Hardware Jewelry

Jewelry has been known as pretty accessories to dress up any outfit. But now jewelry is taking on an edgier, raw role to add a little spunk to any outfit. Hardware jewelry is super modern right now and you can get designer pieces as seen on the runway or make your own for under 10 bucks!

Giles and Brothers has a lot of rough jewelry, including the following pieces inspired by hardware!

Rings & Nuts Necklace

10 Strand Necklace in Brass Oxide

Pied-de-Biche Ring-Double Hoof

Railroad Spike Link Necklace

Check out this Today Show segment on DIY Hardware Jewelry with nuts, bolts, wires, chains and more for cheap!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Labor Day Weekend

I had an amazing Labor Day Weekend as well as great end to "unoffical" summer. Although I just got to school a mere two weeks ago, I headed home as my Hokies were playing in a huge Monday Night Football Game against 3rd ranked Boise St. Since it was being played at FedEx Field (Redskins Stadium) about 40 minutes from my house, I had a few of my friends over before the game also.

We arrived back to my house Saturday and just relaxed before grilling out for dinner, then a little shopping, followed by smores in our firepit. We went to bed early after a long drive home and a busy few days ahead.

Sunday we woke up and drove to Baltimore to catch an Orioles Baseball Game, and they won, so it was even more exciting! We walked around the Inner Harbor, so pretty before heading home for a yummy steak and potatoes dinner.

Finally, Monday was the showdown between Tech and Boise St. My dad had a tailgate so we had great food so our stomachs were filled as we climbed to our seats.

Unfortuantley, we lost in the last 3 minutes but it was so fun and we had a great showing. Now I am playing some catch-up for school before our first home game in Lane Stadium against my parent's alma matter JMU on Saturday!

Most Surprising Duets

My Mom got me a subscription to Entertainment Weekly last year and I love it! It is perfect for light reading, especially at the gym. It gives me my perfect fix of the entertainment world. One cool article they had recently was 15 Most Surprising Duets and I thought I would comment on the ones I enjoyed!

1. Eminem and Elton John

"Stan" (2001)

An extremely unlikely pair that got together for the grammy's and are still friends today.

2. Run D.M.C. and Aerosmith

"Walk This Way" (1986)

I love this song, and who doesn't, a mix of hip-hop and rock with two heavy hitters of the time = one great song!

5. B.o. B. and Hayley Williams

"Airplanes" (2010)

This song was everywhere this summer and the rap and emo mix were perfection. (Also, can't wait for B.o.B. to stop my university this Fall)

9. Taylor Swift and T-Pain

"Thug Story" (2009)

Although not a legit song this spoof was hilarious and my sisters easily watched this 50 times.

15. Nelly and Tim McGraw

"Over and Over" (2004)

Hip-Hop and Country never sounded so good in this romantic tune.

Do you have any favorite surprising/random duets you love?

Fighting Gravity

A group of fraternity boys from my university are currently semi-finalists of America's Got Talent. They are called "Fighting Gravity" and are a great talent that makes it seem like they are floating in mid air!

They performance tonight was amazing, they used skateboards and made it seem like they were skateboarding through the air!

I was lucky enough to see them before they became famous at another sororities talent show philanthropy. Everyone is super excited on campus and its on everyones facebook!

Day on the New River

Today was the sisterhood retreat for my sorority, the first big event that all of us have been back together since school started Monday. As sisterhood chair, I was in charge of the retreat and decided a relaxing day tubing down the river would be perfect (we went last year and it was a hit).

Tubing down the New River

All the Sisters

Although I was not able to tube because I had to do all the logistics and food prep (yummy Subway catered) I was able to take advantage of the nice weather and beautiful scenery (and go to the pool in the afternoon!). I always love returning to the mountains and can't wait till the fall, where we here in Blacksburg say "God must be a Hokie since every Fall the leaves turn maroon and orange."

Steve Madden

I love Steve Madden shoes and own quite a few pairs. While some of his designs are a little over the top and/or trendy, I believe most of his designs make shoes a great accessory and/or statement piece to your overall look. I tend to stay away from his heels (since they are too high for me) but his sandals and flats are always made to knockoffs.

Who doesn't want a little glitter?

Great Fall Boots!

Love the bow detail on the back!

Perfect Summer Wedges

Pink and Bows = Love

FRIENDS Update!

I have been a longtime fan of Friends and consider it one of my favorite tv shows, even after it has been off the air for 6 years I can pop it in anytime and enjoy it. Lately I have heard some news of Friend's stars back in show biz.

Jennifer Aniston is said to guest star on Courtney Cox Arquette's show "Cougar Town," following in Lisa Kudrow's footsteps from last season.



Jen also has a new movie "The Switch."


Matt LeBlanc has a new on Showtime "Episodes" which is about a hit British comedy that is imported by an American network, which dumbs down the show and casts Matt in the lead role. Matt has to audition to play himself.

Matthew Perry reported NBC green lit his pilot of a new show called "Mr. Sunshine" about a sports manager who has a midlife crisis and is dumped by his girlfriends.