Thursday, June 28, 2012

watch: beauty and the beast goes to the ghetto

I've posted videos from former American Idol contestant Todrick Hall on here before... they're always pretty good! But this one.... is somethin' special.

First of all, I get to see my boo Antoine Dodson for a split second... second of all, Todrick gathered a bunch of YouTube stars [and another former Idol girl Vonzell Soloman] to do a straight up ghetto version of "Beauty and the Beast." No more "bonjour," it's all about the "what's good," and being holla'd at by Jerome.



People on YouTube are wah'ing about it making fun of the stereotypes and not cool and blah blah blah. You shut your mouths right now. That ish is GOOD.

love,
elizabethany

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

beyond the real world cameras: preparing for real world st thomas with priscilla

Can you tell I'm in Real World mode? ;)

I wanted to get into it even more by chatting it up with an old roommate, and what better season to pick from than the most recent?! Priscilla was also on the latest Challenge, so I called her up to catch up on her life, but more importantly: talk about what we think will happen this season. She also gave her advice for the new cast and picked her favorite new man. [Surprise! It's NOT the ginger!]

 

She's adorable, isn't she?! I'll definitely be inviting her into the chat tonight, so don't miss it! You could ask her any of your questions!

love,
elizabethany

 

let's do it: the real world st thomas premiere!

I've told you how it's going to go down, now it's time to make it happen! Wednesday night, 10pm EST, meet me right here to chat about the debut of 7 new strangers living on their own freaking island.



Since I was sent the first couple episodes to pre-screen, here are my initial thoughts on what we can really expect:

The roommates: 

Marie and LaToya had me cracking up the entire first episode. They had HUGE personalities and so far, are very likable.
Marie is a bit of a bitch, but in the "Imma tell you how it is and we're gonna laugh about it" way. Basically, just how I like my friends. She had no idea what to expect when meeting her first roommate- "He might be black, white, orange, who knows." Then she met ginger Robb... "All orange."
LaToya had me cracking up when she was getting off the plane and referred to herself as Michelle Obama. I can't type it to make it funny, so just be on the lookout for that moment.
Laura is totally cute, but already the center of an intense love triangle.

So far, all the guys are also really likable. I was worried about Trey after the stuff I found while filming, but as of now, he's an effing hottie. And Swift- hello sir, can I have you?

The drama and the storylines: 

They certainly didn't hesitate with jumping right into some serious cases of drama, as well as roommate relationships. There's also already a severe outcast. Just wait until you hear the music they play when the poor roomie is left alone.
If episode 1 is setting up the rest of the season, it's safe to say we're going to have everything a good Real World season needs: love/triangles, stupid fights, crazy girls, and more serious drama. I just hope they didn't jump into it all too soon, to be honest.


I can't wait to see what you think about all of them and what's to come! Don't forget to set a reminder to join me here [and tell your friends so you can win some swag]!

love,
elizabethany

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

giveaways, chats, podcasts, and pre-screens: what i'm doing this season with real world st thomas


Last week, I tweeted a hint that I'd be getting more involved with this upcoming season of Real World than I have the past one or two... and now I can tell you all the deets!

I was contacted by MTV, and they offered to help me not only get more interviews and make the best of what I already do, but to also send me some MTV swag and pre-screenings of the episodes for me to watch and dissect before everyone else sees them!

The pre-screenings

Normally I like to watch it with everyone so that I can be surprised too, but now that I can watch it closely first, it'll make the polls and shareables in the chats better! Don't worry, I won't spill any secrets or ruin the ending for anyone!

The chats!

Did you catch that? YES! I'll be bringing back my chatrooms during the new episodes! [And hopefully they should be helping me get the cast members to stop by like old times!] As long as people keep coming to talk about it, I'll keep hosting them, and hoping MTV officially hosts one again too!

I don't wanna promise that I'll be having a different roommate on the show/podcast every week, but that's what I'm going to aim for again. Real World DC was the most fun for all of us because of the interaction with the cast [in my opinion, anyway...], and I'd like to bring that back again!

The giveaways!




They sent me some sweet MTV t-shirts and DVDs to hand out to people, and I'll be picking one winner a week! To win: All you have to do is tweet or Facebook about my chats [make sure I'm tagged so I know!], then come in and chat it up with us! One random guest will be picked and they can decide what they want from the collection! BAM!
I'll be posting my thoughts on the first episodes later tonight, along with a link for the chat! Keep your eye out, and get excited for another fun season of the Real World! I know I am!

love,
elizabethany

PS: The next Challenge has been shooting for about a month now, and the cast is pretty interesting. For all the spoilers, head over to Vevmo.

celeb photoshoots in the 90s were terribly awkward

It's not like we've never noticed it before, but after looking at 41 pictures of proof, it's kinda crazy how ridiculous celebrities allowed themselves to look.

We'll never look at R-Gos the same again. Damnit.

Hey, Jenn, can you just look at ladylike as possible, please?

 I'm glad you're all happy and skinny and pretty but like, WHERE ARE YOU?!

Sexiest. Outfit. Ever. 

Followed by the sexiest hair ever. Hott damn.

And this outfit is just inexplicable, Sandra.  

Madonna, stop eating goldfish. PETA would eat you alive these days.

This strangely reminds me of Bieber's new haircut, on steroids. 

At least Demi Moore KNEW this glamour shot was not gonna be a good look.

 And then there's this. David Duchovny, what the h were you thinking?

Sure, there are some oddball ones out there these days.... but I really don't see us looking back on a bunch of them like we do these. Thankfully.

love,
elizabethany

Monday, June 25, 2012

watch etv: messing with people on the beach

Last Friday, the head of Hotourage and Brandon started a new weekly tradition... heading down to the beach and just doing things with the people there! I figure- I have no idea how long I'll be able to live at the beach and be able to do something like this, so I have to take advantage of it, right?!

To kick things off, we went out and just messed with some randoms and had others do some challenges for us. Oh, and I asked everyone, without warning, when they last saw their parents naked.

Also, the thing that made ME geek out the most, was making Brandon lay out a towel and completely invade two girls' personal space. They were NOT happy about it.



I need to get a microphone so you can hear some of the things they're saying... freaking hysterical.

We're planning some pretty awesome things to do out there every week, so be on the lookout for us and come hang! [Minus this week cuz homegirl is going on a mini vaca!]

And if you have any ideas for challenges/dares for us or fun things we can do, tweet me! You know I never say no to a dare!

love,
elizabethany

Friday, June 22, 2012

14 dogs ready for work- take your dog to work day!

Happy Friday! But more importantly, Happy Take Your Dog to Work Day!

To celebrate, let's just look at these awesome dogs who are totally ready to take on the day.

What an awesome thing to see at a front desk, eh?!

Clearly not happy to be there.



Obviously my little buddy! 



What a handsome man in his suit!


He's gonna take the day seriously.


Yes. Staches are mandatory.




Also, I hope you brought your dog if you have one. Hopefully with no warning to the boss. Don't worry... if they try to fire you, I TOTALLY got your back.

love,
elizabethany

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

then and now: boy meets world's rachel, aka maitland ward

WOW. I don't know why I never looked up what she looked like now, but after my friend Garrett told me to, I did some research on Rachel McGuire from Boy Meets World.

There is no way I'd ever recognize her on the streets, even if it was 15 minutes after watching an episode with her in it. Here are a few of the pictures from IMDb:

Look at her as a blonde! She's a pretty one, but it's so different!

Did you know she was also in White Chicks? I sure didn't catch that.

She's got a pretty active Twitter [and a cat], so follow her! She posted this pic on Father's Day which is a little more recognizable.

I had to look up Angela after discovering her, and she looks the exact same, just tamed hair. Here's a pic she tweeted on Father's Day. [CRAZY that I have more followers than her. Help a girl out!]

Looking up cast members from this show makes me realize how long ago it was that new episodes were airing. They look good, but definitely a little different. Dang.

love,
elizabethany

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

watch etv: getting a coworker hammered on my show

Normally I kinda hate sharing my birthday with anyone [who doesn't!?], but when I found out my coworker Dustin was 21 the day before me, I had to get him hammered on the show.

I've wanted to *return the favor* ever since Kane got me drunk for my 21st birthday, and he was totally down. So were his parents. They agreed to be his DD after drinking an entire bottle of Fireball.
I'd love to call them the coolest parents ever, but when you watch the video, you'll realize that they totally owed him for some things he's had to.. er... witness.

My friends were also arriving for my birthday shenanigans, so between 10 or so of them, him and his friends, and his parents... we had plenty of people to come up with questions he had to answer honestly... and that he did.



Corey also live tweeted a bunch of it, because it was seriously some of the most awkward moments just seeing his parents sitting behind him. And when she busted out the "who's the ugliest girl you've ever slept with" with no hesitation, I about lost it. I can't imagine being in that position with my parents.

Dustin, thanks for being perfection and totally entertaining. Also, thanks for being a champ and finishing that whole bottle of Fireball. Dang boy.

Who's next?! That was fun.

love,
elizabethany

photo and video diary: my 25th birthday!

As you should know ;) my birthday was over the weekend... and because I think it's silly to hide my age, I'll tell you I'm an old woman and officially a quarter century year old. [No, I don't honestly think my childish self is an old woman.]

ANYWAY, I had my 15 most favorite people come down and visit me [which is really unbelievable... how did I get so lucky?!], they all crashed at me house, and we had a freaking fun weekend. Now, I shall share our debauchery with you.

My first batch of friends came on Thursday, and I took them out to Norfolk. The main group came on Friday, met me in the studio [more on THAT insane-ness later], then we headed out to the oceanfront. We were given a VIP section when we got there and my fantastic friends pitched in to get a couple bottles for me! We may or may not have partaken in some 3am ocean skinny dipping post-club.
My actual birthday on Saturday was fun at the beach, dinner, and finished off at the station event at Cabo, where Corey was DJ'ing.

Pictures tell the story better than I can with a couple words, so here are some of my favorite pictures:

And these pictures are hilarious because of things that are in the background. I spotlighted them, duh.

And here are a ton more pictures!


We took cabs everywhere we went which was actually easier than I thought it would be [and provided some entertainment as one of my friends decided she should call the dispatch from the driver's walkie talkie thing].. They definitely questioned us when we ordered "enough for 15-20 of us," though.

UPDATE: You can see some of her talking to dispatch in this here video. It also shows plenty more debauchery and flips on the beach.



It was definitely the perfect weekend for me. The perfect group of friends and family, perfect activities, and a huge sleepover! I LOVE SLEEPOVERS! Cleaning sucked, but it was beyond worth it.

Thanks again to everyone who drove down here, people who met up with us at the beach/bars, and even everyone who sent me wishes online! I'll never forget [the pictures of] this birthday!

love,
elizabethany

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

pinteresting: i finally made a headboard!

My bed was completely shattered during the move [along with 75% of my stuff], so I've been sleeping on a broken, ugly bed. I've always wanted to make a headboard, but with so many possibilities, I didn't know which one to choose!

So, instead, I made one up/combined a couple ideas.

The inspiration for what I decided to do actually came from "wall artwork" which is foam insulation paneling wrapped in fabric. I figured it'd be super easy and simple!

While the entire process was really very easy, fitting a gigantic panel in my car was not. I bought six skinnier panels and placed them on top of each other. They're about 4x1.5 feet each, and $10 for a pack of six. I also got two 6 ft tall, skinny craft boards for about $2.50 each.

Then I got some black fabric that I wish I could describe to you, but I don't. It's got a little texture to it, but not too much.

First step, lay the boards on the fabric, and cut around it, leaving about an inch or so around the edges. [Enough to fold up over the edges of the board.]


My motto has always been "who cares what the back looks like, no one is going to see it," so don't worry about it being perfect. 

Then you're just going to take a staple gun all around the edges, pulling tight enough to get wrinkles out, but don't create them by pulling too tight. It was a bit trickier to master than I thought it would be.

I never figured out how to perfectly do the corners until the end, and I'm still not even sure how I really did it, but here are some up close shots. 


[Pretend like you're wrapping a present, maybe?]

Once they're all wrapped in fabric, break out the craft boards, measure to make sure they're straight/parallel, and nail the foam right to them! [If you want your headboard to be more sturdy, use three. I'm more about being cheap, though.]


This is where my perfect vision lost its perfection. I moved a little to quickly, and didn't make sure I was lining everything up perfectly and really pushing the panels close together so there were no gaps. The imperfections aren't terribly hard to see, but I may try to fix them later down the road.


I have a mirror next to my bed which I wanted to match with the height of the headboard, which happened to be exactly six feet! I simply stuck the headboard behind my bed with the legs on the floor and VOILA! I feel a couple points more official.


I purposely did white nails because of the colors in my room [which the furniture you see is ruining until I paint them], but it would have been neat if I found some cuter, decorative nails.

ALSO... BONUS! Someone pointed out that since it's foam, I can tack some pictures, "good morning" notes, or ANYTHING to it! Neat, right?!

I think I spent about $30 total for the insulation boards, craft boards, and fabric. Not bad!

What do you think? You can be honest! Let me know how you'd do it differently!

love,
elizabethany


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

pics: the time i took my mom to a drag show

My mom came to visit for the first time this past weekend so that we could join the BFF and her mom at the Darius Rucker/Lady Antebellum concert. BUT... things took a detour when I told the BFF's mom about a drag brunch that happens here [at Croc's on 19th St.] every Sunday.

They really had no idea what they were getting themselves into [I've been a couple times with work].. but who would really know what to expect on a nice Sunday brunch with a bunch of drag queens?! No one.

I told them to grab some ones and we went to see those fabulous ladies.



Considering the fact my mom doesn't even allow such words as suck, piss, or retard in our house, things got real awkward real quick. She got pretty into it after a little while, though! As you can see, the boobies threw her off a little bit, but I'll be honest- even I was fascinated with how real they looked [and felt].

I will say that I didn't dare look anywhere near the moms when one queen started singing "I don't care how you f#@* me, just f#@* me where you can." It's one of the funniest songs ever, I was geeking out, but I did not want to see their reactions.

[FYI: She said she wanted these pictures for herself and to show my dad, so I can only assume she meant she wanted them available for the world, right?! I mean let's be honest... my parents should know who their daughter is at this point. If they don't, HELLOOOO WAKE UP CALL.]

Don't worry, we did some normal things too. The concert was AWESOME [Thompson Square is freakin adorable and I think I have developed a SERIOUS crush on Charles Kelley of Lady A. He was real cool.], and we had some quality beach time yesterday.


If you ever do plan on taking your mom to a drag show, prepare yourself. Or maybe prepare them. And don't get a table in the very middle of the show... that could be even more awkward. 

love,
elizabethany

Thursday, June 7, 2012

watch: more awesome 90s songs sang a capella

I've posted about a group that did an a capella cover of a bunch of 90s songs before, and now I've found a one man band!

This guy gets some NSYNC and... well, I don't wanna spoil the surprise, but it's awesome.



He's not the most amazing singer I've ever heard, but everything else is so on point! I love it. Duh.

love,
elizabethany

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

human hair necklaces make me wanna vom

I found out about the all new designer slap bracelets yesterday and got pretty excited... then I saw how expensive they were. Instead of looking at them some more, I looked at other new "fashions" and stumbled upon necklaces made of human hair.


I thought it was some sick joke or some weirdo on Etsy, but it's actually a real jewelry artist with a degree in making accessories! 

 

Gross. If you would ever wear these, we can't be friends. Sorry boutchya.

There's just one question I have: WHYYYY?!?!?! Sure, I'll admit that I think it probably takes some serious skill to make these designs out of hair, but can you imagine wearing them?! Holy uncomfortable! Extra hair everywhere already makes me vom, and aren't girls supposed to have as little as possible on their bodies?

love,
elizabethany

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

watch: fake zombie makes people poop their pants in miami

All of these zombie stories are making the nation freak the freak out. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little bothered too... how can we not be?!

I know it's a little early but this video of a fake zombie running around Miami and scaring a bunch of guys isn't scary, it will make you cry of laughter. Just watch all the poop dropping into their underwears.



Maybe a little scary having a freaking gun pulled at you, but DAMN he stayed in character for a long time! Oh my goodness, what a freaking genius.

Can we just take a moment to realize how epic Halloween could be this year? Hott damn. So much for not being afraid of "imaginary characters."

love,
elizabethany

Monday, June 4, 2012

pinteresting: old frame turned earring holder and crockpot salsa chicken

My birthday is coming up in two weeks, which means my house is being turned into a hotel for about 15 of my best friends for the weekend. Finally, I've been given some true motivation to finish everything in my room, get it organized, and looking good.

So, for the next two weeks, expect me to be talking a lot of crafts and "ooh my room is becoming a big girl room!" tweets.

Step one: Get my jewelry organized and out of tangled boxes.


I found a ton of ideas on Pinterest, and I really couldn't decide on one [although I really wanted to use knobs as necklace hangers, but it's a lot more expensive than you'd think!], but when I found a broken frame from the dollar store, I knew the simplest/cheapest solution.

I went to Walmart and bought 1/3 of a black, sparkly mesh material, folded it in half, and hot glued it to the back of my frame. My earrings easily hang from any part of the frame and VOILA! They even look pretty [neat]!


The necklaces are just hanging from nails right now, but hopefully I'll get something spiffier for those soon.
 --
For a couple months now, I've been having "Pinterest Sundays," where I make one recipe from Pinterest that I haven't tried yet. Not gonna lie, I think I've loved everything I've tried besides a lemon crab pasta. Ick.

This weekend I made Salsa Chicken Tacos in the crockpot. [Sorry, no pictures of my own, so I'm showing you the ones from the website I used for the recipe!] It was SUPER easy! You throw in chicken, salsa, and cream of chicken soup, let it cook for 4ish hours while you lay out in the sun, then mix it with sour cream and throw it on some tortillas! YUM!

The best part: I swapped out sour cream for plain greek yogurt, and the other people eating had no idea! Yay for healthy in the summertime!

I'm glad that I'm finally doing more things that girls are expected to do... but how weird is it that one weekend I post about getting shmammered on the water, and the next I spent being a housewife [without a ring]?!

Moral of the story: Try the salsa chicken. And spend $2 to organize your earrings.

love,
elizabethany

PS: I also made the turquoise earrings you see here on the bottom row! I found them at Michael's under clearance for under $2, and took the earring hooks from other earrings I no longer had the matching earring for! BAM.