Away We Go

So this movie was great. And according to IMDB, a lot of other people liked it too! It was an artistic one which I find slow at some points but it incorporated all kinds of emotions and... Alison Janney (you know, the mom, from JUNO - love. her.) Away we go is a sweet summer film. It's about this couple who become pregnant in their 30's and decide they need to find a new place to live as the no one is holding them back from doing so. They basically are trying to start over somewhere new, somewhere where they can raise their baby girl. It's a sweet story and they learn a lot about other people, how not to raise their baby, and a lot about one another. If you've got some time on a sizzling hot summer afternoon to step inside to catch a flick, this one's a good pick!

MJ

Wow. Crazy how you don't miss someone til they're gone, right?

So I know I haven't written anything about his death yet but it's only because so many other people have (it is literally on every other tv station, all day long).

Anyway, my question is, when did you first hear MJ? In my case, my parents introduced me to his music. I had this walkman tape player that I'd take outside with me and dance around in the backyard (yup, I was just that cool). My two first cassette tapes in general were BAD and the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. Two classics if I do say so myself.

Michael was an incredible artist. And I mean, who doesn't love the Jackson 5? And who doesn't tap their foot to Thriller??

I'd have to say that Man in the Mirror (the fans are nuts in this video) was my favorite song of his. Second to that would be Black or White. It's great how we get to hear all his hits again now, I mean I think he has topped the billboard charts this week. And I am glad I get to hear them through the TV because it is going to be awhile until I can get my hands on a CD of his as his albums have completely jumped the shelves this week!

I do wonder what will happen next - will there be an even worse ending to all of this with a murder or even an OD? And who will be the first to recognize him with a concert on TV inviting every and all muscians to sing his songs? I'm looking forward to seeing that. We'll see how this all unfolds but until them, just jam out and relive those moments.

Ack! I know it, bad emily.

I so haven't even filled ya'll in on the big ole trip to St John yet! It's coming, promise! So much to say, never enough time! ;)

Shia on the today show earlier this week

Did he play this right, Shia was on the Today show Thursday and he seems really into this girl but is it for real because I mean he is dating Megan Fox, right??? He was kinda odd on Conan but I think all actors are a little on the different side. But being around her same age (i'm guessing), I thought his compliments were a little forward for a girl who'd do anything to go get a coffee with him. lol. I think she might be younger than him, I mean who asks, What kind of girl are you interested in and are you single (no girl that really wants to date Shia that's for sure! she needs a lesson in hard to get). But all in all, I did think it was cute how she bought a new outfit for the occassion!

Anyway, I'm a big fan of transformers, I guess that comes from my Sci-Fi Dad! Can't wait to see it!

It's time to retire Willard

So every morning I watch The Today show and every morning when Willard Scott, retired weather man to the much loved Al Roker, does the Smuckers Birthdays, he screws up. He will say "he" when it's a "her". Last week he called a 100 year old woman "chief", but in this case maybe "queen" might have been better. Sometimes I don't even think he reads through the names OR cities because he will butcher at least one of the other each day - and he only reads like 7 at the most! I want to know how much he is getting paid because I will volunteer to dress up as a Smuckers jar and read these names off, practicing beforehand to have them perfect! For more on this check out this site.

99 Balloons

I saw this story on the Today show and started crying while watching their video. What a sweet sweet story this couple has. And I completely admire them for celebrating their son's life each day that he lived after birth instead of being sad or upset. Apparently the story was on Oprah as well.

boden

Helloooooooo gorgeous!

I'd never heard of Boden before but Beth had catalogs at STJ and it was one of them! They are located in the UK. The clothes make you want to go to the beach for sure! They sell clothes for women, men, children and babies! The prices are reasonable as well. Comparable to Gap or Jcrew. Another thing I like about Boden is that their site has a page of outfits, about 46 different ones, to give you ideas of what goes with what! Also on the site they have different occassions outlined so that you can narrow your search (ie. wedding or summer night) Above are some of my favorite items and the lil Sailor outfit I just love (probably because I have a similar top and dress!) OH AND...They even have adorable bathingsuits!

Well Well

So Kathy Lee who I used to think was the death of TV with "Reeeg" back in the day has actually entertained me during my job hunt on these summer mornings. I hate to admit it too because sometimes the show totally blows but who doesnt love to see the make over episodes? Addictive.

ANYWAYS, we all loved how much she used to talked about Cassidy and Cody, right? WRONG! BUT I googled those kiddos after she showed their trip to Italy on the show and they actually are really adorable teenagers don't you think??

Jon and Kate plus 8 equals 10 minus 1...

So sad about Jon and Kate. Last night on their show they said they were getting separated and then that was followed by a notice saying that their Divorce papers were being filed yesterday. It's interesting that they don't just quit the show, which is what most people would do. It's evident that they dont have much a relationship anymore and with 8 kids I am sure that the money is very helpful. But, even with those two things said, wouldn't it still be a good idea to quit the show when the papparazzi are outside your home? Don't movie disappear because of things like this? Also, on another note, I do think Kate is a great mom and I admire her organization but I couldn't stand the way she was such a smart ass her guests (ie. Emeril and the Orange County Choppers). She called a Chopper guy sweaty and then I caught her on her looking at her cellphone at the dinner table with Emeril. It's so crazy how the show has changed with popularity- much larger house with many well known visitors and lots of family trips, one being to Hawaii (can you imagine that cost??)! And on the other hand, I must kinda side with Kate although she shoulda seen this coming when she said 'I do' but Jon is such a lump on a log. Silent, slow, and lazy. I can understand why she is barking out orders to him sometimes because she probably expects him to be lazy after 10 years of his slow mo personality. She definitely treats him like one of the kids and I guess this is what happens. And at 32 with 8 kids, I suppose he's having an early midlife crisis. We'll see what happens with this housing arrangement. I understand that the kids cant be hauled off everyother weekend when there are so many of them but something tells me that this arrangement is just not gonna work out.

So we'll see what happens but I am totally for a show name change to Jon plus 8 or Kate plus 8 because it just doesn't really seem to fit anymore. And I'm pretty sure between those two name changes, Kate plus 8 shall reign.

***************** And check out what Perez had on his site - commentary from Kate's brother and sister in law********

And for even more entertainment see TMZ's site catching Kate with a NEW car that wasn't next to the mini van or Nissan sports car on last night's show... she's still wearing her ring. Are you all as amazed as I am of her tummy tuck and restructured belly button? (ps. love how tmz describes kate's hair!)

Hot Wheels

Hmmmm... maybe I should invest in one of these bad boys for FMC? I have no doubt the Spinklesmobile will be a huge hit in LA. I'm not sure if a lot of people know this but cupcakes can be so high maintenance when in the road so I suppose that is why Spinkles tacked on the extra cents. Here's the mobile's twitter page where you can follow it every day!

VACATION

Just got back from THIS! More to come :)

Comfort Food Gone Healthy!

The other night was craving some yummy comfort food. And the Southern type! So I whipped up WW's mac n cheese, Aunt Leslie's cobbler with fresh peaches, and Everyday Food's Baked 'fried' Chicken! It was delish!

WW's Mac n Cheese

2 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow-type
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
8 oz low-fat cheddar or colby cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbsp dried bread crumbs
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions



Preheat oven to 350ºF.


Cook pasta according to package directions without added fat or salt; drain and transfer to a large bowl. While pasta is still hot, stir in sour cream; set aside.


Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear just around the edges (known as scalding). Reduce heat to low, add cheese and simmer until cheese melts, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, about 2 minutes; remove from heat and stir in mustard, salt, pepper and nutmeg.


Add cheese mixture to pasta; mix well. Transfer to a 4-quart casserole dish.


Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta. (What I did was slice roma tomatoes for the top, then sprinkled crumbes and grated fresh parmesan over the entire dish- yum!)


Bake until top is golden, about 30 minutes. Yields about 1 cup per serving

Everyday Food's Corn Flake (baked but fried alternative) Chicken

4 bone-in, skinless chicken drumsticks

4 bone-in skinless chicken thighs

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 large egg

2 cups crushed cornflakes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Rinse chicken, and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water. In a large bowl, mix cornflakes with oil, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt.
3. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip chicken in egg mixture, then coat with seasoned cornflakes, pressing flakes to help them adhere. Transfer coated pieces to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

HULU

Who Knew? Free TV on Hulu! Basically a DVR without paying for one. And even better, I hear if you have a flat screen TV, you can hook up your computer and voila! Free TV episodes that YOU missed! Oh and they have movies too!

Ronchy Kathy Makes this girl LAUGH

I LOVE KATHY GRIFFIN (and obviously so does GLAAD lol). I think she is so funny and I love her show, 'Life on the D list'. She is constantly on a mission to be on the A list. I don't know why because all of her shows are pretty funny, especially the ones involving her mother who is 87 and always holding a glass of wine AND just like my grandfather, denies she's old. The episode I watched today she invited Brit Brit's old fling, papparazzi Anon (sp?) to go out in Beverly Hills with her so she could be photographed as much as Brit Brit! Haha. I just love it. I also laughed alot at her Bora Bora episode, not sure why but it was pretty good laughs. And have you seen her body? Rediculous!

Wait! Stop!

Don't go out and buy a pair of jcrew metallic flops for 49.99! Grab these guys in a brushed gold color at target for just 17.99! Now that's a steal!

My Vaca Purchases!

So I saved some Birthday gift cards and had a hay day at the mall yesterday! Working at the mall, I've been really good. Especially since I stare across at J.Crew every shift I work- haha!

So here are some of the items I purchased to fill in gaps in the wardrobe before heading to the islands!

Blue Tunic- from Ann Taylor (everything else is from Jcrew)! Got it on sale and it goes well with the pink shorts and headband (mine is the same in size but different pink and different material). Their Tee-Shirts, 'Perfect Fit', are amazing and do not shrink up! Like I said, amazing! They are longer in length too so that makes a huge difference in my book! I couldn't go to the islands without linen pants, so I got these but in a stark beach white. They are so comfy and I know they will be nice to have over a swim suit. The 'ring spun cardigan' I thought would be great along with the comfy chino on the plane and if it got a little chilly at night. It's really cute on and I don't think the picture does it justice. And the last little blouse with the ruffle neckline I almost got but I decided to wait as it was not a 'beach purchase' so I thought I could wait until it went on sale!

FMC update

We were interviewed by WaxMama, so hopefully that will come out late June on their website for all of us Charlotte people!! And I now have a Facebook page... yay for free advertising! I'm also researching Farmers Markets in the area because after my trip to Kentucky and meeting the girls of BabyCakes I think that having a Farmers Market as a low budget store front is a FAB idea! The mom and daughter duo sell out every weekend and get great advertising from this location! Ahhh the smell of inspiration.

OH! And also big news, I got my first wedding gig! Wooohoo! Wedding is on October, will keep ya posted!

Ohhhh the things I find online...

Do you want to see what your future babies will look like, or something hilarious even? Check out this site!

Loving the Animal Plates!

They work for masks too!

Make a quilt!

Shirley gave me a great gift for my bday.... my very own tshirt quilt! If you have tshirts that you don't want to throw away, get a t-shirt quilt! It's also great to do with kids sports t-shirts, etc. Mine is made up of my sorority t-shirts. My cousin Joe got one for graduation and his has t-shirts that define who he is - school tee's, past trips, his favorite coffee shop, etc. He'll be taking this to college with him I'm sure! Anyways, thanks for the great gift Shirley!

How to have fun in the rain at an outdoor concert

So the Brad Paisley (opened by Dirks Bentley) concert was in Charlotte on Friday... outside.... in the pouring rain. I came not even thinking about the rain. My friend Alex was well prepared with a poncho, jeans, and rain boots. I however was in WHITE shorts, a nice shirt bought from Ann Taylor an hour earlier, flip flops, and a way too heavy rain coat. So I put on Dave's t-shirt (looked more like a dress) and a hat I brought with me (thank goodness because my hair and rain aren't friends). Dave brought some clear ponchos too so I snagged one of those. SO, for future reference, if you are ever caught in the rain at an outdoor pavillion, go the Alex route and wear rain boots, pants (your lotiony legs get slimy), a t-shirt, poncho, and maybe a hat! Ponchos are great too because you can just leave them in the trashcan when the rain stops! Easy disposal haha.

French Toast Anyone?

Wow! French Toast cupcakes! These little guys turned out maple-y (if that's even a word) and delicious!!! It's like breakfast but in cupcake form haha. If they're a hit with friends, I may just have to put them on the FMC menu! Who knows!

Woohoooo!!!

Guess who got her hair cut?! This girl!! If you ever need a great stylist, go see my girl Crystal at Varji Varji.

Easy dinner!

Trader Joe's has an amazing frozen salmon - here's how it turned out! I was trying to use up things in my freezer which happened to be french cut green beans and hashbrowns. haha. The herbs I already had! The sauce seemed to blend well with hummus and toasted pita. So I threw that in as well! 

Mall Cop

I had wanted to see this movie when it was in the theatre because I adore Kevin James but after watching Paul Blart: Mall Cop last night thanks to Netflix, I'm going to tell you all to not bother!! It was horrible. I guess it had been a while since I'd seen a PG movie but WOW, completely awful. 

Job front

I have never been more shocked and angry than I was this morning. One of my part time store jobs lefft me a voicemail saying, "we had a girl come back who needed a job and as many hours as we could give her, she worked for us for years so has already had the training and knows the product so we don't need you anymore." Ouch. Really? Who says that? They have someone come back to work for them and they give her MY job? I'm pretty sure that's not fair to fire someone just to hire an old flame. Unreal. Best part is that they don't want there to be any hard feelings. Nothing like getting laid off twice in a month's time. Emily is not a happy camper today and if you know of anyone hiring at all, please let her know.