I Heart Shiny Things

Gal-entine's Day

2012-02-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

Normally, I'm not usually down for sappy shiz like Valentine's Day. However this year, I felt like everyone around me was super into it, and I got peer pressured into caring about what I was doing. I was mostly interested in the "caring-about-your-friends" aspect. I came home from work and was in the mood to just do SOMETHING. We ended up eating @ Cha Cha Cha on Hawthorne (because the location on Broadway has rude people working the cash register and their limes aren't juicy. Big no-no). The place was empty because couples were celebrating at fancy places with waiters. Waiters and edible fruit roll-up underwear for dessert.

It was such a non-romantic atmosphere, the PDX cops were there. They weren't hot cops, so don't get too excited. One of them looked like they could have been related to Pumba from The Lion King. He handcuffed Stefanie and he told her she had the, "right to remain sexy." No, that didn't happen, but it she wished for it.

We ordered some sort of fruity cocktail situation and ate good food. We ended things with a car sing-dance party. It was our own personal tribute to Whitney (RIP, girl).

The next day, we kicked it up a notch with a grocery store Moscato and donuts. Shame? Oh right, I don't have that.

I know there are a ton of "Shit (insert whatever stereotype) Say" However, I do appreciate a well-made video like the one below, "Shit Bitter Females Say." "I gotta catch up on Love & Hip Hop anywayz, BITCH."

IHST VALENTINE'S DAY!

2012-02-13T22:44:00.000-08:00

Last year, our conversation IHST hearts and special edition Brown Man Valentine's Day cards were extremely popular! We analyzed the heart of the Brown Man, particularly famous Brown man figures in Latina/o culture (or Chicana/o culture, whatever you like to identify as, mija).

This year, the focus is on actual things that have either been said or texted to us. This is an ode to the contemporary (presumably heterosexual) males of today. Long gone are the days of "gentleman callers" and "courting". It's a cut-throat zoo with roundabouts and many things left unsaid. It's hard out there for a pimp, and by "pimp", I mean awkward Brown girls who don't know how to "flirt" or be/play dumb.

The games people play and their non-direct shenanigans are all hilarious. We are all guilty. So here we go...

Treat Yo'Self: Sephora Edition

2012-02-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

For Christmas 2011, I received a $75 gift card to Sephora. This amount of money allotted solely for makeup is like giving a drug addict all the cocaine they can snort in a week.

I entered Sephora like I was Charlie in the motha-effin Chocolate Factory. Charlie took his grandpa to the chocolate factory, and I took $cruz to help me (the resemblance is uncanny). It didn’t take much arm-twisting, $cruz likes to watch other people spend their money since she does so in a vicarious fashion. Plus, she knows how to indulge in luxury items, and her peer pressure works.

The main reason I took $cruz was because of her peer pressure ways. She’s good at making me spend my money on things I don’t need, but then flips it to make it seem like if I don’t buy something, I may die. You see, I’m cheap. Frugal is too cutesy of a term and doesn’t do my cheapness justice. This is why I buy things that break, such as ikea clothing racks, ikea chairs, purse chains, you name it, I get the cheap version of it. I was perfectly content with buying Sephora brand lipsticks and eyeliners, but Stefanie insisted and said, “buying the actual Sephora brand is like buying Equate products from Wal-Mart” It’s true.

So here is what I got:

Amazing color. Pink Petal!

Best eyeliner I've had! Use with an angled brush!

Dior LashPlumping Serum is $28 and it WORKS. Makes my eyelashes long and huge!

I have student loans, car payment, rent, and other things I have to worry about. It's nice to indulge, especially when I didn't even pay for any of these items.

New Year's Makeup!

2012-02-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this a while back, but then I put this post on the back burner. My bad! I was pretty proud of my makeup on New Year's! My eyelashes were doll-like and enormous and my Priscilla Presley hair was on point. Stefanie wanted to channel the black eyeshadow a la Kris Jenner and the rest of the Kardashian Klan. No lie, that black eyeshadow is bold and I think Stefanie did a nice version of it.

Some photos that helped with my own personal inspiration for the night:

60's hair

Beyonce in Telephone

And yes, I got mad baby hairs like crazy. That's what happens when you're super ethnic like us.

Stefanie was trying to channel this:

Let's get fancy!

Because Breakfast is Amazing

2012-02-07T01:07:00.000-08:00

I am in no way shape or form a morning person but I am a Ron Swanson and a lover of breakfast food. I do love the comfort and warmness that breakfast food provides. I'm always so down with breaky type food. It just screams: "take a minute, sip that coffee, enjoy life for a minute." I need moments of "slowing down" when I can get them.

2:30pm IHST Breakfast

Cup & Saucer Cafe

(near the IHST headquarters)

3000 Northeast Killingsworth Street

Portland, OR 97211

Fabulous Life Additions

2012-02-07T00:51:00.000-08:00

Revlon's Lip Butters

These little hybrids are amazing. It's a fuse of lip balm, a bit of color, and a teeny bit of gloss. These are perfect for everyday looks. And butter?!!? Who doesn't love some butter...

The Body Shop's Body Butter

Tragedy happened in my life. For years now I've maintained my lotion/perfume routine creating my own fragrance. A dash of Bath & Body's Dancing Waters or Rain Kissed Leaves and as alway...Chanel Chance: Eau Fraiche. But guess what happened? Bath & Body Works decided to discontinue both Dancing Waters and Rain Kissed Leaves. How did that leave me? DEVASTATED. I'm so particular with scents and to change it up is super hard for me.

I searched for new smell within the store, but I just couldn't find that balance of clean and sweet. It was just attack of the super fruity or baked goods smells. I huffed and puffed out of the store and took my money elsewhere...The Body Shop. I treated the lady who worked there like garbage as if it was her fault Bath & Body hated me. But after smelling super fruity smells (not my thang) and weird vanilla/musk smells (not my thang either), I found my new lotion...It's got that balance of clean and sweet! Don't discontinue this or I will go into each Body Shop in the Portland metro area and knock down everything from the shelves.

My new keyboard cover!

Revamps my laptop, a little makeover. I found this cover on Ebay for 85 cents! Amazing!

J.Cole

2012-02-06T23:57:00.000-08:00

I've been on a hardcore J.Cole binge. I've been absent from the reggaetron and the slow jams. Yes, I can't believe it either. I must say why I'm fan girling so hard on J.Cole is that a lot of his music is like watching a movie or reading a book. Puts me in a trance. He's quite the storyteller and has a very interesting way of captivating people and their journeys. He does pepper in the occasional "BET approved jams" but a lot of his music comes from a deeper place.

I was surprised to find out he was a super smart and even graduated college magna cum laude. Like that's for real. He's not one to give off the traditional hots like a Channing Tatum, but more so he has a great mind. Recently I even had a dream where he and I did a workshop together at a conference. Like that's where my mind goes.

My favs:

Best Friend

(this has Aaliyah!!!!! Therefore it has to be awesome)

Nobody's Perfect

Daddy's Little Girl

Hello Kitty = Stop.

2012-01-16T23:54:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I love Hello Kitty. If you follow the blog, you'll see plenty of posts dedicated to Hello Kitty products. As much as I do enjoy Hello Kitty stuff, it needs to stop. My room is starting to look like a 2nd grader's dream house. On February 2, 2012, I will be 26 years old. Disgusting, I know. Unfortunately I have to grow up. So, Hello Kitty, keep it moving. We're breaking up. I need some time to grow.

BAAANGS!!!

2012-01-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

As you may remember, in December of 2009, I gave up my bangs (Click hair to remember)
Lately I've been getting this strange desire to get my bangs back. I know! Even after all the trouble I went through to grow them out. I'm a loca.

But now there's a fix for this! Clip-in bangs from eBay! I did my research and made sure to get my EXACT hair color so my bangs would blend in. Although I wanted them a bit more blunt, I think the side-swept thing makes me look more grown up. What do you think?

Te gusta?!

Style Icon: Basketball Wives Earrings

2012-01-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

I feel like I am in need of a big earring collection. I wear the regular gold hoops for work, and I even began wearing studs a few years ago to be taken seriously. NO MORE! I need to keep it real. When it comes to earrings, I'm a human peacock. Big earrings is part of the reason why we founded I Heart Shiny Things. We heart large-and-in-charge earrings that make people wonder if they make our ears hurt. Big earrings are sometimes like heels; they hurt you sometimes, but if you're a real boss, you wear them the whole night. Neosporin that shit in the morning--you'll live.

After ~~binging-watching~~ catching a few episodes of Basketball Wives (I'm late on the Basketball Wives/Real Housewives thing. But $Cruz keeps me updated and answers my annoying questions). I came to a lot of realizations. Yes, their depictions of women of color are AWFUL, but yet why can't I keep my eyes away? I also watch just see what their wearing and their earrings. Not so much for the labels or the status of expensive items, but purely for aesthetics. I swear.

I really found myself attracted to these earrings below:

First of all, bamboo earrings and I are ride-or-die. Forever in my heart. But bedazzled with crystals? I HATE bedazzled things! They are so gaudy (even for me!) I decided that I would sleep on this life-altering revelation and see if I still felt the same in a couple of days. Well... I still heart them. While perusing eBay, I fell head over heels:

I can't WAIT for their arrival!

DRUNK CASSEROLE

2012-01-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

First of all I would prepare and eat this for real. Also, I think that if I had a cooking channel, it would resemble something like this:

Just Dance 3: Best Video Game Ever

2012-01-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

Whilst Christmas shopping for others this holiday season, I decided to treat myself to Just Dance 3 for Nintendo Wii. I gave myself the best present! Check the trailer below:

I made the mistake of playing with $cruz. She's highly competitive which means that we both work up a sweat. Yes, $cruz wins most of the time. Whatever, I have HEART when I dance and that's all that matters. You know what I rule at? Bobby Brown's My Prerogative on Dance Central for Xbox. I do enjoy both dance games, however Wii for some reason is a better work out. My arms were sore, but that could be because I have the upper body strength of a newborn baby. #Jus'sayin.

Why Can't I Stop Watching...

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

What do channels like Oxygen? WE? Vh1? Bravo? Lifetime? Etc? All have in common? The portrayal of women is beyond horrible. All "programming for women" are packaged shows that showcase all levels of crazy, from party fights to full on murder. But why do I continue to watch??? This is no rhetorical question, I for real wonder why I indulge so hard on these TV shows.

Current obsessions:

Snapped

I went on a total binge

of this show during Christmas. Yes, I spent the whole day for baby Jesus watching shows about women killing their dudes. Like I couldn't stop watching. I watched so many episodes that I got scared and stayed at my sister's house because I didn't want to get stabbed. But this show is a trip, it sucks you in! All men should watch this show, I'm sure many more men would wash dishes or take out the trash. Girlfriend could SNAP!

Love & Hip Hop

This show has something extra that other trashy women bashing shows don't have...not sure exactly what that is. Perhaps it has an extra level of jealousy/drama. This show won my heart so fast. Between lady fights and Jim Jones never opening his eyes, it's an entertaining time. But again, it's a film crew following around lady fights...these ladies fight HARD. So much purchased hair gets torn up.

The Truth About Cats & Dogs

2011-12-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

When I was 10-11 years old, my favorite movies to watch were: First Wives Club, The Craft, & The Truth About Cats & Dogs. Obviously I had different movie tastes than my peers. Basically I was a blast at sleepovers when I suggested to watch these films I was watching movies about old divorced ladies, crazy teen witches, and a rom-com based on lying.

Tonight I decided to take a walk down memory lane and I watched The Truth About Cats & Dogs. Janeane Garafalo was the 90's "Liz Lemon" type, therefore I relate to her weird awkward girl roles, including her role as Abby in this film. But I must say, watching this film after so many years is pretty hilarious. It has that great "real" 90's fashion, not the cute stuff they're trying to make happen right now, rather the ill fitting sweaters and coats and a healthy dose of mom/dad jeans. Also, this film includes the pre-Ray Jamie Foxx, the pre-Blame it on the alcohol Jamie Foxx. He literally uses this line: "She is all that and a bag of chips" in reference to Uma Thurman's character. So he should have won an Oscar for this role instead.

Also, I forgot about the weird phone sex scene. As a child, yes I watched that scene, I was confused and didn't know what they were doing. No big deal, I waved my tiny child sausage fingers at that PG-13 rating.

I would also spill salsa on my t-shirt if I for real liked a boy:

This is streaming on Netflix, get on that...

Sh*t Girls Say

2011-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

I find this to be too accurate, both versions of this. Whether it's coming from my own mouth or others, it rings true. Watch the white girl version and the black girl version.

Open Letter to $Cruz and Marble$ from 2009/2010

2011-12-21T00:42:00.000-08:00

Remember when $cruz and I would describe the hell that was most of 2009? (click here to recall that hell)
In hindsight, there are a few things I did appreciate during that time, and of course, things I would have done much differently. I'm mostly referring to Dec 2009 and Early 2010. Sure, I lived out of a suitcase and slept next to my friend for four straight months on a mattress on the floor. Did I scare her when I would randomly yell in my sleep? Yes. Did I wake up accidentally spooning her? Sometimes. However, we had this pizazz for life that I would like to recapture for 2012. We had nothing to lose and nothing to our name. A mental and literal Ground Zero. Too soon for the Ground Zero reference? Fine, this time in our life was a clean slate.

Circa 2009/2010

Dear $Cruz and Marble$ of 2009/2010:

How are you? I heard about your first official jobs after graduating. Congratulations! That sucks that they pay you in pennies and peanuts. Sallie Mae has also started to breathe down your neck and collect money like they were the mafia. At least you have a small enough income to start buying things to make you look fly. See! That's a silver lining to this shit-storm you feel is your life.

On the really real, I'm writing you all because I need your poor-girl-nothing-to-lose swag. The drive that is making you get up every morning at 5:00 a.m. so you can catch the MAX and endure a 2-hour commute. Let me just go over some things that I would like to copy from you.

Leave the House in Full Makeup by 6:30 a.m.

You all started to REALLY play with makeup during this time. No under-eye circles and a fierce liquid eyeliner job. When you'd go out, you'd at least try to put on fake eyelashes (even if they made your eyes red, huh Marb$?) I sometimes wear my glasses sans makeup. I'm such an animal.

Go Through Hellfire to Find the Perfect Outfit

I heard about the time you all waited for the bus for about an HOUR in the rain trying to venture to the mall. Your commitment was clear: to find the perfect New Year's Eve dress. I just rummage through what I already own and don't much effort anymore if I go out. I end up feeling uncomfortable the entire night. I miss the feeling of looking in the mirror and think things like, "I'll look like a cartoon next to everyone." Or my brother asking if we were deliberately trying to dress like Salt'n'Pepa. No, we weren't, but it was a compliment.

Saying Yes to Mostly ALL Social Gatherings.

The rooftop after parties are the SPOT. Sure, you may have gone to a couple of dead parties in the suburbs with 18 year olds (ugh, they were practically toddlers), but you picked yourselves up and said yes to the next opportunity. How do you all manage to finagle your way into getting people to buy you shots? Kudos on getting unfortunate looking boys with no chance of hooking up with you to buy you things like Tic Tac shots and other drinks. No shame in your game! Si Se Puede!

Hair Game On Point

Both of you take great pride in your hair. It takes about a legit 2-hour job to get it the way you want before you go out. $Cruz, you changed your hairstyle. You were never a nappy-headed girl--despite what mean people say. They are just hating on you because they are losing their hair and mask it by wearing stupid newsboy caps. But I digress. You look totally bomb.

Of course since I am from the future, there are some things I need to warn you about. Things such as, "New Year's Face", asking ugly boys if they could act like your boyfriend or if your dress is too short. But don't worry, I'll save all of my warnings for another open letter. For now, keep your chins up. Life will straighten out if you just work hard and try your best. And Marb$, don't you dare lose your dancing shoes. They don't call your alter-ego, Linda, for nothin'. Watching Robyn on Saturday Night Live reminded me of you. Robyn is your spirit animal. The whole performance is so Marb$.

XOXO,

The Future Marb$ and $cruz

Mindless Behavior

2011-12-18T23:41:00.000-08:00

On days off of work I really enjoy a nice dish of Maury with a side of 106 and Park. I will forever be a 15 year old black girl in some way or another. That being said, the other day I channel surfed over to BET right in time to catch the video for "Girls Talkin' Bout" by Mindless Behavior. I was already a "fan" of this little kid group, they are the singers of "Mrs. Right" ft. Diggy Simmons. But this particular video I saw the other day captivated me hardcore. How are these children so cool?!?! This video is insane and the song is super catchy.

I just researched (for blog purposes, not creep purposes) their ages: 14! They were born in 1997?!!? They were born after "Friends" had been on the air for 3 years. I can't even compute that in my mind.

Watch the video, it's amazing. The fro kid is my favorite. I hope that in 10 years we can hang out...

East Side Delicatessen

2011-12-18T23:18:00.000-08:00

When food becomes an experience in one's life, you know it's amazing. A friend of mine randomly busted out the most delicious smelling meatball sub. I asked her where she got it: East Side Deli. I banked that place in my mind. My first time eating one of their sandwiches (I had to try the meatball sub) was insane. So good! A 6 inch sub is the size of a small baby, so you get a lot for your money.

I almost freaked out when I discovered an East Sub location near work. I had to MMS the shit out of that to tell la Marb$. I've tried a few different subs since my first meatball extravaganza. This place is so delicious I've been on he hunt for some good sandwiches and I've found a winner!

Locations:

4823 N. Lombard

Portland, OR 97203

4626 SE Hawthorne

Portland, OR 97215

1438 S.W. Park Ave.

Portland, OR

Cake Hats

2011-12-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, I would really like one of these. Maybe the blue, lime green, or pink one. The blue is one is the fiercest. It's appropriate for my life. Human unicorns deserve this kind of headwear. These are the kinds of things that make me awesome

You can find these delectable hats here on Agent Lover's blog!

Anybody Wife Shopping?

2011-12-05T23:26:00.000-08:00

I had $20 in my wallet to buy some "keep me alive" items at the grocery store. I took a look at what I had thrown in my portion of the basket. Could I be more of an ideal domestic catch? Got some coffee creamer, some Ramens, black beans, and an avacado and some shredded cheese. I'm like a single bachelor.

Whenever Marb$ or I do anything that is completely the opposite of what we think dudes find attractive, we simply say "Anybody Wife Shopping?" An example you ask? For instance, hours ago I was throwing spicy flavored pretzels one at a time like dog treats to her as I ate some while laying down. Also, Marb$ really flexed the 5 second rule. Cute babes.

Brown Dudes in Vintage Styles = Delicious

2011-12-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

My heart was swarming with butterflies when I found out that Aaron Diaz was going to be on one of my new fav shows, Pan Am. I was having a hybrid Brown Girl/American Girl moment! Telenovelas + 60's vintage clothes+ English = A very Happy Marb$. I hope you can all understand my gibberish with the plus signs and the slashes. I don't know how else to express myself. If we were conversing about this subject in person, I'd squeal with such joy you'd think there were a tea kettle in the room. "EEEEEE!!"

Aaron Diaz, wife me up already!

More chulo goodness...

And just because I love his hair so much in this:

Diego Luna also stars in Katy Perry's latest video, "The One That Got Away." Of course I watched it because I am a ride or die Diego Luna. Forever. Even when he was super duper chubby in El Premio Mayor...but I digress.

Hey guapo, don't be shy!

I love this picture below...

I watched the video and I was...sad. It made me very sad. Watch for yourselves (click here) Damn you, Katy Perry!

After all of these pictures, I agree with Uncle Jesse.

Don't worry Gael, we still think you are pretty fierce. Best looking trans-indivudal that I have ever seen.

Simple Things

2011-12-02T12:39:00.001-08:00

Strawberry Mojitos, uh ya. Delish.

Hubers

411 SW 3rd Ave
Portland OR 97204

Marb$ & $cruz Convo: Drop Dead Diva

2011-12-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

Guilty. We admit it now. We enjoy this cheesy/mindless show. I like it because it's so over the top (musical numbers, souls possessing other bodies, etc). We really don't have to use our brains when watching it. It's like eating candy! Here, me and $cruz converse about the show via text. We text each other when we are in our own rooms...we're so lazy.

Oh, Larry Craig! (Click here to read the scandal and fully understand this conversation)

Robin Thicke: Love After War

2011-11-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

IHST is a huge fan of Robin Thicke. We have a history of fanaticism. That voice is like butter and that swag is outta control. OUTTA CONTROL! His new video features his real-life wife, Paula Patton. Insert really upset emoticon :(

They're both so pretty it hurts. They have also been together since they were 15 years old. Crazy! That kind of commitment is frightening. But for Robin Thicke, I'd tattoo "Property of Robin Thicke" on my lower back. That's real love.

Can we just talk about this look? The hair! I love his hair! Mr. Thicke makes that bright, preppy, sunshine yellow sweater WORK. Those sunglasses are classic as well. I'd settle for his clone!

Remember kids, this beauty of a man was brought to you by the one and only...

Get outta here Mike Seaver, you are the opposite of swag.

Frank Ocean

2011-11-29T21:35:00.001-08:00

I can't stop listening to anything Frank Ocean has touched (I found the Bieber cover in a Frank Ocean music scouting sesh). But he for real is super talented and is providing a different kind of dynamic to R&B. He brings a whole different energy. And yes, it's true...there was a full on Twitter war between Frank Ocean and Chris Brown. I'm confused by this, I don't know how to feel.

It's interesting when you hear Frank Ocean's music, you wouldn't associate him with the alternative Hip Hop Collective "Odd Future" (i.e. the collective Tyler the Creator is also in). Yet, it works cuz Tyler the Creator (from what I've seen/heard) is hella random and pretty funny (has loads of horrible lyrics...but I'm not fanning him).

He has yet to put out a full album, he's created a mixtape and an EP, but I'm sure that first album will be epic!

Swim Good

She (Tyler the Creator & Frank Ocean) (danger, bad words)

Thinking About You (un-Justin Bieber-ed)

And just because...