Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Actual New Moon Pics! Yippee!







I love looking at this stuff. I know that I'm obsessed, but if you would read the dang books you would understand why we like to talk about it so much. I don't care if you rented the Twilight movie and thought it wasn't a big deal. IT IS NOT THE SAME AS THE BOOK. The book is amazing. The movie is, eh, okay, but I devour it because I love what it represents. I watch it over and over because it takes me back to what I love about the book. Go buy it, borrow it, steal it....but freakin' read it! Read it past chapter 5 before you decide you "can't get into it." The other three will quickly follow, and you can join our psycho club and wonder why you waited so long! Okay, I'm stepping off of my sparkly Twilight soap box. Check out the production pictures from New Moon. I wonder what scene they are filming???

I Can Read Lauren Conrad's Mind

If you follow The Hills on MTV, you know that Lauren Conrad is a fashion icon. Really, she is. Move over Versace, Dolce & Gabbana - this chick is the next big thing in the fashion world! She's sort of a prodigy, some say. Sort of. So it saddens me to divulge that L.C. "is taking a hiatus, but the line still exists and will continue," her rep tells Us Weekly Magazine. "The sales of her line in the first year doubled what was projected. However, in light of the economy, it's a good time for Lauren to take a few seasons off to re-work her still budding line."
Wow. How considerate. The economy thanks you, Lauren. I think I can translate that statement for those of us who can't read Lauren's mind, like I can: "Like, I'm sooooo tired of having to go to like, a real job. It's soooooo not fun. I think I'm just going to shop all day, and like go to clubs, and just like chill, you know?" Economy my ass. Pffffftttttt!!!!!

Geez! Who is Dressing You???


So you stood in front of your mirror this morning, and honestly thought this outfit looked good? Really?

Monday, March 30, 2009

Go on Sale, Darn It!

I've had my eye on you since Christmas, now GO. ON. SALE!!!

EXPRESS FASHION -
LUXURY STRETCH RUFFLE PENCIL SKIRT - HOUNDSTOOTH
$69.50

Gisele Better Watch Her Back


In this month's issue of Vanity Fair, model Gisele Bundchen discusses her recent nuptials with hubby, Tom Brady and her love for his son, Jet (John Edward Thomas). I have a good feeling that Jet's mommy, Bridgette Moynahan, might not enjoy the article. Instead, she might be cracking her knuckles and shadow boxing while she waits for Gizzy and Tom to drop little Johnny off from his next visit.
For a single mother, it is terrifying not being able to control who is around your children when they visit their father, and for Gizzy to be playing house with little John must be excrutiatingly painful for Moynahan. The two have never met, but Gisele states, "I want him to have a great relationship with his mom, (awww, how sweet!) because that's important, but I love him the same way as if he were mine. I already feel like he's my son, from the first day."
No. You. Don't.
You've had a longer relationship with your current pack of cigarettes. There is NO WAY that she can love this kid as much as his own mother does. No way. Until you've felt that little booger, growing and kicking inside of you, and then finally looking up at you with those beautiful eyes, you can't possibly know (or even compare your own love) to a mother's love. Get over yourself, Gizzy. It would also piss me off that she's talking publically about MY KID and making asinine statements like, "I understand that he has a mom, and I respect that. But to me, it's not like because somebody else delivered him, that's not my child -- I feel it is, 100 percent." Ugh. Kick her ass, Bridgette!

Miley...


...you get on my nerves.
Oh, yeah, and she won a bunch of awards at the Kids Choice Awards...go figure!

Valerie Bertinelli is Amazing!

I don't really remember watching Valerie Bertinelli on T.V., but I do remember watching her many Jenny Craig commercials over the past two years. All I can say is, "Wowza!"



Caius, Leader of the Volturi Cast

British actor, Jamie Campbell-Bower has been cast to play Caius, leader of the Italian vampire royalty, the Volturi. I need to go and reread Stephenie's discription of Caius, because I pictured a MUCH OLDER and much creepier guy in my head! I'm not liking this casting, but who knows what can be done with special effects, make-up, or CGI. I might be eating my words after the premiere...prove me wrong, Jamie!

Kristen Needs a New Boyfriend

I'm just sayin', but I think Kristen's boyfriend will soon be out of his league, if he isn't already. Here are some pics of Stewart, Nikki Reed (Rosalie), and boyfriend, Michael Angarano, best know as Jack's son in Will & Grace.

Nikki Reed, Kristen Stewart, and Michael Angarango strolling in Vancuover.
Michael Angarano in Will & Grace

Minty-Freshness for Your Scalp


Even though my daughter says my "hair smells like gum," I'm loving the minty fresh smell and tingly sensation of my new Biolage Mint Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner. I bought my set at my mothership, Ulta.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Virtual Makeover

My kids and hubby were asleep, and for some odd reason, I didn't join them tonight. Instead, I spent an hour or so playing with the "Virtual Makeover" tools on http://www.marieclaire.com/. I might go a darker shade or two the next time I'm at the salon after looking at my "after" photo!

Stupid People Make Stupid Children...


The desmoinesregister.com is reporting that a 13 year old boy was referred to juvenile court after allegedly biting 11 students. The kicker is that when police notified the boy's father, he said that his son didn't intend to hurt and anyone "and that he was biting other students because of the movie, 'Twilight'. "
I make my living working with 13 and 14 year olds, and never in my eight years of teaching, have I EVER met a kid stupid enough to pull this kind of stunt, and I've met a lot of stupid kids. Furthermore, I've also never met a parent who would defend their dumbass kid's behavior by blaming it on a MOVIE! Seriously, what's next, a kid watches Harry Potter movies and starts whacking class mates with his "magic wand"? Surely there is not a parent out there dumb enough to defend that!

Edward! Oh, Edward!

Robert Pattinson on the set of New Moon. I love the coats Edward wears...I wonder if Donnie will let me dress him in a pea coat? You know, the yummy gray pea coat that Edward sports throughout most of Twilight? Delicious!





photos from newmoonthemovie.org

Sloppy Joes, Slop, Sloppy Joes, Yeah!

I tweaked a reciped from Oprah.com that tasted amazing and it was also low-fat and calories!
You Need:
  • 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground TURKEY (yes, turkey, my hamburger meat fans...you will be pleasantly surprised, so trust me on this and try it!)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 tbs of olive oil
  • Season All Salt
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper (I prefer Kosher Salt because it has bigger granuels, and seems to taste better. Plus, I just like saying the word "kosher".)
  • 1 can of Del Monte brand "Sloppy Joe: Original"
  • 5 whole wheat hamburger buns (I prefer Mrs. Baird's wheat buns. Mrs. Baird's always seems to be the softest, and freshest bread.)
  • Mustard

Using a medium pan, saute onion in olive oil until onion is soft, but not translucent. Add turkey meat and brown. Season to taste with Season All salt, kosher salt, and pepper. The original recipe calls for "fresh ground pepper," but you can use whichever kind of pepper you prefer. (Does anyone remember the SNL skit, "More fresh, ground pepp-ah?") Anywhoo, you shouldn't have much fat to drain (thanks to your choice of lean turkey over hamburger meat), but drain any fat from the pan. Return to stove and add the can of Sloppy Joe sauce. Cook on medium heat until sauce is warm and bubbly. Cook on low for five to ten minutes while you toast the wheat buns. On a cookie sheet, butter the buns and broil in the oven until toasted, which literally takes one to two minutes. We like mustard on our buns (ha!), but you may want ketchup. Scoop and serve on toasted buns!

Sloppy Joe sauce can be found in the same aisle that you would buy canned chili, or beans.

My favorite brand of bread is Mrs. Baird's! Delicious!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Old Skin Needs This...

I think after I hit the age of 25, or maybe after having two kids, wierd spots started to crop up on my face. Never getting to sleep for two hours straight without someone waking me up also hasn't helped my complexion. Whatever the reason, I need as much product intervention as I can get. That is why I've enjoyed wearing Bare Minerals, and use nearly their entire line. My current fave product of theirs is the "Natural Face Lifting Duo". It brightens the lovely dark circles under my eyes, and does an amazing job contouring my rather large and healthy nose.

Funny or Wierd?

Sometimes, I find John Mayer to be witty and sarcastic...my personal brand of humor. Yet, lately, he comes off as arrogant and immature to me. For example, he is hosting a VH1-sponsored Carnival Cruise ship, supposedly filled with his fans.

Fan-Made New Moon Poster

I thought this poster was totally cool....(found on newmoonthemovie.org)

I'm Really Pathetic

And I'm also ready for trailers of the movie The Haunting in Connecticut, to be completely off of the air. I'm not a big fan of scary movies because, A, I'm a chicken, B, I do believe that ghosts exist, and C, I'm usually jump at my own shadow for a few weeks after watching a horror flick. What also makes movies even more morose for me is if they are based on a true story, like The Haunting in Connecticut is, apparently! When the previews for this movie come on, I mute it and look away until it is over. How sad is that?

Babies for Big and Carrie?

The Sex and the City Sequel is reportedly in the works, and the buzz around Hollywood is that it may mean babies for Big and Carrie. I'm not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, both characters are too self-absorbed to be good parents, but on the other, it would be interesting to see how they handle a baby. Can you say "baby Manolos"? Carrie certainly wouldn't be as bitchy of a mom as her buddy, Miranda!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Breakfast Blueberry-Bananna Smoothie

Last summer, I found this recipe in my US Weekly magazine that Kate Hudson's trainer posted to get "Bikini Ready" for summer. Even though I've never been, and probably never will be "Bikini Ready" without medical intervention, this smoothie is still a yummy and healthy breakfast treat! Here is the recipe that I altered a bit from the original:

You will need:

  • 1 cup of almond milk (the vanilla almond milk, with no sweetener added is the best) Almond milk is in the cereal aisle at Walmart and United. I'm sure it is in the same vicinity for other grocery stores.

  • 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (protein powder can be found in the vitamin and weight control section of Walmart...not sure about where to find it in United)

  • 1 cup of frozen blueberries

  • 1 cup of frozen strawberries

  • 1 banana

  • 1 packet of Splenda or Truvia sweetener (The original recipe called for guava nectar, but it is very expensive for a small bottle. Yet, if you don't want the chemicals of artificial sweetener in your healthy shake, the aguave nectar is at United in the same aisle as the honey. I've never seen aguave nectar at Walmart.)

Using your blender, blend the almond milk and protein powder together first. Add the banana and blend until smooth. Gradually add the cup of frozen blueberries, blending until smooth. Add your strawberries slowly and gradually, so your blender will not become bogged down and burn out! Taste the smoothie, and if it is sweet enough for you, skip the Splenda or nectar. If you like your smoothies a bit more decadent, add the sweetener of your choice and enjoy!

Can Vampires Get Lung Cancer?

Because if they can, our favorite Cullen family should go on the patch! Check out these pics I found on TwilightersAnonymous.com of Cullens enjoying a smoke break on the set of New Moon.




No wonder Bella is so skinny!
Doctors should know better!
Emmett, you are too cute to smoke!
Rosalie enjoying a smoke, sans wig.

Protein Bars That Don't Taste Like Poop

In my attempt to eat healthier and lose weight, I picked up these bars at Walmart the other day. Not only were they yummy, but I didn't have to sacrifice my first born to pay for them! (Why are protein bars so dang expensive, hmm, Zone Bars?) They have 6-7 grams of protein and the calorie count isn't as high as my Zone Bars that I also like. Triple bonus! Here are my fave flavors:

Super Creepy!

It's stuff like this that makes one NOT want to be a celebrity!
Resource: http://www.usmagazine.com/

Shawn Johnson Fan Charged With Stalking
Thursday March 26, 2009
ABC/KELSEY MCNEAL; Inside Edition

Shawn Johnson's fan Robert O'Ryan has been charged with one felony count of stalking and two misdemeanor counts of carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office announced Thursday.
O'Ryan, 34, of Florida, was arrested Tuesday after he jumped a fence at CBS Studios in Los Angeles where Dancing With the Stars was filming. Police later found two loaded guns in the man's car, as well as duct tape and love letters to Johnson, 17.
See DWTS rehearsal photos
He is being held on $35,000 bail. Now that he has been charged, prosecutors will ask that bail be set at $220,000.
If convicted, O'Ryan faces up to four years in prison.
Check out photos of stars at court
A rep for Johnson tells Usmagazine.com: "It is currently an ongoing investigation and we are confident that it will be handled appropriately byall involved."

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

Don't tell Donnie, but I bought book today at our junior high book fair. Books really are to me what shoes are to other women...I can't say "no" when I'm in a store full of them! Our librarian told me how amazing and haunting it was, and that I would love it. I'm three chapters into it and I'm already hooked. I'm about to finish this post and pick it up again, but I thought I would leave you with a synopsis of the book from Publishers Weekly. I can't wait to find out if it is as chilling as it sounds!

Sometime in the near future, Jenna Fox, 17, awakens from an 18-month-long coma following a devastating accident, her memory nearly blank. She attempts reorientation by watching videos of her childhood, "recorded beyond reason" by worshipful parents, but mysteries proliferate. Jenna can recite passages from Thoreau yet can't remember having any friends. As memories return, however, Jenna starts picking at the explanation her parents have spun until it unravels. Pearson (A Room on Lorelei Street ) uses each revelation to steadily build tension until the true horror comes into focus. Even then Pearson does not stop; she raises the ante in unexpected ways until the very last page. Clues are supplied by the supporting cast: Jenna's father, who made his fortune in biotechnology; a classmate whose loss of limbs has turned her into a crusader for medical ethics; Jenna's Catholic grandmother, who is hostile to her. A few lapses in logic- if Jenna's father is world-famous and the family in hiding, why does she enroll in school under her real name?-can be forgiven in favor of expert plotting and the complex questions raised about ethics and the nature of the soul.
Part of me is deeply sympathetic to the basic storyline: when does medicine go too far? Yet, if something happened (God forbid) to either of my babies, I would want to use every advantage medicine offered to keep them with me (of course in a non-vegetable state). Okay, let's quit talking about this...it's ooooging me out to even THINK about that! Eeesh! Go buy the book and let's read it together!

I Guess I'm in a Twilight Mood Tonight...

One more Twilight post tonight, and I swear I'll move on to something else for the time being! Did you know, in addition to the bracelet mentioned in Eclipse, that you can buy a replica of "Bella's Engagement Ring"? I'm not sure why I find looking at her ring pictures so entertaining, but this is what I dug up:






Apparently, the above ring images are part of Stephenie Meyer's officially approved jewelry designs. I'm not a big fan of this ring, because I imagined something smaller, petite and delicate. Yet, Stephenie is the authority on her self-created Twilight world, so who am I to argue?

I tend to favor banglesofhope.blogspot.com's version:

Mother's Day...Need a Gift Idea?

If your mom is a Twilight addict like mine, she might like a bracelet from http://www.mybellabracelet.com/. (Or you can drop a hint to your hubby that you need one, too. I find ordering it for myself and then later telling my husband that I bought my own Mother's Day gift works as well!) I ordered it for myself last year, and the quality is amazing! Real silver, Swarvoski crystals, and copper for the wolf. If you've read Eclipse, you know the symbolism and significance of the wolf pendant and the "crystal" heart. I'm attaching a few pics of my personal bracelet so you can see the un-photo shopped pics and gage the quality for yourself. I like, no, LOVE my Bella Bracelet!

Quote from the site:

Now is your chance to show how you really feel about Edward or Jacob. Inspired by the best selling book series, “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer, My Bella Bracelet is patterned after Bella’s description of the bracelet. Now available in two versions:
“My Bella Bracelet Original” Features a vintage, twisted-rope, sterling silver chain that is available in three sizes. On one side a Genuine Swarovski Crystal represents the beautiful cold and hard Edward. On the other side a "custom cast" copper wolf charm represents the wild side of Jacob.
“My Bella Bracelet Deluxe” In addition to the charms of the Original, this Bracelet has three gems garnishing the rim. The Topaz represents Edwards eye’s after he hunts while the Black Onyx represents his eyes before he hunts. The Russett Crystal represents the color of Jacob when he is in his wolf form.

Really? Kim has Cellulite?

This is not earth-shattering news for me. I've seen her red carpet pictures and I'm pretty sure that a butt like that has to have a little bit of fat in it. Kim Kardashian (star of the E! reality show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians) is a pretty gal, and I'm glad she's not too upset about the photos she took for a website that published them untouched. Hollywood reacted with shock and horror that the site would publish them without retouching, but Kim responded on her blog:
"But you know what, who cares!" she continues. "So what: I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesn't!?"
She went on: "How many people do you think are photoshopped? It happens all the time!
"...I'm proud of my body and my curves and this picture coming out is probably helpful for everyone to see that just because I am on the cover of a magazine doesn't mean I'm perfect," she says before signing off "XO, Kim."

Bravo, Kim! As the teacher of 13 and 14 year old girls, I think girls need to see an image of a beautiful woman that is not 100% perfect! It would also make me feel a bit better about the "butt in the front" having two kids has left me in my belly area. Can some celebrity mom please take a picture grabbing two handfuls of extra skin for me, please????


The 1st pic is untouched. I'm sure millions of women would love to have this much "cellulite". Pfffftttt...that is NOT cellulite!

The Doctor is In...for 16 Hours Straight!


I loved him before hearing this tidbit of news, but did you know that Peter Facinelle signed autographs for troops at Fort Lewis...for SIXTEEN HOURS???

"Originally schedule to last just two hours Saturday afternoon, Facinelli’s visit to the PX finally wrapped up at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, some 16 and a half hours after it started. The appearance at the exchange capped off a whirlwind three day tour of Ft. Lewis that had Facinelli meeting troops from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, talking with more than 100 military children at a local prep school and taking part in a question and answer session with some 1,000 fans at a free screening of the Twilight movie Friday night." Quote discovered on TwiCrackAddict.blogspot.com.


Dr. Cullen is truly compassionate! I love this comment by a fan on the twilightlexicon.com site:



"Freakin Loon Says: March 22nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
That goes above and beyond duty for fans. He easily could have said, “guys I gotta catch a flight”.
He it truly an amazing human being and I am a bigger fan of his because of it."

New Moon Script Not Sticking to the Book?

Okay, New Moon isn't the fave book in the series for many Twilight fans. For me, I hated that Edward wasn't in most of it, and that I had to hang out with Jacob for most of the book. Now that I picture Taylor Lautner in my head when I think of Jake, it's not so bad. My imagined Jacob was not as hot, so I'm anticipating New Moon to be at least bearable. However, http://www.newmoonthemovie.org/, they present an excerpt from an interview with Rachelle Lefevere (Victoria) that hints the New Moon script will also present a dual story line: One from Bella's perspective and another from Victoria's:
Rachelle Lefevre hints to this in a new interview–
“The books are all from Bella’s point of view,” she told me. “So there are things in New Moon that get talked about and are referred to, but don’t get described. Victoria spends all of New Moon trying to get to Bella. As a result, she fights werewolves and has encounters. They’ve basically tried to show more for the film. We want to keep the love triangle going, but we’ve kept more of the dark action, vampire-y stuff to keep those fans happy.”

This might make the movie better than the book. I wasn't looking forward to watching Kristin Stewart play a manic-depressive Bella for two hours. Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) also mentioned in an earlier interview that Edward will appear to Bella in "flittering images" when he is warning her to be safe with her ridiculous stunts. I would like to know the definition of "flittering". Will "flittering" include a shirt-less Edward? If that is the case, I'm all for "flittering"! Either way, iIt will be interesting to see what is going on with Victoria and her pursuit of Bella. Any thoughts?

Shocking...New Moon's Heidi is a Super Model

E! Online is reporting that the role of Heidi (the Volturi's human receptionist) will be portrayed by Noot Seear. Yes, a girl named Noot is about to be in the next Summit Blockbuster. Noot. At least she's pretty.