Monday, August 30, 2010

Some of my Favorite Things

These are some of my favorite things........ I am sharing because I love them so much that I want everyone else to love them too.


This summer I discovered Zoya nail polish at my local salon. The amazing thing about Zoya, besides the color palette is that it is the longest lasting nail polish on the market and boasts a toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor free formula that is also vegan friendly. A friend and I became so obsessed that we started picking colors for one another; we even ordered more than once. Stock up cause they're only $7.00 a bottle, much less than designer brands but much better than designer brands.





find it at www.zoya.com

I seriously love the notebooks from oh joy! They are feminine and unique, and I would love to carry one around in my handbag because they're just so beautiful.




find them at http://www.ohjoy.com/shop/all/

I recently discovered Gala wine glasses at Crate & Barrel; I asked an employee there if they would have them for a few more months and she said, oh they're not going away, we've had them for over ten years. These glasses are classic; I love them.



find these at www.crateandbarrel.com

Calligraphy Stamps by Primele: when I discovered these while browsing of etsy, I knew I was in love. These stamps may look ordinary but they are anything but ordinary. Available in three different designs, you can personalize your own return address stamp for all your special mail. They are available in three different designs: script ($59.00), curl ($62.00), and floral script ($64.00). I will order one before the year is out!



Find these at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Primele ;)

Voluspa Candles have been a favorite of mine for a long time; I stand in stores that sell them smelling the various scents and taking it all in. I like so many of them but my favorite is Olive Leaf Vervaine!



Pick your favorite at www.voluspa.com!

Monday, August 16, 2010

So You Think You Can Dance Season 7!

These are all my favorite dances from Season 7! There were so many great ones, and it was hard to choose a Top 10 or Top 20 dances so I decided to just pick all my favorites and briefly tell you why.

Week 1

Cristina and Mark danced a jazz routine by Sonya Tayek to Starstuck by Santigold--- why was it amazing? because Nigel said she danced tremendously and Mark brought out the best in her. Mia said she was partnered with the best and was proud of her for how well she did. Adam said he was stunned and didn't think it was going to work as well as it did.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=43352

Alex and Allison danced a contemporary routine by Sonya Tayek to Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley--- why was it amazing? one reason it that the judges were on their feet in week 1! Nigel told Alex he set a new standard for So You Think You Can Dance. Mia said it was the best ever. Adam said the dancers upped the choreographers game.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=43313

Robert and Courtney danced an African routine by Sean Cheesman to Norweg by Cirque Du Soliel--- why was it amazing? Robert Roldan grew arguably more than any other dancer on SYTYCD this season, and this was just the beginning of his greatness. Adam called him one of the best contemporary dancers.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=43343

Week 2

Adechike and Allison danced a contemporary routine by Mandy Moore to Listen to Your Heart by DHT--- why was it amazing? Nigel saw major improvement in this young man who he said does not interrupt emotion with steps. Adam said he dances with so much passion.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=43947

Ashley and Mark danced a contemporary routine by Travis Wall to Wonderful by Annie Lennox--- why was it amazing? Mia called Ashley one of he fave girls in the competition. Adam likes how she completely loses herself in the music.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=43957

Lauren and Dominic danced a lyrical hip hop routine by Tessandra Chavez to If I Were a Boy by Beyonce--- why was it amazing? Mia called it an outstanding performance from both dancers. Adam commented that Lauren took his notes.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=43982

Week 3

Adechike and Lauren danced a hip hop routine by Dave Scott to Hot N Fun by N.E.R.D. and Nelly Furtado--- why was it amazing? Nigel said that Dave Scott brought something out of Adechike; natural swagger, natural fun, and personality. Adam gave him a standing ovation for listening and learning.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=44534

Ashley and Ade danced a contemporary routine by Dee Caspary to Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine--- why was it amazing? Because Ashley developed her choreography, and Mia said she was a cut above all the other female dancers in the competition. Adam called her one of the best ever female contemporary dancers to appear on SYTYCD.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=44543

Robert and Courtney danced a jazz routine by Sonya Tayek to XXXO by MIA--- why was it amazing? Adam called it an engaged and committed performance nailed complete with punctuation on all the right places.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=44547

Jose and Anya danced a Samba routine by Dmitry Chaplin to Long Time by Shakira--- why was it amazing? Nigel said that Jose possesses a smile and charisma that no one can teach; he has magic in his eyes. He also said that Jose controlled Anya in the routine. Mia called him humble, open, and joyful.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=44577

Alex and Twitch danced a hop hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon to Outta Your Mind by Lil Jon-- why was it amazing? Well for one, it was arguably one of the best performances in SYTYCD history! And now I have to quote the judges:
Adam Shankman: This is your world and I’m just visiting.
Mia Michaels: Who the hell are you? You have defied everything about the ballet world. I am completely shocked.
Nigel Lythgoe: To Nappy Tabs: The best routine you’ve ever done on the show. At the end of the day this is a ballet dancer doing the most incredible hip-hop routine.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=44591 and this version has all the amazing comments--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V0aNyY_ei0&feature=related

Week 4

Lauren and Pasha danced a cha cha by Jean Marc Genereux and France to Telephone by Lady Gaga and Beyonce--- why was it amazing? Mia called her hot. Adam said she was sharp, specific, and strong.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=45357

Jose and Lauren danced a contemporary routine by Mandy Moore to Never Tear Us Apart by INXS--- why was it amazing? I felt like this was one of the most real performances of the season. Nigel asked Jose how it felt dancing with Lauren, and he said it felt amazing. Nigel told him he accepted the challenge of SYTYCD and he delivered tonight and brings so much joy. Mia told Jose she believed every step he took and there was so little ego. Adam said he is one of the most beloved contestants on the show.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=45360

Kent and Comfort danced a hip hop routine by Dave Scott to You're Not My Girl by Ryan Leslie--- why was it amazing? Nigel liked that the routine suited Kent's style. It was Justin Timberlake-esque.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=45363

Ashley and Dominic danced a hip hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon to How Low by Ludacris--- why was it amazing? Nigel called it a strong performance, Mia called her hardcore, and Adam said she was a contender to win this.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=45372

Lauren and Kent danced a contemporary routine by Travis Wall to Collide by Howie Day--- why was it amazing? Nigel said for three reasons, one, it showed what a great contemporary dancer Lauren is. Two, it showed what a great contemporary dancer Kent is. Three, it showed what a great contemporary choreographer Travis is. Mia called it stunning, gorgeous, there was a connection, and technique. Adam felt it was so real that he shouldn't be watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1t7VJ1jX4

Week 5

Adechike and Anya danced a salsa routine by Liz Lira and Danny Davalos to Oyelo Que Te Conviene by Eddie Palmieri--- why was it amazing? I saw tricks I have never seen before. Mia, of all people, thought it was amazing. Anya called it the fastest salsa she has never seen. Adam called his performance great and said he was there for Anya every second.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=45985

Robert and Allison danced a contemporary routine by Travis to Fix You by Coldplay--- why was it amazing? The judges gave a standing ovation and Nigel said if people don't vote for Robert there is something wrong. It was a perfect routine with the perfect choreographer with one of the best dancers ever on SYTYCD. Mia said, Robert you were stellar, and this took me back to when my mom was sick. Adam said Travis, if you don't get an Emmy nomination for this; there is no God. Adam said it will definitely be one of these performances of the season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnguqsMQmg4

Billy and Anya danced a jive by Louis Van Amstel to Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meatloaf--- why was it amazing? One of the judges used the phrase "sex bomb" and Billy, for the first time, really connected with a female dancer. Adam called it his fave Billy performance thus far.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=45998

Kent and Neil danced a Broadway routine by Tyce DiOrio to Shoeless Joe from Hannibal Moe from Damn Yankees--- why was it amazing? Firstly, this is not the first time this magic duo comes together; these two dancers are so perfectly matched. Mia exclaimed, I love boys! It was great entertaining, strong male dancing; I loved everything about it. Adam said they both have a great future in Broadway. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcuMU7Mu24c

Lauren and Billy danced a jazz routine by Mandy Moore to Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band--- why was it amazing? Because it was another adorable Mandy Moore routine; it was so cute and so retro. Nigel said, Billy you really connected with your partner and jazz fits you. Mia said coolest thing ever. Adam said, Lauren the guys have something to be scared of.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=46010

Jose and Dominic danced a B-Boy routine by Tabitha and Napoleon to Battle for the Beat by District 78--- why was it amazing? Adam said, Jose, that's how you compete. You just came out and schooled us, that was mad hot!
http://www.rickey.org/?p=46015

Adechike and Kent danced a contemporary routine by Dee Capary to You Only Disappear by Tom McRae--- why was it amazing? Mia said their vulnerability and power combines make for an amazing marriage. She said, Adechike, Desmond Richardson will be so proud of you, and Kent, I am so in love with you. Adam said a super athlete can be a super artist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mJ54esz_eE

Week 6

Lauren and Twitch danced a hip hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon to My Chick Bad my Ludacris--- why was it amazing? Adam said who are you? And Mia said, you were so aggressive, but you maintained your sexiness throughout. Guest judge Kenny Ortega said, Lauren, you could power Los Angeles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISmrcuPDaL8

Kent and Kathryn danced a jazz routine by Sonya Tayek to Tightrope by Janelle Monae--- why was it amazing? Kenny called Kent the guy to beat. Nigel said, Kent you may have just outdanced an all star.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSmadlLsBQ&feature=related

Adechike and Comfort danced a lyrical hip hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon to Fallin by Alicia Keys--- why was it amazing? Adam said it was so intense, beautiful, and horifying. Adam also added that it was unbelievable for a contemporary dancer to dance a hop hop routine like that. Mia said it was like a dance film and that Adechike has so much in him and let so much of it out on that floor. She said we got to see who you really are Adechike, and Comfort you are the Mary J. Blige of dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5McyQQ29X5A

Kent and Twitch danced a step routine by Chuck Maldonado to ProNails by Kid Sister--- why was it amazing? Nigel said Kent has combated everything thrown at him. Mia said they have amazing chemistry together and that it was disgusting, filthy, gross, and amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1gY183d_z0

Week 7

Robert and Kathryn danced a contemporary routine by Stacey Tookey to Heaven is a Place on Earth by Kate Thompson--- why was it amazing? Nigel loved the emotional connectivity and Robert's maturity and growth. Adam said the way they supported each other was amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZB-cUTCy70

Billy and Ade danced a contemporary routine by Stacey Tookey to Mad World by Michael Andrews--- why was it amazing? The judges gave a standing ovation. Nigel said it was the most maturity he has ever seen from Billy. Guest judge Toni Redpath said it was two amazing dancers with contrast and performances that transcended dance. Mia said it was sheer perfection and thanked Stacey Tookey for keeping her on her toes. Adam told Billy it's like he was born on the show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp1odkX7RPE

Jose and Kent danced a Broadway routine by Spencer Liff to From This Moment On from Kiss me Kate--- why was it amazing? Mia said friggin fantabulous and she wants Kent to do this kind of dancing forever.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=47280

Week 8

Lauren and Pasha danced an Argentine Tango by Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo to Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla--- why was it amazing? Nigel said the passion and the intensity was incredible. Nigel said he wanted to dance with Pasha and it was overall magnificent. Mia said the choregraphy was amazing and the dance itself was mesmerizing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E81hcQQRm5s

Robert and Dominic danced a hip hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon to Scars by Basement Jaxx--- why was it amazing? Nigel found it hard to critique Robert and thought it was brilliant. Mia called it dope. Adam called Robert sickness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3x1LS5tVaM

Kent and Neil danced a contemporary routine by Travis Wall to How it Ends by DeVotchKa--- why was it amazing? It was the second time these two dancers were partnered together, and again it was brilliant and stunning. Tyce said excellence was delivered by the choreographer, dancer, and all star. Mia said it was so uncomfortable that it was genius and she was at a loss for words. Mia said the combination of the three of you was perfect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEI9GSwrxxY

Week 9

The Final Week to me was all about the woman who won the competition, Lauren turned into two strong, sexy, and amazing performances....

She danced a hip hop routine with Twitch choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon to Power by Kanye West.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv-7BnIb1Zg&feature=related

She danced a cha cha cha with Pasha choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin to Not Myself Tonight by Christina Aguilera.
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=NY04YYcx7_o