27 Kasım 2012 Salı

90210: Heightened Security

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On the original "90210" pop artists would perform on the stage at the Peach Pit After Dark. This made total sense because the venue was an extension of the beloved Peach Pit Diner and was run by music lover David Silver. In this current reboot of the show pop stars perform as part of Adriana's story line. So far this season we've seen Carly Rae Jepsen, Nelly Furtado and tonight, NeYo. I have to say, this just feels like product placement to me.

Speaking of product placement, what was Neil Lane doing on the show? I like him right where he is supposed to be, on "The Bachelor" franchise.

Did anyone notice the Just Jared blog mention? This entire episode felt like an advertisement.

This hour Naomi urges Max to find a replacement for Alec. When the wonder kid Bryce turns out to be a beautiful woman (Ashley from ABC Family's "Greek"), Naomi is horrified and appoints herself CEO. Eventually she caves and begs Bryce to take the position. We'll see if she tempts Max or perhaps another member of the group will start chasing her.

One of the most awkward scenes in the show's history aired tonight - Annie and Riley's official first date. I was squirming on the couch I was so uncomfortable. After he walks out on their dinner, then stands her up at the Hollywood Bowl, Annie arrives to find him in the pool with three bikini clad women. She slaps him, he pulls her into the pool, all is forgiven and they commence a make out session a la Kelly and Dylan in the pool all those years ago.

The oddest story line award goes to Liam. Tonight he receives a mystery message about Vanessa's disappearance (very A from "Pretty Little Liars"), then he punches a photographer and finally, the studio hires him a female security guard. At the close of the episode we see her getting a tattoo of Liam's face on her back. Creepy! Especially since she just installed security cameras at Liam's house. I have no idea who this woman is, but I think she's going to go postal.

In previews for next week we learned that it will be the show's 100th episode. To celebrate Denise Richards will make a cameo, Adriana and Taylor's latest make out session is caught on tape and Naomi strips. Just another day in Beverly Hills.

*Images courtesy of CWTV.

Gossip Girl: Paper Trail

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I can't believe that tonight's episode is the fourth to last of the series. I am in complete denial that in the very near future Chuck Bass and I will not have our weekly rendezvous. I also find it hard to believe that there are only three episodes left because after all of tonight's plot twists I have no idea how the writers are going to untangle this mess.

Let's start with the Bass controversy. Chuck is desperately seeking the papers that prove Bart's illegal business dealings. On to his scent, Bart comes to The Empire and tears Chuck's apartment to shreds. Ivy, the keeper of the papers confronts both Bass men and demands they help her take down Lily. Whoever can humiliate her first gets the papers.

Bart comes to the table offering to divorce Lily and even strips down to take suggestive photos with Ivy. Chuck busts into the room just in time to stop them. As it turns out, Ivy doesn't even have the papers anymore.

The papers are now in the hands of Rufus, who has recently been burned by Ivy. This hour we discover Ivy is having an affair with Mr. Van der Woodsen (Billy Baldwin). I did not see that coming! Neither did Rufus when he caught them kissing on the street.

In some weird way, Rufus feels empowered to get back at Ivy by bringing the papers to Lily. In the final moments of the episode Chuck arrives at Lily's house to confront her about the papers. He attempts to convince her that Bart is still the same scoundrel. Not only does she not buy it, she throws the evidence into the fireplace. Nooooooooooooo!

We'll come back to Chuck in a minute. Tonight Blair debuted her new fashion line "B for Waldorf Designs" at a pop up store in Barney's. I love the name and  I love the poster for the line even more! Especially the "XO." To ensure the line is purchased, Blair gets Sage to call a meeting of the private school queen bee families. Too funny.

After a wonderfully successful night, Blair goes to The Empire to find Chuck. He is drinking at the bar and his eyes have that signature Chuck vacancy when he feels defeated and shut down. He says, "We can't be together. I did not fulfill my side of the pact. Just go." Ok, we only have three episodes left and I need them to get back together once and for all. Don't disappoint me, writers!

Tonight Dan and Serena started the episode in bed together. Serena suggests that they should mend fences with everyone they have wronged. She says, "If you do this, I'll reward you with brunch and a movie on me." What girl gets her way by offering this type of a plan to a guy? I'd like to live in that alternate universe.

In a very poetic speech, Dan tells Serena "You've always been the one." Just as I was about to over dose on saccharine, Dan gets a call from Georgina. He quickly whispers into the phone, "I'm writing a Serena chapter." What? Is all of this lovey dovey nonsense with Serena for his book? I feel disgusted by the thought of that.

On an unrelated note, Serena and Blair have been fighting and making up every episode this season. I can't stand it. Just choose - are you friends or are you done?

In previews for next week, it's the Thanksgiving episode. Why are they airing this two weeks past Thanksgiving? Poor planning. A Christmas episode would make more sense. 
Only three episodes left to go! I may need to be admittedly to a Chuck Bass withdrawal program. 
*Images courtesy of CWTV.

D'Espresso Coffee Bar

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Turn your head to the right, and it all makes sense.

The next time you’re near the NY Public Library, pop into D’Espresso, a coffee bar with a decorative punch. Walls and ceiling are covered with tiles printed with photos of bookshelves, the wall behind the long banquette seating is clad in wood flooring, and a skylight behind the bar boasts pendant lighting mounted horizontally.

Deliciously disorienting.

D'Espresso: 317 Madison Avenue at 42nd St. 212-867-7141

Honeymoon Style: What I'm Bringing to the Mayan Riviera

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We're heading out on our honeymoon to Excellence Playa Mujeres this morning! Here's a quick look at what I'm bringing along on the trip.

A star lineup of summer reading, plus a couple of cute suits and my favorite kate spade travel bag (a gift from the best bridesmaids and girlfriends a gal could have!).

I bought this dress on a whim a few weeks before our wedding. At that point, we still had no idea when and where we'd take our honeymoon. But I knew it'd be a beach and this little number just spoke to me.

Just because it's the beach doesn't mean you can't accessorize. I bought that necklace a few years back on a trip home to Croatia. Still one of my favorite pieces of jewelry that I own.


Seaside chic and casual cool...you can never have too many cute cover-ups.

 
The lightest I've ever packed electronically.  Can't say I'm really gonna miss my laptop.
I'm writing this post, oh, about six hours before we have to be at the airport for our international flight and looking forward to some much-needed relaxation and romance at Excellence Playa Mujeres, plus hopefully a day trip to nearby Isla Mujeres and Tulum. Hope you all have a great week!

My Interview with Fashion's on Vacation

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Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
I had so much fun doing this interview for Fashion's on Vacation about my travel style. Victoria asked all of the tough questions, like which hotel is my absolute favorite. Impossible, right?!

Thanks again to Fashion's on Vacation for the opportunity. Be sure to check out her site! I love all of her cool roundups, especially the one about unique first class airline cabins. Can you imagine showering at 38,000 feet?

26 Kasım 2012 Pazartesi

Dining Out: La Baguette

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I've just returned from a blissful long weekend in Miami with my family. Though I am sure we are all sad to be back at work, perhaps I can cheer you up with a little Florida sunshine.

I flew down to Miami first thing Wednesday morning. My dad was kind enough to take a break from his Thanksgiving meal prep to come pick me up. On our way back to the house we stopped for an early lunch at a sandwich place called La Baguette.

La Baguette is very unassuming. In fact, it's right in the middle of two gas stations. Not exactly prime real estate.

You can spot La Baguette by its fire engine red awning.

Beneath the shade of the awning is a counter, groups of tables and some lounge-like furniture.

You place your order at the counter which is protected by a line of brightly colored bar stools.

We took seats at the counter and I realized the menu was already in front of me in the form of a place mat. The menu is a bit corny with all of its oversized pictures.

We started by ordering drinks. My father ordered a Sprite and it came in a glass bottle; a true rarity. Being in Miami often feels like visiting a foreign country and soda in glass bottles is just another piece of evidence mounting in my case for Miami requiring a passport.

My father decided on the prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich which came topped with an entire garden of fresh vegetables. There are so many veggies it's hard to even see the meat and cheese beneath them!

I ordered the cheddar cheese sandwich which was melted white cheddar topped with the same cornucopia of vegetables. I have to admit, though the sandwich was definitely impressive to the eye, not so much to the taste buds.

The reason you really need to know about La Baguette is that it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Since Miami is a party city, every party girl needs to know where to find a delicious, satisfying, late night snack.

Chow down at La Baguette at 427 SW 8th Street.

Honeymoon Style: What I'm Bringing to the Mayan Riviera

To contact us Click HERE
We're heading out on our honeymoon to Excellence Playa Mujeres this morning! Here's a quick look at what I'm bringing along on the trip.

A star lineup of summer reading, plus a couple of cute suits and my favorite kate spade travel bag (a gift from the best bridesmaids and girlfriends a gal could have!).

I bought this dress on a whim a few weeks before our wedding. At that point, we still had no idea when and where we'd take our honeymoon. But I knew it'd be a beach and this little number just spoke to me.

Just because it's the beach doesn't mean you can't accessorize. I bought that necklace a few years back on a trip home to Croatia. Still one of my favorite pieces of jewelry that I own.


Seaside chic and casual cool...you can never have too many cute cover-ups.

 
The lightest I've ever packed electronically.  Can't say I'm really gonna miss my laptop.
I'm writing this post, oh, about six hours before we have to be at the airport for our international flight and looking forward to some much-needed relaxation and romance at Excellence Playa Mujeres, plus hopefully a day trip to nearby Isla Mujeres and Tulum. Hope you all have a great week!