I think the photos from the O Magazine article on How to get Grace Kelly’s Style are pretty pretty. I wish looking like Grace was as simple as changing up my wardrobe a little bit. It turns out her measurements were 34-24-35. I think mine are 26-26-26.

What the?! Is that a birds nest on your head? Sorry Jerrell, the idea worked for a Olympic venue but not for a hat.

“See the pretty girl in that mirror there: Who can that attractive girl be? Such a pretty face, such a pretty dress, such a pretty smile, such a pretty me!”

Uh-oh, they’re kind of spending a lot of time focusing on Joe tonight. And that totally touching moment where he’s talking to his daughter on the phone? He’s a goner.

It seems as if Suede has raided Paula Abdul’s closet, from 1992.

“Oh look. I’ve created a mini-me. It’s absolutely perfect because I’m absolutely perfect. How could Time Gunn ever criticize me. What does he know? I’m so awesome. LOVE ME FOOLS!!”

Okay, did we ever figure out what was on top of Jerrel’s head?

Hello chums and happy Gosh-darnit-I’m-going-to-make-it-through-this-week-if-it- kills-me-day. Yeah, it’s been kind of a crappy week in you are my fave land for no particular reason but I’m just in the mood where if someone forwarded me and email with a cat hanging off of a branch saying, “Hang in there,” I would swiftly pull our my ninja moves on the sender.

Nothing can cheer me up quicker then a good list. And this one is extra special. Not only does it have funny commentary, it’s the first list from a guy! You may be surprised to hear that I have not just one, but two male readers. Both are related to me but I still count them. So there’s your proof world, this is not a sexist blog. All our welcome. Okay, my endless babble is ending now.

Andy’s Fave List:

#1 Jonathan Coulton – This guy rocks in so many ways. The best way to impress this readership, though, is to simply say that he has a tribute song to Ikea. Hello . . .

#2 Root beer in a glass bottle. Mmmm . . .IBC, Henry Weinhardt, some-random-brand-from-Jerry’s-supermarket. I’m thirsty.

#3 Procrastination. I was going to write something about this, but I’ll do it later.

#4 Scrubs. I’m actually watching episode #76 as I write this. Not my favorite episode, but it did have a solid guest star appearance by Tom Cavanagh, the star of one of my other favorite TV shows, Ed.

#5 Triathlon gear. OK, so I’ve only completed one VERY short sprint triathlon. That doesn’t stop me from keeping a Gear West catalog by my bed and checking out all the $2500 bikes I can’t afford.

#6 This Week in Tech. Although it might get displaced soon by The Dave Ramsey Show (I can’t quite explain my fascination with this one), TWiT is the most popular podcast on my iPod for over 2 years now. I am SUCH a geek.

#7 Snickers ice cream bars. Oh man, they sell these in the vending machines at work and they will be the death of me yet. AWESOME.

#8 The Best Buy circular. The first (and sometimes only) section of the Sunday paper that I read every week. Camcorders I don’t need, ridiculous TVs, computers I can’t afford . . . What’s not to love???

#9 Strongbad – I’m still lovin’ on this guy, years after my hip sister-in-law introduced me to him. She’s undoubtedly moved on to newer and cooler entertainment, but when I find something this funny, I stick with it. Strongbad email #200 is just around the corner. (editor’s note: ARROWED!)

#10 Eddie Bauer T-shirts. OK, so this is clearly the most Metrosexual item on the list, but I gotta tell you, these are the softest, most comfortable apparel known to man. I don’t know how Eddie does it, but his t-shirts are heavy cotton heaven. Double-stitched, super-soft, pre-washed, no tag on the neck. I become one with the shirt as soon as I put it on.

So that’s the official list. Or, at least, the first one. The next one will likely include Aaron Sorkin; Jeffrey Holland, Jeremy Spivey’s BBQ, Rock Band, DDR, giving my wife the perfect surprise present (oh, wait, I think my wife snuck that in there), and word puzzles.

Thanks Andy. This list is the cream of the crop.

If you would like to participate in some list love action, email me at melbellessa@gmail.com.

Olympic rings shirt ON SALE! (for the many Olympic games to come) spotted at the Nike store

Welcome coat rack spotted at Urban Outfitters

New pillow pattern spotted in Kalla Etsy shop

Colorful cute vases spotted in Everyday with Rachael Ray

I’m currently crushing on the cards in the Cracked Designs Etsy shop. I think purchasing some of these babies would be a much better idea than some of that infomercial junk.

Sarah – the holla notes are for you.

I think I’ve mentioned that we have 3 TV channels, 5 on a a good day. Saturday mornings are the worst. That’s So Raven is the best thing on. Wait, I take that back. Please don’t let me die knowing that I said that.

Infomercials are always the trusty stand-by. A couple of weeks ago I was picking up my phone to buy Susan Lucci’s Youthful Essence when I snapped out of it. I just COULDN”T BELIEVE THOSE RESULTS! and the price just KEPT ON DROPPING!

And more than once I’ve expressed my need to buy the GT Xpress Cooker when Ryan tells me that we have something in the kitchen identical to it. It’s called a sandwich maker and we NEVER USE IT!

Has anyone actually bought something from a infomercial? Did it meet your expectations?

Bah! Isn’t this just fantastic? I just couldn’t wait to post it.

(table designed by Amy Atlas, photo by Gemma Coma via A Room Somewhere)

The last of my college roommates with soon be entering a life of wedded bliss. Her matron-of-honor has enlisted my help for her bridal shower. I hope these ideas are helpful. I only pretend to be a party planner

Invites
All I can say is never underestimate the power of Target. Cute and budget friendly. The above picks are from Paper Source and Simple Song.

Decor
My advice is to stick with just one or two colors to keep it simple. I like white paper lanterns hung with fun ribbon in a cluster. You can also get crafty and make tissue paper pom-poms (how-to article here or you can buy Martha Stewart supply kits at Michaels or Walmart). Another simple idea is getting tea tins and filling them with flowers.

(above pics from Party Perfect and Martha Stewart)

More Decor and Food
I love the look of all white serving ware and vases. A good idea is to go buy 10 or so of the $2 bud vases at IKEA and fill them with flowers. Since they’re small, you only need one big blossom or some small daises to fill them. You can also browse your local thrift store for some white milk glass bowls for cheap.

My idea for food is to do some fondue and fixins. Load plates with bread and veggies to compliment a chesse fondue and then have fruit, pretzels and gummy bears to dip in chocolate. If you don’t have fondue gear, do some tea sandwiches and veggies and then a candy bar with glass dishes filled to the brim. I know how Megan loves Reeses.

(above pics from Hostess With the Mostess)

Games
If you’re sick of the toilet paper wedding dress, maybe try one of these ideas.

#1 – Take a polaroids of the guests and then have them right down something they like about the bride, a good memory or some advice. Put it together in a book for the bride to go home with or hang them up in a clothesline fashion.

#2 – Make bingo cards and paddles (one side with the bride’s name, the other with the groom’s name) for each of the guests. Read off facts about either the bride or groom and the players indicate whom the statement is about. If correct, they place a chip on the square with the card’s number.

#3 – Have guests identify famous TV wives with their husbands.

(pics from Hostess with the Mostess and Martha Stewart)

Remember, this doesn’t have to be a 5 hour long event. People love parties but only if they don’t take up their entire Saturday. Eating, one game and present opening should take up enough time.

Favors
Remember how the best part of a birthday party when you were little was getting the gift bag at the end? For favors, I love the idea of homemade cookies in pretty little bags. If that’s a little too time consuming, simply wrap up the flowers used in the centerpieces with some parchment paper. Or, make a mix cd of some of the bride’s favorite tunes or love songs.

(flower pic from Frolic)

Oh Sarah, how I miss you and our discussions of embarrassing TV shows and PMS. You are the best cubicle buddy, wedding photographer, lover of Target, Martha Stewart fan, fashionista, English accented friend a girl could ever ask for. You’re list is so very classy just like you. Thanks for sharing.

1. Pearls: they go with anything.
2. Black dress: it’s always ready and just waiting to be worn.
3. Michael Buble: has a song for every mood and season.
4. Muji Stationary: its simple, stylish and cheap.
5. White Towels: makes any bathroom look cleaner.
6. Platinum Ring: nothing says I love you more!
7. Target Shoes: going grocery shopping has never been so good.
8. Old Cameras: remind me that 3 credit classes studying film was worth it.
9. IMAC Keyboards: make me smile on a long day in front of the screen.
10. Black & White: eye candy…lets add that to No.3 too!