Pan Am: Our New Fly Girls

I’m a bit obsessed with Mad Men so it was no surprise that I was excited about last night’s premiere of Pan Am, the ABC show about the sometimes glamorous world of flight attendants in the 1960s.  My hubbie was right when he said it looked a little like Mad Men and the Leonard DiCaprio movie Catch Me If You Can.  We even learned last night (Spoiler!) that one of the perky flight attendants is actually a spy.

The first thing that drew me in was the look of the show.  It’s super retro with lots of cool 60′s pop culture references. There’s a breathtaking set that must have cost a bundle.  The airport setting looks authentic and glossy and it’s neat to see a world when airline travel was a treat.  Everyone dressed up.  They served real food and cocktails on the plane.  Every young woman wanted to be a stewardess.  The show opener even included a scene showing each girl getting a mandatory pre-flight weigh in and a booty slap to make sure they were wearing a girdle.

It sounds sexist and it was.  But the irony is that Pan Am‘s four main characters are these women.  They are the show pilots while the men are just the show co-pilots.  (Although you wouldn’t know it from that promo poster.  What’s up with that, ABC?) There definitely needs to be more character development, but I enjoyed the back stories. There is the one girl from Paris who had an affair with a handsome married (to her surprise) man. There are two sisters (one who left her groom at the alter to follow her dream to travel the world) and Christina Ricci is awesome as a bohemian living in Manhattan who turns out to be the leader of the pack. She has the perfect face for HD.  It’s flawless.

I thought it was a good start. The show is fun. I like the cast. I adore the set design. There were interesting twists.  I just hope it continues to soar in that direction.  We’ll see next week.  Did you/will you watch Pan Am?

Jon Hamm: Just Hanging Out and Looking Hot

Here’s Jon Hamm looking mighty dapper while filming Mad Men in L.A. yesterday.

Happy Friday.

The R.E.M. Post That Turned Into a Hootie Video

Iconic rock band R.E.M. has retired.  They made the big announcement yesterday.

I honestly have not thought about R.E.M. in YEARS, but I had a twinge of nostalgia when I heard the news. R.E.M.’s song “Superman” was my college anthem.  I’m a Delta Gamma and we would play that song at every party and sing, “I Am. I Am. I Am. Delta Gam.”  My entire sorority even went on a bus trip to see R.E.M. in concert.  It was just a bunch of girls (okay, there were boys too) hanging on the lawn and singing all the words.  We watched Michael Stipe shimmy all around that stage and we danced right along with him.  There might have been some beer drinking too. You know, for those of us 21 and up.

It’s weird because R.E.M. also made me think of Hootie and the Blowfish’s power ballad “Let Her Cry.” Remember that one?  Of course you do.  You still hear it every day on that elevator music radio station.  But have you really LISTENED to it?  It’s a great song and it’s my favorite Hootie song of all time.  Here’s a fun fact: two of the guys in Hootie went to my high school.  I told them that when I met them at a record store signing back in 1993.  It was just me and maybe 10 other people because their album had just been released.  They sang an acoustic set right there among the cassette tapes.  It’s a great memory.  Well, here’s Hootie’s Darius Rucker, now a successful country music artist, singing a stripped down version of “Let Her Cry.”  Michael Stipe’s not far behind.

RIP R.E.M.

Just One of the Boys

Annabel is my little girly girl.  She loves dresses.

She is just like me when I was little because she is starting to refuse to wear anything but dresses to school. She rocks them with her sparkly white sneakers.

 She LOVES ballet class.  Her favorite part is putting on the pink leotard, tights, and tutu.

But, she also has a little bit of tomboy in her.  She has a big brother, so that’s to be expected.  Her playroom is filled with just as many cars, trucks, and transformers as it is dolls, ponies, and dress up clothes.  She has always been around Daniel’s little guy friends ever since she can remember.  So I don’t know why I was surprised when she told me her favorite thing at school today was “playing army man” on the playground. She said the boys gave her a stick and they all pretended they were “army men.”  As soon as she was done telling me the story, she then went up to the playroom and did this for an hour:

I think it’s cool.  I love that she is my princess diva but she can hang with the boys.  I wrote all about being girly and how I think it’s awesome as long as I also expose her to every experience and opportunity any boy would have.  She often mentions the boys in her class and how much fun she has playing games or doing puzzles with them.  She mentions her girlfriends too, but she definitely has a fondness for the boys.

Watch out, Daddy.

Emmys 2011: Best Dressed

These are my five favorite looks of the night.  These are also five of my favorite actresses.  What a treat to see them all look so amazing.

1. Kate Winslet in Elie Saab.

2. Dianna Agron in Roksanda Illincic.

 

3. Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang.

4. Christina Hendricks in Johanna Johnson.

5. Elizabeth Moss in Marchesa.

Emmys 2011: Modern Men and Girl Power

The 2011 Emmy Awards: Here are my top five favorite moments…

1. The Ladies of Comedy.

I love Amy Poehler from Parks and Recreation so leave it to her to be the mastermind behind the fun surprise when the Best Actress in a Comedy Series nominees were announced.  As each leading lady’s name was called, she ran to the stage like she was representing a state in the Miss America Pageant.  It was sweet and funny and so nice to see all those talented women share the spotlight.  The grand finale?  When Mike and Molly‘s Melissa McCarthy won the big prize (and was also handed a crown and bouquet of roses!)  I have a soft spot in my heart for Melissa who played “Sookie” for many years on Gilmore Girls.  She also was HI-larious in Bridesmaids.

2. Phil and Claire Dunphy win for Modern Family.

Ok, I know their names are really Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, but they are such amazing comedic actors I will forever think of them as the goofy and neurotic Dunphys of Modern Family.  They have such great chemistry so it was no surprise they both picked up the trophy for Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Comedy Series.  The bittersweet moment?  They beat out their colleagues.  Every adult actor in Modern Family was nominated for an Emmy this year.  So it wasn’t a surprise when…

3.  Modern Family wins Best Comedy.

I LOVE THIS SHOW!  And everyone saw this Best Comedy win coming from miles away.  It was also so great to see the kids of Modern Family get special recognition from show creator Steven Levitan.

4. Mad Men wins Best Drama.

Mad Men had the most nominations this year but no real wins until the BIG prize of the night.  I adore this show and I’m tortured by the fact I have to wait until 2012 for its return.  But seeing Jon Hamm in his super hot tux helps ease the pain.  And how bombshell gorgeous is Christina Hendricks?

5. The “new” Office.

It was neat to see a new cast of characters “join” The Office in a funny comedy sketch about halfway through the night.   (But BOO that Steve Carell did not pick up the Best Actor in a Comedy award.  It was his last chance to win and he deserved it!) But we did get to imagine The Office filled with new characters including Tom Haverford from Parks and Recreation, Roger Sterling from Mad Men, and even Kim Kardashian!  The best was Ashton Kutcher, sitting in Michael Scott’s old chair, telling Ed Helms he was the new manager. Then, realizing he was just on the wrong lot, he says, “Oh, I was wondering where the Half Man was!”

Ashton also made headlines today because of a certain camera photo taken backstage with that guy he’s replacing.  Charlie Sheen was calm and relaxed at last night’s event and even wished the best for the new Two and a Half Men team.  Well, it looks like everyone’s winning!  The brand new Two and a Half Men premieres tonight on CBS.

10 Years

Ten years ago today I married my best friend.  We were married in the beautiful courtyard of a historic inn in Charleston, South Carolina.  We were just dating when we first visited Charleston together and I fell in love with the city in two seconds.  Just like I fell in love with my husband.

Yes, it’s true.  It was love at first sight.  The one you always dream about. The kind in fairy tales.  We worked together so it started out as a secret romance which really made it fun.  He was, and still is, my soul mate.

We were married four days after 9/11.  It’s defining because it slammed everything into perspective.  It didn’t matter if my hair wasn’t perfect.  It didn’t matter if it was too hot outside.  It mattered that all my friends and family made it to our wedding.  It mattered that I stood in front of all these people and committed myself to the love of my life.

And we had the perfect destination wedding with 30 of our closest friends and family members. Everyone was just so excited to be there to celebrate something happy. It’s weird because I thought there would be this dark cloud overshadowing our special day.  But it didn’t feel like that at all.  The love in the room was just elevated. Our only gift request was that everyone stand up and give us a wedding toast and everyone’s words left us speechless.  It was awesome.  We had an informal reception in the dining hall of Magnolias restaurant where I danced with my Dad and cut the cake.  We all ended up at a small local bar for drinks. At the end of the night, Hubbie and I walked back to the Inn hand in hand while everyone yelled “Congrats!” along the way.  I was floating on air.

But there are two key memories I will never forget about that weekend.  Memories that I don’t think I’ve even shared with my husband. The first was watching the 9/11 footage together the day we arrived.  We planned to fly, but had to drive because everything was canceled.  We sat at the end of our poster bed, almost in shock, as we watched the rescue workers still trying to find survivors in all the rubble.  It was heartbreaking.  Then a young man was interviewed about his fiance.  She was missing and he had hope.  He said he would not give up hope that he could still find her.  She worked on the top floor of one of the towers, but, he said, she was a survivor.  He planned to stay there at the sight with his friends and family and he would shovel the rocks and metal until he found her.  We both sat and cried.  My husband, who never cries, was right there with me.  We both could not imagine losing each other.

The second memory happened the morning of our wedding.  We were staying together in the same room and planned to separate before the ceremony.  I don’t know if it was nerves, or the southern food from our welcome dinner the night before, but my stomach was killing me.  I had trouble sleeping.  I felt horrible tossing and turning in the bed all night and waking up Hubbie at 6:00 AM to complain about my tummy.  He didn’t even hesitate one second as he threw on clothes and shoes and headed out to find me some antacid. It was still dark outside.  He came back 45 minutes later because the only thing open was a grocery store about 20 blocks away.  He gave me a bag of medicine and the only thing he said was how the grocery store was so awesome because it was located in an old railroad station.

He never said one word about losing sleep, not knowing where he was going, nothing.  He was, and still is, the most positive person I know.  This is a huge blessing for me because I tend to overstress and look at the negative side of a situation.  He will prop me back up and show me the other side.

We are partners in life and 10 years later you still make me laugh out loud, Baby.  You are the smartest person I know.  The sexiest thing ever is to watch you read to our two babies.  You are an amazing father. You lift me up when I’m down and you always have my back.  Please know I will always have your back too. I’m excited to continue this life journey with you as we drink red wine and sing the soundtrack to Les Miserables along the way.

Happy Anniversary, Baby.  I lovey you.  Forever.

Missoni Mania

Today was the day!  The Missoni for Target line debuted in stores and on the Target.com website.  I strolled over to my Target store around 9:00 AM because I wanted to get this super cute cup and saucer set:

Nope.  Not there.  All I found were some empty shelves and frantic women running around and snagging everything they could get their hands on. The rain boots?  Gone!  The martini set?  Gone!  Forget about the cute bike.  It wasn’t even sent to the store.  BUT, I decided to head back to the women’s clothing department and get some goodies.  I snagged a bunch of things to try on and ended up with these:

The Textured Space Dye Gold Shimmer Cardigan

I bought the matching infinity scarf too.  I’ll wear them both with black pants, but I’ll also throw on the scarf with a casual jacket and jeans.

 

The Blue Open Cardigan

I actually love that this piece, and the previous piece, don’t look full-on Missoni.  There were a couple other sweaters with brighter colors and bolder zig zags, but I prefer the subtlety of these two.  I love this blue one to wear over a white tank with  jeans.

Annabel was my shopping buddy, so I had to take her to the little girls department.  (She was off from school today.  Lucky girl.) She picked this out.  She’ll be sporting this ensemble for Thanksgiving.

 The Purple Zig Zag Tunic Sweater Dress and Matching Leggings

Then, for some crazy reason, my daughter, who hates hats, wanted a hat.  We found a cute winter hat for $9.99 and she would not take it off.  It will go really well with her pink winter coat, so I threw it on the pile.

And I am the queen of the comfy blankie.  I scored the very last throw in the store.  I saw it sitting by itself on a random shelf in the bedding aisle, so I scooped it up.  I was so excited.  I love that one side of the throw is black and white and the reverse side is that signature Missoni print.

The Purple Fleece Throw Blanket

I’m still in search of my Missoni for Target cups and saucers.  I tried online, but the Target.com website crashed around 8:00 AM.  It was finally back up at dinner time.  But the cups and saucers?

SOLD OUT.

Did you buy anything from the Missoni for Target line today?  Or are you headed to eBay? (I’m tempted to bid on those gosh darn cups.)

The X Factor: New Extended Preview!

Simon Cowell’s new show The X Factor premieres September 21st.  I’ve been hearing about this new talent show FOREVER and now it’s (almost) finally here!

Here is a special extended preview of The X Factor.  OMG, I’m so excited.  Just check out the 8 minute clip and you will be right there with me next Wednesday.

9/11

This is my post from two years ago on 9/11/09. 

I will never forget. Please say a special prayer for all the children who lost their Mama or Daddy 10 years ago today.

9/11/2001

I woke up, got ready for the day, and then drove to the Safeway grocery store around the corner from our condo to get an iced grande mocha.  They had a Starbucks kiosk inside the front entrance of the store.  I loved that.  I went there every morning to get my coffee and a newspaper.  I was still job hunting.  I moved to Maryland three months prior with my husband-to-be.  We were getting married in Charleston, SC in four days so I really had the job hunting thing on hold.  This morning I just wanted my mocha so I could hurry back to the condo and finish some last minute wedding phone calls.  I had to confirm my salon appointment.  I had to confirm our wedding day girls’ luncheon. I had to go over every single detail and checklist one more time.

When I was driving home with my mocha, I was listening to my husband on the radio.  He was the morning radio host for the local Top 40 radio station.  His morning show was always fun and upbeat but, all of a sudden, he started to sound really serious.  He said a plane had hit the World Trade Center.  Because my mind was in a million directions, I heard him say it, but it really didn’t register.  Then I heard him say, “I know we shouldn’t say this, but if you are near a television set please TURN IT ON.”  That registered.

I ran up the stairs to my living room and turned on The Today Show on NBC and sat and watched.  Then I turned on CNN. I watched it all unfold while I sat there alone with my white wedding binder sitting on the coffee table.  The second plane hit.  Then, a plane hit the Pentagon?  That was down the street from me.  Then, one in Pennsylvania?  What is going on? I just sat there in front of the television set. I didn’t move.  I couldn’t move.  I spoke to my husband on the phone a couple times.  He had decided to stay on the radio for the rest of the day so he could update his audience.  I also think that he wanted to help in some way.  I know I just felt helpless sitting there and watching it all on TV.

I called my parents and my sister and my brother.  Everyone was just in disbelief.

Then the towers fell.  I was on the phone with my Mom.  I will never forget it.

I still had to make my wedding phone calls.  I called the salon first.  I felt so weird confirming a hair and makeup appointment.  There was no answer.  Then I called the restaurant to confirm my girls’ lunch.  The man who answered the phone confirmed it and then we talked about how we could not believe what was happening.  We literally bonded over the phone.  We were two Americans worried about our country and that was the first moment I think I felt some anger.

I was angry because innocent people were dead.  I was angry because the joy I had inside me for my wedding day was gone.  The joy turned into confusion.  And the confusion turned into a million questions: Can this wedding still happen in four days?  Can we even fly there?  Do we drive now?  Would all guests still be able to come?  Do they even want to come now? Should we just stay home and cancel the whole thing?  What should we do??

Then, the anger turned into sadness.  I went to my parent’s house because I did not want to be alone.  Every news channel had a different story.  There was a preschool in one of the towers.  There were people that had jumped. There were family members with photos already searching for their loved ones.  It was heartbreaking and overwhelming.  I went home to be with my fiance.

I remember lying in bed that night and my head was spinning.  I remember hearing airplanes fly overhead all night long. We lived really close to downtown DC…to the White House.

And THAT was the first time the anger and sadness turned into fear.

Oh my god, I thought, we are at war.

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