Category Archives: Arts & Entertainment

Being Lazy By Grilling Once, Growing Your Own Celery, and Not Caring About the Billboard Music Awards

Did anyone watch the Billboard Music Awards last night?  Does anyone even care?

Billboard Music Awards 2013 Best and Worst Moments (Idolator) – If it’s not hosted by Ricky Gervais, an event with elaborate gowns or celebrities drinking at tables, it’s not really worth my time, generally.  I am excited for Christina Aguilera’s slim down, though.  I am a sucker for weight loss success stories.

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Jealous.

MONDAY HELPINGS: Today flew by thanks to being productive.  What a novel concept.  Despite all my successes (a run at 6AM, booking flights to Italy, surviving the grocery store,) I still found a few items I’d like to do a rant about in the upcoming days.  It’s been a while since I did a “monthly rant.”  Topics may include: the impossible task of finding flattering clothing for women with boobs and/or hips in 2013, why I find many female stand-up comediennes obnoxious, the increase of Canadian geese in America, etc.  Stay tuned.  I’m getting perturbed left and right these days.

Grill Once, Eat All Week (Weight Watchers) – I got this in my inbox today and it served as a nice reminder for what I should be doing each week, which is making a plan and actually following through with it.  Instead, my dinners usually occur at 5:03PM and consist of hummus, a sugar free pudding, and some cucumbers.  Not exactly a well-rounded feast.  Hand the nearest guy some meat, and let him go to town.  You’ll be set for a while.

Growing Celery Indoors: Never Buy Celery Again (17apart) – This blew MY MIND.  I saw it on a friend’s Instagram and was shocked to see you literally can grow new celery from the bottom of an old bunch in a matter of days.  With water, only.  Is it bad that this is one of the coolest things I’ve learned in a while?

SNL Bids Farewell to Bill Hader With a Stefon Wedding (Rolling Stone) - I am a little bummed I missed it, but only half believe it was actually a “great episode,” as they are saying it was.  Poor SNL.  I just don’t know what to say about them these days…

Pairings//Beer + Chocolate = Love (BeerWestMag) – I saw a mentioning of beer and chocolate pairings somewhere online today and it totally made me go into a period of reflection.  Chocolate and wine- sure.  But beer and chocolate?  What?  Okay.  I’ll do it.

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Looks fine to me!

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Gushy Grateful Sunday With Accident-Prone Kanye, Asiago Polenta, and a Dive Bar Bucket List

Kanye West: You’re having the most hilariously embarrassing week, ever!

After Running Into Street Sign, Kanye’s Lamborghini Gets Crushed (DNA) – For a real good time, lookup the Youtube video with his run-in with the street sign, and his tantrum to follow.

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Owies.

SUNDAY HELPINGS: Now that, was a weekend. Never do I feel more ‘me’ than when I have visitors from home, especially when the visitors share my love of patio drinking, sunshine worshipping, track running, celebrity dissing, fine dining, and no-holds-barred discussions about life (including, but not limited to: poop, marriage, babies, faith, short-shorts, GMOs, desserts, etc.) All the most intriguing topics. The weather was heavenly and the company was good for the soul. I’m irritatingly gushy-thankful today. The gratitude continues because Memorial Day weekend in my happy place is just a few days away. Hallelujah! (I also went to church this weekend. What a good girl!) Don’t worry, I’ll be back to my usual Monday foulness tomorrow, I’m sure.

Roasted Chicken with Asiago Polenta and Truffled Mushrooms (Cooking Light) – We ate some delicious meals this weekend. Last night, I tasted some of the amazingly flavored asiago polenta from one of Ann Arbor’s better Italian spots. It. was. good. Even more so because of my previous failed attempts at edible homemade polenta. That stuff was nast. If you’re not going to go the roasted chicken route above, I highly recommend a simple red sauce with your polenta. Why God, why (can’t there be leftovers from last night?!)

Blackberry Gin Fizz (Smitten Kitchen) – One of our favorite cocktails from this weekend was a blackberry creation from a brewery in town with a rooftop deck. Every building should have a rooftop deck. Even though I’m typically not a fan of gin, anything with the words ‘blackberry’ and ‘fizz’ make it all right, and worth a sip. We had something similar to this last night… and yes I feel great today. No worries.

Courtesy of Smitten Kitchen.

Courtesy of Smitten Kitchen.

Books to Read This Summer Before the Movies Come Out (Oprah) – I know, I keep bringing up The Great Gatsby, but luckily your misery will end tonight after I finally get around to seeing it. In the meantime, get ready for these other book-t0-movies coming out soon. If they don’t have Jay Z producing the soundtrack, I likely won’t be interested in seeing them. Side note, are you finding yourself less and less interested in seeing movies when they are released these days? Just me?

5 Great Hotel Apps for Your Smartphone (Business First) – As our first wedding anniversary approaches (awwwwwwwwwww), hubby and I are exploring quick getaway options for a little romance, pre-Italian adventure, pre-secret moving adventure to follow. These hotel apps may be helpful for world travelers like ourselves. I’m gonna let you do the legwork on this one because I’m tired and it’s 90 degrees out and I’m hot with this laptop on my lap.

Bucket List Bars to Visit (The Daily Meal) - If you’re headed out on a summer road trip and have no interest in silly highway attractions or giant canyons, consider this list of important stops along the way. You don’t want to go into the great yonder without experiencing America’s best dive bars, obviously.

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Gluttony, Guilt, and How to Improve Your (Meat)Balls

It’s too fun not to mention.

Prince Harry in America 2013 (Popsugar) - Last time he was here, he managed to get caught partying naked in Vegas.  So American; makes me proud.  America really needs a royal family.  As John Oliver put it on last night’s Daily Show, it’s the perfect distraction from any occasion.

WEDNESDAY HELPINGS: Sweet Lordy, Lordy.  3 days ago it was 45 degrees.  Now, my hat and I have made our entrance into fake summertime.  I made the leap and bought a hat.  I’ve owned maybe one or two hats before, but usually I’m just not that gutsy.  I figure, if I’m going to be a potential fashion victim (and I’m still in this country,) might as well be in Ann Arbor.  No one here seems to give an F about fashion.  Don’t worry, I have a disguise on, just in case.  If you happen to pass the girl in all summer brights + sunglasses + flip flops + a fedora on a patio on Washington, stop and have a drink with me.  Side note: I think most of my posts today will be about food, because I’m hungry and planning to eat light this evening.  But my brain doesn’t have to!! Woooooooo!!!

Braised Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (The Daily Meal) – I’ve never braised anything but I have the tools, and I believe in my heart it’s something I could achieve, if I try hard enough.  What’s not to love about chicken, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes (best ingredients ever)?

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Courtesy of The Daily Meal

Help Me Replicate Boxed Mac and Cheese (The Kitchn) – I friggin’ LOVE this sample because I HAVE THE SAME QUESTION!!!!!!  I believed that I was the only person in the world who prefers the texture and flavor of ‘American style’ mac and cheese.  It’s a little on the drier side, not all fatty and Velveeta nasty, and yes, I’ll say it- I like Kraft.  I shouldn’t but I do.  For as great as heavy, creamy, cheddar-ified homestyle macaroni and cheese is, I really prefer the other stuff.  So here it is, homemade!  Life is good!

Most and Least Active Places in American (MSN) – I can’t do gluttony without also doing guilt.  Find your city on the list.  Feel either great or horrible about it, then, move (or move on).

How to Improve Your (Meat)Balls (FN Blog) - If you don’t know balls, you aren’t Italian, or in this case, Mediterranean.  Don’t cry.  Anyone can learn, but not everyone has the perfect recipe passed down from your great grandma Morabito.  That’s your cue to cry.

Mmmm Balls

Mmmm Balls

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Beyonce’s Preggers Proof, Out of Control in the Present, and What You Should be Eating… When in Rome

After today, I’m going to go ahead and call it.

Beyonce Pregnancy Speculation Grows After Concert Cancelation (Enstarz) – Instincts are telling me yes on this one.  You heard it here (so I can gloat later on.)  It also makes me feel a smidge better that I’ll be missing her world tour thanks to a world tour of my own.  I can’t imagine she’ll last the whole thing if it’s true, and certainly not in full, fierce force.

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This just looks like me on a “skinny” day.

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Mmmm yeah. There’s your proof.

TUESDAY POSTINGS: It’s late.  Let’s get right to it.

Chef’s Guide to Eating in Rome (Huffington Post) – More and more, you’ll see samples that I’m posting for my benefit only.  I’m hoping maybe 2 or 3 of you are also planning a trip to Italy in the near future.  It’s okay if you’re not.  You can be jealous, I’m fine with that.

Be Present, Because Control is an Illusion (MindBodyGreen) – I saw this on Twitter and had an infamous ‘aHA!’ moment.  Control is my sexy perfection dream.  It’s no wonder I spend a lot of time wondering why I can’t quite achieve it and feel like crap instead.  Oh heyyyy!  Because it’s FAKE!  Well, it’s not fake, but it’s not really what you should be aiming for, so they say.

Brad Pitt Calls Angelina Jolie’s Double Mastectomy “Heroic” (People) – It’s the elephant in the room.  You know I’ve never been an Angie fan, but this is quite brave, I have to say.  It’s a truly selfless move for her family.  One point for Team Jolie.

When Sleep Hurts: How to Make Your Bed Less Painful (LA Daily News) – Again, I have a list of things that I need help with so you have to suffer through my research.  Thanks.  You’re all very patient.  This one will help you pass the time while you wait another year for a new mattress that you should have purchased 6 months ago.

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Musically Inspired Monday with Jay Z, a Big/Fat Coffee, and the Cutest Things That Ever Happened

Just to get you caught up in the entertainment world:

While You Were Working (The Marquee Blog) – Plus Seth Meyers is taking over for Jimmy Fallon when he leaves Late Night.  Also, Barbara Walters is going to retire after next year, like I already warned you about.  It’s about time, in my opinion.

MONDAY HELPINGS: Hello, loves.  Welp, we survived Monday.  I’m surviving even better with a glass of red and a penchant for finding new music.  There was a time in my life where I made a new “mix” every month; a collaboration of mostly new music with some less-heard classics folded in.  I usually named them by month and year, and even now, I still listen and am immediately transported to whatever I was doing in life at that moment.  And interestingly enough, I seemed to be attracted to the exact right tunes that fit my life perfectly at that moment, even if I didn’t know an artist or song when I decided to take the chance and download it.  The last 2-3 years, I’ve hardly refreshed my music collection, and I think a large part of my disconnect from things has been my inability to find new songs I love.  I like upbeat stuff.  I’m not going through a breakup or the regular types of heartbreak, so I’m not really interested in soulful melodies or folksy longing.  I still can’t do country, and have a hard time connecting with rap these days.  That being said, I feel like I may be turning a leaf into some new inspiration.  It might really happen for me tonight.  I’m so damn philosophical with a glass of wine in hand.

‘The Great Gatsby’ Soundtrack: A Track-by-Track Review (Moviefone) – It’s quite typical, I know, that I might jump on something like this.  You’ve got your epic movie, you’ve got Baz Luhrmann and all his Aussie inspirado, you’ve got Jay Z and Beyonce… that’s pretty much an “L.Hyatt approved combination” if I’ve ever heard one.  So I sampled it.  And shit, I like it.  I’m sorry.  You’ve also got a little Lana Del Ray, Will.I.Am, and a party anthem by Fergie.  It’s the perfect pre-summer compilation.

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Will you just go listen, already?

Broadcast Ax: Cancelled Shows 2013 (InsideTV/EW) – Soooo many shows got hurt so badly.  Ouchies.  It will be a relief to not have 4 episodes of Smash on my DVR anymore, I’m not going to lie.  Such promise, really lost its way.  I actually feel like there’s more casualties than this list illustrates.  I’ll get back to you, but in the meantime, see if your show survived.

How I Learned a Language in 90 Days (Lifehacker) - This time a month from now, I’ll be days from leaving for Italy, and I can’t yet order my ideal pasta dish.  I’m in real trouble on this one, folks.  Ciao.

11 Diseases Coffee Can Prevent (The Daily Meal) – Don’t let any self-righteous person try and take your coffee.  They will die early.  They are in the wrong.

The 50 Cutest Things That Ever Happened (Buzzfeed) – Because it’s Monday.

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Spread the love. Tomorrow is Tuesday.

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This One’s For the BEST Moms, Conquering Food Cravings, and Actually Reading the Damn Book

Everyone thinks their mom is the best, (you’re wrong, mine is, bitches), but do you agree with this list of…

The Best TV and Movie Moms (Styleite) – I am a little disappointed to not see Norma Bates on this list.  That’s DEVOTION.  At least the original Aunt Viv made the list.  I still miss her.

SUNDAY HELPINGS: Did everyone have a lovely Mother’s Day with their mommies?  I was lucky enough to have the entire weekend with mine, and we did what any dynamic mother/daughter team do when they’re together: feast, imbibe, and nap.  Ideal holiday.  Next up on the week ahead?  Not eating, not drinking, and… I won’t pretend that I’m going to avoid napping.  That’s my God-given right.

Conquer Your Food Cravings (Oprah) – I don’t know about you, but spending my days in a less than exhilarating, mind-numbing job has left me a lot of time to develop the appetite of a truck driver.  You know, it’s something to do and whatnot.  Before I jet off to my first archaeological survey this summer, I have to work on curbing that little issue considerably, or no olive tree, gelato stand, or Italian farm goat is safe from my insatiable hunger.  It’s pretty serious.

American Idol Drama Upstages Actual Show (Huffington Post) – If I had enough time, I’d probably do an entire rant about this, but I have other things to complain about.  Does anyone even watch this show anymore?  Why is it still on the air?  Time to let go, Nigel.  Time to let go.  And watch The Voice, 3 times a week, on NBC.

8 Ways to Shake Up Your Life, Now (Refinery 29) – If you aren’t on the verge of moving to another country or whatever, this may be of interest to you.  Spoiler alert: you’ll have to change yourself.  So, you may or may not be into that.

10 Classic Books You Read in High School to Reread Now (Publishers Weekly) – The obvious choice is, The Great Gatsby, of course.  When I started to think about all the books I “read” in high school, I realized it may be a good time to actually do the leg work.  Push a little past the Gatz and revisit some of these classics.  Then- send me the Spark Notes.  K?  Thanks.

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Small Plates of Bitchy

Wellllll I have quite the weekend hangover, and a major case of the Mondays.  Let’s just say it: I’m pretty bitchy today.  I’ve slacked on the blogging front and I’ll be honest, with the upcoming craziness, my schedule may get even more wonky.  Still, I couldn’t leave you hanging until gasp…. tomorrow.  Here’s a small plate to nibble on.

Met Gala: You be the Judge (People) – One of the more eclectic nights in fashion is happening right now.  The Met Gala in NYC brings out some of the more interesting, over-the-top, gorgeous, and/or risky fashion choices of the year.  You even have the opportunity to judge celebrities based only on the bad advice of a stylist, my favorite.

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She must want people to hate her more.

6 Signs You’re About to Have a Meltdown (Hello Giggles) – Ah.  Perfect fit.  Until tomorrow…

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The Daytime Emmy Nomination Goes to Outdoor Workouts, Healthy Dinners, and Cheap Wines

And the 2013 Daytime Emmy Nominations go to…

Young and the Restless Leads With 23 Nominations (Variety) – Since no one really cares about the Daytime Emmys, and no one bothers to mention that nominations were announced today, I thought I’d just take care of it. Here they are. Notes: WTG General Hospital with 19 noms, and boo hiss to nominating Lindsey Morgan over Kelly Sullivan? You’re right, maybe this whole thing is a useless sham.

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You deserved a win Connie, you crazy S.O.B.

WEDNESDAY HELPINGS: Hello, hello. How was your first real day of Spring, (which in this millennium means Summer?) Unless you are in Colorado or Australia, of course. Mine was pretty good, thanks for asking. I learned that once the weather breaks, I have zero desire to be confined to the likes of a gym, so today, I quit being a baby and hit the UMich track. At 6AM. Because I don’t like being around people. Ya do what you gotta do. I loved it. If you don’t like buildings or people, you may enjoy some of the samples below.

Outdoor Cardio Meltdown: 10 New Workout Ideas (Shape) - Okay, if you live somewhere where stand up paddle boarding is even an option, then I don’t feel sorry for you. At all.

Over 60 Healthy Weeknight Dinners (Food Network) – Simple, nutritious, and tasty is what everyone is looking for. It’s got to be easy or it’s not going to happen. Lighten up your favorites or try something new. I tried a lightened up curried chicken recipe this week. It was not good. It wasn’t from this website, so don’t worry.

How to Make Healthy Habits Stick (Mind Body Green) – I ponder this topic nearly once a week, when I’m restarting everything about my life. I’ll be honest, it’s really difficult for an ‘all-or-nothing’ mindset person, which I am. She yells at us for that in item #2.

Top 10 Wines Under $10 (Huffington Post) - I’d be interested to see if my favorite food and wine bloggers agree with this list.

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2-4-1 Monday with Man Band News, an Ode to Wontons, and Hilarious Celebrity Commercials

I just discovered 98 Degrees has a new song, called ‘Girls Night Out’ which one Twitter user described as, “creepy”. So of course I had to listen. In the hunt, I found another great article about one of their other new singles that I thought you’d appreciate as well. It’s a 2-4-1 Monday.

98 Degrees Released a New Song About Their Penises (The Daily Beast) – Teehehe.

‘Girls Night Out’ Premieres off of Upcoming 98 Degrees Album (Huffington Post) – The reason this is noteworthy is because of all the boy bands, 98 degrees was 50-75% hot (sorry Justin Jeffre), while the other boy bands had maybe 2 hot guys at the most. Now, they’re all around 40 and have become creepy dance-club ogler-men.

MONDAY HELPINGS: Besides 98 Degrees burnin’ it up on the charts (I’m kidding, relax,) the other big story today is the courageous stand Jason Collins took by being the first active NBA player to come out. I actually wish this didn’t have to be a lead story at all, but as long as it is, I am proud of the message he’s sending and hope it will help other people feel comfortable enough to do the same. #EqualityForAll. Other than that, I’m obsessed with wonton wrappers. That is all.

5 Ways to Use Wonton Wrappers (Can You Stay For Dinner?) – I’ve seen them, I’ve heard about them, and this weekend, I finally made the purchase. I am glad I did. The wonton wrapper makes me feel as if I can shortcut my way to a tasty appetizer, boil my way to fake homemade raviolis, and portion control my snacking desires. Because this is a 2-4-1 Monday, I have to share at least 2 great sites!

Main Course Muffin/Cupcakes (Emily Bites) - When I began my wonton wrapper recipe search, I started here. Emily Bites knows her way around a wonton wrapper, and uses them for “cups” “cupcakes” and even for a good old fashioned egg roll, all with Weight Watchers Points Plus values. I predict you’ll spend at least 27 minutes on this website.

Budweiser ‘Buddy Cup’ Connects Beer Drinkers on Facebook (PCMag) – I can think of so many, many reasons that this is a bad idea. One clink of your wired glass, and that creepster that bought you a drink has access to every facet of your online life. But makes for good for stories, right?! Right?!

10 Best Commercials With Celebrities Part I (Hello Giggles) – This is the perfect end to my evening, and I hope yours, too. Just click on it and see Nicholas Cage’s face and you’ll know all is right with the world. Big plus: some are the best kind of celebrity commercials… commercials from Japan.

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Laughing at Hipsters, Vegan Burgers That Taste Good, and a History of the Internet, by Angelina Jolie

It’s a fine day to be alive.

Jimmy Kimmel at Coachella – Messing with Hipsters (Youtube) – Hahaha.  This is a good one.  I can’t wait to buy The Chelsea Clintons’ next album.

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‘Native American’ Hipster

SATURDAY HELPINGS:

There are few things that feel more luxurious and wonderful than a perfect Saturday with sunshine, warmth, and an open schedule.  I am sitting on my little deck with coffee, some berries (blackberries, of course!) and birds chirping happily.  DAMN.  I’m so HAPPY.  Until tomorrow, when it rains again.  Haha.  Any meteorologists out there want to explain to me why southeastern Michigan can’t keep a chain of high pressure going for more than a day?  Anyone?  In the meantime, enjoy your glorious weekend.

Homemade Bagel Recipe (Food & Wine) – The ultimate breakfast food, even for a non-breakfast person, is the bagel.  It’s perfect for grab and go, but in this rendition, it’s a weekend comfort food.  I won’t act like I’m ever going to go ahead and make this, but I will heat up a bagel from the grocery style in the microwave and pretend.  There is nothing I like more than hot bread.

The History of the Internet, by Angelina Jolie (Hello Giggles) - All you ever needed to know, in a few minutes of Youtube, courtesy of the savior of the world, AJ.  Can you tell I’m still #TeamAniston?  It is strange to think about how the Internet has evolved over the years, from eagerly awaiting your next “America Online: 50 free minutes” CD to identifying, trying, and sentencing a terrorist via Twitter, all in 3 hours.

Vegan Feast: Black Bean and Bulgur Burgers with Brussels Slaw and Hearts of Palm/Avocado Chop Chop Salad (Now Entering Flavor Country) – I was just as surprised as you might be to find this past week was “Veg Week” in Ann Arbor.  Wait, every week isn’t “Veg Week” in Ann Arbor?  Weird, right?  I had the pleasure of dining out with @EVitkin last night (by dining, I mean mostly doing shots), and had to share some of her culinary adventures.  I am pretty hungry now- and two thumbs up for the live action burger-construction sequence.  Love it.

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Courtesy of Now Entering Flavor Country

How to Get What You Want Without Being a Bitch (StumbleUpon) – Or be a bitch.  That will probably get it done for you, too.

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