Reality Round Up

Happy Friday! So another week bites the dust. I hope you all had a good one. I've fallen behind with my writing so I'm really frustrated. Cut to me growling over here. I fear I'm not fit company for man or beast. Poor Jack and the rest of the family will just have to put up with me though. That or move.

Oh well.

I believe I haven't done any reality talk in such a long time. What are ya'll watching? Top Chef and the dueling brothers? Do we miss the Hot Mess Atl Housewives? Is anybody wearing SHE by Sheree. No? I didn't think so. Man that woman bugged me to no end.

Do you know who else bugs me? Russell on Survivor. What a good villain he is!

Also how sad to see hot mess Aaron go on DWTS. Big messy hugs to him. He and Mya are my only favorites. Sorry to all the Donny lovers but gags there. Ugh!

This is for you Aaron.









best,
Kwana -falling into the NaNo insanity

Head Spinning- Spoiler alerts!

Hi all. Happy Friday!

First off thanks so much for all your comments and congrats yesterday on my 600th post. If you didn't comment there is still a little time to go here comment and enter for your chance to win a 20.00 gift card. So please follow and comment!

My head is still spinning today after my roller coaster rides and last night's TV watching did nothing to help. Project Runway is back! How awful is it for me that it's up against The Not so Real Housewives? Torture I tell ya!

So I watched Project Runway both the pre-show All Stars and the actual show.

I was thrilled to see Tim Gunn back. I've decided I need a Tim Gunn in my life as my writing coach. With him I'd never give up no matter how many rejections. I'd Make It Work despite all doubts.

I loved seeing the all stars back. Santino was a trip. I can't for the life of me figure out why Chris March was to tired or what was going on with Michael/Mychael Knight's name. Yeesh. Oh and Jeffery's stach just about cracked my up. Those zany all stars.























In the end I was totally disappointed with who the judges picked to win. Once again disappointing me and my girl Korto. I have a feeling there will be a lot of that this season. Look she still looks mad in this pic.





See they went for Daniel. Doesn't he look smug? I think they look these pics after the winner was chosen. Don't you? He's about to crack up here.



As for the Season premier I think they totally made the right decision and spared us a few episodes of general nuttiness in clothing by letting Ari go. That was no red carpet dress. Buh-bye.

I ended up taping The Real Housewives of ATL. Will save that hot mess for tonight. I'm spent.

9:21 Update: I watched. It was a hot mess. Kim doesn't know who King Tut is. And I can't sell a book. What is with the world? Sigh? I'm getting a blond Barbie wig maybe that will help.

best,
Kwana

A Hot Mess!

I'm deep in editing mode right now and this project is taking me way longer than I thought and had hoped. I really hope it's not for nothing but I keep holding onto the words that author, Jayne Ann Krentz aka Amanda Quick told me at Nationals last year, "No writing is wasted writing."

The story is improving. So that means I am improving.

Where that will lead, I don't know. As an artist and being close to my work it's hard to tell exactly where I am on the craft scale compared to other writers. Now I know some may say you shouldn't compare yourself to anyone else, but that's not true. You have to know what's out there and ultimately sell your story against what else is out there. I guess in the end all I can do is be true to myself and the story and do my best which is what I do with each book I write.

Now on the the hot messery...So tonight The Real Housewives of Atlanta are back tonight. I'll be watching. I can't want to see all the crazy antics. Check out the trailer. Big Poppa is still on he scene. SHE by Sheree has some competition and NeNe is still NeNe. Yay! Will you be watching with me?





Best,
Kwana

2012

What's Jack up to? Jack's been enjoying peaceful warm days and wild evening with the dear twins. They give him no rest and he gives them none either. So with that I get none. The nights are ...fun?

Not a big one for conspiracy theories, well, maybe a bit but not the scary ones I'm still still crazy drawn to this movie. It's got John Cusack. Win there and it's directed by Roland Emmerich director of Independence Day another win. I saw this trailer during Harry Potter with the Dear Twins and can't get it out of my head. It's wild.




Don't know where I'll be in 2012, but I'm pretty sure I'll be in the IMAX come November.

What movies are you looking forward to?

Oh and it's Real Hot Mess of ATL Countdown time. Are you ready for tomorrow?

Best,
Kwana

Strange for a Wednesday

I heard this Duran Duran song the other day and now it's stuck in my head. I'm still such an 80's baby. What does it make you think of?




Oh and did any of you watch the Real Hot Mess Housewives of New Jersey finale complete with table flipping? As I tweeted last night: "Keep it Klassy Ladies."



best,

Kwana

I'm a Vulcan!

And My hair is fab! Though everything else is just strange and freaky.

Oh Kristen and Mel you do find the best things. Thanks so much!

Now go and make your own here and keep the joy going. Happy Friday.

Best,
Kwana


P.S.

1. Book/Dinner/Wine/Mom's night out was so much fun. We had an exciting discussion over The Ten Year Nap. We even got lively over the word 'piquant'. All different views on the characters and the style of writing. We were the loudest in the restaurant. Thank goodness we were in the back and we were the last to leave the restaurant. Too funny.

2.Did you watch the real Hot Messes of NYC part 2 reunion? So fun! The best. Le Countess giving Kelly the business. Who woulda thunk it? Then the Kelly Bethenny showdown. Whoa!

Girl's Night Out-Literary Edition

Tonight is book group or book/wine/dinner group. Well, to be honest it's mom's night out with a book to give it legitimacy.

New restaurant tonight, Persian and BYOB. Fun! PVE is the designated driver. Loves her!

We've all finished THE TEN YEAR NAP and I can't wait to get into the discussion and see who thought what of this book about mothers going through life's adversities. I've got my thoughts. But, don't I always?

The new selection is THE LACE READER by Brunonia Barry. I've decided to "read" this one on audio book during walks with Jack since the weather is getting better and my TBR (to be read) pile is tipping over and full of great romances that I'm excited to read.

Here is the trailer:

What are you currently reading?

Best,
Kwana

P.S. I made an error! Part 2 of the NYC Housewives reunion is tonight. I'm setting my DVR are you watching?

Domestic Space Goddess

What's Jack up to? Jack is chilling as I write this. Wish I had time to chill like dear Jack. That's okay. He'll chill for me.


I'm a woman being hurled though space and time with lots to say and not enough time to say it. It's been all work, work, work and none of it fun.





All this domestic stuff had me dreaming of pirates taking me away. No, not those kind but the sexy romantic sweep me away in tight breeches kind thank you very much.

I mean, hey if I'm swabbing the deck there might as well be a nice treasure at the end of the deal. Sigh.



Hey and did you all watch Part 1 of the Real Housewives of the NYC hot mess reunion special? I love it when the words come back to. They always do. Hello Camera! Ramona and her wildness. Kelly and the tears. There was so much Hot Messery that they need a part 2 next week.

And then I couldn't even go to bed because they put The Hot Messes of New Jersey on right after. What?! Teresa is going for a French chateau look in her marble, granite and onyx house and paying only in cash. I'm saying no more.



Oh, Bravo how I love and hate you at the same time.



Ugh!
Kwana

The Fashion Show

So tonight I'll be in front on the TV with, hopefully, my new fix, Isaac Mizrahi and The Fashion Show. I've got my fingers crossed that it will be a good filler for my Project Runway that is running away to Lifetime. Which is on channel Idon'tevenknow coming on Idon'tevenknowwhen.

I'll be happy to see cutie, Kelly Rowland but come on, can she bring the barbs? That will have to be all Issac. We'll see people? I wonder if it will Be David Dust blog worthy? Hmm...




Best,
Kwana

Spring Forward- New Knits

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Knit Wednesday post. Mainly, because I’m embarrassed to be so far behind in my knitting. I’m still on that darn second sock. Every once in a while knitting a row here and there and when it’s our Wednesday knitting group but mostly doing more therapeutic chatting than knitting.

I also have a bulky black turtleneck that I fear may be done by the winter of 2020 at the rate I’m going but at this point my mind is now onto lighter prettier things like this:

The pattern is called Spring Forward.



Isn’t it sweet? From here and unfortunately way out of my league. I’d probably have to start with taking a class in lace knitting before a could graduate up to a circular sock in such a pattern but isn’t it nice to dream?


New thing to add to my goal list: Take a class in lace knitting.

Tell me, what’s something new you’d like to learn?

Best,
Kwana



P.S.



How funny are the Not So Real Housewives of the NYC? Thisssss funny. That dis-Countess and Ramona had me laughing so hard last night. I sure needed that at 10PM. And Alex and Simon in their sad blow up pool. I cracked up but it gave me something to like about them. I should get one for the DH and I. We'll be living the high life too.

Top Chef Watch What Happens- Spoiler alert ahead

So I just watched the watched what happens special this morning because I was all thrown off with my times last night and watched Top Model. I have to say. This is the way to watch Top Chef!

Well Bravo did a nice job trying to sell us on the magical trickery of Hosea. Um, I didn’t fall for it, but nice try.



Love the Team Europe Bromance clip. Now I want an I heart Fabio tee- shirt.

Oh and then the tension of the Hosea and Leah romance. And Hosea tries to blame it on the Alcohol. Just like the Jamie Foxx song. Way to man up, Hosea.

Now On to lighter things. Who knew about all the craziness going on in the Not So Glad room? I guess they found a way to make it pretty glad. Beds, volleyball net, booze.
The Stefan clip just cracked me up. Laugh out loud funny.
The homage to Tom and all the bald men. Loved it too.

Now the Fan favorite is… Fabio. Ok I’m fine with it, I guess. If my Carla couldn’t win then I’m glad it’s Fabio. He was the funniest. Can’t wait for the Fabio show!

I sure hope Carla gets a show sometime. I’m not ready to let her go yet. We can all practice a little of The Carla Way in our lives. That should be the name of her show. Are you listening Bravo producers?

I'm going to miss Top Chef.

Love this wild show.

Scroll down for fun Jack pics in his cool new booties!

Best,
Kwana

The fix Is In

If you don't want to be disillusioned then don't go here for the scoop on The Bachelor. Thanks to Maria and Elizabeth for the link. I tell ya, I know shifty when I see shifty. Poor Nana is drained today after dealing with Jason.



Scroll down for more thoughts.

best,
Kwana

Crocodile Tears

Or how many times can a grown man cry during a 3 hour period? Answer: way too many.

Jason, Jason, Jason. What was up with that hot mess of a put off and proposal then the After the Rose on The Bachelor? I will admit I only half watched in honor of Nana’s birthday. I was flipping back and forth between Jason and Jack Bauer on 24. There were no crocodile tears from Jack.

Jason did not fail to disappoint me by being the guy I suspected he was from the beginning. Quite shifty. I think it’s so not fair how the show did not let Molly see how Jason broke up with Melissa. Why not give her the full picture before she makes a decision? What a big set-up this whole un-reality thing was. And they are doing a part 2?

Well, I’ll be braving the elements to get things done that didn’t get done yesterday due to the snow day. It’s back to the bitter cold here in the northeast so I’m bundling up. Looks like it will be a while before the snow melts.

What on tap for your day?

Best,
Kwana

P.S. Crazy woman update: I'm still hanging in there with the no sugar thing or white products. Although I did cave and have a small piece of Nana's birthday cake. I was pretty strong at her dinner. She was not happy with me when I turned down her macaroni and cheese and the seafood salad and the sweet potato pie. I could go on and on... I feel like a warrior.

What's Your Number?

What's Jack up to? Right now Jack chilling, soundly asleep, as if he spent all day working ever so hard. Oh a dogs life. If only we all had it as good as Jack.



So I'm at knitting and posed this question: "Would you tell your husband your number?" No, not that number. I know where your minds are going. Your weight. Your REAL weight. Just hopped off the scale that minute weight.



Well, there are 5 of us in knitting and I was shocked. SHOCKED. That 3 of the woman said, "sure why not?" They would tell their husbands their weight. And, yeah ,they are all in great shape. But still. Wow. Only one other woman was with me with the No Way. It doesn't matter that we have complete opposite backgrounds. I call her my twin separated at birth. She's Jill and I'm NeNe.




















This all came about with the whole Lent giving up sugar thing (BTW day 1 was tough) and the DH is giving up red meat. He thought that we should weigh ourselves. Now of course I know my weight. I have my scale. Go to WW. I pretty much know my weight daily. He's a man he doesn't think of these things much. So I was like fine. I go weight myself and clam up.


The DH asks am I going to tell him. I'm like, "Uh, no." Are you going to tell me. He's like, " sure." I said, "great."He tells. I don't.

Some things just don't need to be said. Now, I'm a tall woman just about the same height as my DH, but nobody wants to be too close in weight to their hubby not unless their nickname is Octomom and they are still pregnant.


I think that most men have a false ideal of what a woman should weigh and if they hear a number of say over 150-160 (ha what I would gave for that) they think it's too large. No matter the actual size or body type. What do you think?


So a little survey today. Would you tell your number?

Best,
Kwana

Top Finale- Spoiler Alert!!

Warning there are spoilers all up in here. If you don’t want to know close your eyes now…

Top Chef starts out on a River Boat with coffee and beignets so sweet. Oh Sweet beignets. Sigh…
Stefan is missing Fabio. Poor thing. Carla is humble and Hosea is Hosea.

Tom tells the Chefs the final challenge is cook the best three course meal of your life and you don’t have to make a dessert if you don’t want which means you’d better make a dessert.
The Helpers this season are Richard, Casey and Marcel from season past.

Hosea chooses Richard,
Stefan Picks Marcel. Think there will be enough cockiness on that team?

And Carla gets Casey and gracious as usual and says she wanted her.

They go to the Audubon Tea Room to prep.

Hosea Starts out by snatching all the frois gras and he and Stefan are about to fight it out.
Then Stefan sees Hosea took all the caviar he may burn down their station.

Casey is talking to Carla about cooking in a bag. I sure hope it works. I mean that’s something I’ve done so it worries me. Remember Carla. She didn’t win. Watch out.

The chefs come in the next morning and there is a twist. A big old Alligator on a table. One chef gets crab, one fish, and one alligator. They have to choose by the king cake. Hosea wins. Drats.
Hosea takes the fish. Gives Carla the crab and his nemesis Stefan the alligator.
Poor gator. This is awful. Stefan is ruthless.
The crab bites back.
They are talking menus and I’m nervous as all get out with Carla listening to Casey so much. I hope this works. She has always listened to her own voice.

Richard has got some of Hosea’s food smocking. I can see his influence.
Stefan-Alligator soup-Well done
Crab-good dish
Hosea didn’t pop.
Stefan- so- so.
Carla real personality

2nd course
Carla too refined.
Hosea good
Stefan- good.
3rd course. Carla’s soufflés is a disaster. I knew she should not have gone off course. Ugh.

Stefan was dated
Hosea dish was good
Fabio felt Hosea had the better meal. Will the friend ship be over?

Judges table. Toby is back along with Gail on the opposite end of the table.
Why should you win? Question
Stefan- because he deserves it
Hosea-delicious food. I am not feeling good. It’s a Hosea love fest even without any dessert.
Carla-Because she puts her heart in it and even brings the heart out of Stefan.

The judges break my heart and says we can all agree that Carla is out of the running ugh!! They stink. Casey stinks with her ideas. Why does a good heart and niceness never win?!!!

I’m so glad Carla won that car last week and no matter her restaurant will be packed.

That said, unbelievable, but true the winner is… Hosea. I cannot believe it. I think my head is going to pop off.
Still, I can’t wait for the reunion show next week. The Hosea/Leah clip looks crazy.

Best,

Kwana

Next Stop... Crazy Town

Today is the start of Lent. A time of refection, prayer and sacrifice. Reflection, introspection, prayer, cool. I can do that all day. But sacrifice? Hold it. Slow it down there a bit, baby. You all know me, I'm pretty faithful, maybe a bit corny for some of you, but, oh well to that. Just this sacrifice thing is a little daunting.

Nevertheless, I’ve been thinking long and hard about what would be a true Sacrifice for this Lent season and what would truly help me mind, body and spirit and unfortunately for me I keep coming back to Sugar.

I know, I know, it stinks right? Why couldn’t it be something easy like um, water or, um... air? But no. Sugar keeps popping into my head. So I’m going with it and am going to try to seriously eliminate the Sugar and the white products. This here blog might get a little bit scary over the next few weeks. Hold onto your hats!

Now back to your normally scheduled programming: Anybody watching The Not So Real Housewives of the NYC? I sure am. Yay to the hot messery. I didn’t realize how much I missed Alex and Simon. Not. But I love it anyways. Love the fast talking New York women. My peeps!

And don't forget tonight is the season finale for Top Chef. Fingers crossed for Carla!

Best,
Kwana

Top Big Easy- Spoilers Ahead!

Top Chef in the Big Easy- Warning please don't read if you don't want to know...

Ok I warned you. Small admission first. I still have to watch my DVR's Not So Real Housewives. What did Bravo think putting the premiere on at 11:oo? Crazy. I needed a disco power nap to get ready for that thing. Now to Top Chefery...

Chefs arrive in New Orleans and Carla is all blown out and ready to rumble. Stefan is pumped up. Fabio has a Mohawk. And Hosea is… Hosea.

Emeril Lagasse is the guest judge in New Orleans. Surprise. Not. The quick fire is confusing. They bring back Jamie, Jeff and Leah for a chance to get back into the competition. What?! Nobody is happy. The three of them compete against each other in a crawfish challenge for a place back in the competition.

Leah talks about being bitter about being kicked out. I think some will be bitter if she’s kicked back in.
Jamie’s messing with poached an egg which worries me. But I like her haircut.
Jeff is seasoning like crazy. He must have come with the Bam sauce.

Emeril picks the winner and it’s Jeff. I’m actually happy for him. But his victory is snatched as Padma tells him he has to win the elimination challenge to stay in the game. Oh snap.

The Chefs go to Mardi Gras World (bit of trivia: the DH and I had dinner there when in the Big Easy it was quite fun) and are given instruction and shown a new car like on The Price Is Right. The winner of this challenge gets the car. Nice.
Chefs must do 2 dishes and one must be Creole plus a drink.
Best comment of the night I think came from Hosea who said it would have been the first Top Chef without a Mohawk to Fabio who showed up with it in New Orleans! That was funny.
Stefan goes for a smoke and doesn’t make sausage from scratch? Way to sweat Stefan.
Carla said she’s going to have to MacGyver it. I hear ya.
Carla doesn’t drink and she’s going for it with Non-Alcoholic in New Orleans. Risky but cool.

We find out that Gail is back and Carla cheers. I want to cheer too. Toby the sour puss won’t be missed by the chefs or Tom I suspect.

The masqueraders come into the ball and Carla thinks it beautiful and Fabio is reminded of an old porno movie. He just kills me.
Jeff- Gets good reviews.
Stefan-ok, but rue is not dark enough.
Fabio-a parade in the mouth. Nuff said.
Carla-Hootie Hoo!
Hosea-did good on the gumbo.
I have no clue who is going home.

Judges table too funny. Why was Fabio giving Hosea that funny stare? What?! I laughed so hard. Tom’s face at Stefan’s comment also priceless.
Decision time. Judges say there was a clear winner and it was…Carla!!! Thanks for telling me judges.
Carla won the challenge and a new car!! I’m so happy.

Sorry to Jeff. Buh-buy.
Hosea is in.

It’s down to the dynamic duo. Stefan and Fabio.

And Fabio has to pack his knives and go. I’m not happy about it. Of course it’s all based on attitude since I can’t taste the food but Stefan’s attitude should have sent him home.

I’m for Carla all the way. Hootie Hoo!!

Best,

Kwana