I Heart Fountain Cherry Coke

Fountain Cherry Coke

To be very clear, I realize writing about my love of soda is going to hurt my credibility in other arenas… but the truth remains, I friggin love it. And if it’s a fountain cherry coke, there’s really nothing better in life.

It feels a little ridiculous to love soda this much, given how unhealthy it is and how I’m literally the only 30-something I know who guzzles it on a daily basis. But I just can’t stop. And while my daily addiction is usually based canned diet soda, a fountain cherry coke is the perfect occasional and delicious treat.

Since we’re on the subject, some of my other favorite sodas include: Diet Mountain Dew, Diet Sunkist, and Diet Caffeine-Free Coke or Pepsi.  I don’t really have a preference when it comes to Coke or Pepsi… I like both and both do a really good Cherry version. I do like Sierra Mist more than Sprite though. And I like Dr. Pepper, though not Diet Dr. Pepper as much.

For how much I love soda, there is one place I haven’t been. And I’ve done a fair amount of traveling. I’ve visited many countries and almost all the US states.  I’ve lived in many cities including Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Manhattan, Baltimore, and Honolulu. But I’ve never been to Atlanta–where my mecca is located. The Coke headquarters. I’ve heard so many stories about all the tastings  you can try – all the different flavors of coke ever made. Including ones that aren’t available anywhere else! I hear stories of Grape Coke! Of Watermelon Coke! I must go.

Deep Fried Coke

Finally, I’ve heard that in a couple of places around the US, usually at county fairs, people serve FRIED SODA. Yep, they FRY SODA. I realize that’s taking two very bad things and then making it 100 times worse but I absolutely want to try it. Just one bite. I doubt it’s any good but it’s definitely something I need to experience as a soda fanatic. Right?

Beauty Buy: Nars Bronzer in Laguna

Nars Bronzing Powder

Out of all the makeup products available, my favorite has always been bronzers and bronzing powders. And I’ve spent a fair amount of time trying to find one that compliments a real tan during the summer but also gives a touch of color during the winter months. Since moving to Hawaii, I’ve been pretty good about shielding my face from the sun, so I want a bronzing powder that matches the tan elsewhere on my body. MANY bronzers later, the one I like the best is Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna.

Aside from the sharp packaging (I love Nars packaging,) the texture of the powder is nice, it stays on all day, and the color gives the perfect sun-kissed appearance (as opposed to dirty brown which can happen with some bronzers.) I’ve been using this bronzer for about a year and it’s far and away my favorite. (My second choice is Guerlain Terracota line. Also really nice.)

The Nars Bronzer is $32 at Sephora but can be found at most department stores too.

Arrested Development: I’m Still in Denial That It’s Off the Air

The cast

Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m completely obsessed with Arrested Development. And though it’s been off the air for four years (can you believe it’s been that long?!), I’m still missing the witty writing and great acting. There have been a few shows since that have similarities (good writing=Modern Family, impeccable timing=30 Rock), but none have captured the true brilliance of AD.

So why did I love it so much? Aside from pitch-perfect writing and insanely good timing, the cast was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Every last character was perfection. The casting of this show was just so good — each actor/actress played their character with enough charm and brash to make them simultaneously lovable and loathsome. I’m always having debates with other AD lovers about who the best character is — and it’s simply an impossible task! They are all too good.

Here’s what I love about each:

Michael Bluth

Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman)

First of all, Jason Bateman is gorgeous. I think he’s one of the best looking guys in Hollywood. I love his cute smile but I also like him because he’s so sneaky witty and funny. Also, so much of his character revolved around RE-acting to his cast mates and he was great playing off others. Michael Bluth was the “normal” one to a family of crazy people. And watching him play off all their craziness was great.

Gob Bluth

Gob Bluth (Will Arnett)

Will Arnett is great–and I think his character got some of the best writing on the show. Gob was an idiot who didn’t care about anyone–and that lent itself to some great situational comedy. I truly believe this is one of the greatest characters on TV ever. Example of Gob dialogue:

Marta: Te Quiero.
Gob: English, please.
Marta: I love you.
Gob: Great, now I’m late.

Buster Bluth

Buster Bluth (Tony Hale)

“I guess we’re just gonna blow through naptime, huh?” Hysterical! Buster is another great character–a 30-something guy that still lives at home with his mom and loves his daily naps. High point? When his hand was eaten by a seal named Lucille.

George Michael Bluth

George Michael Bluth (Michael Cera)

The discovery of Michael Cera! No one else could have played this role as well as Michael Cera did. His teen confusion and angst was so believable! And his timing… it’s impressive someone his age did comedy that well. He’s very, very talented. And funny. And endearing. And cute.

Lindsay Funke

Lindsay Funke (Portia de Rossi)

My favorite Lindsay moment is when she visits her dad in jail wearing a t-shirt with SLUT emblazoned on the front. I love her complete narcissism and lack of desire to do ANY work. Portia de Rossi was awesome in this role. And I’m totally obsessed with her hair.

Tobias Funke

Tobias Funke (David Cross)

“I blue myself.” Need I say more?

George Bluth

George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor)

George Bluth’s facial expressions were priceless. And his one liners (“Daddy Horny”) were even better. Jeffrey Tambor was the perfect choice for this character – witty, respectable, and lovable.

Lucille Bluth

Lucille Bluth (Jessica Walters)

I hadn’t seen Jessica Walters in anything before and was BLOWN AWAY by how amazing she is. Her acting and timing is phenomenal. I could watch her play this character for years and never get bored. Her love of cocktails and driving cars is so funny and her constant ranking of her own children always makes me laugh.

Maeby Bluth

Maeby Funke (Alia Shawkat)

This character probably got the least amount of air time, but she did a lot with what she had… her stint as a movie studio executive (at age 15 no less!) was well executed and written. “Marry me!”

Haute Bag Alert: Louis Vuitton Minus the Monogram (kinda!)

Louis Vuitton Mahina XS bag

One of my most fashion-forward friends recently unveiled her latest handbag purchase–and I immediately died of envy. Seriously, it’s a bag I totally covet and if hacking her style wasn’t off limits, I’d already have one of my own. Okay, so enough about my friend–let’s learn about the bag!

It’s from the Louis Vuitton Mahina line. Before you cringe, it’s NOT the classic brown monogram pattern that is so overplayed (even by me at times.) Mahina is a soft leather with the LV monogram perforated into it. And the bag I love is the XS. It’s a bit of a hobo but classic and tailored enough to wear for many years. My friend’s bag is a creme-taupe color (though she swears it’s grey), but it’s also available in black, burgandy, mahagony, chocolate, and white. And the hardware, THE HARDWARE! It’s gorgeous. Enough to be eye-catching but not enough to make it heavy. It’s simply incredible.

Now, let’s get down and dirty. This isn’t a cheap bag. But honestly, sometimes fabulous bags cost a few pennies. It’s more than my last bag purchase (a gorgeous Chanel) but less than an Hermes Victoria bag. But it’s an investment — and a solid, fashionable one at that.

God, I love handbags.

I Heart Richard Lawson… and by extension, American Idol

A friend of mine in Hawaii LOVES American Idol and for giggles, I decided to watch the entire season with her, beginning to end. It’s my first full season and it’s been different than I expected.

Crystal Bowersox

Frankly, I’m shocked at the lack of talent. Is it because it’s season 9? Or is it because pop music is really starting to bother me? To be fair, there is a little talent – Crystal Bowersox is awesome. I’m a big fan and if she doesn’t win then everyone in America is dumb. The weird girl with the weird scream is good too but she’s more of an act I’d see at a circus as opposed to something I’d buy on iTunes. And the tall blonde guy is hot and good. And hot. I also don’t hate the guy that sings all raspy. He’s cute with a nice smile.

But outside of those four, I have strong feelings of disgust for the remaining contestants. Tim Urban? I want to punch in the face. Paige? I’m glad she went home. She has pretty eyes but she was sucking it. And I can’t remember any of the other contestants. Yikes for them.

But, if there’s one thing American Idol has given me this year, it’s Richard Lawson. He’s a writer for Gawker and after every American Idol episode, he pens a recap. And they are hysterical, witty, delightfully honest, and spot-on. And mean. He’s really mean and rude! He nicknames each contestant and makes fun of Ryan Seacrest every chance he can. It’s awesome.

Richard Lawson‘s writing is close to flawless. He is one of the few talented pop culture writers published on the web today. As a writer myself, I’m continually impressed at his output and the ease with which he appears to write.

After a so-so season of American Idol, I can honestly say I’m only tuning in so I’ll have a frame of reference when I read Lawson’s recap the following day. Well, and to see just how much Kara can climb all over Simon…

Here are some of Lawson’s recent columns:

Miles to Go Before We Sleep

One Is the Lonliest Number

The Corrections

Beauty Must-Have: Guerlain Eau Sous Le Vent Mouisturizer Mist

Guerlain Eas Sous Le Vent Moisturizer

Early last year, a beauty editor friend of mine sent me a bottle of Guerlain Eau Sous Le Vent Moisturizer — and I immediately fell in love. It’s a moisturizer that also includes a little tan booster. My favorite part of this product is the smell–it reminds me of honeysuckles. It’s so refreshing, so summer-y, and isn’t heavy on the skin at all.

While I haven’t truly seen my tan enhanced because of the product, it is nice to spray on lightly after some sun exposure. It’s also what I reach for when I want to wear something lighter than perfume or just need a quick little spritz of something. I’ve used it generously and the bottle’s still not empty so the $55 price tag doesn’t seem outrageous. The bottle and wood top is pretty too.

I really love Guerlain products: their makeup feels luxurious on the skin and is well packaged. It’s high quality and gret color choices. I’m a big fan of their Terracotta line. And this spray is really confirms my obsession with this brand.

The spray is available online at Bergdorfs and Saks. You can also get it in store anywhere Guerlain products are sold.

Lost: Only 8 Episodes Left! Ahhhh…

The cast of 'Lost'

I can’t believe Lost is ending in 8 episodes. While part of me is exited to see how the producers tie up all the loose ends, the other half loves seeing these characters each week. Particularly Jack, Kate, and Sawyer–their storylines are so interesting.

This season’s been pretty cool. Lots of seasons-old questions are getting answered and we’re seeing some characters address issues they’ve struggled with since the beginning of the show. The sideways stories of Kate, Sawyer, Jack, Ben, and Saied have really been neat to see. My favorite part of this season is how the producers and writer are weaving so many past island characters into sideways stories. Sideways = cool.

Some additional thoughts on the show:

- Miles is hilarious and I’m glad he gets as much air time as he does. Ditto on Hurley.

- I wish Claire wasn’t so crazy.

- If I were alone on an island and could only pick one person to have with me, I’d pick Saied. He’s just not messing around.

- Jacks hotter than Sawyer.

- I love Kate.

- Keep your fingers crossed I get a call to be an extra on the show. With only a few episodes left, it’s not looking good but I’m still hoping!

Gratuitous photo of Evangeline Lilly and me

Beer of the Decade: Hitachino

Hitachino Nest White Ale

I said I’d talk about cocktails but first I’m going to talk about my favorite beer of all time, Hitachino Nest White Ale. It is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. A Japanese beer, I first discovered it at Yuzu, sushi restaurant in San Francisco (which is pretty good by the way.)

Hitachino Nest actually brews several beers, but the White Ale is my favorite. It can be tough to find–though Trader Joe’s carries it in some cities. I’ve also found it in some BevMos. I haven’t had as much luck at Total Wine.

Here is a little excerpt from the Brewer: A refreshing mildly hopped Belgian styled beer with a complex flavor of coriander, orange peel, nutmeg. White Ale has won gold medals at several beer competition in U.K. and U.S. This is definitely one of HITACHINO’s top-selling beers both in Japan and U.S. A great drink for the summer.

If you like Hoegaarden or Blue Moon, you will LOVE Hitachino White Ale. Trust me. And don’t forget your orange slice…

It’s Haute: Gold-Plated Cuff by Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta cuff

I absolutely crave this cuff. It’s the most beautiful cuff I’ve seen in a long time and it must be mine. I love the design and the look. And again, I love what Net-a-Porterhas paired it with. With summer around the corner, this is the perfect accessory to wear with the lighter, more fun outfits in the warm weather.

I’m not in love with the $345 price tag particularly since it’s actually gold-plated brass but for Oscar de le Renta it’s not horrible. And it’s the type of piece that will always be in style. So, I can consider it an investment right?

Modern Family: Tonight’s Can’t-Wait-to-See Show

Modern Family poster

I’ve been obsessed with this show since it’s premiere episode. After one show, I said the unthinkable: this might be in the same realm as Arrested Development. It was a bold statement–and I stand behind it after half a season of episodes. It’s not AS GOOD as AD, but it’s the closest thing on TV in my opinion.

The writing is very good. VERY Good. Jokes have layers and each episode ties up nicely–usually in unpredictable ways. But the writing is kicked up a few notches by the actors delivering the lines. Man, the cast on this show is good. It’s hard to find the weakest link. I love Phil: his cool-dad character is hilarious to watch. I’m also a big fan of Jay, Gloria, and Manny-each are so funny. Manny is just great. I’m constantly trying to pick my favorite character but they are all so good, it’s impossible.

Tonight is a new episode and I can’t wait. Modern Family is gold.

(In Arrested Development news, Mike Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly broke the news that Felicity star Keri Russell is returning to TV for a new show by AD creator, Mitch Hurwitz. Mitch is bringing another Development writer with him AND it will also star Gob! I mean, Will Arnett… How awesome does this show sound?)