Lauren Hutton

Lauren Hutton was on the fourth hour of the Today show this morning and she looks beautiful. I was surprised to learn that she is 64! She hasn't had surgery and she does look older than she did twenty years ago, but she looks wonderful and she glows. Maybe it is the make-up she was hawking for women over 40. Gee, I'll buy a ton of that make-up if they can guarantee that I'll look like her when I am 64.

Summer Cold

Hubby and I finally made it home from the Santa Fe roadtrip on Memorial Day. New Mexico, Santa Fe and Taos are all awesome; it's unlike any other place on earth, and it was amazing to drive across the Texas panhandle into New Mexico. At one point, about 10-20 miles from the state line -- after driving for hundreds of miles along flat prairie fields -- there is a hill 'dug out' from the fields and as you descend if feels like the earth opens up and suddenly there are rock formations and small mountains in the distance. I was speechless by the beauty of such a barren land.

Ten hours is a looooong road trip and we stopped at the golden arches, Wendy's, and a DQ along a desolate stretch of old Route 66 (which actually had the cleanest bathroom out of the bunch). It's interesting how the 285 route is on a gradual incline that you don't really notice except that the temperature outside kept dropping the closer we got to Santa Fe.

I loved Santa Fe, but I'm afraid that the altitude was not a friend to me. Physically I was thirsty all the time, although that could have been from the high desert...or it could have been that I was catching a cold -- of which I am now suffering. My first major cold since we moving to Texas two and a half years ago. Maybe that's why I was slow to clue in to the fact that I was getting sick because it had been so long since the last one.

Having a cold in the summer is slightly messed up. The first night we arrived back and I was bundled up because I had the chills and hubby was sweating because I made him turn the ac up a couple of degrees. It just feels weird eating chicken soup when it's 95F outside.

Say Hellow to Summer, aka Welcome to Texas

Whew! Looks like summer has already started as the mercury hit 99F yesterday in Dallas and will probably peak at the mid 90s this afternoon. It was 80F when I went for my morning walk at 9:30am. Looks like spring has finished and it's another six months of summer weather. Hopefully we can sneak in a few more weeks of patio weather.

Another SATC Movie SJP Only Print Ad

Today I paid a visit to my 'hair god' Brian. The highlights were growing out and my bangs kept getting in my eyes and driving me batty -- let's just say I think I know how Brittany felt last year when she shaved her head.

As I sat with in the salon looking like a freak show thanks to the foil all over my head, I grabbed the latest 'In Style' magazine for a look. No, I don't really really this mag as it's a 'glance-at-the-photos' publication. Then I saw it. A print ad for the Sex and the City movie. Yes, the ad only contained a photo of SJP and NO ONE ELSE! Sorry, but SJP can't carry a movie, and SATC is an ensemble. This print ad campaign is lame -- let's see a group photo featuring the other lovely ladies of SATC including SJP. Hmmm, makes me wonder if Candace Bushnell is going to get ANYTHING from this movie since she created the SATC column way back in the day...

Stars Win After Quadruple Overtime

Last weekend Hubby's buddy from Vancouver was in town and, as we are Canadians, the weekend included drinking rye and going to an NHL game. Okay, to be honest, I did not partake of the rye, but Hubby more than made up for that by drinking enough for the two of us.

The NHL game we attended was last night's match between the Dallas Stars and the San Jose Sharks. A week earlier I had predicted that the Stars would sweep the series, and I was feeling slightly jilted because they had lost a couple of games after winning three straight games.

The Stars finally got on the scoreboard after a second period goal by Antti Miettinen, and all seemed to be going well for the Stars until Ryane Clowe tied it with a goal early in the third period. Then the game went to overtime. Again, and again, and again, and again. Four periods of overtime. The ushers left and some of the crowd also took off early, but we stayed on until the wee hours of the morning. I think it was around 1:30 a.m. when Brenden Morrow scored the winning goal that unleashed the diehard Stars fans into a frenzy of cheers and white-towel-waving while the green and white streamers fell.

What a night. At least I didn't have to get up early and drive to the airport and drop-off Hubby's buddy, then make a presentation at work first thing this morning like Hubby. But, he enjoyed every single moment of it all remarking that it was like a 'double-header' game last night. I think he was secretly hoping that it was going to beat the record for longest overtime play. Now it's on to the Red Wings.

Earth Day Already?

Happy belated Earth Day! I am always forgetting holidays, but as long as I remember Mother's Day, Father's Day and Hubby's birthday I think I am doing well.

It was difficult to forget it was Earth Day if you watched any show on NBC that day. Everyone seemed to be wearing green clothing or going off on tangents about climate change and the environment.

On the topic of Earth Day, I must mention that while Hubby and I were on the way to the Indian Casino in Oklahoma* on the weekend we noticed these huge semi-trailer trucks carting something strange. At first glance it resembled a huge dinosaur tusk, but that didn't make sense because it wasn't carefully covered. Then I thought it might be a piece of artwork for a museum installation. After we saw three of these semi-trailer trucks pass, Hubby (ever the sharpest knife in the drawer) concluded that they were part of a giant windmill that generates electricity. They were massive in size and probably on their way to West Texas.

*Okay. Must admit that it was my idea to check out the Indian Casino, Choctaw, in Durant, Oklahoma. I dragged Hubby there because I wanted to check it out due to the flood of advertising they've done on radio and television lately. Alright, I have a thing for slot machines. Yes, I know that the odds are stacked against anyone winning on them, but I am amused by the noise and flashing lights. It's strictly entertainment. Hubby tried some blackjack (better known to me as '21' when I played it as a child with my Gram). We were surprised to discover that Oklahoma taxes this game by asking for 50 cents per bet...really. Guess they want their cut of the profits. Hubby and I felt quite young while we were there as the average age was 62. We didn't stay long as the smoke was overpowering -- especially the stench of cheap cigars. They really need to invest in a better ventilation system or start pumping in oxygen like the big casinos in Vegas.

Sex & The City Movie Ad

Recently I spotted a print advertisement for the new Sex & The City movie that is coming out to theatres in May. Basically, it had Sarah Jessica Parker's name splashed across the top in bold lettering with a huge photo of Ms Parker underneath. Meanwhile, the other ladies are featured with tiny photos in the bottom left corner with their names printed in small (as compared to Ms Parker)typeface. Is this advertisement a joke? Or maybe this conveys Ms Parker's personal viewpoint of the movie: it's all about her character. Gee, and here I thought Sex & The City was an ensemble. Seriously, not sure if I can handle the movie being mainly about the Carrie Bradshaw character...this may be a rental for me.

Finales

The past couple of days have seen the finales of a few shows that I watch on television, including 'Rock of Love II With Bret Michaels', 'Biggest Loser', and 'Real Housewives of New York City'.

First, the Sunday night finale of 'Rock of Love II' was highly anticipated by Hubby and myself. The show is like 'The Bachelor' on an acid trip. Gotta love the query, "Will you stay here and continue to rock my world?" Much better than, "Will you accept this rose?" The women on the show were slightly more subdued than last year, although there always seems to be a crazy person or someone that everyone else hates. The final two were Daisy and Ambre with Bret Michaels choosing Ambre. I was totally surprised by this decision since Ambre appears to be a mature, confident woman who is just a few years younger than himself -- as opposed to the twenty-year age difference with Daisy, a 'girl' who could not talk her way out of a paperbag even if her life depended on it.

Second, the 'Biggest Loser' finale was last night. Must admit that this is my guilty pleasure. I started watching episodes last year, but was never really hooked into watching each episode like I was with this past season, and I really can't explain it. Perhaps it was because I was secretly rooting for Kelly and her ex-husband Paul. Week after week, even after Paul was sent home, it looked like Kelly would be sent packing only to get above the yellow line at the weigh-in. Another woman, Ali, won last night, but her abrasiveness prevented me from rooting for her. It really is amazing to see how much weight each person has lost. Although, I must admit that at the beginning of the season I had a major cupcake craving because they would always have them in the temptation challenges...and I would invariably have one while watching 'Biggest Loser'!

Third, the 'Real Housewives of NYC' was also on last night. Hubby does not watch this as he finds it over-the-top, but I see much humour in these women of excess. The finale was anti-climatic and seemed to cut the season short...or maybe the season wasn't long to begin with. Nothing really exciting except Bethenny threatening Jill with a chopstick after she drilled Bethenny about what presents she received for her birthday. Perhaps it was hitting too close to the boyfriend-moving-in-getting-married-getting-pregnant questioning that Bethenny is herself obsessing over in her own mind. It was great to see the Countess doing volunteer work with an organization that helps get homeless people off the streets, off drugs, and back into the workforce. She helped a woman by going through a mock interview and giving critical advice regarding what to wear on an interview. The show ended with an anniversary party for Jill and Bobby at the 21 Club. Nothing shocking except Ramona was late, but very apologetic, and Alex's children were absolute monsters. Not only do these kids need a good haircut, but they need to be taught how to behave well in social situations. This show makes me yearn for the somewhat easygoing ways of 'The Real Housewives of OC'.

Tahari

Yesterday I went shopping for a spring dress. Alas, I had no luck finding a dress that looked good on my body. Yes, like most women I do not have a perfect figure, but I like myself and want to go through life wearing nice clothes and looking good. While at Macy's I noticed racks of suits on sale so I picked a handful and went off to a fitting room. Sizes are not uniform and everything from fabric to style can affect how a suit fits. After trying on a handful of suits that weren't quite right I tried on the Tahari skirt and jacket. What a pleasant surprise; the suit fit like it had been tailored for me. So, if there are any ladies out there looking for a great suit, try Tahari.

Last Night's Real Housewives of NYC

As the first season comes to a close with the finale next week, the women are finally appearing more sympathetic. The first episode made them appear one-dimensional, and while they're not as endearing as the OC Housewives, there does appear to be a sensitive side emerging.

Honestly, I could not stand Ramona in the beginning. But, after hearing her background story regarding her mother and father, everything she does makes complete sense now. Her mother was trapped in a miserable marriage due to economic reasons, so Ramona became an independent woman and has difficulty relating to the co-dependent Alex and Simon relationship. Ramona did overreact slightly, but she did explain that she had a rotten day at work. Kudos for her admitting that she went to therapy and also for marrying a really kind and understanding man.

The Countess disappointed last night with her etiquette hang-ups. First, to correct someone (especially infront of cameras) for making an etiquette mistake is rude. Second, Bethenny is on a first-name basis with her boyfriend's driver and it was only natural for her to introduce the Countess to him using first names. Thirdly, a Countess named LuAnn? I would have definitely changed that 15 years ago into something more plain like Ann or Lu, or fun like Lulu. Loved that she wanted her son to learn breakdancing and that she likes to hangout with her twentysomething niece. But, honestly think she's more fun when she's not around the Count and her kids.

Jill was really grating in the beginning, but she is evolving into a likeable 'character'...oops, person. Wish she would take it easier on her daughter and show her as much love as she shows her little dog (and the dog licking her nose is disgusting). Her accent is unreal! But, she really gave some great advice to Bethenny last week regarding her 'running away' to Miami to avoid her problem with Jason. She is grounded and stable and admires her succesful sister, which must have been difficult growing up and being compared to her.

Alex, or should it be Alex-Simon, let's just label them Silex because they seem to be joined at the hip. What a pretentious pair!!! Honestly, they are the comic relief of the show. I can imagine that Francois will be picked on at school. They are so particular about how they look, where they go, who they socialize with and yet their house is awful; maybe even a dump. Perhaps they should cut some of their social climbing for a season and focus on fixing the place. On the positive side, Alex has shown kindness to Bethenny while she has been going through a difficult time with her boyfriend.

Bethenny so far is the most down-to-earth among the bunch, but she isn't really a housewife is she? She's divorced and dating a recently divorced man with kids and she's really trying to sort out that situation with regards to her own dreams of having a child at some point. Gladshe went back to him after her weekend in Miami, although her girlfriend down there was brutal with the comments regarding her motherhood dream. Loved how she reacted to the Countess and her etiquette obsession.

As this first season concludes it leaves me wondering whether they will do another season in NYC, or if they'll go from city to city. Still, can't beat the ladies in the OC.