I'm Obsessed: The League

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This is one of those posts where I think there might be too many things that I'm obsessing about to put them all into words. I started watching The League last year on Netflix just because it looked fun, and I'm never on top of things enough to catch it on the actual TV. Let's be frank shall we. I like football which might not be a big deal, but I feel like I'm a slight anomaly because I prefer college football to the NFL. I'll watch a pro  game if I'm with people, but I really don't have a team that I really support. I also have no idea how fantasy football works. I think this combination initially turned me off The League since it is really all about a group of friends and how they deal with their fantasy league. It's not necessarily the football that intrigues me (although there are a ton of cameos made by actual players), it's the one liners and characters. Every single person shines.Taco, Andre, Ruxin, Kevin, Jenny, and Pete instantly pull you in to their little screwed up world where the only thing that matters, is winning. Whether or not you like football, you have got to check this out. Way to go FX for making another hilarious comedy. The third seasons was just put up on Netflix and well worth a looksie. Let me know what you think. Have you experienced The League?

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I'm Obsessed!: Vinyl

   

So for the past few days (and months if I'm speaking honestly) I have had this obsession with the idea of owning a turntable and starting my own record collection. Yeah, go on. Say it. "What a hipster..." But I don't really care about such things. I just really love old things, and while I couldn't live without my ipod, I love the idea of listening to something authentic. I know that my family thinks I'm nuts, but it's just something I want. Especially when I was listening to my 60s playlist yesterday, all I could really think about was what Simon and Garfunkel would sound like on a turntable. I've been searching the internet for different options and styles of turntables, but I'm completely at a loss for what I really want. I've never actually handled a record player, but I know I would just love it. Then I could go into those record stores all the kids are talking about and grab me some wonderful old (and new) school records. Frankie Valli, Elvis, The Doors, Florence + the Machine, Michael Jackson, probably some opera. It would just be so great to have that textural relation to music. I was also in Barnes and Noble a few months ago and I came across this gem. Now if you know me at all, you know I'm a huge Jethro Tull fan, and creepy as it may seem, some friends of mine actually tried to nickname me Aqualung. So great. Again, I'm new in this whole foray of vinyl, but if anybody has any suggestions or tips about which make and model of turntables to look out for please help a girl out! I would love to hear anything from what you like listening to, to your first record. I think that's what I love about the idea of vinyl: they're multi-generational. I would love to start a collection of some of my mom's old favorites. It would probably be a lot of Donny and Marie, but I can dig it. Once I'm back from my trip and am actually financially stable again, I think I might definitely have to get one. It would fit so well in my new little apartment for next semester.


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I'm Obsessed!; Lloyd Grossman Sauces

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So my time in London is winding down. I just had two finals today and my last tomorrow, and I leave for Amsterdam early Thursday morning! I thought I would share one of the domestic joys of living and eating in London. Introducing Loyd Grosman's pasta sauce! Obviously pasta is cheap and fills you up quickly so a lot of times it's the easiest choice for dinner. Loyd takes your pasta woes up a notch. I did some wikipedia research and apparently he's like the UK's version of Paul Newman minus the whole gorgeous movie star from the 60s vibe Paul has. He's a bit of a foody and there's a whole line of different Grossman edibles. Amanda and I really love Loyd and we have this whole schtick where he sounds a bit like a Jewish/Italian Used Car Salesman just to express our love. "Hi, I'm Loyd Grossman, and if you're looking for the best sauce to come from a bald man, then look no further!" That kind of thing. It's delicious and a lot of fun to talk about. I'm certainly going to miss this lovely man in my grocery stores.

I'm Obsessed!: Cath Kidston

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So today was a bit rainy, but I was able to spend the day with my lovely friend Missy. We've actually been pretty lucky here weather-wise since it's really poured twice since I've arrived. We didn't let the rain slow us down and we headed to Portobello Market. She hadn't been yet and I really wanted to go back. Unfortunately when it rains, it looks like a lot of the shops and stalls don't open up. I guess that makes sense because who would go out to a market in the pouring rain? Besides us I mean. It was a lot of fun and not crowded at all so we had free reign. I was able to buy a few more gifts for people (watch out Mama) and just have fun. I also tried to eat a strawberry and nutella crepe one handed while holding an umbrella without much success.

How cute is this dinosaur print? I'm in love.

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We occasionally would pop unto some shops to get warm and dry. There was all these cute, but expensive, clothing stores and then we hopped into this gem: Cath Kidston. It's been awhile since I've been in such a pleasant environment. There were all of these cheerful and super cute prints and they were just everywhere! I've seen the printed tote bags everywhere, and I must say that I might have to purchase one before I leave. Everything was very girly and had this vintage and authentic quality to them. Missy and I went a bit nuts. The bags, the kitchen goodies, and the kids section were among my favorites. I'm lucky that I have five year old sisters since I can buy all of the cute kids things for them. I picked up two sets of these and these hair pins for the girls. I might just have to borrow them though because they're very tempting. There was also this  great Olympic print that they have now. I just love how it's "sporty" without saying THE OLYMPICS ARE IN LONDON!!!!!!

Buttons!

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I think we stayed there for about 40 minutes just walking around and falling more and more in love. When we did eventually pay for our things, I unfortunately got a little crazy and freaked out at the sales person (there was a mix up with the price she said and the price I heard which made Missy very amused at my misunderstanding). There isn't a question that we'll both be back there before our time is up. Missy also just informed me that there's a Cath Kidston store in Covent Garden which is much too close to be safe for my wallet. Hope everyone else had a good weekend. I'm going to go to sleep early tonight since I seem to still be nursing this cold I've had for the past two weeks.

I'm Obsessed!: Top Gear

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This post is a long time coming. I feel like it's been awhile since I've done a "I'm Obsessed!" post and I thought I would get back into the swing of things by mixing my love with living in London. I am completely and totally obsessed with Top Gear. My American friends might not even know what this is so I will enlighten you. Top Gear is a television show that originated in great Britain that specializes in cars. I know what you're thinking. A car show? Seriously. Give it a chance. I probably wouldn't have found this if I hadn't been talking to my friend Kelly back home about cars. He was trying to explain the mechanics of them, but he suggested I should probably just watch this. Imagine a stew of Monty Python and Car Talk and you've got Top Gear. It's on Netflix, which is great for me since I've been watching it nonstop. Some of the first few series might be a little slow for some people who are not completely car-obsessed, but the later series has a lot of races and challenges that are just really fun to watch. The commentators (Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May) have this great chemistry that just makes you feel good all over. Even when they bicker it's such a good laugh. Then there's the illustrious Stig who drives fast and might be half-machine. It's also made me much more aware of cars and what I want/lust over for my future. As of right now I'm thinking of a yellow Fiat 500 since they just recently came to the states and I love the little power and size. In London, there are so many fantastic super cars zooming around that I think I might be in heaven. So whether your're a boy, girl, mineral, or vegetable, you'll enjoy this. It's just something relaxing, yet informative, to watch before you go to bed! Love my Top Gear Boys!

I'm Obsessed!: Bath Time

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I don't care if you're 5 or 85. Everyone loves a good bath. Bath tubs are one of my biggest loves. I don't think I realized how much I missed them until I started going to school far away from my large tub at my Dad's house. Lo and behold! I have a new tub in my flat in London. I've only been here two weeks and I have had three baths. I think I might be in heaven. There's something about sliding into a steamy hot bath and curling up with a water bottle (or glass of wine) and a nice book and just lying there for a good soak. The bathtub here is pretty long so I can comfortably fit with my back reclined. Last night, instead of going to the club with everyone else (we'll talk about that later) I decided to treat myself to a little bath time. I stopped by Lush on Thursday on my way home from work and picked up a luscious bath bomb to try. I ended up getting the cheapest just so I can see what it was like. It was absolutely fabulous. I decided to go with the Space Girl Bath Bomb and it was really lovely. It turned a water this pretty lilac-y color and I had little sparkles floating everywhere. I felt like a right little princess. I'm definitely going back to try all of the different bombs/melts that Lush has. I also brought my Nook into the bath so I could get some reading done. It's just so nice to have a time where you can really just focus on yourself without having to worry about the rest of the world. So go ahead and grab a good book and slip into the warmth of the water. Open your pores up and invite the relaxation. Just make sure you have enough drinking water to stay hydrated and don't fall asleep and drown (it's a worry of mine). Let's go girls. It's bath time!

I'm Obsessed!: Pitt Bulls

This week's obsession is probably influenced by all the time I've had around the house. I really love Pit Bulls. I'm probably partial because my little poochie, Bella, is a Pit Bull mix, but I can't get enough of them. She is just so sweet. Doesn't she look a bit like Jesus in the pic above? I like to say that her greatest flaw is that she loves too much. She might jump up on you, but it isn't to attack but to smother everyone with kisses. She barks at other dogs, but it's more out of play and curiosity than anger. I think my biggest thing about Pit Bulls is that they get such a bad rap. It isn't fair to the bread that they've been singled out as fighters. It's the people that train them to kill that are the real monsters. I've only had the greatest experiences with my Pit Bull. I blame her energy on her Labrador half. People should be made aware that Pit Bulls are dogs to that need love and care and shouldn't be discriminated against. My friend Amanda down in Maryland told me that they aren't even allowed to have Pit Bulls in the county. Seriously? They're illegal because a few select people decided that it would be a sport to see these dogs rip each other to shreds. I understand that it's easier to outlaw them completely, but it just makes me sad. I love my Pit Bull and I'm not ashamed of it. Dog attacks are awful, and I can only hope that in the future there will be stricter laws against such barbaric behavior. For now, I will still be obsessed with my Pit Bull.

       

Isn't she the cutest? She really hates getting her picture taken, but I've tricked her by taking photos with my phone and she has no idea. On the right sh'es there with my friend Simona who came down Spring Break of this year. So precious!

I'm Obsessed!: Pop-Secret Homestyle

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Popcorn!!!! I feel like my entire life, I've been looking for the perfect microwavable popcorn. Something that blended the right amount of butter, salt, and crispness. See, I don't like sweet popcorn unless it's kettle corn at a fair because Orville just makes me sick. I'm definitely one of those girls who prefers the salty to the sweet. By luck, my mother picked up a box of this because it was on sale and I've been hooked ever since. Since I came up to New England, I've been telling anyone who will listen and stuff this gloriousness down their throat if they don't believe me. This popcorn has the right amount of salt so that you can taste it, but It doesn't feel like your tongue's being burned off from the NaCl. Not gonna lie, there have been many times (including today) that instead of bracing the cold and getting out to get food, I've eaten a bag of this as a meal. When Amanda and I get together, we will go through bags of this at a time (our record has been 4 in one sitting). Seriously, go out there and get your hands on this. Just make sure it's Homestyle, or you may be disappointed.

I'm Obsessed!: Parks and Recreation

I've been having an exceptionally productive weekend so I decided to reward myself with continuing this momentum and putting up another post. This week, my obsession is really just a continuation of a love I've had for the past couple of years. Parks and Recreation is a fantastic show that's been around for the last four fall television seasons. Initially I didn't get on the Parks and Rec bandwagon because I unfortunately thought it was going to be a less-funny outdoors The Office. Oh my honky-dory goodness, I was sooooo mistaken. Two years ago, I was surfing on Netflix like I usually do and thought I would give this show a try (each episode's only like 25 minutes so what was it going to hurt?). For awhile they only had the first two seasons up, but they recently put the third up and it's awesome! The fourth season also started back up on NBC like two weeks ago so I'm actually able to be up to date on the happenings of Pawnee, Indiana. So who makes this show one of the best out there today?

#1 Ron F*****' Swanson!

I absolutely love this god-like man (You see that mustache right?). He is the director of the Parks and Recreation department of the Pawnee Government and could care less what anyone wants/thinks/fears. He is a rock that has very strong libertarian values and wants the entire government to crumble around him. All of his opinions aside, he is a truly caring person with the heart of a lion. He loves meat even more than I do. Was shaped by his two ex-wives and mother, all three named Tammy. That it's necessary that I, and now you, love this man.

#2 Leslie Knope

Amy Poehler is a genius here. That's all that really needs to be said. I personally find Leslie Knope's optimism inspiring. I wish I could be as goal-driven as her. She really has all of her ducks in a row (don't worry, I'm like  70 years old so I can use phrases like that) and that's all I really want with my life.

#3 Andy Dwyer/Bert Macklin

His childlike innocence is just so endearing. He's such a simple person with simple needs. Anytime he says anything I swoon. He's a real life shoe-shiner for God's sake! I didn't know they still had those! He loves often and hard. He's the lead singer/guitarist of a band that is usually called MouseRat, but has gone through such band names like Scarecrow Boat, Just the Shaft, and Threeskin (formerly Fourskin). He is introduced to us in the first season as a man who fell into a large pit and broke both of his legs. He is the man.

#4 Tom Haverford

Tom Haverford! This pint-sized man uses the government to his advantage to promote both his club and his own business Entertainment 720. His partner in crime's name is Jean-Ralphio. That might be the best name in the history of names. He gets this smile and look on his face when something goes his way that just kills me. He is also the inventor of the magical machine DJ Rumba which is half Rumba vacuum half iPod. He's very insecure about the way he looks and just wants to live the millionaire's dream

#5 April Ludgate

This is probably just because she reminds me so much of my younger sister Katie. She has a dry sense of humor and has a very difficult time expressing her feelings. She speaks fluent Spanish and has lived with a boyfriend in Venezuela. She loves Andy with all her heart but doesn't like to show it. She's also Ron Swanson personal assistant because she doesn't answer phones or let anyone borrow Ron. She likes people, places, and things!

So what are you waiting for? Go to Netflix/find a person you know with Netflix and watch every episode of this gem. I promise you will not be dis appointed. Just to give you a clue, when I need something funny but well-known on in the background I either choose Arrested Development or Parks and Rec.

P.S.~ I was really hoping that Pawnee was a real place that I could visit, but when I googled it, this is what came up: http://www.pawneeindiana.com/

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I'm Obsessed!: Om Shanti Om

I really should be working on an essay for my Leonardo da Vinci seminar that's due tomorrow, but I've decided to put that off because I need to rant and rave about something first. See I have an obsessive personality that has gotten me into shopping trouble in the past. It is a three step process for me; I see object, I want object, I must have object or else I will surely perish from want. Luckily, I've been able to get through this process without actually breaking down and buying everything I want. I've learned its not the end of the world if I don't own everything I could possibly have. Even though that's the case, I feel compelled to share whatever I am currently salivating over. This is going to be at least a weekly installment so hopefully I'll show you some new things and you can open my eyes to new things in return.

This time, my obsession is not a pair of shoes or new book, it is a movie. Om Shanti Om. Those out there that know about this film are instantly my favorite people. I watched this last year for a friend, Amanda's film class and she just recently bought it so we of course watched it again. Whether or not you love Bollywood films, like I do, this will be an instant classic. Without giving too much away, Om Shanti Om starts during the 1970s at the pinnacle of Bollywood-ness. We meet our hero (Om) and heroine (Shanti) and how their souls become intertwined.And its directed by a woman which is such great news, and I think she did a phenomenal job.  There's a lot of funny dialogue and the musical numbers are simply fabulous. After our last view, I had to go out and buy the soundtrack and I have not been disappointed.
Here are some of my favorite musical numbers.

Please excuse all of the white back up dancers (in slightly racist black-face in the beginning), between them and his rippling body, its a bit of a distraction. I rock out to this probably on a daily basis.

This is a long one, but it's basically a long party. Who doesn't love parties? What's great about this piece is the amount of celebrities that keep popping up. Even with my limited Bollywood knowledge, I could recognize a few faces.

This is by far my all-time favorite!!! All of the different parts just come together, and the mixing the old with the young is simply divine. She is absolutely gorgeous, and its just a fun song. This number should be more than enough to convince you to watch this movie!

So what are you obsessed with lately?

P.S.~ This is currently my desktop background.

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