weekly gems

Source: ladybirdln.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Recipes I want to try: Sally's rum french toast with maple syrup rum, cinnamon biscuits, avocado apple and arugula salad, banana birthday cake, Lucky Charms treats, all of these recipes with blood oranges
• Great article on the new buildings on campus at my alma mater, BGSU, and what it means for the state of Ohio.
• Awesome apps for book lovers.
• Interesting post about Irish wedding traditions.
• I might need to try some of these Hunger Games-inspired nail polishes.
• Happy 100th Birthday to the Girl Scouts of America! (well, it was Monday. But still!)
• I'm in love with this series on Carrots 'n' Cake called Blog Dogs. Similarly, tips for photographing your pet!
• The best 35 cameos in movie history.
• Encyclopaedia Britanica is no longer releasing print books.
• The ten funniest comedic lady tweets of the week.
• I'll definitely be checking out this jewelry company, 31 bits, that works with women in Northern Uganda.
• Interesting article on earning money through blogging.
• I definitely want to try out some of these trainer-favorited abs exercises, as well as these leg and arms workouts!
• Favorite Hello Giggles posts of the week: 1, 2, 3, 4
• Favorite weddings of the week: 1, 2, 3

P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day : )

LOL: bugsy and malone

This super cute video is a couple years old and has a ton of views, but I couldn't help but share it. It always makes me smile, and you can never smile enough!

weekly gems

Source: beagleandbear.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Recipes I want to try: peanut butter ice cream sandwiches, chocolate stout cupcakes with Bailey's Irish cream cheese frosting, toasted sesame ginger salmon, broccoli asparagus pizza, and mini cheddar popovers
• Seven of the laughably worst celebrity tweets.
• Inspired by this interesting post by Jess about intentions vs. goals.
• This past week saw International Women's Day, and Marie Clarie shared these images of female refugees.
• Gorgeous paintings by Eva Gonzalès.
• Mint is clearly a star color this spring, as seen here and here (I'm on board too - just bought myself Revlon's "Minted" polish)!
• Ashley's six relationship ideas are great guidance for young couples.
• I was very inspired by Laura's post about loving yourself, flaws and all.
• This French manicure is so fun!
• This awesome post by Joanna about being too busy is a must-read.
• How to build a cheese board - can't wait to try making one!
• Loved this interview with Angie of Bakerella.
• I adore both the acting and the style of Rachel McAdams.
• 12 images and quotes to inspire your fitness goals.

recent loves

Book - I cannot stop reading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I'm totally hooked! Perfect for anyone who likes mysteries and/or chick lit.

Source: thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

TV Show - I'm loving the show White Collar. The characters are endearing, hilarious, strong, and smart, the acting is excellent, and the writing is fun and engaging. I highly recommend it if you like shows like Bones, Body of Proof, In Plain Sight, etc.

Source: amazon.com via Kelly on Pinterest

App - I've had Instagram for several months now, but I've just recently become really hooked. Recording and sharing the small but meaningful parts of life adds a little extra celebration and positivity to each day. Plus, the photos of other users are so fun and inspiring!

Source: instagr.am via Kelly on Pinterest

Beauty - As I've mentioned, I'm getting more and more interested in the world of beauty, particularly nail polish. Right now I'm really loving Nicki Minaj for OPI Metallic 4 Life.

Source: aluxabeauty.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Snack - Lots of people adore cake. I'm not typically one of them. However, I do enjoy cupcakes and cake pops. As a result, I tried Starbucks's new cake pop, raspberry truffle - and fell in love. Delicious!

Source: starbucks.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Workout - Have you ever tried Zumba? If not, you must! I truly love it. It's fun, and a really is a great workout without even feeling like it. I've been going to a class once a week most weeks for the past couple weeks. I'd love to increase that number or pick up the DVDs.

Source: shape.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Quote - I find quotes by First Ladies to be particularly inspiring and wise. This sentiment by Martha Washington is no exception.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kelly on Pinterest

What have you been loving lately?

LOL: muppets google+ hangout

In case I haven't made it clear on this blog, I adore the Muppets. This new commercial for Google+ (featured during the 2012 Academy Awards) just puts me in a fantastic mood. Watch it and I dare you not to smile!

oscars recap 2012

I love watching the Academy Awards. I seriously act like a kid on Christmas. Everything about the show interests me: fashion, montages, behind-the-scenes, host and presenter humor, touching speeches, etc. This year, in addition to avidly discussing the show as it happened with my family, I also shared my thoughts and followed others via Twitter. In fact, I created a collection of my favorite Oscar 2012 tweets that offer humorous commentary and brief recaps of stand-out moments. That collection does include any photos of the evening's fashion, however. For that, you can check out one of these three slideshows (1, 2, 3) or check out my personal top ten looks list below:

Source: news.instyle.com via Kelly on Pinterest

10. Miss Piggy in Zac Posen and Kermit the Frog in Brooks Brothers : )

Source: usmagazine.com via Kelly on Pinterest

9. Sandra Bullock in a gorgeous backless Marchesa gown

Source: peoplestylewatch.com via Kelly on Pinterest

8. Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Source: peoplestylewatch.com via Kelly on Pinterest

7. Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani

Source: celebmoon.com via Kelly on Pinterest

6. Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

Source: peoplestylewatch.com via Kelly on Pinterest

5. Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Source: redbookmag.com via Kelly on Pinterest

4. Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera

Source: peoplestylewatch.com via Kelly on Pinterest

3. Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel

Source: peoplestylewatch.com via Kelly on Pinterest

2. Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Source: redbookmag.com via Kelly on Pinterest

1. Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

It was really hard to narrow down to a single "Best Dressed," but I fell in love Jessica Chastain's look. She just looked so regal and beautiful. I love the colors of the intricately detailed dress and how it complemented her skin tone and hair color. She looked like she was glowing! Octavia Spencer was definitely a close second for me. Her dress flattered her perfectly, in addition to being totally gorgeous. I adored Emma Stone, Tina Fey, and Kristen Wiig's looks as well. I felt like the gowns all fit their personalities (well, at least the view I have of their personalities) and took their natural beauty to the highest level. Milla Jovovich, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Sandra Bullock all looked outstanding. Their gowns are what I imagine when I think "Oscar dresses" and they all pulled them off flawlessly. Lastly, I had to include Miss Piggy and Kermit. I just can't deny the Muppets, especially in formal wear. I mean, really - who can resist this?

Source: thefw.com via Kelly on Pinterest

What were your favorite moments of the Oscars? Favorite red carpet looks? What wins were you happiest to see?

bookmark it: the everygirl

About

The Everygirl was created by Alaina Kaczmarski and Danielle Moss, two lovely ladies from Chicago who met through the blogging world, forged a friendship, and discovered they had common goals and ideas. Soon The Everygirl was born for "creative, career-driven" women. Its mission is simple and admirable: inject fresh perspective, never skimp on the details and advice, remain budget-friendly, and to "always remember what it was like when we were first starting out." More background information about The Everygirl's purpose can be found here, while more information about Alaina and Danielle can be found here.

Content - Main Components

The main components of The Everygirl are its features on career, fashion, finance, living, travel, and health. The Everygirl also has a blog, which is updated five days a week and contains posts on such categories as Blogwatch, giveaways, job postings, The Everygirl updates, and Use Fancy Words.

Content - Other Elements

One of the major aspects of The Everygirl that clearly and immediately sets it apart from similar sites is its Handbook concept. Basically, in addition to reading features as they appear on The Everygirl site, readers can also download, e-mail, save, and print features from the Handbook section of the site. There, each feature is compiled into a magazine-like format for readers to keep and use just like they would a print magazine. On a more minor note, the site also contains links to The Everygirl on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Tumblr, as well as a live Twitter feed and a Facebook "Like" box. Of course, The Everygirl also features contact information.

Styling and Ease of Use

The design of The Everygirl is all-around fantastic. Its logo, colors, and graphics are simple, bold, and beautiful. The home page is pleasing to the eye, and allows readers to begin browsing and using the site without any trouble. Visitors who would rather use the navigation bar to get to specific pages won't be disappointed, either. Each webpage is well-organized and aesthetically pleasing, as well. Often, the webpages are actually a grid of images of the content related to the topic of the webpage. Hovering over an image will cause an headline and excerpt/description to appear. The features grid can actually be sorted even further by clicking on a specific category in the features drop-down menu on the navigation bar. Once a reader has selected a feature, it can be enjoyed by scrolling through a large photography slideshow at the top of the page and reading the article below. Some articles are even interactive - if the article features products available for purchase online, readers can click on the image and be taken to the site that sells it.

Personal Thoughts

I know The Everygirl only launched this week, but I am already totally in love with it. I was looking forward the debut of another lifestyle-blog-esque site from bloggers I enjoy, and The Everygirl exceeded my expectations. I appreciate the overall purpose and goals of the site, adore the About and Co-Founders pages, love the overall design of the articles and the site itself, and greatly enjoy the content. I can't wait to visit regularly and gain plenty of ideas, inspiration, and guidance from such a pretty and upbeat resource.

**Information for this post gained from browsing the site and reviewing this blog post. All photos are screenshots of The Everygirl and not the author's original work.

weekly gems

Source: hireanillustrator.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• These iPhone cases are pretty cool (I especially love the 3rd and 6th ones!).
• Excited to try these recipes: skinny green monster smoothie, mini lemon meringue pies, crunchy oven-fried cheese ravoli, baked buffalo chicken taquitos
• If Carrie Underwood's musical talent wasn't reason enough to like her, you can add pet rescuer to the list!
• I can't wait to try making my own beautiful bouquet.
• Loving camel as a color for everything and anything lately...although this nude and neon mix is giving camel a run for its money!
• Super pumped for Mackenzie's new online shop!!
• This how to on styling bookshelves by Glitter Guide has me inspired.
• Why you should get a dog and do a crossword puzzle.
• This townhouse is awesome! I would totally live there.
• Need some winter nail inspiration? Look no further!
• Twelve simple tips for strengthening your relationship (Dan and I definitely have 5 and 11 down, but will have to figure out 8 someday!)
• My favorite recent Hello Giggles posts: one, two, three, four
• This video made my day! (A CUP OF JO always has great posts, but this week was top notch!)
• Would you (or did you) ignore any of these wedding traditions? We're not which ones will be incorporating yet ourselves!
• Speaking of weddings, my favorites of the week: one, two, three. Also, an awesome bridal shower!

*If for some reason you are having trouble leaving a comment, please e-mail me at beagleandbear@yahoo.com or leave me a comment on Beagle and Bear's Facebook page. Thanks for your help with this issue!

use it: spotify

Source: spotify.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Have you heard of Spotify? Dan's dad introduced me to it. It's an awesome new Internet-based music application that is basically Pandora meets iTunes. You can listen to radio stations, subscribe to playlists created by other users, browse new music and top hits, or search Spotify's catalogue for a specific artist/band, song, or album. While not all artists or bands put all or even some of their music on Spotify, TONS do and most of them allow their albums to be played in their entirety. Once you've found the music you were looking for, you can listen to it, "star" it, and/or add it to a playlist you're creating. The Spotify application includes a library component, where you can store music you've imported (from other places like iTunes), bought, starred, and/or added to a playlist.

Source: spotify.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Something that is particularly neat about Spotify is how you can use it to share music with other people. Each song or playlist featured on Spotify is given a link, which can be sent to friends via a variety of mediums. Also, if you link Spotify to your Facebook account, the application will show you all your Facebook friends who also have Spotify and what they are listening to. You can also send them tracks or playlists by dragging and dropping them on the friend's name. The music will then appear in your friend's Spotify inbox (another component of the application) for your friend to discover the next time he/she is using Spotify.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kelly on Pinterest

While I haven't used the radio option on Spotify that much, I love searching for artists and listening to whole albums. Once I'm listening to an album, I can search related artists, play the artist radio to find similar music to listen to, or read the artist biography. I also really enjoy creating playlists and subscribing to playlists advertised on the brief commercials or that friends are listening to. Right now I'm loving my subscriptions to '80s Smash Hits!, Country Music Awards, Top of the Charts, and The Ultimate Holiday Playlist (as shown in the image above).

I highly recommend trying Spotify. I absolutely love it! (Note: I have the basic, free Spotify application which I use on my Mac. For information on Spotify Premium, click here. For information on Spotify Mobile, click here).

Do you use Spotify? What do you think?

weekly gems

Source: capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Tips for better sleep.
• This slideshow of what men love about women is both hilarious and heartwarming.
• Recipes I want to try: cinnamon roles, cranberry pear salsa, mashed fall potatoes with bacon and thyme, and hot vanilla cider.
• Like Harry Potter? Then you'll LOVE this tumblr.
• Get your George Clooney fix here.
• Adore this video of a police officer helping ducks cross the road!
• While browsing Pinterest this week, I came across the wonderful tumblr Cape Cod Collegiate. I'm inspired by pretty much everything posted on it!
• Favorite Hello Giggles posts of the week: one, two, three.
• This Health with Intention post on MML intrigued me - what a simple but effective idea!
• In case you missed it, here is a synopsis and quick video clip of Regis Philbin's farewell show. (I'm going to miss him!)
• If you're an Instagram addict like me, be sure to check out Glitter Guide's follow recommendations.
• Favorite weddings of the week: one, two, three. Also, check out the photos of my friend Kelly's gorgeous wedding from a few weeks ago! Just beautiful : )

thing i've been meaning to blog about, use it edition: amazon kindle

After I started a job in Columbus, life got very hectic and I took an unplanned break from this blog. Since leaving that job and moving again, I've returned and recommitted to regularly blogging at Beagle & Bear. Part of that returns includes a blog series called "Things I've Been Meaning to Blog About," which is made up of posts I intended to publish in summer or early fall but haven't yet. This post is part of that series.

Source: instagr.am via Kelly on Pinterest

This past summer, at the recommendations of my fiancé Daniel, my friend Elizabeth, and my 88-year-old grandmother, I purchased an Amazon Kindle. I stalled on getting an e-reader for awhile for a few reasons: I like to read in the bathtub, I didn't want to continuously have to buy books in order to read them, I didn't want to contribute to the world of books dying out, etc., etc. However, after really thinking about it, I knocked out those excuses pretty quickly - I mostly read magazines in the bathtub. Public libraries are starting to lend e-books, books can be borrowed from other Kindle users, and Amazon has its own lending library. I could still buy new hard copy books by favorite authors or other interesting books from used bookstores. Etc., etc.

So after meticulously Googling information about Nooks vs. Kindles, I went to Target and got myself a Kindle (specifically, a Kindle Keyboard with Special Offers). I absolutely adore it!

• It can hold SO MANY BOOKS.
• It uses e-ink technology, so there is no sleep-interfering blue light like there is on a computer, phone, iPad, etc.
• It's super light to hold. Not the biggest benefit for younger people (unless you have weaker wrists), but huge for older people like my grandma or people who read often and for long periods of time.
• You can make the words bigger or smaller (this was big for me, as I technically need glasses to read).
• Amazon has "Kindle Daily Deals" of the day, in which you can get a book for around $1.99 (give or take a dollar, depending on the book). I enjoy discovering new books and authors this way, and don't feel guilty about purchasing one every now and then!
• I was really interested and excited by the concept of Kindle Singles
• I have an account with Amazon that I use often. Connecting my e-reader to an already existing account rather than having yet another account at another website was appealing and is helpful.
• I can lay on my side in bed reading without having to move at all except for the side of my thumb that presses the forward page button. So useful in fighting my insomnia and helping me relax/fall asleep easier!
• There are tons of super cute Kindle cases you can buy and use! I love the Vera Bradley one that Dan got for me! (it's pictured above along with my Kindle)

If you are a book lover, I would highly recommend a Kindle (especially the keyboard edition!). It's not going to replace hard copy books in your life or make you go broke. It's just going to make your packing for trips lighter and your reading-before-bed routine sweeter.

Do you have a Kindle or another type of e-reader? What do you think?

weekend wrap-up

Friday: Dan came up to Cleveland for a visit. We went to Crocker Park, where we ate at The Cheesecake Factory and went shopping at The Gap. That evening we grabbed some Starbucks and watched reruns of Saturday Night Live via Netflix.

Saturday: Dan and I picked up donuts from our favorite local shop and pretend house-hunted around my city before he had to leave for Columbus. That afternoon I attended my dear friend Ashley's baby shower (she's expecting a little girl!). In the evening, I saw my sister Jackie star in the lead role of a new play named Pray for the Missing Girls, which was showing at Cuyahoga Community College's west campus.

Sunday: After my mom and I went to church together, I spent the rest of the day at home, doing various chores and relaxing. The relaxing portion of the day included reading Mindy Kaling's new book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The weekend finished up with a cute Skype and ice cream date with Dan.

(Okay, full disclosure: that photo of the cheesecake is actually a pumpkin pie cheesecake from Olive Garden when I went to lunch with my sister a couple weeks ago. I forgot to take a photo of the cheesecake Dan and I shared at The Cheesecake Factory, which was chocolate chip cookie dough. Can you tell I really like cheesecake?)

All photos taken via my Instagram

weekly gems

Source: etsy.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Best. App. Ever.
• An excellent idea for displaying and organizing a collection of sunglasses!
• Secrets of people who rarely get sick.
• Loved this Refinery 29 tour of Coach's NYC offices!
• Ten celebrity marriages that were even shorter than Kim and Kris's crazy 72 days.
• Will you join the thankful challenge?
• I'm looking forward to all of the movies and shows featured in Buzz Sugar's November Entertainment Must Haves!
• Definitely want to try out these recipes: healthy and quick fish meals, cranberry pear sauce, sweet potato risotto, and whole wheat autumn apple pizza.
• 150 AWESOME gift ideas!
• Ten things to do when insomnia strikes.
• I adore these shoes!
• Five tips for making your house appear cleaner than it is.
• Inspiring wallpaper download for November from MML.
• Love these weddings: one, two, and three.

weekly gems

Source: skiptomylou.org via Kelly on Pinterest

• This amazing post on Hello Giggles this week pretty much made my life!!
• Halloween costumes for dogs and cats.
• Dazzled by these gorgeous brooches and this beautiful clutch!
• Definitely want to make: apple cider margaritas, mashed sweet potatoes brulee, slow cooker, apple crumble, and Rosa's lentil salad.
• It probably doesn't sound like it from my description, but the obituary of the last remaining member of Cleveland's first police academy class is a must-read.
• Who else is pumped to see this balloon in the Macy's Parade this year?
• Tips on how to improve your immunity.
• Do you tweet? If so, check out Cosmo's recommendations on who to follow for big laughs!
• I wish I could wear outfits like this one every day.
• Some scary movie suggestions for you this Halloween weekend!
• Green is my favorite color : )
• I'd love to spend a weekend in this cottage.
• Favorite weddings of the week: one, two, and three.

weekly gems

Source: imdb.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday. I have no "rational" excuse, but I have what I consider an acceptable one: I was busy re-reading the seventh Harry Potter book. You'll be pleased to know I finished it in time to both happily and sadly attend a 12:04AM showing of the eighth and final film. Did you see it yet? Are you planning to? I highly recommend you do, it was fantastic (more of my opinion next week)!

While you're waiting to leave for the movies, or relaxing at home, or whatever you're up to this weekend, enjoy some weekly gems!

• Everybody needs to read this inspiring story (And I mean, really read it, go through all the links and background). So moving. (via Aspiring Kennedy)
• Awesome entertaining tips from Emily.
• Fitness tips and an awesome outfit from Taylor.
• Courtney Cox's Malibu house is gorgeous! And Hank Azaria's Bel Air home is pretty fantastic, as well.
• Neat podcast recommendations and photos of Audrey from Fallon.
• If you love HP and FYA as much as I do, the you'll enjoy the 10 High School Lessons I Learned From Harry Potter.
• Speaking of HP, I adored Ezra Pound Cake's several "Harry Potter feast" posts this week!
• Other recipes added to my "Need to Make" list: pasta with yellow tomatoes, cherry sorbet, frozen cocktails, caramel banana cake, and giant rainbow cookies. I also want to try cupcake fondue! (via Glitter Guide)
• Although I'm not a graduate wife, I sure appreciated Lauren's three posts full of tips on living well and nurturing a serious relationship on a tight budget.
• Similarly, though I'm not a working mother, I was fascinated by a new series on balance curated by Joanna.
• Cute post about dogs' happiness.