I want it.

Yes, all of it.

Kirsten Dunst in Boy by Band of Outsiders.

Perfect for the chilly fall days, no?

English Essay

My new English teachers that knows how to write and expects the same of us. We have to write an self-reflective essay: using poems or song lyrics, describe who you are as a reader.

I find it an interesting prompt, probably my favorite out of the bunch over my many years in English classes.

But can I say that it scares? I have long been thinking about myself - who I am, what I like; thinking. I know what I like and why things happen and I analyze my surroudings. I think I know. But here I am, supposed to release these thoughts from their safe harbor within my mind. I have always wanted to have those thought out there - like the good kid in kindergarten, I want to share. I want to release. For long I have yearned to find a partner with whom to share and give and exchange; with whom I could be in thought-bursting bliss. But am I ready? Even more, it is so much easier to simply say something. There is the possibility of rewording, of correcting, of analyzing the reaction and reacting accordingly. There is the possibility of even seeing a reaction; of rewriting the scene in my mind, changing the unfavorable details of the occurrence to please myself. Self-denial. Sort of. Redrawing. Better word.

Yet on paper, these thoughts and opinions and my person are eternalized. There is no turning back. There is only a "This is Me". Period.

AWW!

I love these things.

Kitten Vs RC Mouse @ Yahoo! Video

You Take My Breath Away

My blogging lately has been quite nonexistent, being that I have been uber busy (first week of school is like this? mann, so much more to come) AND that recently, for the Labor Day weekend, I went to Yellowstone. I didn't expect much from the American wilderness, but I was so.freakin.amazed. The trees, the hills (OH the hills) and cliffs and geysers were simply beautiful. The scenery was everchanging and throughout I felt as if I were moving through one large, stunning photograph. I am quite often hard to please but Yellowstone was without a doubt breathtaking.

Take a look at some pictures from the trip.
Disclaimer: I take no credit for these pictures. They took themselves, pretty much.

Pretty in Plaits

I keep on seeing pictures of braids and girls looking the perfect mix of school-girl prep and disheveled artiste. Yet unfortunately for me, the mix tends to sway more to the little school girl side. This of course not helped on bit by my required polo and khaki pants.

But alas, a girl can never give up. After this additional reminder I think I will give the hair style another chance. Wish me luck.

here it goes again

another school year started althoughhhhh, i have lost the usual feeling associated with the first day. I feel very...settled now. Perhaps its the atmosphere of my almost-800 student school and the people i go there with, or perhaps its just the fact that ive been doing this for the past two years. even the hella hard ap's aren't giving me butterflies - even though i got the hardest of the hardest teachers (woohoo). this should be an interesting, fun, bbuuusssy year.

i just hope i get to look around and freakin' blog from time to time! :)

keep you updated,
xoxo martha

my dearest sincerest apologies

I realize that I have been quite sucky at blogging lately. Unfortunately, since my coming home to Houston, I've been running around getting ready for school and meeting up with friends before the day when I would be seeing some of them in khakis and polos. But alas, no fears, I will return to my daily blogging, even amidst the ssttacckkss of homework. A girl needs a bit of 'me' time, eh?

Much love my dear reader,
xoxo
marthamydearest

I really want a....

Circle Bicycle. Just like the ones in the Olympics closing ceremony. Did you seem 'em?!

Talk about attention grabbing down the streets of Houston.

Christina Applegate on her mastectomy

I'll have the best boobs in the nursing home. I'll be the envy of all the ladies around the bridge table

...said Christina Applegate today on Good Morning America. Great spirit and attitude for a woman who had a double mastectomy. You go girl. Woot.

Julia Nunes

Whoah. This girl is amazing. She's so cute and funny and her nose is adorable and have you seen the first video??!! Ahahah. ♥

http://julianunes.com/ GO! Right now! Fo' real.

How gorgeous is this dress?! Though summer is quickly coming to a close, with school knocking on the door, and my interest in clothes returning to the usualy palette consisting of grays, blacks, and navy blues, I can't help but admire this dress on Leighton Meester and sigh, wishing I were back at the end of May, having a summer brimming with opportunities, adventures and excitement awaiting me.

Thakoon for Target!

Thakoon will be the new designer for the Target GO International collection, featuring his designs in the fall of 2008, from late september (so soon!) through January. With the fab coats and darker-toned floral print dresses he designed for his Fall 2008 collection, I'm sure we can expect many goodies for the cold weather to come.

Target has had some wonderful designers - Patrick Robinson, Erin Fetherston, and now Richard Chai. But this??!

OH, Target, how I do love you.

Vanity Fair

I'm a Vanity Fair newbie, but seeing the cover with Carla Bruni I just couldn't resist from reaching out and buying the darn thing.

OH and who else loves the equestrian look of the outfit??! I'm a gusher for that style.

Presidential Mayhem

I figured I've got time for politics. They don't interest me much. Therefore, I know pretty much just two things about the Presidential Election 2008 - McCain, an old, white-haired old man in his seventies, is the Republican nominee, and Obama, the first serious African-American candidate for U.S. President, is the Democratic nominee.

Oh, and one more thing (this now makes three) - McCain loves using celebrity to take Obama down. First there was the Britney/Paris ad, in which the senator compared the Democrat to some pop stars we all know too well. Now, Obama has "dreamy eyes", as said by some of his followers featured in another ad. McCain. Seriously? What, are you jealous?

We all know the purpose of McCain's tv spots - bring down Obama by attacking his best attributes, the almost celebrity-like following for the man Democrats seem to love. I'm sure the interviews and articles in People and Elle have aided his image.

But McCain, how is bringing down the opponent like this any satisfaction for us, the voters? If Obama, as you say, would not make an acceptable President, then what? Should we simply settle for the other guy?

McCain, instead of attacking your opponent, market yourself. Tell us why we should vote for you, not why we shouldn't vote for the other guy.

New Target GO Collection/Designer

(1) Zipper-front skirt -black
(2) Sleeveless Ruffle Dress - black
(3) Long Cardigan - black
Skinny Bedford Corduroy Pants - worn indigo
Ruffle Shirt in off-white and orange
(4) Striped Tank - white and gray
Windowpane skirt - orange
Leather vest - light yellow-brown
(5) Paint stripe racerback tank - navy blue and white
Sweetheard dress - black
(6) Bubble skirt - royal blue
(7) Sweetheart dress - blue and white w/. black

The GO International collection needs no introduction because everybody knows of the genius idea Target has had - invite high-end designers to design clothes on the lower end of the money spectrum; allow average girls and women alike the opportunity for fine clothing, certainly without paying the price.

Before I was just kinda excited for the designers, only because their style didnt really fit mine - the clothes they offered were not necessarily ones I would wear (and unfortunately I had missed Erin Featherson's heart bags and flowy, girly, English Breakfast Tea dresses).

Here comes in Richard Chair with his bold yet girly dresses, straight skirts, and casualy, ordinary-but-not pants and jackets. I'm SOO excited for the sweetheart dress with blue flower print and the black version as well. The shape looks amazing and feminine without becoming too girly. The blue flower version will be perfect for a the Houston autumn months to come, and the black - a perfect LBD for going out. Finally. I've been searching long enough.

I've also been searching long and hard for straight, plain skirts - perfect addition to a crazy top, I think.

And, with looks like these, is anyone surprised his clothes are so yummy?

Freaky Deaky

Dede Koswara is a 'tree man'. Seriously. His limbs look like the roots of an oak tree. I don't envy you, buddy, not at all.

Is Your Mouth Watering Yet?

I wish I could post a picture here of the actual place - the decor is seriously amazing. Styling a little French town, complete with an ornate gazebo, French street names naming the corners, and so much food you have no idea what to choose from.

You walk around with a tray and card, which you swipe each time you get some food (you pay at the end). A cute little place to visit for lunch and dinner. And umm cake and pie? and crepes? Leave room for desert.

Unfortunately for those outside Ontario, it only has locations in Toronto and Ottawa. (but lots in Toronto, good for me, hehe).

www.richtree.ca

FASHIONBEAUTYCULTURELIFE

Thanks to the Toronto Star I have discovered LUSH Magazine, about a month ago. At first I paid no attention to it, setting it aside on a shelf, not expecting much from a newspaper add-in. It was today's rainy, muggy, 14-degree weather mixed with sheer procrastination from reading my school summer reading books that I turned over the initial page. Inside I discovered vast pages laden with photographs advertising grand hotels, pricey vodka, and the upper-class of upper-class designers. I was amazed with the beauty and quality and depth of the color of the pictures accompanying the well-written text. Turning each page was pleasure, if not simply for the feel and texture of the paper. The pages thicker than most glossy magazines, the entire product felt like and looked magestical.

I have lately been quite dissappointed with Elle (Mariah Carey? seriously?) and even my backup, Vogue, for becoming too commercial and not beautiful and extravagant. LUSH allows me to flip through 128 pages of pure art - no paparazzi celebrity spottings, no B-class companies plopping their advertisement on every other page of the magazine.

I love a great photograph, where the lighting and clothes and model all harmoniously interact. "Tailored to the lifestyle of the young, single, and well-travelled, LUSH will target the educated women, between the ages of 25-55, indepedent women with professional careers". Although we may not all fulfill the requirements for the target client, LUSH sure does let you play make-believe.

I Really Wanted That Thing.

I can't get over this song. After hearing it on SYTYCD it's been on my mind since. The choreography by Sonya is amamamazing. I adore it. It's so raw and sultry and with a touch of a dirty sexiness. I love it.

Courtney and Mark
Sonya

Song:
The Garden
Mirah

WTF?

"Mathew McConaughey to plant son's placenta in orchard". UUHHH.

First B.O., now this. People's 'Sexiest Man' my bum.