2017 Emmy Fashion

It was television's turn to shine in Hollywood last Sunday with the Emmy Awards. This past year, television has brought some fresh and thought provoking shows such as Big Little Lies,  The Handmaid's Tale, Fargo, and The Crown. Thanks to streaming services and specialty channels, television has seen it's fair share of movie stars looking for challenging roles. Some of the fashion at this year's Emmy's was also challenging and thought provoking, while other looks stood out as shining stars on the red carpet.

Jessica Biel in Ralph and Russo Couture

I am falling all over Jessica Biel's dress. I love the hard of the metallic against the soft of the pink chiffon. It makes what could be just another flowy goddess dress super interesting. And then she goes and turns around...

BAM. #nailedit


Viola Davis in Zack Posen

Viola Davis often ends up on my best dressed list because she's not afraid of color! This orange is even more beautiful than her red Armani Prive dress at the 2017 Oscars. This color was made for Viola. She always keeps it fresh on every red carpet with different hair styles and different make up styling.  

Vanessa Kirby in Marchesa

I loved watching Vanessa Kirby play Princess Margaret in The Crown, but almost didn't recognize her on the red carpet with blonde hair! Marchesa makes makes these sweet, ultra feminine dresses, and I love how Vanessa made this Marchesa creation look more edgy with the choice of her hair styling, accessories, and make up. For this reason, she made my best dressed list. Not to mention that corset and those cups fit her like a glove!

Emmy Rossum in Zack Posen

Emmy Rossum made my favorites list last year at the Emmy's too. She has this knack for picking dresses that are just so elegant and so fitting for her. I love a black dress and I love sparkle even more. I could do without the dark eyeliner, but the emerald colored jewelry is a plus!

Judith Light in Christian Siriano

This is the dress version of a power suit, and Judith owns it. This lady is 68 years old. I mean, damn. Those shoulders, that neckline, that slit, that train. Yes, to all of it! Her blue ribbon is in support of the ALCU. 

Some of my worst dressed with year include Tracey Ellis Ross, Reese Witherspoon, Kathryn Hahn, and Sara Paulson. Overall, it was a top notch red carpet.

What were your favorite fashions from the Emmy's?

To Flu or Not To Flu?

To Flu or not to Flu? It's the question of the moment when it comes to yourself and your family. Is it really worth going through the pain of a shot for the flu immunization this year?

The Influenza or "Flu" is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions such staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent hand washing to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses, like flu.

While seasonal influenza viruses can be detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Influenza is the most frequent cause of death from a vaccine-preventable disease in the United States. Rates of infection from seasonal influenza are highest among children, but the risks for complications, hospitalizations, and deaths are higher among adults ages 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years, and people of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza. The "stomach flu" is not influenza. Many people use the term “stomach flu” to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria or even parasites. These problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease - not a stomach or intestinal disease. The "stomach flu" is often diagnosed as gastroenteritis. Healthcare providers should vaccinate any person who failed to get vaccinated in the previous vaccination season and anyone who wants to reduce their risk of acquiring influenza.  The CDC recommends annual vaccination for all people ages 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine. Children age 6 months through 8 years should receive a second dose 4 weeks or more after the first dose if they (1) are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time, or (2) if the child’s vaccination history is unknown.

The probability of a serious allergic reaction following any vaccine is extremely low if the person is properly screened. However, persons who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of influenza vaccine, or who are known to have a severe allergy to a vaccine component should not be vaccinated.  For more information regarding the Influenza vaccine visit a reputable source such as the Immunization Action Coalition or the Center for Disease Control.

Celebrating Love

I always tell people that marriage is one of the best things you'll ever do, but also one the hardest things you will ever do. I think it's important to celebrate and lift up couples with pre-wedding festivities. I was excited to shower my friends Nikki and Brandi last weekend as they approach their wedding days.

I met both Nikki and Brandi through my last job (which I left about a month ago). They are just two really down to earth, cool chicks. I agreed to help my friend Jessica with the work shower, even though I don't work there anymore, but it was worth it to celebrate my friends and see some old co-workers.

 After cleaning up, we headed over to Nikki's for her Bachelorette festivities.

Nikki's Bachelorette party started with a private belly dancing class. Afterwards we headed back to her place for pizza, presents, and games!

We finished the night in downtown GR with some drinking and dancing.

Congrats to the brides!

Noteworthy Nails

Photo by: Ashley E. Angle

For any girl getting a manicure or pedicure can be an affordable luxury. Whether it’s professionally done or with a gathering of girls the key lies in the nail polish. My favorite nail color brand is Essie. It comes in cute square bottles and is offered in over 200 cleverly named colors.

The company was started by ex-ballerina, Essie Weingarten, in 1981 with only a $10,000 investment. It was launched with only 12 nail colors and since then the brand has expanded to include not only an abundance of nail colors, but also nail care serums, top coats, and bottom coats. See the full array of products by visiting www.essie.com. Thirty one years later the company is thriving and is often featured in women’s magazines such as InStyle Magazine, Redbook, Fitness, and CosmoGirl.



Turquoise and Cacaos on the toes;
Ballet Slipper on the nails

I love this product because it seems to be longer lasting than any other nail color that I’ve used. Although it is not on the lowest range of drug store nail polishes it is in the mid-range and I can find it for $6 to $8 a bottle depending on where I buy it. Check your local grocery store first, then Target, ULTA, or a drug store. My favorite colors include Ballet Slippers, Turquoise and Cacaos, and Scarlett O’Hara. I buy my nail polish based on the unique name of the color and Essie does not disappoint! Its newest product lines are named Naughty Nautical, DJ Play That Song So I Can Get My Grove On, and Madison Ave-Hue (which touches my East Coast heart).

Queen Elizabeth has been known to wear Ballet Slippers and Kate Middleton (aka Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge or Princess Catherine) chose to wear the color Allure for her wedding to Prince William! I should probably stop and tell you now that I am a huge royal family and Kate fan, so yes, I was squealing with excitement when I found this out - and I plan on picking up Allure! I wonder if Pippa and Carole Middleton are fans as well…

Essie even offers nail polishes that can be used for special occasions. I came across Bachelorette Bash (a hot pink) and Borrowed and Blue (a pale blue) on their website. How cute would these colors be to use for a bachelorette party or on your toes for your wedding day?! Just a little bit of flair! Visit essie.com to see a full array of colors,  to get nail care tips, and to see the Sleek Sticks product (pre-cured UV appliques that last up to 10 days). The company also offers metallic and glitter colors.

I can’t wait for my next Essie purchase which will most likely be Allure and No More FIlm – a deep purple (my favorite color!). What will be your signature Essie color?

Ballet Slippers and my gorgeous rings from my hubby!
photo by: Ashley E. Angle

A Cute Angle has not been compensated in any way for this review.

Faith-Hope-Love Day

Sunday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. One in five American adults has a mental health condition. That's over 40 million Americans - or more than the population of the states of New York and Florida combined.

This weekend, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention invites faith communities across the world to pray for those whose lives that have been touched by suicide. We can pray that we can all grow in faith that brings hope, and hope that brings life.

Between 2000 and 2014, the suicide rate in the United States rose from 10.43% (per 100,000) to 13.41%. Over the same time period, the suicide rate for males went from 17.11% to 21.20%. Among females, the rate rose from 4% to 5.97%. This means that men die by suicide at four times the rate of women.

We can also pledge to be aware of those around us who are struggling with any of life's challenges, especially those affected in any way by suicide, and pledge to be there for them in their times of need. Challenge yourself to be there in person, be there with care, and be there with prayer.

Although suicide rates are lower among younger age groups than older adults, suicide is one of the top four causes of death among people ages 44 and younger. Lesser known signs that someone may be suffering from a mental health disorder include the misuse of prescription drugs, marijuana use, risky sex, internet addiction, compulsive spending, and compulsive exercising.

To learn more about mental health behaviors, triggers, or to find help visit the Mental Health America website. The website offers free screening tools and resources on where to get help, and find out how you can volunteer your time.

In addition to the thousands of people who die by suicide every year, many more attempt suicide but do not die. For every suicide death there are approximately:

• 3 hospitalization for a suicide attempt
• 10 emergency department visits for a suicide attempt
• 33 attempts that do not result in hospitalization or emergency department visits

On Sunday, Faith-Hope-Love Day, pray for emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. We often pray and care for those with physical concerns, such as cancer or heart disease, and often forget about those who are mentally ill.  Use the day to be mindful of those dealing with mental health concerns. If you have struggled with a mental health illness, share your experience on social media on Sunday using #mentalillnessfeelslike to encourage others.

What's Up Wednesday?!

Happy Wednesday! It's been awhile since I've been around these parts so I figured I should update you on what I've been over the past month!

//1//  Binge watching Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.  A friend of mine gave me the head's up that it's on Amazon Prime. Ever since, we've been hooked. Nick and I have started watching it together from the start, and my friend and I will get together and watch random episodes.

When I watched this as a child, I never understood the full hotness of Sully. The guy is a total dream boat.

//2// I've had the opportunity to travel so much in the last three months! Nick and I finished up our travel with the Western and Southern Open. You can read more about it here.

//3// I transferred offices within my company. I'm still working in pediatrics, but have a lot to learn! It's kept me busy and I come home from work so tired! It was also a great reason to treat myself to new scrubs!

//4// I spent all of Labor Day Weekend getting things done. The cabinets under the sinks were in bad shape... stuff shoved everywhere! I got shelves and bins and went to town. I also finally started decorating the place. We bought our home and moved in FIVE years ago and I've been slow to really do anything. I'm excited about the way our bedroom turned out. I even made a cool bulletin board to organize my jewelry on!

//5// While I was organizing, I found a couple discs with some pictures from college on them. Talk about a throwback, like this gem...

//6// My friend Nikki is getting married! I've been busying myself figuring out the prefect Bachelorette and wedding gifts. I met Nikki at my last place of employment. I've been helping our other friend Jess plan the work shower even though I don't work there anymore. I enjoy planning and throwing parties!

//7// Back to TV. Netflix is saying bye-bye to Army Wives on September 10! WHAT.THE.EFF. So many episodes, so little time!



Until next time...

Frozen Margarita Pie

It's the last weekend of the summer! Live it up!

What You'll Need:

for the crust:

5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup of sugar

2 cups of pretzel sticks

4 graham cracker squares

for the filling:

1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup of lime juice

2 tablespoons of tequila

1 1/2 tablespoons of triple sec

1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

3 drops of green food coloring (optional)

for the topping:

1/2 cup of Cool Whip

2 tablespoons of powdered sugar 

lime zest for garnish

What You'll Need to Do:

Preheat the over to 350 degrees.

to make the crust:

Lightly spray a 9" pie pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Pulse pretzels and graham crackers in a food processor until crushed. Crushed mixture should measure out to be 1 1/4 cups.

Combine melted butter and sugar.

Add the melted butter/sugar mixture to the pretzel/graham cracker mixture.

Mix well.

Press mixture in to the bottom and sides of the pie plate.

Bake 7-10 minutes.

Let cool.

to make the filling:

In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer until stiff.

In a separate bowl, mix together lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and sweetened condensed milk.

Add food coloring (optional).

Carefully fold in whipping cream to the mixture.

Pour filling mixture into cooled pie crust.

Freeze for at least 4 hours (or overnight!).

to make the topping:

Remove the pie from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving.

Mix the powdered sugar and Cool Whip together.

Spread the mixture on top of the pie.

Garnish with lime zest.

ENJOY!