"You need to offer...two things."

Been watching Celebrity Apprentice.

Kinda obsessed.

I have watched from the beginning, but this season is really good. Or maybe I was just eager to watch new episodes.

I'm team Lou, team Penn and am hating Debbie.

And another thing- does anyone else realize how much Adam Corolla looks
like Anthony Bourdain?

I swear they must be related someHOW- they could be BROTHERS!!


Have a great Sunday, everyone- try to relax if you can!

OOTD- Anthropologie Tsuga Skirt

This skirt had called to me from the first minute I saw it in the catalog.
Patience really pays off.
I got this on sale, plus the 50% off promo. I actually ordered it before the promo started, but I got a price adjustment.
So this turned out to be around $40, I think.
Great deal, if you ask me.

I've already thought of a few different things to pair this with, but for some reason leopard just seemed like the right fit.
The color of this skirt is called moss. It really is a beautiful green.
The material is a little like felt. Makes me feel like a kid again.

So, I missed out on the phenom that is Downton Abbey. I only became aware of it when it hijacked the Emmy's and won all these awards and everyone was like, "WHAT?!!? DOWNTOWN WHAT?!?!?" And then the BBC was like, "It's Down-TON, people, not TOWN."

Now it's like this HUGE thing- they even joked about it on Chuck!

I've been searching for it on my TV but I didn't know it was under "M" for "Masterpiece Classic" on DirecTV and not "D".
I guess the second season is starting, but I need to watch it from the beginning.

Kind of bummed, my fingers wandered over to my library's online catalog and they have the series 1 DVD! Yes! First Mindy Kaling, now this!
Aww, now I almost feel bad about trash talking you yesterday, my sweet little well meaning library.

Almost.

I think I'm #8 in line so the plan is to tape all the new ones off PBS as they air and then watch them once I've caught up on the first season.

I forgot I need to ask my sis if she has seen it- she gets, like, 10 BBC channels over there in Scotland so she's probably super into it.

I went to the library today to return a huge stack of magazines I had checked out and returned all my overdue items and paid all my fines.
I now have a clean slate there again.
It felt good.

I am determined to be better about returning items on time, not losing anything, and hopefully not having to pay any late fees.

I don't really mind, because I like supporting the library which is definitely in need of funding as many are, but it seems like such an unnecessary thing to accrue fines when I can renew online, live pretty close, and don't really have a reason for being late all the time besides sheer laziness and being completely unorganized.
They have a sign up on the checkout counter that asks patrons to consider donating .25 cents per item checked out to help them financially, so I'm going to try to stick to that.

I'll feel better about donating of my own volition rather than being in the literary dog house, so to speak, and bowing my head in shame while I hand over my crumpled, lifeless dollar bills and spare change I've dug up from the bottom of my purse just to get my balance low enough to where I can check things out again.
It will be nice to not be the black sheep of the lib anymore!

But, hey- that's two things that's impressed me there this week as far as their selection goes. Life is good!

1. The last thing I ate was peppers, onions, and sausage in marinara.

2. The last song I listened to was Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin.

3. Using the letters in my name I can spell HAIR!

4. If I had to dress in one color for the rest of my life I would pick either navy or black. They are the easiest to wear and most versatile. Plus you could always jazz it up with colorful accessories!

5. If you were to look in my bag right now you'd find a BIG mess. I have been needing to clean it out for a while. I am a chronic handbag
over-stuffer...It's a problem! I'm currently carrying my wallet, 3 notebooks, pens, camera, cell phone, hair ties, bobby pins, cookies, napkins, powder compact, jewelry, so much stuff!

6. When I finish filling in the blanks I'm going to watch the critics' choice awards, take off my chipping nail polish, and then try to tidy up a little before I get in bed and read a book!

7. My all time favorite song to dance to is There are so many, but once a week when I do the dishes I always end up grooving hard to David Bowie's Golden Years...it just gets my feet going! But I love dancing around to many different songs and many different types of music.

Tv Talk: January and February

I don't remember January as having that much exciting TV going on, but I guess I was out of it last year or something.


Question: What is my fave thing about January?

Answer: Award shows!!

I am SO excited!

January is a BIG month.

Jan 11- People's Choice Awards

Jan 12- Critics Choice Awards

Jan 15- Golden Globe Awards

Jan 27- SAG Awards

And the Oscars of course are set for February 26th. I just realized my sister will be here for them!! This is the greatest news ever. We are going all out this year, that's for sure!
(I completely missed out last year due to a severe snow storm...it's a long story, but I was NOT happy! It took me a while to get over that one. So this will have to be 2 years of Oscars worthy.)

Not quite an awards show- but not to be left out... Miss America Pageant airs this Saturday the 14th.

I see lots of formal gown critiquing in my future!

Noteworthy season or series premieres:


Cajun Pawn Stars
I do like the original so I will probably check this out.

Rob!
Most likely horrible.

Oprah's Next Chapter
Trying to save the OWN network by putting O herself back on TV interviewing people.
I will probably just watch an episode here or there.


White Collar
Coming back for a new season on USA

Mobbed
Howie Mandel's flash mob show. People use them to announce things or reveal secrets. A little OTT, but entertaining.

Conan
New episodes!

Brad Brad World
Rachel Zoe's ex-assistant tries to make it as a stylist.

NY Ink
New episodes.


24 Hour Catwalk
Alexa Chung hosts this Project Runway type competition show

Project Runway All Stars
First episode, not impressed. Loved Rami's first look, but hated his second one. And where is Heidi? What happened to her? Definitely missing Tim Gunn and the judges, but so far I like the new set ok.

Teen Mom 2
This is getting harder and harder to watch.

Jane By Design
ABC family's new series.

Rachael vs Guy Celeb Cook Off
Celeb should be in quotes. I am only watching this because of LDP. The rest of the celebrities are like parodies of themselves. (Or I've never heard of them)

Cupcake Wars
New episodes! I LOVE this show!


The Firm
Based on the book and movie. Haven't decided if I'm going to give this one a try or not yet.

Watch What Happens Live
Andy's live 5 nights a week now.

Extreme Coupon All stars
This show takes past participants and makes them compete against one another for who can save the most money. A little silly, but a must see if you're still obsessed with couponing.

Extreme Cheapskates
I just heard about this- apparently it follows the most "frugal" people in the country.
Does anyone know if this is good?

Shipping Wars
In the same vein as storage wars, auction hunters, etc. This show explores the wonderful world of freight.


Are You There, Chelsea?
Now on Wednesday nights. If you like Chelsea Handler, check this out.

Napoleon Dynamite
Animated series based on the movie. I LOVE the movie so will most likely tune in to see if this is funny or just stupid.

Betty White Prank Show
Punk'd: Betty White style!

Bachelor
Watch Ben find love. Or just watch him be on TV for the next 12 weeks.


Alcatraz
New suspense/drama show...might be too scary for me.




Coming in February:


Jersey Couture
I am so excited this show got a second season. I didn't think it would, because it's been so long since the first. I know people think it's cheesy, but I loved watching the family that owns this dress shop help Jersey women find their look for prom, weddings, pageants, etc.

Downton Abbey
The PBS show that came out of nowhere. Season 2 for those of you who had the foresight to start watching season 1.

Fashion Star
NBC's fashion competition show.

Super Bowl
GO, NINERS!

Puppy Bowl
Come on, admit it. You know this is WAY better than any football game.


Celebrity Apprentice
Look at this bunch...should be CRAZY!

So far the weather here has been unseasonably warm, but whenever the rain decides to come, I'll have a stocked up DVR for those dreary days.

Any other shows worth watching I don't know about?

TV Talk- Fashion Shows...

No, not the kind with models strutting their stuff down a runway.

I'm talking about TV shows that revolve around all things fashion related.
Yay to finally getting caught up on my DVR!

First off:

The Rachael Zoe project

It seemed like a really short season, right? They had the baby and then the next episode was the season finale. Rachel seems really happy as a mom and it was neat to see that journey documented as well as the Oscars where long time client Anne Hathaway was hosting...MAJOR!

Rodger seems totally in love with the little guy too, but has another thing coming if he thinks he's going to have any say in what that kid wears. Which brings me to possibly my favorite sound bite of the season: "It's not girlie , it's French. There's a difference." Rodger was complaining about some of the baby's outfit options being a tad effeminate and that's what Rachel comes back with. Give it up, buddy. She's a stylist. She probably has his every outfit from birth to 18 already planned out, photographed and ready to be archived. You don't stand a chance on the clotting department. Just give it up now!

I couldn't believe they hired Jeremiah back. It was kind of leading up to that, but after the 8 store- in- store deal he kind of proved himself to be invaluable.

The speeches at the BBQ were so touching. I know I cry at everything, but watching them both tear up about how happy they are was pretty emotional. Especially since they are considering having another baby? Shut the front door! The first one's only like a day old, Jeez!!

Side note: Has any googled Rachel's salami recipe yet- I'm disgusted and intrigued at the same time.

Second side note: Was any one else freaking out about the promo they showed for Brad's new spin off show, also to air on BRAVO? What What? Rachel's former employee/ friend/protegee turned (alleged) backstabber/ fame hungry/ enemy now has his own show coming soon! Crazy! bet R and R aren't too happy about that one! Why didn't Taylor get her own show? Curious!

Project Runway:

I was so disappointed in the entire season this year. It started out promising- that bird seed dress was amazing!- to mediocre- to down right awful - that dressing the band clothes were horrific!! and the finale was so anticlimactic to me. It was pretty clear Anya was going to win no matter what just because Heidi loved her, but come on....her collection was such a snooze fest, there was no variety, and her dresses showed no real technique or skill.

There was not one piece in that whole finale that wowed me ... and those green neoprene shorts? Nina actually defended them! She was not thinking clearly that night! The next season full of all-stars better bring it or I'm auf'ing one of my formally fave shows to the bottom of the prioritizer.

Bravo also has some new shows:

Mad fashion with Chris March known for using real human hair in his designs and being let go a Project Runway a few years ago. That's how his show reads: like a shortened Project Runway for pseudo celebrities and outrageous costumes. I was excited about this show, but now that I've seen it I would say it is OK, not great.

But I am OBSESSED with FASHION HUNTERS! This show is so GOOD!

It's like the "Pawn Stars" of fashion. It follows the consignment store Second Time Around in NYC. They sell vintage and contemporary designer clothes and shoes. (Louboutins run about 3-4 hundred dollars and usually sell the day they hit the shelf.)

This show is addicting! I love the random pieces people bring in but the real magic happens went they visit a client and get to see amazing designer duds in their natural habitat!
I hope this show gets a second season- I could watch it all day long.

P.S. New Girl is growing on me. I actually laughed out loud (lol!) a few times. She is still a little over the top though. But I guess it's working, because Zooey just got nominated for a Golden Globe!

AH, I love this time of year...AWARD season is on its way!!

"Kids" Movies and TV Talk

I put kids in quotes because technically the movies I'm about to mention are aimed at children, but every once in a while, I cannot deny I am probably more intrigued then they are. I'm not really the target audience, but hey...if something makes me laugh, it makes me laugh.
I am very easily amused.

Since I don't have any youngsters of my own, I often have to recruit the little ones in my family to go with me so I don't feel weird going by myself.
If I REALLY wanted to go, I would go alone, but I do have to admit I like it better when I can wrangle or convince one or more of my brothers and sister's kids to accompany me.
It's more fun for everyone that way...especially the kids who love spending time with THE BEST AUNT in the world. (Had to get that in there somewhere!)

We went to see Puss in Boots, which was pretty good. It was crowded so I ended up in the front with the kids while my mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law stayed in a more eyeball friendly back row. It was pretty good. We were so close I didn't even need to wear my glasses! I was in charge of rationing out popcorn and M&M's so I missed a few crucial plot points, but I think I got the gist. The kids liked it.


This pic is from over the summer when I forced my nieces to see Monte Carlo with me.
The oldest was NOT happy about it. I think I liked it more than she did.


A few days ago I went with 3 of the 5 nieces to see the new Muppet movie.


It was SO GOOD!!!! Even better than I was expecting.
My family always watched the Muppets growing up so I made my brother go too.
I think we laughed more than the kids. There was another couple in there (sans little ones) and they were busting up the whole time. Definitely not a boring kids movie, a lot of the jokes were geared toward adults. And the music was really catchy...(I may have added the soundtrack to my Amazon shopping cart.)
The muppets are known for their crazy celebrity cameos and this movie was no exception. I won't give them all away, but my favorite was a non speaking " Is-that-or -isn't- it" appearance by my man, Dave Grohl. I couldn't believe it! That itself was worth the price of the ticket.


And bonus - there's a really cool short Toy Story cartoon after the previews and before the actual movie starts. It was very funny and entertaining.

Next up on Dec 16th:
I am so excited! This:


was on constant play in my house when I was little. Whenever my sister is visiting and things start getting silly, it's only a matter of time before one of us bursts into one of the songs from it. Ya, we are a little obsessed in this family.

When the revamped movies came out a few years ago, I could not WAIT to see them. I know a lot of people hated them and think they're stupid, but they just make me happy. I will be there on Friday the 16th with bells on.


Now, a few thoughts on some TV shows.


First up, the Kardashian train wreck. I've seen many a televised wedding, but I have yet to have a front row seat to a celebrity divorce. I would feel really bad if my entire 2 second marriage was captured on film for all to see and to live on and on and on. It's pretty hard and uncomfortable to watch knowing it wasn't just fighting and drama for the cameras sake, but an actual relationship ending. Not sure if I can stick around for this one.



I'm sure whether you watch the show or not, you heard about the black cloud hanging over the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills before it even premiered. Every one wondered how Bravo would handle it and I remember one magazine writer saying they should shelve the whole season. At the time I didn't know if I agreed or not, but now I do. There's no way to handle it gracefully, short of editing Russell out of the entire show, which they couldn't do because of how majorly involved this season he was and every time he is on the screen it just feels so wrong. Every time they show their daughter it just breaks my heart. Watching Taylor obviously headed for a severe nervous breakdown and then knowing what horror awaits her is just too hard to watch. So, another show I'm might pull the plug on.



In lighter TV fare, Tori and Dean are back. Their reality show is now chronicling Tori's pregnancy with their 3rd child and them opening their new business venture, Inventori, the furniture store (gotta love those clever ways they put "TORI" in everything.) Pretty standard reality TV.


What Not To Wear is back too. I'm not a die hard devotee, but I like seeing what they got for the $5,000 and when you can tell someone now feels pretty for the first time in a long time or ever. I don't watch every episode, but it's nice if you want a feel good moment at the end.

Lastly:

Enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $25 gift card!

Until Tomorrow!

Target and TV

(from people magazine)

So I stayed up WAY too late last night watching the second half of the Kim Kardashian Wedding Spectacular. I'm so sick of this family, but of course I'm gonna watch. I love a good televised celebrity wedding.

Thoughts:

~ For a four hour televised special, yes four hours!, Kim walked down the aisle with 10 minutes to spare. Ten minutes! They absolutely breezed through the actual wedding footage! It should have been two hours of build up and dress fittings, and two hours of just the big day. LAME!
~Kourtney tripped when she was walking down and almost dropped her baby. The audible gasp from the guests was so uncomfortable to watch. I bet she wishes they had edited that 30 seconds out.
~How long did Kim wear that second dress for? The editing made it look like it couldn't have been more than 10 minutes. I hope it was longer than that, if nothing more than for the sake of the Vera Wang workers who probably slaved over that train.
~Talking about her deceased father really got to me. I cried.
Whatever, I cry at anything these days.

Also, I would like to know why Parenthood isn't winning like every TV award possible.
I. Love. That. Show. It's so good. I originally watched it when Hulu had the entire first season available. I love any show that I can watch back to back episodes of, so I started watching online while on the treadmill. It took me a few episodes to really get into but now it's one of my favorite shows on TV. I tried describing it to my sister, but couldn't really do it justice. It's so heartfelt and touching. My eyes well up during pretty much each episode. Did I mention I'm kind of a crybaby?
Just watch it. You won't be sorry.

I also really like the new show REVENGE. You never know with these if they are going to be awful or interesting. Three episodes in, it's another one I look forward to watching. Definitely one of my favorites of the new fall lineup.


In fashion news:
I heard the exciting announcement a few days ago! The next designer collaboration to hit Target is going to be....drum roll please...Jason Wu! This is super super exciting to me. I first heard of him in 2006 when Eva Longoria wore a sweet white number to the emmys that year. Since then he has shot to super stardom and has dressed uber celebrities AND the First Lady. The teaser they released looks like it's gonna be a good one. The countdown to February 5th starts...NOW! If it's anything like the Missoni juggernaut this is gonna be a big deal. Since I'm about a million times more excited for this collection, I'm definitely going to be waiting in line for the store to open. Although, knowing me, I will probably be snowed in that day and won't be able to go.

Eva @ the Emmys:
Recent looks worn by Zoe and Jaimie:

My absolute favorite Wu dress from his showing during fashion week:


And of course, the dress that put him on the map:

Miss Universe & Missoni for Target

Do not read this if you do not know who won the Miss Universe Pageant and you don't want to find out.

Of all the major pageants -USA, America, Universe- Miss Universe is the best. It's always in some cool location and with 89 women from all over the world it's the most diverse and exciting, in my opinion. You know after watching 10 or 20 of the opening lines you wanna grab your hair straightener and scream out your name, age, and country of origin. I was doing this all night long. I say mine with an accent: PWWWEEERRRTO REEEEECCCOO ... even though I speak absolutely no Spanish. It's funner that way. (Yes, I know funner isn't a word, but I say it anyway. And to answer your other question, yes my dad is 100% full Puerto Rican and my grandparents were born there.) While I love the show and I never miss a year, it's 2 hours of television I watch in about 20 minutes. There is a lot of filler and unnecessary product promotion that I zoom through. The best part is obviously the evening gowns and
The. Final. Question.

In regards to the evening gowns, it was like sheer, see through bottom city. Quite a few of the ladies had their legs completely out there. I was kind of disappointed overall in the looks.
I thought Costa Rica had the best dress:

I also liked China:

and Ukraine

The judges are always a random mix, but didn't Connie Chung look great? I couldn't find a picture of her but she looked really good.

Now, not to toot my own horn, but I had Angola as one of my top picks from the very beginning. (This ain't my first rodeo people.) She was so pretty! Then in the evening gown portion, while I didn't particularly care for her choice of gown, the color looked beautiful on her. And do you know how hard it is to walk down stairs without looking at them, in 5 inch heels wearing a dress so tight you can't breathe? That takes skillz, yo. During the final question she was so charming even though I couldn't understand anything she was saying, I was mesmerized by her smile. So, Congrats, Angola!

Now moving on to the Missoni for Target collection. I have been checking online ever since midnight and nothing. Even the ad says it will be available bright and early on the 13th. They usually do have their Go International collections available at midnight, so what gives? It's now 12:41. I'm waiting 20 more minutes before calling it a night and trying to wake up early-ish to check it out tomorrow. Hopefully, there will still be something left. Hey, I'm not picky... I would be happy with a single place mat. As long as it's a pretty one.
Goodnight, everyone!

September Calendar and Fill in the Blank

1. Somewhere someone is reading my favorite book.

2. Beautiful photographs are my muse.

3. It would suck if seasons were no more because, I think they are invigorating!

4. Laughing uncontrollably is my favorite thing about EVERY day.

5. Life is kind of like either a trainwreck or a cheesy movie, depending on the day!

6. If I could have anything I wanted I would want so many parents I know to stop messing up their kids.

7. A funny thing happened the other day... As soon as I asked a lady at Target where the luggage was my eyes wandered to directly above her head where the HUGE "LUGGAGE" sign was. Sorry, I was in a hurry! No wonder she looked at me like that!

As you may know, the first day of fall is officially September 23rd. September is one of my favorite times because all of my favorite TV shows return to regular scheduled programming. This makes me very happy. "Premiere Week" is an event in my house- especially with all the new fall shows. Every spring my heart aches for the shows I have come to know and love get canned so nonchalantly. It hurts. The only remedy is the new upcoming falls shows. I know 90% of them will get the boot as well, but until they do, I will be there. Scroll down for all the things I am looking forward to in the next month and see what piques your interest:

First of all the return of Rachel Zoe to Bravo had me giddy. Just thought I would mention that again.

Tonight is Fashion Night Out. While I'm stuck at home I will be enjoying the photos and blogs of people I am super jealous of for getting to be involved somehow.

Sept 12- Missoni for Target collection. Been waiting for this one for awhile.
The Miss Universe Pageant- need I say more?

Sept 13- Sherri Shephard's televised wedding special. I love wedding specials. Don't really care who it is.
Parenthood- one of my favorite shows to work out to

Sept 14- Survivor
ANTM- all star edition ( so excited about this!!)
Up All Night- new show with Christina Applegate that looks so funny
Free Agents- new show


Sept 18th- the EMMYS

Sept 19- DWTS returns
The Sing Off (cheesy but good)
Two Broke Girls- hope this is funny and not just stupid

Sept 20- PJ 20 (don't even get me started on this one...I will be up all night typing incoherent obssesive ramblings)
Raising Hope
Glee
New Girl ( super excited about this one too. As soon as I saw Zooey in the promos wearing that Anthropologie dress, I was sold)
Sept 21- The Middle
X Factor
Modern Family
Harry's Law

Sept 22- Thursday Night Comedy Block ! YAY!
Community
Parks and Rec (my fave)
The Office
Whitney
Charlie's Angels

Sept 25- Amazing Race
Desperate Housewives
Pan Am

Sept 26- Gossip Girl
Mike and Molly
Terra Nova (will it live up to the hype?)

Sept 28- Happy Endings

Sept 29- How to be a Gentleman (with my man murray)
The Ringer

Obviously, I do not watch all of the shows listed above but I like to know what's going on. Not just with TV- with everything. I'm nosy like that.

P.S. Is anyone else disappointed that Eddie Murphy is hosting the Oscars this year? I think since all the controversy last year they are going in a different direction which is basically returning to their old direction... I'm sure it will be good, just wish it was someone I was more excited about. :-(

Until tomorrow, everyone!