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March 31, 2016

Last Saturday | My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Empanadas & More...

Last Saturday I finally got to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016) and yes, I know it only came out last Friday so I shouldn't be all "I finally saw it..." but I missed the press junket screening in New York City because it was the day after my car accident and the other press screening was on the night I have my class. So I had two opportunities to see advance screening of it and I missed them which really bummed me out because I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) and I was so excited when I was invited to the screenings, so not being able to attend either them really sucked for me. But not as much as missing the press junket because Joey Fatone was supposed to be there and I love N'Sync more than any of you probably even realize, so not going to that broke my heart. But yeah...

So I went to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016) with my sister and her boyfriend, and we all enjoyed it. I mean, it wasn't My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) but I still thought it was really cute, sweet and enjoyable. If you're like me and love the original, seeing the second one was just kinda of nostalgic. And it was nice catching up with the Portokalos' and Millers, and see how their family has grown since the events of the last film. Do my sister and her boyfriend agree? I don't know and I don't care. I liked the movie and I think if you liked the first you should see it.

After the movie I took them to this little hole in the wall Spanish restaurant by mine and Justin's apartment that has banging empanadas and pupusas, among other things (Apparently all the food is banging thus the restaurant's amazingly high Yelp score for being such a tiny little nothing place) and we just pigged out. Or well my sister and I did, her boyfriend has more self control around empanadas and pupusas than the two of us.

Once the three of us were sufficiently full or overly full in mine and my sister's cases, we parted ways. I don't know where they went but I went home only to find out that a drunk Day had been trying to call me and even went to the point of texting Justin in an attempt to seek out my whereabouts. I called her drunkself back and told her I'd be at Toni's house in a few minutes (Since Toni and her husband bought a house near my apartment there are a lot of impromptu hangout sessions). Justin decided he'd join, so the two of us headed over to Toni and Tom's where we spent the rest of the night hanging out, drinking and playing "Heads Up!"

It was a really good day and I had a lot of fun with everyone. Which is something I definitely needed after dealing with all of the crap I've been dealing with since the accident. Hopefully the fun, good day thing keeps up because up until last weekend I was still feeling really meh. I hope you're all doing well! And if any of you go see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016) I'd love to know what you thought of it.

April Photo-A-Day...

Here is the photo-a-day list Fat Mum Slim made for April 2016...
How to take part in April photo-a-day:

  • Using the list as inspiration, take a photo each day 
  • Share it on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #FMSphotoaday. You can also share on your blog or on Facebook by joining her group.      
  • Check out other people's photos and like them or comment on them.

March 30, 2016

Movie Trailer | Papa: Hemingway In Cuba...

Recently I was sent the trailer for the upcoming film Papa: Hemingway in Cuba (2015) which is, as you've probably guessed, a biopic about about Ernest Hemingway’s life and time in Cuba. But it isn't just that, it's the first Hollywood film to shoot on location in Cuba since the 1959 revolution and I'm excited about it.

As a Cuban-American the idea of seeing Cuba on the big screen in an American movie, and not scenes shot in the Dominican Republic pretending to be Cuba, makes me happy. Even though this film was apparently shot in 2014 and isn't opening until now, it still kinda give me hope especially with everything going on with Cuban-American relations at the moment.

“In order to write about life, you must first live it.” - Ernest Hemingway

PAPA: Hemingway in  Cuba is the true-life story of a young journalist who finds a father figure in legendary author Ernest Hemingway. Their relationship began in the late 1950’s when Ed Myers, then a junior reporter at The Miami Herald, wrote a fan letter to his idol. Myers thought he was being pranked when the larger than life Hemingway phoned the newsroom a week later, inviting him to Havana.    

”Good letter, kid,” the famous voice growled. ”You like to fish?“  

Hidden away at his private estate with his wife Mary, the elusive author mentors Myers in fishing,   drinking, and finding his voice while the Cuban Revolution boils up around them. In this turbulent   landscape, observing an icon in his twilight years, Myers discovers his strength while recognizing that   all of our heroes are human.   

PAPA: Hemingway in Cuba is directed by Bob Yari, whose credits as a producer include the Oscar®   winning Best Picture Crash and The Illusionist. With its title derived from the Nobel Prize-winning  novelist’s nickname, PAPA, is based on an autobiographical script by Denne Bart Petitclerc. Played by Giovanni Ribisi, the character is names Ed Myers in the film. Theater and screen veteran Adrian   Sparks portrays Hemingway; Joely Richardson is his wife, Mary Hemingway. Minka Kelly is Debbie  Hunt. James Remar portrays Santo Trafficante, Jr., reputedly the most powerful Mafioso in Batista-  era Cuba.  Hemingway's legendary first-mate of the Pilar, Gregorio Fuentes, is played by local Cuban   actor, Eduardo Almirante.  

The producers are Amanda Harvey, Michael Pacino, Weezie Melancon and Bob Yari.  PAPA: Hemingway in Cuba was filmed with the assistance and cooperation of The Cuban Institute of   Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC).  Santaigo Llapur from ICAIC is PAPA: Hemingway in Cuba’s Production Director. William Immerman and Kirk Shaw are the executive producers. Wanda Petitclerc is co-producer. The line producer is Fernando Uriegas.  

The team that brought PAPA: Hemingway in Cuba’s Old Havana to life includes Los Angeles-based   Salvadorian-American director of photography Ernesto Melara, Cuban production designer Aremis   Balebona Recio, American costume designer Jane Anderson, and Cuban casting directors Libia   Batista and Odalys Garcia, among others.  

 As relations between the United States and Cuba slowly thaw, PAPA: Hemingway in Cuba marks a   watershed moment in that Yari and his multinational crew filmed almost entirely in and around   Havana. A cultural milestone, helmed by an American director with Hollywood actors, a film of this   significance has not been produced in Cuba in over 50-years since Castro’s revolution signaled the beginning of the U.S. embargo.

Genre: Drama/Biography
Cast: Minka Kelly, Giovanni Ribisi, Joely Richardson & Adrian Sparks
Director: Bob Yari
Screenplay: Denne Bart Petitclerc
Producers: Bob Yari, Amanda Harvey, Weezie Melancon & Michael Pacino
Release Date: April 29th 2016

March 21, 2016

Car Accident...

If you've noticed a lack of posts from me as of late it's because I got into a car accident about a week and a half ago. I don't really wanna talk about it just yet but just so you guys know, the car was totaled but I'm okay considering (I have a lot of bruising, some shoulder and back pain, etc). But yeah, hopefully I'll feel up to writing soon.

March 17, 2016

From The Hold Shelf (Or What I'm About To Read)...

Don't ask me why or how it happened, but apparently I haven't shared my hold books with all of you since last October -- Which seems crazy to me but whatever. That being said, I am once again going to make it a point of sharing my books with all of you and we'll start with this nice little stack that just came in...


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Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel: Our List of the 500 Best Places to See... Ranked
This compilation of the 500 most unmissable sights and attractions in the world has been ranked by Lonely Planet's global community of travel experts, so big name mega-sights such as the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal battle it out with lesser-known hidden gems for a prized place in the top 10, making this the only bucket list you'll ever need. This definitive wish list of the best places to visit on earth is packed with insightful write-ups and inspiring photography to get you motivated to start ticking off your travel list. What's your number 1?

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"The Forest Feast for Kids: Colorful Vegetarian Recipes That Are Simple to Make" by Erin Gleeson
The Forest Feast for Kids includes the most kid-friendly favorites from The Forest Feast, along with 20 new recipes, plus ideas for kids’ parties and easy-to-follow instructions on techniques, measurements, and other helpful kitchen aides.  

The first children’s cookbook from New York Times bestselling author and popular food blogger Erin Gleeson, The Forest Feast for Kids, serves up kid-friendly vegetarian recipes that are quick, easy, and fun to make. This cookbook showcases the rustic simplicity of the fare through vibrant colorful photography of Gleeson’s beautiful home in the woods and of children cooking the dishes themselves.   

Each meal is simple and full of fresh and lively flavors that will appeal to kids. The natural beauty of Gleeson’s surroundings and the abundance of local produce serve as the inspiration for recipes such as:
  • Pesto Pepper Pizza
  • Rainbow Chard Quiche
  • Kale Tacos
  • Watermelon Smoothies 
In addition to its recipes—which span meals, party food, snacks, and beverages—this nonfiction book includes ideas for crafty table decoration, party ideas, an illustrated guide on kitchen safety, and a glossary of culinary terms. The recipes are complemented by a mix of stunning photographs and art, including Gleeson’s own fanciful watercolor illustrations and hand lettering.   

This beautifully designed kid-friendly cookbook is perfect for foodies and parents looking for healthy recipes for children. It will also appeal to fans of Erin Gleeson’s blog and The Forest Feast. Parents.com says "Have you ever wanted to crawl into a cookbook and live in its world? That’s how I feel when I page through Erin Gleeson’s gorgeous The Forest Feast for Kids."

Website: The Forest Feast

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"Sharpie Art Workshop: Techniques and Ideas for Transforming Your World" by Timothy Goodman
Bold and sharp, brilliant and vivid, Sharpie markers can be found in art, office, and stationery supply stores, drugstores, mass-market and crafts chains - almost anywhere writing utensils are sold. Sharpies can be used on virtually any surface, from the traditional (paper and canvas) to the unexpected (fabric, plastic, ceramics, glass, wood, stone, metal). In addition to the original fine point version, Sharpies are produced in five tip widths, several formulations, and in more than 30 colors, plus silver metallic. Their familiarity, accessibility, and clean, bold, dense line - especially the graphic impact that can be achieved with classic black - have made Sharpie markers the go-to medium for creatives of all stripes.  

In Sharpie Art Workshop, designer, artist, and art director Timothy Goodman explores Sharpie writing products, the materials and supplies that can be used to enhance or modify them, and the range of creative techniques and effects that can be achieved. Through a series of examples and exercises, Goodman demonstrates how to make different kinds of marks, patterns, and images on a variety of surfaces. Inspiring works by noted artists from all over the world who use Sharpie in interesting and innovative ways are also included.  

Sharpie Art Workshop offers ideas and inspiration to anyone who's looking to explore the creative potential of this exciting medium. So when you make your mark, what will you create?

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"But I Could Never Go Vegan!: 125 Recipes That Prove You Can Live Without Cheese, It's Not All Rabbit Food, and Your Friends Will Still Come Over for Dinner" by Kristy Turner
Can’t imagine living without cheese? Convinced that dairy-free baked goods just don’t cut it? Hate the taste of tofu and not a fan of boring salads? EXCUSES, BE GONE!  

Blogger-author extraordinaire Kristy Turner deliciously refutes every excuse you’ve ever heard with 125 bursting-with-flavor vegan recipes for every meal of the day—including dessert!     
  • “All those special ingredients are way more expensive.” Not when you can make your own Homemade Seitan, Barbecue Sauce, Zesty Ranch Dressing, and Tofu Sour Cream.     
  • “I could never give up cheese!” You won’t miss it at all with Tempeh Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Pecan Parmesan, Tofu Chèvre, Citrus-Herb Roasted Beets with Macadamia Ricotta, or Mushroom Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.     
  • “What about brunch?” Chickpea Scramble Breakfast Tacos, Lemon Cornmeal Waffles with Blueberry Sauce, and Caramel Apple-Stuffed French Toast are vegan breakfasts of champions!     
  • “My friends won’t want to come over for dinner.” They will when they get a taste of Carrot Cashew PâtĂ©, Portobello Carpaccio, and Gnocchi alla Vodka.     
  • “But I scream for ice cream!” Then you’ll shriek over Dark Chocolate Sorbet, Mango Lassi Ice Cream, and from-scratch Oatmeal Raisin Ice Cream Sandwiches.  
If you’re a waffling vegan newbie, on-the-fence vegetarian, or veg-curious omnivore, this book will banish your doubts. You’ll find you can get enough protein, fit in at a potluck, learn to love cauliflower, and enjoy pizza, nachos, brownies, and more—without any animal products at all. (Even vegan pros will discover some new tricks!)

Website: Keepin' It Kind

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"The Hands-On Home: A Seasonal Guide to Cooking, Preserving & Natural Homekeeping" by Erica Strauss
Create the DIY home you've always wanted with over 100 recipes, tips, and inspirational ideas from blogger Erica Strauss (Northwest Edible Life). Covering everything from cooking, canning and preserving to making your own nontoxic home and personal care products, this fresh take on modern homemaking wil help you make the most of your time, effort, and energy in the kitchen and beyond.  

Over half of the book focuses on the kitchen with a wealth of information about how to organize and stock your kitchen to more effortlessly prepare delicious meals. A former professional chef who knows how to build flavor into simple and delicious home-cooked meals, Strauss provides delectable recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert like Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Granola, Forager Spring Greens Soup, Simple Crispy Chicken with Roasted Lemon Pan Sauce, and Olive-Oil Rosemary Cake with Lemony Glaze.  

Strauss includes details on Basic Food Preservation techniques such as water-bath canning, pressure canning, and lacto-fermentation along with a handy year-long food preservation calendar of what to put up when. Preserving recipes are organized seasonally and include Rhubarb Syrup, Pressure-Canned Chicken Broth, Korean-Spiced Turnips, and Cranberry-Pear-Walnut Conserve.  

The book also features recipes for DIY home care and personal care products like Nontoxic Laundry softener, Fizzy Bath Bombs, and Refreshing Peppermint Foot Scrub. Hands-on Home is packed with fabulous recipes, practical, no-nonsense advice, and time- and money-saving techniques. With a focus on less consumerism, Strauss provides instruction on everything you need to live more delicious and sustainable DIY lifestyle.

Website: Northwest Edible Life

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"Thug Kitchen Party Grub: For Social Motherf*ckers"
From the duo behind New York Times bestseller, Thug Kitchen, comes the next installment of kick-ass recipes with a side of attitude. Thug Kitchen: Party Grub answers the question that they have heard most from their fans: How the hell are you supposed to eat healthy when you hang around with a bunch of assholes who couldn't care less about what they stuff in their face? The answer: You make a bomb-ass plant-based dish from Thug Kitchen. Featuring over 100 recipes for every occasion, Party Grub combines exciting, healthy food with easy-to-follow directions and damn entertaining commentary.   

From appetizers like Deviled Chickpea Bites to main events like Mexican Lasagna, Thug Kitchen: Party Grub is here to make sure you're equipped with dishes to bring the flavor without a side of fat, calories, and guilt. Also included are cocktail recipes, because sometimes these parties need a pick-me-up of the liquid variety.

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"Forgotten Bookmarks: A Bookseller's Collection of Odd Things Lost Between the Pages" by Michael Popek
It's happened to all of us: we're reading a book, something interrupts us, and we grab the closest thing at hand to mark our spot. It could be a train ticket, a letter, an advertisement, a photograph, or a four-leaf clover. Eventually the book finds its way into the world-a library, a flea market, other people's bookshelves, or to a used bookstore. But what becomes of those forgotten bookmarks? What stories could they tell?

By day, Michael Popek works in his family's used bookstore. By night, he's the voyeuristic force behind www.forgottenbookmarks.com, where he shares the weird objects he has found among the stacks at his store.

Forgotten Bookmarks is a scrapbook of Popek's most interesting finds. Sure, there are actual bookmarks, but there are also pictures and ticket stubs, old recipes and notes, valentines, unsent letters, four-leaf clovers, and various sordid, heartbreaking, and bizarre keepsakes. Together this collection of lost treasures offers a glimpse into other readers' lives that they never intended for us to see.

Website: Forgotten Bookmarks

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"No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love and Wandering" by Clara Bensen
Newly recovered from a quarter-life meltdown, Clara Bensen decided to test her comeback by signing up for an online dating account. She never expected to meet Jeff, a wildly energetic university professor with a reputation for bucking convention. They barely know each other’s last names when they agree to set out on a risky travel experiment spanning eight countries and three weeks. The catch? No hotel reservations, no plans, and best of all, no baggage.  

Clara’s story will resonate with adventurers and homebodies alike—it’s at once a romance, a travelogue, and a bright modern take on the age-old questions: How do you find the courage to explore beyond your comfort zone? Can you love someone without the need for labels and commitment? Is it possible to truly leave your baggage behind?

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"Bébé Day by Day: 100 Keys to French Parenting" by Pamela Druckerman
Ă€ la carte wisdom from the international bestseller Bringing up BĂ©bĂ©  

In BRINGING UP BÉBÉ, journalist and mother Pamela Druckerman investigated a society of good sleepers, gourmet eaters, and mostly calm parents. She set out to learn how the French achieve all this, while telling the story of her own young family in Paris.   

BÉBÉ DAY BY DAY distills the lessons of BRINGING UP BÉBÉ into an easy-to-read guide for parents and caregivers. How do you teach your child patience? How do you get him to like broccoli? How do you encourage your baby to sleep through the night? How can you have a child and still have a life?  

Alongside these time-tested lessons of French parenting are favorite recipes straight from the menus of the Parisian crèche and winsome drawings by acclaimed French illustrator Margaux Motin.   

Witty, pithy and brimming with common sense, BÉBÉ DAY BY DAY offers a mix of practical tips and guiding principles, to help parents find their own way.

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March 10, 2016

Happy Birthday To Me | My 31st Birthday Weekend...

My thirty-first birthday was this past Friday, so I did what every other Long Islander would do and celebrated my birth for a whole weekend (Mainly thanks to Day who put together the most amazing weekend for me). And I started my birthday weekend off by having all you can eat sushi with my family, followed by a super yummy tres leche cake.
Not that all you can eat sushi with my family wasn't great but the real birthday festivities began on Saturday. And it started with me meeting up with Day and Toni at Toni's house. Where I was greeted with middle school style balloons (Which I did bring into the city with me and back to Long Island at the end of the weekend) and Day mixing drinks in dollar store sippy cups for the train ride into the city.

After a mimosa or two, Toni's husband drove us to the train station and we hopped on the LIRR. On the train we sipped on our drinks and watched the stops to make sure my sister caught the same train as us once her stop rolled around.

We found my sister, made friends with the conductor who told Day she was a hot mess, drank out of our sippy cups, did shots of Fireball, etc. until we got to our destination.
Once we got into the city we popped on the taxi line outside of Penn Station and took a taxi to Chinatown to Hotel Mulberry, where Day booked us a room for the night.

After checking in, settling into the room, getting some dollar dumplings from some little hole in the wall around the corner from the hotel and finding Liz, the five of us wandered around Mott Street looking for something to eat. We ended up at Ajisen Ramen where we pigged out on kani salad and big bowls of ramen.
Once the five of us had our fill of ramen we went back to the hotel to start getting ready for the actual festivities planned for the evening. When we got back my sister realized that she forgot the pair of leggings she wanted to wear back on Long Island, so she and Liz got an Uber and went in search of leggings for her tiny human self. And while they were on their mission Day, Toni and I started getting ready and pre-gaming.

Eventually Phil and Rob showed up and joined in on the consumption of Fireball, cheap vodka and champagne, as well as started a Missy Elliot dance party (Which mainly consisted of Phil dancing in the corner). And at some point during all of this my sister and Liz made their way back to the hotel with a pair of leggings.
So the whole time this is going on Day and Toni keep telling me that we're waiting on Amanda to show up so we can head over to M1-5, the bar/lounge we were going to for the night. At some point Toni says she is gonna go downstairs to see if the vending machine has any good snacks and a couple of minutes go by and there is a knock on the door. Day tells me it's probably Toni or Amanda and that I should go open the door. So I go to open the door and waiting on the other side is not Toni or Amanda, it's Chas who decided to fly to New York and surprise me for my birthday.

All I could do was scream and hugging her -- Which was caught from various angles on various social media platforms.

Once I got over the shock of her showing up and she said hello to everyone else, she changed and we headed over to M1-5 where Amanda, her boyfriend, Lisa and Andrew were waiting for us.

When we were all finally together our hostess got us our table and then people started buying me drinks, we started dancing and I eventually got really drunk (Toni said I tried to drink all the alcohol in Manhattan).
After hours of partying we eventually got an Uber and headed back towards the hotel. Instead of going straight to the hotel we decided to try and see if the dollar dumping place was open. It was not. Then we went to a karaoke bar near the hotel. We sat down for all of two seconds when Day told us we needed to leave. Apparently they told Day it was fifteen dollars per person if we weren't drink, so Day said screw that and we finally headed to the hotel.

Once we got to the room someone ordered us some Dominos, which I didn't get to eat because I was drunk on the floor. Then we had a noise complaint filed against us so Day got sassy with the person at the desk. And we eventually all fell asleep with Lord of the Rings (2001) playing in the background.

Fast forward to the next morning... I was beyond hungover and basically spent the morning throwing up. Which led to us cancelling our brunch plans. So we just headed back to Long Island to Toni's house to hang out and that led to an impromptu Fat Kid Sunday dinner which was so great.
We all just listened to bad early 2000's music, cooked, bullshitted, played games, etc. Until everyone was tired. At that point Chas came with me to my apartment where we played video games, watched the first episode of Love (2016 - Present) and just talked until we decided we should go to sleep.

The next day we got up earlier than we both would have liked to and met Day, Toni and a few of the kids at a diner for breakfast.

When we were done I drove Day back to her apartment so she could pack for her trip to Puerto Rico, then Chas and I went to the mall for an afternoon of unnecessary shopping (There were Pokemon hats, expensive loose leaf tea, makeup, etc. purchased).

At some point Day texted us so we decided to head back to her place. When we got there she and Erin were drinking wine on her bed and watching Fuller House (2016 - Present). So the four of us BS'ed for a while until I had to leave to head over to Alana and Allie's new apartment for a smudging session, homemade birthday dinner and ice cream with candles in it and a fork to eat it with. Which was the best way to end my birthday weekend.
Honestly I cannot express how amazing my friends are and how grateful I am for all of them. They made my thirty-first birthday the best birthday ever. I love them so much and am truly #blessed to have such amazing, caring and giving people in my life. I can't wait for their birthdays to roll around so I can try to make theirs as special as they have made mine.

Facebook Bucket List Survey...

Apparently some how I missed this bucket list survey post going around on Facebook and didn't see it until I went to go catch up with what Karen was doing over at A Peek At Karen's World. So I'm stealing it because I love me a good survey.

(X) Shot a gun

I think I was eleven or twelve the first time I shot a gun. I'd actually love to go to a shooting range and take some shots.

(   ) Gone on a blind date

Never.

(   ) Skipped school
Not like skipped skipped school.

(   ) Watched someone die

I have not seen a person die die. I've seen a dying person but I did not witness them actually pass away.

(X) Visited Canada

Yes, but it was only to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

(   ) Visited Hawaii
Nope and I'm not interested in visiting Hawaii.

(   ) Visited Cuba
I have not yet. We have tried to plan a trip because my father was born in Cuba but we just haven't made it yet. Hopefully next year.

(X) Visited Europe

More than once. -- You can read about those here.

(   ) Visited South America

Not yet.

(X) Visited Las Vegas
Twice. 

(X) Visited Central America
Not yet.

(   ) Visited Asia
Not yet but I have my plane tickets to go to Japan and Hong Kong this summer.

(   ) Visited Africa

Not yet.

(X) Visited Florida

Tons of times.

(X) Visited Mexico


Yup. Been to Cancun with my girls. -- You can read about it here.

(X) Seen the Grand Canyon in person

I've seen it from inside a plane flying to Cali.

(   ) Flown in a helicopter

No but I would like to.

(X) Served on a jury

Yup, I was the foreman of a jury when I was like 19 or 20.

(X) Been lost
Yes I have...

(X) Traveled to the opposite side of the country

Yup, I've been to Cali.


(X) Visited Washington, DC
Yup. I went with my mother back in 2012. -- You can read about it here.

(X) Swam in the ocean

I grew up down the block from the beach.

(X) Cried yourself to sleep

Unfortunately yes.

(   ) Played cops and robbers

I don't remember doing so.

(   ) Played cowboys and Indians

Another I don't remember doing.

(X) Recently colored with crayons
I'm a Youth Services Librarian... I color all the time.

(X) Sang karaoke

Um yeah... My sister and I rapped "Drop It Like It's Hot" a few weeks ago.

(   ) Sang a solo or duet in church

Nope.

(X) Paid for a meal with coins only

Oh yeah I have.

(X) Made prank phone calls

Of course I have.

(X) Laughed until some beverage came out of your nose

Never actually.

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
Yup.

(   ) Had children

Not yet.

(X) Had a pet


I don't have one now but I have in the past.

(   ) Been skinny-dipping

Nope.

(X) Been fishing

Yup.

(X) Been boating
Indeed I have been boating. I'd love to go yachting...

(   ) Been downhill skiing
Hell no.

(   ) Been water skiing
I would but I have not.

(X) Been camping in a trailer/RV
Yup. We used to sleep in the trailer while Upstate on our rafting trip. Now we sleep in tents.

(X) Been camping in a tent
See above...

(   ) Driven a motorcycle


Never have and I don't want to.

(   ) Been bungee-jumping

Never gonna happen.

(   ) Gone to a drive-in movie


I haven't but I would really like to.

(X) Done something that could have killed you

Many many many times.

(X) Done something that you will regret for the rest of your life

No.

(   ) Rode an elephant

Not as of yet.

(   ) Rode a camel

Nope.

(X) Eaten just cookies or cake or ice cream for dinner

Yeah.

(X) Been on TV

Multiple times.

(X) Stolen any traffic signs

Oh yeah. I had a bunch in my bedroom as a teenager. I might still have some...


(X) Been in a car accident


Yes but thankfully none have been serious.

(   ) Been in the hospital in past 24 months

Not for myself but I was in the hospital while my sister was having surgery last June.

(   ) Donated blood

I can't.

(   ) Gotten a speeding ticket in the past 12 months
I've gotten one but not in the past 12 months.

(X) Gotten a piercing
Just my ears.
Three in one ear, two in the other and my nose.

(X) Gotten a Tattoo

Yup. Thinking about getting another.

(   ) Driven a manual transmission vehicle
Nope. No one will teach me and Justin's car is stick.

(   ) Ever owned your dream car

I wish...

(X) Been Married


Currently am.

(   ) Been divorced

Never gonna happen. One of us is gonna have to die for our marriage to end.

(X) Fell in love

Yes.

(   ) Fell out of love

I've fallen out of really liking someone.

(   ) Paid for a strangers meal

I have not.

(   ) Driven over 100mph

Nope.

(X) Been scuba diving or snorkeling

Never scuba but I've gone snorkeling tons of times.

(   ) Written a published book/story/poetry

Not yet.

(   ) Eaten snails

Nope. Gross.

March 4, 2016

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot...

As I mentioned in my post about attending the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot press junket, I had the opportunity to attend the press junket screening (Which an even earlier screening than I typically go to where they give you free popcorn and soda) of Tina Fey's new movie Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016).

When reporter Kim Barker’s (Tina Fey) life needs something more, she decides to 'shake it all up’ by taking an assignment in a war zone. There, in the midst of chaos, she finds the strength she never knew she had. Sometimes it takes saying ‘WTF’ to find the life you were always destined to have. Also starring Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina and Billy Bob Thornton, the film is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (“Crazy, Stupid, Love”) from a screenplay by Robert Carlock (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock”). 

Genre: Comedy, War
Starring: Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina and Billy Bob Thornton
Directed By: Glenn Ficarra & John Requa
Writers: Robert Carlock (screenplay), Kim Barker (book)
Produced By: Ian Bryce, Tina Fey, Sam Grey, Lorne Michaels and Regan Riskas
Executive Producers: Charlie Gogolak, Eric Gurian
Release Date: March 4, 2016


Let me start off by saying that movies involving war are not typically my cup of tea. But that being said, I very much so enjoyed Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016). And I think it's because it was not what I expected -- Probably because I feel like the marketing is a little off for this film. Like I feel like people think this is going to be a funny quirky Tina Fey movie and it really isn't. I mean don't get me wrong, I was laughing during Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016) but it wasn't like your typically Tina Fey movie like a Sisters (2015) or Baby Mama (2008). Do you guys get what I'm trying to say?

But yeah, nevermind all of that...

I really really did enjoy Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016), as did my father who was my date to the screening. I think it was an extremely well done relevant war time dramedy and it is way more than the "most American white lady story" ever told. It was a captivating film about making an extreme life change. I totally recommend going out and seeing the film.

And as always, if you do I'd love to know what you thought about it.

On a side note, I look forward to reading "The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan" by Kim Barker, the book that the film is based on because I found the Hollywood movie version of her story so intriguing.

March 3, 2016

Podcasts | My Favorite Murder...

Last year I wrote a post dedicated to my then new obsession, podcasts. Since that post I've become even more obsessed with podcasts as a form of driving entertainment, and as of several weeks ago I've found a new podcast that I'm totally loving and I just had to share it with all of you. It's called My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark and it's basically Georgia from Slumber Party with Alie & Georgia (Which is my all time favorite podcast) talking with Karen Kilgariff about their favorite true crime/murder cases (i.e. - JonBenét Ramsey, Paul Bernardo, etc.) as well as hometown crime stories from friends and fans. And it is just fascinating, that is if you're into true crime and/or murder -- Which I obviously am, and yes I realize that that statement sounds creepy.
If My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark sounds like something that is up your alley you can find it on iTunes and Feral Audio. They also have a private Facebook group that you can join that wont show up on your feed so your friends wont think you're a creep.
If it doesn't sound like it's a podcast you'd enjoy here are some of my other favorites...
If you have any podcast recommendations I'd love to know!

March 1, 2016

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Press Junket...

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a press junket in New York City for Paramount Pictures upcoming film Whiskey Tango Foxtrot which is slated to open nation wide this Friday.


So basically I got to listen to Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Kim Barker (Author of "The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan"), Robert Carlock (Screenplay), John Requa (Director) and Glenn Ficarra (Director) talk about the film, what it was like to film a war dramedy, what it was like for Kim to have her story transformed into a major motion picture, etc. It was just the most fascination forty minutes, especially after having seen the movie -- Which I'll have a review on on Friday.

For those of you interested below is the actual audio from the junket. But I will say, if you're planning on seeing the movie (Which I totally recommend you do) you should wait to listen to it.

Month In Review: February 2016...

♥ Celebrating mine and Justin's thirteen year dating anniversary.
♥ Nicole giving birth to baby Brody.
♥ Justin booking us flights to Japan and Hong Kong.
♥ Getting tickets to see BeyoncĂ© at Citi Field with my sister.
♥ Mike Einziger reposting my Instagram picture.
♥ Attending the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016) junket screening & press conference.
♥ Changing my hair color.
♥ Talking Justin into letting me go to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we are in Japan.
♥ Pre-pre-pre-pre planning a possible trip to Thailand with my friends for 2017.
♥ Planning my 31st birthday party with Day.
♥ Trying out a new ale house with Justin, Day & Toni. Followed by late night Applebees.

Fat Kid Sunday | The First Fat Kid Dinner Of 2016
Valentine's Day Wishlist
Incubus Cassettes, Reposts & Me | Mike Einziger Reposted My Picture
Library Life | An Apology To My Readers
Library Life | Shit Show

Unurth
I Am A Food Blog
Emma's Vintage
Alice & Lois


♥ The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story (2016) ♥
♥ Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016) ♥
♥ Deadpool (2016) ♥
♥ Fuller House (2016 - Present)♥