Say Yes to the Dress, Y'all

Okay, guilty pleasure time.

Sometimes, on Friday nights, the kids snuggle with me and we watch “Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta" on TLC. We get such a kick out of this show, namely stylist Monte. He’s a hoot, especially when he and Lori get going.

You never know how much is staged and how much is a genuine reaction from the bride and her family and attendants. Sometimes it’s just fun to watch the back and forth – at least most of the time. There are moments when the comments are a bit too harsh and hurt the bride-to-be’s feelings. Why bring that many people when you are shopping for wedding dresses? Do you really want that many cooks in the kitchen, that many opinions on what you should or shouldn't wear? Not a good idea.

Although, there are times the bride just needs to hear it. For instance, ladies, please don’t wear a strapless gown with your Double-Ds hanging out. Is that really what you want to wear in a church? A little modesty wouldn’t kill ya.

This young woman was on last week's episode. She tried on this lovely gown - what she deemed her dream dress - knowing it was out of her price range. A no-no according to store owner Lori. Lori then dropped the price for her to fit within her budget. Suddently, the young lady had meltdown in the store, now unsure that the dress was "the one." That's why I could never work in the bridal industry.

Some of the dresses are divine and it’s nice to see how they put the final touches together. The bride is shedding tears of joy, the mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaids are fanning the tears from their faces. Okay, gals, get a hold of yourselves.

The original “Say Yes to the Dress” is set at Kleinfeld’s in New York. There’s a Monte version at that location as well, but I much prefer the Atlanta show, set at Bridals by Lori. The southern accents and twangs make it more fun and when you mix such characters as a pageant mama or a young woman shopping for “Southern Chic,” (to which Monte asked “What the hell is that??), it adds to the silly drama. Plus, it’s hilarious to hear my kids mimic them.

So, if you get a chance to catch part of an episode for a good chuckle or to catch a glimpse of some lovely bridal attire, do so. And for you future brides out there, it may make you think twice before bringing your mama, grandmama and 10 girlfriends to shop for your wedding dress.
Images from TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress - Atlanta"

Absolutely Fabulous

Oh, how I wish I had BBC America on my cable line-up. This Sunday marks the return of Pats and Eddy in the first of a three-part "Absolutely Fabulous" 20th anniversary special.

I loved the irreverent humor and over-the-top excess of this show when it ran in the 1990s. "Ab Fab" is a scream, but it's not for everyone. You either like it or you don't. If you don't, I doubt you and I would get a long. (Just kidding. But seriously, your sense of humor needs to be a little bawdy and twisted to like this show. And be my friend. Just sayin'.)

What's on tap this weekend, friends? Any big plans? I have tickets to see my Cats play ball in Lexington, so I'm looking forward to that. Then, on Sunday, Tebow's Broncos take on Hubby's Steelers in a wild card game. And best of all, it's 62 degrees and sunny in January. I won't question it if it's global warming. I'll just embrace it for now.
Image from the NY Times

Happy weekend!

A New Must-Watch Program

Did anyone catch last night's premiere of The Killing on AMC? Whoa, I have found my next must-see TV show.

Actress Meireille Enos in a scene from the new AMC series, The Killing.

I'm a big fan of the crime drama genre, but The Killing is quite different from anything else on television right now. It's based on the Danish television series, Forbrydelsen, and will spend the 13-series run on the investigation of a girl's murder. The lead detective, Sarah Linden is played by actress Mireille Enos and I really like her quiet intensity. Unlike other crime dramas that focus so much on the gory details of the crime, trying to push the envelope of grotesque, The Killing is suspenseful, without focusing on gore. The detective work, the character studies and the bleak setting in gray Seattle are engrossing, not gross. Any show that can keep me intrigued for two hours well past my bedtime gets a thumbs up from me.

So, if you like crime dramas, you may want to consider this program. It's not for the faint of heart, though. The emotion of the girl's family dealing with the loss of their daughter is heart-breaking, sometimes hard to watch. I found myself tearing up. This is a testament to the superb acting and writing. AMC, you've done it again.
Image from www.amctv.com

Modern Family and The New Temp

Have I ever said how much I love "Modern Family?" This show has become my all-time favorite. Even though last night was a rerun, Hubby and I still laughed throughout the episode. It was much appreciated after yet another snow day. (Yes, that's right, the schools were out again yesterday. I'm beginning to feel like I'm living the movie "Groundhog Day.")

In other TV news, the creators of NBC's "The Office" could not have found a better temp to replace Michael Scott for the remainder of the season. Can't wait to see how this plays out. For the full story, read the latest from MSNBC.
Images from hotflick.net and ABC 

Lost No More

I'm emotionally spent after last night's series finale of "Lost." Beautiful, poetic, elegiac. I'll miss it terribly. I know this may sound odd that I'm feeling this way about a television show, but I think it was like no other program in the history of television and nothing will ever come close again. Thought provoking, yet very entertaining, it was great escapism each week. I think we all need that now and then.

Cheers to the cast and producers. Thanks and I'll miss you.
Photo from ABC.com

Best Episode Ever!

Do you watch "Lost?" Last night's episode was fantastic! Some questions answered, many more raised. Hard to believe the season is almost over.

One of my coworkers is not convinced that Jacob is good and thinks that the Man in Black, now known as Fake Locke or "Flock," may actually be a good guy. I'm not convinced.

So, if you watch the show, what are your theories? Is the island pergatory? Discuss!
Image courtesy of abc.com

P.S. - My apologies to readers who are not followers of the TV show "Lost." I'm sure this post seems rather cryptic, much like the program itself. I promise we will return to regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow. :)