FACTS AND FAIRYTALES

JUSTIFIABLY AWESOME

2012-02-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Justified is only five episodes into its third season, but it's already packing the punch that most shows have in the last quarter of theirs.

There's guns, criminals, drugs and a whole lotta suspense, but there's also romance and dark humor, which make this a sort of modern-day western. I wouldn't say that the western genre is in any danger of dying out, but it's nice to see a project paying homage to cowboys and crooks and the ladies who love them.

JUST THE TIP...OF THE WEEK

2012-02-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

In the morning I'm usually too rushed to sit down and eat a real breakfast, and at the end of the day I'm not always in the mood to cook, so as a way to balance out my occasional dietary transgressions, I make myself eat a salad at lunch every day.

While this has become routine for me, it doesn't mean that I actually like it. I don't. I hate salad, and whenever I go out to eat, I make a point of never ordering it, because I'm so sick of eating it every day at the office. But, I do it because I know it's good for me and my long term health and someday I'll be thankful that I forced myself to stuff my mouth with spring greens and vegetables once a day.

I rarely add dressing to my salad, because the way I see it, if I put all the good stuff in it (ranch, cheese, croutons etc.), it would kinda defeat the purpose of forcing myself to eat a healthy meal once a day. So I'll add a spritz of lemon juice, a few feta crumbles and the usual helping of carrots, mushrooms, cucumber and almonds, but I recently stumbled across a new favorite extra -- craisins!

Don't worry too much about that November 2011 OceanSpray recall -- buy a packet of these suckers and add them to your leafy greens and taste your salad going from a 6 to an 8.

DEAR AMC

2012-02-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

I love Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Hell On Wheels and The Walking Dead. These are all amazing television programs that deserve every single Emmy and Golden Globe nomination and award they've ever won, and I am always encouraging my friends to start watching these shows. The story does matter here, and from the cinematography to character development, these are A+ quality series.

That being said, what on earth were you guys thinking putting a show like Comic Book Men in your weekly lineup? Sure Kevin Smith has worked on some halfway decent projects in the past, but even if I genuinely cared about what he does behind the scenes, I would have absolutely no interest in watching a show about a bunch of old nerdy men who work at a comic book store. This show would be right at home on G4 or A&E, but it just doesn't belong on your network.

Furthermore, why would you ever make rabid Walking Dead fans watch the first 15 minutes of this snoozefest for a 60 second clip from next week's episode of Dead? That was torture. I won't do it again.

JUST A THOUGHT...

2012-02-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

Why wait until Valentine's Day to show someone how much you love them?

Even if you don't have a man or woman in your life, I think February 14 should serve as a reminder that the world would be a better place if we showed everyone around us a little more love.

Whether it's letting a fellow driver squeeze in front of you during rush hour or bringing cookies to the office for your co-workers, just think of how a simple and sweet gesture could make someone's day that much better...

MY TURN!

2012-02-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

As far as I can tell, no one else has made a "What I Really Do..." for celeb bloggers, so I decided to use my lunch break to whip up my take on the latest internet trend.

Someday I'll get a real job...

WISH LIST TRIP #43

2012-02-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

This is definitely a bit more doable than my last wish list trip, as it is a cheaper and shorter journey (a roundtrip plane ticket from LAX to Wyoming costs $500, whereas connecting flights to Bolivia run upwards of $1200).

I've been to Yellowstone before, but I was about 7 years old so I didn't have the appreciation for wildlife that I do now. I also didn't have a Canon 7D, so I really want to go back and take a closer look at the beautiful sights the park has to offer. I remember seeing bison and spectacular sunsets, but I want to get some cool shots of the thermal springs (specifically the Morning Glory pool, pictured above) and I REALLY want to see the wolves during the winter months.

This is a trip I will be booking for this time next year...who want to come with me?

SORRY MATT DAMON...

2012-02-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

But I'm WAY more excited about this guy kicking ass in The Bourne Legacy than I am about your character. But isn't he supposed to be taking over the Mission Impossible franchise too? Hmm...

JUST THE TIP...OF THE WEEK

2012-02-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

It's all about laser hair removal.

After years of torture with waxing and shaving, I finally elected to get this procedure done, and while it's expensive and something that requires at least 5-6 appointments, it's totally worth it, and it doesn't hurt anywhere near as much as you'd expect.

I've had electrolysis on my eyebrows, I've been under the tattoo needle several times and as I previously mentioned, I've spent a fair amount of time at the waxing salon, and this isn't anywhere near as bad as any of these experiences. Not only that, but after one session, I can already see a difference in the amount of hair growing back -- I can't wait to see how much of it is gone after a few more sessions.

So, if you have the budget to get yourself waxed over the next few years, please do yourself a favor and visit a laser salon instead -- you'll thank me later.

MY PILOT DIDN'T GET PICKED UP...

2012-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

But my friend Heather's did!

Check out the trailer for The Girl's Guide To Depravity, which premieres on Cinemax February 24th. This sassy and sexy show will make you laugh, cringe and cover your mouth in shock, and you may even sympathize with these characters because you've been in their shoes before. And if you haven't, one of your skanky friends certainly has!

I WON'T BE SEEING THIS

2012-02-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

If I am with a group of friends and this is the movie they want to see, I'm not going to make a huge stink about it, but I wouldn't decide to go see This Means War on my own time.

The plot seems a little bit on the hokey side, but like any other romcom/action combo flick, I can get behind it. What I can't get behind, however, is Reese Witherspoon as the object of Tom Hardy and Chris Pine's affection. No offense to Reese, but I don't think of her as a sexy blonde that two grown men would fight over -- I think of her as a late 30something soccer mom who shops at Whole Foods and drives a Lexus SUV. I liked her as June Carter in Walk The Line and she was alright with Jake Gyllenhaal in Rendition, but I think it's time for her to retire her hottie card and go for the mom roles.

LOVE IT

2012-02-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of bumper stickers, but after seeing this on a car the other day, I felt compelled to find out where I could get one and what organizations might be benefiting from the sale of these stickers.

To my delight, I discovered that the company behind these also sells t-shirts (I already ordered one), and they support nearly 30 non-profit groups dedicated to preserving America's wilderness. When I'm not working, I dabble in wildlife photography, and I'm well aware of the fact that when I have children some day, they may not be lucky enough to see some of the things that I've seen. From forests disappearing to animals going extinct, it is important for every human being to understand the importance of conservation and what they can do to help preserve our planet.

I wanted to pass this along because this logo really represents everything that I believe in, and I'd love to see this company expand their list of partnerships.

CRACK ON TV

2012-02-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

I dare you to start watching Storage Wars and turn it off after just one episode...

Those close to me know that I really have no idea what's going on when it comes to popular reality television, but every great once in a while I'll stumble across a show from this genre that I just can't turn off.

This doesn't have the same draw as Game Of Thrones or Revenge -- it's a cheaply produced series on A&E with a very formulaic structure and absolutely no underlying meaning. It's about a bunch of people who buy abandoned storage lockers and hope to strike gold with antiques or valuables sealed away inside a trunk that's been long forgotten. That's it. No enviable prizes, no catty judges -- just regular (and some really trashy) folks looking to make a quick buck. Ok, so Barry Weiss emerges as the show's star because he's an eccentric millionaire with a strangely likable personality, but there's absolutely no legitimate reason for me to spend hours glued to the couch watching this crap.

I've never done crack, so I can't speak from experience, but I hear it's insanely addictive and a huge waste of time. Funny, I think I know exactly what that's like...

ON BOARD

2012-02-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

I'm a horse girl, so I may be a little bit biased here, but I love love love HBO's new series, Luck.

The show has an all star cast (Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, et al) and it's already been renewed for a second season, but what's most interesting to me is how the stories are inspired by real events. They haven't necessarily said that, but the horse business is probably one of the dirtiest ones out there, so I'm hopeful that they'll give viewers an understanding of the horrors and thrills that go on behind closed doors at the racetrack.

Despite the greed, gambling and utter lack of concern for the animals, there are always trainers and riders who stand up for what they believe in, because they understand and cherish the bond between humans and horses. Should be interesting to see what they do with the balance of good and evil -- I'll definitely be watching the whole season.

NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL

2012-02-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

Lana Del Rey managed to redeem herself last night when she performed "Video Games" on The Late Show, but it's still obvious that live shows are not her strong suit.

However, if you're willing to overlook the aforementioned problem (and her horrendous duck lips), she looks hot and confident in her music videos and she has killer style. She reminds me of a cross between a young Julia Roberts and Hermione Granger (which is not necessarily a bad thing), and I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't jealous of her fine figure. So she's already earned a few bonus points there, but wait -- there's more!

I downloaded Born To Die yesterday, and it was well worth the $8 on iTunes. In fact, I'd give it an A-, because I can't stop listening to it. She's already been compared to Nancy Sinatra, but I also get hints of The Cardigans and Fiona Apple when Lana (real name: Elizabeth Grant) stretches her vocal range on some of the tracks. "Blue Jeans" and "Radio" are among my favorites, but I like almost everything on the album, and if everyone else is having the same reaction to her CD, all that money her millionaire father poured into her music career is finally paying off. Hurray!

She revealed in a recent interview that she's struggled with singing in front of people, telling Rolling Stone that she is "not a natural performer or exhibitionist" and that when she was younger, she "hated the focus, and it made [her] feel strange." She does get extra points for that admission, but at this point I think she should stick to doing what she does best (making great tunes and music videos) and stay away from the stage. Then again, who knows? Can she really improve her live shows enough to make me want to buy tickets to see her? That remains to be seen...

SHE HAS A POINT...

2012-02-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

In my eyes, Jennifer Lawrence can do no wrong. She's an amazing actress, she pretty much stole the show at the Oscars last year (how could anyone forget her ridiculously hot bod and that red Calvin Klein dress?!), and she seems, well...nice. She's the total package, and if I ever get around to writing a feature-length script, I want to write something for her.

While I may be a bit biased because I absolutely adore her, a recent quote of hers got me thinking. She chatted with a reporter (via ContactMusic, so who knows where it really came from) and compared the futuristic and violent world of The Hunger Games to the way our generation feeds off of reality television programming. Naturally, she compared teenagers fighting to the death to Kim Kardashian's failed marriage, and while it does seem like she's a bit sympathetic towards Ray J's former sex tape partner, she definitely has a point.

Jen proclaimed, "We all can't wait to tune in to the new season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians to watch a marriage be destroyed. That's such a heartbreaking, terrible thing to happen to anybody and we tune in and watch it. We're become more and more desensitised to the things we see on TV. That's our entertainment: people suffering."

Of course, Kim approved of the footage being aired, which makes me loathe her and her famewhoring ways even more, but she knew she had to because it would blow the show's ratings through the roof. And it did, and as a result, she's got a closet full of Louboutins and Birkins. But let's not blame her...we're the ones buying into every last bit of it, so ultimately it's our fault. Er, right?

MARKING MY CALENDAR FOR MARCH 10...

2012-01-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

I may not be a fan of Sarah Palin, but that doesn't mean that I'm not utterly fascinated by her story and the drama surrounding her 2008 run for Vice President.

HBO always delivers, and from what I've seen so far, Julianne Moore absolutely nails the role of Palin in the upcoming Game Change. I think this movie could do for Palin what W. did for George W. Bush...we may still think she's a moron, but we will discover that she does indeed have human qualities to which we relate.

REMEMBER THIS?

2012-01-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, my ~~parents~~ mom always cooked a wide range of healthy and delicious meals for dinner, so I never had any complaints. However, every great once in a while we'd indulge our inner fatties and pick up pizza from our favorite local spot, and we always got 2 or three cans of Hawaiian Punch to drink with it.

I know it's absolutely disgusting. It's only 5% juice and if you drink too much of it on an empty stomach, I'm sure it would have some sort of immediate and negative effect on your body, but when you slurp it out of an ice cold can, it just goes soooo well with pizza. The other day I was eating a piece (with gluten-free crust, of course) and all I wanted was a swig of this fruity beverage to wash down the cheese and tomato sauce. I haven't had Hawaiian Punch in years, and I might be the only individual with such fond memories of this sugar-laden liquid, so I just wanted to give it a little shout out.

IS GLUTEN-FREE THE WAY TO GO?

2012-01-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

The first time I ever met someone on a gluten-free diet, I seriously questioned how she was able to enjoy eating (and life, for that matter) with so many restrictions on what she could put in her mouth. She told me it was something she eventually got used to, and that it was actually a much healthier way to live, but I still wasn't convinced. Give up carbs? I mean, maybe I could do it for a month, but forever?

Despite my initial doubts, I did some research (and fell in love with a man who's moderately allergic to wheat products) and I found that going gluten-free is far easier than I ever imagined. From rice-based pastas to swapping bread/wraps for corn tortillas, I've gotten quite used to the lifestyle and I've even mastered a few dishes over the last few months. I'm currently about 75% g-free, and I only slip up when I forget my breakfast and grab a muffin at Bristol Farms or have flour-enriched rice in my sushi. Thankfully I don't have allergies or Celiac disease, so I'm not in huge trouble if I cheat, but I've often wondered if I should just go all the way and go completely g-free. You see, not only does it make you more creative in the kitchen, but it also forces you to make healthier eating choices.

Of course, if I just HAVE to have red velvet cupcakes, I can a) go wait in line for 40 minutes and buy the amazing g-free ones at Sprinkles or b) spend an hour or two slaving away in the kitchen making them with my special King Arthur rice flour, which is kind of a pain. However, I usually change my mind and end up busting out a bag of carrots and a dollop of peanut butter, because it's quicker, cheaper and better for me. See? It's working in my favor already. Let's see how long I can keep this up...

IT'S OK JANUARY, I STILL LOVE YOU

2012-01-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

While I'll admit that January Jones' thespian skills are in the C+ range in flicks like X-Men or Unknown, I'll always be a huge fan of her portrayal of Betty Draper on Mad Men. This role was truly created for her, and I believe every single word that comes out of her perfect little pout.

However, it seems like Ms. Jones isn't the most popular blonde starlet on the block, as she recently told E! News, "I find it really interesting that people think that like, in seasons three and four, [Betty has] become unlikable because she's become more independent. Everybody liked Betty when she was like in a living hell in season one and two, and now they hate her ... I think as an audience member you can empathize with her struggling to find happiness -- I think it's an ongoing process. I think it's funny that it carries over into my life, my actual life, when [showrunner] Matt [Weiner] writes a storyline that Betty's unlikable, all of a sudden everybody hates me. I hope she gets a little more well received."

I took a theater arts class in college, and while I pretty much sucked at everything from memorizing monologues to rehearsing dialogue, I always had an urge to get into acting. Not for the money, fame or free shit, but because I think it would pretty much be the most awesome experience ever to play a character you knew you were born to play. Me? I'd love to play a gun-toting badass, a bitchy rocker chick or a 19th century cowgirl, but I would want to feel like I owned the role 100%. Ms. Jones may never be nominated for an Oscar, but she absolutely nails her part in AMC's award-winning show, and for that reason and that reason alone, I absolutely adore her.

OOPSIE

2012-01-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

I am a writer by trade, but despite my best efforts, I still make typos from time to time.

While I would rather punch myself in the face with a morning star than take a job as a copy editor, I do understand the fundamentals of grammar and sentence structure. I know the difference between their, they're and there (you'd be amazed at how many college educated people don't), I understand possessive pronouns, and most importantly, I know when I'm breaking the rules. Don't end a sentence with a preposition, put a space on either side of an ellipsis, and make sure you back up your statements with evidence and an explantation. Blah, blah, blah.

That being said, I am a comma-happy scribe with a tendency of using run-on sentences, and while I love writing, I'm well aware of the fact that I could occasionally benefit from an editor (or at least a second set of eyes). Knowing is half the battle, and as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather be a creative writer who needs a little improvement on their mechanics than a technically-gifted editor who lacks creative punch. That's all.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS...

2012-01-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

I'm heartbroken.

The lease on my 2010 GT Mustang is up, and when I went to the Ford dealership the other day, I got some bad news: The deal I got back in late 2009 no longer exists, and the only way I can get a 2012 GT is if I buy it and spend about twice what I did on the down payment and the monthlies. I love the 5.0 GT and I nearly creamed myself when I got to test drive her, but not enough to spend that kind of money on a car that I'd probably want to sell after 7-8 years. Owning an American-made car is a pain in the ass, especially when the warranty expires in 5-6 years (and yes, I've owned a Mustang before, and all I have to say is, never again!).

Apparently when Ford re-designed the GT two years ago and gave it extra 90 horsepower, the banks all stopped their leasing programs because the car's increased engine power presented it as a liability. It makes sense, but I have a clean driving record and I am very responsible human being, so surely I'd be an exception, right? Nope. The only affordable deal I could get was on a suped up V6 (test drove it and hated it), so I passed and immediately began researching other cars in my price range that I could see myself driving. Chevy Camaro (and not the V6 stock model). Acura TSX. Mercedes C250. BMW 3 series. Sigh. Nothing really stood out to me, but the frontrunners are currently the Camaro and the TSX, unless something changes with the 412 HP 5.0 liter GT Mustang with the V8 engine. That car will always be the one that got away...

MY PRECIOUS

2012-01-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

I never thought I'd be able to justify spending $60 on 1.7 ounces of face cream, but after I stumbled across this stuff last year, I am now hooked.

For the record, I do not make extravagant purchases or live beyond my means, but after finally finding the facial moisturizer of my dreams, I am more than happy to shell out a ridiculous sum of cash every three months when it's time to re-stock my vanity cabinet.

I have combination skin, so not only do I need something that actually moisturizes, but I need something that won't make me a greasy mess at the end of the day. This does both. My only complaint? That it comes in a glass container, which I could very easily drop and shatter into a million little pieces. Of course, I love this stuff so much, I'd probably scoop it off the floor in an attempt to salvage half an ounce of it. Shh...don't tell.

WISH LIST TRIP #56

2012-01-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

I love to travel and I love taking photos, so I'm always on the lookout for yet another dream trip to add to my wish list. The salt flats in Bolivia are definitely up there, and after taking a peek at these photos, you can probably see why I'm dying to go here!

Oh, and it's just as stunning when it's not coated with a few inches of water:

WOLVERINES!

2012-01-18T22:01:00.000-08:00

If you have 50 minutes to kill and love fat, furry animals with lots of personality, do yourself a favor and watch this PBS documentary on wolverines...

I HEART ZOMBIES

2012-01-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

I hate scary movies.

Okay, that's a lie. I am secretly a huge fan, but I'm embarrassing to be around when I'm watching them and I can't get through one by myself. I generally won't see films like Saw or Hostel, but I can handle stuff like Piranha, and I think there is something to be said for stories that balance the perfect amount of suspense and cheesy humor (a la Fright Night). I've always been a fan of vampire-related stuff, but it's only recently that I've taken a liking to the zombie genre.

I've seen the bare minimum as far as movies go (28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, Night of the Living Dead etc.) and last year I got into AMC's The Walking Dead. And oh, did I get into it. The first season was pretty good, but the second had me screaming, crying and digging my nails into my boyfriend so hard he had marks up and down his arm. Around the same time, I started reading World War Z, which follows a UN staffer around the world as he interviews survivors of the zombie invasion. Yes, this is the one Brad Pitt and his production company turned into a movie, and after a few chapters, it's easy to see why. It's the kind of story you can't stop thinking about, whether you're imagining the actors who will be cast in the film or wondering what would really happen if an army of dead people reanimate and destroyed our lives. Not only is it a great complement to Walking Dead, but the stories are presented as quick segments, so you can easily put the book down and pick it back up a few days later without losing the focus of the plot. I'm not sure if I am enjoying WWZ more than I would if I wasn't tuning in to AMC every week to watch flesh eating corpses terrorize everyone, but it's definitely something I wanted to share.

Next up? Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.