Somewhat Like London

I made scones =) Daddy has an obsession with lattes and scones from Starbucks, so we thought we would try it out at home. I must say it was an incredible success. I even whipped up a vanilla sugar glaze to top them off. I'm feeling very Betty Crocker right about now.

As I eat my scone and sip my coffee, I'm reminded of my few short days in foggy Londontown. I didn't actually eat a scone while I was there, but you get the idea. It's already been on my mind today because of the weather. In true London fashion, it was cloudy and rainy the whole time I was there. I didn't mind because it just made sense.

I had some truly lovely times on that particular trip. I followed Jack the Ripper's bloody path across the city, I saw the crown jewels on Tower Hill, and I experienced the ethereal beauty of a choral service at Westminster Abbey. I also had some of the most deliciously authentic Indian cuisine ever at Raavi Kebab on Drummond Street, and I actually saw, in person, as in nothing between my eyes and the paper except a sheet of glass, Jane Austen's actual handwriting in an original version of Persuasion at the British Library.  I would like to offer a tip of the hat to the tour guides at Sandeman's London. My London tours were all top notch.

We journeyed one morning during our trip to Oxford, which I must say is a charming little town, and looks just exactly how you would imagine it would look. Oh, to breathe the same air as the geniuses at Oxford. My IQ went up 10 points, I kid you not. There is a little restaurant/cafe/pub there called The Eagle and Child. It was a popular hangout back in the day for the likes of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. I sat there wondering to myself if the inspirations for Tolkien's hobbits or Lewis' talking animals came from the bar patrons. It was a heady feeling.

I hope you enjoyed meandering down Memory Lane with me. Now, mind the gap please, and have a scone. I made one for you...

Wyoming

So, I'm watching that movie from a few years back "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" with SJP and Hugh Grant. I don't particularly care for this movie at all, but I think they are onto something with this whole 'simple-life-in-Wyoming' thing.

Everyone who knows me well would probably call me an aspiring city girl, and I guess that would be true enough. I ranted and raved for years about wanting to move to New York City, and I picked a major in college designed to get me there. After Europe, NYC kind of faded into Nashville or Atlanta, etc. Something big, but closer to home. Nowadays, even though I'll probably still end up in an urban area of some sort because of the job market, I've been thinking small town. The simple life. I find myself looking upon these little shopkeepers, farmer's wives, etc. with the teensiest bit of envy.

I have a friend whose ultimate dream is to own a ranch out in Boondocks, Wyoming (looking at you, Matt D.). Doesn't that just sound lovely? Wouldn't it be nice to wake up with the rooster, scramble up some eggs fresh from the coop (in my state of the art kitchen. That's one compromise I can't make), then spend the day tending your horses? That is so not me, as my closest friends would know, but heavens it sounds tempting right now!

I've just been living at home too long, I suppose. The small town fever is catching. But who knows, sometime in the far off future, this could be me....

Jossy

Joss Stone is probably my absolute favorite musical artist, and I say artist because she really does look at the music biz and the act of singing and songwriting as an art. I find that incredibly refreshing. I discovered Joss just after starting high school, which maybe explains my love for her. She was my go-to music when I was experiencing the woes and throes of adolescence (not that I even had many of those, thank you friends and family for an awesome childhood.)

These days, listening to Joss's music is like getting a pep talk from an old chum. Unfortunately, I think I may be the only one that feels that way, at least not in this country (it was so nice to see posters of her in the Underground tunnels in London and know I wasn't alone!). Why do you people always hate on my girl?!?! She's got so much soul!!

She just recently released a new song, and I'm loving it. I need someone else to love it too so I can have someone to send excited texts to when she announces the release date of her next album. Listen, and love.

Port Charles

Back in the early 2000's, there was a show called Port Charles. 

More specifically, it was a soap opera, a spin off of General Hospital, 30 minutes on ABC at 12:30pm.  It really was a ground breaking soap, severely underrated. It was modeled after the telenovellas, with 13-week story arcs that had a clear beginning, middle, and end (something that other soaps on TV these days would greatly benefit from). What made Port Charles so great, and what also led to its demise (on October 3, 2003), was its inclusion of the supernatural.  I'll give you three guesses, but you'll only need one to figure out what kind of supernatural I'm talking about. In the summer of 2001, Port Charles met it's first vampire.

Meet Caleb Morley...

My goodness, he still gives me chills. Yes, he looks a little weird, but this guy was and remains the sexiest vampire, bar none (that includes Eric Northman, although I can't believe I'm saying it.) Caleb came to town because he wanted to hook up with Livvie, who was a doppelganger for his long lost love Olivia, whom he accidentally killed because she wasn't too happy to learn he was a vampire. It happens. This is Livvie...

If she looks familiar, it's because she now plays Sam McCall on GH. Anyway, there was big drama because Livvie was in love with Jack at the time, and Caleb had to woo her away from him. Jack was a vampire too, btw, but he was a 'good' vampire, which means we never really liked him. He was in the lead for a while, but of course, the bad sexy vampire won out in the end. Here's Jack. A very gorgeous man...

Now, what good is a vampire without his ages-old nemesis, the vampire slayer? Forget Buffy, we've got Rafe!!! Rafe came to town to kill Caleb (which he never succeeded in doing), and in the meantime, he fell in love with Alison, who was Livvie's best friend until some really crazy stuff happened and they became mortal enemies. Rafe and Alison looked like angels...

Speaking of angels (haha) Rafe was an angel, as well as a vampire slayer. There were a few other angels in town too, but that was a real low point in the show's history and not worth telling you about. Essentially, Caleb shows up, tries to get Livvie, Livvie loves Jack, Caleb turns Jack, Rafe shows up, Caleb is killed, Caleb comes back to life, Livvie kills Caleb, Rafe falls in love with Alison, Rafe loses his memory (long story), Livvie marries Rafe (even longer story), Alison hates Livvie, Caleb comes back to life again (...this time as a rock star. Thank you Lestat), Caleb marries Alison's mother, Alison and Caleb become friends, Caleb gets back with Livvie, Caleb and Alison sleep together, Alison gets pregnant with Caleb's baby, Alison marries Rafe, Rafe doesn't know, Caleb almost marries Livvie, show ends.

Why am I telling you this, you ask? I'm telling you because Twilight was first published in 2005. Caleb showed up in 2001. This means that I was four years ahead of this whole vampire craze that has now become a terrible cliche. Not that I'm hating on today's vampires. I love it as much as the next person. But I was fascinated long before you were (unless you are a Rice or Stoker fan), and I just thought you should know. Also, I'm thinking of starting up a petition to get reruns back on Soapnet, and I'm going to need a lot of signatures =)

Looking Up

I'm in a good mood. It's been a charming weekend (I got to see my sweet baby sister and her hubby in Nashville), I'm feeling hopeful on the job hunt (don't ask me why, I won't tell you), and it feels like I've taken charge of my life in a few key areas for the for the first time in a while. It's a fabulous feeling! It makes me want to buy things...

What kinds of things, you ask?

1. Keyboard - During my sophomore year, one of my roommates (I'm looking at you Jesse Johnson) had a keyboard, and I taught myself to play. I wasn't fabulous, but I was using both hands and you could always tell what song I was playing. My best number was "My Heart Will Go On." When I moved out, I lost my keyboarding privileges, and I miss it terribly. I'm thinking this will probably be a birthday present to myself.

2. Bonnaroo tickets - Have you seen the lineup this year?? Eminem, Mumford and Sons, Lil Wayne, Robert Plant, and Florence + the Machine, just to name a few. It's going to be crazy awesome, and if anyone feels like giving me some free tickets, I will happily accept.

3. Sex and the City: the complete series - Bottom line: I feel smarter every time I watch this show. I realize that sounds counterintuitive, but there is some serious genius in the dialogue. Not to mention that it manages to be classy in its classlessness. That's hard to do.

Great news!! I just watched a really sappy movie ending, on Lifetime no less, and I didn't scoff!! I wouldn't say I'm cured, but something about my current medication regiment must be working!!

Bon Appetit!

In the last year and a half or so, I have discovered that I absolutely love to cook. I especially enjoy making complicated recipes, the kind that end up being all-day endeavors and have a high risk of failure. I just get the greatest sense of accomplishment when I take this beautiful thing out of the oven and I hear the resulting 'yums' as everyone digs in. It's like winning the science fair.

Another thing I love is Julia Child, and yes, I realize what a cliche it is these days to discuss Julia Child in a blog, but Julie & Julia absolutely fascinating, in my opinion. I love anything that showcases Meryl Streep's incredible acting talents, and I really believe she was at her best in this film. (I sometimes like to speak in a Julia Child voice. It's quite amusing. I'll have to do it for you sometime.) So, I got Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1 last year for Christmas, and I've just had so much fun with it. My favorite recipe I've made so far from it is the iconic boeuf bourguignon, which I made for the second time this evening. It was the first time I made it for an audience, and I have been assured that it was fabulous! I am pleased.

I documented the process...

Don't these ingredients just look yummy!! What I left out, of course, was the whole pack of butter that was used. Okay, maybe it wasn't a whole pack...

This is my new dutch oven, purchased last night, just for this meal. The last time I made it, I was constantly having to switch pots, and it was very annoying. The Dutch oven was a much needed upgrade!

The finished product, which I will admit looks a little gross, but it was absolutely delectable!! Is it rude to say that about your own cooking? I don't care, I'm saying it anyway. It takes me back to France, where all of the signature dishes are very rich and full of bold flavor. That's how food should be.

I would also like to pat myself on the back for opening my first bottle of wine with a corkscrew today. I typically buy the kind with the twist-off caps so I don't have to worry about it, but I accidentally bought a bottle of burgundy with a cork in it this time. Mom and I bought a corkscrew for $2 at Walmart, and then watched an instructional video on Youtube before attempting it. We were successful.

Add this delicious meal to the gorgeous weather today and the much needed chat I had with my best friend this afternoon, and you get a truly delightful day =)

My Valentine

I've been having a "screw this" attitude toward Valentine's Day this year, but I've realized that this just makes me look like another single and bitter woman. Since bitterness is a big no-no for this year's mission, I've decided that, yes, I will celebrate Valentine's Day.

Meet my Valentine...

=) Isn't she something? She's super intelligent, and she always makes me laugh (yeah, that's right, I think I'm freaking HILARIOUS!). I'm going to spend this Valentine's Day making myself feel special. Here's the plan...

Enjoy an afternoon coffee with a square of delicious dark chocolate.
Pilates
Cook a fabulous Asian inspired dinner
Play with Phoebe
Take a bubble bath (perhaps with a capful of rose water for extra lusciousness)
Begin reading Outlander, one of my favorite books, by candlelight
Sleep in my brand new Egyptian Cotton sheets

Does this not sound heavenly? Just admit it, my Valentine's Day is going to be better than yours, and you're jealous. ;-)

Very Superstitious

Many of you, over the course of the past year or so, may have noticed me wearing this....

It has now become a permanent fixture in my wardrobe. I haven't taken it off since November 7, 2009, when my parents came to visit me in Paris. We were meandering around the Eiffel Tower, when a Caribbean man, whose name I cannot remember, came up to me and pulled the whole "Hey, can I show you something..." trick on me, stuck a bunch of yarn in my hand and began crafting me a bracelet. Normally I would have dismissed him and ran away, but mommy and daddy were there and they hadn't learned to be rude like the French yet. Plus, he just happened to be using Rhea County's colors, so I couldn't be too upset.

As he made this bracelet, he told me that it was meant to symbolize "hakuna matata," like from the Lion King. He kept repeating "Hakuna matata, don't worry, be happy" in this funny little voice. He asked my dad if he could marry me, but that's a whole other kettle of fish. When he finished, he said he would take whatever we wanted to pay for it. Dad, silly Stanley, gave him 6 euros (the equivalent of about $10 dollars at the time). I thought it was just a silly little story and forgot about it. But I never took it off.

Then I came home, and things happened, and I realized I was in serious need of some Hakuna matata. And what do you know, but I had an endless supply of it wrapped around my wrist! I guess that strange Caribbean man in Paris knew what he was talking about! So now, I am consciously keeping it on at all times as a reminder that even though I'm unemployed and single, it's okay because these things always have a natural way of working themselves out. Hakuna matata, don't worry, be happy.

Does it actually work? No, not really =)

Phoebe

I want to tell you about Phoebe. She is a stray dog that has found her way to my neighborhood and made her home on my front porch. This actually happens a lot. I think these dogs can feel the animal-friendly vibe emanating from our abode, and normally it bothers us, but not this time. Phoebe has completely captured my heart. This is Phoebe...

I caught her sunning on our welcome mat. Isn't she precious? And she has these bright yellow eyes that look like snake eyes.

Problem: Phoebe is very pregnant. It is for this reason that we have started feeding her. This is my logic: Think about pregnant women. They eat like crazy, always hungry. And they're just having one baby, whereas there's no telling how many old Phoebs is packing in there. Imagine how hungry she must be! So, we feed her, we give her lots of love, and we let her sleep on the love seat on the front porch. She never bothers anyone, not even Baxter (my Yorkie baby). Best dog ever? It's possible.

I'm sure we will have to find another home for her soon (there's no way I'm dropping her off in the middle of nowhere), and it's going to completely break my heart because I am in love with this dog. And it's so cold out tonight. She has to be just freezing, but daddy won't let me put her in the garage.

In slightly cheerier news, mommy found this for me yesterday...

...a heart-shaped leaf on a tree that doesn't bear heart-shaped leaves. It's one of a kind, and I've decided that since God made trees, this is a sign straight from upstairs that I need to stop being so down. I have an insane amount of amazing friends, both here and in Ky, and my parents love me so much that my mommy is giving me heart-shaped leaves and my daddy is letting me feed and love on stray dogs. When put into perspective, I find that life is good.

So Many Snow Whites

Have you ever noticed how Hollywood seems to think that things are better in twos? It seems like every few years, one of the big conglomerates comes up with a great idea for a movie, and then another conglomerate uses the same idea, and suddenly we have rival movies. Classic examples: Deep Impact & Armageddon, Dante's Peak & Volcano, The Illusionist & The Prestige, Antz & A Bug's Life.

Well, hang on to your knickers, because now, Hollywood has decided that America needs not one, not two, but THREE different versions of Snow White, all being released in 2012/2013. This just annoys me! One is plenty, people! Of course, each studio says that their version has that special something to differentiate themselves from the competition. Let's see...

1.) The Brothers Grimm: Snow White - The only casting move thus far on this one is Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen. I'm cool with that decision, although it's hard for me to imagine sweet Julia playing anyone evil. Apparently, the "It" factor in this one is the director. It's the guy who did "The Cell," so I guess he's just supposed to blow our minds with the imagery. Storyline will be the classic though. I like classic.

2.) Snow White and the Huntsman - The big to-do on this one is the casting. Kristen Stewart as Snow White, Viggo Mortensen as the Huntsman, and Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen. If I get to see Viggo looking even remotely like he did in LOTR again (Ranger = Huntsman), I will have no qualms with this choice. Charlize has that glint in her eye that will translate well to wickedness. But Kristen Stewart? Talk about pandering to the Tweens and Generation Y. Kristen is great as Bella because she and Bella have similar personalities anyway, but I don't think her stumbling over every line and exaggerated pauses are going to lend itself well to this role. In my opinion, Emily Browning was a no-brainer for this role. Look at those rosy cheeks!

3.) Snow and the Seven - This one actually has a shot of being different, so I don't mind it so much. This one is set in China (?) and features 7 warriors instead of 7 dwarfs. I have no idea where they're going with that, but Disney's putting it together, and of course, I have complete faith in Disney. The rumor mill said that Natalie Portman would be Snow in this one, but I think that's fallen through now. Shame. I love her.

The funny thing is that I've never even seen the original, animated version of Snow White. I might be the least qualified person on the planet to give an opinion on this, but my suggestion? Throw all these in together! Keep Viggo, keep Julia (sorry Charlize), don't keep Kristen for heavens sakes, throw in some Emily Browning, and drop them all off in China with some dashing Asian warriors. Anyone remember Shang from Mulan?

Now that's a face I wouldn't mind seeing again ;)

I'm baaack!

There was a time, long ago, when Lindsay Lohan was my favorite actress. This was around 4th grade, when The Parent Trap had just come out, and I was completely convinced that there were two little freckle faced redheads running around somewhere.

Then, that adorably talented little girl grew up and turned into a druggie, an alcoholic, a whore, and a thief. I stuck by her at first, blaming the glare of the limelight. But now, after practically years of rehab and narrowly escaping jail time, she goes and steals a $2500 necklace. Now, here's my logic. If I'm Lindsay Lohan, and I'm famous, and I have all that money, and I see a necklace that I like, and it only costs a (relatively) measly $2500, I'll just whip out the plastic and buy the darn thing. Why steal it! I just don't understand! Unless you have a mental problem.....wait, that's it! She must be mentally unstable! Forget jail, forget the Betty Ford clinic, get that girl to the psych ward STAT!

In other news...tonight is the UK v. UT game. This game makes me nervous, because if we (UK) lose, then I will get a lot of heck from them (UT people). This is the problem when you are a Kentucky fan living in Tennessee. I feel pretty good about it though.

Finally, I'm ready for True Blood to come back on (not till June or July). Yes, I know it's a scandalous show, and I probably shouldn't be watching it, but I'm really just in it for this..

Alexander Skarsgard, the best thing that ever came out of Sweden. I don't typically like blondes, but I will make an exception for all 6 foot 4 inches of this Scandinavian deliciousness.

Weekend Thoughts

I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to go to Campbellsville, KY to visit with the grandparents and the aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., many of which have had the stomach flu this week, so I'm praying that I'm in good health when I come back on Sunday because I need to be in ship-shape for the SUPER BOWL!!! I'm pledging my support to the Steelers this year (yes, I know I'm a terrible person for liking them because their star player is a rapist). I'm feeling some heavy opposition on this point. Even the anchors on the local news station have clearly stated that they are Packers fans. Whatever, you won't catch me in one of those goofy Cheesehead hats.

I spent my Friday with the girls, doing very girlish things, like getting manicures. I'm typically not a one to dish out money for someone to paint my nails, but my goodness, it was worth every penny! My hands are now fabulous!

Don't you agree?

Also, I know I said I wasn't going to acknowledge Valentine's Day this year, and as for the day itself, I'm not. However, I'm the biggest romantic sap you've ever seen, so I'm going to take advantage of this one time of year when you're allowed to be unforgivably mushy gushy, and I'm going to reread Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. This book is the single greatest romance novel in existence, and if that type of thing is up your alley, and you haven't read it yet, then shame on you.

Finally, I saw this commercial last night while I was watching American Idol, and it just completely cracked me up. You need to see it. I think it's always best to end the week with a laugh. Enjoy!

Performance Review

We are officially one month into my search for gumption. I'm not where I would have liked to have been at this point. In fact, I may have back-tracked just a teensy weensy bit. But hey, we've got 11 more months to play with. I'm not entirely worried. I found an exciting new job prospect today, and the unspeakable evil has not been present, so I'm calling this day a great success. 

This is the ultimate goal of this project. Someday, I want to be able to take on the world with this frame of mind. I give you, my inspiration, Iris Simpkins...

Bonsoir!

Lusting after Bellarom

I am in a bit of a sticky wicket, as they say across the pond. You see, just like every other woman on the planet, I love chocolate. Particularly dark chocolate. Just a little square with my afternoon cup of coffee is all I need.

Here's the problem: I'm a chocolate snob. This is, of course, a result of living in Europe for an extended period of the time, where they take chocolate much more seriously than we do here. You can taste the love in it. When I lived in Dijon, France, my apartment was in walking distance of this little discount grocery story called Lidl. And Lidl carried their own brand of chocolate, called Bellarom. And Bellarom just happens to be the best chocolate I've ever put in my mouth. I've had some very fine, very expensive gourmet chocolate in my life, but that deluxe bar of Bellarom dark for a euro and a half is ranked number one on my list. I crave this stuff constantly.

Here's another problem: You can't get Bellarom chocolate anywhere but in Lidl stores, and Lidl stores are only in Europe!! I've been looking in every store and on every website imaginable for the past year, and I can't find it anywhere to purchase. I was an idiot and only brought one bar home with me (which my father consumed when I wasn't at home, unaware of the devastation he was causing), so I haven't tasted the heaven that is Bellarom chocolate since December of 2009......I. Am. In. Misery.

This is a call to action. If you are planning a trip to any of the following countries in the near future, please remember me. Please find a Lidl store, and bring me some happiness in a red box.

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom