Friday, September 30, 2011

50/50


So it’s not the first comedy about or featuring some character with Cancer. It is however really hilarious and at the same time thought provoking. Joseph Gordon Levitt stars as Adam Lerner, a 27 year old radio man who finds out he has cancer. Seth Rogen stars as Kyle, Adam’s best friend and co-worker.
The film is loosely based on a true story of its author Will Reiser and his struggle with cancer. As the movie begins Lerner finds out he has cancer and then must break the news to the 3 important people in his life. Their reactions are quite different, and In keeping in tune with the movie being a comedy they were also pretty comical.
The supporting cast is fantastic. First of all, Rogen is always hilarious so going in this is a given that he will bring a lot to the movie. Bryce Dallas Howard played the girl friend role fantastically. I would say more about her but I wont spoil the plot for you all. Anjelica Huston as the overly dramatic, slightly overbearing but still sweet mom is great for the mix. And she played the character so well that one could easily assume she is truly that person in real life.
The older men who Adam meets are awesome! First off they symbolized life and how precious it is. Without spoiling the plot, I will say there is one moment where that is made very obvious. However, even before that happens it was them who convinced Adam to “live a little” earlier in the film.
The film does have its tender moments but they are quick and it goes right back into the comedy. Even though it makes sense for a living man to write a story about himself beating cancer in an upbeat way I think it still feels a little odd to laugh about it. Truth be told you can’t help it. The movie will have you laughing from beginning to end. Besides how often can one say “If you wanna see a movie about cancer AND if you wanna see a movie and laugh your head off go see….” And have it be the same movie?!! I’m going to take advantage of this moment and say just that!

Video of The Day - Ready For The Weekend Shuffle....

Picture of The Day - Pull Your Pants Up...Funny!

Quote of The Day

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

What's Up Doc? A Stay Healthy Sidebar


This is a very good article that I would like to share. When I was a resident doing my pediatric rotation, Dr. Unkel (a seasoned retired pediatrion) gave me this advice: "Don't punish the child because of the parents actions. Protect and do what's best for the child" I Do NOT agree with the actions of the writer's husband or his mistress at ALL. However, I do stand in awe and commend the actions of the writer. Have A HealthyDay! www.blackloveandmarriage.com/2011/09/im-not-a-stepmom/

Video of The Day - A Little Rick James For You!

Picture of The Day - A Laugh For Your Tuesday!

Real Talk Quote of The Day





"Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too.  Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it." - Diane Sawyer

Friday, September 23, 2011

Movie Review: Dolphin Tale - In Theaters 9/23/2011

This is my first movie review post for Real. Life. Woman. Talk. and hope that I am able to do it some justice. First of all, this movie must be seen in 3D. I am not a fan of 3D movies and when given the option most often I choose the 2D.  This screening was only offered in 3D so the option to choose did not exist. I admit I was a little concerned about this in the beginning but now I am thankful for the Dolphin Tale 3D experience. The 3D animation is on point with just the right amount built in to the movie so that it is not distracting. The bonus is that it is very easy on the viewers eyes. This movie is a winner for the entire family.
On the surface it looks like the typical save a animal, bond with it, and everyone lives happily ever after if you look at the previews.  This film has multiple storylines that overlap and everyone that sees it can relate to something in it. Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman are only supporting actors in this one because the kids steal the show in my opinion. Of course the animals of the movie, Winter the dolphin and main focus of the movie, as well as the white pelican Rufus are equally entertaining. The fact that this movie is based on real life events is a bonus. At the end of the movie there is real footage of the people that are portrayed in the movie. They provide the website that you can go and see Winter live via web cam just like the movie. I am sure the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will become more busy as a result of this movie. My daughter that saw the movie with me is already asking to go to see Winter at the Clearwater Beach, Florida aquarium. The ability to connect with the viewer on so many levels is why I am recommending this movie to everyone. This movie is not just for kids, it is for anyone that loves to see a good movie, period.

Video of The Day: Lyfe Jennings - Must Be Nice


Picture of The Day - It's The First Day of Autumn!

Real Talk Quote of The Day







"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - Maya Angelou

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

A “Real Woman, Real Talk” Interview with Rozz J!

For those of you who don’t know, RozzJ is not only a small business owner of her own makeup line, FBR Cosmetics, she is also an accomplished Atlanta-based makeup artist.  Her work has been seen in Jet Magazine, and on the faces of Bishop Eddie Long, and Laman Rucker as well as other public speakers and entertainers.  Late on a Sunday evening, I sat down with RozzJ via phone conference to find out more about the woman behind the makeup. 
IvyLeague: Assuming that work such as being a make-up artist requires a calling or passion rather than just someone working in the job, how did you get into the business?
RozzJ: Growing up I always used to look at television and magazines and see things that were pretty.  Being a plus-sized woman, I always wanted to find ways to make the plus-sized women look beautiful too.  I also did a photo-shoot several years ago and applied my own makeup.  Everyone loved it!  Early on in my career, I worked under a celebrity makeup artist, Davincio Griffin who taught me a lot. 
IvyLeague: I noticed from my research, that you have provided your makeup services to many men.  I can only imagine the reaction my husband would have towards someone attempting to apply makeup to his face.  What comments and reactions have you gotten from the men?
RozzJ, basically these men already know why they are there, and their main concern is that even with the makeup, they will look natural, and like themselves.  You have to make them feel comfortable.  I haven’t ran into any bad [mannered] people.
IvyLeague: So what’s your main pet peeve in regards to makeup when you see a woman walking down the street?
RozzJ: Definitely the foundation line around the edges of a woman’s face, and the foundation not being blended in. 
IvyLeague: Being in the makeup business, what do you see as the three things that a woman can do to improve her look?
RozzJ: Makeup is great, but the most important thing is skin care; cleaning your skin and then using a good moisturizer at night and in the morning can keep your skin looking great for those mornings when you may not have time to apply foundation.  It’s also good to apply the moisturizer to your face when it is still a little damp.  Regarding makeup, a quick way to improve your look would be to use lip gloss, and maybe a little eye liner, powder, and mascara.  A clean eye brow is also essential.
IvyLeague: I noticed from your blog that you pick a “Diva of the Week”.  So, of course I want to know how I can be “it”. 
RozzJ: (Laughing) All you have to do is take a picture of yourself wearing some of the makeup from FBR Cosmetics and submit it to marketing@fbrcosmetics.com.  You could possibly be selected.
IvyLeague: Let’s face it, we have all probably had one of those dreaded “bad hair” days and been handed a business card from a local hair stylist.  (Those days suck!), so I wanted to see if the same process holds true in the make-up industry. 
RozzJ: Well I have done that before (chuckles), but not so much to tell a woman that her make-up doesn’t look good.  It was more so to promote my business.
IvyLeague: How important is it for every girl to have a good set of [makeup] brushes?
RozzJ: It is so important!  The brushes help with application.  It is also important to sanitize those brushes.
A big shout out to RozzJ for her time and allowing me to drill her with questions that every “Real Woman” wants to know! FBR Cosmetics is a full makeup line with lip gloss, lip stick, eye shadows, and lip pencils.  RozzJ commented that she wanted to produce a line of makeup that she enjoys wearing.  I’m so excited to try it!  Look for me as the next “Diva of the Week”…that’s if my makeup-obsessed three-year old doesn’t beat me to it! To find out more about FBR Cosmetics go to: http://www.fbrcosmetics.com/
Peace,
IveLeague

Video of The Day - Top 3 Favs From Mya..Enjoy!

Picture of The Day - Love This Pic! via Faces By RozzJ

Real Talk Quote of The Day





"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." - Sophia Loren

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

What's Up Doc? Stay Healthy Tip!



Is your child daydreaming or is he/she having a seizure? Not all seizures have jerking movements. Abseince seizures generally occur with a child having a blank stare, seemingly being in attentive or day dreaming. See you doctor if you have concerns about seeing this in your child. Have A Healthy Day!

Video of The Day - Let's Go Crazy

Picture of The Day - Sending Tuesday Love...Cheers!

Real Talk Quote of The Day





"If you think taking care of yourself is selfish, change your mind. If you don't, you're simply ducking your responsibilities." - Ann Richards

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Video of The Day - After 7!!!!

Real Talk Quote of The Day

"Don't worry about the people in your past. There's a reason they didn't make it to your future." - Author Unknown

I Don’t Know How She Does It



Sarah Jessica Parker stars as a working mom of two. The basic premise of the movie has been done before but from what I’ve seen not exactly like this. It’s tricky to even classify the movie. The obvious choice of romantic comedy would work because of the struggle with her and her husband’s relationship due to her work and travel schedule and the fact that you assume they’ll stay together. I won’t spoil the “surprise” and tell you what happens here. It’s not your typical romantic comedy in the boy loves girl chases girl and after struggle and conflict ultimately gets girl kind of way.
The movie has some hilarious scenes of the mishaps that occur as Parker’s character struggles to balance her kids and her career. However, and this was a little odd to me, they have these cut scenes of like these reality TV individual interviews of two of the characters in the movies. These are the stay at home moms who essentially judge her lifestyle while going about the business of their leisurely day. To counter that is her best friend doing the same but in support of her.
Admittedly the interview scenes were funny in some parts but in retrospect it was almost as though they didn’t have enough storyline so they added these in as filler. I have to question if the two stay-at-home moms were meant to be major characters by letting the interviews really show who they were or if they were only made that way because of the extra filler.
Perhaps I’m being too harsh on the movie. It really is a lighthearted movie and probably a good movie to go see if you just want to see a cute movie and enjoy some laughs.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Deals! Deals! Deals! Deals! Deals!




$25 off $75 and more at Express via online checkout promo code: 1721 (expires: 9/18/2011)








40% off online at Timberland via checkout promo code: FRIEND11 (expires: 9/19/2011)



$15 off $75 at Office Depot via online checkout promo code: 80003450 (expires: 9/19/2011)

Video of The Day - This Woman's Work: Maxwell




Picture of The Day - Best Road Signs Ever!!!

Real Talk Quote of The Day








"A study in the Washington Post says that women have better verbal skills than men. I just want to say to the authors of that study: 'Duh.'" - Conan O'Brien

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

What's Up Doc? Stay Healthy Tip!

TEACHERS BEWARE!! School's in and back strain can become your nemesis. Rearranging desks, picking up infants/toddlers, comforting kindergartners (high school seniors), and coaching various extra-curricula activities increases your chances of straining your back. Lift by bending your knees. Ask for help with moving or lifting heavy objects. Store necessity items at your shoulder level. Have A Healthy Day!

Video of The Day - Rude Boys: Written All Over Your Face

Picture of The Day - Congrats Tom Brady!

Congrats Tom Brady on your franchise record 517 yard performance on Monday Night Football!
(5th best in NFL history)