The Marriage of Furt

Did you see last night's episode of Glee??? While it didn't stand up to last week's Gwyneth episode, for me, it was pretty fun. 

SPOILER ALERT!

The wedding music for Burt and Carol's wedding was awesome! I almost want to save it for my own wedding. I loved their ceremony -- cue the tears -- the entrance, their first dance and Finn's tribute to Kurt. It's hard to pick a favorite.

Speaking of Kurt, what a great job he did with the wedding design! I couldn't find many pictures online, but here's a picture of Lea Michelle in her bridesmaid dress.

The colors were perfect for a fall wedding! You can't see it, but she had an orange Gerbera in her hair, and the flower bouquets were in similar tones. I don't normally go for reds, but this shade was really pretty and flattering. The Glee girls all wore the same color but in different dress styles -- a trend I'm loving for weddings.

Love was floating all around in this episode, but I can't say it was overly cheesy... well, except maybe for the wedding of Sue and Sue.

And, with the exception of Kurt's issues with bullying at school. Props to the Glee dudes for sticking up for him, along with Burt. But it just wasn't enough, and the episode ended with Kurt announcing his transfer to a private prep school with a strict no harassment policy.

While Kurt is leaving the school, it doesn't seem like he'll completely leave the show, as his new school is competing in regionals. 

What did you think of "Furt?"

{Image via perezhilton.com}

Possibly the best episode of "Glee" ever!

I'm a couple days late with this, but I've been fighting a bad cold. I loved Tuesday's episode of Glee. It might be my favorite episode thus far.

Gwyneth Paltrow is my new favorite thing -- the next vocal star. She has a country music movie coming out, the title track of which she performed at this year's Country Music Awards. Now she's flexing her singing muscles on Glee. Incredible. We know she's a great actress, but now she's a great vocalist. I really hope she comes out with a country album because I'll totally buy it.

I freakin' loved all of her performances! And Will Schuster's Singing in the Rain dream scene with Mike Chang? Awesomeness. Singing in the Rain is one of my favorite musicals of all time. I loved the mashed-up, "modern" spin at the end with Paltrow.

Let's not leave out the Tuesday after-school special point on self-esteem and respecting yourself enough to speak up when the situation calls for it. As cheesy as it is, I think we all need reminders like that at times. When was the last time you bit your tongue because you held the unpopular viewpoint?

If you haven't seen this episode, find it and watch it. I guarantee you'll be entertained.

Sorry if this post is a little all over the place... it might be the drugs writing. :)

{Image via Google Images}

Fall TV, it's so good to see you!

I did this last week, and I think it's going to stick around for a while: Beth's Friday Fives. Don't worry, I may still throw in a Fill in the Blank Friday or something here and there. Let me know what you think, and I hope you will join in; you should be able to click the "5" to link to Beth's blog, Just Me and My Life.

shows that are coming back on this fall that you have missed over the Summer!

I just got into Glee mid last season, but I fell hard. This was probably the show I was most looking forward to, although it creeps me out that Rachel has bangs and Quinn is back to head cheerleader.

Ok, I might have a secret crush on Gordon Ramsey. I know there are many haters out there, but I really can't get enough of him. I'll gladly hand over my entire paycheck to dine at any one of his restaurants, and I love watching him weed through chefs in Hell's Kitchen.

This show has become predictable, but I still find Patrick Jane's character amusing. I love the smirk and irreverent way he solves homicides.

Whoa baby, gimme more of that Agent Morgan. When he leaves the show, I will leave the show. Until then, I'll put up with the disturbed plot lines.

It wouldn't be fall without football! Besides Glee, this is really what I was looking forward to this September. I've enjoyed three blissful Sundays so far watching my beloved New England Patriots, and I'm looking forward to many more through... February! Yeah, I'm cocky.

What shows were you looking forward to this fall? I know more than a few of you out there are football fans too! How are your teams faring?

{All images via Google images}

Guilty Pleasure Confession

SPOILER ALERT!

Ok, I admit it: I have been watching The Bachelor Pad. Every episode, all season. I've cringed at the pettiness, shook my head at the drama, laughed at the ridiculous shallowness... and enjoyed every single second.

If anything, I think this show was a valuable sociology experiment. To me, it proved that even grown adults can resort back to their high school ways when placed in extreme situations. Women still get that girlish jealousy when their relationship security is threatened, and boys will be boys -- even when they are perceived to be men.

This was a game, but what the hosts and some contestants said all along was right: This was about relationshp-building... under the guise of a game for a quarter of a million dollars. It really didn't matter if you won or lost the challenges, however, as long as you were playing fair and forming genuine relationships. In the end, that is what it came down to.

Dave Goode and Natalie Getz ended up being the final couple after winning over a majority vote among the former housemates, over Kiptyn Locke and Tenley Molzahn. I want to state for the record that Kiptyn and Tenley totally deserved to win the dancing challenge; they blew everyone else out of the water!

I don't think I was surprised at the way the housemates voted because, even though Dave was a jerk at times, he was up-front with pretty much everyone. Natalie may have been the party girl, but she formed some real friendships with a lot of people and stuck up for those she felt deserved it, like Peyton and Jesse B. Kiptyn and Tenley seemed to be two of the sweetest people in the house, but perhaps that is why people didn't trust them in the end.

The final decision came down to the final couple themselves! I was a little surprised at this final challenge, but I guess it fits into the whole relationship aspect of the show. Natalie and Dave came through on their relationship and friendship, however, and they chose to share the money, hopefully solidifying their bond. I'll confess, I wasn't sure Natalie was going to share because she did come across as being selfish, but I was glad to see that she really valued her relationship with Dave, as she said.

I am happy with the conclusion. I didn't like Natalie or Dave during a lot of the show, but they won my heart towards the end once they got serious with each other. I thought they were a great team, and I think they really respect and care for each other.

Ok, time for you to come clean... Have you been watching The Bachelor Pad? What did you think of the show? What did you think of the finale? Would you like the show to continue? I think I'd be curious about another season, personally.

{Images via ivstatic.com & Top Reasons to Love the Bachelor}

My Boob Tube Favorites

Following this week's Fill in the Blank Friday, I will also post my thankful thoughts for today. Link up at Lauren's if you are going to play along. By the way, I'll warn you, I totally filled in these blanks off the cuff; there was not much thought put into them, and I did not edit them. Enjoy!

1. My favorite current TV show is       "Glee." For a show that took me an entire season to get into, I can't get enough of it now!

2. The TV character I can relate to most is      There are days I still feel like Joey Potter on "Dawson's Creek." Loved that show  .

3. My life is like (fill in with TV show and why)....       I don't think I watch any shows that my life is like... It would totally be one of those sitcoms about a young, newlywed couple sans kids... Hm... Sex and the City?!? Yeah... Miranda and Steve... Charlotte and Harry... yup! That's kinda like my life  .

4. My all time favorite TV show is      see above: "Dawson's Creek." Kinda pathetic, I know .

5. A TV show that is ridiculously stupid, but I continue to watch is     "Bachelor Pad." Whoa... mid-episode, I always find myself shocked at myself for allowing myself to be mesmerized by all the drama  .

6. My favorite TV couple is      Can I saw Ali and Roberto from this past season of "The Bachelorette"? I just heart them, and I think they're perfect for each other   .

7. One TV episode I could watch over and over again is       the episode of "Dawson's Creek" just after the start of school when Dawson "breaks up" with Joey again after she crawled through his bedroom window dressed all sexy. I cry EVERY TIME    . 

It's Friday, and I'm grateful!

• Today is my road trip up to NH for Ski Haus' pre-season ski gear sale. Yes, it's August, and I'm already thinking about hitting the slopes. I'm hoping to find a helmet, tinted goggles and a pair of mittens.... for under $200. Yeah, we'll see.

• I have another full weekend ahead of me after having yesterday and today off. That is a wonderful feeling.

• I'm thankful for my fabulous family and friends. I love them so much for gracing my life.

Have a good weekend, everyone! 

Risk everything for love.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Did you watch The Bachelorette finale last night? 

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!

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I couldn't be happier. I was cheesin', totally cheesin'.

I'll be honest, after reading the blogs and People TV Watch, I really thought Ali was going to break down and not go through with it. I thought she was going to break it off with both guys. Even as the episode went on, I had no idea who she was going to choose until she started talking to Chris on their last date.

While I liked Chris, I agree with Ali that he's a great friend, but Roberto is husband material. I knew he was perfect for her when she kept saying how safe she felt with him. That is crucial. That meant the trust was there, so she could have faith in their relationship at the end. 

I liked Roberto from early on when he took Ali out to the courtyard of the Bachelor house, dressed to the nines, to play catch with a baseball. I liked him even more when he danced with her in the middle of the street in Portugal. 

And it was so cute how he kissed her in the middle of the tightrope on their first one-on-one date, then righted her as she started to fall off. 

Oh, and don't get me started on The Lion King.

Chris was cute, but Roberto is sexy. The only thing Chris had going for him was the Massachusetts thing, and when he met her family, I really thought that might just slice the cake. 

Every woman wants, and needs, a Roberto in their life. Right? Tell me: Is your man the Roberto in your life? Do you think Ali made the right choice, if you watch the show, of course? What would you do in her shoes, who would you pick?

{Images via Google Images}

"Bachelorette" Men Tell Nothing New

We are one week away from finding out Ali's fate on The Bachelorette. Will it be Chris or Roberto? I have no idea; I like them both, although I'm slightly more attracted to Roberto. I'm hoping Ali knows! Ha ha. I really think she would have picked Frank if the whole thing didn't go up in flames in Tahiti, and that would have disappointed me to no end. I lost all respect for Frank when he started whining about the other guys' existence in Ali's romantic life.

Also in one week, we will be introduced to The Bachelor Pad. Lord help us. I'm not quite sure what the purpose of this show is -- something about $250,000 -- but it looks like a shit show. Seriously. First of all, last night's previews showed that both Craig M. (who was not in attendance for The Men Tell All) and Jonathan, a.k.a. "The Weatherman," are on the show. Whoa... I wonder if their drama will continue. I don't know if I could take much more of that. Second, Jessie, from Jake's season of The Bachelor and of I'm-going-to-rat-out-Justin-to-Ali fame, is on the show. I read, last week, that after last night's filming of The Men Tell All (ugh, they said nothing we didn't already know), Jessie and Kirk "felt a connection." Yes, Ali's "friend" Jessie from last season is supposedly dating Kirk, the fourth-to-last guy Ali eliminated. Hmmm... interesting. I'd like to see how this plays out on the new show.

Ok, about last night's episode.

Kasey proved he can come up with a catchy, original tune when he sang to Ali, after EVERYONE blatantly made fun of him all night to his face.

Justin didn't show, Frank didn't show and Craig M. didn't show. Three guys I really wanted to see.

Chris, a.k.a. "The Phantom," spoke more than anyone has ever heard him speak. His phantom segment was probably the funniest part of last night's episode. That had me rolling.

I was shocked Jonathan kept his mouth shut as much as he did.

I wanted to hear more from Ty. I liked him.

I also wanted to hear more from the guys that were cut right away. Like the "Outdoorsman." Is that a profession? Legitimately? Someone please explain to me what an outdoorsman does because I really always considered that a hobby, not a career.

The best part of the show was Chris Harrison. He should win an Emmy. I love that guy, and he would be the one I would hand the last rose to if I was a bachelorette. He has been there for Ali so much, and he's pretty cute.

Did you guys bother tuning into last night's special episode? Will you watch next week's finale? Who gets your vote: Chris or Roberto? ... Or maybe someone who was already eliminated?

Sorry if this post is a little all over the place. I'm sick (again!), and I'm a tad scatter-brained. Oh, and before we wrap, I'm sending a huge congratulations and best wishes and a happy birthday to the Lawlors, who welcomed Baby S this morning!


{Image via Ali's Bachelorette Blog}

Would you leave him stranded on a glacier?

SPOILER ALERT!

There were no surprises on The Bachelorette last night; the two guys I thought would go home, did. I agree with Ali's choices, and I'm intrigued for next week to learn which of the remaining guys has a boyfriend and gets chased off the show! I bet it's Justin... or Craig. They are the only two I can think would maybe do that. 

Let's talk about Justin... Man, he treats Ali like a world championship wrestling belt and every rose ceremony like a win in the ring. Get off the wrestling analogies. This is love. Or, it's supposed to be. When he talked about his two-on-one date with Ali and Kasey, all he could talk about was Kasey; I don't think he mentioned Ali once. At least he got it together for his alone time with Ali on the date. I am glad he got the walking cast though, because crossing that glacier on crutches would not be easy.

Kasey, Kasey, Kasey, Ali totally pinned you. You weren't in love with her, you're in love with being in love. Not even, you're in love with the idea of being in love. That tattoo was the final shovelful of dirt on your grave. Plus, you were really starting to sound suicidal.

Kirk was the cutest on his date with Ali around Reykjavik. Trying on the sweaters was cute, buying matching sweaters and mittens you could hold hands in was a little mushy, continually wearing your sweater that matches Ali's was way over the top. Dude wore it to the rose ceremony! Instead of a suit! It is a nice sweater though... for Ali.

Ali, I loved your rose ceremony gown. I want it. Even though Jed thinks the strap looks like Mickey Mouse in the front.

Girl, when a guy (Kirk) tells you he got really sick back in college from mold and asbestos exposure, don't just sit there and smile at him, then give him a kiss and tell him you like him or whatever stupid thing you said. You didn't even ask if he was ok now! C'mon. A little empathy and concern would be nice for a man you could see as your future husband.

Roberto, I want to have your children. Period. You can do no wrong in my book.

I also want to swim with Roberto in the Blue Lake. Amazing.

The tattoo joke Craig pulled before the rose ceremony was super risky. That could have gone so badly, and guy had no idea how Ali was going to react. Thankfully, you made me laugh... and Ali too.

Chris whatever your name is from Orlando, FL, don't be surprised Ali sent you packing. No one knows who you are, which means Ali doesn't either. You did nothing with the five minutes she gave you to enable her to know you better. You are awkward and weird. Just be thankful she didn't leave you stranded on a glacier while she flew off in a helicopter with The Wrestler.

Sound off in the comments if you watched last night's episode. Did you agree with who Ali sent home? Where would you rather fall in love: Iceland or Turkey? I'm going to go with Iceland because it really did look extraordinary, as Ali said. There's something incredibly romantic about snuggling up with your love when it's so cold outside, holding hands inside a mitten.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve... is lame!

Time for our weekly Bachelorette recap. SPOILER ALERT!

Whoa Nelly! New York apparently brings out the creep in some of Ali's guys. But, isn't that every week?

• Kasey needs to stop singing. He is too creepy for words. He should have gone home. C'mon, you were talking to the stuffed gorillas, and they told you Ali was cute?!?

• Kasey should have been on The Lion King group date, so he would have had the appropriate opportunity to showcase his singing skills. However, my singing award goes to Jesse and Roberto -- clearly the best. It was super sweet that Roberto sang to Ali, and it paid off! I'm glad he won; he looked hot in those black spandex shorts. I love his arms, his chest, his smile, his eyes... *sigh* Lucky Ali.

• Those Lion King costumes... ummm... not so much.

• Ali's In Style New York wardrobe? Yes please! Loved every outfit.

• Kudos to Kirk for taking Ali aside not to hog her attention but to tell her to go to bed. You should have gotten the rose for that date.

• Poor Chris L. for not getting to go out on the town for his birthday, but he is the cutest for keeping sick Ali company with chicken soup.

• I can't believe Kasey got a cliche tattooed on his arm. Lame. LAME. Frank said it well, it doesn't prove anything except that you are nuts. Yup. Pretty much. And Frank doesn't even know it, but he saved that creep when he interrupted before he showed Ali the tat.

• Jesse so should have gotten the rose over creepy Kasey, but I'm SO GLAD Jonathan (a.k.a. The Weatherman) is GONE! Adios freak.

• Why do all the guys think Ali will go ga-ga as soon as they serenade her? She just doesn't strike me as one of those girls.

Did you watch last night? What did you think?

If you're posting about last night's show, you can link up at Mama Kat's.

{Image via zap2it}

Thoughts on "The Bachelorette"

I really have a love/hate relationship with "The Bachelor/Bachelorette" these days. I don't like how they take a "loser" from the previous season to star as the next season's bachelor/bachelorette. That said, I do get sucked in like most people.

This season irks me to no end. The drama is unbelievable! I find myself groaning, screaming and cursing at my TV Monday nights. So, since part of the purpose of this blog is to share my thoughts and opinions about what's going on in the world of reality TV, I thought I'd switch up my Tuesday posts with my thoughts on last night's show.

If you haven't watched it yet, you might want to stop reading now.

• Ali giggles way too much, observed Jed. I didn't really notice it until he said it, and I thought it was just part of her cute personality, but now, it's getting really annoying. Stop giggling.

• Dudes, what is the big deal about Justin hobbling his way four miles to Ali's house because he wanted some "alone time?" I think it was a pretty nice guesture, and you all are just jealous and pissed off because you didn't think of it first. Is it written anywhere in the rules that you're forbidden from going to Ali's house without being invited? Didn't think so. Although, I'm sure it will be written in from now forward. Stop hating on Justin. He's cute.

• I am so annoyed beyond annoyed that Jonathan (a.k.a. The Weatherman) is still there. He is a big narcisstic baby with homosexual tendencies. Really dude? You gotta explain to Ali why you couldn't kiss her in the music video? I don't think she needs an explanation; you just don't dig her that way, and that's cool, but get the heck off the show.

• Hunter's date was so boring I couldn't even watch it. C'mon, you knew you were going home when she invited you to cook her dinner at her house instead of taking you in a helicoptor to a rooftop dinner.

• Speaking of helicoptors and rooftop dinners, Roberto is adorable, and I think he and Ali are perfect together (neck-and-neck with Frank). Plus, Roberto totally reminds me of one of my coolest friends ever who I miss with all my heart. Roberto, sweetie, just don't make Ali fall off a tightrope again so you can give her a kiss. I don't care how cute and perfectly romantic it seems in your head, the girl is clearly afraid of heights. Just get her across the rope, ok?

• Finally, Ali, you run like a retarded girl. You should be embarrassed of all those running scenes in the BNL video. Sorry babe.

Did you watch last night's episode? Any thoughts?

Three of my favorite women...

TOGETHER!!!

{Apology for the lack of pictures today. I am under the weather with allergies and just don't have the energy. This will be a short post though!}

Did any of you see The Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday? If not, you missed a climax moment in my life. First, I must make some confessions so this makes sense.

1. Ever since My Best Friend's Wedding, I've loved Julia Roberts. It's borderline obsession. I've been trying to see all of her movies, and I can't count how many times I've watched and cried during Pretty Woman. She makes goofy smiles and big, out-of-control curly hair glamourous. For that, I thank her.
2. Ever since reading Basic Black by magazine wiz Cathie Black, I got hooked on Oprah. I subscribed to the magazine for two years, and since I heard she was ending her show, I've been watching her show. I know she's not everyone's favorite person, but to me, she is inspirational. She is beautiful. I believe she is a good soul. 
3. Ever since Eat, Pray, Love was dropped on my desk by a coworker, I've had the biggest girl crush on Elizabeth Gilbert. A lot of you are Twilight cult followers; well, I am an Eat, Pray, Love cult member. The book opened my eyes; Gilbert's writing reached into the depths of my heart and brought me with her. 

Yesterday, Oprah had Julia Roberts on her show to promote the Eat, Pray, Love moving coming out August 13 -- yes, it's already on my calendar because besides SATC2, it is my most-anticipated movie this year. I was giddy watching Julia interact with Oprah and talk about the film and her family life. She is so real. I could see a piece of all her characters in her during that interview because she brings a piece of her to all of her characters, I think.

I almost fell off the couch when Oprah introduced Liz Gilbert and she came out beaming with her adorable blond curls and enlightened eyes. The three of them sat together chit-chatting like old friends, and I WANTED TO BE THERE. If I could have saved the recording and watched it over and over, I would have. 

I think I'm going to have to re-read the book before the movie, and then I'm going to have to start reading Gilbert's next book, Committed.

So, for this Thankful Tuesday, I am thankful for Julia, Oprah and Liz... three women who inspire me to no end.

Thoughts, anyone? Are you looking forward to seeing Eat, Pray, Love? Have you read the book (or will you before seeing the movie)? Do you think I'm crazy for being gaga over Julia and Liz? (It's ok if you do.)

Wishful Wednesday: Glee!

This week's topic:

'I wish' .... I could be a GLEE character for an episode and it would be RACHEL BERRY!

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 I really just started watching Glee, so I'm going on first impressions here (and what I saw on the Glee episode of Oprah). I'd want to be Rachel because she's the most like me, back when I was in high school. I was a bit of a nerd. I was one of the smart kids. I was preppy. I was into the arts and performing, and, although I hate to admit it now, I was a little stuck up. But, I was kind and encouraging to my friends, and I would stand by them thick or thin. I think that is Rachel in a nutshell. Plus, she has such great ideas, and she is clearly Mr. Schuster's pet (which I always was for plenty of my high school teachers)!

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 Ok, and I'd want to be her because her wardrobe rocks! Hello (ha ha, for last week's episode, get it?) old school J.Crew! Love! Also, she has a killer voice, so if I was playing her role, it would mean I could sing -- in addition to my already mad dance skills -- which is something I've always lacked.

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And, hello (again!), she gets to date Finn, and he's such a talented cutie! The lead male in glee club AND star basketball player? And she's the female glee star? Dream come true! I always had the biggest crush on guys like that in high school.


Ok, I know there are some Glee fans out there who read my blog. Who would you want to be? Make sure you visit Kelsey's blog (click her button above) and link up if you play along!

Throwin' on my Louboutins!

Did you see the So You Think You Can Dance finale last night??? SO GOOD!!! It's very emotional for me because I grew attached to all of the top six dancers, who have really grown to become better, more sincere dancers. I also have to shout out to my Beantown boy Russell! Boston's so proud of you!!! Thanks for representing!

Now... my jaw dropped at this little guest number, featuring some of the female dancers from Season 5 and 6. Mayra, if you're reading, this totally reminded me of you, lady! Between the Latina sassiness and those bright red Loubies... all you!

Announcement: OWN

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Call me a middle-aged housewife, but I heart Oprah. I'm not sure how I feel about her as a person -- I know there's many people who can't stand her personally -- but I love her BRAND. And, for building up such an amazing, global brand I give her kudos. That is a feat, and one of the best personal accomplishments I can think of (if you're going the entrepreneur career route).

I mean really, who hasn't heard of Oprah? Who doesn't automatically associate her with delving interviews, happiness, fulfillment, achievement, spirituality and positive thinking? At least, that's how I think of her.

I never really watched her show, minus a few episodes, but I really got hooked on her magazine a few years ago after reading Cathie Black's Basic Black (great book for all you female professionals out there). Cathie single-handedly won Oprah to Hearst Publishing in creating a magazine. She SOLD Oprah on this idea, which I guess puts Cathie higher on my list than Oprah herself in women I admire. So, I decided I would check out the magazine.

It inspired me. It motivated me to focus on my personal and spiritual growth, to become a better person (cue the butterflies, hearts and flowers).

So, now that I've been working from home, I've checked out a couple shows. I loved her interview with Patrick Swayze's wife. I was amazed at her candidness. And you can bet I was glued to the screen when she did her first jobs show and revealed footage from her first job as a local television reporter.

Now the show is disappearing... and being replaced by an entire network: OWN. The acronym certainly does fit. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of material she comes up with. I guess after the publisher win, the networks started courting her.

What do you think of Oprah? Will you miss the show? Are you excited about the network? (Don't worry about offending me if you hate her.)

Giving Thanks!

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I may be overdoing this (just like Christmas the day after Halloween), but this is a subject that really irks me. Watching Heroes and it is the THANKSGIVING episode -- not Christmas, not New Year's (ahem Grey's), but Thanksgiving, which is this week and not a month away. I would like to give props to those who celebrate the seasons as they come, rather than rush to the next big commercial holiday.

So, thank you, writers of Heroes, for commemorating Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to the Christmas episode in a few weeks.

Holy 100 Batman!

I regret that I don't have a better post to acknowledge my 100th post -- a blogger milestone for sure. True to the purpose of my blog, though, this post is nothing special, just something random I thought about, found, watched, heard, imagined. That is, after all, why I created this blog: as an outlet. I wanted to note all these life surprises for myself, and I realized that it is wonderful to share them with all of you as well.

I don't have a huge following, nor do I need one, but I love each and every one of you who takes the time of out of your lives to share this blog with me. I hope the next 100 posts will introduce me to many more of you out there!

Thank you for reading, following, commenting, and affirming this crazy little idea of mine.

Ok, onto this 100th post...

My random inspiring thought was: I think I'm getting sucked back into afternoon variety-show TV. I have not watched the likes of these shows since Ricki Lake when I was a pre-teen. Until today, when I found myself strangely attracted to watching the Rachel Ray Show. Then I became intrigued with the Ellen Show.

I have never watched Ellen, although I think she's hysterical. Next I just might indulge in a little Oprah (love her mag, never watched the show).

Talk TV has come a long way since Ricki... and it's much more interesting. Rachel guided me to find a cheap Halloween costume and taught me the perfect Halloween eve recipe (which I really think I might try sometime). Now I'm cracking up at Ellen dressed up as O Magazine (LMAO) and at how dumb blonde Kelly Pickler is (OMG... she just SOUNDS dumb).

There might be something here. Jed is going to freak if he finds Ellen and Oprah and Rachel on the DVR list...

In case I don't get to shout out again...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN MY LIL SPOOKS!

First Weekend of Fall!

This is me not being lazy and taking time to blog when I could be lounging on the couch (still doing) watching Samantha Brown's Passport to Great Weekends (also still doing).

Since I'm multi-tasking, we'll make this simple. Here are my five things to do this weekend, fall-theme since this is the first official weekend of fall, and boy does it feel like it in Rhode Island!

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Go on an adventure -- large or small. Road trip to see the foliage, try a new restaurant, read a new book, plan a vacation. And tell me about them!

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Check out the season premiere of SNL tomorrow night on NBC. I'm told it's the 35th season, wouldn't know, never really caught onto it. When the show was in its heyday, I was too young to stay up that late. Even though "everyone was doing it." Megan Fox, of Transformers fame, is hosting the opener, which should be interesting. She doesn't strike me as very funny. And, (this is for K.Law) Ryan Reynolds(!) hosts next Saturday, October 3!! Now THAT is one to DVR while you are bar-hopping!

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Go to a local farm and pick out your pumpkin! I was out driving the other day, and I saw the first pumpkin on someone's front porch. I instantly wanted a pumpkin (or two or three) for my front and side stairs.

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GO SEE FAME! I am wicked excited for this movie, mostly because it features this lovely lady, Kherington Payne from So You Think You Can Dance, along with season four winner Joshua. I love me a good modern musical film, even though I never saw the original. Maybe this will inspire me to Netflix it.

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While you are picking out your pumpkin, don't forget the apples! Apple-picking is one of my all-time, ok my all-time, favorite fall pastime. Climbing trees to reach that perfect apple (even though you're not supposed to), pulling a red wagon full of your bright red treats around the orchard, and getting them home for apple pies, warm apple crisp, apple bread and a healthy addition to your daily lunch. Hint: if you Google apple picking, you should be able to pull up a database on you-pick-it orchards in your area.

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This weekend, I am hitting up Hooter's in Warwick for some wings and cold beer after I pick Jed up from his travels this week. Tomorrow is supposed to be gorgeous so I really want to take Morris to the dog park in Providence for a frolic, then tomorrow night we're heading to my parents' house for dinner (and to move some more of my stuff to the new house). Sunday it's Mass then lunch with Jed's parents and grandfather followed by cake for his dad's birthday (which is today - Happy Birthday!). Somewhere in there, I hope to catch up on all the shows we recorded that I have not watched because I'm waiting for Jed.

Have a great weekend everyone! Let me know what you are up to!

What did you do this weekend?

S. Caribbean cruise... somewhere in the middle of the ocean off St. Lucia

Hello friends, I am sorry I missed posting this weekend's Top 5 on Friday. I had quite the busy day at work, then it was straight to Mom and Dad's for dinner until late.

Saturday, it was up early to run errands before heading to Gillette Stadium for the Sun City Carnival country music tour with my fav, Kenny Chesney. It was unbelievable tailgating and seeing such great country artists live. My other fav of the night would have to be Sugarland -- they were so energetic and fun! I definitely would like to go back next year.

Thank you to my lovely boyfriend for getting the tickets for my birthday and for coming along and putting up with my cowgirl side! <3

On to the weekend's Top 5 (in case you were looking for something to do today or have Monday off). The last four are taken from Real Simple's Sharon Tanenbaum.

By kmstathis on Photobucket

This is my personal contribution: run through the sprinkler! This is all I wanted to do in the parking lot at the concert yesterday. It was so hot! So, return to your childhood, throw on a polka-dot two-piece with ruffles, and set yourself loose!

XL Recordings

I have not heard of this guy, but after reading about Sharon's review of him, I'm interested in checking him out. She describes his songs as "musing lyrics coupled with cheery tunes," making this album "perfect for the waning days of summer."

Image from AllPosters.com

So many of my blog friends have been blogging about this movie. I think it looks amusing and cute, but I might wait for Netflix on this one. Since my movie-going days have diminished, I prioritize what I want to see in the theater based on visual, audio and crowd impact. For instance, Harry Potter took priority over The Ugly Truth since the visual and sound effects for Harry Potter were best experienced in a theater. Although, our new "theater" in the basement might come close.

Sidetracked: This movie reminds me of my own quest to become a master chef. LOL... Like that will ever happen, but I'm going to try! I'm still afraid of raw chicken!

Image by William Morrow

I'm intrigued just by the title of this book, the sequal to Healey's The Canterbury Papers. These novels star Alais Capet, a 13th-century French princess a la Nancy Drew style. Of course, first, I am going to have to read the first book.

Ok, I admit, I have not seen a single episode of the hit TV series Mad Men, which is also very popular among my blogging friends. My good reason for that is I did not previously have cable, so no AMC. In fact, I'm not sure I even get AMC now, but I might Netflix previous seasons on DVD just to see what all the hype is about. Anyway, you fans will recognize this scene from last season, and no doubt are very much looking forward to the start of this season.

Well, since the end of the weekend is drawing near, feel free to comment with what you did this weekend. I would love to hear about your fun adventures!

Enjoy!

Workout TV

I have so much running through my head -- so many thoughts, questions and debates that I can't decide which one to write about.

Instead, I'll share my excitement over the discovery of workout TV! Last night, after a long day (8 hours to be exact) of working in the yard to build a gravel patio, my boyfriend and I relaxed in front of the tube before bed. What I found, On Demand, was the freezone, and in that beautiful place of free programming, I found workout TV. Hundreds of workouts of all different types.

Due to my unmindfulness and rampaging thoughts, I'm going to start practicing mindfulness through daily Yoga. Oh yes, that is on my free workout TV!

Stay tuned for updates. = )

Weekend Picks

There seems to be a blogging trend of weekly "Top" lists: top things to do, top favorite things, etc.

I am hopping on this trend bandwagon and doing a Friday Top 5 Picks for the weekend. Because, let's face it, we all checked out yesterday at 5pm (or whenever quitting time is), and all we're thinking about today is the weekend.

So, here are these weekend's Top 5 Picks, taken from Real Simple...

1. See The Answer Man in select theaters. Sounds a bit like As Good As It Gets, which was a great movie. Besides, I love seeing movies that are in limited release. Not only are you forced into a tiny theater sans stadium seating, but you are rewarded by seeing something that the mass population isn't.
2. Watch Dating in the Dark on ABC, Mondays at 10 PM Eastern. C'mon, the teasers are hilarious, and never before has groping been so acceptable on a first date!
3. Listen to Maxwell's BLACKsummers'night. From my limited exposure on Pandora, Maxwell is HOT! Perfect for those steamy summer nights in the hot tub... ummm...
4. Read Hollywood is Like High School with Money by Zoey Dean. Have I mentioned that beach-worthy chick lit is my new fav literary genre?
5. Go shopping! After all, it is your last chance for the 5% MA sales tax. Or you could do something more worthwhile and road trip to NH for your big purchases!

Enjoy your weekend!