How Do You Do That?

By this point we all know that Nicki Minaj is here to stay. Anyone who had doubts about her lasting power was proven wrong this weekend when she performed on Saturday Night Live. Not only does she have a unique sound, but she also has range, making her one of the most entertaining performers on the scene.

Her first performance on SNL was Right Thru Me. I am loving this song, and loving this softer side of Nicki.

I'm not usually a fan of concerts at Rogers Arena (way too big of a venue), but when Nicki rolls into town on April 29th, I think I'll be making an exception.

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Rejoice! SS2011 is Just About Here...

Spring is just around the corner and with time ticking away, my favourite shops have started talking Spring/Summer trends. I am loving this, especially on a cold and rainy day like today (Who wouldn't rather be thinking about sunny summer days and strappy sandals?).

Year after year the spring trends are focused around colour. Pastel shades of blue, pink and yellow rule the runways and our wardrobes. Not that I have anything against soft colours, but no one wants to look like an Easter egg and trendsetters agree. This season we are seeing a sea of neutral pallets with the focus on white, beige, light grey and black. I couldn't be more pleased.

Here are some looks the good people at Shop Bop put together.

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Re-Up BBQ = Pulled Pork Heaven!

Picture from Sherman's Food Adventures (Amazing food blog!)

I'm getting hungry all over again just thinking about the pulled pork sandwiches from the Re-Up BBQ cart, located at 700 Hornby St.

If you're a meat eater, this is one foodie pit stop that you cannot miss out on. Open Monday through Saturday, 11:30am-3; pop by early because it's not uncommon for them to sell out. I can only think of a hand full of things more upsetting than getting geared up for one of these amazing sandwiches, only to find there's none left when you arrive.

For less than $10, there are few spots in Vancouver that can satisfy your taste buds (and your wallet) like Re-Up BBQ.

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Style Me Pretty

After a recent trip to Calgary to help one of my besties pick out her wedding dress (it's amazing by the way), I've been obsessing over all things bridal. This went into over drive when I discovered the website Style Me Pretty. They call it "the ultimate wedding blog" and they are not kidding!

For all of us who watched TLC's Wedding Story every day after school, dreaming about finding prince charming and throwing the most lavish wedding of all time, this website is just what the doctor ordered. Even if you're not particularly interested in getting married, the pictures are pretty enough to keep even the biggest cynics coming back for more.

While we're on the topic of weddings, who has seen the new "hit" show Bridalplasty. Um... maybe I missed too many episodes to understand what's up. Maybe it's one of those things that you can't just jump into... but from what I can tell (and I'm worried I could be right) it's a group of brides competing for various plastic surgeries. It's not supposed to be a comedy but there is something hilarious about an assembly of women, duking it out with their noses taped up. Definitely check it out for a good laugh (or cry. Seriously, is this what reality TV has come to?!).

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Kanye Update

It's been months and Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is still on constant rotation in my house.

Initially I was a big fan of the pop-ish sounding songs like All of the Lights and Dark Fantasy, but my taste has evolved and now I cannot stop listening to Devil in a New Dress. It reminds me of classic Kanye; Flashing Lights. The only difference is Flashing Lights is a really short song, and Devil in a New Dress is more than 5 minutes long! Amazing.

I must admit, I'm feeling foolish for missing Rick Ross in Vancouver last weekend. Did anyone see the show? I haven't heard any reviews, but am thinking that's a good thing; I can only control my jealousy for so long.

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Shopbop Has New Markdowns!

Always a dangerous day for my "savings" when the Shopbop markdown email appears in my inbox.

They have a load of goodies at 30% off, including this adorable Madewell dress that would be perfect for spring (which really is JUST around the corner). Once $148, it is now only $106.87. It must be mine.

An admitted cardigan addict, I'm also coveting this Ami Dans La Rue casual look in black. Marked down from $225 to $162.48, it's a must have.

And lastly this Free People tunic is too cute for words. It's only $41, which means you can order one in every colour (right?).

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The Prettiest Thing...

Last night were the 2011 Golden Globes, and though I have no idea who won what, I do know that Emma Roberts killed it in this amazing Julien Macdonald dress at the In Style After Party.

Who What Wear calls it their look of the day and I couldn't agree more. I'm loving the effortless look of this very pretty ensemble.

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The Bachelor is BACK

It's Monday, and that means we get to watch a legion of single women fight over the heart of one Brad Womack tonight on every lady's guilty pleasure; The Bachelor.

Why does every season of this show have to have some crazy girl named Michelle? First with Jake, we had the insane (and apparently super sensitive) Michelle; the girl who never dries her eyes because another good cry is just a commercial break away.

Now we have birthday girl Michelle, and yes, she is very beautiful, but come on. If you watched last week's episode, you were cringing as much as I was throughout the entire two hours. Not only did she mention it was her birthday every chance she got, but she was so aggressive with Brad it was laughable. Michelle is definitely not there to make friends...

Here is Bachelor alum Molly Mesnick's recap of last week's episode. Can't wait to watch tonight's drama/comedy (let's be honest, this show has more of a comedic element than ABC would like to let on).

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Beach House

One of the most highly praised albums of 2010 is one you've likely never even heard. No, I'm not talking about My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (although that is arguably the greatest album to be released in years). Beach House, Teen Dream has been called the best album of 2010 by music lovers across the board. Their sound is airy and relaxing; the perfect album to have on while you do the dishes, read a book or chat with a friend on the couch.

Pitchfork rates the album a 9.0 out of 10 and has it listed in their Best New Music category. They describe Teen Dream as;

"the most diverse and most listenable of their three full-lengths, and yet it never seems like a compromise. It feels like the product of careful, thoughtful growth, bringing in new influences-- bits of mid-1970s Fleetwood Mac, sparkling indie pop, even a few soul and gospel touches--- while maintaining the group's core sound."

2010 was a big year for Beach House, touring with the likes of Grizzly Bear, Vampire Weekend and appearing on Conan. Though the album is almost a year old now, it's one that is not to be missed. Check out one of my favourite songs on Teen Dream, Zebra.

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Hello 2011!

Happy New Year all!

Classic Christmas Dinner at the Caissie's

It's hard to believe 2010 has come and gone so fast, but here we are; new beginnings. Time to start making promises to ourselves of healthier diets, less drinking and more studying. Nothing wrong with a little self improvement and setting goals to keep ourselves occupied until the next holiday (Easter?? That seems like a long ways away).

In any event, I hope you all had a lovely break. It was great to visit my friends and family on the east coast, even with a minor weather induced setback on my return to Vancouver. I'm looking forward to settling into my daily routine and doing lots of blogging. Over the last month I've thought of so many new ideas to write about, and cannot wait to share.

With the return of Gossip Girl, a new group on Teen Mom and a long lineup of great bands coming to Vancouver, you can expect to hear lots from me in the coming weeks. Until then, let's just enjoy these last couple days of vacation, and drink our last Rum and Eggnog before diet mode is in full effect.

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