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Jlee’s Review – Project Repat

21 May

I write a lot about how I’m obsessed with Groupon. I really am. I’ve bought several Groupon Goods products and have written reviews on a couple. (Read here and here).

This Groupon, from Project Repat, I recently purchased after I had been eyeing it for some time. The Groupon was $65 for a 5’ x 6’ fleece backed blanket made by Project Repat. The front of the blanket is YOUR OLD T-SHIRTS!

I thought this was such a neat concept. All Project Repat blankets are made in the USA by an individual earning a fair and living wage. For $65 I was giving a $130 donation. I realize I wasn’t being totally self-less here considering I got an awesome blanket out of the deal, and at the discounted Groupon price, but I do hope that sharing this organization with my readers will help get the word out about a company “Cut and Sewn in the USA”.

Project Repat is perfect for (according to their website www.ProjectRepat.com) the runner, the graduate and the hoarder. How true this is! I’m a little bit of all 3 in one…I’m not normally a hoarder; I tend to throw everything away. I’m truly a purger. It’s very important for me to purge, purge, purge, or I get anxiety having too much crap lying around.

But, when it comes to old t-shirts I guess I am a bit of a hoarder. I couldn’t bring myself to discard old sorority tees, tees I picked up visiting different colleges, running and sports tees I no longer wear but could not possibly throw away…I had a tee covered in blood, sweat and tears from the Susan G. Koman 60-mile 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk from 2008. The walk was this amazing experience that sparked friendships and emotions. Even though the tee was starting to yellow I still could not throw it away – it’s like a medal to me of this triumphant event. I had several Italian tees that were starting to get holes in them…see I could go on and on.

I could no longer even close my t-shirt drawer yet I rarely wear t-shirts! And yet I still couldn’t throw the shirts away. I missed the boat the first time Project Repat appeared on Groupon, so you can guess the second time I saw it I purchased my blanket immediately. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results! More on that later.

Here are some quick deets on what you do in case you’re interested in your own t-shirt blanket. You can also get more information on the website under FAQ.

Side note: This would also be a great gift for Father’s Day!

-        For my 5 x 6 fleece backed blanket I needed to send in 30 panels. This means you can send between 15 – 30 shirts. You can use one side of 30 shirts, both sides of 15 shirts, or any combination in between.

-        They are looking for a 1 ft by 1 ft square image to use. If your image is slightly bigger it’s OK, but some of the image may be cut off. Project Repat did a fab job with this because I did send a couple tees with larger images.

-        Project Repat can use any soft material. Think flannels, sweatshirts, dress shirts and jerseys!

Another thing that caught my eye about this great organization is that Project Repat and NuPath, Inc. are production partners. NuPath, Inc. is a non-profit organization employing individuals with disabilities.  The NuPath staff works diligently to train people with disabilities how to do work that makes them feel valued and appreciated. What a great cause!

Photo courtesy of NuPath, Inc.

Photo courtesy of NuPath, Inc.

Project Repat currently has a KickStarter campaign running. See the project here if you’re not quite ready for a bigger purchase but believe in helping the cause.

For more information about Project Repat go to www.ProjectRepat.com. You can also follow them on all social media – links are on their webpage.

And here are some pics of the final product! My amazing blanket ~ love, love, love it! :D

Getting my t-shirts ready to send off!

Getting my t-shirts ready to send off!

Project Repat teesProject Repat teesProject Repat teesProject Repat tees

Finished blanket...just beautiful right?!?

Finished blanket…just beautiful right?!?

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Jlee’s Review – Amanda Knox Speaks; A Diane Sawyer Exclusive

30 Apr

“I was demolished in that interrogation,” Amanda Knox says to Diane Sawyer. Wearing a green dress (or is that blue?) she appears thin and fragile. Her eyes look troubled. My heart goes out to her. Amanda Knox looks broken.

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I remember hearing about “the Amanda Knox story” – the young American girl who was accused of murdering her British roommate Meredith Kercher. I remember thinking pretty nice girls don’t kill people! She had to be innocent, right? I don’t remember much else though until I watched the Lifetime Original Movie “Beyond the Headlines: The Amanda Knox Story” starring Hayden Panettierre.

Panettierre as Amanda Knox in "Beyond the Headlines."

Panettierre as Amanda Knox in “Beyond the Headlines.”

Hayden Panettierre took on the role of a young Amanda Knox – the sweet, innocent and funny American girl who could have a dark side. A young woman who was both naïve and insecure but also quite confident, almost cocky … and kinky. I found the movie to be so intriguing that I did all kinds of internet research on the case.

I went from thinking she was an innocent young girl brutalized in the Italian justice system to wondering what she knew. She has to know something…it all doesn’t add up. She was interrogated for hours…in Italian…without food or drink or an attorney present…her story changed numerous times…she admitted to smoking pot…she was having promiscuous sex…

The movie [Beyond the Headlines] portrays Amanda as a bit quirky…but does that make you a killer? I don’t know. Norman Bates was quirky wouldn’t you say?

At the end of the movie I remember feeling quite torn. I didn’t believe in my heart she could have murdered Meredith, but why did I think that? Because she is a young, attractive, American girl from a good family? I don’t think that’s why I thought that. You look into her eyes and she doesn’t look like a cold-hearted killer to me.

Could you imagine being in a foreign country only half understanding what they are saying with no attorney and being interrogated for hours upon hours? I’m telling you, I would crack; I think anyone would crack.

Would I do cart wheels in the hallway and kiss a Harry Potter look-alike? No, I wouldn’t, but who knows what anyone would do in this situation?

After watching Diane’s interview on ABC I think two things. #1 I wished Diane Sawyer was drunk. She seemed quite condescending towards Amanda and annoyed me a little bit. I mean, she starts out the interview asking her if she knows all the things people say about her. Yes, yes she does. She’s the devil.

And #2 I don’t think Amanda Knox is guilty of murdering Meredith Kercher, nor do I think she has any knowledge of who did.

Meredith Kercher

British student Meredith Kercher

Don’t you think she would have cracked by now? This girl was tormented by a corrupt justice system without proper representation. She was told she had HIV. She wasn’t given a fair trial. She wasn’t even in her own country.

I remember when I went to Mexico with my sorority sisters at 22 just before graduation my parents told me one thing: Don’t get arrested in Mexico.

It was my first time out of the country. My parents were terrified I would end up arrested and stuck in Mexico draining their bank accounts while they fought to free me. Funny, I don’t think I even ever told them that I DID, in fact, almost get arrested, but I didn’t. Good times, right?

Remember "Foxy Knoxy"? Shit, that could have been any of us college girls.

Remember “Foxy Knoxy”? Could have been any of us college girls….

But, back to Amanda, after watching this interview I truly feel for her and am now quite anxious to read her memoir Waiting to Be Heard.

images (1)Here is a review of Waiting to Be Heard I found on Amazon.com: I had been loosely following the case from its outset. I knew that Amanda was innocent and she was being railroaded by a corrupt Italian prosecutor. It was important and enlightening to finally hear things from her side. Amanda describes herself as awkward and immature. She was certainly naive. I almost couldn’t believe how much so. That is not meant as a judgment. I would like to think, as I’m sure most of us would, that if we were in her position we would be able to better stand up for ourselves. But would we really? At age 20? In a foreign country? Where we didn’t speak the language well? I’m not so sure.

This quote: “God if you exist…I really need you to help right now” really touched me because there have been many times that I have wondered if God exists or find myself angry with Him…because why do bad things happen to good people?

Amanda contemplated suicide – honestly who wouldn’t? – before growing close to prison chaplain Don Saulo, whom helped her get through her days in prison before she was eventually acquitted and sent home to Seattle in October 2011. Just five days before her interview with Diane Sawyer Amanda received word that the Supreme Court of Italy annulled her acquittal. Knox now waits to go back on trial.

What are your thoughts on Amanda Knox? What do you think about the Italian government’s decision to retry Knox?

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Jlee’s Review – The Banana Mask

27 Feb

I recently posted a review on The Banana Diet (read it here) and because I’m on a banana kick I decided to try this mask as well.

It is Dr. Oz’s banana mask and was referred to me by my cousin after I admitted to wanting Botox in the future, like very near future. She said I was crazy and told me to try this mask.

Because I had extra bananas from The Banana Diet and my mom, the Chiquita and I were going to visit my grandma this past weekend I thought it would be something fun to do.

Banana Mash Mask by Dr. Oz

  • ¼ a banana
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ¼ cup yogurt

Directions:
Mash ¼ banana and combine with a teaspoon of honey and ¼ cup of yogurt. Spread over face and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and gently pat dry.

Seems easy enough. And way cheaper than Botox right?

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We let my grandma be the tester – how nice of us right? It was cold and she said it tingled a bit but other than that she had no complaints.

The Chiquita had more complaints as she said we were scary.

I was the next one to put the mask on, and yes, it was a bit cold. My only complaint was that it felt sort of gross on…but maybe it was because I knew what was on my face?

We asked the Chiquita if she wanted a mask. “No! Scary!”

My mom refused to put the mask on at this point because she didn’t want her picture on the internet – LOL – while my grandma yelled, “Oh who cares!”

So here’s my grandma and I sporting banana masks in our jammies. :) Lovely aren’t we?

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My mom did test drive the banana mask. She and I agreed we both felt a bit “fresher” afterwards. We noticed the most improvement on my grandma. Maybe because she has the most wrinkles? After the banana mask my grandma’s skin looked much clearer and smoother.

Do I recommend this mask? Why the heck not….but I will probably still be getting Botox in the near future!

What masks have you tried with at home products?

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Jlee’s Review – The Banana Diet

22 Feb

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I would say about once a year I decide to tighten my belt. Or um loosen in this case because my True Religion jeans don’t fit. Same thing happened last year – remember 5 Days of Insanity?

I think it has something to do with winter and needing a little extra padding. I tend to hibernate in the winter – after all I just admitted to watching 5 hours in a row of Bethenny Ever After – and during the holidays I always loosen up a little bit. Instead of one cookie I eat 10. And now here we are…approaching spring…and the other day I button my True Religion jeans (that barely even made it over my ass) and I’ve got this role hanging over my pants.

I looked in the mirror completely disgusted. “What is this?” I asked my husband.

“What?”

“This!?!” I say while squeezing the roll. “You don’t SEE this?!?”

“I think you look pretty damn good,” he says, giving me the eye.

While I do appreciate that, deep down no matter what your size you know what is acceptable for you. And barely zipping my True Religion jeans is not acceptable for me.

I’m thinking this is going to turn into a yearly thing….approaching spring feels like a good time to hit the reset button. Start fresh. Regroup. Time to remind myself that moderation is key and blah blah blah.

So I Googled ‘Japanese diet’. I seriously did. I mean the Japanese are skinny right?

I even Googled ‘fat Japanese person’ just as a reference for this post and look what I stumbled upon…Fat in Japan? You’re Breaking the Law, though I don’t know if this law is still in effect?

Deciding the Japanese diet probably wasn’t for me I decided on the Banana diet.

Photo courtesy of truththeory.com

Photo courtesy of truththeory.com

Here it is:

For 3-4 days you eat 3-5 bananas/day combining them with 3-4 cups of low-fat milk. If you’re not a big milk drinker you can drink almond milk.

Quick side note: I’m obsessed with almond milk. I started drinking it about six months ago. I don’t drink a ton of milk, and this milk never goes bad. It lasts forever. If I buy a ½ gallon of almond milk at about $4 it will last me for two weeks. Plus it has fewer calories. Win-win!

You can also eat your banana with plain yogurt. You can eat the banana and the yogurt separately or you can blend one banana with one cup of milk and/or yogurt to make a smoothie.

According to the website this 3-4 day banana diet will help you lose 6 pounds. Not only do I have about 5 pounds to lose but I also have to get my appetite down – it’s like I’ve been starving all day every day for the past 2-3 weeks! – and clean out the processed foods. Way too much pizza and take-out lately.

They also have a 7 day diet menu featured on their website.

I opted to do the 3 day diet, but I did it for 4 days.

Here is my experience:

silkDay 1: Day 1 was an absolute breeze. While I can’t completely skip coffee I did decide to detox from Dunkin Donuts iced coffee for four days while on this “cleanse”. I did make a small coffee in the AM but instead of cream I added almond milk and 1 tsp of sugar – which for me is intense. My coffee is like dessert…cream, sugar, the whole nine yards.

I ate four bananas throughout my work day. I started at 8:30 AM and timed my eating out until 4:30 pm to eat 1 banana and drink 1 cup of milk every 2-3 hours. I was feeling pretty good!

When I got home I made a banana smoothie. I blended my 5th banana, 1 more cup of milk, plain Greek yogurt and a handful of ice. It was pretty delicious!

Throughout the day I sipped on water and Green tea.

Yes, I was hungry, but as I said above I’ve been hungry regardless of what I’ve eaten for the past 2-3 weeks. So before even when I was actually eating I was still starving. I went to bed feeling content and good about myself, whereas the last week of binging has left me going to bed feeling very blah.

Day 2: Day 2 I woke up feeling hungry. Not a good start. I sort of had the shakes too. I made my coffee at home with almond milk and skipped the sugar. I walked in the office at 7:59 and ate a banana.

I’m not going to lie. Day 2 was a struggle. Day 2 I thought about breaking down and getting Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and knew that would get me through. And then I reminded myself that is what heroin addicts say.

In an effort now to just prove a point to myself that I can go four days without DD I decided to stay firm. I mean, for the love of God, there are Americans overseas fighting a war, and I’m having a breakdown in my office about not having Dunkin Donuts iced coffee? Good grief.

At noon I broke down and ate a hard-boiled egg. In the 7 day version you are allowed to eat hard-boiled eggs. I figured it was better than breaking down completely and getting a Big Mac. I also chugged 1 cup of milk in 4 seconds flat. I set down the cup and wished it was a glass of red wine, but oh well. On Friday I plan on getting hammered. On iced coffee and wine.

For dinner I ate my banana smoothie plus I indulged in a bowl of lettuce. Not salad. Lettuce. Just lettuce. In a bowl. It’s actually not very good.

I was really aggravated and crabby all evening. My husband yelled at me to not take my hunger out on him. I yelled at him to not talk to me because he is annoying. I went to bed at 8:30 PM relieved to end the day.

Day 3: I woke up feeling not as hungry and in better spirits. I put on a pair of jeans – tight! Ugh! – and decided this is a good thing seeing as though my jeans are still tight.

I made coffee at home and managed to hold off on my banana and glass of almond milk until 8:30 AM.  At noon I ate a hard-boiled egg.

I think it’s weird that I don’t feel that bad….I felt pretty energetic and happy. I just wished I could go get Dunkin Donuts. What does this say about me? I find it slightly alarming, but my husband says it’s the hunger talking. I’m not hungry, per se, but I’m really sick of eating the same thing.

I keep reminding myself that I only have one more day to go. I will take pride in successfully taking off 4 days of DD to get myself in ‘check’…Four days of remembering what it feels like to view food as gas for your body as opposed to the luxury of eating…

I definitely felt the best on Day 3. I even made it to the YMCA and signed up for a bootcamp class. I did totally suck in bootcamp. I think of myself as a somewhat in shape person so I’m not sure if I’m just not as in shape as I thought or if it was the fact that I am consuming fewer calories than usual. Either way, I did complete bootcamp and felt pretty damn good about myself!

When we got home I sat with the Chiquita to watch the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She ate her goldfish, and I snacked (1/3 cup) on nut and berry mix from Trader Joe’s. It was quite tasty.

I slept like a rock.

Day 4: I woke up feeling like it should be Friday. It should be my Dunkin Donuts day. Ugh. I seriously have another day of this?

I don’t feel that hungry, but I’m just so over this…

I remembered I have an event tonight. I will have to attend without eating or drinking. I will stay strong and do it because I’ve come this far; I’m not bailing now.

I sipped Green tea after my first milk and banana combo. For lunch I had a hard-boiled egg again. The hard-boiled egg has been a nice addition to this diet. I did also snack on my Trader Joe’s nut and berry mix. I told you, I’m losing steam, but I am staying strong.

TunacharlieMy uncle told me that he has heard of a modified version of the banana diet from a friend who is a nutritionist/body builder. He said that when his friend is in competition mode his diet changes to a banana/tuna diet. I think this actually doesn’t sound that bad but remember I make my tuna with mayo, mustard, celery…I don’t think I could even eat plain tuna without gagging. It doesn’t help that I have a fish phobia. But, something to think about if you like tuna.

Reminds me of the dude I worked with in high school who ate plain tuna in the can every single day. We called him Tuna Ass Breath Man. To this day I still call him Tuna. LOL

I continue to repeat in my head: Just get through today to have Dunkin Donuts tomorrow. What kind of sick obsession is this? It’s worse than my obsession with Juicy Couture. Or Giuliana Rancic.

Day 5: I made it. I know you’re wondering if I ate or drank at last night’s event, and I’m happy to report that I didn’t. :) Shame on you for doubting me! I did, however, attend with an 8 oz. coffee. I figured if I had the coffee taste in my mouth I’d be less likely to falter. My coffee was made with almond milk and 1 tsp. of sugar. I stuck through to the end.

This morning I pulled in the Dunkin Donuts drive thru excited to get my iced coffee. I’d been debating on my ride over if I should get it with skim milk or cream. I opted for skim milk. It’s not the same, but wasn’t bad and if felt great to take the first sip.

DD

When I got to work I even had a banana.

I feel great. :)

Some common questions:

1. Aren’t you constipated?
Nope! My poops have been plentiful!

2. Are you really eating only bananas?
I am really eating everything I described above.

3. Aren’t you getting sick of bananas?
Fuck yeah.

4. How do you feel on the banana diet versus the juice cleanse?
I feel a lot better on the banana diet then I felt on the juice cleanse. On the juice cleanse I was very sore. I felt sick and lethargic. I had the shakes and diarrhea. I had headaches. I was a mess. On the banana diet I feel pretty good honestly! I really just can’t get over how much I miss Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. I’m convinced they put drugs in it because I am drinking one small coffee (8 oz.) per day with almond milk and lite or no sugar so it’s not like I’m not drinking any coffee at all.

5. Would you do it again?
Absolutely! It gave me a great sense of accomplishment in addition to the reset my body needed. It’s also cheap and easy to do – just buy some milk and bananas.

6. Did you lose any weight?
I’m honestly not sure. I don’t weigh myself. I have to try on my True Religion jeans this weekend. What I can tell you is that I feel great. I feel not only a sense of accomplishment but my body feels great! My stomach looks smaller, my pants fit better today and maybe I’m just in love with myself today but I honestly feel like I even look better! I highly recommend this diet!

Please use the comments section below to tell us of any outrageous diets you’ve tried!

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Jlee’s Review – Kiwi Crate

20 Feb

I was given the opportunity to review the art subscription service for kids called Kiwi Crate. I had never heard of Kiwi Crate when they contacted me, and I was anxious to try their product because it is something artsy and fun that you do with your child. I’m not a very crafty person, and I thought this would be a perfect way to do some crafting with my kid.

In full disclosure I received this beautiful box of goodies for free; however, this is an unbiased review of the product.

Each month a crate will arrive on your doorstep complete with everything you need – and I do mean everything! Pencils, scissors, sponges, paints, paper, stickers, oh my, I wanted to play with it. Alone. Without the Chiquita. This is my art project! :)

kiwi crate 6

kiwi crate 2

We sat down to craft on a Sunday morning. Look at our spread.

See my iced coffee on the table?

See my iced coffee on the table?

kiwi crate 1

Not only do you receive all the supplies you need, but you also receive inspiration! Kiwi Crates are designed by parents, reviewed by experts and tested by kids.

The projects are fun and engaging. The Chiquita was definitely entertained and is STILL playing with her “bug” we made.

kiwi crate 5

kiwi crate 4

While I was at first a little overwhelmed by the Kiwi Crate, I loved that we had everything we needed at our finger tips. No excuses to be made for not sitting with the Chiquita once/month to get our creative juices flowing.

I definitely recommend this subscription service because art is such an important part of development. This is great way to engage your child in a developmentally appropriate project without the hassle of having to go to the craft store and figure out what to make – something I for one could never handle.

Even the celebs are doing it….

US

Kiwi Crate also features a DIY section!

I think we're gonna have to try to make this little dude.

I think we’re gonna have to try to make this little dude.

They also feature ‘limited edition’ projects, party favors, a Kiwi toy (omg soo cute!)…check out the website. You will surely be blown away!!

Kiwi Plush Toy...so stinkin cute!

Kiwi Plush Toy…so stinkin cute!

The Chiquita and I had such a wonderful Sunday together. :)

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Jlee’s Review – Prosecuting Casey Anthony

20 Jan

Our favorite Brat-packer starred in the Lifetime Original Movie Prosecuting Casey Anthony, which premiered on Saturday, January 19, 2013. I sat down to watch this movie thinking it would really entice me because 1. I am interested in Casey Anthony’s bazaar and mysterious story and 2. I was excited that Rob Lowe was to be acting in another Lifetime docudrama. If you recall, Rob Lowe also played our favorite narcissistic big dicked cop, Drew Peterson, in Lifetime’s Drew Peterson: Untouchable.

While part of the Drew Peterson movie was laughable, it was at least interesting. Prosecuting Casey Anthony was a snooze fest at best. I felt that Rob Lowe’s lackluster performance was missing the heart that I expected to see; his character felt cold and clinical…or maybe that’s how prosecutor Jeff Ashton is in real life.

My husband said, “I wonder if his wife is really that hot or if they just picked a hot chick for the sake of the movie.” Hmm, let’s research.

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I don't see the resemblance...

I don’t see the resemblance…

He did write a best-selling book titled Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony, upon which this movie is based. I haven’t yet read it, but one review (found on Amazon) says: I would absolutely say this is a must read if you are at all still interested in this case.

Just wondering, has anyone else read it?

One performance I did enjoy was that of character actor – and Chicago native! - Kevin Dunn. His performance drew me in – I wanted to sob with him and give him a big hug despite always questioning how George Anthony could remain so calm in court when accusations of molesting his daughter arose.

If I ever made up some bullshit like that [not that I'm saying she made it up] – my dad would have jumped off his seat and beat my ass inside that courtroom. And yes, even at 22 years old.

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Also starring in this movie – which I was pleasantly surprised about – is The Office star Oscar Nunez. Nunez stars as Casey Anthony’s attorney Jose Baez. I love this dude, but unfortunately while watching a supposedly inexperienced attorney win a murder case I couldn’t help recalling this disturbing movie clip:

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Sadly I find Lifetime movies starring Tori Spelling to be more entertaining, but as I’ve said before any Lifetime movie is a good one to watch while scarfing down McDonald’s and nursing a hangover on the couch.

One surprise I wasn’t aware of: Casey Anthony posted a video diary of herself in January 2012???

Umm...for realz???

Umm…for realz???

So strange and had me thinking of Nancy Grace’s famous quote on the controversial verdict:

“The devil is dancing tonight.”

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Jlee’s Review – #VSFashionShow

4 Dec

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In my next life I really hope I come back as a Victoria’s Secret Model. I want to wear big angel wings and walk down a runway in 6” heels with an amazing bod while Rihanna sings in really bitchin pearl shades.

OMG RiRi looks soo cool!

OMG RiRi looks soo cool!

I mean, can I say I’m just a little envious sitting here in my PJs and glasses eating a brownie while I watch these gorgeous women – some of them even mothers! – strut down the runway in pieces of art for clothing. I imagine myself blowing a kiss to the audience as I head backstage to drink champagne and get a picture with the Biebs.

Omg, where did I go wrong in my life?

I’m just kidding. I mean, sort of. Though I do sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I were prettier. Or if I had a better personality. But instead I was a born a hairy bad-tempered Italian with major anxiety. #awesome

I’ve watched the VS Fashion Show every year since 2005, the year Tyra retired, except last year. Last year I was just coming out of the PPD, and I didn’t have it in me to sit and watch these perfect specimens…the freaky hot chicks with big boobs, concave stomachs and seemingly good personalities.

This year I was up to it though. And as always, the 2012 show did not disappoint. Victoria’s Secret always adopts the “go big or go home” mentality and this year was no exception. I found the show to be entertaining as always, but it’s not like it left me wanting to race out to Victoria’s Secret to buy some lingerie because let’s face it, that would be depressing.

Some quick thoughts on the 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show:

  • My favorite angel is Miranda Kerr.

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  • RiRi’s “Diamonds” performance was amazeballs. It gave me chills.
    Rihanna+2012+Victoria+Secret+Fashion+Show+_W-Sg9hP1Kel
  • Bruno Mars and the Biebs also performed. According to CBSnews.com the Biebs was cozying up with Hungarian model Barbara Palvin after the show!

    He looks like a white Kanye in this outfit.

    He looks like a white Kanye in this outfit.

  • Alessandra Ambrosio has the honor of wearing the $2.5 million “Fantasy Bra” created by London Jewelers.

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  • Erin Heatherton is a fellow Chi-Town girl and was actually born and raised in Skokie, IL.

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I don’t really have anything else to report….I mean, it’s hot chicks walking around with music playing….I’m pretty sure you know what it’s all about. Did you watch? What did you think? Who is your fave Angel?

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Jlee’s Review – Liz and Dick

2 Dec

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Not sure if you caught Lifetime’s Original Movie Liz & Dick, which premiered on November 25, 2012, but if you didn’t I highly recommend catching a repeat.

I found this movie, which is based on a true story of the tumultuous love affair between Elizabeth Taylor (played by Lindsay Lohan) and Richard Burton (played by Grant Bowler) to be equally entertaining and frustrating.

The highly anticipated Liz & Dick was to be a comeback role for troubled former child star Lohan. Of being cast as Taylor, Lindsay said, “I have always admired and had enormous respect for Elizabeth Taylor. She was not only an incredible actress but an amazing woman as well. I am very honored to have been asked to play this role.”

Unfortunately, 4 days after the movie opened to less than stellar reviews Lohan was arrested for an alleged New York City nightclub brawl. Lohan’s seventh arrest came just after a recent sit down with US Weekly about her plans to stay on the “straight-and-narrow”.

Poor poor LindsLo. I’m serious. I actually really like Lindsay Lohan, and I feel like her crazy parents have royally f*cked her. She started out as a brilliant actress – remember The Parent Trap? Freaky Friday? Mean Girls????

But because her mom, Dina, has spent the last ten or s0 years hitting the LA club scene with her daughter while dad, Michael, has done multiple stints in jail and rehab (did you catch him on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew? Yes….yes, I did.) this girl didn’t stand a chance in Hollywood.

Drinking, drugs, Porsche’s and lesbians = my kind of life BUT luckily for me my parents loved me more than money and therefore didn’t try to sell me to the first talent agency upon my acclaimed Burger King performance when I was 5.

But back to Liz & Dick. Let’s break it down…

#1 – Liz & Dick is a Lifetime movie (Sunday hangover channel)
#2 – LindsLo may be a train wreck, but she IS a good actress
#3 – Based on a true story (only the best kind of story)
#4 – Gives an inside look at the life of Dame Elizabeth Taylor

How could this movie be a fail?

As mentioned above, I found this movie to be both entertaining and frustrating. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen, but was at the same time yelling ‘why the hell can’t you two just get along?’ at the TV.

Referred to as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, I was quite intrigued with a celeb romance I did not see splattered all over US Weekly since I wasn’t yet born at the time of Taylor and Burton’s infamous affair. I found myself questioning all my years of loyalty to Miss Marilyn Monroe, and wishing I’d read a biography or two on Dame Taylor as well.

I found LindsLo’s portrayal of the beautiful, complex and legendary actress – who also happened to be a businesswoman and an AIDS and HIV activist – to be quite endearing, as if they share a vulnerability that is cursed by fame and self-loathing. And I do think Lohan emulated Taylor more than the critics believed…

The Liz and Dick; photo courtesy of Lifetime

The Liz and Dick; photo courtesy of Lifetime.

Bowler and Lohan as Liz and Dick in Cleopatra; photo courtesy of Lifetime.

Bowler and Lohan as Liz and Dick in Cleopatra; photo courtesy of Lifetime.

The most unfortunate part of the movie, however, was the chemistry between LindsLo and leading man Grant Bowler. The fighting parts were believable, but the making love parts were like gag me. I kept wondering if Bowler was kissing Lohan thinking, “Does she have Herpes?”

Saw the hate but not the love.

Saw the hate but not the love.

I did enjoy this movie, but I’m pretty easy to please. I loved Lifetime’s other infamous movie featuring our favorite big dicked Bolingbrook cop Drew Peterson. A sucker for based on a true story” flicks especially featuring famous people I knew there was no way I would not not like this movie.

However, because I knew I would be doing a write-up for my readers I did screen it with an open mind. I would definitely watch it again – if for no other reason than to see Liz’s big [gorgeous] rock Burton bought for her “pudgy” fingers.

Elizabeth Taylor Emerald Ring; photo courtesy of Lifetime.

Elizabeth Taylor Emerald Ring; photo courtesy of Lifetime.

My favorite parts were when Liz and Dick were being interviewed….at that time I found them to be charming, realistic and heart wrenching. And how could you not tear up when at the end it was revealed that Elizabeth kept all of Richard’s letters until her death? Omg, a true love story.

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Did you catch Liz & Dick? What did you think?

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Jlee’s Review – iChoice 30 Day Health and Weight Management Program

30 Nov

LYF_iChoice_Logo1After 5 Days of Insanity I knew that cleanses were not for me. My body responds best to mini meals and shakes with one healthy meal – kind of the Slim Fast approach to things. I was drinking Slim Fast shakes for lunch (they’re really not that bad!) and eating a healthy dinner of chicken and veggies.

My weight is stable. I actually lost weight since I quit drinking pop 6 months ago. We also recently joined the Y which has been great because I love running on the track. I used to run a lot before I got pregnant, but after having the Chiquita I couldn’t get back into running.

My best guy friend – who is also a personal trainer – (check out his site here) said it best: “You gotta push through. Just push through.”

We were having lunch about two months ago – omg Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza (they have a great lunch special) – and I was telling him, “I just can’t seem to run anymore. Like I start running and then I just like can’t seem to keep going.”

This is why I picked up hot yoga. I thought that maybe since having a baby my body just couldn’t run anymore? And then he said it; something so simple yet something I tell myself when I’m running on the track feeling like death and hating every moment of it: Push through Jen, just push through.

I’m only up to two miles, but whatever, running is so good for my mental health that is blows away any physical benefits, so it really is a win-win. My goal is to train for a ½ marathon next year! Uh-oh, I told you all, so now I have to really try. Yikes.

Anyways, this post is not about running and me bragging about my new-found joy of running, but rather about my next Groupon adventure of the iChoice 30 Day Health & Weight Management Program.

Yes, after 5 Days of Insanity I was like officially done with all this weight loss shit. Time to hit the gym and eat right! Yeah right…I mean I do try…but like I said I found something that works well for my body. I was drinking Slim Fast shakes when the iChoice 30 Day Health & Weight Management Program came up on Groupon. The cost was $30 for a 30 day package.

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I figured I’d give it a shot for if no other reason than to blog about it. The program consists of: A multi-vitamin (iChoice Reach), a one-meal/day replacement shake (iChoice Commit), and an all-natural “fat-blocker” drink mix (iChoice Block).

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I take vitamins every day and I have a strict vitamin regimen, so I was excited to try the multi-vitamin – a Bi-Layered High Potency Multi-Vitamin Supplement. The multi-vitamin is a pack of three vitamins. I don’t have much to say on the vitamins. I didn’t notice myself feeling any better or any worse taking these particular multi-vitamins. In fact, more so than a multi I have a Vitamin B Complex that I swear by.

I was also excited to try the shake since I do like drinking a shake for lunch. I know it seems weird, but I often run errands on lunch or in the summer I sit outside and read or journal so it’s much easier to bring a shake with me as opposed to a Lean Cuisine meal. I also find myself feeling good after lunch as opposed to feeling lethargic from a meal. I ate a Lean Cuisine the other day, and I felt like I was going to fall asleep at my desk.

My friend thinks I starve myself of food, but I really don’t. The shakes provide a lot of vitamins and nutrients as well as protein – Fiber, High Protein Meal Replacement Shake – so it really does fill you up! The shake is a green powder that you can add 8 oz. of water or juice to. I had wanted to try it with juice for this review, but I don’t actually drink a lot of juice so I only drank the shake with water. Just so you know the shake is green. I was like Wtf. I mean, it makes sense if the powder is green, but the first time I made it I was like: What the F*ck is this?

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The taste, however, is pretty good! I found the shake to be quite tasty and very filling, and I bet it’s even better with different juices! This was a pleasant surprise. Side note: The iChoice website features different recipes that will improve the taste and add fruit!

I was a little nervous about the “fat-blocker” water mix – Natural Fat and Carb Inhibitor Powdered Drink. You mix the powder with a 16 oz. water bottle. I’ve used these type of products before and find it’s always the same. The first few times you drink it you think Hmmm…this isn’t bad, I can handle this. And after about 14 days they make you want to vomit. I actually could not drink it anymore. I literally could not stomach the idea of drinking it. Unfortunately I probably threw half of them away.

What was the outcome? Did I lose weight? Do I now look like a Victoria’s Secret model?

Miranda Kerr's bod is amazeballs!

Miranda Kerr’s bod is amazeballs!

Sorry to disappoint but I pretty much look the same. I did this system for more of a maintenance program to maintain my current weight so I did splurge now and again on the weekends. I’ve definitely maintained my weight, and I’m sure if you really put your mind to it by following the system exactly as its intended I have no doubts you will lose weight.

I like the message of iChoice because the program is geared more towards wellness, nutrition and anti-aging as opposed to weight loss. They also have a ‘members only’ section which features specialists and expert opinions.

Have you tried the iChoice Program? What did you think?

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5 Days of Insanity: Part III

18 Sep

The 5 Days of Insanity posts continue to be very popular on my blog. 5 Days of Insanity has actually gotten the highest views and most comments of any of my posts. (Thanks Readers!! :D )

It all started when I purchased a Groupon for a 5 day juice cleanse from A Choice 4 Life back in March. Not much of a cleanse person (I’m Italian, and I like my food) I figured I’d give it a shot and do a write-up of my experience for the blog.

After talking about it with a friend she decided to also give it a shot. By the way, she is a cleanse person and usually does very well on cleanses and diets in general (unlike me). When she purchased the A Choice 4 Life Juice Cleanse I asked her if she would write a guest post of her experience for the blog. She agreed ~ and has offered some great tips for my readers in 5 Days of Insanity: Part II.

Not to beat a dead horse…but seeing as though there is continued interest in this Groupon and this juice cleanse, I figured we could use a man’s point of view.

Today’s post comes to us from Dave. A big thank you to Dave! I’m glad you survived. :)

Photo courtesy of A Choice 4 Life

 

Hi Jennifer – thought I would keep you up to date with my five day journey…I am on day 2 as I type and can tell you much much worse than day 1.
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It’s a long time coming, but my girlfriend and I are finally doing the 5 day cleansing after taking a month to receive it from Groupon. We both decided to start on Monday, since we didn’t want to destroy our weekends with starvation and everything else that comes with a cleansing.Day 1-I woke up around 7 and was surprisingly not hungry? Not sure why – maybe I convinced my body that it didn’t need food during the five days. I drank my 12 ounces and tea and 6 ounces of protein – which tastes eerily familiar to being in a barn filled with hay? Hmmm… I wonder if they just tell you it’s protein? I went to work with one arm filled with fruit and the other with a 64 ounce bottle of grapefruit juice. Believe it or not, my first day was somewhat ‘normal’ other than a mild headache (lack of coffee) and a constant running to the bathroom because I was drinking so much. I think by the end of the five days the carpet between my office and the bathroom will be worn down. My evening was the same, for some reason I was not that hungry. I ate grapes, a plum and a pound or two of watermelon. Off to bed around 10 with a commitment to continue for the next 4 days.

Day 2-I woke up at 4:45 and off to the gym I went. I did weights and 45 minutes of spinning. I felt a bit achy, but probably from the Tough Mudder Challenge I did the past weekend – not likely from all the fruit working it’s way through my body. Came home, drank my ‘stuff’ (tea and protein) and off to work with Apple Juice. This of course is where my 5 day program gets interesting. I am drinking my apple juice in the morning and rather enjoying the change from the tart grapefruit the day before. At about 9:30 a.m. my stomach starts rumbling and 15 minutes later… all hell breaks loose! I am now running back and forth to the shitter maybe 6 or 7 times until 11:00, at which time I have to leave for an offsite meeting! I am gone until 1:00 and during that time I am dying! Holding everything back and in for what felt like an eternity. Made it back to my house for another quick relief and then off to the office to finish my juice and allocate 20% of the rest of my day to the porcelain god.Oddly enough, my evening was uneventful and I would say even good. I ate another pound of watermelon, watch a movie and honestly – just not hungry…weird for me. No more rumbling or porcelain gods for the evening!

Day 3-I didn’t sleep well last night, probably more stress related than the cleansing. When I finally got up around 7:00, I felt really good – not hungry at all, which is odd for me. I did my usual tea and protein before leaving the house cradling my prune juice (better known as shit maker) and a bag of grapes. How does one even contemplate 64 ounces of shit maker? Are you kidding me – I think the person who designed the cleansing is a sick mf’er! My day went exactly as you would have expected – running back and forth to my second office from 11:00 on, but this time with more power and vengeance from the body. I think I must have a lot of toxins in me because far more is coming out then ever went in! My stomach is in constant cramps with a side of rumble to boot. I am not hungry (no surprise) but I don’t feel weak or lethargic like others have from the cleansing. In the evening, I cooked dinner for my girls and watched them eat one of my favorite dishes. My stomach was going absolutely crazy throughout the evening with my last run the bathroom at 1:36 a.m. I’ll be honest, I was a bit scared that I was going to shit my pants in the middle of the night – oh what a feeling! I am now beginning to wonder if this is all worth it…

Day 4-Not sure what’s wrong with me, but definitely not sleeping well…I was falling in and out of sleep throughout the night, but my stomach cramps were gone after my 1:36 bout. My day started fine, although a bit lethargic. I quickly drank my protein hay and herbal/detoxing tea. Today’s drink of choice was grape juice. Oh how deceptive that wonderful child drink can be. My morning went fine with one trip to the bathroom and an amazing amount of grumbling. I had a client lunch, asked for a fruit plate with weird stares from my guest and of course this restaurant has NO fruit. So I sit and drank my lemon water while everyone is devouring plates of wonderfulness! During lunch, I am feeling something ‘coming on’ but resist going to the bathroom as I know it may be a while. After an hour or so, we finally drop off the client and head back to the office. This is when I knew I was done! I was in the bathroom for 20 minutes and 11 flushes later. I felt at this point I had cleaned every part of my system and had nothing left to give. Later on in the evening, I had two bowls of soup, contemplated my last four days and felt satisfied with my cleansing. I have not weighed myself – but would imagine that I lost 5 – 7 pounds. I feel thinner and know that I did something good for my body.

I am not sure I would recommend it. If I knew for sure it made a difference – YES, but I will never know. It’s a bit of faith that goes into these cleansings.

The consensus seems to be that you spend an awful lot of time on the toilet….so might want to invest in one of these.

If you are interested in trying this cleanse here is the information that you need:

A Choice For Life, Holistic Wellness Center
10650 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 239-7740
www.AChoice4Life.com

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