GG Recap: 5 OMG/UGH Moments in ‘Cross Rhodes’

*SPOILER ALERT*

This week’s episode of Gossip Girl entitled “Cross Rhodes” left me at a cross roads with the show. Yes, the show finally took the wheel and started dealing with all the issues that they have been dragging out and building up for an entire season. But instead of typical OMG! GG fashion, subpar scenes made up the most of the hour. The build up of the sexual tension between Dan and Blair was sealed with a few slimy kisses, but the character that Blair is becoming is totally undermining everything the show has tried shaping into. Another build up that should have came raining down bricks, instead ended slower than a floating feather.  The only piece of this week’s plot that served justice to the Upper East Side’s exciting twists and turns came from Chuck Bass’s seductive schemes. Overall, the episode did not meet it’s potential, and as much as most people hate to love the show, I’m starting to love to hate the show.

Check out the top 5 OMG! and UGH. moments:

1. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.Com

   Scarves and Schemes: The Bass(tard) is back with his sexy seductive schemes. He invites Dan over to walk the dog putting on a friendly face (as if Dan playing the knight in shining armor for his ex-girlfriend doesn’t matter). When Dan is distracted, Chuck sneakily switches Dan’s real manuscript with a plagiarized story. Here comes the sexy part. Chuck sends over a fabulous scarf to Dan’s book agent, Alexandra, and convinces her he needs to see her with it on (or off?). His seductive charm works flawlessly and Alexandra sends in Dan’s story (without reviewing it, of course) so the two can get some one-on-one hot and heavy time. Unfortunately for Alexandra, Chuck could care less about their time together and only has one goal in mind: sinking Dan’s career as payback for “stealing” Blair. Little does he know, Blair isn’t being stolen away…she is being swept away and her phone call to Chuck to leave Dan alone seals that. In proper OMG behavior, just as Chuck adheres to his princess’s wishes by sending Alexandra Dan’s real manuscript, Gossip Girl sends Chuck a real message of her own–proof that Dan was the one who sent the “Blair Loves Chuck” confession to GG. YAY Upper East Siders, does anyone see what I see? A hint of reason for Blair to potentially hate Dan and come running back to Chuck, restoring all that is right in the world. OMG! 
2. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   RIP CeCe: Is it just me or wouldn’t the fact that your mother was deathly ill and receiving chemotherapy, and oh yeah, had a stroke and is dying all be granted with a little more tears and a little more… I don’t know EMOTION? I must say, I am a style stalker and totally love scenes that are focusing on designer studs, but in a moment of such intense dramatic tension, I must say the cameras focusing in on Lily’s heals instead of Lily’s emotional peals was a bit unrealistic and annoying. Not to mention, CeCe looked extremely good (and young) for struggling with cancer and undergoing chemo, and oh yeah dying. The show touches on so many real issues, and instead of really digging deep into them they barely sit on the surface. UGH.

3. Unmemorable Rhodes: As I  mentioned earlier, Gossip Girl has been building the Charlie Rhodes car crash for nearly two seasons. Everyone has been at the edge of their seats waiting for the manic train wreck, and waiting to see its messy aftermath. I must say I was more than disappointed. I was disgusted. The storyline had so much potential to be a fiasco, and instead the revelation was so simple, and so not meeting the Upper East Side ‘s dramatic edge. Serena frightens Ivy away with the threat to call the cops, sending dear old Ivy into the arms of our favorite manipulator, Georgina. Serena attempts to get to know the real Charlie, or Lola as she now goes by, with an offer to grab some good old Manhattan coffee, but Lola rejects and instead decides to spend her time getting to know Nate’s sleeping habits. Dear GG writers: if you’re going to set it on the stove for so long, you should have let it explode, not just turn it off. Years from now, when I look back on the Chivy/Chola dilemma, I won’t remember any of this. UGH.
4. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   Dair to Care: I seriously dare someone to actually care about Dan and Blair. Their relationship is seriously unbelievable, and by that I mean literally. It is just not believable. I don’t get where Dan became this attractive love interest for Blair. Yes, he did so much for her. But the mutual feelings were never properly articulated throughout the seasons for me to develop an attachment to the characters as a couple. And then there was, oh yeah, that guy named Chuck. Hello!? Oh, and let’s not forget to mention she is married to someone who, up until the wedding day, she supposedly had true feelings for. Blair is beyond confused. She is being turned into a little bit of a sleeze. And all of a sudden, GG writers expect me to hop on to the Dair wagon by throwing in some romantic hand holding, sloppy lip locks, and deep revelations through mock plays of their lives? I think not. UGH.

5. S & B or BS?: Serena and Blair have had their fair share of frenemy moments, but up until yesterday I really thought their friendship was real. But Blair’s
   

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   move to pawn all over Dan, whether Serena okays it or not, is not acceptable. It’s BS. There are no exceptions to the friend rule, especially when the friend is your best friend who is more like your sister than anything else (hello, they live together!). Whether Serena says she doesn’t want to be a road block between the two new lovebirds or not, Blair should realize Serena is still hurting. After all, it was just a week before that Blair was playing the BFF Cupid trying to get the two exes back together on the premise that Serena still had feelings for Dan. It’s enough that the guy you have feelings for rejects you (again), but the fact that the person he rejects you for is your best friend and your best friend (who happens to get every guy in town) wants him back…that’s just the epitome of shitty. Blair might have been the bratty Queen B, but now she’s a petty princess who apparently doesn’t care about any of the real relationships she has worked so hard to establish– especially the most important one, the one with herself. One in which she respects herself to not become the woman stuck between three different guys, the one where she doesn’t betray her best friend, and the one where doesn’t become relient on men but instead is happy relying on herself. UGH.

College Lifestyles Interviews Bestselling Author, Sonia Choquette

 

Chicken soup may feed an aching soul, but reading one of Sonia Choquette’s books will heal your spirit for good. Choquette, acclaimed internationally for her guidance, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge, continuously expresses her message for happy living: learn to trust your instincts and let your spirit do the talking. Her books are incomparable to any other Self-Help reads and after an interview with the author, you’ll want to find out why. Read on for answers to your heartbreak questions and to see how Choquette feels about life as a bestselling author.

College Lifestyles: Upon finishing your book—one of my personal favorites and New York Times Bestseller—Trust Your Vibes, I now use the phrase “trust your vibes” daily as a motto to help myself and the people around me make decisions. In 10 words or less, how would you describe what trusting your vibes is like?

Sonia Choquette: Moving your attention from your brain to your heart.

CL: All of your books are chock full of inspiration and words of encouragement. What’s your secret to staying so positive?

SC: One of the things that I know is especially true in the college world is that a lot of young people have not been shown how to really check in with their vibes, how to really reflect on their most authentic feelings. They are not given any encouragement to listen and trust their intuition. I have a four step process that can correct that quickly:

• Be open to your vibes and trust your vibes as your creative, reliable source. Be open to the questions: What does my heart say? and what does my spirit say? Ask yourself (aloud, in the shower, or while walking across campus), what does my spirit think?
• You will get what you expect! Expect that you have a beautiful spirit that will guide you. Use that intuition.
• Speak your vibes out loud whenever you can. There’s something very healing about hearing how you feel. When you’re in your head, you may say that’s not it, that doesn’t feel right… But when you speak, it’s a truth that will calm you.
• Start having the courage to act on your intuition. Maybe you shouldn’t trust this person, maybe you should ask a teacher that question…Take one small risk a day—even in the smallest of ways—to give your intuition the choice.

CL: You are praised around the world for your incredible ability to heal, teach, and guide others. How should a co-ed who’s losing her happiness and focus regain these things and more?

SC: Those who trust their vibes are creators, innovators, starting new businesses, are non-conformists—they are having gorgeous experiences! It’s only the followers who are going to be in trouble. When you lead with your instincts, you catch the flow. Pretty soon, life is not an uphill struggle. It gets more and more expansive; you attract more and more good things.

When you trust your vibes, you learn to lead instead of be a follower. Old rules say to follow and someone will lead you. In trusting your vibes, you learn to lead and create your life rather than seek someone who will help you down the line.

CL: Confidence is something that many find difficult to maintain due to media pollution and societal expectations. Here at College Lifestyles, we are tackling this issue through our Beauty By Confidence and Text Sweet Messages campaigns. But how can listening to one’s gut instincts help to boost their confidence?

SC: You can only have confidence in what is true. When you listen to your heart, your heart will give you the truth. When you look in the mirror, look for the light and spirit in your eyes and say what you know is good and true about yourself. That’s how you build confidence!

Look into your eyes for your spirit—the energy that makes you alive—and say something out loud about you that’s positive. Still looking into your eyes, follow it up with the question: Is that true? I’m a leader, I’m a teacher, I’m a kind person, a good listener… Every day for 30 days, say one good thing about yourself and you’ll have more confidence.

CL: How can a heartbroken, classy lady begin to cope with the inevitable sadness that comes with the end of a relationship, turning the pain into personal progress?

SC: Everyone goes through a broken heart. It’s a part of the human experience. Every time you love, it’s courageous. You have to recognize that when your heart is broken, you have to be kind and nurturing and patient and allow yourself time to grieve. To truly heal, allow a year to grieve. You may bounce back faster, but don’t pressure yourself to.

I’m also a big believer in doing yoga every day to heal the heart. I speak from experience and personal practice—this will help enormously. A spiritual practice every day is absolutely fabulous in healing a heart because your body is holding the grief. It’s a loss of plans, what might’ve been…Your body carries that! It only takes a couple of poses and a couple of minutes of really deep breathing. Get online or get a book at the library and pick three or more poses to practice.

When you love someone who is wounded, they will hurt you. Don’t see it as your failure. And don’t judge yourself. If you find yourself feeling angry at the person who broke your heart, say: every breath that I take, I am healing my heart. Then, catch your breath. One day you will wake up and say “I’m OK.”

CL: Finally, for any aspiring authors (including myself!), how’s it feel to be a New York Times bestselling author due to several books, including The Answer Is Simple… and Soul Lessons?

SC: I don’t think about it. All I think about is that I’m grateful for being able to share what I’ve learned. I’m humbled that what I have to share is so well received. Everything I do is in service to God and to the healing of humanity. My ego is certainly flattered, but you know what, in the big picture, whether you ever get to be a New York Times bestseller or not doesn’t matter. If only one person reads your book, you’ve changed that one persons’ life! I was a writer for 18 years before the New York Times found me. Just do what you do with love!

Tune in to Sonia Choquette’s radio station on Hay House Radio every Wednesday from 12-1 PM PST for more words of healing. And listen up for the song entitled “Trust Your Vibes” that plays before the show and throughout commercials (it’s a special request from Choquette to CL readers!). Buy her books and audio programs at soniachoquette.com.

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

 

 

 

 

 

10 Tips To Keep Your Twitter Tidy

To many, Twitter has become a forum for expressing random thoughts, opinions and for logging minute-by-minute activity (or even second-by-second, for some). Whether from your computer, under contract, or with T-Mobile prepaid phone plans, Twitter is so interactive that even celebrities can keep tabs on us seemingly insignificant users. If celebrities can Retweet and reply to you, think about how many future employers can do the same–don’t give them something to fire you about! Maintain a professional profile with CL’s Twitter tips.

1. Your display photo — It’s the first indication of the kind of person you are–after all, it’s displaying you! No matter how shiny your hair looks, avoid setting a photo of you at last night’s party, surrounded by red cups, dominating the Beer Pong table. Instead, crop out the cups, brighten it if it’s a bit dark, and choose one that puts your personal qualities forward, not what you like to do on weekends. Utilize sites such as picnik.com to edit your photos (but do it soon–Picnik is shutting down on April 19!).

2. Classy-up that background — Personalize your background with something to give visitors an idea of your interests. Avoid making your background a picture of a mostly nude celebrity, a photo of you and your significant other swapping spit, or a profane quote in crafty font.

3. Think of your bio as a resume preview — You only have 160 characters to do so, but show your prospective followers how well-rounded you are with a catchy, professional bio. Often times, users with jobs that have Twitter accounts will link to those pages in their bio, including a tidbit of their job description. Then there are others, who use their bio to downplay themselves with negative, unappealing statements. Don’t choose the latter.

4. Less is more — It’s easy to get carried away with this (especially if you’re new to the Twitter realm), but go easy on the follows. Following less pages than there are pages following you shows that you are a person with an opinion worth caring about. It also shows your interests are circulated around those specific people, organizations, or magazines you’re following.

5. What are you tweeting? – If you are looking to work in a specific field, get the attention of people already in that field with your tweets. Mention them and you may just get a reply back!

6. Who’s following you? – Users choose to follow other users based on what they’re discussing. If big-names start to take notice in your profile (corporations, verified accounts of fashion designers, magazine editors, CEOs…), you must be saying the right things.

7. Save those retweets — Don’t swallow your profile with endless amounts of retweets. See retweeting as what you do with statements that you can’t put into your own words. Meaning, don’t retweet something such as: “This donut is delicious.” What a waste of space!

8. Those #hashtags — CL sends a big thank-you to the genius who invented a new way to converse–the “hashtag.” Hashtags magically help you see who else in Twitter land is talking about the same topic. Use them with care and purpose, rather than to summarize your thought(s) with swear words or something similar.

9. Share professional links — Articles have Twitter applications for sharing them via other sites on purpose. Use them! Your followers are always curious to know what new discoveries you’re making and reading about.

10. Watch what photos you upload — Keep your stream of “Recent Images” classy by uploading pictures of you dressed nicely, looking happy (without unsightly red cups), and of things that make you happy, from friends to your pets!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

GG Recap: Crazy, Cupid, Love’s Arrow Missed Fans’ Hearts

Like many Gossip Girl fans, I’ve been dedicated to the show since day 1 when it first premiered back in 2007. I took a backseat as I watched the Constance and St. Jude drama unfold from Serena’s affair with Nate, to Queen B’s deflowering by Chuck, to (fill in the blank)’s drug problem. As the gossip spun out of control, I scooted closer and closer to the passenger’s seat with every part of me wanting to take the wheel and hit the breaks on some issues, and accelerate on others. The show was exhilarating, new, risky.

Then came all the roadblocks of getting into college, which in retrospect was kind of a waste of everyone’s time since now our Upper East Siders are all much too successful and well off to earn an education. I mean who would need one after becoming published authors, editor-in-chiefs, successful bloggers and business owners, or a real-life princess?! Then all the cute relationships fell apart, and what did most GG fans want? For them to be put back together. It is understandable that it couldn’t happen after just one season or maybe even two. But, seriously? We’re on season 5.

Back in high school, reviewing this show would be my dream. Today, not so much. The show, to put it nicely, is lackluster. The storylines that are of any interest are sadly those of flat characters who come in and out of the plot—cue the Charlies. The only theme GG writers are showing us is that after years of developing our dynamic Upper East siders, no one really changes or grows. If anything at all, they get dumber. Not just in personality, but in actions. Serena backstabs Blair, Blair backstabs Serena. Blair and Chuck aren’t together. Dan is lonely boy, except a jerkier version. Back to the Basst with his reckless rollercoaster. Nate is still oblivious and chasing after a love that is interested in something more than him. You see where I’m going with this? For a popular television show, Gossip Girl is a broken record machine, and at this point I’m way past taking a backseat, the passenger seat, or even wanting to take the wheel. I’m just ready to jump out. Get it together GG writers. We love the drama, but growth among the characters is necessary for a successful, appealing plot.  For once, Georgina put it best: “This party is so 2007 anyway.”

OMG! or UGH.

1. Michelle Trachtenberg’s (Georgina) Fake-ting
   • Wow. Michelle did a hell of a lot better job acting as Harriet The Spy than she did in yesterday’s episode of GG. What was going on, honestly? From her pathetic attempts to look interested in her schemes to the terrible confrontation with Charlie and lastly to her BIG reveal to Dan, I was definitely disappointed. Michelle’s fake acting was seriously hard to watch or listen to. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

2. Princess Problems 101
   • I guess being a princess in a fake marriage isn’t as bad as GG writers cut it out to be. After spending a few episodes hyping up Blair’s loveless lair lockdown, she returns to Manhattan without any of the evil Grimaldis (including her not so charming prince hubby) and instead bring a royal minder to make sure she is obeying her royal wedding vows. I’m almost positive that the reason Prince Louis went through with the wedding was to save himself from any blows to his image by keeping the lovely lady on his arm, so GG writers need to connect the dots a little better next time. UGH.
3. Operation Derena
   • Something about Blair playing Cupid made me laugh. She seemed to sincerely want the best for her besties, and watching her and my fav Dorota double up to see it happen was amusing. Blair’s “high school sweetheart” couple was my favorite touch; only because it was so evident that they were paid actors. Hey, it’s the thought that counts… right? OMG!
4. 7 Seconds in Hell…or Heaven?
   • Dan kisses Blair, Blair kisses back?! Make up your mind B. And in Chuck’s room?! Whatever happened to the classy sophisticated Blair? What were her intentions behind the laundry list of charming chores Dan has done for her followed by a foolish, “If you’re that guy with Serena how could she not love you?” And again, “What would really make you happy Dan?” Is she honestly the only person blind enough to not see that Dan is madly, sadly in love with her? For Vampire Diary watchers, this is starting to be an Elena-takes-all twist. Blair is married to Louis, in love with Chuck, and likes Dan. I’ve always loved Blair, but she is disappointing me. Especially coming from the strong woman who didn’t want to be with the love of her life because she wanted to create a name for herself first (rather than be known as Chuck’s arm-candy). For a former Miss Independent, she really is a hot mess with her love triangle-turned-web. Not only is she now arm-candy to someone who has her trapped in a loveless marriage, she is also screwing over two good friends, and hurting the one person who I think she loves the most. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

5. Will The Real Rhodes Please Stand Up?
• SURPRISE! The “original” impostor Charlie Rhodes is back. The entire episode we’re kept guessing at what the reason for her risky return to the Upper East Side could possibly be. At the same time, the thought of a run in with Charlie-Ivy (Chivy) or Charlie-Lola (Chola) is exciting. And when we find out that they not only know each other, but that Nate spills the beans to Chola, it only creates more excitement to the Charlie Rhodes storyline. Now that real Charlie Rhodes knows she has an impostor, most people are guessing how the big reveal will go down. I, on the other hand, am going to take a wild guess and say Chola might like to hold on to the secret for safe keeping (or leverage) just a little longer. This is probably the only story-line that’s keeping me hooked! OMG!

V-Day DIY Apartment Decor: Book Page Heart Wreath

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, it’s time for crafty co-eds to spice up their apartment walls with some fun holiday decorations. For an easy and classy DIY project with great results, try this wreath made out of book pages, inspired by Flower Patch Farmgirl. Use this wreath to brighten up your front door, make a romantic centerpiece on a table, or give to your favorite bookworm!

 Materials:

An old book with thick pages (I got mine at Goodwill for $1.50)

Scissors

A Styrofoam wreath

Loaded hot glue gun

A heart-shaped paper punch (you can also cut out the hearts by hand, but this will take a lot more time)

Red or pink ribbon

 

Steps 

1. Cut enough strips of the book pages to wrap around the wreath completely.

2. Wrap the strips around the wreath, slightly overlapping. Fasten with hot glue in the back of the wreath.

3. Use the paper punch to punch hearts out of the book pages. The book I used had some black-and-white illustrations in it, which made really pretty hearts and added dimension to the wreath.

4. Lightly fold hearts in half to create a 3-D effect.

5. Glue the hearts to the wreath in different directions to get that shabby-chic look.

6. Cut a foot of ribbon and tie in a tight bow.

7. Glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of the wreath. Allow glue to dry and hang.

You can also make this wreath with hearts cut out of red or pink paper, magazine pages or newspaper. For more V-Day DIY ideas, try Debra’s dorm décor projects and be sure to check out CL’s V-Day Challenge!

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day eating sushi with her boyfriend, Drew! She is senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas, a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

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Get The Smokey Eye in 5 Minutes and 9 Easy Steps!

The “Smokey Eye” is the classic night-time eye shadow look that works on everyone! Whether your eyes are large or small, almond or round, or anything in between the look is a staple that every girl should add to her make-up how-to. A lot of people have trouble with this look or just think that it takes forever, but I’ll show you how to do it in 9 simple steps and the best part is–it only takes 5 minutes! Go from a plain jane to simply stunning with a few simple steps! Follow along with me below and check out College Lifestyle’s YouTube channel!

Did the vlog tutorial help? Send CL your thoughts and any suggestions for future beauty tutorials!

xo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

4 Ways To Jump-start Your College Search

Trying to find a college that suits you is like playing an intense game of chess: if you make the wrong move under pressure, you’ll be stuck with your decision. Sure, transferring out of one college to the next may be as simple as filling out some paperwork, but who wants to endure the grueling application process more than necessary? You’ll have better chances of getting it right the first time around with the following tips.

Discover Your Interests

Many high school students are unsure of what they want to study in college–don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even those who think they have it all figured out may have a change of heart after a college semester or so. What do you enjoy doing or learning about? Let’s say you love all things health and fitness. You might want to consider majoring in Nutrition or Kinesiology. And it’s ok if you’re unable to come up with anything–you have lots of time until you have to declare a major and you can enter college as an “Undecided” student.

Having a general idea of your interests can help you narrow down your list to schools that specialize in a specific field. Some schools are know for their engineering (Penn State), others for their art and design programs (Fashion Institute of Technology).

Decide What You Want

Make a detailed list of what you expect from your ideal college. You’ll also want to jot down decision-making deal breakers. Looking to attend an Ivy League school? How much tuition are you not willing to pay for? Thinking about going greek? Ask yourself these questions and more.

Talk To Co-eds And Grads

No one knows college better than someone who’s currently enrolled or has graduated. Ask these people questions about their experience: what they liked and didn’t like about their campus or even opportunities made available to them by going to their chosen college. Get acquainted with college life before setting foot on campus grounds!

Visit Campuses

Being apart of a campus tour is the best way to get a feel for who you can expect to be surrounded by, what type of environment you’ll have to live in and the kind of personalities you’ll be faced with (for example, certain areas of the country have friendlier citizens than others!). Don’t have the funds (or motivation) to visit a campus that’s faraway? Virtual campus tours are available on school websites.

Stop by collegeboard.com and thebostonchannel.com for more college-search advice!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

GG Recap: ‘The Backup Dan’ #NeedsToBackDown

*SPOILER ALERT*

Last week on Gossip Girl, we saw the royal runaway have to resort to her backup plan, which happened to be have curly hair, be an author, reside in Brooklyn, and be one of the many people she used to hate–Dan Humphrey. “The Backup Dan” picked up right where last week’s exciting episode left off, with everyone searching for the missing bride and the newly revealed Gossip Girl finding new schemes to bring up the websites sinking views. Maybe last week’s surprising comeback was too much of a turn over to follow through with a strong 101st episode, because this week’s episode seemed really disconnected and almost a waste of an hour. Dan tries to rescue Blair from the horrible accented Grimaldis, meanwhile Serena and Chuck are frantically searching for her too. Of course Dan doesn’t think to tell Serena that he is with her, because he wants to be the only knight in shining armor for Blair (who is one confused girl).  Lastly, surprise, surprise Georgina actually isn’t Gossip Girl but is just a wannabe. The episode sadly ends with Blair smiling for the paparazzi with Louis; apparently being in a fake marriage is better than buying your way out of one. Making Blair into a hot commodity (literally) is turning me and many other viewers off. Does anyone else agree that the whole “who is Blair going to end with” storyline needs to come to an end? What ever happened to Diana? What’s going to happen with Lola? Dan needs to find a girl outside of the infamous “Inside.” Chuck and Blair just need to be together, and the evil Grimaldis need to take the next flight to Monaco. They are #NotWanted.

To mix things up a bit, I thought it would be fun to recap the uneventful episode with a Backup Dan Twitterfeed! #CheckItOut #Tweethearts

Looks like Serena and her real cousin are getting in some bonding time. #ProjectFindTheRunawayBride

Prince Louis may not have been left at the altar, but the honeymoon seems to be over before it began. #GG

Looks like everyone wants to know where the royal bride ran to, but will they find her in time? #AllOverTheMap

Researching divorce laws? #FirstSign to not get married. Come on Blair! For a student accepted into Colombia, you sure need to think deeper. #Duh

Looks like Lonely Boy is fleeing Princess B to Santo Domingo. #HelloFreedom?

Why wouldn’t Princess B be smart enough to get out of her royal dress?! #CallHerASoreThumb

“They do give credit to people from Brooklyn, right?” Spoken like a true royal. Or at least a Manhattan one. #QueenBsBack

You can run and you can hide but Princess B beware, Gossip Girl has eyes everywhere! #OrDoesShe?

Only Blair would use a tabloid to prove her identity. #PrincessProblems

Dorota to the rescue. #WhatsNew

Looks like Serena’s prince charming is acting as someone else’s #Shady Who else is already over #Dair? S is about to be.

Chuck is beginning to realize it’s over? #NOOOOOOOOOO GG writers need to stop prolonging the inevitable. #FrusturatedFan

Apparently, Lily and Rufus have the #MovesLikeJagger. Too bad they’re not #BringingSexyBack or anything for that matter. #UselessCharacters

If Blair decides to use her birth right of making a choice, a decision of her own, that would mean her family would have to pay dowry to the Grimaldis. Nice touch GG writers. First, Chuck and a hotel. Now either Blair’s hand in marriage for a year or the entire Waldorf business. Apparently Blair is #OneHotCommodity…too bad that’s all she is made out to be. #WomenAreNotProperty

Looks like even Nate Archibald can chill out with a cool beer…or not #TroubleInParadise

Nothing mixes Blue and Bougie like a classic cool beer, right? #WrongAgain For those of you hoping for a Lola lala’s Nate, you’re going to have to wait. #TroubleIntheArch

Dair spotted getting comfy on New York airport benches? #FromNobilitytoNobody

Getting her the help she needs equates locking a girl into tall towers. #DorotaSpeaksTruth At least someone else can sense the lack of agency for women on this show. #GG writers get it together!

 Anyone notice Georgina’s exquisite vocabulary during the episode? Looks like the #GG in her is oozing out… #Cunning or #Counterfeit ?

 Knock, knock. Whose interrupting Dair’s not-so-cute married-couple fight? It’s understood that the two may be more than friends, but their conversations throughout the episode were too forced. #FullHouse has retired people.

“I’m not just anyone. I’m her bestfriend.” *Camera falls out* Oh, how quickly the tables can turn. S behind the destructive device that caused the noble nuptuials to nosedive into the deep end? #The[friend]ShipThatKeepsRocking

Does Lily feel the family connection with dear old Lola. #LooksLikeIt

 Gossip Girl tipped out the Grimaldis? Or shall we say, Georgina. What is her motive? Because if her motive is to ruin Blair’s marriage, it wouldn’t persay, be hurting B. Where’s the #DivineIntervention now?

 Princess or pauper? Blair has a #toughie to make!

Dan wants to be a night in shining armor for just one Upper East Side Queen. Looks like the truth hurts, especially when the look isn’t towards you. #PoorS

 Chuck once again is willing to do anything for his one true love. But Blair thinks they won’t be on an equal playing field if he has to buy her love. Understanding, but would she really rather spend a year with someone who is using her than get help from someone who is willing to do anything for her? B fails to see that love is being selfless, and by allowing Chuck to save her she’s paying him back in a way money never could. #ANNOYING #JUSTSTOP #OVERIT #IWILLMARRYCHUCK

 It’s apparent that Dan cares about Blair more than Louis? But just as friends. #NiceObservationSweetheart #WelcometotheFriendZone

 Does Lola want to be in Nate’s crazy world? Oh wait, she’s already in it. She was born into it. #BougieBaby

 A year of Princess B with Prince Louis? What is this whirlwind wedding turning into? First a swept away miscarriage, and now a forced marriage. I’m not liking the sound of this. #GiveBlairMorePower

 According to #GG, Blair’s lucky her prison is a palace. But innocent loneliness in a palace is worse than guilty living in a prison.

Looks like there’s a faux Gossip Girl taking over Manhattan. Georgina, get off your high horse, we all know you’re not good (or bad) enough to be her. #ImposterOnTheRun

 But most secrets make excellent blackmail material. Looks like Dan is the clueless culprit of the nasty GG post. #WhoDunIt

 Next time on “Crazy, Cupid, Love” Nate throws an infamous party, a Valentine’s Day party for all the cute couples on the show (joke!). Looks like Dan is asked to make his move. The question is whose heart is his arrow piercing? Looks like we have a traditional S vs. B war on the field. Check out exclusive photos from next week’s war on love below, the promo here, and come back next week for the top 5 OMG/UGHs of the episode!

xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

Jersey Shore Recap: 2/2/12

To kick off this episode, the roommates got back to the shore, Vinny included.  At the house, Pauly fills in Vinny, making a point to comment on the strange niceness coming from Mike.  Deena suggests that they all go out to Karma that night to celebrate the eight of them being together again.  Before going out, Jenni thinks there is something wrong with her and Rodger.  She gives him a quick phone call, but he does not answer.

On the party deck, Mike says he wants to get a tattoo that says, “Loyalty & Betrayal.”  Ronnie jokes about how Mike knows everything about Betrayal and nothing about Loyalty.

As soon as the group arrives at Karma, Mike goes off and does his own thing while Pauly and Vinny play wingmen for each other.  Later at Karma, Snooki pees her pants.  She goes to the bathroom to, “freshen up,” which actually means spraying incredible amounts of perfume on her, to mask the smell.  This is, apparently, called a “shore shower.”  When they get home, Deena says goodnight to all the boys.  She then says, “I love you,” to Pauly and Vinny and asks that they return the favor.  The guys laugh and don’t reciprocate.  This upsets Deena.

In the morning, Snooki wakes up before everyone else, still in her red dress and black heels from the night before, walks to the kitchen, and takes off the dirty underwear and throws it away.  When Deena wakes up, she realizes her fused extensions and her clip-in extensions have gotten tangled overnight.  She goes to the bathroom to try to solve her problem and ends up wetting the extensions and blow drying them to help untangle them.  Using the blow dryer, Deena accidentally electrocutes herself.  She was fine.  She told Sammi she just felt the current running through her arm.  The two girls discuss their theories on electricity, which of course, are brilliant.

During the day, everyone wants to go to Jenks, an outdoor restaurant and bar.  Before going, Jenni tries to call Rodger again, but he ignores the call.  While getting ready, Snooki decides to wear two pairs of underwear, “just in case.”  When the groups gets to Jenks, Mike runs into two random friends, which makes the other guys wonder if they are actually friends or just people Mike met at a club before.  At the bar, Snooki says she needs to go to the bathroom again and it really hurts, so she says she has another UTI.  In order to stop the pain, her solution is to take shots of tequila.  She gets a number of shots for herself and Deena.  After spending a few hours at Jenks, the group decides to go to batting cages, but Mike says he is having a good time and chooses to stay.

After the batting cages, the group meets up with him again and Snooki, Deena, and Mike ride in the cab together.  In the cab, Mike alludes to how nice he has been lately but he still feels like he is the odd man out.  The girls say that may be because he rarely hangs out with them; He prefers to do his own thing.

When they get back, all of the bathrooms in the house are occupied, so Snooki urinates on the back porch.  She covers it with shorts.  On the party deck, Snooki, Deena, and Mike are together, where Mike tells them he does not have a hidden agenda for his sudden niceness, pursuing the topic yet again.  Snooki tells him that the roommates don’t really trust him.  This upsets Mike, leading him to want to confront the rest of the roommates.  Asking the guys to be honest with him, Mike asks if he has done anything to make them angry.  They say no.  Pauly speculates that Mike was just intoxicated.

That night, the group decides to hang out at their house.  They are hanging out on the party deck when Team Meatball decides to play a prank.  They go inside, while everyone slowly migrates back inside as well.  Snooki dresses in the bunny costume and one at a time, she ransacks her roommates.  With Pauly, she pins him down and makes suggestive gestures.

Back outside, they play a game called, “Warm Beer,” which is actually not a game, but a joke to be played on Snooki.  In the “game,” they tell Snooki that it is a memory game and involves drawing pictures on the face of the person to your left.  What is really happening is that Ronnie is putting soot on Snooki’s face.  She has no idea until she goes inside to go to the bathroom.  Though she finds the prank funny, she wants revenge.

Mike goes to bed early because he has a headache.  Snooki puts on the bunny mask, climbs on Mike (in his bed), and wakes him up, scaring him.

At work in the morning, Deena makes a pair of underwear that say, “I Jersey Turnpike,” so that when she Jersey turnpikes, they are visible.

At the house, Jenni and Snooki are getting their hair done when Snooki’s dad shows up.  She forgot he was coming today, but doesn’t mind sending him to the store for cranberry juice.

Mike is on the boardwalk after work one day when he runs into Rodger.  When he gets home, Jenni is talking to Snooki’s dad about her suspected relationship problems, and Mike informs her that he just ran into Rodger and that he was going to the beach with some buddies.

While Snooki and her dad are spending time together, Mike says he thinks Snooki is the real trouble maker of the house, not him.  He also admits that he is going to call the Unit to finish the “unfinished business.”

What do you think is going to happen with the Snooki-Mike-Jionni-Unit frenzy?

“G.G.”: A Toast to 100 Episodes with a Royal Roast

*SPOILER ALERT*

We have watched our precious preppy Upper East-siders transform into budding brides and lavished lads, so it would only make sense for the 100th episode to highlight their growth.

Growth for the characters, however, hasn’t revealed growth for the show, and Gossip Girl gurus have been patiently awaiting a record-making comeback. With Blair’s wedding on deck, “G.G.” had a royal opportunity to redeem itself for its second-rate scheming. Lucky for die-hard fans like myself, this week’s episode played out as if it were 2007, complete with shocking twists and revolting revelations.

For this week’s recap, I thoroughly thought out techniques to summarize all of the emotions that swept over me during an hour of nail biting and edging to the end of your seat. How could I describe the sense of relief as Serena rushed to Chuck to reveal the highly dramatic reason for Blair’s change of heart (the pathetic pact Blair had made with her acquaintance upstairs)? How could I describe the excitement of the royal roast as Gossip Girl’s Blair Blast interrupted the ceremonial bliss? How could I describe the sense of utter contempt as Louis and Blair said “I do” and cut their hideous wedding cake together? How could I describe the shocking pangs of excitement as Louis finally added something meaningful to the plot? How could I explain the sadness I felt as Dan pulled up the getaway car for the royal runaway? And lastly, how could I explain the confusion as Gossip Girl’s identity was revealed so suddenly, without warning?

I realized why not let our favorite socialites do the talking. Here are some of this week’s most memorable quotes!

Gossip Girl: ”Once upon a time, Princess B was a virgin queen and her king was named Archibald. Who would have thought that in just five short years she would turn that headband into a tiara for real?”

Celebrating the present goes hand-in-hand with taking a look back at the past. You can’t be thankful for today if you don’t look at the journey you took to get here, which is why this line was fabulously fresh yet totally in line with Gossip Girl tradition. Witty and memorable, Gossip Girl reminds viewers that Queen B of Constance Billard School is now the soon to be Princess B of Monaco. Her king Archibald is a nice lead into Nate’s storyline for the episode, which was reflecting on his pathetic love life over the past few years. Too bad his new love interest is still in the inner circle of Upper East side drama (the real Charlie Rhodes)—they just can’t seem to get away can they?

 

Chuck Bass: ”I can’t allow you to destroy Blair’s wedding. You think because I love her, I want her all to myself, but I’m not that man anymore. I just want her to be happy, and if marrying Louis will do that for her, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Here’s a toast to “I’m Chuck Bass.” He had a few good years as the guy you love to hate, but I think I love him more as the guy you love to love. After pouring his heart out to B, professing that the one person who loves him is standing right next to him (for the millionth time), we finally get to see the changed Chuck Bass. Yes. I miss the devious, scheming Chuck, but there is something maturely manly about Manhattan’s most not-so-eligible bachelor. His selflessness reveals a true love that makes him that more attractive. Though if there were any time for Chuck to be selfish, this would be the time. GG fans can’t just chuck Chuck, and Blair can’t either.

 

Georgina Sparks: “Bless us, Father. I have a feeling we’re about to sin.”

Making the top of any list in the Upper East Side is a big deal, and for Georgina Sparks, taking the number one slot on Manhattan’s Elite Enemy list is exactly where she wants to be. Little did we know, Georgina’s competition for the number one enemy is none other than herself—Gossip Girl! The episode had to end with a bang, and with a bang it did. The revelation that Georgina is Gossip Girl is a little hard to believe. But that’s another conversation. Georgina utters these sweetly devilish words as she’s dressed in Father Carvallia’s cassock, or better yet the “divine intervention costume.” The elevator doors close, and the suspense lingers. Although Georgina isn’t my favorite character, her return definitely stirs the plot pot up. And with Jesus on her side (apparently, he owes her one) I really had no good guesses for what would happen next. The last thing I expected was Georgina to be typing the latest GG post. My guess? The writers are trying to throw us off, and Georgina is just really good at being really bad (a hacker perhaps). Guess we won’t be saying au revoir to Georgina for a while.

 

Serena: “I know that it scares you, and I know that it’s a risk. But don’t enter into a false life just because you’re afraid to face your real one.”

After the odd opening musical number with Serena starring as Marilyn Monroe and Blair filling in the shoes of Audrey Hepburn, I didn’t know what to think. I’ve analyzed television shows enough to know there was a little bit of foreshadowing, but in what way? Was Serena truly looking out for BFF Blair? After years of stupid decisions and failed relationships, Serena finally learns that you can’t lie to anyone about the way you truly feel. Whether it scares you or not, you have to be true to yourself. The heart-felt scene between the long-time lovebirds reveals a sense of maturity S rarely is known for. She is the friend that every girl needs, the friend that tells it like it is. “But maybe the pact is just an excuse to protect yourself from the messiness and uncertainty of a life with the man you really love.” Of course, Blair’s precious pact is more important than any advice from the people who care about her. She follows through with the over-the-top wedding, which includes hats on the guest list, and in turn, has to learn the hard way. As for the aforementioned foreshadowing, Serena’s musical dream includes a scene where she grabs Dan the one person she “keeps coming back to” but Dan rejects her for Blair. Nice touch GG writers. Once again, Serena puts herself out there and loses in the battlefield of love to none other than her best friend Queen B, er shall I say, Princess B. Oh, the irony.

Louis: “From now on, there is nothing between us but a contract. Our marriage is all for show. And you’re going to put on the best damn show anyone ever has. You’ll smile for cameras; stand by my side and wave like, like you don’t have a care in the world. And when we are alone, we’ll be like strangers to one another. And that will stay this way until I say its over.”

Eek. Seriously, this scene makes me shiver. Every bone in my body tensed up as Louis danced with his pretty princess, but whispered words of a mad man. A powerful mad man. Although I hate everything about Louis, including his terrible acting skills, I must say if this was the episode for him to actually evoke emotions from GG watchers, he succeeded. By far the best twist of the night for me. It was totally out of character for Louis, but very well scripted and perfectly executed. At least Blair had it in her to call her savior for help–too bad it still isn’t Chuck. You lucky, lucky Dair fans.

There is so much to look forward to for next week’s episode. Has Georgina been Gossip Girl all along? If you ask actress Michelle Trachtenberg, she’ll tell you she has no idea.

“I knew the 100th episode would end with a bang, but definitely didn’t expect that!” Michelle told US Weekly. She also said that it was probably a really big surprise for her cast mates since “big secret” scripts are only given out to the people involved in the scenes.

Are Dair fans in for a treat, while Chair fans have to angrily throw their towels in? How is Serena going to react to Blair’s Back-Up Plan having to do with Dan?  Here’s a sneak peak into the drama. See you next week!

Xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

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