'Ali in Wonderland'

I like Ali Wentworth. I know some people don't, perhaps for a variety of reasons. They think her humor is too goof ball. (I, for one, think she's very funny with the right amount of wit.) Or they don't like her because she's married to George Stephanopoulos. (Yeah, I spelled it correctly. Cut & paste is a marvelous thing.) Or, they think she's had everything handed to her in life because of her sliver-spoon upbringing. (Not only are the Wentworths WASPy Mayflower descendents, Ali's mom, Muffie, was Nancy Reagan's social secretary and her dad was a political writer for the Washington Post.)

Anyhoo, Ms. Wentworth has a new book out called "Ali in Wonderland," which I may need to purchase for a good laugh and a little more insight into the life of Ali and George. She recently made an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America to discuss her book with Robin Roberts. It's so funny to watch George's reactions when the camera pans to him. You can tell he's thinking "Oh, Lord, what's she going to say next?"

Ms. Wentworth, oh, heck, let's call her Ali, also has a new webcast, "The Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth." It's filmed at her kitchen table and she talks about a variety of topics, from motherhood to current events. When she recounts her first date with George in one of the episodes, it's a bit TMI , but that's just her. She puts it all out there.

And, one more thing, I'm tired of people giving her flack over her eyes. She's often criticized for the bags under her eyes. You know what folks? Some of us have to wear more concealer than others. It's either genetic or it's because we have young kids and a good night's sleep eludes us. So, back off, will you?

It's Friday, friends. I'm so glad to have survived. This weekend is our daughter's school fundraiser. We'll be donning western boots and bling for the "Diamonds and Denim" theme. Should be fun!
Images from ABC News and womensconference.org

News of the Weird

Okay, I'm not one to poke fun at my fellow Kentuckians. I love the Big Blue Nation and all the crazy characters throughout our great commonwealth. And, I certainly don't want to contribute to any negative stereotypes about Kentucky. But, I just had share this story that appeared on the local news yesterday. There are so many aspects to this story that made me laugh out loud and shake my head.

Folks, you can't make this stuff up.

LETCHER COUNTY, KY (WAVE) - A naked man was arrested inside an eastern Kentucky supermarket after police found him covered in peanut butter and chocolate.

It happened January 31 at a Food World IGA in Letcher County, KY, which borders Virginia.

According to a court citation, 22-year-old Andrew Toothman was wearing only a pair of black boots.

Troopers said the store's front door was broken and that several fire extinguishers had been discharged.

Toothman appeared to be contrite. Investigators said he spelled the word "sorry" on the floor with Nyquil.

Toothman admitted breaking into the store. He was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and indecent exposure.
Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.

Jewels and Twilight

More random thoughts bouncing around in my head, so thought I would share them here with you. :)

Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry auction at Christie's last night grossed nearly $116 million. Seriously.

I knew Ms. Taylor's had a magnificent jewelry collection, but I was astounded at this news. Heck the La Pelegrina necklace (above) alone brought in $11.8 million. A huge portion of the money raised will go to her AIDS foundation. More of her estate will be auctioned later this week, including film scripts and costumes. In February, her art collection will go up for auction in London.

On another topic, I went with our neighbor to the movies last night. She's invited me to join her book club, so we met up with two other gals from the book club at the cinema. And, what did we see? Drum roll..."Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn." Jealous? Don't be. I went out of curiosity, in addition to getting to know my neighbor better, who is a really great person. But, as far as catching a great film? That didn't happen.

Can I just ask: What is the appeal of Kristen Stewart who plays Bella? Sorry, but I don't think she's the greatest actress. Please, Twilight friends, don't send me hate mail. I can see why the series appeals to teenage girls, and I'm sure I would have loved the book series when I was 14. I just struggled to get past some of the bad acting and dialogue.  Although, with that being said, part one left me hanging so I'm sure I'll have to see the next installment in the theatre come next year. Yes, I hang my head in shame.

Have you seen any good films lately? If so, what?
Image from the New York Times

Start with Turkey, End with Zombies

On Thanksgiving morning, I embarked on a morning run through the neighborhood. Other than folks letting their dogs out to do their business, I encountered no other runners or joggers. I was really surprised that I was the only turkey trotter out and about. Perhaps most folks were preparing their Thanksgiving feasts, or smart enough to stay in bed an extra hour. Oh, well, I enjoyed the quiet along my route and smiled at the thought of having the next few days off.

I, for one, didn’t get up at the crack of dawn on Black Friday to shop. I don’t play that game. Do you? Miss E. and I did head out later in the afternoon while the boys went to the barber. I supported some local merchants and avoided being crushed or pepper sprayed by the hoards of humanity. It was a good day.

So, after a few days of parties, play dates and overeating, as well as three days in a row of running (woo hoo!), I ended the weekend by watching the finale (or mid-season finale as they kept hyping it) of “The Walking Dead.” Shew, that was quite the episode, wasn’t it?

Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes in AMC's "The Walking Dead," killing the zombies in last night's episode. 

Hubby has been a fan of the “Dead” since last season, but I didn’t start watching it until recently. I became a regular viewer once I realized that the lead character, Rick Grimes, is played by Andrew Lincoln from the film “Love Actually."

Andrew Lincoln's character, Mark, declares his love for Keira Knightley's character in "Love Actually." Sigh.

Yes, it was Lincoln who drew me in, but the storyline and those crazy zombies kept me coming back for more. Anyhoo, last night’s episode was shocking and sad. Anyone see that coming? The second half of the season begins in February.

Hope you had a great weekend, friends. It’s hard to get back into the swing of things, especially when it’s cold and rainy like it is here. But, I only have three weeks left until Christmas vacation, so that keeps me forging ahead.

♪ It’s the most wonderful time of the year…♪

Images from care2.com, IMBD and AMC.

Kelsey and Justin at the Marin Corps Ball

You're a stand-up guy, Mr. Timberlake. Very cool.

In case you didn't hear, Justin Timberlake was invited to the Marine Corps ball by Corporal Kelsey DeSantis. He provides a recap of the event on his website. Be sure to read his account - he was clearly moved by the evening's festivities.
Image from justintimberlake.com

Here Comes My Soapbox...

Alright, there are some events taking place in the news of late that are weighing on my mind or just plain bugging me. So, I’m going to take a brief moment to pull out the ol’ soapbox and offer up a brief rant. Thanks for indulging me.

Penn State Coach Joe Paterno: Glad you have decided to retire. It’s time to go. Whether or not you knew of only the one incident involving piece-of-trash assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, in my opinion, you didn’t bird dog it enough. It’s definitely time to step down amid this ugly time at Penn State.

I may take some heat from the Penn State faithful on this, but there’s a time to support your football program and there’s a time to take a moral stand and do the right thing. So, fans, do the right thing. (And this is coming from a diehard University of Kentucky fan who adores her team. Believe me, had this happened at my alma mater, I’d be leading the charge for heads to roll.)

As for you Sandusky, there’s a special place in hell waiting for you. Had that been one of my children you assaulted, you would be glad to be in police custody. Because I would have made sure they never found the body. Just sayin.’

To the Duggar family: While I do value the sanctity of life, please stop. You’re having your 20th child. Jim Bob, back away from your wife.

And, to all of the Kardashians: Please go away. While I don’t watch your show, you’ve unfortunately seeped into every mainstream media outlet and I can’t escape any mention of you. You’re famous for being famous, nothing else, and I’m tired of seeing Kim and the entire family in my face 24/7. GO AWAY NOW.

Okay, I’ll put the soapbox away. We now return to regularly scheduled blogging.
Image from storytellingmag.com

Timeless

 

When you think of classic beauties and trendsetters, certain names come to mind: Jackie, Audrey, Babe, Grace. In the later part of the 20th century, another name was added to the list: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

I look at photos of her taken 14 years ago and I'm amazed to see how her style has stood the test of time. It's so sad to think that she and John are no longer here. Oh, what could have been.

Grace Kelly's eldest daughter, Princess Caroline of Monaco, also has a timeless elegance. Here she is in 1982 and this look is still in fashion with the sporty set almost 30 years later.

 

Caroline in recent years, still very regal and chic.

Then there’s Caroline's 25-year old stunning daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, a dead-ringer for a younger Caroline. Her fashion sense is proving to be just as timeless.

And, of course, there’s the Duchess of Cambridge.

 

So stylish and chic. From the sapphire blue dress she wore during her engagement announcement to the famous wedding gown, we seem to gasp with delight each time we see her.

 

 

She’s become an instant style icon and joins the likes of Jackie, Audrey, Babe and others who inspired legions of fashion followers.

What modern-day women do you consider fashion icons? Who has joined the ranks of the ladies who have set style standards for all of us to follow?
Images from Life Magazine, The Daily Mail, Pascal Le Segretain, Vanity Fair and the San Francisco Sentinal

Frances Bean and the Earthquake

Can you believe that this is Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of Courtney Love and the late Kurt Cobain?  She looks like a 1940s film star.

What I can’t believe is that she’s 19 years old; which means I’m old. I remember listening to Seattle grunge music in college, of which Nivana and Kurt Cobain were the founding fathers. I also recall being not only baffled by Kurt and Courtney as a couple, but concerned that they had a child together. Oh, Lord, please watch over that child.

Well, Frances Bean has managed to keep out of the spotlight for most of her life (Courtney, I guess you did something right), only to now surface in a series of artistic photos by fashion photographers Hedi Slimane and Rocky Schenck. Frances Bean – fashion muse. Who knew?

In other random news, did anyone feel the earthquake yesterday? Those of us working on the 11th floor of my office tower certainly felt it. Shew! It was unsettling to say the least and we were several hundred miles away from the epicenter. I went home that evening and while opening the mail, saw our annual statement for our home and auto insurance. I had to laugh when I saw that we waived the earthquake coverage.

It’s Wednesday, friends. Onward and sideways.
Image by Rocky Schenck

And for the record, my headline for this post is not available for reprint. It's the title of my upcoming children's book. :)

Here and There

I would have posted earlier, but Blogger has been down with technical issues. I'm sure many of you were in the same boat, and if not, count yourselves among the more fortunate. (And it appears that all of the very nice comments you left about my son's birthday have disappeared from the previous post. Ugh, gotta love technology.)

We're winding up a busy week and heading into a very busy weekend with a soccer double-header and another birthday celebration. Can't. Keep. Up.

So, because my head is running in many different directions, here are some random thoughts to close out the work week.

Bridesmaids

The new film "Bridesmaids" is out today and it looks H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S.

I love Kristen Wiig, who not only stars in the film, but is one of the writers. She's joined by fellow SNL alum, Maya Rudolph. The New York Times gave it a rave review.  This looks like a must-see, especially for those of us who have donned a bridesmaid dress or two or five. 

From left to right, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wigg, both from Saturday Night Live, and "The Office's" Ellie Kemper in the new comedy, "Bridesmaids." 

And speaking of "The Office," did you catch last night's episode? Very funny. Dwight + Firearms + Office = Bad Things. Can't wait to see who is hired as the new office manager. Could be the British actress seen in the promos, or perhaps one of their own will eventually fill the spot. Who knows. I already miss Steve Carrell, though.

Did you get the latest catalog from Lilly Pulitzer? It's about the size of a W magazine, so you can't miss it. (I also see these items via their daily emails, but there's something still nice about perusing through a lush, color catalog.) Lilly features some really cute clothes for summer that I'm dying to have.

Love the new Docksider Tote - very summer, very beachy, very pink and navy!

The Emily Crew Printed dress is nice, too. It looks super-comfy; something you can dress up or down. And, it's rare to find a Lilly dress under $100 (okay, $2 shy and, with tax, it'll bump you over $100, but I'm just sayin'). 

And last, but not least, you may have seen this on Facebook or received it in an email recently, but had to share this Disney-style comparison with the recent Royal Wedding. It gave me a chuckle.

TGIF, my friends. May you have a fun and restful weekend!
Images from Universal Pictures, Lilly Pulitzer, drewstuff.com

To the Happy Couple

OH, HAPPY DAY!!!!

Photo courtesy of MSNBC

The Fabulous Beekman Boys

Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, aka "The Fabulous Beekman Boys"

I have a new favorite program: “The Fabulous Beekman Boys.” I read about these guys on a couple of other blogs, so I had to check them out to see if all of the tales of fabulousness were true. And, yes, they are! 

 The Beekman Mansion and Farm, Sharon Springs, New York.

Their program is on Planet Green TV, which if you don’t have this cable channel, you can watch episodes for free On Demand. Anyhoo, the Beekman Boys are Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, two city guys who found a beautiful mansion and farm in upstate New York and are trying to make a go of it by selling goat milk products, as well as other goods inspired by their farm living. Their product line is Beekman 1802.

After becoming so enamored with the boys, I just had to order Josh’s book on my Kindle last night. The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers – An Unconventional Memoir, is a hilarious account of their efforts to purchase the farm and make a go of it in the country. Along the way, both men lost their jobs during the peak of the recession; but rest assured, they bounced back. If you like David Sedaris, you’ll really like this book. Josh is a former drag queen turned ad executive. Brent is a doctor, who also served as vice president of healthy living for Martha Stewart Omnimedia. So, with ties to Martha and the world of drag queens, it’s never a dull moment with these two.

I think I may have to purchase the first season of “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” on DVD. I’ve only seen a few episodes of season two via On Demand and they are such fun. If you can, be sure to check it out.

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter. Our weekend was full of a variety of activities leading up to the special day. It was wonderful spending time with family and watching the kids’ excitement over their Easter baskets. I could have done without the endless rain, though. It would have been nice to release our sugar-filled kids into the great outdoors yesterday afternoon. Oh, well. The basement had to suffice.


Happy Easter Monday!Images from www.beekman1802.com and www.planetgreen.discovery.com

Happy Birthday, Amy Sedaris

Today Amy Sedaris turns 50, so I must send birthday wishes to one of the funniest women on earth. No, we're not friends, in fact she doesn't know I'm alive. And, no, I'm not stalking her. But, I adore her sense of humor - as well as that of her brother, David Sedaris - so I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to give a shout-out to crazy-Ms.-Amy today.

Amy Sedaris's humor isn't for everybody, but for those of us with a slightly bent outlook on life, she's our prom queen. She's had a number of bit roles in mainstream television and film, from Carrie's editor on "Sex and the City" to Deb in "Elf," as well as the voice of Cinderella in "Shrek the Third." For those of us more familiar with her comedy-on-the-fringe style, she'll forever be Jerri Blank from "Strangers with Candy." Such a bizarre character that brought tears of laughter to my eyes.

I also own her "cooking and entertaining" book, "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence." Her latest book is called "Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People."

More than 8 out of 10 households have at least 4 out of 5 family members engaging in at least 2 out of 3 crafts 87% of the time. A staggering 98% of this group are homosexual men.
       -"Simple Times"

As David Letterman described her:

What you have to understand about this lovely woman is, in addition to being a fine actress and a wonderful comedienne, she's peculiar.... You have to keep that in mind because she's like -- and joyfully, gladfully -- different from everybody else walking around on the planet. That's what makes her special. That's why we embrace her. But, you know. She's not hooked up right."

And, if you visit her website, you'll see why:

She really wanted some Vicodin one Christmas Eve. Upon walking out of her apartment on a search for it, she ran into a woman on crutches--who took her up to her apartment and gave her Vicodin. Amy calls it the "Miracle on Christopher Street."

She wants to make a sitcom out of 'Night Mother, where the daughter tries to kill herself a different way in every episode.

Things that make Amy laugh: People falling down, monkeys, seeing mushrooms or toadstools, men in fur, skin disorders, people crying while driving.

Yes, I'm a fan. No, you shouldn't be alarmed. If you're a fan, too, then you're smiling and nodding throughout this post. You get it.

Happy Birthday, Amy. Wish I could be a fly on the wall at that party.
Photos from amysedaris.com and IMBD

Farewell

"I've been through it all, baby, I'm mother courage.”

- Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor
1932 - 2011

Photo from fullissue.com, via Google Images

Notes from the Weekend

It was a whirlwind weekend, and morning, literally, with at least two tornadoes touching down just a few miles north of here. Schools were on a delayed schedule because of the severe weather. Miss E. was supposed to have a field trip today, so doesn't look like that's going to happen now. How crazy has this winter been??

The Girl Scouts' Father/Daughter Dance was Friday night. Everyone had a ball. Miss E. was beside herself with excitement, seeing all her friends and their daddies dressed up. Apparently a lot of Justin Bieber was requested at the dance and now Miss E. says she loves "Justin Beaver." Uh, that's gotta stop. Hubby said, "In that one song, all he says is 'Ooo, baby! Oooo, baby!' I could do that!" I'd prefer that you not - the less Bieber in my house, the better.

The rest of the weekend was full of birthday parties and mattress shopping. Yep, we took the plunge and purchased a new mattress. My back and neck are looking forward to its arrival. We shopped while Miss E. was at a birthday party. Little Guy did very well until the end, when he was jumping from one mattress to the other. At least he had taken his shoes off. (A few days ago, I blogged about wanting a TempurPedic, but after trying many brands, we settled on the Simmons ComforPedic - same memory-foam concept, but much more affordable. I'm VERY happy with our choice.) 

In other news, congrats to all of the wonderful Oscar winners and nominees. Although,  I have to say I was more than underwhelmed with the hosting abilities of Anne Hathaway and James Franco. Some of the opening scenes spoofing the nominated films were funny, but then it went downhill from there. It was borning and I couldn't stay awake for the major awards. We were cheering on Louisville native, Jennifer Lawrence, on her nomination for "Winter's Bone." She rocked that red dress! Big hopes for the hometown girl, but no surprise that Natalie Portman won - she was amazing in that role. And, dear Colin Firth, you are so very deserving of the Oscar. Cheers to you!

What did you think of the Oscars this year?

Really???

Really? You poison two historic trees because you're a fan of a rival school? And maybe because you're crazy as a loon? How very sad.

To all the Auburn faithful, my sympathies for the loss of the grand, old oaks at Toomer's Corner. All of us in the SEC support you, as do many across the country.

And, hey, people, let's get a grip.
Image from Birmingham News

A Case of the Mondays

It's Monday...that's all I got.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. Congrats to the Packers. I'll share my favorite commercial from the Super Bowl, which I actually saw on YouTube earlier in the week. Super-cute.

Have a good one, folks. May the force be with you. 

Never Thought I'd See the Day...

Did I mention that Hubby gave me a Kindle for Christmas? Yeah, me the hardcover-book-loving-purist got a Kindle. Did I ask for one? No. Do I now love it? YES!!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would join Team Kindle, but it's pretty darn cool. I can download just about any book at the touch of a few buttons. This can also be dangerous,  because you can quickly rack up the charges with Amazon.

I was worried that I wouldn't like reading from a screen, especially since I spend a great portion of my day in front of a computer. But, there is no glare. It's very viewer-friendly and light. I also feel like I read faster with a Kindle, but maybe that's just me. I did whip through my first e -book pretty quickly. Perhaps I should actually give credit to the author who wrote a very engrossing story, though, rather than the instrument on which I read it. :)

Don't worry, I haven't totally gone electronic with my reading. I also received the final installment of the "Girl" trilogy for Christmas, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest," which I'm currently reading in hardcopy form. Yes, I'm bopping back and forth between two different stories, one in hardcopy and one on an e-book. I'm weird like that.

Anyone else go to the e-side/dark side recently? If so, what do you think?
Image courtesy of SUNY Press

Need a Feel-Good Moment?

I heard this story on the way home yesterday and it brought tears of joy to my eyes. End your week on a sweet note by listening to this interview with Elizabeth Hughes, as well as watching her performance of the National Anthem at a hockey game (keep in mind that the audio on her microphone cuts out while she's singing).

Hope you have a great weekend! On Saturday we'll be hosting friends at our house as we cheer on the Wildcats against LSU (GO CATS!!!), as well as the Steelers against Baltimore. Stay warm, everyone!
Image courtesy of You Tube and interview taken from NPR

Who's Dating??

Sorry, I'm going to be a little tabloidy (my word of the day) and write about the latest couple sighting: Meg Ryan and John Mellencamp. How random is this? I guess no more random that his marriage to Elaine Irwin, which lasted close to 20 years, an eternity in the world of show business, or even for regular folk in some cases.

I’m a big Mellencamp fan. Saw him perform at IU several years ago. When Hubbie lived in Bloomington, he saw Elaine Irwin out-and-about with the kids sometimes. The Mellencamps lived a quiet life in their small town. Guess things change.

What I wish hadn’t changed was Meg. I’m also a big fan of hers and it so bothers me that the Hollywood Machine got a hold of her and convinced her that she needed plastic surgery. Such a shame.

So, I guess I've had my first "What the what??" moment of 2011.

How do you wear these??
On another random note, my shearling boots from L.L. Bean arrived the other day. They are super-comfy, but I can’t tuck my jeans into them! Am I going to have to buy jeggings to even wear these things or not tuck in the pants legs? I probably ought to send them back and get something more practical. They are toasty-warm, though. :)
Image taken from People Magazine

Goode is Good

 

Thought I'd start the weekend off with some eye-candy for my girlfriends: Matthew Goode. Sigh.

I happened to catch the film "Leap Year" on HBO the other night featuring Mr. Goode opposite Amy Adams. While it was very formulaic, it was a cute film. I loved the fact that it was set in Ireland and that I had actually been to many of the places featured in the film.  

I've long had crushes on several British actors, from Hugh Grant and Jude Law to Clive Owen and the latest, Mr. Goode. I have to say, the Brits can turn them out. As can Scotland, home of Gerard Butler, as well as Ireland, thank you Emerald Isle for Jonathan Rhys Meyers (and Bono). Who is your favorite actor from Across the Pond?

So, while I'm not offering a Christmas entry today, it's always good to take a diversion from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and just look at something pretty. ;)
Images courtesy of matthewgoode.net and imnotobsessed