XOXO Gossip Girl

One of my favorite shows is Gossip Girl and on Monday, December 17th, the hit series aired its final episode. GG will go down in pop culture history representing my generation. The show had all the perfect qualities; scandal, drama, glam and sexiness.
I was pleased with the finale for ending each characters story exactly how I'd imagine it. Chuck being a lovable father and husband to Blair, Serena and Lonely Boy exchanging vows, Nate handsome and wealthy and the secretive GG revealed! I never read the books growing up so I was completely surprised by Dan Humphrey's secret identity, it was pure genius! Another aspect of the GG finale I enjoyed was the appearances of past characters that stirred the pot in previous seasons.
As sad as I am to see GG end, I am happy all loose ends have been tied. GG will always remind me of high school when headbands became trendy and anonymous gossip sites became popular on my university campus. Although my Monday night schedule is forever changed, I'll always have Netflix to reminisce.

You know you love me, XOXO Gossip Girl

Fact

Instagram

Before reading please click the link below and watch the short 2 minute video. 

College Humor Instagram Parody

College Humor nailed the Instagram parody! Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media programs. Instagram has had so much success because of how simple they’ve made uploading, editing and viewing photos easy for their users. I too have succumbed to posting pictures of my freshly painted nails, my pet and beautifully presented entrees. I post at least one photo a day and check my photo feed about 3 times, especially when I have downtime. 

Business have taken notice and top brands have began using Instagram to connect with the consumer. For example Aldo Shoes celebrated their 40th Anniversary by posting pictures of grand openings, exclusive parties, behind the scenes in the design studio and their current shoe line. Aldo also had their fans involved in contest, posting pictures of their favorite Aldo Shoes and using the hastag #Aldo40. Aldo had massive success, especially right before the holiday shopping season. Aldo Shoes has also used social media to communicate with their customers. For example, I received my Black Friday shoes in the mail and posted a photo on Instagram tagging Aldo Shoes, and Aldo responded back saying, "how happy they are to hear I love them!"

Although College Humor poked fun at Instagram I can predict Instagram is going become even larger and more business like Aldo will use Instagram to connect with the consumer. 

Victoria Secret Fashion Show

The annual Victoria Secret Fashion Show takes place once a year. Supermodels like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel and Miranda Kerr own the catwalk in couture lingerie while musical artists, Rhianna, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber sing their latest hits. The fashion show is lavished in glitter and femininity. Men and women are intrigued by the long legs and torsos, big hair, and how each model steals the cameras attention. Although both sex's are mesmerized by the show their opinions on social media differ. 

Men are drooling all over Facebook and Twitter with comments like: 

"VS Fashion Show.. enough said"

Victoria's Secret fashion show.... I'm probably the happiest guy in the world right now

"Hello Candice! My name is Jeff :) #vsfashionshow Nice to meet you!"

"#VSFashionShow is on. Say goodbye to half the female populations self esteem."

Women express insecurities about their bodies with comments like: 

"If you need to loose weight but can't find the motivation - start by watching the #vsfashionshow on repeat and on slow motion." 

"My body could totally look like that if I stopped eating pizza. And chocolate. And icecream. And anything. #vv #mc #VSFashionShow"

"VS Fashion Show hasn't been on for 10 minutes and I already want to go to the gym" 

Overall Victoria Secret always has a successful fashion show! Social Media will be buzzing until tomorrow morning about the beauty and fabulous handmade lingerie that was showcased tonight and that is exactly Victoria Secret's goal. 

The Party Starts in the Kitchen

With the holidays fast approaching I’m brainstorming tasty appetizers to win over the stomachs of my family at upcoming holiday parties. Tonight I prepared tasty Crab Cakes and had my roommates (parents) be the guinea pig. 

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground garlic, 1/2 cup red peppers, 1/2 cup corn, 2 (06oz.) canned crab meat (drained), 1 cup dry white bread crumbs (unseasoned), 1 tablespoon of water (optional),  1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions: 

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, cumin, garlic, crab, corn, red peppers, crab meat, bread crumbs and water. Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. Divide the crab mixture into 18 equal portions for hors d’oeuvres. Form each portion into a 3/4-inch-thick cake. 

Then preheat your pan on high with a light coast of olive oil. Cook 10-15 minute turning every 3-4 minutes until golden brown. The inside should be moist. Ready to serve immediately! 

Spicy Remoulade: Combine all ingredients and chill. 

1 cup mayonnaise, 4 teaspoons finely chopped green onions, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. 

Tis' the Season for Fall Fashion

I can’t get enough of fall fashion! Living in South Florida you adapt to wearing sandals and shorts year round but when the temperature dips slightly you put on your boots, jackets and wrap your scarf around yourself and enjoy the weather! 

Fall Favorites

• Beige Fur Vest - Found one similar at Express for $118 on sale for 30% off

• Long Sleeve Jean Button Up Shirt with Leggings and Tan Leather Boots - I found my jean shirt at TJ Maxx. 

• Red Pea Coat (preferably with black buttons) - I found one last year after Christmas on sales at Guess 

For more fall fashions visit my board on Pinterest!