immerse myself in the glorious historical architecture and bohemian streets of this enchanting city.

* Attend the couture shows at Paris Fashion Week, especially that of Elie Saab. The designer gowns are spellbinding on-screen, but to truly appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship, I would love the opportunity to see them up close. 

* Master another language. I tried French while I was in school...only to find that I would need some sort of nose-and-throat operation in order to properly pronounce the words. So I'm thinking maybe Spanish, as it's one of the world's Top 3 most widely spoken languages.

* Learn to make authentic home-made Italian pasta in Florence or Tuscany. Pasta is my staple diet, so it would only be fitting that I learn to do this.

* Publish my series of children's books. I have yet to find an illustrator for them. I had written the series a while back, I just need to muster up the courage to show them to a publisher.

*Audition for SA Idols. I think this would be a nerve-wrecking, pulse racing but nevertheless exciting once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. I know that I don't have a snowball's chance in the Sahara of making it past the first round. But you never know, I may stand a chance at winning the highly coveted wooden mic award (for the worst singer of the season). 

Aim high, Shoot Low ;)

* Switch lives with Elena in 'The Vampire Diaries'. Okay, so I must admit that this one is on my things-that-will-never-happen-but-a-girl-can-dream-anyway list. I don't even know a thing about acting. But Nina Dobrev has the best job in television series. She gets to play two completely contrasting but magnetic characters - the sweet, lovable Elena and feisty Katherine; and she has the unconditional, eternal, (and literally) undying love of both Damon and Stephan Salvatore. A role made in TV heaven, don't you think?





If you're also celebrating your birthday today or in February, wishing you a wonderful one!

P.S



One of my best friends read my bucket list yesterday and decided to help me out on my last wish. It may not be the real-life Stephan Salvatore...but it's a good start! Thanks Ms Mocha, That's what I call a really great friend :) Most Thoughtful Gift Ever! 

'The Vampire Diaries' Win Big at Teen Choice Awards 2011

Our favourite Mystic Falls residents took home 5 Awards at last night's Teen Choice Awards held in Los Angeles, California. The gorgeous cast of 'The Vampire Diaries' won the award for the Choice TV Show (Sci-fi/Fantasy). The individual cast members also took home surfboard trophies for:

Choice TV Actor (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore

Choice TV Actress (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert & Katherine Pierce

Choice TV Scene Stealer (Female) - Katerina Graham as Bonnie Bennet

Choice TV Scene Stealer (Male) - Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood



I was very disappointed that Paul Wesley (Stephan Salvatore) didn't win any awards. He's the main reason I tune in each week to watch the show.

These are some of the other winners at the Teen Choice Awards 2011





Movies

Movie Actor (Romantic Comedy) - Ashton Kutcher 

Movie Actress (Romantic Comedy) - Emma Stone 

Movie Actress (Comedy) - Cameron Diaz 

Movie Actor (Drama) - Robert Pattinson (Water For Elephants) Can you believe he didn't win for Twilight this year?

Movie Actor (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Taylor Lautner

Movie Actress (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Emma Watson (Harry Potter) So glad this one didn't go to Kristen Stewart

Movie Actor (Action) - Johnny Depp (The Tourist)

Movie Actress (Action) - Angelina Jolie (The Tourist)

Movie Scene Stealer (Male) - Kellan Lutz (The Twilight Saga)

Movie Scene Stealer (Female): Ashley Greene (The Twilight Saga)

Action Movie - Fast Five

Choice Vampire - Robert Pattinson (I call for a recount of the votes)

Summer Movie - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Summer Movie Star (Male) - Daniel Radcliffe 

Summer Movie Star (Female) - Emma Watson 



TV

TV Actress (Drama) - Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) What about Blair?

TV Show (Drama) - Gossip Girl

TV Actress (Comedy) Selena Gomez

TV Actor (Comedy) - Cory Monteith (Glee)

TV Show (Comedy) - Glee

TV Reality Show - Jersey Shore What is this world coming to?

Music

Music Star of the Summer (Male) - Bruno Mars

Music Star of the Summer (Female) - Katy Perry

Male Artist - Justin Bieber

Male Hottie - Justin Bieber (I am as shocked as you are)

Female Hottie - Selena Gomez

Taylor Swift won everything else

Female Artist

Female Country Artist

Country Single - "Mean"

Red Carpet Fashion Icon

Break-Up Song - "Back to December"

Ultimate Choice Award

Fashion from the event to follow

Vampire Diaries Casting Call

Who We'd Like To See

On Season Three of The Vampire Diaries



Season 2 of our favourite supernatural series ended on a rather intriguing note. Not so much of a cliffhanger, but more of a thrilling taste of what's to come. The cast of The Vampire Diaries could not have been better selected, they were voted as the sexiest cast on TV by Victoria's Secret. 



There are so many actors and actresses I would like to see guest star in the next season. So, as we anxiously await for Season 3 to hit our screens, I've made up a list of my guest star dream cast. I've also asked a few diehard Vamp fans for their guest cast wishlist. This is who we would like to see in Season 3.  



My Choice

1. Rachel Weisz. With Jenna and Uncle John gone, Elena and Jeremy will need a new guardian. I think Rachel is a good choice, she looks like she's actually related to them and she's acted in several supernatural movies before. Also, Alaric will need someone new to distract him from the bores of being a history teacher.

2. Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Just look at him...he was born to play the role of a vampire, preferably an evil one. He could act as another awoken 'Original', one that's more wicked than Klaus.

3. Zoe Saldana. She always lights up the screen. I'd like to see her star as Bonnie's older sister or step sister. One that she never knew existed.

4. Eric Dane. Who better to play the role of an all powerful, revenge-seeking werewolf than he? He could play a pivotal role in the war against Klaus.

5. Olivia Wilde. Up until now, Klaus has been indestructible. He needs an Achilles Heel; a past love that broke his heart (if he ever had one) and someone who has a spellbinding force over him. Enchanting beauty Olivia is perfect for the role.

6. Matt Bomer. This gorgeous White Collar star is going to be huge in Hollywood. Before that happens, I wish he could make a turn at Mystic Falls, as a Salvatore cousin. Damon is going to need the help to find Stephan in Season 3.

7. Elle Fanning. At her young age, she's an enigmatic actress. I'd like to see her guest star as a relative of Caroline's, one with a supernatural secret.

8. Victoria Justice. She is Nina Dobrev (Elena's) real life doppelganger, even prettier, if that's possible. If Nina ever gets tired of playing both Elena and Katherine, Victoria could step in.  



Viewers Choice

I took a survey of the biggest Vampire Diaries fans I know - this is who they would like to see guest star in Season 3.

1. Kristin Kreuk. 'Loved her in Smallville and haven't seen her since. I'd like to see her as a werewolf, who challenges Caroline for Taylor Lockwoods' affections.' 

2. Channing Tatum. Elena needs a 'human' love interest in the next season. Someone hotter than Damon and Stephan put together. Who else but Channing Tatum to fit that role.

3. Fergie. She should guest star as a family member of the Salvatore Brothers' who comes to help kick some Klaus' butt.

4. Taylor Lautner. This was a popular choice. Apparently people feel that his werewolf talents are wasted on just Twilight.

5. Dakota Fanning. Another Twilighter, who a fan would like to see as a mysterious newcomer to Mystic Falls, one with a dark side.

6. Jesse Williams. This Grey's Anatomy favourite was selected to be a new love interest for Bonnie. 'The whole Jeremy thing is too weird.'

7. Jada Pinkett Smith. 'Bonnie doesn't have any family members in the show.' Jada could make an appearance as Bonnie's mum, who's use of too much magic has left her slightly deranged.

8. Alex Pettyfer. He's gotten fans in a tizz since the movie Beastly. A fan said she would like to see him as the son of Klaus, 'who is completely good and virtuous.'

9. Amanda Seyfried. 'I'd like to see her as guest star as someone with supernatural powers, but who's not a witch, vampire or werewolf. Something else...'



Im thankful that no one mentioned Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart or any of the Disney crew. I am surprised no one said that Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) from Gossip Girl would make a good vampirous villian. Who would you like to see in Season 3 of The Vampire Diaries?

The Wonders of My World

My monthly musings...

• Having five email address is becoming rather confusing. I have a personal one for friends, one for my blog, another for work/academic purposes, one for my online subscriptions and finally an archive address to which I forward all my important emails for storage. I'm afraid that one of these days I will mistakenly send my college assignments to all of my friends and absent-mindedly send a very scandalous email to a potential employer. 


• I used to think that the bulletproof glass you find in banks is there for the safety of the bank tellers. After visiting the bank, I realized the the glass is actually a safety mechanism for the clients - it's there to protect them from being strangled by frustrated, irritated and infuriated bank employees. 


• I was quite disappointed when Klaus was finally revealed on The Vampire Diaries this month. I was expecting someone more dashing, macho and evil looking. This Klaus character looks like he should be on a stage somewhere acting out Shakespeare's Twelfth Night as Duke Orsino. 


• In Small Town, SA, the dry cleaners are a place where you send your delicate, non-washable clothes (such as a snow white fur-lined jacket) to be 'safely' cleaned. They will return it to you two and a half weeks later, dyed in a new ash grey colour, buttons missing and completely de-furred. And the revamping of your coat will cost you more than you originally paid for it. Small Towns, go figure.


• I desperately need to find a waterproof mascara that actually is waterproof. All the tubes I currently own and use have a special talent of making me look like Kung Fu Panda by the end of the night.


• I always mock the soapie The Bold and the Beautiful, because since it began, the same circle of 5 characters have hooked up, broken up, made up, swapped partners, snatched spouses, sabotaged relationships, cheated on each other with each other then got back together again. Then someone pointed out to me that Gossip Girl is the exact same thing, with better clothes. Sad but true. I will not be making fun of the B&B anymore.


• If your car doesn't start after putting in the key and trying to turn it 500 times, you should check if you've actually got the right key. It will save you from a whole lot of anxiety and well wasted time ;p


• We all know that too much sun is bad for you, so I did my best not to get 'too much'. Turns out this is equally as bad for you, because I now have what is nicknamed 'Vampire Syndrome', which is just a cool name for Vitamin D deficiency. No wonder I was being mistaken for a Cullen sister.


• The audition phase of SA Idols is sadly over, but you can still get some comedy relief from the Wooden Mic auditions and also enjoy the best of SA's talent here

The Wonders of My World

Just wondering...

• Isn't it really depressing when you've paid a ridiculous amount for a stunning dress at an 'exclusive' boutique, only to find that a month later it is available from a franchise store at one tenth of the price?


• I think I've been brainwashed by the Neutrogena advert that's played 120 times during Gossip Girl on Vuzu. I know this because when I was shopping for a new skincare range, the only thing that I could see in the entire beauty aisle were the bright orange and white boxes and flashing images of Vanessa Hudgens saying 'Now I have one less stress to deal with'. 


• My search for the perfect créme brulee recipe has ended thanks to Masterchef Australia. I have tried to make many-a-brulee before, but the results were quite hazardous. This recipe is so simple, if I can make it, I know you can. Try it here.  


• This has been such an intense week in the land of Vampire Diaries (for those of us who don't have copies of the entire 2nd season). Lots of unexpected twists and turns - Stephan was the 'bad' brother back in 1864, Bonnie's powers were stripped, Damon was duped twice, Alaric's failed heroic attempts, Elijah met his ashy dagger end (which I was sad about), Uncle John was being his usual scheming and annoying Uncle John self and Katherine made an unwelcomed return. Can't wait for next week's episode.


• It's been one of those chocolate-dessert-for-dinner kind of weeks. I don't even like chocolate that much - but Ultra Mel's Delight chocolate dessert is pretty hard to resist.


• I must admit that I did not vote at our municipal elections last week. My political expectations had been let down before and seems like it will be for another four years. Here's looking forward to more empty promises, misused funds, unfinished roadworks, bribery and corruption. ;)


• Earlier this month, we were treated to a girls night out at a Honey Jewellery launch, arranged by the lovely Ms Slick. All the ladies in attendance perfectly played up to the 'Bling & Heels' theme. Thanks to Ms Slick for being such a gracious host and organizing the entertaining evening. The latest Honey collection glitters with glamour, visit their website here to view the catalogue.


• To the next person who asks me if I have a Blackberry (and you will be person number 5388), I would like to say: No, I don't have a Blackberry because I'm not interested in your incessant updates about what you're doing, where you're going, what you having for lunch, what mood you're in - or not in, your weather reports (there's a news channel for that) and I am really not interested in the egocentric profile pics you put up of yourself every hour. I actually worry about the people that are interested.

Cover Girl - Nina Dobrev

Nina Dobrev

Teen Vogue April 2011

You may recognize the gorgeous Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert from (my favourite) TV show, The Vampire Diaries. She charmingly covers Teen Vogue's April 2011 issue, wearing a pink dress by Dior with natural make-up. The 22 year old Bulgarian-Canadian actress plays both good girl Elena and evil vampiress Katherine in the series. 

This sprightly and playful photo shoot shows the starlet in colourful, feminine dresses. A much welcomed look from her on-screen wardrobe, where we only see her wearing jeans, leather jackets and plain t-shirts in morbid shades of black, red and navy. In the magazine, Nina hails in the US Spring wearing a red ruffle dress, a neon yellow mini, lime-green heels and a pink lace dress. Verdict: Very pretty. Love the bubbles!

The Wonders Of My World

• I really need to stop buying things just because they're pink. Sometimes it's just not functional nor smart and turns out to be completely useless. But it is oh so pretty.


• Thank you to everyone who has invited me onto WhatsApp. Sadly, I cannot get this application on my 'smartphone', as apparently, it is not smart enough. But it is pink.


• It's possible to watch P.S I Love You for the 300th time and still get teary-eyed. Although it's the saddest movie I've seen, I don't think I will ever tire of watching it.


• Expresso should be labelled as either a) A drug b) Food poisoning or c) The secret to staying awake for eternity.


• It isn't fair to judge someone on a bad decision they've made, unless every single decision you've made in your own life was the right one.


• It's easier to buy a firearm than a memory card in South Africa. Purchasing a Micro SD card from a well-known franchise required me to place a special order through a glass window, pass several security checks and pay for it at a separate part of the store, then return with the stamped receipt to receive my card. I then had to leave my name, number, ID, address, blood type, next of kin, etc with the sales lady (who tried to dissuade me from buying it in the first place). When I tried to leave the store with my newly-bought card, the security alarm went off and all the shoppers turned to look at me like I was a Lindsay kleptomaniac Lohan (so embarrassing). Finally, the security guard cleared my purchase and I was free to go. Needless to say, I won't be showing my face around there for a long time.


• Buy the March 2011 issue of South African Elle and receive a free L'oréal Glam Shine lipgloss (my ultimate fav). You won't find any copies left in Small Town, SA, 'cause I've cleared out the stands. 


• If someone doesn't pick up their phone after the 10th ring, it probably means that they're very busy, unavailable or they just don't want to speak to you. Either way, after the first 5 failed attempts, you should really just stop calling.


• In an attempt to reduce my caffeine intake, I decided to try decaffeinated coffee. In Small Town, SA, there are only two types of decaf brands available. One that tastes like coffee-flavoured sand, and another that's slightly worse - decaffeinated gravel.


• I am really not a violent person, but the next time someone starts chatting away while I'm watching The Vampire Diaries, I will have to stab them with a spoon. You have been warned.

Return of The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries

Season 2

They're back! Well almost. We just have to find some way to get through this weekend until Season Two of one of the most captivating TV series is back on our screens. For those of us who didn't obtain bootleg copies of the show, the wait has been a long and agonizing one, as the Season One finale left us with many cliffhangers and unanswered questions. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about...It's The Vampire Diaries, one of the best supernatural series on television in a long time. If you haven't yet seen it, I suggest you stop reading right this minute and get out there as fast as you can to beg, borrow or steal a copy of Season One. In this case only, stealing will not be considered a crime. This series is a serious addiction. Not since the end of the extremely popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer (almost 10 years ago), has a show of this genre had such a huge impact on viewers, obtaining a large cult following the world round. Season One was screened last year in SA, and received with much praise. With just about 3 and a half more days to go for the premiere of Season Two, I thought you may need some visual inspiration to get you through until then.

The story is centers around the life of the beautiful Elena Gilbert, who's life is in disarray after the death of her parents. She struggles to move on from this, aimlessly going through the motions of high school life in small town Mystic Falls. Then walks in the mysterious and compassionate Stephan Salvatore, who sweeps Elena off her feet and brings back light and happiness to her life. As caring and kind as Stephan is, he hides a dark secret, he is a vampire. But the good-hearted, non-vicious kind. If this wasn't enough to confuse Elena, Stephan's older, evil vampire brother, Damon enters the picture, with a fascinating interest and growing affection for Elena. She lis the splitting image of the enchanting Katherine, a wicked vamp that both brothers were in love with...since 1864. As the series unfolds, we see wholesome Stephan's slight transition to the dark side and devilishly handsome Damon's softer side appears. I am still on Team Stephan, will have to wait and see if Season Two changes that. One single hour-long episode of The Vampire Diaries has more intrigue, drama, great dialogue, twists, suspense and better acting than all the Twilight movies put together. It may be categorized as a drama, but bad-boy Damon's hilarious, snarky and sarcastic one-liners definitely steal the show. I won't give anymore away, but it's a must-see, even if you're not into the whole supernatural genre, watch it for the 'drop dead' (mind the pun) gorgeous Salvatore Brothers. Edward who?

Here are some scenes from Season Two that we can look forward to watching. Can't Wait!

You know that a show must be really good, when you never hear anything about the actors personal lives in the media. A media frenzy occurs around actors off-set to take the focus off a really bad show, as their personal lives prove more interesting than the actual series itself. That's why you won't hear anything about the cast of VD off-screen - it's brilliant. To all you Damon and Stephan fans, feel free to right click on the pics and save it as your screensaver - you know you want to :) Drop me a line for more cool posters of the show.

Set your PVR for Monday, 14 February at 8:30pm on Vuzu and join a world of thrilling entertainment like you've never seen before.