DVR

So here's a little update on what's going on our DVR...

Homeland Season 2

Hell, yes.  We have watched both seasons of Homeland after they actually aired.  This show definitely has a lot of hype, which for me, kind of hurt it. The first season was good, but it didn't blow me away.  We'd been told the second season was better and I definitely agree.  I had a few moments of audible gasps and I really like how the season ended.  I like it.  I don't want to add to the hype and set the bar too high for those of you who have not seen it yet.  It is a very good, entertaining, smart show.  It's worth watching. I look forward to next season.  Is it on my list of best tv shows? Nope.  Have you seen it?  What do you think?


Every summer Tad and I pick a show or two to watch that we either missed, like Homeland, or that we saw and miss and are ready to re-watch.   The two shows we are readying to watch this summer:

The Sopranos.  We haven't seen any of it since it originally aired and I forget almost everything.  I'm looking forward to watching it all over again.

Arrested Development.  We haven't watched the new season yet.  I've heard mixed reviews but I can't wait for my Bluth Family fix.

And finally, while on the subject of the boob tube, allow me to geek out for a second:

Dear Mad Men,

Last night I cried, you were so fucking good.

Sincerely,

C.

Tuesday Tunes

Tuesday Tunes for your listening pleasure

Another song from our Santa Cruz Road Trip soundtrack. Santa Cruz, Harold Maude, Cat Stevens.  Heaven.

Cat Stevens, If You Want To Sing Out

More Lena: Lena Dunham Analyzes Three Episodes for the L.A. Times

More Lena for your Monday morning reading.  Here she discusses three of Girls most controversial episodes with the L.A. Times.  I love this lady's brain.

Image via Glamour
Link via L.A. Times, Lena Dunham Analyzes Three Episodes of Girls.

Wish List

From Top:

Madewell Embroidered Sundress.  I may or may not have just ordered this.  

Date Shake.  Normally, I am all about the Banana Milkshake.  Haven't tried one before.  Do it.  Seriously, they didn't sound all that exciting to me either but they are pure creamy heaven.  I expect the same thing from a Date Shake.  

Avocados.  I cannot get enough of avocados and I have been eating them like a madwoman.  I'm talking breakfast, lunch and dinner.  No joke.  

The Harry Potter Books.  My favorite books of all time.  I have read the first 5 at least 8 times.  (I re-read them before each books release and then read then again at other times.)  Anyway, I have not read them at all for 5 friggin years, people!  I decided to give them a long rest so that I could read other stuff for one, and also come back to HP books having missed them and maybe even forgotten stuff so that it would almost be like reading them for the first time.  Plus, I figured Anita would be 5 and might be able to enjoy them with me.  Well, although my girl loves to read I am not sure she will have the attention span for books this long but I am also not sure I can go much longer.  I need my some Hogwarts!

Bar Bracelet, Favor Jewelry.  Pretty huh?  I love me some delicate gold jewelry.

Sofia

I love Sofia Coppola.  Love.  I will watch, read, pretty much do anything she does.  So needless to say I was stoked to read this New York Times article where she and Lee Radizwill (another lady I find very intriguing) have a conversation.  Read on to be a fly on the wall with these two interesting gals.

NY Times In Conversation: Sofia Coppola and Lee Radizwill discuss Protecting Privacy, Pop Culture.

Originally via Simple Lovely.

Tuesday Tunes

Tuesday Tunes for your listening pleasure

We are getting ready for our road trip to Santa Cruz this week and this song will be on heavy rotation.

The Beach Boys, Big Sur

Nifty Nails

I rarely ever get a manicure.  I think I may have had about 4 in my life and they have all been with my best friend on one of our girl dates.  But I do love having brightly colored painted nails.  So I paint my nails fairly often and often Anita's too.  On a side note, can I say, that painting a five year old's nails is a true practice in patience.  Or at least my squirmy five year old.  She begs for her nails to be painted and then can't stand sit still for a single second! But I digress, let's get back to nails. In case, you too like to have the occasional painted nail I thought I would share my tips. 

This clear coat by Rimmel is awesome.  It costs about $4 and really withstands wear and tear.  I can go almost a week without any chips at all.  And that's with multiple beach trips and constantly washing dishes.  Pretty good right?  I've tried others that cost more and they just don't work as well.  

Also, I use these tips for making a manicure last longer from Refinery 29 and they really help.  Particularly I'm talking about "sealing the edge".  That's the kicker. 

Getting a manicure is certainly relaxing (especially without the five year old fidgeting and fussing next to me) but really doing it home costs less and lasts longer.  Can't beat that.

p.s. Really, I love painting my little bird's teeny little nails.  I am lucky, I know it.

Link via Refinery 29: Beauty Quickie: How to Make Your Mani Last Longer 

Wish List

A few things I am thinking on...

From Top:

Zara Printed Camisole. I posted a Zara top a few weeks ago with a similar print but I think I like this one better.  

Thrill Murray Coloring Book.  I really think I need this.  I've toyed with getting it for Anita who gets excited about Bill just because I'm so daffy for him.  She wore a t-shirt with his face on it for the first year of her life.  And then her brother wore it. It was my favorite.  Anyway, this might be perfect for those moments when Anita begs me to color with her and I can think of a million other things I should/could/want to do.  But nothing beats some quality time with my girl...and my guy.

Crate and Barrel Marta Barware.  Prrreeettty.

Vans Original Classic Authentic in Navy Blue.  Just bought these for my summer sneakers.  I have in black too.

Kate Spade Saturday Beach Blanket in Lined Stripe.  Just bought this bad boy.  Can't wait to start using it.

Ginger Fried Rice

This Ginger Fried Rice Recipe via The New York Times is a favorite at my house.  My husband requests it all the time and we had it again for dinner last night.  The first time I made it I thought it was just okay but it's one that gets better the more you make it, once you get a feel for it.  I make a few changes to the recipe.  I like veggies in my fried rice so after the leeks are done cooking I add some frozen veggies or left over veggies and cook for a few minutes before adding the rice.  I also make an extra portion of the fried ginger and garlic because Tad always asks for extra.  I also make a scrambled egg for my daughter since she doesn't like fried eggs.  But I think the fried egg is really what makes this so good.  This dish has a lot of flavor and takes just about 20 minutes.  Not bad, right?

Later in the week I use this Crispy Rice recipe From Dinner: A Love Story to make use of the leftover rice.  It's another super easy rice dish and the flavors from the Ginger Fried Rice make it even better, I think.

This is the first time I've mentioned Dinner: A Love Story, so while we are on the subject let me say I love it (the cookbook and the website).  And this right here might be my #1 reason why:

100 Rules of Dinner by Dinner: A Love Story. Perfect.

Image via The New York Times

Wish List

After some technical difficulties we will now resume our regular programming:

A few things that my brain has been thinking on...

From Top:

Gap Slim Cropped Pants.  My favorite.  They are very comfy and flattering.  I wear them all the time and think it might be time for a new pair.  

Moroccan Rug.  Have you noticed I'm kinda obsessed with rugs?  I love this one.  Although, not the price. Sigh.

Kate Spade Cooler Tote.  I mentioned before that I'm on the lookout for a new beach bag.  This one is cute and has a cooler!  

Turkish Towels.  I'm also looking for new beach towels.  I love Turkish Peshmetal towels.  They are absorbent and very lightweight.  Since I'm usually dragging kids umbrella, toys, food, diapers, etc. anything that lightens my load is a major plus.

Kneipp Mineral Bath Salts.  I love baths and bath salts and these have been mentioned on more than one occasion as being super duper powerful for soothing, detoxing and relaxing.