Top Chef All Stars!

Top Chef All Starts premiered this evening and I couldn't be more excited for the rest of the season!

I became a fan of the show in college, and in all honesty I don't even know what season it was. I've tried to stay up to date on the show, but it has sadly fallen by the wayside in favor of other shows. But already I'm hooked once again.

They really did bring back the best of the best, and to top it off most of the "characters" are also all time favorites! Love them or hate them, this is going to be a great, entertaining, interesting and incredibly competitive group. For me, this is reality show heaven. It's scripted in a way that there is a purpose for each episode, but still real enough that the competition and drama become organic. Plus, its about food. Combine delicious food, fascinating people, high tension, emotion, contests and set it all in New York City... well then you've got my attention!

I'm always in awe of people who can cook the way these chefs do. Obviously a good handful of these contestants do have formal training, and an even larger group have been directly involved in the food preparation business for years. Chefs, restaurant owners, you name it - they've done it. But they're still relatable, normal people who have a passion for food and cooking.

I love cooking shows. I could watch the Food Network all day long. I've recently begun cooking and baking much more than I have ever before, and something about these shows just makes me feel like I can do or try anything... It's not like I'll get eliminated on national television for messing it up!

One major aspect of this show that I respect above all else is the fact that the judges actually know what they're talking about. Sure, music shows have musicians, fashion shows have designers and industry professionals, but this show really does have a good handful of people who know their business and every aspect of food preparation. They have knowledge, experience, and taste.

Okay, more later... too tired to write any more... but... more coming, I promise!

Anyway,

speechless

So I just wasted the most horrifying hour and a half of my life.

I watched The Human Centipede on Netflix and regret it completely. In all honesty, it wasn't the content that turned me off. Obviously the concept is disgusting and disgraceful, but I'd like to think I have a relatively strong stomach when it comes to the outrageous and nonsensical. Just about everything else was really what got me - the terrible acting, the shoddy camera work, the predictability and lack of suspense... I have now lost more than an hour of my life which I will never get back...

Once I can gather my thoughts I'll try to write something of substance about this movie.

For now I can only string together a few things about Centipede that I can't get out of my head:

Pro: No real background on the Doctor and his psychotic experimentation - I love a movie where we don't get an answer to any of the "whys?"

Con: There were moments in the film where it was clear they were trying to develop the character of the Doctor. It was too much for us to completely disconnect from him, but not enough that we understand his madness. In my opinion I don't think there's any room for this sort of middle ground character development. Either he's a crazed lunatic for no reason, or we learn of something substantial that causes him to be this way. Just a little of each makes our interpretation of him murky.

Pro: The Japanese actor - his lines were just horrible, but his delivery was impeccable. He definitely stole the movie.

Con: Nothing is left to the imagination - the "creature" is revealed right away. The reveal does have some hint of suspense, but for a really effective shock the wait should have been longer. The more build up, the better the surprise in the end.

Con: Why give them gauze diapers, but still keep the ladies topless? I know why - just because! Movies like this really bother me. Blood/guts/gore/sex just to be shocking. If it's not in any way related to the plot, then what's the point? The popularity of these shocker films is only growing (how many Saw's are there now!?)... and it's because viewers, writers, and even producers are getting lazy. Nobody cares enough about substance to pay attention to content... think about that one for a bit kids.

In the meantime, while I try to organize all the different things I have to say about this movie, I'm going to think about kittens, rainbows, and just about anything else that might make me feel better.

shameless plugs

I have to say it:
I absolutely LOVE The Sartorialist. I find it incredibly inspiring - both the photos and the writing.

Everything about this blog speaks to me.

I aspire to look and live like the people featured.

Something about The Sartorialist is classist, yet everything about it is accessible. The men and women, and even children, are so real looking to me. I don't care if they're posed. I don't care if they're wearing clothes I'd never be able to afford in three lifetimes.

I adore this blog and everything about it... particularly the hint of Garance Dore.

SO chic. SO stylish. SO cool. SO perfect. SO motivating.

that reminds me...

Today, Gawker posted an article entitled “7 Things You Should Never Do in a Club.” As usual, the Gawker team hit the nail on the head, outlining some of the more annoying occurrences which usually take place on a weekend night.

Personally, I feel that there were a few topics not covered, and some certain club snafus that cannot be ignored. I acknowledge, in advance, that these particular “Don’ts” have a particularly female-centric slant, so if you can’t relate I’m sorry.

Don’t Wait IN the Bathroom

It’s common knowledge that women travel in packs, particularly when we go to the bathroom. It’s a phenomenon that even we don’t understand, but it happens most often when out at a club or lounge. Unfortunately, common courtesy doesn’t always register with drunk individuals, and some ladies have a habit of remaining IN the bathroom while their friends are waiting in line or occupying a stall. This is one of the most inconvenient arrangements I’ve ever experienced. In an already crowded bathroom, I’m of the belief that more bodies just creates more conflict. So girls, please just go, do what you came to do, and leave again. Fix your hair, pee, do your makeup, hell – do a line off the nasty seat for all I care. But please just leave the bathroom when you’re done. It makes things move faster and more efficiently, and reduces my risk of getting stepped or spilled on.

Don’t Send Drinks

As far as I can tell this doesn’t happen as much as it used to in any situation or setting. However, I’ve seen it happen in a club and it’s just bad form. It’s too loud to even consider approaching the sender to say thank you. And it’s too crowded to even get to him/her. Once again, spillage is a serious risk. And unless you’re Don Draper, you will likely come off as a creep. There’s really no way around it. Don’t send drinks at a club. A quiet pub, a wine bar, even a restaurant. Fine. But not in a club. EVER.

Don’t Wear Expensive or Rare Fabrics

Depending on the venue, you are likely going to get bumped and nudged. Depending on what kind of evening you’re having, and of course what kind of friend’s you’ve got, you are going to get spilled on, have makeup smeared on you, get pen on your hands, and you may possibly even vomited on. So, for the love of god, don’t complain when your silk/sequined/feathered/leather item of clothing gets “ruined.” You should have known better. Save the sassy textiles for the classy venues.

Back Up Off My Back

I am fully aware that it is difficult to approach a member of the opposite sex in a club with the hopes of generating some sort of spark or connection of any kind. I respect that it takes a lot for a guy to dance at all, let alone come over and try to dance with me. I’m also completely comfortable with the fact that nobody formally asks to dance with you anymore. But I don’t understand how guys assume we ladies find it appealing when we suddenly feel your pelvis grinding up against us from behind. It’s the dance-floor equivalent of a catcall. I’m sorry, I haven’t even looked at you in the face, and you’re dancing with, no, ON me? No no little man. Stop right there. If a woman wants to dance with you, she will let you know. Even the shyest of ladies will somehow alert you to her interests. Pay attention to our body language and keep an eye out for eye contact. For those of you dancers who are actually good at what you do, do your thing! Dance away. Show us what you’ve got, and if you seem fun and appealing, we’ll come to you. Otherwise, please keep your junk away from my trunk.

Don’t Get Completely Trashed

I’m all for having a good time, but please please please don’t get so drunk that you need to be taken care of. It’s somewhat acceptable in any other scenario, but in the event that a friend gets beyond drunk in a crowded club, you’re just in for a really long night. As mentioned before, the bathrooms are crowded. God forbid your friend needs to get sick, you’re screwed. And leaving is a whole other issue – and finding the missing coat/purse/shoes/wallet/credit card/cell phone is just the first step. You still need to find a way to coerce your wasted friend OUT of the club. More often than not they will want to stay, completely unaware of what a mess they’ve become. If, however, you DO manage to get them to leave, just getting to the door is a problem in itself. The throngs of dancing club-goers will likely make it hard for you to get outside, let alone you dragging/pushing/carrying a friend out with you. So please, boys and girls, don’t just think of yourselves – think of me and the people like me who have to get you in a cab at the end of the night.

Watch Your Elbows

I get it. It’s crowded at clubs. People are dancing and having a good time, and generally you don’t notice that you’re elbowing me in the back. But I’ve heard horror stories of poked eyes, hair caught in rings, elbows to the ribs/back/stomach and worse. So please, just be aware of your surroundings… Or else you might get a very deliberate elbow throw to the gut.

(Photo Credit: Tumblr)

What a SHOW! Was it ROCKY? Or a HORROR?

Click HERE for a really interesting discussion about last night's Rocky Horror themed episode of Glee. Dave Itzkoff and Reecca Milzoff both make coherent and pointed observations about the show, and share some opinions about the season/program overall.

....a post of my own to follow soon....

(picture courtesy of nytimes.com)

Halloween Spirit

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday (my most favorite of all, no less) I spent my morning trolling the internet for new horror releases and specially featured screenings of classic Halloween favorites. In my search, I stumbled upon what looks to be a promising gem.

The Loved Ones, an Australian import, is a story about a crush gone very wrong. Lola, a quiet and awkward girl becomes taken with Brent, a troubled young man who is haunted by his father's death and mother's subsequent breakdown. Despite his rebellious behavior and psychological burdens, he finds solace in his normal, caring, beautiful girlfriend. But Lola's jealousy becomes unmanageable after Brent rejects her invitation to the school dance, and she takes a dark road towards getting what she wants.

After watching only the trailer, I'm already convinced of this film's potential. Featuring Xavier Samuel, Robin McLeavy, and John Brumpton, the preview of The Loved Ones portrays the film as campy, engaging, excessive, and down right disturbing. It looks fantastic!

In the vein of High Tension, with clear inspiration from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 'Ain't It Cool News' seems to have gotten it right with their description of the film as "a truly demented masterpiece."

Obviously it's difficult to really say anything about a film I haven't seen. But The Loved Ones has been featured at 12 different film festivals, and highly lauded at each. As a horror junky, I'm pretty excited about seeing this (hopefully on the big screen), and can't wait to really get into it's content and style.

The Loved Ones - HD Trailer C.O. IMDB.com

Summer's Lingerings

I try to shy away from indulging in blogging about myself, but this time I just can't help it.

Fall and winter are two of my least favorite seasons. Not because of the weather or the temperature - to be honest I actually really love the whole aura of autumn. Fall fashion is up there in my favorites list. I love wearing boots, and probably have more pairs than I do heels. Nothing is more satisfying than going out in a pair of jeans, boots, a t-shirt, and a light weight jacket.

What I dislike about this time of year is how it wreaks havoc on my hair. I'm not quite wavy, but I'm not a curly girl either. To make matters worse, my hair is baby-light, so it's incredibly difficult to control and style naturally. If I use too little product, my flies around with a mind of its own, and bares a striking resemblance to wispy airy cotton candy. If I put too much in my hair it gets weighed down, becoming almost straight at my crown but curly at the bottom.

There's very little room for compromise with my hair - it tends to do whatever it wants, particularly now. The back and forth of dry and humid air mixed with cooler temperatures makes for quite the interesting look, and leaves me reaching for a hair tie. As winter approaches, it gets drier and drier, and I often feel little shocks around my neck and ears when my down jacket creates static cling...

So, I'm often at a loss... What's a girl to do!?

I think I may have figured out the answer - reinstate summer products!

Summer is my season. I swim almost every weekend in the ocean, and something about that salt transforms my limp strands and makes me feel like a bombshell. My hair does exactly what I want it to! I have body, texture, and - more often than not - control. It's brilliant... But, now I'm stuck with what I've got, and what I've got isn't great.

This morning when I woke up I found myself staring in the mirror at the remnants of yesterday's satisfactory style. My hair was pressed flat on top, curly elsewhere and awkwardly wavy most everywhere else. In short, my style was inconsistent and unpleasant. And, having slept in longer than I expected, I didn't have time to shower this morning. I felt despondent. I had a full day of work ahead of me, dinner plans tonight, and refused to concede myself to a ponytail or bun.

It was at that moment that I remembered the best investment I had made in some time - Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.

It is magical. Used on wet or dry hair, this product provides you with a windswept beachy look. Honestly, even the consistency of your locks has that soft but salty feel, as if you've been swimming all morning and let your hair dry in the sun. After flipping my head over and spraying around like a maniac, I scrunched and crunched until my hair felt dry again. I flipped back up and looked in the mirror... and my hair looked better than it has in weeks.

I love this little product!