By Sudeshna Dasgupta
Singapore
Singapore
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
OPI Texas Line
OPI have released the name of its new Spring/Summer 2011 line of polish and they are totally Texas. The collection contains 12 new polishes with the names Houston We Have a Purple, Big Hair Big Nail and (my personal fave name) Its Totally Fort Worth It.
I know I will be getting a few of these… What about you?
lalaG
ps... and make sure your toes don't look like this!
Oh Charlie Sheen!
If you haven’t heard, Charlie Sheen was rushed to the hospital this morning for severe abdominal pains. The only details that have come out of this situation are that his condition is serious. Also in the house were two unknown women who were exiting Sheen’s residence once the ambulance got there.
Is it just me or does Charlie need help? Actually he should have gotten help a long time ago… Remember when he shot Kelly Preston in the arm?
lalaG
2011 is the year for Britney Spears…
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| Yes.. these are from my person collection. I went and saw Britney live |
The Return of …
Sarah Michelle Gellar is coming back to television. Last seen on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gellar took a break from Hollywood to raise her daughter with Freddie Prinze, Jr. and is now in talks to star in ‘Ringer.’ This thriller will focus on the story of two twin sisters who grow apart over a tragedy in their past. The successful sister disappears and the other takes her place.
As a huge Sarah Michelle Geller fan, I will be watching… will you?
lalaG
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Pop Culture Fashionista or Faux Fashionista: Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson and her fiancé Eric Johnson had a date night at Katsuya on Monday and this is what Jessica decided to wear.
O_o
Did they just have sex there or did she come to the restaurant like that? I’m not sure if she is wearing shorts or a skirt and it’s called a comb, Jess, you might want to use it.
What do you think about this?
lalaG
In more Kim Kardashian news…
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| On the set! |
Kim Kardashian is the new face of Midori. To be exact, she will be the face of the Midori Melon Liquors. Kim will make public appearances, be the face on the ads and social media pages.
Kim will also be on a Super Bowl ad for Sketchers along next to Joe Montana. The ad will be for the new line of Shape Ups. Word is that the commercial is pretty hot…
I can’t get enough of seeing…
I CANNOT get enough of seeing the First Lady of the United States. She looked absolutely flawless in a Rachel Roy long sleeved light gray dress. I doubt that this had anything to do with certain designers blasting her for wearing European designer at the State dinner just last week.
First lady, you can’t please everyone, but keep on looking FIERCE!
lalaG
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
For My Olives.....
By Ananya Mukherjee
Singapore
I was born in an Army Hospital. That didn’t turn my skin olive green. I dated a general’s son for years. But even that wasn’t enough to qualify me as a patriot. My parents found a part doctor-part soldier for me. Now that incorporated me as a face in the Forces’ family photograph...an extended family of common anxiousness, common etiquette, common snobbery of being a wee bit more civil than the civilians, a common repertoire of words like sacrifice, patriot, gentlemen, lady wives, orderlies, ladies meet, AWWA, field postings, regiment, temporary duty, movement order...et al, in no particular chronology of importance, urgency or priority. Strangely, if you observe as keenly as I do, emotive words such as sacrifice, patriotism, high morale of the troops, etc are all passé now, having found their meaningfulness generously in Raising Day speeches, or in the Officers’ Mess as old Colonels pass the “Once when I was in Tawang...” scraps of wisdom and nostalgia over a drink to the newly commissioned young officers (YO). However, words that seldom fail to capture the spotlight or the interest of the latter in a more practical sense today are pay commissions, arrears, ACRs and entitlements.
I don’t mean to say that I am disillusioned beyond repair by the image that our once traditional patriarchal family holds in the eyes of the young knights. The glamour, glory and pride which once came along with a package of goodies defined the way we looked at that thing called quality of life. Army was not a profession you chose because your grades did not allow you admission in IIT or Dad simply refused to pay for your medical school donation. It was a way of life, the uniform was your identity and you were supposed to bask in the glory of your pips and stars, all your life just as you did on the day of your Passing Out Parade (POP). Never perceived as an alternative career option, it was more of a dream that empowered an adventurous youthful heart to protect and to serve.
An interesting article left me a little stimulated sometimes back and hence this attempt to make a point. An ex-Chief of Staff seemed to have made a comment on how criticism, oftener than was good, was responsible in tarnishing the image of the Indian Army and thereby, affecting the morale of the troops. Paradoxically, to me, it is the closed door approach to feedback of the hierarchy that has led to this regimental, top down “I need a movement order in writing to go an extra mile” mentality in the Forces. The opacity of the system has led to dissatisfaction amongst the promising officers and discontent amidst the troops. In other words, the rigidity of not listening beyond the book, and thereby not bending the rules to adapt to practical, modern demands of a balanced career, high performance and higher productivity has perhaps resulted in the mediocrity of its degenerating culture and image.
Just for instance, an officer from the Military Intelligence, I once knew very closely had shared an anecdote. He recollected how awkward it was for him to have found himself dressed in a dinner jacket and polished brogues in the Officers’ Mess of a regiment in the United States. About a 100 gentlemen officers from across the world were participating in a training programme against global terrorism and this particular officer I knew was representative of the Indian Army. He recalled with embarrassment how everyone else came in for a drink after office hours in a pair of khakis or shorts while he followed the Dress Code to the T. Much to the amusement of others, he was questioned why was he dressed so. “That’s what we are supposed to wear in our home country,” and throwing a statement at a British officer, he added, “You made these rules.” The British officer in a pair of shorts and tees apparently replied, “That was written 200 years ago. We changed with the time and have realized no one would come to unwind, refresh his mind and relax in a pair of formals to the Mess. That’s not what this place is for. How come you stayed where we left you six decades back?”
The point, therefore is, in order to upscale its brand as a lucrative career option, that is primarily driven by a fierce sense of responsibility, commitment and high performance, the need of the hour is perhaps to be a little more flexible, transparent and open to amendments, criticism and suggestions to improve and function as any other result-oriented corporate. Hard to believe and harder to accept, but in the changing socio-economic scenario , medals and PVCs that often come with the price of a life are only showpieces that gather dust over time. In order to incorporate the best talent and extract the utmost out of him, whilst motivation, patriotism and sacrifice can continue to dominate the vision and mission statements, the bottom-line is to encourage flexibility, ownership, open feedback and a tangible reward system. Dangle a carrot fresher or at par with what the J P Morgans or IBMs can offer and you can get the best boys on your ship. And when all aboard are stars or potential stars, it is only imperative that the ship can twinkle in all its glory.
Just a thought....you don’t agree?
Singapore
I was born in an Army Hospital. That didn’t turn my skin olive green. I dated a general’s son for years. But even that wasn’t enough to qualify me as a patriot. My parents found a part doctor-part soldier for me. Now that incorporated me as a face in the Forces’ family photograph...an extended family of common anxiousness, common etiquette, common snobbery of being a wee bit more civil than the civilians, a common repertoire of words like sacrifice, patriot, gentlemen, lady wives, orderlies, ladies meet, AWWA, field postings, regiment, temporary duty, movement order...et al, in no particular chronology of importance, urgency or priority. Strangely, if you observe as keenly as I do, emotive words such as sacrifice, patriotism, high morale of the troops, etc are all passé now, having found their meaningfulness generously in Raising Day speeches, or in the Officers’ Mess as old Colonels pass the “Once when I was in Tawang...” scraps of wisdom and nostalgia over a drink to the newly commissioned young officers (YO). However, words that seldom fail to capture the spotlight or the interest of the latter in a more practical sense today are pay commissions, arrears, ACRs and entitlements. An interesting article left me a little stimulated sometimes back and hence this attempt to make a point. An ex-Chief of Staff seemed to have made a comment on how criticism, oftener than was good, was responsible in tarnishing the image of the Indian Army and thereby, affecting the morale of the troops. Paradoxically, to me, it is the closed door approach to feedback of the hierarchy that has led to this regimental, top down “I need a movement order in writing to go an extra mile” mentality in the Forces. The opacity of the system has led to dissatisfaction amongst the promising officers and discontent amidst the troops. In other words, the rigidity of not listening beyond the book, and thereby not bending the rules to adapt to practical, modern demands of a balanced career, high performance and higher productivity has perhaps resulted in the mediocrity of its degenerating culture and image.
Just for instance, an officer from the Military Intelligence, I once knew very closely had shared an anecdote. He recollected how awkward it was for him to have found himself dressed in a dinner jacket and polished brogues in the Officers’ Mess of a regiment in the United States. About a 100 gentlemen officers from across the world were participating in a training programme against global terrorism and this particular officer I knew was representative of the Indian Army. He recalled with embarrassment how everyone else came in for a drink after office hours in a pair of khakis or shorts while he followed the Dress Code to the T. Much to the amusement of others, he was questioned why was he dressed so. “That’s what we are supposed to wear in our home country,” and throwing a statement at a British officer, he added, “You made these rules.” The British officer in a pair of shorts and tees apparently replied, “That was written 200 years ago. We changed with the time and have realized no one would come to unwind, refresh his mind and relax in a pair of formals to the Mess. That’s not what this place is for. How come you stayed where we left you six decades back?”
I Miss You....
By Pritha Lal
Springville, Utah, USA
Springville, Utah, USA
Your summer skies and winter morn,
Your fiery twilights with thoughts forlorn,
Your calming nights, your soothing breeze,
Your affection to make me smile with ease.
Your places of worship that so abound,
Your cacophony that can still every sound,
Your colors, your rivers, your very milieu
In your thoughts I find the essence of life, anew.
You can lose oneself in your crowds they say,
You are a plethora of texture in every which way,
Your heart holds us all with love and pride
Never turning away anyone who has sought your side.
Oceans away from your shores, I may wake up this day,
Not a word will escape my lips, for you to hear me say,
For all the cynicism you may think about me to be true,
In my silence and in my words, I will always miss you….
(a dedication to my country on our 62nd Republic Day celebrated on Jan 26th )
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Reason To Live
By Anindita Baidya
Anand, Gujarat, India
Pansy, my little Pansy. I first noticed her bundled in white sheets, with eyes shut tight. Her wrinkled skin was as pink as a blooming rose. She looked so delicate that I was afraid to hold her in my arms, lest I hurt her.
Pansy. She is born with a complex medical situation termed as Hydrocephalus, which means in simple terms, she has cavities in her brain filled with water. This condition has posed challenges before this little soul more than I could have any day imagined. She cannot stand, she sits with support, she cannot chew solid food and depends on liquid diet, she cannot speak, cannot feel, cannot emote. No one knows what she sees when her eyes move around the room. After her birth, the doctors had said that she would not live for long. A week’s time may be, or a month but not more than that.
Pansy was in such a hurry to see the world that she took birth during the seventh month of her mother’s pregnancy. With all the complexities her mother had faced, no one could have believed that Pansy would take birth, alive. And then her family was sure that she would have a short life on the earth.
I am her full-time nurse. I hold her with extra care, in the softest of sheets I can. When I hold her, I feel like holding my entire world in my arms. I see the little bosom going up and down and tell myself, she is breathing. The ballet of life is going on. She is still alive.
So convincing were the doctors about her short span of life that she was not given a name. The family, I could see, was always fighting to free themselves from the emotional bondage Pansy was taking them into, they were trying hard to be rational and stoic. When I saw her, I named her Pansy.
Pansy came into my life at the time when I had found my world being meticulously broken, by providence, piece by piece. My near ones, most of them bid me goodbye and dear ones informed me that the accounts have been settled and there remained no dues in life’s balance sheet. So I started a new journey, at the age of 60, all alone, with Pansy in my life.
I have witnessed doctors being unsure about administering her immunusation, she will not live, after all, they said. The family organized no festivity to celebrate her birth, she will not live, after all, the family feared. They did not name her either. But she has been living. I have seen the little body breathing, day and night; I have seen the eyes sleep and wake up, every morning for days, weeks, months and past four years! Four years, she is still alive! And since four years, I have been her soldier. I have fought for her right for immunusation; I have fought for her right to have a name and fought hard for hosting a homecoming celebration. And this soldier has been a winner all through.
No one knows how long Pansy will live. Her parents are caught between the two ends and her siblings are eagerly watching over her. I have explained all of them, how special Pansy is and have ensured that the siblings are protective about her.
If only God could let the family move on, that is what everyone says. Yes, of course, the family has a future to move to. Pansy’s siblings have future to be secured.
Only Pansy and I do not have one. We have no future. We have only this moment, a moment to love. To bask in each other’s company, to watch as life passes by till it comes to a quiet halt some day.
Till then, we have a reason to live!
Anand, Gujarat, India
Pansy, my little Pansy. I first noticed her bundled in white sheets, with eyes shut tight. Her wrinkled skin was as pink as a blooming rose. She looked so delicate that I was afraid to hold her in my arms, lest I hurt her.
Pansy. She is born with a complex medical situation termed as Hydrocephalus, which means in simple terms, she has cavities in her brain filled with water. This condition has posed challenges before this little soul more than I could have any day imagined. She cannot stand, she sits with support, she cannot chew solid food and depends on liquid diet, she cannot speak, cannot feel, cannot emote. No one knows what she sees when her eyes move around the room. Pansy was in such a hurry to see the world that she took birth during the seventh month of her mother’s pregnancy. With all the complexities her mother had faced, no one could have believed that Pansy would take birth, alive. And then her family was sure that she would have a short life on the earth.
I am her full-time nurse. I hold her with extra care, in the softest of sheets I can. When I hold her, I feel like holding my entire world in my arms. I see the little bosom going up and down and tell myself, she is breathing. The ballet of life is going on. She is still alive.
So convincing were the doctors about her short span of life that she was not given a name. The family, I could see, was always fighting to free themselves from the emotional bondage Pansy was taking them into, they were trying hard to be rational and stoic. When I saw her, I named her Pansy.
Pansy came into my life at the time when I had found my world being meticulously broken, by providence, piece by piece. My near ones, most of them bid me goodbye and dear ones informed me that the accounts have been settled and there remained no dues in life’s balance sheet. So I started a new journey, at the age of 60, all alone, with Pansy in my life.
I have witnessed doctors being unsure about administering her immunusation, she will not live, after all, they said. The family organized no festivity to celebrate her birth, she will not live, after all, the family feared. They did not name her either. But she has been living. I have seen the little body breathing, day and night; I have seen the eyes sleep and wake up, every morning for days, weeks, months and past four years! Four years, she is still alive! And since four years, I have been her soldier. I have fought for her right for immunusation; I have fought for her right to have a name and fought hard for hosting a homecoming celebration. And this soldier has been a winner all through.
No one knows how long Pansy will live. Her parents are caught between the two ends and her siblings are eagerly watching over her. I have explained all of them, how special Pansy is and have ensured that the siblings are protective about her.
If only God could let the family move on, that is what everyone says. Yes, of course, the family has a future to move to. Pansy’s siblings have future to be secured.
Only Pansy and I do not have one. We have no future. We have only this moment, a moment to love. To bask in each other’s company, to watch as life passes by till it comes to a quiet halt some day.
Till then, we have a reason to live!
In movie news…
Did anyone hear about this? Anne Hathaway is being cast as Catwoman in the new Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises.” Do you think she can compare or be even better than Michelle Pfeiffer or Eartha Kitt as Catwoman? We all know she will be better than Halle Berry. Tom Hardy who was last seen in "Inception" will be the character Bane.
Johnny Depp is playing Tonto in the big screen adaptation of The Lone Ranger. No word on who will be portraying the Lone Ranger but this will reunite him with director Gore Verbinski and executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer who he worked with on Pirates of the Caribbean.
lalaG
Big Changes for Material Girl!
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| Momsen |
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| Osborne |
Taylor Momsen is out. Kelly Osborne is in as the 2011 spokes person for Material Girl (Madonna’s line of clothing.) Recently, Lourdes, Madonna’s Daughter, blogged that the clothing line was desperately looking for a new face for the line.
Could the change be happening because of recent events with Momsen, such as her suspension from Gossip girl???
lalaG
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Are you rockin Neon Colors in the Spring/Summer?
Apparently designers jumped in the way back machine and they are taking us back to the 80’s with neon colors being prominent in the runway designs.
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| Christian Siriano |
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| Jil Sander |
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| Michael Kors |
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| Prada |
 |
| Versace |
For those who are afraid of neon, the easiest way to rock neon is accessories. Neon bags, shoes, jewelry and even makeup, can be the safest way to add a bit of pop to your wardrobe.
For those feeling a little bit more adventurous, wearing at least one piece of clothing in neon is the best way to go about this trend. A person can wear neon colored shirt, and then a piece of neutral colored clothing will help balance everything out. Black, white and camel colors will bring everything together.
The ladies who want to make a statement in what they wear, go for it and choose a neon pant, skirt or dress. You are sure to be a head turner.
Keith Olbermann says goodbye to MSNBC
The net was ablaze last night with the news of Keith Olbermann leaving MSNBC. Rumors are swirling on the reason why he resigned. Some say because of the Comcast deal with NBC that he was fired and Olbermann “was told” that Friday night was his last show. It’s most likely that we won’t see Olbermann until the fall due to contract agreements.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Oh those Kardashians
I just finished watching the Wendy Williams show and the highest paid reality star made an appearance. Kim and Kourtney Kardashian stopped by the Wendy studios to promote their upcoming show, Kourtney and Kim take New York. The show will talk about the girls opening up a new Dash boutique in New York City. It will also show Kim recording a song. Yes you heard it here, just one song. Kim is recording only one song and half of the proceeds will go to benefit cancer research. Oh and that thing about the highest paid reality star, Kim made 10 million dollars in 2010. Don’t hate.
Meanwhile… Khloe Kardashian Odom hasn’t been sitting around eating bon bons and cheering on her husband at the Lakers games; she has been busy posing for YBR and does an interview with Perez Hilton. Check out the darker side of Khloe (which I like a whole lot)
To read the full article...
In what the H*ll news…
I was going through on my Facebook page and ran across this little ditty of gossip…
Jim Carrey is dating a former America’s Next Top Model contestant… say what? Carrey was seen leaving with Anchal Joseph from season 7 of ANTM. Joseph is 24, while Carrey is 49… and has a daughter the same age… and a grandson. You think about that for a minute.
A collaboration I didn’t see coming… Clint Eastwood and Beyoncé are getting together and remaking A Star is Born. This is the fourth time this movie will have been made and Eastwood is locked in to be the director of the movie and Beyoncé as the first confirmed leading star.
Rob Kardashian has been offered 45K to pose naked for Playgirl. Well his sister did it…
Antoine Dobson has a reality show in the works. It will show his move from Alabama to West Hollywood. They are now looking for a channel to carry the show.
Lisa Raye and Stacey Dash have a new show on VH1 that’s being produced by Queen Latifah called Single Ladies… they are calling it a “reality show” but this is nothing like a reality show. Its soooo scripted.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Pop Culture Fashionista or Faux Fashionista: Jennifer Lopez
For those who thought Jennifer Lopez’s dress was Faux Fashionista at the Golden Globes (I loved the dress) check out this little ensemble that Jennifer rocked to the Fox Searchlight Golden Globes party.
Jennifer wore a pink Marchesa pink chiffon mini dress with feather trim on the bottom and the sleeves. She complemented the ensemble with some nude Christian Louboutin heels and a pink clutch.
I really love this outfit Jennifer…
What do you guys think?
lalaG
Pop Culture Fashionista or Faux Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Never one to shy away from fashion, First Lady Michelle Obama stopped everyone in their tracks at the White House State dinner on Wednesday night. The First Lady selected an Alexander McQueen floor length, red asymmetrical dress to wear to the event and she looked stunning. The event was in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao and was also in attendance was Anna Wintour, and designer Vera Wang.
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| another view |
What do you think of Michelle’s look?
lalaGPS... i had to add this.. they are so cute.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Golden Globes 2011: Hits and Misses
The Golden Globes were on Sunday night and in terms of fashion and pop culture, it did not disappoint (well for the most part.) Other than the fashion, I was most looking forward to Ricky Gervais and his most excellent hosting skills. Some say that Gervais went too far in his jokes, but I just saw it as typical British humor. There was nothing too raunchy that was said, just jokes. Isn’t that what we wanted him to do? I digress…
Let’s get on to the fashions… we had appearances by the usual suspects. Good or bad, none of them disappointed. (I don’t know any of the designers’ names, so sue me)
Amber Riley from Glee looks smashing in this silver one shoulder dress. Not digging the bang WITH the side ponytail but she still looks fab.
Gabourey Sidibe… the dress is pretty… but not for the Golden Globes.
Olivia Wilde… so pretty! And those shoes, FIERCE!
Jennifer Love Hewitt in this gown… wow.
Ok… from now on, can we not take any pics of Helena Bonham Carter ever again? I could see if this was a swan dress, but that is just downright U-G-L-Y! The shoes do not help. I understand quirky, but this is crazy.
Lea Michelle looks like a perfectly pink princess in this one shoulder dress
Eva… Girl… Tony doesn’t know what he missin!
I love me some Emma Stone… she looks amazing and I love the blond hair
Sandra Bullock… could you please give Nicki Minaj her wig back? Thanks.
Heidi… your makeup.
More pics to come!
lalaG
Monday, January 17, 2011
Zodiac Sign Confusion!! Has your sign changed?
Plenty of a people are ranting about their new zodiac sign and how they don’t like it. What is causing the sign change? According to astrologers, the vibrations of the Earth around its axis has affected the alignment, causing the zodiac signs to change. A lot of people are feeling like they are losing their identity. Clarity is not crystal clear about this matter but trust you have not lost your identity. The changes are applying to people born in 2009 and later.
Here are the new changes.
Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 – May 13
Taurus: May 13 – June 21
Gemini: June 21 – July 20
Cancer: July 20 – Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 – Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 – Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 – Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 – Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 – Jan. 20
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Pop Culture Fashionista or Faux Fashionista: Critic's Choice Awards
Last night was the Critic's Choice Awards and there were so many stunning outfits on the ladies and gents last night... Which ones were fabulous and which were... eh, not so much... you be the judge.
Natalie looks so cute! and you can hardly see her baby bump!
I had no idea this was Emma Stone, i thought it was the girl from Blue Crush... she looks so different.
The hair is growing on me. love it Khloe
Kim... get it girl.
tell me what you think!
xo
lalaG
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| Natalie Portman |
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| Amy Adams |
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| Elle Fanning |
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| Emily Blunt |
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| Emma Stone |
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| Julianne Moore |
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| Khloe Kardashian Odom |
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| Michelle Williams |
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| Mila Kunis |
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| Sofia Veragara |
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| Kim Kardashian |
tell me what you think!
xo
lalaG
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