Well, by now you know, my beloved Carolina Panthers came up short last Sunday at Super Bowl 50 and walked away without a ring and national title. Full disclosure, had they won…I probably would have been on here first thing Monday morning gloating about my team so continue to have at it Denver (Congratulations….[insert dramatic emoji face here])…..as long as you don’t talk shxt about my team! That goes for anyone!

Seriously though- why does that have to be the first thing people do even if they aren’t fans of the winning team? I guess it’s kinda like that for everything I suppose but it’s so frustrating! In regards to the game…so what Cam didn’t want to answer questions after the game? There are some politicians who won’t answer questions about serious indiscretions against the entire country….but Cam walking away from  a post game interview is just THE WORST thing in the world! He’s such a bad sport! Um….he walked right up to Peyton to congratulate him afterwards. So he wasn’t all smiles after the loss…..I think that’s natural when you’re passionate about something and you want it so badly and you DERSERVE TO BE THERE but just come up short in the present moment.

What’s up with people still unable to give credit to the Panthers where it’s due? They had an UNBELIEVABLE season. So they didn’t play their best in the biggest moment but they earned their place in that game and anyone who says differently is well, delusional. #sorrynotsorry I’m not trying to be mean…just saying you should check the stats. Those boys played one heck of a ball game time after time this season. So what they didn’t win the big game? It was a first time (certainly not the last) for many of them. That’s a lot of pressure for even seasoned players. I seem to remember the current Super Bowl champions playing embarrassingly terrible two years ago resulting in a loss….but look now. There’s no reason to think that this team can’t/won’t take it all the way. Super Bowl 51 baby!

So yes, Peyton (and the NFL) got their storybook ending. In all honesty, I’ve always like Peyton Manning so it kinda sucks to not feel able to be fully happy for him (because heavens knows I wanted our boys to win) but congrats to him (and the entire team&fan base) and as for us? Well, we will KEEP POUNDING.

We had a little shindig over at our friend Wayne’s place and it was so much fun prepping and cooking and decorating and partying….until things turned sour of course. Ha! This was the first year I experienced “fandom” (you know, wearing specific clothing, going through certain rituals in order to help your team’s chances. It’ was intense) so the heartbreak felt a little overwhelming for the first time but still, it was a good time with great friends. I can’t wait to do it again next year and hopefully watch our boys take it home!

A few snaps from the fun..

you may have seen this on IG (@jlynnjustad) Game day head gear!

Panther Punch!

most of the feast! Just missing the little smokies&wings!

blurry but idc cuz I love them. The husband and the little bro ♥

Cheers to the weekend for all of my non-service industry working friends to whom Friday just means busiest next couple of days of the week. I love you all and wish you the happiest of days!

xx

*I don’t always make blog post graphics, but when I do, they’re super precious*

As you probably already know if you’ve been hanging around this space for a bit…summer is my jam. It’s my all time favorite season and I have a hard time letting go every year.

But, even though summer is my absolute fav, a week or so ago (before Halloween! Can you believe it?!) I caught myself getting excited for some of my favorite holiday movies. So, I thought I would share in the excitement of all the others out there heading full speed ahead into cooler weather and warmer drinks (just not pumpkin spice lattes…). I mean, it is the first week of Novemeber!

Some of these are classics, some are just ones I really enjoy watching every year…over and over again of course! I’ve also added drink selections to go along with these movies to help set the vibe.

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1. Happy Christmas

Beverage to enjoy while watching: Grapefruit Rosemary Mule Ok going to be honest, I haven’t had this yet but when I found the recipe I knew I wanted to try it and I feel like a Moscow Mule of some sort would pair really well with this movie because they are kinda hipsterish right now and I totally feel like a hipster when watching this.

This is the movie that actually inspired this post. I was just thinking about how I’m really pumped to watch it again. It came out last year and we just decided to watch it at random really. I want to say it was on Netflix? I like Anna Kendrick so I’m sure she was the pull for me to watch it, but it’s the little boy who steals the show. I mean, he is just adorable. It’s an indie film shot in a way that makes it look kinda old school-ish? Not sure that makes any sense at all but you’ll understand if/when you watch it. Because I’m assuming you hold my opinion in really high regard.

The story follows a girl who moves in with her brother, his wife and their young child during the holiday season because she’s a screw up and yada yada. It’s not really exciting, it’s just a sweet little story about some people who care a lot about each other who end up learning more about themselves from spending time with one another. It’s warm and fuzzy without being over the top at all. I highly recommend it for a chill night.

Disclaimer: I guess I should warn you that my husband in fact does not enjoy this movie. He did love the little boy but other than that he thinks this is the most depressing and boring Christmas movie ever. Which, some people are depressed around this time of year so maybe it will cheer them up. He did not want me to include this movie on this list but I told him to get his own blog.

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2. Elf

Beverage to enjoy while watching: White Russian I’ll have to post my recipe as we move further into the holiday season but this one from A Beautiful Mess sounds so yum I can’t wait to try it!

Obviously, right? Like this wasn’t going to make the list. If you’ve been around since last year, you know that one of our traditions as a married couple is to decorate our tree and home all in one day followed by milk, cookies, and Elf! I don’t usually like to dip my cookies in alcoholic beverages so I’ll do a half (if that) glass of milk with my few cookies then follow up with a White Russian for the duration of the movie.

I can’t drink too many though because they make me feel super full super fast, I’m not really a big milk person anyway. That and a hangover from these is pretty wicked so…you’ve been warned! As far as the movie goes, if you haven’t seen it yet…I’m sorry about the coma you’ve been in these last 12 years but you should totally check it out.

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3. This Christmas

Beverage to enjoy while watching: Hot Toddy For this particular movie I would suggest (and want to try for myself!) the Hot Apple Ginger Toddy. This movie is set in a warmer climate so you won’t see snow but it’s got those cool, jazzy holiday vibes so I felt a brown liquor was appropriate.

I love this movie. I just love holiday movies centered around family drama because we all have it! Every family has issues of some sort whether they be big or small, many or few. And if there’s tension anywhere, the holiday season is typically the time we all feel it because we’re all around each other, right? Even though it’s a time to focus on the love we all have for one another, it doesn’t always start out that way and can get a little messy. I always hope for everyone though that if that is your family, it turns out alright like it does in this movie.

It even ends with a soul train line. I mean, how much more family fun can you have?! This movie will certainly make you smile, laugh and even groove a little bit. I love movies with good music. Also- I just want to point out that Chris Brown was in this movie before he went a little nuts. Ha! He seemed like such a sweetheart back in the day. Oh well…

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4. The Polar Express

Beverage to enjoy while watching: Hot Chocolate of course! Bailey’s optional.. ;) I’ve had this hot chocolate recipe pinned forever and I’m finally going to try it this year!

This movie is a part of another holiday tradition we have. We always have hot chocolate and watch The Polar Express on Christmas Eve. Unlike Elf, we will watch this many times before that night but it’s just a special way to almost say goodbye to watching it. Or ‘until next time’.

Christmas Day and every day following always feels like everyone is in such a rush or geared up for the changing of the year. Christmas Eve is such an important night to me because it’s where we just slow down for what feels like the first time in a while and the last time for a while (or at least until we get into the groove of the new year). This movie might even be my all time favorite to watch during the holiday season. I always feel so moved by it.

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5. The Family Stone

Beverage to enjoy while watching: Your favorite glass of wine!

I love- love, love- this movie. It’s older (2005) but I still feel like I come across a lot of people who have never seen it. It’s another dysfunctional yet functional family story with some sadness sprinkled in. Although it might cause a tear or two, the ending leaves you with hope still, and I love that. This story is certainly a little wild but I’m sure something similar has happened in real life somewhere in the world.

My girl Rachel McAdams is a part of the cast among so many other greats. I suggest this movie for a cozy night in with the gals or your partner. Either one works because it’s got a very cozy and laid back vibe…which is why I suggest your favorite glass of wine- as well as pjs! Yes, I feel like people should watch this movie in their pajamas. A fireplace would be nice too, but if you don’t have that then light some candles and pile the blankets on the couch. Disclaimer: Even though I do it (because I’ve seen it so many times) I wouldn’t suggest watching this movie alone for the first time. You’ve been warned.

And now for my honorable mention…..

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Honorable Mention: Dumb&Dumber

This is another one my husband didn’t want me to include because he says it is not a Christmas movie but as I have mentioned before I kinda feel like it is so……..he can get his own blog ;) I feel like you can just crack open a beer and watch this whenever you need a laugh or the “holiday blues” start to get to you. This movie always reminds me not to take myself too seriously and sometimes I think we could use that reminder during this always crazy time of the year!

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my list of holiday movie favorites! Let me know if you watch any of them paired with the drinks and what you think if it’s your first time!! Any new holiday movies coming out this year you want to see? My Diane Keaton loving heart can’t wait to see Love the Coopers! What about you?!

 

xx

Hello all!!

This past weekend was a busy one for me. I had a friend in town and got to attend a magical wedding (after a few bumps in the road!) but I’ll get to that later because today I want to talk about last night’s Miss America Pageant.

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If you didn’t watch and you don’t mind spoilers…our new Miss America is 21 year old (I think that’s correct) Betty Cantrell from Georgia. Let me first say that I am super happy for the winner and wish her the best year of her life to date. I mean, come on, with a name like Betty Cantrell…you were destined to win right? ha!

I have to be honest and admit that I was first rooting for my home state of NC but then turned my affections to SC as she was placed in the top 15. Some things about this year were great…others not so much…but many things were noteworthy.

The Vanessa Williams apology

This is one of those things that I thought was great and connects to a lot of what I touch on in this post. There were a lot of people on twitter who were not so pleased but I have to say that I was. If you are unaware of the situation, lets have a mini history lesson. 10 months after Vanessa was crowned, she was backed into a corner to resign after nude photos she had taken two years prior surfaced. Penthouse published them and Vanessa’s life was turned upside down. After being the first African American woman crowned, she already had a tough time in her reign, then the photo ‘scandal’ happened. You can read more about all that here .

People who were not ok with it felt she was receiving an apology for making a stupid decision but I’m not sure I see it that way. I recall the situation with Tara Conner (Miss USA 2006) who after a drug ‘scandal’ (don’t you just love that word…), was given a second chance by none other than the terrible Donald Trump (and his people I’m sure).

What I’m trying to say is that to me, the apology felt like an extension of grace that she didn’t receive all those years ago because it wasn’t the norm in the culture at the time. Maybe some of it had to do with here color but maybe not. Maybe it was only because of the nude photos. I suppose you could ask where to draw the line but that brings me to my next observation…

The fear of “sexy”

I got SO tired of listening to the contestants separate sexy from classy. During evening gown, when describing their dresses, they all kept saying things like “I don’t think it’s too sexy…it’s classy” “I want to be classy..” I’m looking at you GA! But she wasn’t the only one, they all pretty much got up there and said something similar except for (I think) Louisiana. She took the position that sexy and classy can be one in the same. Sexy to her was equal to confidence and hearing that was a breath of fresh air. Why do we continue on with the notion that sexy=trashy? To me that sounds like a jealous judgment started by other females who felt insecure. Either that or it’s a cultural thing that needs to be done away with.

My question is, why do the Miss America contestants feel like they have to deny feeling sexy to be portrayed as classy?  I realize that in those voice overs they are being asked questions by producers and whatnot but if the girls really don’t feel this way, then why is the Miss America organization trying to draw out answers that only perpetuate a stereotype like that? Why do they- the girls and the organization- make it seem like to be sexy is a bad thing? Women can be classy and sexy at the same time!

Now whether or not having nude photos taken of you in the past goes in the “sexy” or “trashy” classification, I’m not sure if I want to make a judgment on that entirely as there are numerous styles in which people are photographed in the nude but it does make me wonder about…

The lack of diversity

I could spend this entire time talking about how there were FOUR women of color in the ENTIRE GROUP OF 51 GIRLS but even beyond that, as I get older, I wonder where are the women with life experience beyond school and charity work? Where are the women with tattoos? Where are the women with past mistakes and bad decisions that have risen above them?

I have always love the Miss America organization and I always will, having competed myself as a teen. The young women involved are in fact AMAZING but sitting at home, I couldn’t help but wonder whether or not I would feel I belonged had I not participated all those years ago. It’s one thing to be a role model, it’s another to be a symbol of unattainable perfection.

This is another reason why I felt the apology to Vanessa was so necessary because it didn’t feel like condoning nude photos, it felt like extending grace to someone who is a beautiful and wonderful person, who made a decision that was less than stellar (depending on your view point). It doesn’t matter whether you think it was right or wrong, everyone messes up, even Miss Americas.

Now moving on to the more creative aspects of the competition…

Miss Colorado’s monologue

Ok so first I need to start off by saying I thought what she did was AMAZING. I think it’s a beautiful thing the way she has become a voice for the amazing community of nurses we have in this country and the beloved patients that they treat. However- utoh..- I do not think what she did was an acceptable ‘talent’ option.

Someone on twitter said to me that nursing is a talent- ok, I can believe and agree with that but she didn’t do anything nursing related on stage. Acting is most certainly a talent, but she wasn’t embodying a character in that piece. She was speaking about a personal experience so there was no acting really involved. The only thing of talent I felt like she exhibited was her public speaking ability. That is most certainly a talent and I would have given her points for maybe that alone.

As Miss America you do need to be poised when you speak at engagements and I felt confident she could represent the country amazingly in that aspect by what she did. Another way to show your public speaking abilities though is with…

Onstage Question

This is typically my favorite part of the competition. I don’t care how smart you are, or how awesome of a public speaker you are- this just sucks all the air from your lungs, your heart is racing, your stomach is upside down- it’s insane. The pressure is real. This year, I’m sad to say that I was beyond disappointed with this phase of the competition.

First of all, these questions were overall awful. I’m not sure if the judges write them or what but they were terrible. They were too opinion influenced I felt. There weren’t enough questions asking for ideas for change. Would you cut funding for Planned Parenthood? Ok this question is relevant but I just felt the phrasing was a little too…presidential debate and not American woman with insight. Who wouldy you put on the $10 bill? I think that was an essay question for middle schoolers this year as well. Do you think Tom Brady cheated? What??!

Despite their questions, some answered alright and some aren’t welcome in the New England area anymore. I was really hoping SC would kill the question because I thought that might get her the crown but then she didn’t even place so I’m not sure what happened there but I didn’t think her answer was that bad at all. As a whole, some things just didn’t fit. It wasn’t just the onstage question portion but for me it was also…

The ‘reality tv’ feel

I’ve seen multiple times where Vanessa Williams was quoted as saying the pageant is going in a new direction but I’m not sure I like it! It felt like I was watching an American Idol style of pageant instead of a competition for poise and grace. For instance, why were the judges on the stage? That was just tacky to me. I want to see the competitors, NOT the judges faces!

And then to stop and talk to the judges right there on stage like it was about them as well? I just ‘can’t even’. I remember feeling a little uneasy when they started bringing the girls out in their talent attire and calling them to perform from there but it’s not so bad. This whole…judges are a part of the show thing though…it’s got to go. Along with….

Top 7????????????

What the heck was that about? No seriously, does anyone know? That was just. Awful. No more words than that. Just awful.

 

So there you have it, my ‘top 7’ (LOL) thoughts on last night’s pageant! If you missed it and didn’t set your DVR, I’m sure they’ll be running it on CMT here today/tomorrow or at some point here in the near future. If you did watch, I’d love to hear what you thought in the comments below or post a link to your own blog post with your thoughts!

Happy Monday to ya!

xx

 

Ok so I was debating on waiting to post this until August for two reasons:

1. The anniversary of the movie’s release date

2. The star’s birthday

But when thinking about if I had anything to write about for St. Patrick’s day, I thought it would be cool to switch things up a little so I decided to post this Dirty Dancing recast on St. Patrick’s Day in dedication to one of my favorite Patricks of all time, Patrick Swayze. May he rest in peace!

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So the idea behind this recast is a scene for scene, line for line, step for step recreation of our beloved Dirty Dancing with new faces playing the same characters. Andrew and I came up with this one night and we still think it’s brilliant. Maybe you will too. It’s star studded so beware, this is pretty Alist-tastic but it’s all good because this is for fuuuuunnnn!

Johnny Castle: Channing Tatum

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This was certainly the hardest choice for me because no one will ever be Pat Sway, but Andrew (after MUCH lobbying) convinced me that he would be the best choice. I suppose. He can dance, we all know that. But can he really be the bad boy? The misunderstood boy, yea, ok. But Johnny Castle bad? Andre seems convinced but I think I would have to see an audition tape. Buut then again, that might just be my Patrick Swayze bias so I will have faith in Andrew’s casting here.

Baby Houseman: Lea Michele

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If you disagree with me on this, we pretty much can’t be friends. Ok only kidding but seriously, this would be perfection! Although baby doesn’t sing, we know Lea can dance too and she’s a natural born performer who can pull off that “innocent feistiness” with ease.

Jake Houseman (Baby’s dad): Tom Selleck

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Andrew and I both agree this guy could step up to the task of playing Dr. Houseman. Oh and the mustache stays.

Marjorie Houseman (Baby’s mom): Susan Sarandon

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This is a no brainer right? She’s got the look, beautiful, amazing actress. I think she would be on everyone’s Dirty Dancing recast list!

Lisa Houseman (Baby’s sister): Sarah Silverman

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The character of Lisa is actually pretty hilarious. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Lisa is practicing for the talent show. It makes me laugh out loud every time. And how she’s still singing even after Johnnys walked up on stage and all the other music has stopped. Ha! I love it. I know she could slay this part.

Penny Johnson : Allison Holker

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Allison is super awesome. I’m a huge fan. I fell in love with her back in her So You Think You Can Dance days. Not only does she have the “Penny” look, but she also has the moves. If you need proof check out this routine she performed with her husband (and former SYTYCD alum as well!) Stephen “Twitch” Boss on Dancing with the Stars…where she’s now a pro! Did anyone else watch the premier last night?! If you did, you saw her rocking it out as usual. Just youtube her. She’s amazing.

Neil Kellerman: Dave Franco

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Andrew and I went back and forth about this one because he said Dave Franco is too good looking but even though that’s totally true (he is very good looking) he can also be a goofball and not take himself too seriously which I think is the most important thing to have if you’re going to play this part because Neil was definitely a goober who took himself way too seriously in a hilarious but not over the top kinda way.

Max Kellerman: Tom Wilkinson

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I think he would actually be pretty hilarious as Max. He may have to wear contacts though ;)

Tito Suarez (band leader): Snoop Dogg

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So, Snoop is not as old as Tito’s character but Andrew was really excited about this casting choice and I can’t help but agree, it would be awesome. This may or may not have been the inspiration behind this entire recast.

Billy Kostecki (Johnny’s cousin): Thomas Mann

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My favorite Billy scene is in the end when he’s dancing with Lisa. I love it. Am I slowly figuring out that Lisa is in fact my favorite Dirty Dancing character?!

Robbie Gould: Joshua Bowman

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He is just so. ahh. Not only is he handsome, totally looks the part, but we already know he can play a spoiled brat (with a totally convincing American accent) because of his (amazing) job as Daniel on Abc’s Revenge!

Vivian Pressman: Catherine Zeta Jones

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CZJ is such a timeless beauty. There’s no doubt that the character of Vivian was beautiful…but I’m pretty sure Catherine wouldn’t have any trouble playing the saucy, vindictive vixen role either…

Dirty Dancers: There are about 8 credited Dirty Dancers and I think I found some pretty qualified people..

Twitch&Sasha I know I already shared a Twitch video earlier with Allison but I had to show this one because Sasha is in it too and I would choose the two of them just based on this dance. I love the concept of hip hop to slower music. This dance was so fun to watch and it has a little bit of “dirty dancing” in it as well so theres that :)

And any one of these people

or these people !!

So there you have it. My dirty dancing star studded recast. I’ll have you know I was drinking a beer while putting this post together and I’m probably drinking one as you’re reading this!

***Have a wonderful day of drinking should you so choose but please remember to be responsible by not getting yourself into dangerous situations (especially alone or around people you don’t know) and taking cabs! If you want to put your own life in jeopardy then really that’s your own choice but please don’t put someone else’s life at risk adult or child by getting behind the wheel under the influence.

Love to you all and HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!

xx