Parks and Rec

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Recently I've come across a string of older shows that I never watched when they were on live television. And once again, I asked myself "why didn't I watch this before?" So now I'm watching each season texting and talking to other people about the unbelievable happenings of each episode and their reaction is usually, "I know." And thats pretty natural, because I'm years late to the party on how amazing and entertaining some of these series are. My excuse that I tell myself now is that I couldn't have watched them all! I would have been a couch potato! ... So does that make me one now? Yikes!

Well, one of my favorite shows through college was The Office. I used to watch it with my room mate and then we would quote it endlessly to each other. Little did I know, there is a similar show in humor called Parks and Recreation. Its the kind of humor where its a bit of stupid, but innocently hilarious. There will never be another Michael Scott, but Leslie Knope can most definitely carry on his tradition with the most unorthodox leadership and management style imaginable. While Scott was managing a paper company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Knope heads the parks and recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana. And if there is one thing Leslie loves, its Pawnee!

Knope and her band of misfit employees have trudged through six seasons of service to the parks and are now in their seventh season. Their corky office camaraderie is constantly tested by Knope to make Pawnee the best place for people to live. You have the pop culture inspired and sarcastic Indian guy named Tom. The bodacious and feisty black woman, Donna. The cynical and obviously underachieving, April.  The dimwitted yet likable, Andy. The libertarian and a man's man, Ron (played by an actor from Minooka, IL, by the way). And the characters continue... Oh, did I forget Gary? Or is it Jerry? Who cares! No one likes him.

With great strides, their current season is in flash forward three years with many changes for each character. And here I thought when I watched season six on Netflix that was the series finale. They wrapped everything up so wonderfully, I thought it had to be the end. I was wrong, but I've seen the flash forward done before with One Tree Hill. I'm going to keep watching to see how the lives of the parks department evolve. I have no doubt the humor will be just as dry, yet heartwarming as the previous six.

TREAT YO SELF to some Parks and Recreation Tuesdays on NBC.

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American Sniper

I went to see American Sniper on Saturday and I loved it. It is a MUST SEE. American Sniper is based on Kyle's autobiography, if you didn't know. Now after seeing the movie, I definitely want to read his book. I didn't know much about Kyle prior to the movie or that he even had an autobiography, but I would love to hear about him from his own words.

Chris Kyle was a U.S. Navy Seal and the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. The movie portrays his life while growing up, becoming a Seal, and life in the military. Kyle is known as a legend for the most kills (160) throughout his tours over seas. I'm not one for war movies, but this one was great and action packed. I really liked how it portrayed the life of his family too. His wife, played by Sienna Miller dealt with being pregnant and raising their two kids alone, while carrying the burden of wondering when or if her husband would return home safely to them. I can't imagine dealing with the unknown. That is reality and I'm glad it was shared in his story because so many families have to deal with that worry to protect the land we love. The only story line I wish the movie showed more of was Kyle's brother. We don't know what happened to him.

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Bradley Cooper. I've always liked him as an actor, but he completely out did himself. Throughtout the whole movie I kept saying, "that is NOT Bradley Cooper!" He gained 40 pounds of muscle for his role as Chris Kyle. Between his appearance and his acting, Cooper was outstanding. I forgot that it was Cooper and made me feel like I was watching Kyle himself.

Since this is based upon a true life story, we all know that Chris Kyle was killed at the beginning of 2013. Kyle had returned home from the war and was killed by a fellow veteran, who had PTSD. It blows my mind to know that he made it through the war unscathed to get back home on U.S. soil to be shot by one of our own. That veteran's trial is set for early February 2015. I've read that he plans to plead insanity, but we will see what happens. I truly believe this is a tragedy upon a tragedy because mental illness is a huge issue for veterans transitioning back to civilians.

Don't leave the theatre just yet. Make sure you watch the credits because I think that was truly one of the most touching parts. You will have to see what I mean!

RIP Chris Kyle

Floral Kimono-Styled

Sweater: H&M (similar here and here) - Jeans: Express - Shoes: Vince Camuto (similar here and here) - Scarf: Express (similar here, here, and here) - Bracelet: Henri Bendel - Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (similar here) Another simple day to night outfit. I have these Vince Camuto booties in a similar style in black leather, but I got this pair in grey suede and love them. Both are super comfortable and versatile. I wore the black ones so much last year that I need to get them repaired. They went through a beating with how much I wore them. Speaking of Vince Camuto, he passed away this week. RIP.  Raleigh has been in the 50s lately and I've been able to head out in a heavy sweater or light jacket. This is another way to keep warm with an oversized scarf. Wearing it as a kimono makes the scarf more of a statement than an accessory.

Identical

Imagine having an identical twin. I know this isn't a foreign concept, but it is very rare. The odds of having identical twins is about one in 250. If you are a twin to begin with, then your odds go up of course, but there are other factors that go into that probability. But enough of the statistics.   What if your identical twin went to prison for murder? Then the brother of the victim decides once your brother has paid his debt to society in full, he is going to come after you for the murder. Because with identical twins, he just isn't sure that your brother actually did it. Great timing, right? Identical is a tale of advances in DNA technology, how the law applies, and a whole new meaning of deception.    This one definitely took me some time to read. It started out very slow. If anyone follows me on Goodreads, you know this book has been in my "currently reading" bin for a while. However, after getting passed part one, I couldn't put it down. Read the rest of the book in a couple hours. When you think you have it all figured out and know what's going to happen next... Turow throws a curve ball your way and you only want to know more. Although fiction, I try to imagine something like this story happening in real life and if it could actually be done. I can't even imagine the press on this one! What will the DNA reveal? Will new technology in forensics change anything? Do the fingerprints at the original crime scene match the man who did the time? 
You will have to read to find out!

Prison Break

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There are very few television shows that leave a lasting impression for me. I do enjoy quite a few though, as you may have figured out by now. But, some start great and then end badly where you feel lost or disappointed. I started watching Prison Break in August and finished the series finale in September. Although its an older show and some of you may have already seen it, I thought I'd share in case someone needed a great show to watch on Netflix that hasn't. All four seasons are ready to view on Netflix and let me tell you, they are intense. If you liked Ocean's Eleven and the sequels, this is a show for you.

Michael Scofield is a structural engineer that attempts to rob a bank to get to prison where his step-brother, Lincoln Burrows is on death row.... for a crime he didn't commit. At first Michael thought he did it, since he was convicted of murdering the brother of the Vice President of the United States, but came around because everything didn't add up. What is Michael's plan, you ask? To break himself and Lincoln out of prison. You will have to wait and see the lengths he goes to and the intricate plan he organizes to make it all happen.

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The first season takes place at a prison called Fox River State Penitentiary, located in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. I remember people talking about the filming of the show years ago, but never wanted to start watching the series in the middle. It was cool to hear of the setting in Oswego, Aurora, and Chicago throughout the show. They were all places I could identify with.

Each season gets more intense and reveals information about the brothers that they didn't even know about themselves. As I stated above, Michael is the Billy Ocean of breaking out of prisons. While Mr. Ocean is breaking into casinos for money, Mr. Scofield is breaking out of prisons for freedom. The brothers stick together and add a few companions along the way to finally grasp freedom with both hands.

Great show! Couldn't get enough.

The Killing

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What do you know? Another crime show I was sucked into on Netflix, The Killing. The series was part of amc, but they didn't renew for a forth season. So, Netflix picked it up to be part of their original series shows. Netflix has all four seasons available for your viewing pleasure. 

"Who killed Rosie Larsen?" is the burning question in everyone's mind through seasons one and two. Everyone is a suspect and the investigation of her disappearance is up for grabs. Rosie was a 17 year old girl who went missing one weekend while her family was on vacation. Could it be someone from part of the mayoral campaign? Or the candidates themselves? A secret friend or acquaintance of Rosie's? What about a family member? Or even an employee of the family business? You will have to watch and find out what Detectives Sarah Linden and Steven Holder discover... all while dealing with their own personal life issues and obstacles.

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 The show seemed a lot more realistic having the investigation drug out for two seasons. Most shows find the killer or criminal throughout one episode. I also liked how it took place in Seattle, Washington because most crime shows take place in much larger cities, mainly Chicago and New York City. It was a nice change of scenery, even if it was gloomy and rained EVERY episode. 

The second two seasons hit closer to home for Detectives Linden and Holder when a cereal killer strikes again and his personal grave yard is revealed. I enjoyed the chemistry between the detectives as the seasons progressed. At first I thought Detective Holder was kind of a punk, but he proved that he had a lot more in him as a person and investigator. He was even quite funny.

In the end, its a detective's job to find the truth and the Linden-Holder combo did that in the best way the knew how. Giving it their all, despite their own safely and struggles.

New Look

As you may have noticed, things are looking a bit different around here. I figured since I don't have my long hair anymore, it was time to change things up. Wouldn't want any false advertising going on. 

I went with something more simple, clean, and crisp to direct my readers' focus to the post rather than become distracted by too much going on with the layout. It's kind of like modeling, in a way. The models are there to draw focus to the clothes, not the other way around. The content is what matters. 

I've updated my blog's look with the help of a longtime friend from college, Hannah. She helped me with my original layout too. She does a great job and it's fun creating something with a friend like her. I like writing and she likes designing, so it worked out perfect!
(check out her own blog here.)

Let me know what you think!

Scar Tissue

I've always enjoyed reading about celebrities and their rise to fame. Everyone has a different story, personality, and attributes that make them tick. Scar Tissue, Red Hot Chili Peppers' front man, Anthony Kiedis' autobiography was one of the most brutally honest depictions I have ever read about someone's life. Kiedis' upbringing was nothing short of eye opening. I know it's not an impossible concept, but I could never imagine my father doing cocaine and throwing wild parties in front of me at the age of 10. And if I didn't think that was disheartening enough, Anthony was then shooting up drugs himself shortly after he moved to the great state of California to be with his father and that crazy lifestyle. 

I'm not trying to judge because it is what it is, but it's very interesting to reflect on the obstacles (some self-inflicted) he faced and still overcame to be part of one of my favorite and greatest bands of all time. Parts of the novel I found touching and inciteful were when he talked about writing some of RHCP's most well-known songs and the moments in his life in which they were written. I always knew that "Under the Bridge" was about doing drugs, but never knew what it all actually meant specifically to Kiedis. He was very depressed when not high on drugs and often felt that L.A. was the only constant being with him in his journey through life. Especially when his friends were still getting high and he was trying to stay sober so he wouldn't be the next one to die. "Sometimes I feel like my only friend is the city I live in, the city of angels. Lonely as I am, together we cry."

Towards the end of the book, he seemed so miserable and out of sorts that I didn't know if I wanted him to go get high just to be happy or if it was just the effects of being sober after years and years of drug use. And at the end of the day, addiction is a crazy thing. He was the type of addict that could go months, even years without drugs. But as soon as he took one hit, it was all over. Chasing after that greater high every day, every minute of his young life must have been exhausting. The struggle is REAL, people!

Scar Tissue may be a bit dark and deep, but I loved ever page of it. I don't like when things are sugar coated. I like the truth, even if it is graphic. Kiedis delivered with his twisted true life tale of a rockstar.

And according to NME News, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are going to release a "different and unique" album in 2015. Can't wait to hear it!

Blue Bloods

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My Dad has been watching Blue Bloods for awhile now and he always mentioned how good it was. It finally graced Netflix with its presence and I've been cruising through the four seasons that are available.

What I love about Blue Bloods is that it's set in New York City, Tom Selleck plays a great part as police commissioner, and it captures the dealings of an Irish NYPD family trying to protect and serve. However, one sibling throws a wrench in their plans sometimes since she chose to pursue a career as an attorney. Thank God she's a prosecutor and not a criminal defense attorney though! 

The Reagan family faces many obstacles individually and as a group while working to do the right thing for the people of New York. Many decisions and actions are not so cut and dry when is comes to the law and obtaining justice. Tom Selleck (Frank Reagan) and Donnie Wahlberg (Danny Reagan) play great roles as father-son and police commissioner-detective. 

Every episode is wrapped up with a Reagan family dinner where they all bring to the table a new lesson learned over the course of the episode. Good reflection of different perspectives from the father to grandfather, brothers, siblings, spouses, and finally the grandkids. Everyone has a voice at the Reagan table. 

Tune in to CBS on Friday nights to watch the Reagan family take on crime. Tonight is actually their 100th episode, so I'm sure they will have something good cooked up. Whats great about this show is that you could watch any random episode and be able to get it. Although, I think its more interesting to start from the pilot. You be the judge... or police commissioner on that one.

SHOTS

Every year on the Montella's side for Christmas, we do shots! We started out one year with a lot of wine and then Rumchata came into existence, so we tried that out. Then along came homemade Bailey's, Fireball, and a Gingerbread Cookie shot. All delicious, but this year we tried two new shots, courtesy of Pinterest. ;) 

I can fully sponsor these shots in saying that they are delicious, especially for people that don't necessarily like a straight shot of liquor. So, without further ado, I give you:

The Dirty Snowball

1 crushed Oreo, double stuff preferred (for decoration)

Whipped Cream (for decoration)

1 oz. Crème de Menthe

1 oz. Crème de Cacao

1 oz. Whipped Cream flavored vodka (Vanilla works too!)

3 oz. fresh cream (or to taste)

- Mix Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao, Whipped Cream flavored vodka, and fresh cream together.

- Pour mixture into shot glasses (or martini shot glasses, courtesy of my mom!)

- Garnish with whipped cream and crumbled Oreo on top

Cheesecake Shot

1 small pkg. Cheesecake pudding (instant, not the cooking kind)
¾ Cup Milk
¾ Cup Rumchata
8oz tub Cool Whip 

- Whisk together the milk, liquor, and instant pudding mix in a bowl until combined

- Add cool whip a little at a time with whisk

- Spoon the pudding mixture into shot glasses, disposable 'party shot' cups or 1 or 2 ounce cups

- Garnish with graham cracker crumbles, cherry filling, and cherries if desired. Place in freezer for at least 2 hours

-Serve with a spoon because these aren't liquid. Enjoy!

 They went quickly!

Even Grandma had one!

Wouldn't be a Montella Christmas without shots! Although all the Christmas parties are over, with the plummeting temperatures (for my friends and family in Chicagoland), you might want to stock up on these ingredients for when you are all snowed/frozen in. Lets hope that you don't have any actual dirty snowballs thrown your way though!

FOUR

On November 17, 2014, One Direction's FOUR was released to the world and you could say that I'm a new fan of the world wide phenomenon known as 1D. I was sitting home one night bored and looking for something entertaining to watch, so I got on my AppleTv and clicked the Vevo app. This particular app consists of a bunch of official music videos and highlights of popular music around the world. I clicked the "Pop" playlist to see what random songs would play. And by the way, I love seeing music videos to put a visual on what the artist or band had in mind for the song. Well, there I was fast forwarding through the weird videos (really... Who has seen the video with the little girl in a nude jumpsuit? Get out of here!), jamming to Taylor's "Shake It Off", and then... all these One Direction music videos kept playing. I found myself rewinding and rewinding again. Wait... "These songs are good." No... "These songs are great." They can sing!

I guess I always envisioned them as just another "boy band" with synchronized dancing and matching outfits, which I'm totally not for replicating times of the past. Now knowing One Direction's story, how down to earth they seem, and how talented they actually are... I completed misjudged them. So obviously as I became more intrigued, I started watching more Vevo videos on YouTube because I like to get to know artists and listen to more of their music on live shows. It's also one thing to read about them, but it's another to see an interview and see how they react. Let me tell you, their British and Irish accents don't hurt either.

Its amazing to me how they respond to questions about their insane fans and the fame that comes along with it. They could have let it get to them by becoming angry or arrogant within the past four years, but I think they truly are the same as when they each auditioned seperately for The X Factor in the UK. I mean, other than maturing into adults like the rest of us do when we age. I believe the group has stayed absolutely true to their fans because they can take a step back and realize that they are why One Direction has everything it has. It's extremely refreshing how humble and appreciative they are without acting or sounding fake and forced. 

I will say it once and I will say it again and again, you can never really believe what the tabloids say and what the media writes about all the time. I honestly feel bad for Harry Styles (and the rest of the group, like I would any celebrity faced with negativity from the media) at times because they depict him as some sort of habitual womanizer. Really, I just think he wants to be a good person and a talented artist. It must get extremely frustrating having rumors made about you across the world. Styles once said in an interview that he hates the word "famous" because it takes away the substance that a person actually has. He wondered what was wrong with saying he was nice or funny guy? 

Ed Sheeran (also a British singer) said in a radio interview once that he didn't know why this story about Harry Styles didn't make the news: "he once bought $2K-3K worth of Domino's pizzas in L.A. and started giving them out to homeless people." Sheeran couldn't understand why those kind of stories weren't in the media because Styles does stuff like it all the time. You've got me, Ed? 

So now that I have defended my fandom of 1D, let's get into their new album FOUR. Why is it entitled FOUR, you ask? It's their forth album in four years of being a band. Pretty impressive. I think this album is much more mature than their previous, but not too deviant from their last, Midnight Memories. Still pop genre driven, but easily translated to a larger, more vast audience than their original teenie-bopper fans. I mean, they have me listening now. I look at them as a band rather than a "boy band", which has a lot to do with their sound and the fact that each member has written multiple songs on the album. They are growing up and so should their music. I believe the fact that they have been writing more and more of their own songs has added a much needed element to their sound and vision as a band.

My favorite tracks are 18 (written by Ed Sheeran), Night Changes, Steal My Girl, Fireproof, and Where Do Broken Hearts Go. However, the rest of the album is very good too. The more I listen to it, the more I can't come up with my favorite track. Have a listen for yourself:

And if that album wasn't enough for you, check out some of their other songs: "Story of My Life", "Little Things", "Beat Song Ever", "You and I", etc. I now like them so much that my mom and I got tickets to see 1D at Soldier Field in August. Should be the BEST TIME EVER for my birthday!

Live As Heros

"There is no such thing as destiny. Legacies must be earned by the choices we make.  I now know that we write our own endings and we can either choose to hide as villains or live as heros." - D.S.

I needed some time to process the events of Revenge's mid-season finale in December. Specifically, Daniel Grayson's death. I'm upset, but I do think that it was good for his story line and the show. Personally, I believe that this is Revenge's last season. Although I don't want the series to end, I don't want it to turn into a show that people say, "well it was great, but then it was just drawn out and too unbelievable." Think about it, all of the main characters from the start are starting to die off or leave the show. Aiden, Charlotte, Daniel, Ashley, and Conrad. But of all the shows that I've watched over the years and on Netflix, Revenge is in my top three favorite television series of all time and I don't want its legacy to be tarnished.

Anyway, the mid-season finale. I always knew that deep down, Daniel had a heart. He was a Grayson by pedigree, but not choice. When you are told how things should be and what you need to do your entire life by your family, that's all you know and your judgment is clouded. He was a pawn in Emily's game, but I do think that she cared for him. He was a victim of his parents' dealings in a round about way. He saw the evil in both his mom and dad, but with the heart he had, he couldn't turn his back on blood. That was until he was overwhelmed and realized who the real enemies were in the battle of right and wrong. 

From what I gather, Margaux and Emily will have some issues to sort out since Daniel did die saving Emily. I would be pretty upset if the father of my unborn child died protecting his ex-wife. Yikes! Victoria will be devastated and will go crazy, if you didn't think she already was. So, I can't wait to see how last Sunday's mid-season premiere sets the tone for the rest of the show. What are your predictions?

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves," - Emily Thorne

R.I.P. Daniel Grayson