Recipe Review: Omelette In A Bag!

 

I tried this recipe out this weekend and it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! If you are looking for something that is quick, easy and not messy this is it!

Hillbillys Summer Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Salad

3 tablespoon(s) rice vinegar
1 tablespoon(s) canola oil
1 teaspoon(s) honey
... 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper, or more to taste
2 medium cucumbers
4 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
1 Vidalia or other sweet onion, halved and very thinly sliced
2 tablespoon(s) coarsely chopped fresh herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley, chives, and/or tarragon

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Directions

1.Whisk vinegar, oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a large shallow bowl.

2.Remove alternating stripes of peel from the cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Add the cucumber slices, tomatoes, and onion to the dressing; gently toss to combine. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

3.Just before serving, add herbs and toss again ...                                       

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Recipe Review: Walking Tacos

A few months ago I had this great idea about trying out the recipes that I see floating around Facebook. If you are like me then you are seeing alot of different food pictures on your timeline as well as the recipes for that particular dish. The main reason that I am so interested in these food post are that they give me the opportunity to see what the dish should look like and many of the cookbooks that I own do not. I need my food to be visually appealing in order to want to try it as well as serve it to my family, friends or maybe take to a "covered dish" event.

This first recipe I am sure many of you may have seen already but I couldn't resist because being a parent at the beginning of summer screams "Walking Tacos!". I love this one and so does my family. This is perfect for any day that you need some thing quick and easy. It is also good for the days that you know your kitchen is already clean and you don't want to be bothered with a big clean up afterwards (for me that is everyday...lol!)

Step 1: Crush up a snack size bag of fritos

Step 2: Put taco meat and any other toppings you want in the bag.

 Step 3: Mix it with a fork (or shake up in the bag) and there you go!

Movie Review: Sparkle

"Sparkle" follows the trials and tribulations of a sister R&B trio trying to make it big in Detroit.

Tammy referred to as Sister (Carmen Ejogo) is the sexy and sassy lead singer looking for love. Dee (Tika Sumpter) is the brainy one with dreams of attending Meharry Medical College to become a doctor. (Shout out to Meharry).  Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is the shy songwriter with dreams of being a star. Emma (Whitney Houston) plays the over protective mother who vows not to let her daughters make the same mistakes she did.

Sparkle's love of music  and dream of becoming a star are almost overshadowed by an over protecting mother, a sister's turbulent relationship and her own insecurities.  Jordin's performance brings an innocence to Sparkle as she struggles with reconciling what she wants with what her mother expects. Whitney's performance of " His Eye Is On The Sparrow" is definately a touching highlight. The surprise of the movie is the performance by Mike Epps. He stretches beyond the typical funny man role. The star of the movie is Carmen Ejogo (Sister) as she goes from sexy vixen to defiant daughter to family protector.

Other members of the cast include Derek Luke, CeeLo Green, Omari Hardwick and Tamela Mann.

The movie reminds us all to fight for our dreams in spite of our circumstances.  Go see Sparks in her acting debut, see Houston's last acting performance and Ejogo's star performance.

Recipe Review: The Pioneer Woman

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s a recipe that I tried out last week that was a big hit at my house.  It is from The Pioneer Woman.  She has a show on Food Network, and I have a total girl crush on her LOL!  I used boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of cooking a whole chicken, or you could get you a rotisserie from the store.  I also didn’t use the black olives (wasn’t feeling that), mostly canned chicken stock vs all stock from the pot, and about a cup of heavy cream and ½ cup 2% milk versus using all whole milk.  It makes a HUGE batch, and my family loved it. 

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/02/creamy-chicken-spaghetti-casserole/

Movie Review: Think Like A Man

So I don't know how to start this or say this any other way. This movie is hilarious! First off, to be fair I have to point out that I have not read the book that this movie is based on. However, many of its finer points and highlights were featured in the film. I can't claim that Steve is some sort of wonderful relationship expert, but he does give some interesting insight into the mindset of men. Obviously Mr Harvey knows he cannot speak for every man out there, but he had something to say about the subject that he thought could help some people and make them laugh at the same time. The movie is a super funny way to spread his message. Some may resent the stereotypes portrayed in the movie but hey it was comedy designed to make fun of reality. Judging by the movie, funny man, Steve Harvey has written a great book and Kevin Hart really brought it home with his performance as narrator and on screen actor. Anyone who has seen any of Hart’s stand up would recognize that his obviously ad lib –ed if not totally improvised lines, blocking, mannerisms just screamed Kevin Hart. What I’m saying is it is likely that  no one told him to do any of that stuff! It works though. Actually all the actors were wonderful. Taraji P. Henson is fantastic! I loved her facial expressions in so many if the scenes. Let’s face it there is eye candy for everyone in here regardless of your preferences. You have Michael Ealy’s beautiful eyes, Terrence J and Romany Malco‘s good looks countered by beautiful ladies like Gabrielle Union, Tariji P Henson, and Meagan Good!!

The movie focuses on four couples - Dominic (Ealy) and Lauren (Henson) , Jeremy (Ferrara) and Kristen (Union), Mya (Good) and Zeke (Malco), Candace (Hall) and Michael (Terrence J). The premise is each guy is portraying a different stereotypical guy in the dating world and each girl is doing the same. The movie pairs them up in oddly coincidental …dare I even say ironic pairings in some cases. The women are all reading Steve Harvey’s book which both educates them on how to understand, treat, and ultimately keep the man and yourself happy. The men, while fed up with their relationship woes, find out about it and decide to read the book themselves in order to learn how to make their women happy even if it means lying or faking it.

Obviously for the sake of the comedy this plan backfires but does it totally? Yeah there are coincidences but since it’s a romantic comedy am I giving anything away when I tell you they end up together? Nah I didn’t think so either. One thing I liked about the movie was that while it painted a slightly rose colored picture of the struggles they were going through and how they were solved. Taking that part with a grain of salt the movie encourages couples to not only work out their problems constructively without games but also how the couples ultimately built each other up and helped improve their lives. I would definitely recommend this movie. It will make you laugh your booty off and you may even learn something about yourself or your partner. 

Movie Review: American Reunion

The gang is all back for the 13 year high school reunion.   Everyone is 13 years older and most are in a much different place in life than when we last saw them.  The good thing is that the same high school/college age shenanigans follow them into adulthood.   The movie actually opens with a scene displaying that quite well. Jim and Michelle are married and have a child. They travel to stay with Jim’s Dad for the weekend while the reunion is going on. Eugene Levy is of course back as the dad. Oz, Kevin, Finch, and Jim have all agreed to come to town a couple days early to catch up and hang out. They of course soon run into Stiffler and the party gets going.As one would expect from these movies, we know the plot. There aren’t too many plot twists and you can see those from a mile away. But hey we don’t go see these movies for plot twists. You go to watch the comedy. And comedy is something this movie is packed with.A highlight of the movie is Jim’s dad getting drunk and wandering up to a room where Stiffler’s mom is also getting drunk.  Uh oh what will Finch do?! This may not the movie to take your grandmother to, but who knows she might enjoy it. 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
by Mindy Kaling

This is my first book review and I thought it appropriate to start out with something that was an easy read plus entertaining. Thank goodness I came across this book by Mindy Kaling. Let me state up front that I think I am probably one of the last remaining people on earth that has never seen an episode of The Office, so I literally picked this book from the title alone. Before reading this book, I had no idea of who Mindy Kaling was and now I feel as if I know her.

Mindy wrote this book in a way that allows the reader to feel as if they were going through some of her life experiences right beside her. If you are not an avid reader but love to read then this book is for you. Let me revise that last sentence. If you are a female and not an avid reader but love to read this book is for you. Why? Because this book has Mindy saying a lot of the things we want to say out loud and are only thinking. You know that moment when you actually have to ask yourself, "Did I just say that out loud?" She also reveals many things that you may have thought but never told anyone only because you thought you were the only person thinking that. All I can say is Mindy is your girl because odds are you have at least one other person that shares that thought. One of my favorite moments in the book was when she wrote about the differences from men and boys. She said until she was thirty she only dated boys. She also defined commitment that women want and not what men think it is, at least in her opinion. I totally agree with her 100% when she wrote, I’m not talking about commitment to romantic relationships. I’m talking about commitment to things: houses, jobs, neighborhoods…It’s a commitment to not floating around anymore.

There are several moments in this book that Mindy nearly reminds me of one of my best friends. She is funny and I don’t think she realizes how much and my friend is the same way. I think we all have that one friend that you really can’t get mad at and if you do it can’t be for longer than a minute because they are just being themselves. Based on the text of this book, I would venture out to say that Mindy Kaling is that friend in her circle.

Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show Interview with Mindy Kaling

Movie Review: 21 Jump Street

The 2012 movie is based on the TV sitcom of the late eighties and early nineties involving young cops going undercover in high school to break up a drug ring. Unlike the seriousness of the sitcom, the movie is a bit more on the lighter side with a combination of action and comedy.  If you never saw the TV series, you will still be able to enjoy the movie. 

Jenko (Channing Tatum , the popular high school jock,  and Schmidt (Jonah Hill), the unpopular nerd, meet again seven years after high school graduation in the police academy.  This time around the pair become friends and helps each other through the academy.  Despite their enthusiasm, the pair is sent to the undercover division of 21 Jump Street to break up a drug ring at a local high school after a botched arrest.  This time around Jenko and Schmidt have a different experience in high school, in a reversal of roles of sort.  They realize high school is not what they remembered.  Aside from dealing with the insecurities that come along with high school, re-living their glory days or not so glory days, the two still have a job to do by identifying and bringing down the dealers and suppliers of the drugs.

Ice Cube portrays the no nonsense captain who runs the Jump Street division.   The language may be off putting if you are sensitive to swearing.  A nod to the past, the Jump Street division is in the same abandoned church from the TV series. If you do not mind a bit of slapstick comedy, you should this movie as long as you do not take it too seriously and do not mind obvious stereotypes.

Cast: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Dave Franco, Ice Cube

Cameo appearances by cast members from the original TV show include, Johnny Depp, Holly Robinson Peete and Peter DeLuise.

Opens March 16, 2012

Run time approximately 1 hour 44 minutes.

Movie Review: The Vow

Do you believe there is someone out there for everyone?  Based on a true story, THE VOW makes one believe in soul mates.  Leo (Channing Tatum) and Paige’s (Rachel McAdams) world is turned upside down by one of life’s moments of impact.  Paige wakes up in the hospital after the couple’s car accident with no memory of Leo or their life together.  Her last memory is five years prior when she was engaged to another man and living a completely different life.  The doctor suggests she jump back into her daily routine, but she is uneasy about going home with her husband Leo, a man she no longer knows.  Another obstacle is her parents are pulling for her to return home with them, but she does not remember they have not spoken in five years.  It is heart wrenching watching Leo fight for the love of Paige when she only remembers loving her ex-fiancé.  Leo works tirelessly to make his wife fall in love with him again. Although a bit slow in the beginning, it is worth a matinee. Go check it out this weekend!

 

Opens February 10, 2012

Run time approximately 1 hour 44 minutes.

 

Rating: ☻☻☻☺☺

Movie Review: Man On A Ledge

How far would you go to prove your innocence?  That is what this movie is centered around and makes you think about that very question. Ex-cop, Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) was convicted of stealing a rare diamond and lays it all on the line to clean his tarnished name.  Nick breaks out of jail and steps out on a ledge of a Manhattan hotel in an effort to prove his innocence.  Nick puts his trust in the hands of the police psychologist (Elizabeth Banks) assigned to talk him off the ledge before his time runs out.  Although the ending was predictable, there are several twists and turns to keep you guessing. Overall, this movie is worth going to the theater instead of waiting until it comes out on DVD.

In addition to the main characters played by Sam Worthington and Elizabeth Banks who both give top notch performances. There are more familiar faces in this film that we love.  Ed Harris and The Closer's Kyra Sedwick (aka Kevin Bacon's wife) are the two most recognizable. Also in this film you will see Anthony Mackie (8 Mile), Jamie Bell (Jumper) as well as Entourage's Genesis Rodriguez and Edward Burns.

This film opens up in movie theaters nation wide on tomorrow January 27, 2012. With a run time of approximately 1 hour 42 minutes, it is an acceptable length to enjoy. Once a film gets in to the 2 hour plus range it becomes a little too much, in my opinion.

Rating: ☻☻☻☺☺

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!

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.

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.

Review: Martin Lawrence, Comedy Tour 2011

On Saturday, August 13^th I was in attendance at my first Martin Lawrence stand up comedy show in Houston, Texas. All I can say it was well worth the money. This man is one of the funniest comedians in the business. As I sat there watching, listening, and laughing my ass off, it was apparent that Martin Lawrence has not lost a step at all when it comes to his stand up show. My assumption was that he may not have been as sharp because he has been off the stand up scene for a minute doing movies and other projects, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was wrong. It was hilarious. He used the full stage and engaged the audience throughout the entire time he was on stage. Seeing Martin on stage was like watching an old friend that you haven’t seen in a while talk about things you had done or thought about at some point in your life. You have to understand my point of view when it comes to Martin Lawrence; he quickly became a fixture in my life when he came out with The Martin Lawrence show in the early 1990s. That show became a source of laughter for me and so many of my friends up until this very day. The number of characters this man is able to play is amazing to me. This is not something many skilled actors can do. However, Martin makes playing multiple characters look so effortless. He has played women, children, and even a white man in addition to several other male characters. All I can say is that if you have not enjoyed Martin Lawrence’s talent in some shape form or fashion then you are depriving yourself of a great laugh. This man is one of the best at what he does and there is no doubt about that. I guess it goes without saying that I highly recommend you going to see him live if you are ever given an opportunity to do so in the future.

Movie Review: The Change Up

Jason Bateman stars as David, a successful lawyer and family man on the brink of becoming partner at his law firm. Ryan Reynolds stars as his childhood friend who can't seem to get his life on track.
The movie, while funny, is your typical body switching plot. We have seen it before. Two parties in a grass is greener situation for each other do some random thing, the lights flicker, and they are surprised that they wake up as the other one the next day.
Of course they can't just go back the same day and do the same thing to reverse it the next day before any damage is done, noooooo that would be too easy and not long enough for even a sitcom. And so it goes, we watch them struggle as each other for two hours. In most cases these movies have some tender life lesson that the characters learn.
In this case the lesson was they got to hear how they are screwing up their lives directly from the people who mattered most to them. Of course those people thought they were talking to the other person so it was candid and only slightly brutal.
Sometimes in life we need to hear straight up how we are doing in the eyes of others. We need to be told if our actions are wronging those we care most about. Dave needed to learn to relax and slow down and Mitch needed to learn to follow through and take things seriously. Of course in the end they switch back and the world was great.  This movie is pretty funny, but don't take your mom, your pastor, or anyone who is easily offended cause the movie is ... not for the faint of heart.

The Change Up starts today, Friday August, 5.

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Movie Review: Crazy Stupid Love

How do you know when to fight for someone or when you should just accept their break up wishes and move on? As humans we often don't know the difference between an issue we can work on and a true deal breaker. By that I mean you can't force or expect people to change, but sometimes they are willing to work with you. Other times you may realize some things are just non issues.
In Crazy Stupid Love Julianne Moore stars as Emily. In the beginning of the movie she asks her husband Cal (Steve Carell) for a divorce. Instead of fighting for her he literally rolls over. They go through the movie dealing with their new status and trying to continue to raise their kids.
We all know how romantic comedies end, but just to cover my behind SPOILER ALERT they get back together, and when they do Julianne points out that he didn't fight for her. This was the reason for the initial paragraph of course.
Steve Carell immediately started moping when everything fell apart. Then he met Jacob ( Ryan Gosling) who essentially helped him get his swagger back. These are some of the funniest parts of the movie - mainly because we all know Carell plays the uncool dude trying too hard to be hip really well. Gosling takes him under his wing and adores him how to dress and approach women.
The movie is really funny and the scenes between Gosling and Carell are classic. There is a little more to it though. The movie also has some tender life lessons with the kids love interests of their own and Cal and Emily's relationship. This movie is definitely recommended for any and probably ok for older kids to see as well.

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Friends With Benefits

I have said it before and I'll say it again, Justin Timberlake is a funny funny dude. This movie it's no exception to the rule. I should point out that "Jackie Burkhart" (Kunis' debut role on That 70's Show) grew up y'all and it works for her!

Timberlake stars as Dylan Harper, an art director for an internet blog based out of LA. Mila Kunis stars as Jamie, a head hunter who not only recruits Dylan to a job in New York, she then convinces him to make the move to New York. A friendship blossoms between the two and the chemistry is obvious. Eventually, they develop one of those infamous "we will just have no strings sex with no feelings" plans that can't possibly work in a romantic comedy such as this one. We all know going in that the couple ends up together. After all, it is a romantic comedy folks.

What makes this movie so good is not the basic plot. It's the ride to get from strangers, to friends, to bed buddies, and finally the obligatory boo-ing up at the end. One could even call it a more modern day When Harry Met Sally. It's the hilarious scenes with Timberlake and Kunis mimicking awkward sex scenes between two people who aren't supposed to care.

This is a really funny movie and could definitely work as a good date movie. The movie comes out today July 22. Go get your tickets now!

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Horrible Bosses

The movie stars Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day star as a group of pals who all hate their bosses, and with good reason. Nick Hendricks (Bateman) has a complete jerk for a boss. He believes he is getting a promotion at work only to be sorely disappointed by his bosses selfish decision. Dale Arbus (Day) is a dental hygenist whose boss, played by Jennifer Aniston, not only sexually harasses him every day at work, but goes to great lengths to do so. Finally, Kurt Buckman (Sudeikis) is the only one of the group who loves his job and loves his boss. Then the unthinkable happens. His boss (Donald Sutherland) dies suddenly and his less than desirable son takes over.

At a bar one night the boys hatch a hypothetical plan to kill their bosses. Hilarity ensues as they first try to hire someone to do kill all three and the enter the business themselves when these plans fall through.  The cast is amazing and packed full of known and loved celebs. The already mentioned Jennifer Annistan and Donald Sutherland, as well others such as Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey help make the movie the laugh riot it really is.

Horrible Bosses comes out on Friday July 8th.

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