And the Oscar Goes to....???

Every year, I am always so pumped for the Oscars. Not only do I love seeing the beautiful gowns walk down the red carpet, but also recognizing some of the greatest films of the year. Ever since I was young, I would watch every single award show. That pastime has never died. I am always excited for the Oscars as if Christmas was coming. It also gives me good movie recommendations.

This year, I wanted to voice my prediction for the Oscars. The movies that have been nominated for Oscars are beyond amazing. Without further ado, the [hopeful] winners are...

Best Picture: American Hustle or 12 Years a Slave
Best Actor: Matthew McCoanughey (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence or Lupita Nyong'o
Best Animated Feature: Frozen
Best Cinematography: Gravity
Best Costume Design: American Hustle or The Great Gatsby
Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity)
Best Film Editing: Gravity
Best Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty (Italy)
Best Hair and Makeup Styling: Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa or Dallas Buyers Club
Best Original Score: Gravity or Saving Mr. Banks
Best Original Song: "Let it Go" (Frozen)
Best Production Design: American Hustle or The Great Gatsby
Best Sound Editing: Captain Philips or Gravity
Best Sound Mixing: Gravity
Best Visual Effects: Gravity
Best Adapted Screenplay: 12 Years a Slave
Best Original Screenplay: American Hustle or Her


Honestly, it is difficult to see the true results of the Oscars, since this is the tightest race I've seen. I'm SO excited to see the results and the grandeur of this amazing award show. With Ellen DeGeneres, you know that the Oscars is going to be a party! :)

xoxo- Rachel

My 2014 Goals [and a few bucket list ones in between]

Before I even begin, I will address my immense love for journals. I love writing down my thoughts and thinking of new ideas. I also use various outlets such as Pinterest (my online journal) to put together my thoughts, but visually since I love seeing ideas in person.

In one of my classes recently, one of my assignments was where I had to write down my goals that I wanted to accomplish whether it was in the class, or a personal one. Taking this on as a great idea to think of the goals I wanted to set this year, I thought I would share mine in case if it sparked any ideas:

Personal Goals:
1. Live in the moment
2. Take risks
3. Stop comparing to others
4. RELAX! (I'm the worst at this.. Haha)
5. Take better care of myself by eating healthier, working out, and (maybe) sleeping early
6. Be more confident

Health/Fitness/Dance Goals:
1. Run 2 miles in 10 minutes or under
2. Execute a Russian
3. Get down into my middle split
4. 30 push-ups

Learning/DIY Goals:
1. Being able to use Photoshop and inDesign more
2. Get my license by the time I turn 18 (it's kind of embarrassing I don't even have one yet!)
3. Redecorate my room before I leave for college
4. Understand HTML so I can revamp my blog!
5. Improve on calligraphy/handwriting
6. How to sew

Bucket List Items:
1.. Go to New York City
2. Learn how to make tiramisu and macarons; my two favorite desserts!
3. Read at least 15 books
4. Take senior photos

It's a handful of goals, but I like setting them because it keeps me motivated, and even more excited to try new things. I have so much to look forward to! Cheers much needed!

Resolutions or goals, I hope that you continue to stick with yours! Easier said than done, but never give up on them! You never know how far you will go!
Have a wonderful day!
-Rachel

Red Carpet Fashion: Golden Globes and SAGs

Oh how I love awards season! In addition to my excitement seeing all the amazing movies be recognized for their work, I am also fascinated by what all the illustrious Hollywood stars are in. Just recently, the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild award shows aired. Since I am posting a little late, I am posting a few my fashion favorites from both events:

Golden Globes:

Lupita Nyong'o (Ralph Lauren)

Emma Watson (Dior Haute Couture)

Kate Beckinsdale (Zuhair Murad)

Jennifer Lawrence (Dior)

Margot Robbie (Gucci)

Julia-Louis Dreyfus (Narciso Rodriguez)  

Sofia Vergara (Zac Posen)

Taylor Swift (Carolina Herrera)

Jessica Chastain (Givenchy)

Olivia Wilde (Gucci) 

Screen Actors Guild: 

Jennifer Lawrence (Dior)

Amy Adams (Antonio Berardi) 

Anna Gunn (Monique Lhullier) 

Lupita Nyong'o (Gucci)

Sofia Vergara (Donna Karan Atelier) 

Jennifer Garner (Max Mara, Brian Atwood) 

Sarah Hyland (Pamela Rolland) 

Cate Blanchett (Givenchy) 

Tina Fey (Oscar de la Renta)

There were so many great dresses that celebrities wore at these award shows. I now officially can't wait for the Oscars! :)

-Rachel

GG Sources 1-2, 4-9: Tyler Boye from wwd.com; Source 3: Wire Images from huffingtonpost.com
SAG Sources 1-6, 8: Getty Images from huffingtonpost.com; Source 7: Jordan Strauss of Invision/AP from eonline.com; Source 9: Matt Sayles of Invision/AP from eonline.com

Hello 2014!

Wow, 2013 was quite a year! 2014 is definitely going to be a great one!

Just a little recap of 2013

This year, I am determined to try to blog more often. There are so many ideas and projects swirling in my mind that I hope to accomplish, and that will most likely be posted on this blog. Now that college apps are finally done, I have so much to look forward to: graduation, summer, and going to college. This is a year filled with new exciting memories and the beginning of new chapters.

To be honest, I don't make resolutions. It's probably a good idea to, but I am a person who sets goals rather than resolutions. I think setting goals is a way for me to be motivated in working towards them. I will write another post of what I hope to achieve in 2014!

I hope this year is filled with lots of wonderful memories! Make the most of it! :)
-Rachel