It's difficult to look badass in a pink, flowered apron
A couple of weeks ago, my department had a team building meeting, and we decided to make it a DESSERT-OFF! Very exciting. This is the recipe I made, and it was damn good. Did I win the contest? NO. Because some person in my department owns a stupid, fantastic restaurant with her husband and decided to bring in some ridiculously perfect flan with fruit that was so disgusting and delicious. I’m not bitter. At ALL.
I guess in the meantime, you can try them for yourself. They’re apparently not as good as some tarty flan, but they’re still delish. And as always, if you try it, let me know how it goes. Continue reading
I’ve loved Elizabeth Gilbert since I read Eat Pray Love a few years ago. I know, I know … I wasn’t the only one to love that book, blah blah. But one thing I love about Gilbert is her dedication to research and her ability to explain it.
I came across this video from the PBS program This Emotional Life a while back and just hadn’t taken the time to watch it yet. Shame on me, because I love this concept and kicked myself for not watching sooner.
This DVD will join my collection sooner than later.
I started watching the Oscars, which was fine. But since I only like to feel bored enough to want to poke myself in the eye for an hour at most, I concentrated on one of the things I like most about the Academy Awards: style! Yes, I can talk about all the dresses, but I’m probably not so qualified for that (“Why is there such a big ass bow on her ass?” “That dress is so hot.” “Does she have to wear that thing around her neck?” You get the idea).
Plus most of the time the focus is on the women and their dresses. Don’t get me wrong … I have no problemwhatsoever with that. But I watch for the tuxes, too. In my opinion, fewer articles of clothing emulate classic masculinity than a well-fitting suit, especially if it’s a tuxedo. It was kind of tough to find a few photos of the suits that strolled the read carpet, but my diligence paid off:
Most of the men go for the classic tuxedo with the bow tie, and that is always a safe bet. Robert Downey, Jr., took it a step further and customized his, which I don’t love, but it fits his personality. The classic looks good, but I have to admit – I have a soft place in my heart for the tuxedo like Keanu Reeves is wearing, with the necktie.
One of my favorite moments (before I stopped paying attention to the show) happened in one of those throwaway camera shots where they show the winners leaving the stage. Tina Fey and Robert Downey, Jr., the presenters, were walking off with the winner. When they got to the stairs, Robert stepped back, offered his hand to Tina, and helped her as she walked up the steps. Could she have done it on her own? Probably. But with her gown and shoes and steps and cameras everywhere, it’s a lot tougher than it looks. I thought it was a very chivalrous thing to do, and I loved the care that he showed in that simple act.
This was compounded by what I saw a few minutes later, when two more presenters were leaving the stage. I can’t remember who they were, but they were younger. The man walked ahead with the award winner, clapping him on the back, while the woman walked behind, holding her gown while trying to get up the steps on her own without stepping on it. Let’s just say that Robert’s move was much more gentlemanly, much more thoughtful.
I was sitting at the drive-thru window the other night, waiting for the cashier to run my card and hand me my drink. I was screwing around doing who knows what, probably scrolling through my phone, when I heard a “Sir?”
I looked up, and there was the guy, holding my card out to hand it back to me. I took the card and thanked him. He leaned back into the window for a moment, and then returned to hand my drink to me.
“Hey, I’m really sorry I just called you ’sir.’”
“Don’t sweat it, man.”
“It’s just kind of dark, and your hat is turned backwa-”
“Seriously, it’s not a big deal. I wasn’t offended in the least.”
“Oh, good. Okay.” He paused for a moment and looked at me carefully. “Um, you probably actually liked it, didn’t you?”
I gave him a smirk and said, “Yeah, I actually did.”
“Huh.” He nodded his head slowly and got a big smile on his face. He saluted me and said, “You have a great night, sir!”
We both laughed, and I drove off with a smile of my own.
So tonight is a big damn deal. I’m heading to my friend’s house for Thai food and a screening of Best In Show. That is one of my favorite movies, and it got me thinking about an actress who, in my opinion, doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
Please understand. She is one of my favorite actresses, ever. A huge reason I love that movie, and Waiting for Guffman, and For Your Consideration, is this week’s Swoon List honoree – Parker Posey. She never fails to crack me up, whether she’s a Dairy Queen employee or a narcissistic publishing executive. All I know is she makes every movie better just by being in it (okay, and by making me laugh). I want to have drinks with her and laugh at her. I mean, with her.
