2013: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
I love reading end of year lists. I love seeing the popular opinion on top movies, books, fashion, etc. and how it compares with what I think. Last year I shared my top 10 movies of 2012. I planned to do my top 10 movies of 2013, but as I was looking back I honestly couldn’t find 10 movies that I would want on my list. (yikes!) So I decided to shorten it and add a few of my other tops from this year as well.
Enjoy! Let me know what your favorites were this year!
xo xo
M O V I E S
5. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Catching Fire was my favorite book of the series, so they had a lot to live up to, and they did. 10 times better than the first movie and of course Jennifer Lawrence is flawless.
4. Mud
Skeptical at first going into this movie since I didn’t know a thing about it, I walked out in awe at how much I enjoyed it. Maybe because I can semi-relate to the rural Arkansas lifestyle or because Matthew McConaughey had his best performance I’ve seen. Either way, you need to see it.
3. The Spectacular Now
This is the best indie movie since Garden State. It’s beautiful, it’s touching, it’s heart-wrenching. You will fall in love with Shailene Woodley and newcomer Miles Teller and reminisce about your first love.
2. Rush
What a RUSH! Bad pun, I know, but I absolutely loved this movie. It made something I wasn’t interested in (racing) very interesting and you were hooked until the last second.
1. Gravity
There literally are no words that can describe this movie. I didn’t think I was breathing the entire movie. Even after the movie I was unsure. Outstanding.
(Note: I’m still dying to see the following – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Wolf of Wall St., Inside Llewelyn Davis, Dallas Buyers Club, Saving Mr. Banks)
T E L E V I S I O N S H O W S
5. Parks and Recreation
Somehow I’ve gone several years without seeing this show and I’m kicking myself for it. However, binge-watching this over the summer might have been more fun. I love Tom Haverford … and Leslie Knope … and Andy Dwyer … and Ron Swanson … I love them all!
4. House of Cards
The second season starts streaming on Netflix Feb. 14. No lie, all I want for Valentine’s Day is just to make dinner and binge-watch it with Husband. That’s saying something!!
3. The Walking Dead
Yes, this is a great show, but maybe I’ve loved it this year more because we’ve started watching it every Sunday night with a group of friends and that makes everything better. (Husband will definitely be mad at me for not putting this first … but I just adore Mindy Lahiri and Olivia Pope more than zombies!)
2. The Mindy Project
This has by far been the best sitcom of the year. The first season was shaky, but this season has been hilarious. The addition of Peter and Cliff to the series has been brilliant.
1. Scandal
Somehow this show just keeps getting better and better and better. I never know what to expect each episode, except for glamorous Miss Pope and her big glass of vino. #Olitz4Eva
B O O K S
5. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Practical, honest and smart, this book opened my eyes and gave me the power and perspective I needed to continue in my life and career.
4. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
A grown-up version of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this was an easy book to read, but with more depth and wit than you’d expect.
3. 7 – An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker
This book has changed the way I think about everything. Read it and challenge yourself. Learn about my challenge here.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Intrigue, suspense, love, drama and it’s currently in works to be a movie starring Ben Affleck. I could not put this book down.
1. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns by Mindy Kaling
I love Mindy Kaling. I love her writing style. I love her humor. I love her personality. Enough said. (Have I said how much I love her?)
A Griswold Charlie Brown Christmas Rap
Thanksgiving is over and I’ve officially moved on to Christmas. I don’t know what it is about this year, but I’m really getting in to the Christmas spirit. I turn the tree lights on the second I get home, and I’ve been listening to Christmas music more than usual, dancing and singing in the kitchen last night as I was preparing dinner. So I’m going to do a series of holidays posts over the next few weeks – holiday decor, gift guide, fashion, party tips, etc.
But first, I want to make sure all of YOU are in the Christmas spirit. Below are some of my top favorite moments from Christmas movies and TV episodes over the years. If you’re not in the spirit after this, you might just be the Grinch!
LOVE ACTUALLY
GLEE
ELF
COMMUNITY
THE O.C.
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
GILMORE GIRLS
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
xo xo
10 Reasons “The O.C.” Was The Best Teen Drama Ever on TV
After the show’s 10th anniversary a few months ago and after reading this Buzzfeed, I started reminiscing about my freshman year when I binge-watched the four seasons of The O.C. I immediately became obsessed. Coincidentally, I spent the following summer in California and visited Orange County for the first time. Since then, The O.C. has been one of my favorite shows of all time.
Just recently I started re-watching the series from season 1 and was reminded all over again why I LOVE the show. Below are 10 reasons The O.C. was the best teen drama ever on TV.
1. Seth and Summer – This has to be number one in every list. They are the perfect couple. Their relationship taught me a lot, namely that there’s so much more to a person than looks and it’s okay to have your own passions and go your own way. If you’re meant to be together, it will happen when it’s suppose to. Just recently, a friend told me and my husband we reminded him of Seth and Summer. #biggestcomplimentever
2. The O.C. Mix soundtracks and most importantly, the iconic theme song by Phantom Planet. I’m almost positive this is when indie music became mainstream (Death Cab, Spoon, Rooney, Imogen Heap – I could go on). Watch these 21 Most Important Music Moments From The O.C. and you will be transported back to the show.
3. Chrismukkah – Christmas + Hanukkah, the perfect Cohen holiday
4. Remember when Marissa’s mom slept with her ex-boyfriend, then married her current boyfriend’s kinda grandfather?It doesn’t get more scandalous than that.
5. Every season finale made me cry. That’s a pretty darn good show.
6. Sandy Cohen is literally the perfect father figure on TV
7. The O.C. is the most beautiful, perfect place to live – if you have a trust fund, a dysfunctional family and a beach house
8. Things the show made cool: sailing, bagels and schmear, indie bands, comic books, being an outcast, white muscle shirts, plastic horses as best friends – we love you Captain Oats and Princess Sparkles!
9. The original bromance: Seth and Ryan ❤ ❤ ❤
10. Seth Cohen, a walking one-liner who spoke fast and furiously, doling out pop culture references and witticisms faster than Ryan could throw a punch. (I did not write that, but it was too perfect not to share!)
“Welcome to The O.C., bitch!”
xo
You might also enjoy: How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage
Sundays are DEAD to me.
Last night was the premiere of one of our favorite TV Show – The Walking Dead. Around this time last year at the start of the season, I wrote a post How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse. There’s some good tips in there you definitely need to read, because if you ask my husband the apocalypse is a very viable option.
To commemorate the occasion, we decided to host a small get together with some other zombie lovers. We had eyeball cupcakes, gummy body parts and even a 15-question trivia that I facilitated, complete with a zombie-themed prize. (Sample question: In season 3, which character kills a walker using a car trunk door?)
We screamed, we held our breath, we covered our eyes in disgust – it was definitely a successful premiere. And at the end of it all, we zombie-fied ourselves. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Hope your Sunday evening was just as scary! xo
My Fall TV Guide
I love Fall. Who doesn’t? The weather, the comfy clothes, the pumpkin-flavored everything, but it also signals the start of something else – the return of Fall TV.
I’ll admit, I’m a little obsessed with my TV shows. If you watch any of the shows below, I’m always happy to discuss characters, plot lines, favorite episodes, etc. in as much detail as you wish.
A few of my shows have already started, a few start this week and a few are still a few weeks away, but in preparation, below is My Fall TV Guide.
Disclaimer: Potential spoilers below.
S U N D A Y
Revenge {ABC – 9/8c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: Getting back to basics, cutting out a lot of the Initiative nonsense & Jack’s reaction to the news
The Walking Dead {AMC – 9/8c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: Daryl becoming an even bigger badass & Rick letting others take control while he gets his act together
M O N D A Y
How I Met Your Mother {CBS – 8/7c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: The end. Yes, this use to be one of my favorite shows, but I honestly feel like it’s been dragging on and I’m ready to let it go.
T U E S D A Y
New Girl {Fox – 9/8c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: Nick and Jess’ relationship & *fingers crossed* building Winston’s character more
The Mindy Project {Fox – 9:30/8:30c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: The transition from a rocky, but enjoyable first season to a consistently hilarious second season
W E D N E S D A Y
Modern Family {ABC – 9/8c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: Lilly’s show-stealing one-liners
Nashville {ABC – 10/9c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: More Scarlett and Gunnar, More Scarlett and Gunnar, More Scarlett and Gunnar – I cannot plead enough.
T H U R S D A Y
The Big Bang Theory {CBS – 8/7c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: Sheldon and Amy Farrah Fowler taking it to the next level … or so I hope!
Glee {FOX – 9/8c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: The opening Beatles’ tribute episode & hopefully rekindling my dying passion for the show
Scandal {ABC – 10/9c}
What I’m most looking forward to this season: The daddy dearest storyline & developing the other characters more, specifically “Baby Huck”
Still unsure about new shows on the air (we already have a lot on our plate), but high potentials include Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
What shows are you most excited for this season? xo
For you TV fanatics, you might also enjoy: 10 Things I Missed Out On In College By Not Going Greek, How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage
10 Things I Missed Out On in College by Not Going Greek
Currently our summer shows include Parks & Rec and Game of Thrones, but before that there was Greek. Greek follows a college freshman as he decides to go from geek to Greek, much to the dismay of his popular sister in a sorority. It’s funny, it’s heart-warming and it makes you very nostalgic for your college days.
While I wasn’t in a sorority, I learned from the show several things I missed out on by not being in the greek system, for better or for worse.
1. Secret/forbidden parties (especially those Great Gatsby themed in the basement)
2. Drama over rivalry houses
3. Crazy house mothers and b*tchy presidents
4. Sharing a bathroom with hundreds of girls
5. Hazing (including being duck-taped to a wall in the quad)
6. Annual spring break trips
7. Spending too much time and effort on functions/parties/competitions
8. Everything that rush entails
9. Shots from an ice luge
10. Buttoning yourself and your house up for parent’s weekend
xo
You might also enjoy: How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage, 10 things I want to do in NYC, thanks to pop culture
“An ice cream cone can solve any problem— even if it’s only for a few minutes.”
Sometimes you just need to cry, eat ice cream and get over it. And watch Big Bang Theory.
xo xo
The Best and Worst of Gossip Girl Fashion
As a tribute to the series finale of one of my favorite shows, I wanted to reminisce over the ups and downs of Gossip Girl fashion. Throughout the six seasons I’ve always had my own commentary on the choice of clothing. Known for its fashion forward and exquisite pieces, Gossip Girl will always be heralded as a fashionista’s guide to living in the city.
[The Best]
B certainly knows how to mix her florals
Chuck can pull off anything, including pink
My all-time favorite Serena look
Can I start riding horses, and dress like this?
Relaxed and suave, just the way I like it
Adore the dress and the necklace
Bright and beautiful
A best for S & Lonely Boy
Simply exquisite – B’s wedding dress by Elie Saab
[The Worst]
Very Lonely Boy and very terrible
Just.too.much.
This is probably Little J’s best look, and it’s still on the worst list
This is just dowdy, and B, you are anything but
You’ve come a LONG way, Mr. Bass
aaaand so have you, S
As adorable as this picture is these are not your best looks, S & B
* * *
Similarly, check out this article from The Huffington Post – 10 Things Gossip Girl Taught Me About Fashion. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
you know you love me, xo xo
10 things I want to do in NYC, thanks to pop culture
1. Blare this song as my plane is landing into the city
2. Have a beer at MacClaren’s (How I Met Your Mother)
3. Have lunch on the steps of the Met (Gossip Girl)
4. Break out into song and dance in Central Park (Glee)
5. Share cosmos and gossip at a swanky bar (Sex in the City)
6. Longingly peer into the windows at Tiffany’s (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
7. Stay at the Gansevoort (Kim and Kourtney Take New York)
8. Enjoy a winter in the city and a summer in the Hamptons (Revenge)
9. Work at a magazine publication with a horrible, but brilliant boss (The Devil Wears Prada)
10. Go undercover and solve a crime or two (White Collar)
* * *
What have you always wanted to do in the city?
XO
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
{Tips accumulated from watching The Walking Dead}
1. Never go anywhere alone. Ever.
2. Only use a gun in dire circumstances – the noise attracts more zombies. (my personal choice: bow & arrow)
3. Always look behind you. and in front. and to the sides.
4. Never assume it’s dead.
5. Aim for the head.
6. Everyone does not deserve a gun.
7. Be wary of other survivors.
8. Don’t waste time going to the CDC – there are no answers.
9. Don’t blame the leader for everything.
10. Have hope.
You might also enjoy: How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage, Life on Wisteria Lane
great news & good television
Day 15: I’m thankful for clean sheets.
Day 16: I’m thankful for congratulatory support from everyone around me. I accepted a position with the Walmart social media team!!
Day 17: I’m thankful for the return of fall TV!
* * *
The Alderman household lineup:
Sunday – Revenge, new show – 666 Park Avenue
Monday – Gossip Girl, Castle
Tuesday – New Girl
Wednesday – Modern Family, new show – Nashville
Thursday – The Big Bang Theory, Glee
Friday – Community
Day 18: I’m thankful for a faaabulous hairstylist. I’ll post photos of the newest ‘do soon.
xoxo
Wordless Wednesday: Revenge
I’m starting a new idea for my blog – wordless wednesdays. The images have to someway relate to my week, and I can only give a caption in 5 words or less. So, week 1…
Anticipation Builds for Revenge Return
How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage
Okay, so my marriage didn’t exactly need saving, but it got your attention, right? How about this – How One Tree Hill Made a Great Marriage Even Better.
1. Inside jokes from an absurd, but loveable teenage drama like One Tree Hill are probably the best there are.
2. Within a season we go through all the emotions together – ecstasy, admiration, terror, amazement, grief, loathing, rage, vigilance.
3. We weave into daily conversation nicknames for each other from the show, feeling like it’s our own little secret.
4. Their issues are our issues. Many a times I’ve cried about something in the show and we discuss how it would affect our life and how we would handle the situation.
5. Suspense of a plot line kept us up talking way past our bedtime, multiple times.
6. Our bonding over music has magnified – OTH is full of indie music, some we’ve heard, some we haven’t, and we’re constantly identifying the song in the background.
7. We have laughed ’til we cried because of multiple, singular lines delivered. A week later one of us says the line, and we again, laugh ’til we cry.
8. Through seeing broken relationships, one-night stands, loveless marriages – we are so thankful we found each other when we did.
9. We’ve learned the importance of not letting each other’s dreams disappear, but more so the importance that the dreams aren’t enough when we don’t have one another for support.
10. It has given us time to relax together from our busy schedules.
Oh, and a little inside joke just for K: “Whatever mom, just clean it up.”
P.S. For all you TV lovers out there, you might also be interested in my posts about Veronica Mars and Desperate Housewives.
Hello, Monday
I love Monday nights. How could you not? Mondays are… Mondays, so the relaxation that comes after 5pm is better than any other day (except Friday of course.) Agreed?
Last Monday was spent catching up with two beautiful gals over wine about college, weddings, husbands/boyfriends/fiances, big girl jobs and life. This week? Relaxation with my latest therapy, The Hills.
Oh, and not to mention Gossip Girl and the new Rachel Bilson show Hart of Dixie are on Monday nights starting very soon. ❤
Life on Wisteria Lane
I’ve never been one to feel like I have to explain my decisions publicly, and despite what it looks like that’s not what this post is about.
Everyone has a way to relax after a long day, whether it be reading, watching movies, playing video games, etc. and ever since I’ve gotten Netflix mine has been watching tv shows by the season and my latest obsession is one that has gotten a lot of groans — Desperate Housewives.
Though on the surface DH is about neighborhood gossip and drama, I’ve actually learned quite a lot from this show. I spoke to this idea that tv can teach us things in my post about my Christmas break obsession Veronica Mars.
So, to all you Desperate Housewives naysayers out there, this post is for you.
1. It is very important to have a group of girlfriends you can trust.
2. You never know what happens behind closed doors.
3. If you want to test your marriage, open a restaurant.
4. Children need spankings.
5. Everyone has a secret they are willing to protect in some way or another.
6. A smile does not mean a person is happy.
7. If a husband and wife are committed to one another, there is never a fight they can’t overcome.
8. Always introduce yourself to your neighbors, baked goods in hand.
9. Stick by your significant other even if he or she is in a coma.
10. You never know what someone could be hiding in a basement.
11. Truly decide what it is that you want in life before you go after all of the wrong things.
12. Forgive and forget. Don’t let something major happens before you realize who is important in your life.
13. Always be bold and stick up for what you believe in. No matter what anyone else says.
14. Nobody’s perfect.
15. A plumber is never just a plumber and a pharmacist is never just a pharmacist.
Editor’s Note: I am only finished with the third season. No spoilers please.
Hibernate (v): spend the winter in a dormant state
Ah, Christmas break.
I’ve been done with school for more than a week now and have sufficiently gotten to experience what Christmas break is all about. It’s a time of hibernation, rejuvenation, relaxation. A time to do all those things you wanted to do during the semester, but just didn’t have time to do. And most importantly, a time to do absolutely nothing, and not feel guilty about it.
So how have I spent my first week of Christmas break?
Veronica Mars.
I’m a season and a half in on one of my new favorite shows, and I don’t feel one ounce of guilt about spending so much time in front of the ol’ tele. Why? Because I deserve it.
Yes, I’ve been lazy and worn my sweats and the couch out more than I ought, but I’ve also gotten quite a lot done as well:
Christmas shopping, coffee dates, multiple Christmas parties with different groups of people, baking, a going away party, extreme cleaning of my entire house and my car, babysitting, puppysitting, breakfast dates, reading, job hunting
And who said t.v. was such a waste of time? I’ve learned a lot from my VM marathon, including- how far an accent and a plan can get you, the importance of confidence and getting tough, how to secretly bug anyone, things aren’t always what they seem, the inconsequence of what people say about you behind your back, money doesn’t buy happiness
and finally, my new life goal of becoming a private investigator.
Shark Week, enough said
Exposition: I was first really introduced to Shark Week freshman year. Of course, I’d heard of it (who hasn’t), but no one in my household at home really thought it was a big deal, so I didn’t really think it was a big deal (a. sharks are terrifying b. it might give me nightmares c. who wants to see what’s inside of a shark belly? d. I had better things to do with my time) My roommate freshman year, however, thought it was a big deal. Now she isn’t the typical shark-hunter, action-loving person, quite the opposite in fact, so I was rather confused as to why she loved it. This is when I realized that Shark Week doesn’t have a demographic. Everyone loves Shark Week. Every age, every race, male or female, prep or punk. It transcends the typical. And I just couldn’t figure out why. So for three years I would get the hint from everyone’s Facebook status, SHARK WEEK! and just roll my eyes and keep clicking past the Discovery Channel.
Rising Action: I’m sitting in my living room last night with my roomies J and K, the bf and K’s bf. We’re all happily talking and watching K and her bf play Super Mario Bros. when they decide to switch to t.v. It was bound to happen. Click. Click. Click. “SHARK WEEK!” The boys scream in unison. And of course, I roll my eyes and start going off about how much I hate Shark Week and don’t understand the big deal. As I’m saying this, a woman is cutting open a shark’s belly and pulling out everything inside with her bare hands. Case. in. point.
“Next on Shark Week, Shark Attack Survival Guide.” 
Okay, that caught my attention. Remember a. b. c. and d.? Well this particular show on Shark Week defied my reasons for banning it. (Yes, it might make me even more terrified, but at least now if I’m ever in a situation I will know what to do, and no I didn’t have anything better to do.) Thus, I became wholeheartedly engrossed in what to do if I’m attacked by a shark.
(Keep in mind these tips may be a little misconstrued due to the fact that K was distracting everyone by making them watch ridiculous, but hilarious Dora/Maraka videos)
1. Don’t panic. (Pretty basic, but still can’t make any promises that it’s going to happen)
2. If your fishing boat in the middle of the ocean blows up for no reason, jump out into the shark-infested waters. (Honestly, I don’t know if I would choose blowing up or being eaten by sharks)
3. Grab a weapon (I swear that’s what they said and I was very confused as to where I was supposed to get this weapon seeing as my boat just blew up and I’m doggy-paddling in the middle of the ocean)
4. Use your water bottle to look deeper into the ocean to see how many sharks surround you (Again, I think I should have paid more attention on this one because I was confused, but honestly, do I really want to know how many sharks are down there?)
5. Don’t make any odd sounds. It attracts the sharks. (Does my boat blowing up and me screaming count as an odd sound?)
6. Do not attempt to grab a shark. (PHEW, good thing you told me that DC, because that’s definitely my first reaction)
7. Punch or claw its gills or eyes out. (Alright. If he doesn’t eat my hand , I’ll definitely try that one)
8. If all else fails, get on the Discovery Channel rescue vessel waiting for you on the side. (I don’t think this needs any commentary)
How to save someone who has been bitten by a shark
Stop the bleeding, apply direct pressure, take off your shirt (even if you’re a girl, that’s what he said and you want to save your friend right?!) and use it to make a tourniquet (you can click, I didn’t know what it was either). 
Random fact on the bottom of the screen: The average adult male can die with only 20% loss of blood.
And then, when he appears to be semi-okay, even though he’s pale and shaking on the beach and blood is gushing everywhere, and your tourniquet sucks, tell him, “Hey dude, you’re not gonna die today. I got it.” And whisk him away in the Discovery Channel helicopter to a hospital.
Conclusion: Shark Week may be OK and I should probably start watching the survival tips more often. Now I’m really starting to rethink the decision to go to bed before seeing “what to do if you’re locked in a cage underwater with a shark.”
Don’t Stop Believin’
Why do people give up on their dreams? Why do so many people get complacent in where they are, the job they are in and hold back on what they are really passionate about? Is it fear? Too much hard work? Low self-esteem? This may not resonate with college age people as much as it does older people, because hopefully we are pursuing our dreams in college. Hopefully, I say, because there are those who aren’t. Like me.
In high school, theatre was my life. I loved performing. It made me happier than doing anything else. I wanted to get on stage, live a life different than my own and make the audience feel what that character was feeling. I wanted to make them cry, laugh, connect to these characters that are only a two-hour part of their life.
But I decided not to pursue it in college, despite people telling me I was very talented. Why? Because I didn’t want to live the life of an actor. (Assuming I made it to the big time) I didn’t want to live under the constant scrutiny of the paparazzi. How ridiculous that reasoning sounds to me now. I LOVE acting, and if that’s what I want to do the most, that’s what I should do. I don’t want to look back and wonder what if. I don’t want to think I didn’t try because I was afraid of what would happen if I did make it big or what would happen if I didn’t make it big.
Don’t get me wrong. I love journalism. I love interviewing people and sharing their stories and writing. But it doesn’t fulfill me like acting does.
What got me on this path of thinking was watching the finale of my latest favorite show Glee. The show is about a group of high school misfits coming together in a glee club because they love singing and dancing. It doesn’t matter that they get thrown in trash cans, ‘slushied’, or bullied by everyone else in the high school. It’s their passion and they’re going to do it no matter what.
I was watching the finale and bawling. Partly because of the show and various storylines, but partly because it was hitting home. They knew they weren’t going to win regionals and wanted to just give up all together. Then their coach said to them, “Who cares what happens when you get there, when the getting there has been so much fun.”
So here’s to my journey, and that I don’t stop believin’ in what I want to do.
m.davis xoxo 