Momathon Blog

Even More Sketches from the Runway: Fashion Star

Season 2 of Fashion Star ends tonight with a new fashion star to be named! Will you be tuning in? Only one of the final three designers —Cassandra Hobbins (John Varvatos' team), Daniel Silverstein (Nicole Richie's team) or Hunter Bell (Jessica Simpson's team) — will be named the season 2 winner. You can watch a preview video of the season finale here.

 

Sketch from last week's episode

I've had so much fun sketching the runway so I've got one more sketch from the previous episode—Trending Now and Then. This sketch features Cassandra and the models wearing the column dress and shirt dress.  

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see more sketches from my recaps, check out

• Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 
• Week 2: Sexy Designs.
• Week 3: Something for Everyone
• Week 4: It's Getting Hot in Here
• Week 5: It Takes Two
• Week 6: Buyer's Choice
• Week 8: His & Hers
• Week 9: Trending Now & Then (2) and Trending Now & Then (1)

  

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Sketches from Fashion Star: Trending Now & Then

Do you have a favorite fashion decade? I love both the '50s and the '60s and those decades were also popular with the four designers in the Trending Now and Then episode on Fashion Star on NBC. Can't wait to see what happens next on the finale this week!

For the Trending Now and Then challenge, each of the four designers picked a decade to inspire the creation of two garments. My focus this week for the recap will feature Hunter and I'll try to include more sketches from the other designers later in the week.

Hunter goes with the '50s and works with colored lace. She created two looks—a fit and flare lace dress and a lace dress with a keyhole neckline and peplum flare with pocket. Both the mentors and the judges just love her fit and flare dress. Express bids $50,000, Macy's bids $60,000 - and then Terron at Saks crushes them with a bid of $200,000. He admires the styling that recalls Christian Dior's New Look, launched in 1947, and he's thrilled with Hunter's "home run."

My sketch above features the second dress, her Lace Dress. Saks ($75,000) and Express ($100,000) both want the dress with a stunning bidding war by Express and Saks. With $200,000 each, Hunter has to choose and she goes with Erika at Express—the one who saved her last week. "

Cassandra went with the '60s and an update on a column dress and a shift mini.

JesseRay and Garrett have chosen the '50s and create a sheath dress and a paired short and crop top, inspired by Garrett's grandmother.

Daniel goes with the '60s and focuses on two trends: all-white and bold geometric prints. Plus he gets inspiration from Paco Rabanne's technique and creates a pattern with detail. 

Each week I'm sad to see another designer go, and this week was no different when JesseRay and Garrett were eliminated.  We were first introduced to the designer duo 9 weeks ago as sweater designers. They have proven to us they are much more than that. Wishing only great things for their future projects.

So what will happen next? This Friday is the finale.

 

Hunter's Mesh Ponte Dress from Week 2

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see more sketches from my recaps, check out

• Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 
• Week 2: Sexy Designs.
• Week 3: Something for Everyone
• Week 4: It's Getting Hot in Here
• Week 5: It Takes Two
• Week 6: Buyer's Choice
• Week 8: His & Hers

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Sketches from Fashion Star: It Takes Two

Way to go Team Nicole! I just had to say that before I begin my recap of the latest episode of Fashion Star. As you know, I've been sketching designs from the runway all season and last Friday was week five. At the start of week five, eight designers remained in the competition. For this episode "It Takes Two," the designers' challenge was to work in pairs to create two separate pieces for one overall look.

Sounds easy enough, but after all the drama on Team Nicole on Week 4, I wasn't sure what would happen when Johana and Daniel were asked to work as a team. I think it was their mentor Nicole who was able to brigh them together by asking them to see how their impressive and unique talents can work together. Daniel is very creative and he excels at designing couture pieces. Johana is the one with the vision and design savvy to turn great ideas into designs the buyers want. And the did it! 

In a nutshell here is what happened when the duo on Team Nicole went before the buyers: First of all, I have to say it was the sparkle in the eyes of Terron Schaefer from Saks Fifth Avenue that gave it away when he watched the designs on the runway. For Johana's at-the-knee pencil skirt with 3 different fabrications, the initial bids came in with Macy's bidding $50,000 and Saks bidding $75,000. In the end, it was Saks that bought the dress at a whopping $175,000. Daniel's top was equally appealing to the buyers. Macy's started off with a bid of $50,000 and Saks with a bid—oh my oh my—at $180,000. Guess who got the top?!

I love everything about the design of this shapely skirt—especially the black one. The skirt features a contoured faux leather front panel that adds to the tapered silhouette on this high-waist knit skirt. You can see my sketch of Johana's pencil skirt above.

I'm so happy for Johana—and Daniel. They both really rocked the runway this week! Remember Johana's firecracker red sexy sheer maxi dress from week 2? It is also a fave—see my sketch and recap of that week here. You can buy the Sheer Maxi Dress at Express.

I will update with more styles from week five's episode later in the week.

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see my recap from week 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Fashion Star, check out my sketches for

Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 

Week 2: Sexy Designs.

Week 3: Something for Everyone

Week 4: It's Getting Hot in Here

 

Designs featured in today's post:

1) Skirt by Johana Hernandez is available at Saks.com

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Sketches from Fashion Star: It's Getting Hot in Here

Have you been following Fashion Star? I've been sketching designs from the runway all season and last Friday was week four.  Nine designers remain in the competition at the start of the show. The designers this week have to work with their teams to develop as a group a collection for summer for the buyers. Team Nicole's Daniel, Priscilla and Johana selected a "Summer in the City" theme. Team John's Cassandra, Amber, Brandon and Silvia go with the theme of "Tropical Vacation." Team Jessica's Garrett, JesseRay and Hunter go with a "Pool Party" theme.

Team Nicole has plenty of talent, but in the edited version of the show you get the impression that designers Daniel and Priscilla do not want to include Johana's ideas in their plans. Daniel and Priscilla gave her the task of designing a tank top—not the greatest task. If you can believe the show's dialogue tells the whole story, it appears the duo wanted Johana off their team. However it was Johana's work that caught the eye of all three buyers when she designed a sizzling jumpsuit instead of a top. Macys, Saks, and Express bid on Johana's strapless jumpsuit. Erika Express summed it up best when she said enthusiastically, "We all want that jumpsuit!" She bought the design for 100,000. So glad Johana the designer of GLAUDI continues to create stunning styles. Her strapless jumpsuit I sketched above is a fave of mine.

Wow! Johana's Strapless Jumpsuit in a print is already sold out at Express.

I'm so happy for Johana. She really rocks the runway! Remember her firecracker red sexy sheer maxi dress from week 2? It is also a fave—see my sketch and recap of that week here. You can buy the Sheer Maxi Dress at Express.

I will update with more styles from this episode—including the oh-so lovely Pink Caftan Mini by Hunter—later in the week.

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see my recap from week 1, 2, and 3 on Fashion Star, check out my sketches for

Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 

Week 2: Sexy Designs.

Week 3: Something for Everyone

 

Dresses featured in today's post:

1) Johana's Strapless Jumpsuit in a print is already sold out at Express.

2) Johana's Sheer Maxi Dress at Express.

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

Sketches from Fashion Star: Sexy Designs

 

What makes a dress sexy? Is it a mini skirt? A plunging neckline? Or maybe a body hugging silhouette? This was the big question for designers on Fashion Star on Week 2: Sex Sells. 

Eleven designers reperesenting Team Nicole, Jessica and John put their hearts and souls into creating THE showstopper on the runway on Friday night. What dress tops your list? Here are a few of my faves from the show.

Not everyone can pull off a sexy tight dress. If you like a more forgiving cut you'll like Johana Hernandez's Sheer Maxi Dress (my sketch at the top of the post). I fell in love with the sheer firecracker red fabric in her dress. The sheer fabric works with the style to show some leg but still leave some mystery. Now that's sexy! You gotta admire designer Johana when she says it like it REALLY is—not everyone wants a typical club dress: “not all of us want to be feeling like a sausage in a dress.” You can buy her dress at Express here. Team Nicole wins points for this flattering dress for practically every body type.

In my opinion, a sexy black dress is always a winner. But how do you make it a jaw dropper? Simple and sexy becomes sizzling in Hunter Bell's Mesh Ponte Dress. Her dress was selected by both Saks (they bought her lovely Midi Dress last week) and Express, but it was Express that won the bidding war. Buyer Erika De Salvatore  commented that she liked the piping and mesh details—and so do I. And I totally agreed with Erika during the show when she shares, “She’s showing off sexy but her girls aren’t popping out, love that.” So true, don't you agree? I have to add that the exposed zipper in the back is a nice detail too. Team Jessica wins points for this "sexy librarian" dress in black—and also available in warm stone. 

More sketches to come...

I can't end this Fashion Star recap post with only two dresses. Perhaps the most coveted dress was the truly amazing Basket Weave Dress by the designer duo JesseRay and Garrett on Team Jessica. Details and more fashion sketches coming on the blog next. Stay tuned.

And if you want to see my recap from week 1 on Fashion Star, check out my post here.

 

Dresses featured in today's post:

Sheer Maxi Dress by Johana available at Express

Mesh Ponte Dress by Hunter Bell available at Express

 

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Sketches from Fashion Star Season 2 Premiere

Did you watch Fashion Star's season 2 premiere on Friday? I love watching the behind-the-scenes stories in the world of fashion design so this show is must-see tv at my house. On each episode, twelve designers present their clothing to a group of buyers from Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Express (replacing H&M this season). Just like last year, the designs chosen will be available to purchase the day after they appear on TV. How cool is that! The buyers include Terron E. Schaefer from Saks Fifth Avenue, Caprice Willard from Macy's, and Erika De Salvatore at Express.

I'm missing host Elle MacPherson from last season, but I am hoping the new host, Glamour Magazine’s fashion editor-at-large Louise Roe will be great too. This season brings back the same fab mentor's—Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson, and John Varvatos—with a slight twist. Now the mentors will advise and guide their own team of four designer contestants. 

The 12 designers include: David Appel, Silvia Arguello, Priscilla Barrosso, Hunter Bell, Garrett Gerson & JesseRay Vasquez, Johana Hernandez, Cassandra Hobbins, Tori Nichel, Amber Perley, Brandon Scott, Daniel Silverstein and Bret Young.

On team Jessica, Hunter Bell's “Midi Dress” sparked a bidding war between Saks and Express. Both made final offers of $200,000 leaaving Bell to choose. Her orange dress (sketch at top of the page) is available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $225. Here's what Terron Schaefer, at Saks Fifth Avenue had to say about the dress: "I love the coat zipper in the back. Plus the waist cutouts are sexy and the eye-opening color is trend-right for spring."

On team John, designer Amber Perley's "Mod Flare" dress in orange and in chalk with a peek-a-boo addition was snapped up by Express. Erika at Express made Amber the second-highest offer of the night at $175,000 on her dress. Yay, Amber! The dress retails at $69. According to Express, the dress is a "perfect union of flirty modern detail and an iconic feminine silhouette. The crochet bodice and cotton flare skirt are uniquely connected, leaving a whisper of bare skin."

Here's the skinny on the mentor's teams: Jessica picks Hunter, Tori, Garrett & JesseRay and David. John picks Amber, Cassandra, Sylvia and Brandon. Nicole picks Priscilla, Johana, Bret and Daniel. I hated to see any of the designers eliminated. So sad to have Bret Young be the first eliminee.

I'll be tuning in again this Friday night. Will you?

 

Looking for more sketches from the runway?  Check out my sketches of Jennifer Lawrence, Helen Hunt, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Aniston from the red carpet at the Oscars 2013. Plus more sketches from the Golden Globes here and here.

 

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Oscars 2013 {More Red Carpet Sketches}

Charlize Theron looks white hot wearing a stunning Christian Dior Haute Couture dress and Harry Winston jewelry. Love the fact she kept the accessories to a minimum and played up the chic monochrome look. Do you like her new pixie cut for her role in the film Mad Max? I do. She says the new style means fewer hair products—you gotta love that!

If Charlize was white hot on the red carpet, then Jennifer Aniston was definitely red hot in a strapless Valentino couture gown with a tight bodice and a full skirt. And since we are talking about hair, what do you think about Jennifer's choice to keep it simple with her signature casual-chic hairstyle? Since my hair is stick straight, I know how hard it is to make that loose and straight look work. I love her not-so basic do! 

Jen's dramatic gown is even more glam with a pop of bling thanks to the Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and Fred Leighton jewelry.

I will be updating through out the day with more sketches. Tune in again later :)

Meanwhile, check out my sketches of Jennifer Lawrence and Helen Hunt from the red carpet in my post yesterday. Plus more sketches from the Golden Globes here and here.

 

Images: Illustrations of Academy Awards fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

 

Oscars 2013 {Red Carpet Sketches}

I'm a kind of a Oscar trivia geek to the point of even reading the screenplays if I can. I'll also admit the one reason I watch the Oscars is to see all the fabulous gowns. Last night the celebs rocked the red carpet. While watching the awards I started sketching my favorite dresses.

Best Actress Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence rocked the Hollywood glam in her stunning blush Dior Haute Couture gown with the long Chopard necklace that cascaded down her back. The romantic dress was so impressive but the dress made it difficult to walk up the stairs to accept her award. Where were the handsome guys to escort her up the stairs? I'd like to see a man try to navigate stairs in a ball gown!

When I sat down to sketch last night, my first sketch was of Helen Hunt wearing the lovely navy silk satin strapless dress. Later I was surprised but delighted to find out the designer was H&M! So wonderful, don't you think. 

I'll be back during the day updating this post with more sketches. Check back later :) Meanwhile, check out my sketches from the red carpet at the Golden Globes here and here.

 

Images: Illustrations of Academy Awards fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

More Romantic Movie Quotes

Do you feel any different after you hear music that you absolutely love? In the Nancy Meyers' film The Holiday, the character Miles is a composer who knows the value of a beautiful melody. When he is falling for Iris he tells her this... 

She's like sunshine... That has to be the sweetest Valentine's Day quote. And it's from the most Valentine-y movie. Valentine's Day.

 

Images: All graphics above are by me, Chris Olson and feature my illustrations, hand lettering and photos. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 More VALENTINE-Y goodness on the blog:

Favorite Romantic Movie Quotes   

 Valentine's Day Printable: Sweetheart Cards

Momathon Blog: Valentine Heart Pin {DIY}

Valentine's Day Printable: Pink Roses Box

Favorite Romantic Movie Quotes

Since it's Valentine's Day week, I'm sharing a few favorite romantic quotes from movies. Screenwriter Richard Curtis tops my list for the sweetest quotes.

Nora Ephron's films include some of the best modern romantic comedies. I've watched When Harry Met Sally so many times, I can recite many of the lines. Even the guys in her films are romantic...

Here is another quote about love, it's not so much romantic as it is heartwarming. A lovely snippet I like to remember when love seems not so obvious.

Check back through out the day. I will be adding more.

 

 

Images: All graphics above are by me, Chris Olson and feature my photos. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Red Hot Styles at the Golden Globes {More Sketches}

A chilly Sunday evening in Hollywood for this year's Golden Globes was no match for the red hot styles. The women of Hollywood sizzled on the red carpet in the boldest red hues. "New Girl" star (and co-founder of the creative women site HelloGiggles.com) Zooey Deschanel wore a stunning poppy red gown by Oscar de la Renta.

Mother of two and star of some of my favorite movies, Kate Hudson pulled off the perfect sleek silhouette on a very cool night with her elegant long-sleeved black gown by Alexander McQueen. The decorative gold beading highlighted her sun-kissed blond waves. The gown's strategically placed chest baring cut-out added to the glamorous look.

Sometimes a gown wears a celebrity. And some of the fashion bloggers out there didn't like the voluminous Carolina Herrera ball gown on the petite Lucy Liu. I might have agreed with them, but when Lucy walked down the red carpet and glanced back over her shoulder, that's when she owned the gown! Her dress fell in lovely cascade of roses on a light blue background as she walked. And I must not forget to mention my favorite detail of the dress--when Lucy slipped her hands in the gown pockets I wanted to wear the dress too.

Check back later today. I'll be adding more sketches to this post. 

For more Golden Globes fashion images and sketches from the red carpet, see my post from yesterday featuring Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara, and Anne Hathaway.

 

Images: Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Red Carpet Style at The Golden Globes {My Fashion Sketches}

 

Did you dress up for the Golden Globes last night? The celebs rocked the red carpet with stunning designer fashions. Even though it was chilly in LA, skin was in--plunging necklines and strategic cut-outs. I'll be sharing my favorite looks all week with illustrations from my sketchbook.

Actress and The Honest Company founder Jessica Alba looked stunning in a coral-colored Oscar de la Renta mermaid gown with a ruffled hem with some serious bling thanks to the Harry Winston necklace (reportedly worth $5 million). And I just gotta add that Jessica and many other lovelies at the Globes are moms too!

(I met Jessica at the Alt Summit Conference in Salt Lake City one week after the Golden Globes AND her natural beauty shines through in person too. She definitely doesn't need a glamorous gown or any bling to be a show stopper. Kudos to Jessica for spearheading the effort to be healthy with eco friendly products for moms and their families.) 

Body hugging gowns were on the best-dressed list. Sofia Vergara's form-fitting black sequin gown fits her va-va-voom style. I love the fact curves are definitely back in fashion. And why not, curves are beautiful. Sofia plays a mom on Modern Family and she's a mom herself.  

White was another show-stopping look at the Globes. Anne Hathaway's classic, simple strapless white Chanel Haute Couture gown perfectly matches her dazzling smile. Tiny white pailettes and beads gave the gown a splendid luminescence. Her tall lean figure rocks the elegant two-piece style.

More of my Golden Globes sketches here: Zooey Deschanel, Kate Hudson, and  Lucy Liu

My sketches from the red carpet at the Oscars here:

Jennifer Lawrence and Helen Hunt: Oscars 2013 {Red Carpet Sketches}

Charlize Theron and Jennifer Aniston: Oscars 2013 {More Red Carpet Sketches}

 

 

Images: Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Stop Motion Saturday: Her Morning Elegance (music video)

A sleepless night will never seem the same after you watch this music video—a stop motion—by Oren Lavie and featuring photos by Eyal Landesman. The film is a classic—earning a nomination in the 52nd Grammy Awards.

2096 still photos.

One mattress.

One photo angle.

48 hours of shooting.

These are just a few of the elements that came together to make the dreamworld of the music video Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie. Watch the movie below. See how the movie was made in this behind the scenes glimpse.  

You can own a bit of history and buy a one frame of the 2096 still photos in the film. Details at HMEgallery.com

Image at the top of post by me and features the film Her Morning Elegance.

Credits: Her Morning Elegance, Directed by: Oren Lavie, Yuval & Merav Nathan. Featuring: Shir Shomron. Photography: Eyal Landesman.

 

Stop Motion Saturday: Sorry I'm Late (film)

Yay! It's the weekend. Saturday mornings at my house are times to catch up on everything forgotten during the week and sneak in a few loads of laundry. And while I'm waiting for the spin cycle to end, why not catch up on my favorite stop motion films on my iPhone. I thought the Sorry I'm Late short film would be the perfect pick for the last day of Shark Week.  

And while we are talking about diversions from completing the Saturday morning chores, check out the lovely Cartolina iPhone app that creates an eco-friendly card to send via your phone using your favorite photos. Check out the card above I created in seconds featuring my pal Gizmo.

I do love everything about dogs and stationery, but I digress... Back to watching the film on your phone or laptop. The stop motion short film Sorry I'm Late by Tomas Mankovsky is a whimsical 2-minute film about "being late for an important date. The movie was shot in an auditorium in London with a stills camera in the ceiling and pointing straight at the floor. Be sure to watch the credits portion at the end of the film because it gives a glimpse into the technique for making this innovative movie. You can watch the short film below.

Check out this link for a more detailed explanation with photos on the how the filmakers made the stop motion video.

Film Credits: Sorry I'm Late stop motion film was produced by Tomas Mankovsky. You can also view it on Vimeo. 

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Image: Cartolina card featuring Gizmo is by me, Chris Olson and CARTOLINA. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Currently Watching

White Collar, USA Network

I love a good cop show, but it was the unlikely partnership of a con artist Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) and FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) that first hooked me. And of course, Neal is easy on the eyes too. You can find out the series details and read the episode guide here.  The show airs Tuesdays at 9/8C. White Collar episodes available online here. I am so obsessed with this show I wrote about White Collar inspiration on Pinterest here.

The Newsroom, HBO

Back when I was in college I interned at a CBS newsroom in Minneapolis and that experience is a major reason why I wanted The Newsroom, a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a nightly cable-news program, to be good. So far the series by Aaron Sorkin, creator of The West Wing and screenwriter of The Social Network and Moneyball, lives up to my expectations. The story is not a documentary about how a news show is put together. It focuses on a fictional newsroom and what happens when their ratings take a dive and the newsroom has to learn how to make the news show excellent again. Of course the personal dynamics of the players on and off camera adds an extra dimension. The series features Will (Jeff Daniels), a popular network anchor who is now struggling to keep his approval ratings up, as well as the people around him in the newsroom: his new executive producer (Emily Mortimer), the newsroom staff (John Gallagher, Jr., Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski, Olivia Munn, Dev Patel) and their boss (Sam Waterston). You can watch it on Sundays at 10.

 

New Girl, FOX

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes, the series features the simply adorkable Jess (Zooey Deschanel), a quirky "new girl" who moves into an apartment loft with three single men. The series is about hitting those twenty-something milestones with a healthy dose of awkwardness. The second season began July 19th, Thursday, 9/8C. You can watch full episodes here.

Perception, TNT

In this brand new TNT show that premiered this month, Eric McCormack plays Dr. Daniel Pierce, an eccentric neuroscience professor with paranoid schizophrenia who is recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. Catch the show Mondays at 10/9C.

Top Gear, BBC America

Time to hit road with Top Gear episodes this summer. I prefer the British Top Gear, but an American version is fun to watch too. Top Gear (BBC) airs on Mondays at 9/8C.

Selling London, Home & Garden Television

Ever dream of buying a luxury home in London? Find out how the pros sell London on Thursdays at 9:30pm/8:30cC on HGTV.

Antiques Roadshow, PBS

I am rarely good at guessing the price for valued antiques, but the concept of Antique Roadshow lures me back every season.

Chuck, NBC

This spring the Chuck series ended and I hated to say goodbye to my favorite spy—as well as the gang at the Buy More, Chuck's big sis Ellie and her Captain Awesome. That said, my summer  howmework is watching the reruns of the amazing Chuck episodes available online here—and on DVD.

 

8 TV Shows to Follow on Pinterest

If you are addicted to Pinterest, check out the best TV shows on Pinterest. I know Elizabeth is not a real person, but her character on White Collar has me convinced she can plan the best parties—see her party planning board that will make even Martha Stewart wannabes smile. And if you are heading to the beach, check out Royal Pain's board "Beach Bag Essentials." More Pinterest details and links below.

1) White Collar, USA Network

A charming criminal mastermind and an FBI agent work together—until the con artist skips town. The new WC season begins Tuesday July 10, 9/8C

White Collar (whitecollarusa) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• Elizabeth's Party Planning Page
• Mozzie's Great Escapes
• Caffrey's Corner

2) The Martha Stewart Show

I'm just telling it like it is: The Martha Stewart Show on Pinterest is porn for the crafty set. (Also see The Rachael Ray Show on Pinterest below) Although Martha's Pinterest site includes her magazine too, I had to include it in the list because it is sooo good!

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (marthastewartpr) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• Organizing Ideas
• Thanksgiving
• My Strength Comes From... 

3) Royal Pains, USA Network

Enjoying Hamptons style and luxury without maxing out the AmEx... Season 4 began June 6th at 9/8c on USA.

Royal Pains (royalpainsusa) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• Beach Bag Essentials
• Evan & Paige Say I Do
• Seaside Style 

4) Giada at Home, Food Network

Giada makes cooking look easy—and fun.

Giada De Laurentiis (gdelaurentiis) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• TODAY Moms

5) Meg's Great Rooms, HGTV

I want this designer and Host of HGTV's Meg's Great Rooms to transform a room at my house.

Meg Caswell Holladay (designshoppe) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• DIY Loves
• My Home Loves
• Travel Loves

6) TODAY Show, NBC

Every morning starts a bit brighter with Matt, Ann, and the gang.

TODAY (todayshow) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• TODAY It's a Snap Winners
• Open House 

7) New Girl, FOX

Simply "adorkable" Zooey Deschanel as Jess is the new girl you want as your BFF. Watch the series Tuesdays on FOX 9/8C.

New Girl (newgirlonfox) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• Behind the Scenes
• Jess' Dresses
• Schmidt-isms

8) Suits, USA Network

Their designer suits stay crisp, but the law gets a bit messy in the show. The new season began June 14. Thurdays 10/9c.

Suits (suitsusa) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• Suits on the Street
• Empire City
• Can Openers

> • > • > • Be sure to check out these shows on Pinterest too! • < • < • <

• Rachael Ray Show

Technically this is the Pinterest site for Rachael Ray's magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray 

Every Day Rachael Ray (rachaelraymag) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals
• Behind-the-Scenes: Life as an EditorRachael Ray 30-Minute meals
• Pasta Pasta!

 

• The Big C on Showtime

Showtime Networks (shonetworks) on Pinterest

Pinterest boards to check out:

• The Big C on Pinterest

 

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Image: Graphics above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Decor Crush: A House Tour with George Clooney

I admit I have a crush on George Clooney, now I have a decor crush on his lovely home too. Check out his Los Angeles house tour here via CBS.com. His kitchen looks fabulous even though he says he doesn't do much cooking—instead he says the kitchen is the place he "orders food delivered." In the CBS interview he talks about the difference between a house and a home. He also chats about adopting his shelter dog Einstein, the importance of friendships, his family, his famous aunt Rosemary Clooney, politics, and the Academy Awards to be held this weekend. If you missed his dreamy I-can't-watch-it-enough TV commercial where he gets hitched, check it out here.

So many of Clooney's films are my favorites: Ides of March, The Descendants, and Up in the Air. On a personal note, as a shelter dog adoption counselor, I love the fact George adopted a shelter dog. 

Here's the interview tour of Clooney's house via CBS.com.

Photos: images from the CBS.com home tour.

Wordless Wednesday: A teeny tiny world in stop motion video

 

 
Nokia 'Dot'

What happens in a microscopic stop motion adventure? Well, it's strange and beautiful--a sea of pencil shavings, a flower parachute, and knitting needle nails. If you like Wallace and Gromit videos, you'll enjoy this clever video by Sumo Science. 

Nokia 'Dot' from Sumo Science on Vimeo.

 

Photos: Screenshots from the lovely Nokia 'Dot' by Sumo Science.

Bueller?... Bueller?... Bueller?

"How can you handle work on a day like today?"

"Life is packed with things you have to do, but sometimes you gotta live a little..."

Sound familiar? Matthew Broderick plays himself with a nostalgic nod to his movie character Ferris Bueller in a new Super Bowl ad that has gone viral on YouTube. 

I love the classic movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  Even 26 years after the movie was made I still see a bit of Bueller in Broderick. So why is Broderick in the Honda ad? And how can Bueller's wild day in the borrowed 1961 Ferrari 250GT California ("less than a hundred were made") ever begin to compare with the mass-produced Honda CR-V?

A Very She & Him Christmas

 

Yes, I know it is early, but I am listening to A Very She & Him Christmas. If anyone at my house complains about this, then I will be playing the album everyday at 5:00 a.m. for the next two months.

I first fell in love with the voice of She & Him singer Zooey Deschanel when she was the store elf-ette in the movie Elf.

Listen below to “The Christmas Waltz,” the first track from ‘A Very She & Him Christmas’! 

She & Him - The Christmas Waltz by MergeRecords

Zooey Deschanel and The New Girl show

Now Zooey Deschanel has a TV show too, "The New Girl" on FOX. If you ever were suddenly single after facing a break-up, then you will definitely want to watch the trailer for that show below.

(Here's the The New Girl show YouTube Link.)

 

Anderson Cooper Show update

 

The Anderson Cooper new daytime talk show premieres in five days. Here's what they have planned for the first week:

The Anderson Cooper Show wants to hear your stories

The new daytime Anderson Cooper Show premieres on September 12th and he wants to hear your stories.

TV shows often promise they will change your life, but Anderson says that isn't realistic. Instead Anderson says he wants his show to make your day more interesting, more informed, more fun. 

Friday's Decor Crush from Crazy, Stupid, Love

Friday’s Decor Crush
Who knows how I ever noticed the white chair in this scene with Ryan Gosling showing off his six-pack. Anyways… I adore them both in the delightful movie Crazy, Stupid, Love.
If you have any ideas where to buy the lovely white modern chair, add your thoughts to the comments for this post.

~via my blog Decor Crush on Tumblr

Stock market drop and the E-Trade baby meltdown

 

I love ya, E-Trade baby. You make investing in stocks look so easy. You are cool as a cucumber, except when...

 

The Freudian, the Jungian and now the Starbucks theory in therapy

Since few of us have time to sit down for a three-course meal, why not take the fast food approach to solve even our most complicated and personal challenges? 

While traditional therapists agonize over each patient's problems for hours, weeks, and years, a new kind of fast food therapy pushes the patients in and out of therapy sessions quickly. 

Why I'm still mad about Paul Reiser

 

 

What do you do? This question seems benign, but we all know at times it hits a nerve. The question even bugs Paul Reiser, who I've missed ever since his popular show “Mad About You” went off the air in 1999.

Reiser's obviously not your average stay-at-home dad (SAHD). He is married with two kids, and living in suburbia. However, he still is Hollywood–just disconnected enough from the studios for him to wonder what to check under the box labeled "occupation." 

So, what do you do? I was asked this question more often when I was still working my 9-5 office gig. Now I'm working an "invisible" job at home writing and designing materials for nonprofits. Believe me, I'm not complaining. I get to pick my clients. Plus, best of all, I'm home with my kids. Yet, I still wonder what to put in that box labeled "occupation."

The ongoing occupational identity crisis facing many SAHM and SAHD is not always pretty or funny, but The Paul Reiser Show premiering last night on NBC made me laugh because those crazy-slash-normal neuroses are exactly what binds many of us together and ironically keeps us afloat. I admit that at the end of an exhausting day, spending time talking with my friends keeps me sane. If they can survive the chaos in parenthood and/or marriage, then I can too.

Paul appears relatable playing himself in the show, if you forgive the fact he is very rich. In a scene with Paul and his friend Jonathan (Ben Shenkman), his life seems so normal the conversation could be me with any one of my friends:

PAUL: You know that form from the kids' school we got. The little box "father's occupation," I don't know what to put in there.

JONATHAN: Well, put in what you used to do.

PAUL: Well, I don't do it anymore. I make pancakes and tell the kids to take a jacket.

JONATHAN: Well, put that down

PAUL: It's not that big a box.

 

The show's cast including Paul's posse of quirky friends might be too large, but I'm going to give them an episode or two so I can get to know them. In the first episode, Larry David guest stars playing himself. And since the show reminds me of David's show Curb Your Enthusiasm minus the edginess, he fits right in. In the first episode, Reiser and David are both positioned to get the same game show gig, but they don't know this. Impatient and overly suspicious of each other, they won't tell each other the name of the projects they are considering unless they both agree to tell each other at the exact after-the-count-of-three moment. They seem like a couple of teenagers in that exchange, yet I know I've felt like doing the very same thing a number of times with my own friends. Ridiculous. Yes. And funny.

I was surprised to see that Reiser's group of friends even though they are guys seem like my own friends--women I met in many cases only because our kids or spouses know each other. As Brian Lowry in Variety says:

"Basically, Reiser spends most of his time as part of a mismatched quintet of fathers, thrown together -- despite having little in common otherwise -- by their wives and kids."

The scene with Amy Landecker playing Reiser's wife Claire rings true. We don't see much of Claire in episode one, but I like her. She plays up the fact her character loves her husband despite his flaws--the fact he doesn't always listen to her, the fact he worries about odd things, the fact he is adorable even as he gets older and grayer. Claire is funny and smart, cynical and warm. 

Despite some of the obvious similarities, The Paul Reiser show is not as strong a comedy as Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm. Yet. Some have called it "Curb Lite." Reiser's new show has the same self-depracting humor, the exaggerated hand motions, and the "What did I do?" questions. However the awkward moments that make us chuckle on Reiser's show are not the painful-but-funny moments that make that make the other shows classics. So far, the Reiser show does not include the comedic elements of David's outrageous protests or his "colorful" language.   

The Paul Reiser Show is not Mad About You fifteen years later either. However I'm looking forward to Helen Hunt's guest appearance on an upcoming episode.

You can watch the first episode on NBC.com. Join the 2300–and counting–fans who like The Paul Reiser Show on Facebook or follow the The Paul Reiser Show on Twitter

Have you figured out what to put in that little box marked occupation? Maybe a better question to ask is, "What are you going to do next?"

How many girls are in the TV shows your kids watch?

Thinking we are closing the gender gap in the workplace, I assumed the same goes for TV and movies. Unfortunately, male characters still dominate movies and TV for kids. And the impact of a bias that goes undetected is shocking.

In a WSJ.com article today, Geena Davis, founder of the Geena Davis Instute on Gender in Media, talks with journalist Rebecca Blumenstein about how the number of female characters featured on TV and in movies impacts kids.

According to the WSJ.com article, Geena Davis reports: 

The more hours of television a girl watches, the fewer options she believes she has in life. And the more hours a boy watches, the more sexist his views become.

There is hope. If girls see more positive images in the media, they are empowered. As Davis says in WSJ.com: 

If girls can see characters doing unstereotyped kinds of occupations and activities, they're much more likely as an adult to pursue unusual and outside-the-box occupations.

Next time your kids watch TV, sit down with them and together do some counting. Do the male characters outnumber females? You might be surprised with what you find out. And, if you want, send me an email or just add your findings to my comment section.

Photo: Joris de Vrede

Why a cup of tea makes you feel better

Different types of tea have hidden health benefits according to The Dr. Oz Show. 

Migraines: Ginger tea has anti-inflammatory properties and blocks prostagladins that cause migraines. Drink the ginger tea as soon as you feel the headache symptoms.

Weight loss: Oolong helps you burn fat faster because it boosts metabolism.

Libido: Ginseng tea helps both men and women improve their libido by boosting sexual arousal and combating erectile dysfunction.

 

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

What's the story, Morning Glory?

Like the lyrics sung by Ella Fitzgerald suggest, in the new romantic comedy "Morning Glory" the story behind the public image of the newsroom might be more interesting than the news itself. 

 

  

The characters in the movie's over-the-top dysfunctional newsroom somehow manage to survive and even thrive in a cut-throat business.

Throw in the age factor--Diane Keaton plays a sixty-something veteran news anchor--and you might be tempted to ask, how can a woman in her sixties succeed in television? And while women's magazines like to tell us that 60 is the new 40, a clever slogan doesn't change everything. Thanks to the hardworking women who don't give up when they reach a "certain age," women of all ages are looking up to these women as role models in media, fashion, and business.

If it is possible to admire the "narcissistic" character of Colleen Peck played by Academy award winning actress Diane Keaton, then count me in her fan club. Peck's the epitome of the perfectly-imperfect, hard-working woman who triumphs when the going gets tough. Peck, a veteran news anchor who literally kicked some butt when she dressed up as a Sumo wrestler for her morning gig, might be considered a ditsy TV host except for the fact she is also a very hard worker. And perhaps best of all, she isn't afraid to stand up to her bitter co-host played by Harrison Ford who seems offended when co-host Peck, a former beauty queen, gets any respect in the newsroom. 

I have always admired Keaton's wit and self-depricating sense of humor. She's not afraid to tell it like it is. At 64 she knows what it takes for women in their 60s to survive in TV and films. As more and more women continue to thrive in the business world even as they age, Keaton and her contemporaries remind me why working hard and not taking myself too seriously might be the keys to success.

Morning Glory opens tomorrow, November 10th. Watch Keaton's interview with another hardworking journalist, Meredith Vieira, on the TODAY Show below. 

Smart is the new sexy

Thursday night is DVR time. Gotta get my The Big Bang Theory fix on CBS (8/7C) and then, of course, my weekly dose of comedy on NBC--Community, 30 Rock, and The Office.

 

Photo: via fashionfucsia.blogspot.com

Stories behind the wedding dresses

There is something divine about the dress you pick out for your wedding. Each dress tells a story. Memories of selecting a wedding dress are as unique as the bride. 

I found a simple and affordable cotton dress at Laura Ashley for my wedding years ago. My favorite part of the dress was the subtle floral pattern woven into the fabric. The dress had quite an adventure on the way to my wedding. First, the dress was shipped from London to Minneapolis. Unfortunately the dress arrived two sizes too big and there was a last-minute rush to make alterations at two separate tailors. On my wedding day my dress looked perfect and I felt wonderful!

  

 

Laura Ashley no longer makes wedding dresses, so I guess mine is vintage. I found a lovely blog post on Nibs about the LA Bridal collection circa 1983--my wedding dress was created several years later.

I am always curious to hear the stories behind the dresses women pick. TODAY Show hosts Meredith, Ann, Natalie and Kathie Lee reflect on what they wore to their nuptials in this TODAY Show video clip.

Do you dream of being a wedding planner? The annual TODAY Show Wedding feature allows viewers to vote on practically everything for a special couple's wedding--rings, reception, cake, wedding dress, and honeymoon. This year's lucky and adorable wedding couple is Jeremy and Melissa. The theme of the 11th annual TODAY Show wedding is Modern Love. The couple will be married live on the Plaza on September 30th on the TODAY Show.

You can vote for your favorite dress for the TODAY Show wedding couple, Jeremy and Melissa at TodayShow.com.

I like all of the dresses, but my favorite is: 

 

  According to the TODAY Show wedding experts:

"The Lela Rose wedding dress is feminine and romantic in a gorgeous blush color, which is a modern twist on a traditional gown silhouette. It is a textured silk gazar draped gown with a gorgeous bustled back detail, and the modified A-line skirt is flattering for all figures. Add a chainmail beaded belt to give the gown an extra wow factor for the reception."

For more on TODAY Show weddings, click on Modern.Love. For more thoughts by me on weddings, check out Momathon weddings.

New study says media is the leading sex educator for kids

  

Finding out what your kids watch on TV or on the internet could be as important to your kids' health and wellness as making sure they wear bike helmets. 

According to an article published in the September issue of the Journal of Pediatrics, teens and younger children are learning about sex from the media and the message can be dangerous.

Parents might feel hesitant to talk to their kids about sex. However, when parents shy away from talking to their kids, by default then the parents are encouraging their kids to learn about sex from  less reliable sources such as the internet, TV, and movies.  

The content in the videos, shows, or music content is not the only place where kids hear sexually explicit messages. Major advertising campaigns for products including erectile dysfunction drugs constantly play during daytime and primetime TV.

Here are some of main findings of the study according to healthfinder.gov:

• 70% of teen shows contain sexual content 
• Less than 10% of the sexual content in these shows talk about the consequences of sex such as contracting an STD 
• U.S leads the western world in teen pregnancy rates
• One in four American teens have an STD.
• U.S. children spend seven hours and more a day watching or listening to media that may include sexually explicit content-- music, movies, television shows, magazines and the Internet.

Photo of laptop by bigpresh

Tech review: Clicker.com finds your favorite tv shows online

 

If you are like me you probably don't have time to watch "real" television, that is, shows during their scheduled time slots. That's why I watch my favorite episodes of Modern Family and many other shows online. Thousands of tv episodes including Modern Family are available online but I don't like the hassle of searching through all the possible sources--and there are over 1200 sources! I let Clicker.com, a free web site, do the searching for me. Clicker.com currently has 24 episodes of Modern Family online. During the regular season I know I can watch certain episodes of the series online on ABC for free. However, according to Clicker, now the episodes are not available on ABC.com and I must purchase episodes on iTunes or Amazon.

I don't have ShowTime on my cable plan, but I really want to watch The
Big C with Laura Linney. According to Clicker.com, I can watch the series pilot on Showtime via Showtime On Demand for a fee or watch it for free on Crackle.com via Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Clicker.com is user friendly--only a few simple steps and you are watching your show online. When Clicker.com finds a show you searched for, the site either includes the video on their site or directs you to another hosting site like ABC, CBS, NBC, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, or iTunes. Based on your search, the site also suggests other shows you might enjoy--a feature similar to the suggested books feature on Amazon.com. You can also subscribe to a Playlist feature that will alert you when new shows in your interest area become available.

Baby bootlegging (v): use this term when taking credit for another kid's work

We've all been there... You're sitting at the park next to the PR Mommy who can't stop bragging about how advanced her kid is. And then she inevitably adds a cutting comment: Don't worry, your child will catch up soon. 

Ouch. So what do you do? Sometimes I wish that when the PR Mommy stands up a gooey bird turd clings to the seat of her dry-clean only pants. (So far my fantasy has never come true.)

I admit I also have been tempted to try some baby bootlegging. If you don't think about what you just did it feels harmless, that is, until you get caught.

Mitch on the NBC show Modern Family in the clip below "borrows" another child's block tower in order to make his daughter look better. Everything is fine until this bad karma moment bites back. 

 

I admit it, sometimes I find awkward moments hilarious! 
 

Not surprised by the snarkiness on Sarah's show

On Tuesday, Rapper LL Cool J tweeted about the fact he was surprised to find out an old interview was now scheduled to be on the new series "Real American Stories" tonight. Sarah Palin's crew at Fox turned the tweet into a PR real mess...

Celebrity interviews produced by Fox originally meant for different programs were picked up by the new program "Real American Stories" hosted by Sarah Palin. 

A few of the celebrities felt they should have been contacted before their interviews were included in this political show. 

LL Cool J tweeted: 

"Fox lifted an old interview I gave in 2008 to someone else & are misrepresenting to the public in order to promote Sarah Palins Show. WOW."

Evidently Fox reads his tweets and doesn't like his attitude. 

In fact the Fox network is trying to transform LL Cool J's relatively mild tweet into blast against everything American. Yikes. I didn't know that Republicans are the only ones who care about helping the less fortunate. 

Still trying to figure out why Fox does not refer to LL by his rapper name in their responses to the incident. Maybe they don't like rap? Whatever the reason, Fox prefers the name James Todd Smith, his birth name. 

According to TVNewser on mediabistro.com, a network spokesperson for Fox told them:

"Real American Stories features uplifting tales about overcoming adversity and we believe Mr. Smith's interview fit that criteria. However, as it appears that Mr. Smith does not want to be associated with a program that could serve as an inspiration to others, we are cutting his interview from the special and wish him the best with his fledgling acting career." 

The Fox "Real American Stories" series has an admirable goal to uplift people, but that is not personal property of the Republicans. In fact, the series goal to uplift America with inspirational uplifting stories about overcoming adversity fits the Democrats platform too. 

Hmmmm. It saddens me that Fox in a weird re-writing of history makes it sound like LL Cool J does not like to help those less fortunate.

Maybe LL just doesn't want to be part of a political machine that twists the truth.

LL Cool J's interview from 2008 is no longer scheduled for the show tonight. Is it surprising that an "inspirational" show blasted a celebrity for giving an opinion?

Ski Bum Mum: Go virtual at the Vancouver Games

If you read my blog, then you probably know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Winter Olympics--especially skiing. In another lifetime I was an alpine racer and a racing instructor. Fast forward a few years--okay a couple of decades--and I'm so excited to be following one of the best skiers ever--Lindsey Vonn. She started racing on the same "hills" I raced on as a kid back in Minnesota. The fact we hail from the same state is the only racing similarity I share with Lindsey. She is phenomenal. I really had a lot of fun racing, but I also had a talent for catching a ski tip on a gate, spinning out, and crashing. (I blame it on my goggles fogging up.)

Okay, enough nostalgia. This year keeping up with the athletes and the stats at the Vancouver Games in 2010 is even easier thanks to some pretty amazing techie gizmos.

If you want to keep up with Lindsey, become a fan on Facebook or Twitter

 

 

 

Unfortunately Lindsey Vonn has a shin injury this week and I know from experience how painful that can be. I still will be following her and praying that she heals quickly and brings home the gold. 

Keeping track virtually

The thing is, with the freaky weather out in Vancouver some event schedules might change. I don't want to miss anything, but I can't sit by the TV all day. Thanks to the widget below, you can track the women's (and men's) alpine skiing schedule and results with the Widget below:

If you want to track the overall medal count, check out this widget:

You can track almost anything happening at the Winter Games using the Widgets of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Betty White in a Super Bowl ad? You go girl!!!

 

If I'm even half this cool at 88, I'd be sooooo happy.

Betty White is unstoppable. 

Watch the sneak preview below on YouTube.

Don't bother me now, I'm watching CHUCK

Why do I love CHUCK? He's a nice guy. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's a nerd. He's a spy. He is a hero you can love. He admits his fears, but somehow he saves the day. And maybe best of all, even though he is a super hero, he loves normal.

Watch the latest episodes about my favorite nerd spy CHUCK online played by Zachary Levi. Or you can just tune in on Mondays, 8/7c on NBC. Tonight's episode: Chuck vs. Operation Awesome.

The TV series "Chuck" is about an "average computer-whiz-next-door" who has amazing powers because he has the greatest spy secrets encoded in his brain. Unbelievable? Yes. But it is so much fun.
 

Mockumentary about three families

They all want to be the picture perfect family--a May-December second marriage, a gay couple who've adopted a baby from Vietnam, and a nuclear family with three kids.

Modern Family is an ABC sitcom with a twist. Check out the preview clip below.

You can watch full episodes of Modern Family here.

Wow, Santa really outdid himself this year!

Kudos to all those Santas who are smart shoppers. Even when buying electronics!

I know Target has gotten more than a few complaints about their new holiday ad campaign. Is it anti-Santa? Is it sexist? In my highly opinionated opinion, I don't think the ad deserves to be the subject of controversy. In fact, I love it. Power to the smart shoppers--Santa included! 

You can check out the clever ad from Target below. 

Warm mommy hugs to Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep turned sixty this year and she still gets the greatest leading roles. Has Hollywood finally realized 'older' women are still sexy and smart? I am hoping Meryl is a trendsetter and more women her age--and older--grab those coveted leads in high-profile movies.

Streep even jokes about her continued success after all these years. "I've been given great, weird, interesting parts well past my 'sell-by date," says Meryl Streep in Boston.com.

 

Meryl Streep on Vanity Fair, January 2010

Why is Streep still so successful playing the lead in romantic comedies and more? I think she is successful and beautiful at 60--and throughout her career--because she is self-confident and seems to enjoy the fact she has experience. I don't like the phrase 'she looks good for her age' because it seems terribly sexist. (No one ever says that about a man.) I think Streep is amazing and successful because she is devoted to great acting.

You can read more about Streep online in the Vanity Fair preview cover story about the January 2010 issue. Still want to know more? Grab a copy of the January issue coming out today, December 2nd. (So very glad I am a VF subscriber.)

Sunny day, sweepin' the clouds away...

 

Happy 40th Sesame Street!

Today Sesame Street--the winner of a record 122 Emmy awards--begins its 40th anniversary season with Michelle Obama and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Bert and Ernie, my personal faves from Sesame Street, are featured in the Google Doodle today (see above). You can also find Google Doodles featuring Big Bird and Cookie Monster. Check out the sweet video clip below all about Sesame Street and the 40th anniversary celebration.

bored to death

I am bored to death by many shows on tv. That is, except for the offbeat comedy Bored To Death on HBO.

 

If you were a Sex in the City Fan, check out this show. Imagine the roles of Carrie and the girls played by a group of guys--George, Jonathan, and Ray. Well, already you can tell it is not exactly the same. For starters, the show is set in Brooklyn, not Manhattan. You won't get any fashion advice here, but the guys are hip in a quirky way. The guys have cool jobs and sound amazing except for the fact they keep getting themselves into trouble. Sound familiar? Instead of Carrie, meet Jonathan, a novelist working on his second novel. When Jonathan is dumped by his girlfriend, he begins offering his services as an unlicensed detective. Instead of sexy Samantha, insert a self-indulgent magazine editor named George who isn't afraid to talk about all the great sex he's had. In tonight's episode Jonathan plays detective again and "helps" his best friend Ray a talented but not-yet-financially-successful cartoonist, find out if the sperm George had donated was stolen.

The show created by Jonathan Ames stars Ted Danson, Jason Schwartzman and Zach Galifianakis.

And that's the way it was...

I grew up watching the legendary CBS news anchorman Walter Cronkite--the comforting voice of the most trusted man in America. At the end of his broadcast each night in those tough times as well in those more hopeful times, I felt reassured when he said: And that's the way it was.

A great American life well-lived, Walter Cronkite died at age 92 on July 17, 2009. His career and life will be featured in a special report on CBS on Sunday at 7pm ET/PT in place of 60 minutes. More about the tribute can be found at That's the Way it Was.

"I admired my dad. 'He was just a reporter,' he'd say. 'He just ended up reporting bigger and bigger stories'," said his son, Chip Cronkite at his funeral today.

Does Too Much TV and Web Harm Kids?

Is it time to turn off the TV? Conflicting studies have interesting results.

First, the findings from a major study on the effect of heavy media exposure on kids was released today. The news is not good if the TV remote is permanently glued to your kid's hand. The researcher's findings don't surprise me--spending a lot of time watching TV, playing video games and surfing the web isn't good for kids. In fact, these activities can lead to a wide range of health problems including obesity and smoking according to the recent research by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Yale University and California Pacific Medical Center. The researchers analyzed 173 studies since 1980 on the effects of media consumption in children.

"In a clear majority of those studies more time with television, films, video games, magazines, music and the Internet was linked to rises in childhood obesity, tobacco use and sexual behavior. A majority also showed strong correlations--what the researchers deemed 'statistically significant associations'--with drug and alcohol use and low academic achievement," according to an article in the NYTimes.com.

I am not a scientist, but I found it interesting that the studies as reported in Reuters found the quantity of time kids spend watching TV or on the Internet to be a bigger factor than the quality of the media they are watching. I'm waiting for the next study to tell us the dangers of FaceBook and MySpace.

Don't turn off the computer yet. Another study by the MacArthur Foundation says parents should "chill out" because most teenagers steer clear of dangerous sites. Instead teens are using the Internet to connect with peers.

"One of the main things we found is that it is highly motivating for kids to learn from peers, whether it's the everyday social stuff or learning about new technology or making videos or doing creative writing," says Mizuko Ito, a University of California, Irvine researcher and the reports lead author according to an article in the Houston Chronicle.

Happy People Watch Less TV

A recent study by the University of Maryland compares the activities of happy and unhappy people. No real surprises here. Happy people are more social, go to church more often, and read more newspapers. Happy people also watch TV, but they watch less than unhappy people.

The question still remains whether or not unhappy people tend to watch more TV or whether watching more TV is what makes you unhappy. Also, because unemployed people watch more TV, it's possible that unemployment contributes to the unhappiness.

According to a NYTimes.com article featuring the study's author John Robinson, "We looked at 8 to 10 activities that happy people engage in, and for each one, the people who did the activities more--visitng others, going to church, all those things--were more happy. TV was the one activity that showed a negative relationship. Unhappy people did it more, and happy people did it less."

Who Is the Most Inspirational Teacher in Movies?

Hopefully we've all had some wonderful teachers who inspired us. And we probably have even been inspired by teachers in movies.

Who is the most inspirational teacher you've seen on the big screen? According to the British  Times Online, 

1. Charles (Mr Chips) Chipping in Goodbye Mr Chips 
2. Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) in Mr Holland’s Opus. (video clip)
3. Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) in To Sir with Love. (video clip)
4. Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) in Harry Potter. (video  clip).
5. Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) in The Miracle Worker. (video clip)
6. Louanne Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer) in Dangerous Minds. (video clip)
7. Dewey Finn (Jack Black) in School of Rock. (video clip)
8. John Keating (Robin Williams) in Dead Poet’s Society. (video clip)
   
9. Jaime Escalante (Edward James Olmos) in Stand and Deliver. (video clip)
10. Richard Dadier (Glenn Ford) in the Blackboard Jungle. (video clip) 
11. Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams) in Rushmore . (video clip)
12. Yoda (Frank Oz) in the Star Wars films. (video clip)
13. John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenneger) in Kindergarten Kop. (video clip)
14. Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard) in Good Will Hunting. (video clip)
    
15. Paul Verrall (William Holden) in Born Yesterday. (video clip)
    

I'll add two more to the list. 

• Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) in Freedom Writers. (video clip)
• Miyagi (Pat Morita)  in Karate Kid

When I Need to Laugh

Can't help but feel a bit depressed lately due to the sluggish economy. Getting outside and running, biking, or walking is a proven strategy to beat the blues. It works for me. But sometimes later in the evening I need to upgrade my attitude too. And sneaking in a caloric snack is not the best option. Instead I try to escape by reading a good book. Just finished Through Thick and Thin by Alison Pace . I also love to watch a silly video on my laptop. You've heard me talk about one of my faves before--In the Motherhood video webisodes written by moms for moms. Jenny McCarthy, Leah Remini, and Chelsea Handler may be celebrities, but the stories on their show are written by real moms. Their laughter is contagious. Check out this webisode below from season 2 "All's Fair in Love, War, & Sibling Rivarly."

 

Of course, I also love The New Adventures of Old Christine on CBS on Wednesdays at 8pm. No worries if you miss the show on Wednesdays, you can watch the complete episodes online anytime. Or just watch this promo clip below...

Paul Newman's Generous Spirit Will Always Be Remembered

Paul Newman, 83, died of cancer on Friday. Is is possible that his own life was more inspiring than his legendary movie roles? He stole our hearts. He seemed like someone I'd like to know--or if I was very lucky, perhaps I could someday learn to live with the same generous spirit. He raised almost a quarter of a billion dollars for charity with his Newman's Own natural food line. All the profits went to a variety of charitable causes. He set up 11 Hole in the Wall camps for chronically ill children that helped 135,000 children free of charge. Realizing that he was very lucky himself, Newman felt he had to give back. For all his generosity we all owe it to him to try to give back ourselves.

Robert Redford, his good friend and co-star in Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid and Sting, said: "My life--and this country--is better for his being in it."

Newman will always be remembered as one of Hollywood's greatest actors, but he also has a large philanthropic legacy, check out the video below.

Newman and  Woodward were married over fifty years. Check out the video below for more on their marriage.

-Posted by Chris at Momathon Blog.

Time to Mark Your Ballot: 60th Primetime Emmy Awards

The countdown begins. I'm not talking about the election in November. No, I'm talking about the excitement over who will be winning the coveted Emmy statuettes in just two days. Television's biggest event, the Primetime EMMYs will air Sunday, September 21 at 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT on ABC. For a complete list of nominations so you can mark your ballots at home, click here.