First Day of Camp

If you know Dr. H and I, you know that Wet Hot American Summer is our shared absolute favorite movie (independently he goes Sister Act II/League of Their Own (seriously) and I go Sleeping Beauty/Harry Potter). You also may have heard that Netflix is coming out with a "prequel" to this insanely-cast cult classic.

Well... the full trailer for "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp" has arrived and it is BEEEEEEYOND glorious. Like grinning at my screen, laughing out loud, officially counting down until July 31st when I plan to binge watch like I never have before glorious. The whole cast is back and the comedy is lookin SPOT.ON. That is all (I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters).

The feel good movie of summer.

Now in theaters!

Last weekend I saw the movie Chef and it was wonderful. A movie I'd "heard good things about" (from who or where I couldn't say!) come Saturday evening, Dr. H, my inlaws and I rode the rotten tomato positive review train straight to the theater and I'm pleased to report that Chef did not disappoint.

Written, produced, directed by, and starring Jon Favreau, Chef co-stars Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo (who is just always good in things isn't he!?), Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman and Robert Downey, Jr. (a small and amusing cameo). Favreau plays a professional chef who, after a dramatic public tirade against a food critic goes viral, quits his job at a popular restaurant and returns to his home town of Miami to fix up a food truck. And though this is the plot summary you'll get on Wiki, it does not do justice to the deeply real, uplifting and beautifully acted relationships between Favreau's Chef and food (he cooks, you salivate), his friends (I need some fun loving chef buddies!), his ex-wife (Vergara finally showing range beyond Modern Family) and his son (scene stealing Emjay Anthony who was beyond endearing).  Chef is a feel good movie through and through that appealed to all the varied tastes of my viewing party.

If you're looking for the "feel good movie of the summer", I think Chef just might be it.

Hump Day Distractions

Poor Abe.

I spent most of this morning in a full fledged U.S. Supreme Court geek-out sesh, so I'm just gonna get right to the distractions (so you can get right to your humping:) Happy Wednesday my friends!!

* Hey Mike! When can I move in!?

* A yummy looking pasta salad for your next BBQ

* And for dessert...

* When smart people sneakily outsmart the rest of us...

* A thought provoking piece on new motherhood for all you Moms and Mommies-to-be.

* Move over Kate, there's another lovely lady absolutely NAILING this royal wedding thing (via exPress-o)

* Creative advertising makes me smile.

* An inside look at something you probably never thought much about, but will be amazed by.

* Few things more fabulous than an outdoor movie in NYC.

* Don't be hatin on comic sans people.

* Does THIS product actually work? Because I have a real problem with spilling chocolate syrup on my sneakers...

* And in honor of today's historic SCOTUS decision, THIS Dad's letter will warm your heart.

Hump Day Distractions

Potate

Happy Hump Day my friends. No messin around here, let's get to the distractions!

* What a great way to make your next trip to the zoo more interactive for the kiddies! (Free printable HERE)

* MTA, you've come a looooong way in the past 25 years.
* Is anyone else peeing themselves with excitement for the return of Cory and Topanga!?

* I want to go to there!!!

* In case you were wondering what you missed out on at this past weekend's Big Cheesy event. Visiting the 2013 winner, Melt Shop is on my to do list fo sho!

* So THESE photos are kind of insane...

* The most decadent Easter treat I've EVER seen (who wants to make me one!?)

* Dear Universe... can you find a way to put this sparkling wonder in my closet!?

* Like jumping into a scene from the movie.

* What an incredible accomplishment to share as a couple.

* Washi tape. So hot right now.

* Because autocorrect never stops being funny.

Hump Day Distractions

Be happy!

Happy Spring my friends!! Even though today is a "level 3 winter jacket" day here in NYC (aka, the puffy, hooded one), the sun is shining and I'm willing this to be the very last day of the season that I have to wear tights. More importantly though... did you know that today is  the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS!!!?! How fan-freakin-tastic is THAT!? Here to make your day super happy is a big 'ol pile of distractions. Enjoy!!

* Apparently not all cats are agile.

* Pure romance with a side of soggy.

* A little bit more holiday deliciousness (see my full post HERE).

* I was going to see this regardless because Hermione Granger is in it, but the trailer looks pretty awesome.

* A note from the kind of best friend I think we should all aspire to be.

* What's that you said? You want more glitter in your life!?

* Kale is so hot right now. (That's right, even veggies can be trendy!) Ever wonder what's next?

* As if we all needed another reason to want to move to Hawaii...

* Pure Disney brilliance!

* Holy crap that looks delicious (and totally do-able!)

* I wonder who I can send THIS to..!? (via ExPress-o)

* And finally, in honor of today's "holiday", the happiest cows you ever did see.

Dinner & a Movie (at the same time)

Relax and enjoy more than just the show!

Dr. H and I are what I like to call "seasonal movie goers". Prone to avoiding movie theaters through most of summer (superheros and action-packed blockbusters aren't usually our thing) we binge on movies throughout fall and winter as film festival/awards season favorites hit the screens. This year, seeing lots of movies in close succession left me a little bored of megaplex popcorn and fountain soda (and I love fountain soda)... I wanted something more fun and interesting for movie date night and perhaps maybe a beer!? Enter Nitehawk Cinema, 

The bar/waiting area before entering your theater.

Nighthawk Cinema, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn just a few blocks off the Bedford Ave. L train stop is a total treat. Their three small theaters include triangular tables situated between every two chairs and the menu, designed by the owner of (the exceptionally well reviewed) Saul, includes a selection of funkified classic snacks, as well as full entrees and dessert. There are also specials inspired by the films. You don't have to eat dinner, though I highly recommend it - the eats were TASTY. Additionally, Nitehawk's unique popcorn is an absolute MUST. Topped with a delicious mix of lime juice, mild cotija cheese and cilantro, the plentiful $5 snack (served in a stainless-steel bowl, infinitely better for flavor and warmth preservation than a paper bag) was unlike anything I've ever tasted.

Yum

And since I'm sure you're are wondering, YES, you can order food throughout the film and NO, it does not hinder your movie-going experience. Servers are seasoned in the art of the "crouched-down walk" and orders are taken by placing a piece of paper with your food/drink items written down, in a little slot on your tray table. No need for whispering. Nitehawk has everything pretty much down to a science, even strategically timing presentation of your bill so that you can  be fully paid and can leave right at the end of the movie.  If you're looking for a way to spice up movie night (and enjoy a tasty meal at the same time!) I highly recommend a trip to Nitehawk Cinema!

Visitor's Notes: Arrive early (at least 30 minutes, but I'd say more like 45) to ensure a good place in line for entry into the theater. Pretty much the whole capacity queues up in advance and then files in all together * There's a bar where you wait so beer and small talk pass the time! * There's a bar downstairs which Dr. H and I did not check out, but it had live music and looked awesome * Shows sell out for Fri and Sat nights. Buy your tickets well in advance.

Are you serious!? (A cellular rant)

I see you over there... glowing...

On Friday night Dr. H and I went to the movies (at the awesome Nitehawk Cinema, but more on that another day) and I sat next to a woman who was OUT OF CONTROL with her cellphone. Throughout the previews she was texting and posting to Facebook (hey, you want to have your phone out in a dark room next to me? Ima look at your screen!) and I nearly said something, but then Ms. "I-can't-live-in-the-present-because-I-must-stay-tethered-to-the-digital-world" did put down her phone. However mid-movie she started checking for new messages, scrolling her News Feed and once even waved the phone in her companions' face to show him something (I hope it was a date and I hope that made him hate her). Phone Girl's phone glow seriously hindered my ability to relax and enjoy the film!

Now maybe this sounds harsh, and maybe if I'd spoken up she would have realized she was being rude and stopped, but I didn't want to be "that girl" (...you know, the one who speaks up and makes you want to roll your eyes and say "geez lady, lighten up!") But honestly... WTF Phone Girl!? You're at the MOVIES!! You aren't a doctor, you're not checking on your kid, you paid good money to sit here and watch this so put away your tele and be HERE, watching THIS! All that other stuff will be there in 2 hours I promise. And if nothing else, consider the obnoxious glow your phone is casting, impacting the good time of all the people around you - it sucks.

So that's my rant on  taking out your cell phone at the movies. I'm sure none of you will ever volunteer to see a movie with me again:)

Hump Day Distractions

Could not wait 364 days to share this

Hellllooooooo out there..! Is anyone else at their computer!? Even worse... is anyone else at WORK!? Ick. Even though most of NYC is still huddled at home, some lucky folks like myself are back at their desks today which means distractions are a necessity. Since this is our last Hump Day of the year (can you believe it!?) I thought I'd collect some 2012 lists and other New Years related goodies for you. Happy humping!

* The 100 most astonishing images of 2012 (worth scrolling through the whole list, they're AMAZING).
* 300 films from 2012, in only 7 minutes.
* At least none of your wild holiday party nights ended like THIS (or maybe, awesome if it did!?)
* For those of you getting a jump start on next year's holiday list.
* The top albums of 2012 (agree or disagree?)
* Cookies for your New Years Eve party!
* In 2012 Apple put the iPhone into more hands than ever before. It brought with it Autocorrect. Thank you Apple.

Love in a digital age?

Romantical.

I recently watched the movie Sleepless in Seattle [Warning: plot spoilers below] for the first time (late to the party I know, but SO worth the wait!) and after I recovered from my Nora Ephron-enduced moony love trance, I started thinking about how modern technology has absolutely obliterated the plot of this "timeless" romantic comedy. For starters, not too many people are listening to radio these days and even fewer are writing letters. If Tom Hanks' Sam Baldwin was around today, his inbox might have been flooded, but not his mailbox. Additionally, Facebook, Linkedin and Google pretty much guarantee that Meg Ryan's Annie would not have remained a mystery to Sam for long. They both would have had pictures, employment histories and countless other pieces of personal information to judge the other on prior to having an actual conversation. The mystery and romance of the Sleepless love story are just not possible in our internet dominated world!

Dr. H and I are of the generation that grew with the internet, meaning we fell in love just before the proliferation of the smartphone, when Facebook was only an idea floating around Harvard's campus. Other than over-analysis of AIM away messages (song lyrics never had so much meaning) we fell for one another face to face. Our romance felt organic and real. I wonder for today's generation if the internet has ruined falling in love, just a little bit. Though it's great to "know more", for me, the mystery and anticipation of learning more with each minute spent together was one of the best things about falling in love. I'm grateful there was no internet history for me to cross-reference or pre-judge. Because even though it took Sam and Annie months of "near misses" and cross-country wondering to find one another, without a single text or tweet, the crazy power of love led them to the Empire State Building. You can't find that kind of magic on the internet:)

Hump Day Distractions

You and especially YOU.

Hump day has arrived and somehow the weekend still seems soooooo far away. How ever will we make it through this grey Wednesday? Here's my best effort to distract you... I'm off to read celebrity gossip and browse Pinterest.

* I am a huge advocate of fresh flowers in the home at all times (it really does improve your mood!) Learn how to take a bodega bouquet from drab to florist fresh HERE.
* Thinking of purchasing THESE to solve the "flats for walking, but heels at work" pant length crisis. Has anyone tried them? Do they work!?

* A+ for effort kid. A+

* Never worry about missing "the good part" of the movie again [viaCupofJo]
* What an amazing endeavor by a father. What an amazing gift to his son.

* The most adorable look-a-likes you ever did see.

based on the novel.

I heart a good book.

Growing up, my mom had a rule that I could not see a movie that was based on a book unless I read the book first. I don't know where she got this rule, or what made her decide to stick to it so staunchly, but I'll never forget seeing The Little Princess movie (based on a favorite childhood book) and being FURIOUS at what a terrible adaptation it was. Things were changed, important details were overlooked and it just generally did not do the author's fine work justice. 

I mention this because right now I am reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and I freaking LOVE it (if you are like me and somehow overlooked this book as a 90s teenager, get it now).  I suppose I could be embarassed that the reason I am finally reading this book is that it's been made into a movie which Hermoine Granger (aka, Emma Watson:) is starring in (so obviously I plan to see it), but I'm not. Whatever it takes to make the time to read a good book is fine with me. Whether it's because the books are almost always better, or because reading is wonderful... Mom was totally right (doesn't it always work out that way!?)

Hump Day Distractions (Beach Bum Ed.)

Use SPF. No doubt.

Well it's a good thing I'm blogging about sunshine this week because the real world is giving me nothing but rain! It's been a rather grey May here in NYC so my fingers are crossed for a bright and sunny June. In case your week-before-the-long-weekend is going as slowly as mine is, here are some distractions to get you over the hump!

* I am shore you are going to sea the humor in THIS.

* Send some seasonal wit and sarcasm to your best buddy's inbox.

* Hooray! A way to get your bod bikini ready without giving up brownies (Weight Watchers points plus value included!)

* Show off some awesome tats at the beach.

* Want to throw the chicest BBQ on the block? Chill the water with THIS (or THIS) and wow your guests pre-burgers and dogs with THIS and THIS.

* Because a pint just isn't big enough to share (and some roommates cannot be trusted!)

* A genius trick for your at-home experimentation with neon nail polish? 

* I don't go to the movies very often in the summer, but for a new Wes Anderson flick, I might have to make an exception (love me some Bill Murray!)

* BONUS Distraction: This one's for you Sis.

Off to the Movies (for a history lesson?)

On Monday Dr. H and I went to see “The Iron Lady”.* As I sat soaking in the film, I couldn’t help but be embarrassed by the level of suspense I felt as I watched the storyline unfold. Though based almost entirely on historical events which occurred during Prime Minister Thatcher’s life, I found myself blissfully ignorant of outcomes to things like elections and wars. It was the British history equivalent of going to see Titantic and wondering if the iceberg would really sink the ship. How could I be so unaware of real life events!? 

I left the theater deep in thought. Was it that I never studied the astonishing leader that Margaret Thatcher was with enough depth or that I simply didn’t have the capacity to absorb her awesomeness at the time it was being taught to me? Did I learn about the war for the Falkland Islands at some point in AP European history (or AP International Government or Intro to International Relations..!) and just TOTALLY forgot about it!? Yikes!! Dr. H tried to calm my “I’m an unaware idiot” qualms as we walked home by reminding me that we only have so much capacity for knowledge and perhaps knowing all aspects of global history is a bit beyond my reach. Though I know I’m not a candidate for tomorrow’s episode of Jeopardy, I still felt as though my education and worldliness were seriously lacking. There was a lady PM who went to war and won..? There was a King of England who resigned for love of a married American woman..? How did America react to the hostage crisis at the Munich Olympics!? I’ve learned a lot of history from watching movies. Do you rely on Hollywood for knowledge of historical events? Is that a bad thing!? (ps- at least I came home and did a little research:) 

*The movie was excellent and I highly recommend it. Meryl Streep is a goddess of character transformation and the movie, though at times a bit depressing, is a must see for lovers of history, feminists and “Oscar nominee junkies”.

Image via Pinterest

Hump Day Distractions

Welcome to our weekly installment of distractions, discoveries and internet goodies! Hope they help you get over the post-holiday-slump-hump!

* This Broadway show was a great time so I’m pumped to see the movie trailer looking so spot on (and Alec Baldwin-y!)

* This is real. Bacon lovers rejoice.

* With holiday decorations behind us, consider crafting up a snowstorm for your next dinner party. (I’ll let you know how my experience goes in a few weeks)
* I still can’t believe it’s true. I guess he wasn’t her teenage dream after all...

* Bride to be? Check out lover.ly Distractions for days, it’s like the Pinterest of bridal beauty... would have been oh so loverly (and helpful!) when I was wedding planning. 

* And because no Hump Day is complete without something to laugh at, here’s 6 minutes of 2011’s best local news bloopers ranging from “fairly funny” to “downright hysterical”


Image via Pinterest