Still Alice

As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, this past weekend was a long weekend in Canada. Lots of fun to be had poolside, out with friends, etc. - but the best thing I did this weekend, was read the book Still Alice. I started it Monday morning and finished it Monday evening around dinnertime. I had not intended to zip through it in a day. In fact, I can't remember the last time I did that. Two or three days maybe, but one? I could not put it down. I was moved. I was riveted. I was utterly and completely invested. Obviously. 

I was late to the party with reading this one so by now I would assume most have heard of it, if not read it. If not, this is the brief Google Books description: "Still Alice" is a compelling debut novel about a 50-year-old woman's sudden descent into early onset Alzheimer's disease, written by first-time author Lisa Genova, who holds a Ph.D in neuroscience from Harvard University. 

First of all, I can't believe this is a first novel by Lisa Genova. It is so beautifully and intelligently written. She manages to touch every emotion in you and make you feel strongly about Alice, as if you know her. Next, this book is an education. Before this book I was aware of Alzheimer's disease, but not necessarily early onset Alzheimer's, or that there was a difference between it and that which is commonly diagnosed in the elderly. I appreciated learning more, and I appreciated not just observing what Alice was going through, but those around her as well. Before I go on I should disclose I am ABSOLUTELY a crier (happy, sad, basically any emotion aside from neutral - my mom calls me her Kristin Bell if you know that reference). Although touched I didn't expect to cry in this book. The 60 or so pages didn't have me crying, they had me sobbing. Seriously sobbing. And I'm not giving anything way - it wasn't necessarily sad tears. I definitely got overwhelmed by the beauty in the story. 

If you have not read this book, I really think you should. I think it could be read and enjoyed by everyone in the sense that it is that kind of writing. I think it should be read by everyone in the sense that it is that kind of story.

What Is Sexy?

This week Victoria's Secret has released their 2013 "What Is Sexy?" list, where they match celebrities with various "sexy" categories. This year the list includes: 
    
      Sexiest Actress: Jessica Chastain
     Sexiest Style: Nina Dobrev
     Sexiest Legs: Blake Lively
     Sexiest Bikini Body: Rihanna
     Sexiest Hair: Amanda Seyfried
     Sexiest Smile: Zoë Saldana
     Sexiest Eyes: Zooey Deschanel
     Sexiest Lips: Kerry Washington
     Sexiest Curves: Shakira
     Sexiest Sense of Humor: Jennifer Lawrence
     Sexiest Mom: Giuliana Rancic
     Sexiest Songstress: Beyoncé
     Sexiest International Import: Emilia Clarke
     Sexiest Summer Glow: Hayden Panettiere
     Sexiest Sporty Style: Ashley Greene
      Sexiest TV Cast: Revenge
     Sexiest Cyber Stars: Tone It Up Girls
     Sexiest Tweeter (fans): Elizabeth Banks
     Sexiest Up & Coming Bombshell (fans): Chloë Bridges   
  
So, how do we feel about their picks? I feel pretty good about them but there are definitely a few I would have chosen differently. I woudn't have given Sexiest Actress to Jessica Chastain - it's not that she's not sexy, she is and she's huge right now so it makes sense, but I would have chosen someone else like Gwyneth Paltrow even! She's pretty hot right now too, and in my opinion she's just killing it! I'm on board with Sexiest Style and Sexiest Legs. Bikini body, I don't mind giving it to Rihanna - I don't think I've seen any pictures of her this year but if last year is any indication, she's very worthy. I'm ok with Hair and Smile... For eyes, yes Zooey Deschanel has big blue eyes, but is it just me or do they look a little crazy sometimes? I think would have prefered Julianne Hough. Sexiest Sense of Humor is BANG ON with Jennifer Lawrence. Man, where did she come from? She's awesome. Sexiest Mom I am not necessarily on board with but that's also due in part that I am not a fan of either of her reality shows (not that I've given them much of a chance). I would lean more towards picking someone like Jessica Alba or Kate Hudson. I'd love to look like them when I'm a mom. Heck, I'd like to look like them now! The only other one I'm a bit unsure of is Sexiest Summer Glow. I know that's just because there is something about Hayden Panettiere that bugs me so maybe that's not fair. How about Jennifer Aniston? Her skin and hair always looks sun-kissed and aside from that, she looks amazing and incredibly happy right now. She's radiating!

How do you feel about this list? 

Here's the video with the Angels saying the picks:

Gatsby

This past weekend the much anticipated movie The Great Gatsby opened. I had been looking forward to it for a long, long time. And when I say long time, I mean back in the day when it was originally supposed to open this past Christmas! For what ever reason it was delayed, but this weekend the time came. Due to this extreme anticipation I felt like I absolutely must see it opening weekend, so I did just that with a friend of mine who felt the very same way. Prior to going in I didn't read any reviews for it, but I did know that the reviews out there were not good. It was an ok movie. Not awful but not fantastic. Certainly not all I had hoped it would be. It was visually beautiful and although I found some parts were great and exciting,  other parts just dragged a bit. But I will say I do not regret seeing it in the theater at all - when I'm that excited for a movie I like to see it regardless and make my own conclusions! Plus 3D movies are fun! And 3D Leo, well... that was worth it too. :)

BUT, on the (very) bright side, last Wednesday The Great Gatsby soundtrack came out. I had pre-ordered it so it automatically downloaded on my phone and the second I took a listen I was in love. THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDTRACK HANDS DOWN THAT I HAVE HEARD IN A VERY LONG TIME! I'm not even a big soundtrack kinda girl. Back in the day I kind of  was with movies like Cruel Intentions and Romeo + Juliet (another Baz Luhrmann movie funnily enough). When I saw the previews for the movie I was quite enchanted by the music. Later when they announced who would be on it, I knew it was a must buy. Bang Bang by will.i.am, Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey, and Over the Love by Florence + The Machine are my favourites IF if MUST choose... because it's not easy. Five stars and a recommended buy from me! 

Did you get swept up in the Gatsby excitement? 

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. I am so glad this is the first book I'm sharing since rediscovering my inner Book Worm. Why? Because I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I'm not going to lie, it took me a LONG time to get through, but that should not be reflective of how I felt about it. 

We all know who Steve Jobs is. I mean, he changed our world for goodness sake! He actually changed it. Love him or hate him, I learned so much about him in the book I didn't know and I'm sure never would have known otherwise. You can love him because he was so creative, artistic, innovative, and determined. You can hate him because he was emotionally immature, harsh, insensitive, and controlling. It was when he became ill that Steve Jobs actually asked Walter Isaacson to write this book about him and gave Walter full access to him and the people in his life (past and present). Steve figured that once he passed away someone would write a book about him, so why not endorse it, and make it one of truth, where people can know the real him. 

I am my father's daughter and am constantly interested in and intrigued by technology and innovation. This book also told that story. I thought learning about how it all (Apple and the Steve Jobs legend) began was interesting, but even more so how the technologies of late have come to be. The Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes... all of it! Each and every single one of those products changed the norm, shook up industries, and had people NEEDING something they previously didn't even know they wanted. 

Some people say, "Give the customers what they want." But that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said "If I'd asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me 'A faster horse!'" People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page. - Steve Jobs

If you like biographies, this is a great one. If you love technology you'll love this one! I am definitely an Apple girl and I've always appreciated how they upped the ante for anyone in their lines of business, and it was taken there by Steve Jobs. The fact that this book is so well written and honest just makes you get lost in the story. Steve Jobs also had such a unique perspective of the world, that some of the quotes in the book are quite profound. I'm very much in awe of him.

One more quote from the book I'd like to share is something Steve said after he got diagnosed with cancer, and although it is a touch morbid, it is also very real: 

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choice in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.  
 

Can't live without: Dove Dry Shampoo

This product review is a must. Ever since discovering it, I can't handle how much I love it. Before I jump in, let's talk about hair for a sec. Did you know that you are NOT supposed to wash your hair everyday? I hope you know. If you do wash your hair every day, your hair can suffer... BADLY. What you're doing is removing the natural oils that your scalp produces to protect and moisturize your hair. Doing that everyday causes dry, straw-like hair and split ends. In an effort to replace those natural oils your scalp then overproduces the oil and your hair will get that greasy look faster. So the answer: cut down your hair washing. It is recommended that people only wash their hair a couple of times I week, which is not necessarily ideal, but anything less than daily is good. If you're a daily-hair-washer and you are ready for change it's hard to imagine your hair less greasy, but like anything, routine is key! By washing your hair less, the oil production will balance out, and your hair can survive longer and look fresh without washing! It will get a whole lot healthier too! There's your hair science 101 for the day. Now, if only there was something you could do for the off days...

Enter: dry shampoo. I was only introduced to dry shampoo a handful of years ago and it has since changed my life. For anyone that doesn't know what it is (is there anyone that doesn't know?), dry shampoo is magic when it comes to making hair look fresh and clean on non-hairwash days. I love it. Anyway, I think it's safe to say I found the holy grail of dry shampoo and that, if you haven't guessed already, is Dove's dry shampoo. It's light, not powdery, needs only to be applied once at the start of your day and has a bonus: it adds a natural volume to your hair! Another perk is that it is only $5.99 (Canadian $) at your local drugstore or grocery store. I can't think of anything bad to say about it, it's just that fantastic!

I should note that I have tried numerous brands, such as: 

• KMS - second favourite but at $17 it's not cheap
• Klorane - 3rd favourite
• OSIS - I'm neutral on it, so not worth the salon price
• Kevin Murphy - good but I found I needed to reapply, so also not worth the salon price
• Batiste - I found it too powdery which put a thick coating on my hair & makes my blonde hair white so I can't even imagine brunettes!
• TRESemmé - definite no as it made my hair greasy and flat

Hair and hair health is SO important to me. I'm not sure about you but I invest a lot of money in my hair. As a blonde I also know how hard it is to keep your hair healthy and soft, so I do everything and anything to keep it that way. A lot of people (even some hairstylist friends) are impressed by how healthy my hair is despite being a blonde and ask my secret. Well, this - not overwashing my hair and using this dry shampoo - is one of them!

*Another "Can't Live Without" beauty product: Benefit Mascara

Julianne Hough for Sole Society

A couple of months ago I saw Julianne Hough announce over Twitter that she would be collaborating with Sole Society to develop a line of shoes. Well, over the weekend I noticed that they have finally been unveiled. I've only recently been browsing Sole Society footwear and so far I think they have a lot of really great styles. This collaboration I feel is no different. I tend to really like Julianne's style so I'm not surprised that I like the shoes. I'm not crazy about her flats, but I wanted to share some of the heels that I liked! 

"Makenna" sandal | "Gianna" sandal | "Angela" bootie

First, there's the "Makenna" sandal. Very fashionable and fun. I like the zipper detailing and how bright they are. Next there's the "Gianna" sandal. I feel like this one is inspired by her dancing roots as it very much reminds me of the type of shoes they wear sometimes on Dancing with the Stars! I do however think that the style and the colour are pretty darn cute. Finally we've got the "Angela" bootie. I really liked this colour with spring around the corner, and we all know a peep-toe bootie is super trendy right now. 

What do you think of her collaboration?

Cute slogan too... 

Must See TV: Girls

One of my newest favourite shows is premiering this weekend for it's Season 2! The show (if you haven't guessed already) is Girls. If you have not seen the show yet, you've likely heard about it. Girls is an HBO show that kind of popped up out of nowhere (another show recommendation from my mom) and I just think it's so great. To describe this show it would be easy to first think of Sex and the City, but that's probably because it's about 4 very different girls living in New York City. Other than that, it is a very different show. The girls are younger and they deal with very different, very realistic problems. Like Sex and they City, you have your favourites but you can't help but root for all of them. Each character is brilliant and unique. This includes the guys too! There are some brilliant actors playing some interesting characters on this show. The writing is unreal too. Mostly funny, but also serious, dramatic, heart-wrenching - all of it! The shows creator and writer, also happens to be the shows star, Lena Dunham who plays Hannah. What talent.


Needless to say, I'm pretty excited for it to be back. And if you've not seen it for yourself, I recommend you do!

Bonus: Only if you like Girls AND indie movies do I recommend the film Tiny Furniture. It, like Girls, is written and directed by - and staring - Lena Dunham. I saw it not too long ago and loved it! Very her. Very brilliant.

Must See TV: Damages

Damages was a show that I had read about briefly but didn't know much about. I knew who was in it - Glenn Close and Rose Byrne. I knew that it was supposed to be smart. I'd also heard it was a good show to watch if you liked to see business appropriate fashion. The hook for me though, was definitely the cast. Glenn Close makes pretty good choices if I do say so myself, and I've grown to love Rose Byrne since I first saw her in one of my favourite movies, Wicker Park.

Enter, once again, my Apple TV and Netflix. I swear they will be the end of me, or at least my social life. Damages is of course on there. And if I like it? There are five seasons ready and waiting for me to enjoy. And boy, do I not only like it, I love it! The acting in it is phenomenal. The only thing better is the writing. Each season starts with a teaser or something that is happening in the "present". Then the meat of the episodes are "6 months ago" and sooner as the episodes progress until you catch up to the "present". There are so many twists and turns. It is such a strong and intelligent show. As each season ends, you are also left with the curiosity of how there can possibly be a next season, but then there it is. As far as the type of show - they are lawyers and the story line follows an intricate case as well as their personal lives.

I'm only on season 3 but I am hooked. My roommate is caught up in it too. But we have to hurry, according to this promo poster I found the next season starts in January! 

Must See TV: The Walking Dead

Last February I bought an Apple TV and almost immediately signed up to Netflix. Having Netflix has been incredible and allowed me to watch and catch up on all sorts of shows! Once such show is The Walking Dead. I'd heard about it from friends and on social media, but never caught it on TV so didn't know what all the hype is about. Netflix luckily had season one available! My roommate and I decided to watch one episode, which turned into two episodes, then three, and so on, and so on - this seems to happen a lot to us. Luckily, it was only a 6 episode season, so we zipped right through it! Unfortunately we were hooked and didn't have any more to watch. Until a week ago that is...

A much longer (13 episode) season 2 just became available on Netflix. We finished it in a hurry but now we only have to wait until this Sunday for season 3 to premiere! This show is a great show. In case the title didn't give it away, this show has to do with zombies. It's that whole Dawn of the Dead, 28 Days Later concept. The main character wakes up in a hospital only to discover that the world he knew is gone. There are zombies or "walkers" just about everywhere. Once reunited with his family, and the group of survivors they've been staying with, it's all about their journey for shelter or other survivors. And what a journey it is!

This show is incredibly intelligent and has stayed strong through both seasons. If this kind of genre is even a little bit up your alley, definitely check it out. Can't wait for Sunday! (Yes, another show to add to my Sunday collection)

I Love Katy Perry

I really do! I recently watched her movie, Katy Perry: Part of Me, and that's where this love came from. 

I've always enjoyed her music, and I've always thought she was a super talented singer (when you are singing alone in the shower or car, those notes are harder to hit then you might think!), but I never really thought much of HER. With her recent costumes lately - the bright candy themed concoctions - I didn't know what to make of her. After watching this movie, all that changed. No, I don't like the candy costumes, but I do like her. I love her. She is the bees knees. 

Firstly, this movie started and ended with fans talking about Katy and how she's inspired and motivated them. It's extremely touching. She might have an element of fantasy about her but she is also very much about being who you are and doing what you believe is right for you, and following your dreams.

This movie is divided into two very interesting themes: her tour and all its moving parts, and her life (past, present, future). I thought it was super cool to get a behind the scenes of her tour. Her costumes, her prep, her team, her travel, her interaction with fans, and of course her actual performances! So much goes into this thing, it's just incredible! Then the other theme of her life. Without giving away the story, I thought her rise to fame was interesting. Her motivation and spirit is quite admirable. She worked hard to be where she is, and she's still working hard. You also get to see bits and pieces of her love life, her marriage to Russell Brand. It's no secret that they are since divorced, but the movie happened to be filming while their marriage was unraveling. It's heartbreaking. 

Aside from the romance, you also get to see her with her family, and friends. She's just a normal girl living a not-so-normal life and I think that was my favourite part - seeing her laugh and joke, having a good time, and enjoying what's she's worked so hard to achieve. I do recommend you check it out for yourself!

Sunday (just got more) Funday

Well Sundays are just about to get way more fun! This weekend 4 (count 'em 4!) of my favourite shows are premiering... and all on Sunday! My PVR is going to get a serious workout this fall. 

On ABC the second seasons of Once Upon A Time and Revenge start up, as well as a brand spankin' new show called 666 Park Avenue. 

Once Upon a Time was new last fall and very much unlike anything I'd ever seen before. It's definitely an acquired taste but it had me hooked. It's half fairy tale and half real life - a story based around Snow White's evil queen putting a spell on all the land (so all the fairy tales) and sending them to a horrible realm - Earth! I thought it was quite well done, and gives you a darker or more real look into these fairy tales we all know and love. I didn't know how they were going to make a second season happen with this story line, but there it was, in the last few minutes of the finale. I can't wait now to see what happens!

Revenge. I love this show. It's smart, creative, suspenseful - it's awesome! If you have not seen season 1, I recommend you do. The whole season (and series) revolves around this main character avenging her fathers death. That could definitely make for a cheesy show, but they do it really well!

666 Park Avenue is a new show this fall. Since it follows the other two ABC shows I'm already hooked on, why not give it a shot! The magazine ads for it make it look like a saucy show, but the TV ads for it make it look like a scary show - either way, WIN! Can't wait.

Moving on over to Showtime... DEXTER. There's not much to say except that it is brilliant. I can't believe this is going to be the start of season 7. The show has not lost any of it's quality over the years, in fact, it might have gotten better! As more time passes, serial killer Dexter has to become more clever, and therefore the writing does too. Each finale has left me with my jaw dropped and last year was no different. This is going to be a good season kids!

Do you share my love of any of these shows? What are you most excited to see come back (or start) this fall?

If you were stuck on a desert island...

... and you could only bring one make-up essential, what would it be? My answer is and always has been: mascara. 

I have straight blonde eyelashes and I never quite feel like myself without even one quick brush of mascara. Once I apply mascara, can't seem to stop my lashes from going straight within an hour or so. After some trouble shooting, my trick to mascara perfection is to curl my eyelashes, put on a coat of mascara, do something else for a minute or two, then put on a second coat of mascara. More often then not, they still lose their curl, but at least not as quickly. SO, I decided if I could just find the perfect mascara, all my worries would be over. 

Enter: Benefit Cosmetics. They have a mascara called "They're Real" and yes, it's because they give you fabulous looking lashes! But my journey didn't end there. They also have a mascara called "Bad Gal" and yes, it's because it takes your lashes to the next level. I was happy using one or the other until my local cosmetician told me to layer them - do my usual layer routine staring with "They're Real" and ending with "Bad Girl". BINGO! I found my perfect formula. 

The inspiration for this post came from the results of the Women's Health 2012 Beauty Awards. For the category of "Best Mascara" the winners were Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume (from the readers) and Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes (from the experts). I've tried the cover girl one and although good for the $8 price tag, didn't work out for me. I've not tried the Lancome one, but will keep in in mind if I decided to switch things up!

What's your make-up essential?

2012 Emmy Awards

This past Sunday the 2012 Emmy Awards were on. Unfortunately I missed the red carpet special which is my favourite part of almost any awards show! BUT, the internet is a beautiful thing where I can access all the fashions everyone wore and make my own commentary/decisions. 

There were some stunning choices let me tell you! Lots of lace, lots of beading detail, lots of sheer overlays. There were also a fair amount of stunning simple gowns in beautiful colours. I had my work cut out for me, but in my humble opinion, the below selections are my 5 favourites of the evening. You can definitely see that I have a preferred silhouette - and although I knowingly put them in this order, it was only after making my selections did I realize they also make up the colours of a rainbow... promise!

My style winners of the night: Tina Fey, Padma Lakshmi, Julie Bowen, Allison Williams, Zooey Deschanel

Did you happen to catch any of the Emmy's? Any favourites?

Snow White & the Huntsman

This past weekend I watched the movie Snow White & the Huntsman - I originally wanted to see it in theaters but never made it so when it came out last week I jumped right on it! I was so "wowed" by this movie, I highly recommend it. 

It was deep and dark. The cinematography was beautiful. And the acting... OH, the acting. Firstly, Charlize Theron stole the show. She played the evil queen and her performance was chilling and powerful. I think she is an awesome actress and she did not disappoint. Can't say enough good things, just amazing talent there. Snow White was played by Kristin Stewart of course. I don't normally like her (I find her quite awkward) but I think she did a great job! Opposite her was Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman. He was also excellent in his role, although I will admit, I found his good looks distracting! :) Every other supporting character was super strong as well.

A couple of months ago I saw the movie Mirror Mirror (with Julia Roberts and Lily Collins), which also tells the Snow White story with the huntsman. That was a cute movie, but definitely on the cheesy side. It doesn't even compare to this one. This movie was like the grown up version, and really did blow me away.

Madonna

I did something really fun Monday night... I went to Madonna!

My company bought a box for the event, and not only that, but we could bring a guest! I thought that was incredibly cool and kudos to my work for doing that. So I got tickets for me and a friend and we headed out to Madonna.  

The opening act was Paul Oakenfold who is a great DJ and totally up my alley! I thought he really got the crowd going and set the tone for a party atmosphere. Next up, Madonna. She's a legend. You can't help but love her, and sing, and dance to her. I didn't really know her new stuff but it was easy enough to catch on. She also played enough old songs to get everyone excited. The show was pretty great. So much going on. Dancing, lights, props, you name it. It was a great concert! There were definitely some undertones of Britney and Lady Gaga in her concert which I thought was funny. Who's copying who? :)

The Stage

The only not so great thing was that the time on the tickets said 8pm. The opening act started at 9:30. She started at 10:30. That's a big long lull! Word quickly spread that this is what she's been doing on this tour. Keeping in mind this was a Monday night, there were quite a few displeased people as you can imagine. When she did finally come out everyone seemed to be forgiving enough and rocked out to her show.

Overall, I am glad I went, mainly for the fact that she really is a legend, and I don't know if there will be another chance to see her again. 

Must See TV: Wilfred

Have you seen this show? If not, you've got to see this show!

I've just finished Season 1 (Season 2 just finished airing on FX I believe) and I can't handle how much I loved it. The synopsis as described on IMDB is: 

"The story of a manic depressive man who inexplicably is the only one who can see his neighbor's dog as full grown man in a dog suit."

I was not sure how much potential that kind of a story would have but let me tell you, A LOT is the answer. First of all, this "full grown man in a dog suit" is brilliant. He's got an Australian accent and has a very suave manner about him. He's a funny "man" while expressing the thoughts and emotions that you would expect from a dog. Unreal. I'm not even a dog person (I know, I know) but I totally appreciated how he was perfectly emulating what a dog would do/think in certain situations. I mean, he even took a "liking" to a teddy bear named Bear. It's so perfect.

The manic depressive character who is the only one who sees Wilfred as a man, is played by Elijah Wood. He is pretty great in this role too. Watching him try to not look crazy while dealing with Wilfred is a lot of fun. It's a great part for him.

I won't get into detail explaining specifics (because with something like this show it's a "you had to be there/see it" kind of thing) but I will say, the whole series from episode one right up to the finale was very smart, funny, dark, light, fresh and just better then you might ever expect. Since I mentioned the finale, WOW. I cannot wait to get my hands on Season 2!

Oh no no no no no... no.

So I did it. The thing I never wanted to do but always knew I would do: I watched the new TLC show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo". I am so embarrassed. So embarrassed. More so, I found myself wondering why TLC saw the potential for this show, proposed it, approved it, developed it, and aired it? Because it's so darn bad that it's good that's why (if you read that last sentence in a country twang you've obviously been exposed to it too).

Their TLC Promo Shot - I guess they didn't
hear the cameraman say "cheese".

I am not a Honey Boo Boo expert but from what I understand and have learned, Honey Boo Boo (real name Alana) was on another, much more respectable TLC show, Toddlers and Tiaras. She became a fan favourite and from there the show/spinoff was born. She still competes in pageants and all that, but we get to see what life is like for her and her family outside of all that. It's all down hill - and less sparkly - from there. They are everything you hoped they weren't/were. 

Allow me to introduce you to her family dynamic. There's the mom, June aka "Mamma". The dad, Mike aka "Sugar Bear". She has 3 sisters: Jessica aka "Chubbs", Lauryn aka "Pumpkin" and Anna aka "Chickadee". Before I move on I will tell you that Anna is 17 and pregnant. Honey Boo Boo also made reference to a brother, but I never saw one, nor do I see one listed so... maybe she's confused? Or I am? I mean, I definitely am.

For my first episode, I was lucky enough to catch the one where the family participates in the Redneck Games - lucky me! At the games they played the ever popular 'bobbing for pig legs' game. You know, the one where you fill a clear tupperware container with water and drop in 8 pig legs and see who can get the most out in a minute without using their hands? I might actually just leave the rest of the games to the imagination. For some, it might be enough just knowing this kind of thing is happening out there in our big beautiful world. 

I like they way they talk. For example when "Mamma" is trying to say how too much cleavage is not appropriate (at least I think that's what she was saying... there are even subtitles most of the show), she actually said "all that jiggle jaggle is not beautimous". I couldn't have said it better myself Mamma. See, it's not called The Learning Channel for nothing! Speaking of how they talk, Honey Boo Boo likes to speak with her belly. What I mean by that is... you know the movie Ace Ventura, and how he likes to speak with his, um, posterior? Well it's like that. She uses her hands to fashion her belly button into a mouth. I can't really describe it further. If you still have questions, probably best to Google it. 

So, after all that you might ask if I will ever watch it again? Absolutely! If for no other reason then to be an enabler and make sure everyone important in my life sees it too. 

Book Review: Fifty Shades Trilogy

So this is THE most talked about book series, or at least was the last few months. It is so saucy and has ladies all over the world going crazy! The fact that they are making a movie only creates more buzz. So, on that note, I thought I would review them. I will be brief as there are reviews for this everywhere you look. 

I read all 3 within about 2 months at the beginning of the summer, and although I like the book series as a whole, the books are not equal, so I will break it down by reviewing each one.

Fifty Shades Trilogy

Fifty Shades of Grey: SAUCY, SAUCY, SAUCY! 

Fifty Shades Darker: SAUCY, SAUCY!

Fifty Shades Freed: SAUCY! 

But for real, the series was pretty great overall and unlike anything I've ever read. I'm not much into the whole romance books, let alone an erotic novel! Yeah, that's right, I said erotic. And it was. I think because it was new genre for me, and because I don't mind sauciness, I really liked the first one. It hooked me. The second one was simply an extension, which is not a bad thing but more of the same for sure. It resolved the cliffhanger of the first one, while adding a thriller type element as the story continued. The final one however, was NOT good in my opinion. More of what you got in the first two, and if you're like me, you've had enough at this point. I think it's called Fifty Shades Freed because when it's finally over you are FREE! At times I found it boring and predictable. Very tough. If you can't tell, I rate these books as going from strongest to weakest: the first one being awesome, new, sexy; and the last being almost unbearable.

If you have not read them yet, I recommend you try the first one! Everyone is talking about it and it's worth seeing what all the hype is about. You will know with the first one if this is a trilogy for you or not. If you have read them, what did you think? Would you recommend all or none?