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08 March 2010

Oscar fashion hits and misses

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Fashion, Movies, celebrity

Happy Monday everyone!

Normally, I would post a recap of my weekend but due to the Oscars and red carpet glamour, I am mixing up the schedule this week so I can give you a full recap of Sunday’s big show, even if it’s past my bedtime as I write this.

Overall, the celebs did a pretty great job tonight. There were a few hits and misses but nothing totally cringe-inspiring (but close). I was hoping for a little more bold color, but there were still plenty of gowns I fawned over and looks that made me shake my head.

So without further ado, here are my best/worst dressed picks!

Best dressed female: Vera Farmiga

Gorgeous color, flattering and the scallops/ruffles were to die for. Fab! I could not take my eyes off her when she was on camera

Best dressed male: Jeremy Renner

He brought his mom as his date and looked great in a classic suit/tie. Adorable.

Worst dressed female: Charlize Theron

She took a risk by reinterpreting Princess Leia’s buns on her boobs, but that’s all I could focus on and not in a good way. Your boobs should be used for good, not as dinner rolls.

More Oscar fashion winners:

Maggie Gyllenhaal

I haven’t been the biggest fan of Maggie’s dress choices (oy!) but this was simple and had great color. A necklace would have been nice but she makes it work. But damn is she skinny! Eat a burger girl!

Zoe Saldana

I LOVED this look. Vera barely beat her out as best dressed. I love the color, beading and bottom of this dress. Gorgeous and young.

Sandra Bullock

She looks like an Oscar herself. The detail and beading on the top were fabulous and with the simple hair and makeup, it was a great age-appropriate look. Now if only she could give me Ryan Reynolds phone number…

Kristen Stewart

I was shocked at how classy she looks. See how good you can look when you take a shower and put forth some effort? Now she just has to stop looking so pissed off and/or constipated

Gabourey Sidibe

Very figure-flattering and age-appropriate. Plus, she rocked the sh*t out of this on the red carpet. You go girl, fist bump!

Penelope Cruz

The movie Nine was awful, but she looks hot here. That red is very rich and gorgeous on her skin tone and it makes her waist look small and her boobs big. Win, win!

Oscar fashions that get a “see me” note:

Sarah Jessica Parker

Chanel fashion fail #1. Absolutely no shape, and I hate the yellow strap on the neck. I have no idea why it’s actually there. SJP, just because it’s Chanel Haute Couture, that doesn’t make it right!

Diane Krueger

Chanel fashion fail #2. I don’t hate the cream and black colors but it’s that loofah-inspired mid-section that confuses me. But if she brought Josh Jackson with her, that would have slightly distracted me from this mess.

Jennifer Lopez

I don’t totally know why she was here but a hip fabric puff when you’re a curvaceous woman isn’t a great idea. She actually looks a little like a teapot here. Ouch.

Miley Cyrus

You are young, rich and at the Oscars. Stand up straight! I don’t like the bodice of this dress and honestly with that bad posture and bride of Frankenstein hair, I’m not a fan.

Anna Kendrick

I’ve not been a fan of her fashion at award shows this season but the main issue I have with this look is the color. It washes her out and I can’t see the amazing detail on this dress. FAIL!

Other high/low points:

  • Steve Martin/Alec Baldwin: I thought they did a pretty good job. I still think Hugh Jackman was a better host last year, but they were funny and used dry humor
  • I really liked the best actor/actress introductions. They were funny, heartfelt and really sweet to watch
  • Kathy Ireland: OMFG what a train wreck. Her dress/necklace combo was a disaster and her interviews were so painful to watch with her claw-like hand that I had to look away
  • The random woman who ran up on stage when Music for Prudence won. Who was she? Where was security? Random!

Phew, well that is this year’s reacp. It’s now time to put the fashion judgement hat back in the closet until next year.

What did everyone else think of the fashion and show? Who was your best/worst dressed picks? What did you think of the show?

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02 March 2010

Kitchen adventures: Slow cooker tacos

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Food, Movies

That’s right! After a two week break (due to travel), I’m back in the kitchen and baby it feels good!

First, thank you to everyone who has emailed me recipes and indulged my dumb questions. I really appreciate it and keep sending them my way!

Okay back to the meal.

This week I made: Shredded Chicken Tacos from Tasty Kitchen (at the recommendation of Lacey). But I had no idea what to make with them, so I got a little creative, pulled a recipe from Erin and added a little mixed greens salad with balsamic dressing and goat cheese. Light and simple.

And here’s the finished product!

That’s a nice lookin’ plate!

Close up of the taco, num!

Shredded Chicken Tacos:

  • 1 package frozen corn
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts; frozen, skinless, boneless
  • 1 jar salsa
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning

Pour the bag of frozen corn in the bottom of the crock pot. Add the drained black beans. Place the frozen chicken breasts on top of the beans and sprinkle with the taco seasoning. Pour the jar of salsa over the top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Remove the chicken, shred it, then add it back to the crock pot and toss with the corn and beans. You can use a hard or soft tortilla and add cheese or your favorite taco toppings.

Yes, it’s literally that easy.

A few things to note:

  • I did not make it with beans and still loved it. So tasty
  • The chicken is so tender that it falls apart easily when removing it from the slow cooker, so be prepared to use a spoon
  • The author recommended Trader Joes Fire Roasted corn and Lacey agreed it give this more kick. I would definitely add more kick to this next time
  • My chicken was done cooking on low at 6 hours, but be sure to check the chicken before shredding it
  • I totally set off my smoke detector with the asparagus. So…watch out for that :)

I’m really happy with my dinner this week. And I’m going to start pre-planning next week’s too. Not quite sure what I want to make yet but so far, I’m on a good streak!

Do you like Mexican food? If so, what are your favorite things to order or make at home?

Review blog Oscar movie challenge: Find out if I achieved my goal of seeing all of Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Movies to See Before the Oscars.

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25 February 2010

Amelie-inspired silliness

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Movies, Random, travel

I’m feeling a little silly today, a definite sign that it’s been a long week :) So I’m indulging my silliness with a little inspiration from one of my favorite movies, Amelie.

I love this movie. It makes me fall in love with Audrey Tatou and want to move to Paris stat.

I could only hope I would meet a cute Parisian boy like Nino (but would prefer he didn’t work in a porn store.) If you saw the movie, you know who I’m talking about.

I could gush about this movie for hours but one of my favorite parts of the movie is when she steals her father’s garden gnome and has it travel worldwide, mailing her father photos from various landmarks. Again, if you saw the movie, you know what I’m talking about.

So this weekend while I was in Houston, I got a little slap happy at the end of each day and took the horse toy that the Four Seasons gave me and took a few Amelie-inspired photos around my hotel room.

Take a look:

Sitting in bed, snacking on Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines (she had a long day and didn’t give up sweets for Lent)

Reading USA Today’s Life section (she loves her entertainment news)

Left her alone for too long and she found the mini-bar key. That’s gonna cost me. Such a boozer

My personal favorite: Updating Twitter. She’s so social media savvy!

Yeah, I got a little zany but come on, she’s updating Twitter and hitting the mini bar. How cute is that??

I never was a big stuffed animal person, but I think I’ll keep her around. But introducing her to Bubbles could be tough. She is very territorial.

Pretty sure I sound crazy now, I should go :)

Does anyone have big plans for the weekend? Or what was your favorite stuffed animal growing up as a kid?

Movie review update: Yes, I’m back to movie reviews today and I finally got to see A Single Man, Tom Ford’s directorial debut, check it out!

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14 February 2010

Weekend recap: Happy Valentine’s Day

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Chicago, Movies, gym, shopping

Happy Sunday and Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Yeah it’s Valentine’s Day.

I should hate it because I’m single, but really, I don’t. I know, I talk a good game about hating Valentine’s Day but really, I don’t loathe it.

What I do hate is the connotation that Valentine’s Day only applies to you if you’re in a relationship. I think it should be more about love overall. Love for friends, family AND significant other. Why can’t it just be like that?

But since relationships are the most important thing on this sweet/depressing day, I decided to take my #1 person in my life out for a day. That’s right, I’m single, so I celebrate my awesomeness independently and treated myself to a day downtown.

Actually, it’s been more of a “treat weekend.”

Friday was striptease at the gym, where I got a reminder I always need to see (along with a few hefty glasses of wine).

Trust me, after two glasses of wine, I am LOVING my body :)

We also got to make up stripper names. Yes, that sticker is on my boob too.

Saturday was haircut, movie and dinner at Noodles & Company (YUM).

Sassy! Seriously, I need to just commit to full bangs at this point.

And for the big day today, I went to yoga, brunch at Eleaven (they had a donut buffet for free!), shopping at Banana, another movie, Berry Chill and then home to close the day with more movies and a group date with Russell Stover and Whitman Sampler. Oh yeahhhh.

So that’s what I did this weekend, relax, go see movies and treat myself whenever I wanted. After a rough few weeks and a busy one coming up, I decided to take it easy and make sure one of the most important people in my life, me, didn’t feel left out on Valentine’s Day.

And I highly recommend everyone else does the same, single or married. Do something fun for yourself and if you have one, your significant other. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but take that time out to recognize all the people you love in your life and don’t forget about yourself. Ever :)

What about everyone else, did you do anything fun for Valentine’s Day or during this weekend? Do you love or hate this love-infected holiday?

Heart-themed movie review: That’s right, I went and saw Valentine’s Day, original, I know.

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18 January 2010

Golden Globes fashion recap

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Movies, television

Woooo! It’s officially award season, which means I become super fashion judgemental and share my b*tchy, catty comments with all of you!

So let’s kick this off by recapping the Golden Globes, my favorite of all the award shows (probably because people have gotten drunk pre-speech.)

Best/Worst Moments: Award show

Best:

  • Host/presenter: Ricky Gervais – Hilarious, drinking a beer and shamelessly self promoting. Love it all
  • Quote: “It’s God crying for NBC,” said by Tina Fey during the NBC pre-show. So true. I hope NBC gets herpes for what it’s doing to Conan
  • Acceptance speeches: Glee cast, Sandra Bullock and Robert Downey Jr. A nice mix of silly, sweet and sincere

Worst:

  • Presenters: Felicity Huffman/Mickey Rourke – Guess reading isn’t fundamental
  • Quote: “Give it up for yourselves,” James Cameron. Seriously, are you kidding me?
  • Commercial: Chrysler, thanks for inviting ME to keep watching the Golden Globes, which I was already watching on MY TV. FAIL
  • Acceptance speech: Anything with James Cameron
  • Camerawork: Too many moments to mention. NBC can’t even produce the show correctly? Who was controlling the camera throws?

Best/Worst Moments: Fashion

I have to say, this was difficult to write because I loved a lot of the dresses last night. But alas, I had to call out the ones that really shined and should have stayed at home.

Best dressed male/female:

I could not take my eyes off Penelope whenever she was on screen. Hair, dress, jewelry are all flawless. That’s a moviestar

Yes, I have a Glee crush on him, but the classic Hugo Boss suit can never go wrong on any guy

Best dressed couple:

They make anything, from the Gap and evening wear look adorable. Love Amy’s dress too

Worst dressed female (tied):

I have a feeling Tom Ford dressed her in this unflattering, shapeless ensemble and it breaks my heart

I love ruffles too but I don’t LOVE ruffles. Too much. Way too much. It’s like she sewed two frilly dust ruffles together

Best skank-free look:

Another great, age appropriate, classy look with a bit of edge. Also, I’m glad that she left the buttless chaps at home this time

An ode to Sham-Wow:

Hate the color, hate the overdone texture and that oversize bun (not shown). Not flattering but she could pick up any spills with that dress

Needs a reminder she’s not 20 anymore:

We get it Jen, you’re single, 40 and free. But I don’t want to see your “see you next Tuesday.” Sometimes covering up is classier than showing it all off

Dress doesn’t match body type:

She has an amazing voice but this full volume skirt just doesn’t work on her. Just because it’s De La Renta, doesn’t make it right

I usually love Tina’s choices but this skirt isn’t working for me or for her petite frame

Confused a nightgown with a dress:

We get it, you’re hot and a mom. Go back to bed or pump in the bathroom

Project Runway graduation:

Wearing Christian Siriano – Love the color and way it compliments her skin tone and hair. Ka-boom on the boobs too! Snap, damn

Best old Hollywood glamour:

Nicole’s choices can be hit or miss but the dress color and draping are great. Thanks for the nip outlines too!

LOVE this look. The mix of fabrics, headband and red lips are amazing. The more I look at it, the more I love it

Well the Oscars are up next and the judgement on that fashion will be much harsher than this. No mercy!

And sadly, I couldn’t include a picture of my dream man, John K, because all of them had Emily Blunt in it. I love Emily Blunt, just not with him. But he still looked hot (as always!)

What about you? Did you watch the Globes? What were your favorite parts or best/worst dressed? Did you love Ricky Gervias as host?

Review blog note: I also updated my review of The Lovely Bones this morning. Guess I was a little tired when I wrote it because I forgot to add some things :)

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