Stop bullying. Stop Kanye.

He may not have pulled his usual tantrum on stage, in front of hundreds of other artists and millions of viewers, but Kanye made sure to desecrate the win of a fellow Grammy award-winning artist before the night was over.

After walking up to the mic for a fake-out, certainly giving poor T-Swift some flashbacks, Kanye laughed his way back to his seat.  Beyoncé and Jay smiled after brief glimpses of fear glazed over their eyes. Beck, winner of "Album of the Year," was allowed by Yeezy to give his acceptance speech. Beck being a seasoned veteran most likely would have handled a Kanye award assault unlike a pre-Shake it Off Taylor Swift. The triple Grammy winner for the night even gestured Kanye back on stage. I'd like to think Beck figured, "Why not let him embarass himself?"

People are saying that Beck "held his cool" during his performance with Chris Martin after Kanyegate. I'm not sure why he's supposed to have been not cool: he won three awards and performed in front of a room of his peers. Kanye, if anyone, held his cool. Then the E! After Party happened.

It's no secret that the Kardashians run the E! Network. The new Mr. Kardashian showed how strong their hold really is over the fashion/celebrity/reality show channel. He berated the producers of the after party special for using microphones with their logo on them...Then Ye, as he's called, continued to belittle the station for not giving the Kardashian Klan more control, more money, more respect, claiming E! is nothing without them. Kim looked longingly at her husband as he whined and complained followed by spinning her around like a show pony. She simply said she is "the luckiest girl in the world."

While the Kimye segment seemed to be never ending, Kanye was asked about his almost-moment on stage during "Album of the Year." His response was nothing short of: Beck should have been decent enough to give his award to Beyoncé. It is one thing to want your friend to win every award. It is one thing to think Beyoncé is the literal best. It is one thing to not like every artist nominated. It is, however, wildly innapropriate to degrade and belittle a fellow Grammy award-winning artist on live television. His list of reasons only explained that HE thinks Beck needs to respect artistry and the Grammys are messing around with the real artists. In his own words, I'll let him prove my point:

"...Beck needs to respect artistry, he should have given his award to Beyoncé. At this point, we tired of it. What happens is, when you keep on diminishing art, and not respecting the craft, and smacking people in the face after they deliver monumental feats of music, you're disrespectful to inspiration. We, as musicians, have to inspire people who go to work every day, and they listen to that Beyoncé album..."

In just that small snippet, Ye accuses Beck of not being an artist, the Grammys of smacking the "best" musicians in the face by not awarding Beyoncé and suggests that people ONLY listen to Beyoncé. While preaching that artists deserve respect and that creativity and inspiration should be rewarded, he is blatantly disrespecting an artist and diminishing a performer's award. Kanye claims he walked away from the mic on stage to protect his wife and child, and his clothing line. That's when he threatens to not play with the all encompassing "them" anymore. Will he boycott the Grammys? The music industry as a whole? Unlikely because he needs a stage to get the attention he thrives on.

And all this teaches us is that bullies are everywhere. We struggle to rid our children's schools of bullies and harmful influences around them. Here is a blatant example of a bully. Kanye West doesn't get his way so he picks on those he considers beneath him. He uses his obsession with Beyoncé winning awards as an excuse. The bottom line is tonight, he harassed Beck and his music as well as the entire Recording Academy for not giving his friends a trophy. Kim said her husband should have grabbed the mic from Beck and continued the streak of hateful behavior by posting on her Instagram a picture of shocked faces at Beck's win. E! Live perpetuated the bully's rant by not changing the subject or cutting him off. Instead, the slew of guest hosts cheered on Kanye.

My little blog and strong opinions won't make a difference. Millions of people will still buy Kanye's music, they will laugh at Beck's expense and say cruel things in support of a grown man bullying an innocent buystander. No one will hold either half of Kimye accountable for anything, quite frankly. All we can do is support our own beliefs and protest those who promote bullying anywhere at any time--in schools, on TV, around the Internet. The academy should hold Kanye accountable for his behavior instead of rewarding him with nominations and multiple performance slots. Stop bullying.

Christmas CRAFT-O-RAMA!

Greetings internet friends.

I finally did it. Put my bows out into the world for all (of Downtown New Bedford) to see. For sale.

Hard to believe something I made is for sale. People are buying my bows, headbands and earrings for Christmas presents. Crazy. I've been making bows for short time and usually just for friends or to wear to a specific outing. They seem to go over well and no one has thrown one back at me in disgust so, I thought let's go for it--let's sell some bows for real!

Downtown New Bedford is known for its art scene. Local handmade products, galleries on every corner, small businesses on every other corner. This being my first year back in a while, I was only recently introduced to the idea of CRAFT-O-RAMA.

This group of dedicated, local artists open a pop-up shop every holiday season to showcase area artists and crafters. Shopping local is so important today with all the Black Friday-Cyber Sunday-Monster Manufacturer Madness. CRAFT-O-RAMA is a shrine to hard work and locally-handmade gifts.

Somehow, my bows made it into this shop alongside some amazing products. I submitted a series of "Disney Princess" and "Frozen" inspired bows as well as some bows for the everyday look.

Frozen friends include:

Olaf, Kristoff, Anna and a few versions of Elsa.

Featured Princesses are: 

Snow White, Ariel, Minnie Mouse,  

Rapunzel, Sofia the 1st and Belle.

My favorite from the CRAFT-O-RAMA pieces

 has to be my Frozen headbands!

And here's some of my "Everyday" series...

Stay tuned for another post featuring my LEGO earring collection! 

If you're downtown, stop in to CRAFT-O-RAMA Wednesday-Thursday 11am-6pm--and open late this Thursday for AHA Night! Shop Small. have a happy holiday season and talk soon!

The Other Women's Movie

So thankful for The Other Woman!

Not a sentence a girl could normally say.

The Other Woman was worth my hard earned $6.50 and the crinkling family of four in the back row. I'm not unconvinced they were wrapping gifts the whole length of the movie.

It was so refreshing to see a female driven comedy that's not just a raunchy rip-off of the male-centric cinematic crudity! (I'm looking at you, Bridesmaids.) Sure, there was some good old fashion toilet humor fetchingly draped amongst the floral dresses and girl talk. The significantly diminished vulgarity and surprisingly respectable characters made it feel new and nuanced. Even the newly remodeled Nicki Minaj was a not-so-terrible treat. She brought a level head (ever changing in hair color) to the strong but love-troubled lawyer Carly (Diaz). A movie that puts Nicki's boss ass in a clASSy business setting, dishing out relationship advice? I will chuck the deuce up for that--in the form of two thumbs!

In a world of male driven comedies about sex, pranks and grotesque everything, Leslie Mann fits right in. She's equally explicit. Unafraid of scripts that humiliate and expose. Sometimes she even goes a little too far and pukes all over Steve Carrell. The Other Woman shone a new light on Mann. We still get to spend 109 minutes with the wacky, squat over a toilet, publicly drunk lady we've grown to love.

Mann is a queen at the slapstick and anything physically funny. There's no shortage of that in this film but we also get to meet a more sincere side to Mann. She's surrounded by females, a gorgeous wardrobe, BFF montages and she feels more real. Of course a happy housewife would lose her sanity when she meets the mistress...and the other mistress. It's a sweet yet unexpected surprise that the mistress and the wife become friends. Even more so when they both befriend Hotty McCutie, Kate Upton.

The Other Woman is a touching story about female bonding without feeling like a pushy Lifetime movie. Plenty of w(h)ine. Just enough cheese. Not all men are deemed the devil, just the one. In the end, he gets whats coming but that's not the prize. Of course the ostentatious demise of Mr. Wrong is gratifying. What the audience leaves smiling about, however, is a champagne brunch honoring the friendship of three successful and stunningly dressed women.

Nothing chases cold revenge like mimosas and happiness.

Macaro(o)n Majesty

Guys, I'm basically French now.

My strong desire (desperate need) to travel the world has found it's way to my mouth.

That probably doesn't sound as poetic as planned. French food is my jam. Especially when it's covered in jam. My recent delicious discovery is thanks to the simple marvel that is My French Cafe. My palette doesn't get tested as often as I'd like. Sure, EPCOT for dinner can take me around the world in 1.2 miles. There is just something different about this little cafe, tucked behind some palm trees, in the middle of a grocery store parking lot, that feels authentic. It could have to do with the classically French trained owners from France who speak French.

It is there that I was introduced to my first macaron.

First, a quick lesson:

Macarons are light, crisp, meringues made from almond flour, sugar and egg whites, sandwiched with buttercream or a fruit preserve. 

Macaroons are more of a mound of meringue made typically with coconut. Far inferior to the previously defined treat.

These delicate, crunchy pillows changed my life. Something with such a snap when you bite into it, but then so soft and airy--it must be made by the gods. Macarons may taste otherworldly but guess what...they are totally bake-able! And I baked some! They definitely take a higher skill level in the kitchen OR a very patient baker. 

A borrowed macaron bible, several pounds of homemade almond flour and a few batches later and voila! I made my very own edible piece of France.

These babies are my 2nd or 3rd attempt. Vanilla/Vanilla macarons. The Mickeys were just too cute.

Vanilla Macarons
Oven Temp: 300F Bake Time: 12-14mins 

 (remember this recipe came from a random macaron book; if I get the title, I'll post it!)

3/4C ground almond (almond flour) *You can make it yourself or buy it.
1C confectioners sugar
2 egg whites
1/4C fine sugar
1/2TSP vanilla extract

1. Throw almond flour and confectioners sugar in a food processor. Grind them both down till they make a fine powder but before they make any kind of almond paste. Put the mix through a sifter and process again if necessary.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. I was able to fill a little more than 2 sheets so be prepared. You want all the batter used and no extra sitting in a bowl.
3. Whip egg whited till they form soft peaks; gradually beat in fine sugar to make a glossy. Add vanilla.
4. Gently fold in almond/sugar mix a 1/3 at a time; fold until it is a shiny, ribbon-like consistency.
5. Fill pastry bag; pipe small circles (using a template is the best idea, like this one. just don't forget to pull the template out before baking!) Tap the baking sheet to let out any air bubble in the batter
6. Let the shells rest for 20-30 minutes
7. Bake 12-14 minutes until "foot" appears--the tiny, crinkly ring around the base of the shell. 
8. Shells should be hard to the touch and sturdy on their feet!
9. Let cool; they will easily peel off parchment
10. Fill with your favorite buttercream or preserve. I made vanilla with vanilla. I also put some sprinkles on my shells before they completely baked to add some fun!

Pretty Little Encounter

Spotted: One pretty, little liar.

Ashley Benson made a pit stop in Walt Disney World this week on her way to Miami! She is currently filming Spring Breakers with Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and James Franco. Yeah, I'm interested to see how that plays out.

While strolling through Hollywood Studios, I spotted some Green Army Men under the Pixar sign. The typical line of kids and push moms was forming and my eye went elsewhere. I caught a glimpse of a well-dressed young lady arm-in-arm with her beau and the big giveaway--a Disney Tour Guide.

EEK! I may have made a little gasp because the blond in front of me shot a quick glance my way. We made eye contact. It was brief, awkward and so cool. Her eyes said, "Please don't call me out." And mine replied, "We're cool, blond girl from PLL." "Thanks," she smized.

Just like that, our moment ended. I creepily took a phone pic, shown above. But sadly, she had to move along when a group of tweens started screeching through their braces. I'd like to think she was grateful in that split second. Maybe she told Selena and V-Hud that some cool girl didn't blow her cover.

Or they all pranced around in bikinis making millions of dollars without me.

2011 Emmys...and TV

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Clearly I don't blog enough.

It's been basically a year since my last "real" blog--about the last Emmys. Those were worth blogging about and so were this year's!

Jane Lynch set some obviously high expectations being Jane Lynch and all. I would say she did not disappoint. There was just the right mix of Sue Sylvester sarcasm, slightly masculine charm and proud lesbian sweetheart. She let the show roll on as scheduled and picked up some great jokes along the way as they happened. Her nod to the Modern Family sweep was well received ("Welcome back to the Modern Family Awards.")

The video clips/parodies were a bit lengthy. The opening number could have been a little shorter, as Jane calls out herself in the actual dialogue, but the singing was surprisingly good. Hated the Jersey Shore junk--don't care if they're spoofing themselves, they are still being featured on national television which is a travesty. The only clip I can't complain about was The Office parody--I'm biased being obsessed and whatnot. On a similar note, loved that Ed Helms came out for the phenomenal Lonely Island medley. And John Stamos too? Yes please. And I'll have seconds. *Favorite at home moment for me: When my sister asked me, "Who is that Michale Bolton guy dressed like Johnny Depp?"*

Overall, a great night of television honoring television. Kate Winslet, Boardwalk Empire, Modern Family--all of my favorites at least. Can't wait for the new seasons to premiere this week and next. Already loving the new show 2 Broke Girls from the creator Sex & the City. A little risque. A little cliche. Pretty enjoyable for a pilot. And Up All Night exceeded my expectations which were already pretty high for a Will Arnett/Christina Applegate/Maya Rudolph/Lorne Michaels/Cute baby show. Such a refreshing and realistic new take on family life. Felt like they could have been related to the Modern Family. The GLEE premiere was everything it should have been--glittery, over-the-top-showstopping and flamboyantly full of bow-ties! Good choice of songs, however, I think they missed a real chance at a fantastic mash-up of "We've Got the Beat" and "You Can't Stop the Beat." Just my opinion.

Coming up: the highly anticipated Office premiere. Who will be the new manager? What is James Spader doing as Robert California? Will Pam be super pregnant (since Jenna Fischer is also expecting)? Did Jim Carrey's character ever make it to the Finger Lakes?

Only time and shrinking DVR space will tell. Now that State of Georgia was canceled, I need me some good TV replacements. Bring it on, Fall season.

Eat. Pray. Love. Just get me out of here.

My intense desire to travel and growing need to get the h-e-double hockey stick out of here, grew exponentially with each of these gorgeous photos.

A friend from PA posted this link and I wondered what's more likely: I will someday have the opportunity to travel to these unbelievable locations, OR that I someday will develop the ability to climb into computer screen photos...

Bucket List/Dream Travel ListTweet