Daily Mish Mash

Dear John Mayer,

I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but I’m breaking up with you.

I think you are a really great guy–talented, charming, funny, sexy.  It is just that you did something that I am finding really hard to get over.

It wasn’t the fact that I read an article in US Weekly that said that you liked having kinky sex with your girlfriends and telling everyone about it.

I can forgive you for that. (Truth be told, I was only slightly turned on disturbed by this.)

It wasn’t that you may or may not have been caught in a hot tub with 4 girls in Cabo after Jennifer Aniston may or may not have broken up with you because you may or may not have cheated on her with a fan.

I can forgive you for that since I appreciate entertainers who are friendly with their fans.

It wasn’t even that the article said the only reason you dated Jennifer in the first place was to see why Brad Pitt wouldn’t want her.

That is just plain mean, and didn’t sound like the man that writes such heartfelt love songs.  I would never believe any of these vicious lies.

There is just one thing that I just can’t get over.  The final straw that broke the camel’s back was when I saw the video of you talking about your breakup with Jennifer Aniston. 

I appreciate you trying to clear the air, but I just can’t get over the fact that you did this to your hair:

Why, John, why?  It just doesn’t make any sense.  You looked so hot with your boyish, retro 80’s cut.  Why mess with a good thing?

I stuck with you during your freakishly big hair days, because I figured it was just a phase you were going through.  Maybe you were just trying to look like your girlfriend at the time, Jessica Simpson:

You may not have gotten the memo, John, but only one of my pretend boyfriends has my permission to shave their head and that is him:

Ok, and maybe him (but only when he is playing the role of a sexy police cadet for a movie):

But you (and James McAvoy) are not allowed to do this.  Ever.

I can find it in my heart to forgive you for this indiscretion (and all the other stuff if in the off chance any of it is true) if you could do me one little, teeny, tiny favor.

You see, you are doing another one of those cruises.  You know, the one where you pulled this stunt:

And I would LOVE to go, but there is one little problem.  I spent the remainder of our vacation fund on last year’s trip to Disney World and my husband has put his foot down about taking anymore vacations until next summer. 

Since your Mayercraft Carrier departs in March, that presents a bit of a problem.

So, I am once again petitioning you (and the Universe).  If you could find it in your heart to give away one empty stateroom (preferably next to yours), I would love to accompany you on this little voyage. 

Ok, and my husband would of course have to come too, but these are just minor details.

Thank you for your time and feel free to email me about the cruise.

Jen (Last Name is not Aniston)

This summer I embarked on a mission: to see every James McAvoy movie ever made.  Can you please tell my husband that I really do have goals.

Prior to this little McAvoy Film Festival (Yes, I know I’m a dork for calling it that) I had already seen Becoming Jane, Narnia, and Atonement, and I was hooked.  I needed more McAvoy and I needed it badly.  Here is what I thought of the movies I saw this summer:

Starter for 10:  I’d like to thank John for recommending this movie to me.  He said it would be perfect for my “McAvoy fix” and I have to agree.

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much with this one.  It appeared to be a ”B” movie (even though one of the producers was Tom Hanks) and it didn’t get much praise or hype when it came out. 

I’d have to say this is the one that I enjoyed probably the most out of all his movies.  I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy, and although this isn’t the cream of the crop in that genre, it was fun to watch.

It was about a guy who is starting his first year in college and is obsessed with starring on a television quiz show.  There is a lot of romance and plenty of cute moments like this:

If you like romantic comedies, and more importantly British humor, you will probably enjoy this one.  The soundtrack was really good too, since it has a ton of really fun alternative rock 80’s music.   

My overall rating would be 4 STARS ****

 The next McAvoy movie that I saw this month was Wanted.  I had high hopes for this movie since I had heard so many great things about it.  Don’t you just hate when a movie is over-hyped. Most hardly ever live up to the expectations put on them and this movie was no different. 

I knew going into it that it was an action/adventure movie, and although this isn’t typically my favorite genre I knew what was coming and I wasn’t expecting Becoming Jane.  I was just hoping for a fun, fast-paced movie with lots of scenes like this:

Sadly, even this scene couldn’t save this movie.  There was way too much violence in it for my taste.  I don’t like to see my McAvoy being beaten to a bloody pulp and that was a BIG part of the movie.

Plus, it was one of those movies where certain scenes are just plain ridiculous.  You know what I’m talking about.  The scenes where everyone should be dead but surprisingly the two or three main characters in the movie somehow miraculously survive.  I really can’t stand when that happens.  My husband and I found ourselves laughing hysterically during some of the more serious action sequences because they were that absurd. (My apologies to anyone who may have been distracted by our cackling.)  Truly, this movie is just beyond stupid. 

I would give Wanted 2 STARS ** (Ok, maybe 2 1/2 because now that I’m thinking of it there was this sequence of the movie with James in a pullover sweater (I love pullovers on guys because they just look like they are inviting you to hug them.  I know that is very weird.) and he just looked amazing for a good chunk of the movie, so 2 1/2 STARS.

Here is the pic of said sweater but he doesn’t look very cuddly in it here:

Our McAvoy movie watching took on a more serious mood with the next flick.  We finally got around to seeing The Last King of Scotland.  I say “we” but I really mean that “I” finally got around to seeing this movie and my husband agreed to sit next to me after much begging and pleading.  Surprisingly, he isn’t a big fan of movies like this even if they do star adorable Scottish actors.

Although I didn’t love this movie, I am glad that I took the time to watch it because I really didn’t know a whole lot about this period in the history of Uganda. I guess that makes it sound like it took place a long time ago, but it was really just the 1970’s. 

Although James did a phenomenal job in his role as the fictitious personal physician to dictator Idi Amin, I’d have to say that Forrest Whitaker completely blew me away with his performance.  He was able to make you like the character of Amin while at the same time fearing him.  He deserves all the praise and awards that he received for this role.

Like Wanted, this movie has its share of violence and torture.  It was very difficult to watch in parts and there are a few scenes that wil stay with me forever (although I wish they didn’t).  I wouldn’t say this movie was as good as Hotel Rwanda or Blood Diamond (other depressing Africa movies) but I did enjoy it enough.  In keeping with the trend, here’s a pic of McAvoy from the film:

My final rating would be 3 STARS ***

Lastly, we watched the much lighter and family friendly Penelope.  I liked this movie for what it was-fluff. 

I guess it was trying to be a modern fairytale about liking yourself for who you are. 

I probably would have never watched it if it wasn’t for this:

His eyes just looked extra gorgeous in this movie. I’m not sure why. Was it good lighting? Was he wearing contacts?   I don’t know but I was just mesmerized by them.  Not too crazy about the hair, though.  (James, please don’t ever wear it like that again, ok?  Thanks.)

Anyway, if you are in the mood for something light and romantic, this movie fits the bill.  My kids just thought it was ok.  I guess there weren’t enough talking animals doing kung fu in it for their liking, but I really did find it an enjoyable watch.  I only have one complaint (other than his hair).  Why didn’t he have his Scottish accent in it?  There were a lot of people with accents in the movie.  Why did he have to put on a fake American accent.  It annoyed me the whole time. 

I’d still give it  4 STARS ****

Well, you would think that I’d be all McAvoy’d out after watching all these movies but I’m not.  I think that is the problem with cute (and talented) actors, they just leave you wanting more and more.  Kind of like a drug, or Coke Zero.  Good thing I have this videoto keep me from going into withdrawl.

I put a new poll up in my sidebar.  Vote and then leave me a comment letting me know your favorite McAvoy movie. 

Today’s picks come from one of my oldest and closest friends, Tonya.  I blogged about her here.

We have always been alike in so many ways.  I think of her as my female soulmate, if there is such a thing because we have so many similarities.  She even puts pictures of her cute celebrity guys in her laundry room to brighten her mood as she goes through the endless cycle of sorting, washing, drying and folding.  If that isn’t a brilliant idea, I don’t know what is.

Then she went and sent me her Friday Eye Candy list and I just don’t even know what to say. Her top picks are so completely and utterly different from anything I would ever choose.  She tends to go for the bad boy type.  Me, not so much. 

I thought it would be fun to do a little comparison:

Tonya’s #1 Pick:                                                             Jen’s #1 Pick:

Tito Ortiz, UFC, dates porn star                                       Ryan Gosling , actor, dates sweetheart    

Tonya’s Favorite Reality TV Judge:                                               Jen’s Favorite Reality Judge:

Napoleon D’Umo                                                                         Piers Morgan

Judge on So You Think You Can Dance                                       Judge on America’s Got Talent

(Note to Carol and everyone else:  Please don’t stop reading because Piers Morgan made it to Friday Eye Candy.  I know, I know, but I just had to do it.  I just find him so irresistable with his snooty accent and condescending attitude.  He’s my kind of bad boy.) 

And here is the rest of Tonya’s list (I guess since I agree with a few of these, we can keep being BFFs):

Uriah Faber

Matt Damon

Justin Timberlake

Channing Tatum (I don’t know you but I’d like to.)

Who are your your favorite “bad boys”?  Leave me a comment and let me know.  I’ll make a compilation of your answwers in the upcoming weeks.

I’d like to thank Jen for introducing me to the wonderful world of Polyvore.  This is a website where you can put together outfits complete with all the matching accessories. (My friend Kate will LOVE this!!)

When I first started playing around with it, I made up a few outfits and then got bored with that.  So, the logical next step was to begin to fantasize about what I might wear on a date with Ryan Gosling. 

Well, don’t even really bother looking at the outfit because I lost interest in that real quick (Clothes are not my thing at all.  Do you believe that skirt retails for almost $1800!!!  CRAZY!!).  So, I began adding other “elements” to my scene.

Here is how I see our date unfolding:

He picks me up and takes me back to his place in NYC.  Of course there are flowers waiting for me.  He cooks me dinner and it is the most delicious meal that I have ever eaten in my entire life.  Naturally, there is lots of wine and chocolate.   After dinner he reads some poetry to me and then we go up to his rooftop loft (remember it is NYC) where we dance the night away.  Yes, it starts raining.  So, of course there is lots of kissing. In the rain.  On the roof.  And that is where I will leave this fantasy. 

So, I’m tagging anyone else who would like to play along.  How would your dream date go?   What would you wear?  Where would you go?   What would you do?  Go over to Polyvore and make up a fantasy of your own.  Have fun, but don’t include Ryan because he’s mine all mine (trying hard to forget about his new girlfriend).  Don’t forget to come back here to let me know if you played along. 

You may remember the promise that I made to do and review three Netflix workout dvds in one week.  Well, I couldn’t let the masses (and by masses I mean the handful of people that read my blog) down. 

I’ll keep the reviews short and sweet because who really feels like reading about exercise dvds, when actually doing them is hard enough work. 

These reviews are completely unbiased and come from a person who avoids exercise like it is a deadly disease or sin or some other terrible thing.  Despise isn’t even a strong enough word to describe my feelings about it. 

I decided to give yoga another try.  It seemed like a good way to ease back into the fitness world.  I know, I know.  Why yoga?  Why now after all my griping about this dvd.  I just decided to pretend that experience never happened.  I’ve erased it from my mind entirely. 

I tried out three different workouts on Netflix and here are the results of my challenge:

Workout #1:  Ten Minute Solution: Yoga

I really liked that this one is broken down into short segments.  Even my ADD-prone self can handle 10 minutes at a time, but you can do the whole thing for a complete body workout.  I also think this would make a great addition to any cardio or strength training you did if you added one of the 10 minute segments onto the end of your routine.  The instructor wasn’t at all annoying and I thought that it gives you a pretty decent workout.  My only complaint about this dvd was that I had a little trouble keeping up with some of the routine.  They move really fast and I don’t think they spend enough time talking about form and how to properly hold the poses.  Plus, I thought yoga was supposed to be more relaxing.  Don’t get me wrong, it may just be that I am totally out of shape, but I just thought it moved a bit too fast.  I would still recommend it though.  4 STARS ****

Workout #2: Crunch-Candlelight Yoga

I was a little disappointed in this workout.  I love the instructor, Sara Ivanhoe (She is the same girl who is on my Yoga For Dummies dvd.  I like her even though or maybe because she talks to you like you are in Kindergarten), but the workout is definitely a little bland.  It is great for stretching and relaxing, but there is just something missing from it.  I think if you are looking for a dvd to help you wind down for the night (other than a glass of wine because really that is much easier) this is the perfect workout.  It provides a lot of great stretches and breathing exercises, but lacks the strength training of the other dvd (above).  I would give this one 3 STARS *** (but 5 STARS ***** if you don’t want to drink wine and need another way to relax)

Workout #3:  Hot Male Yoga

This is going to come as quite a shock to many of you, but I do NOT recommend this dvd.  I know this may sound odd coming from your weekly host of Friday Eye Candy, but I just can’t , in good conscience, sanely recommend this absolutely ridiculous spectacle to anyone.  I don’t know, call me crazy, but I like my yoga with a little less thong and a little more yoga. 

This is a really good example of too much of a good thing.  The porno dvd (complete with the sexy music) features three almost completely-naked, very buff, good-looking guys (sort of) attempting to do yoga in the middle of some desert-like setting.  And yes, they are wearing thongs. 

While this may sound like a great idea in theory, there is just something about the whole thing that just doesn’t work.  First of all, I couldn’t stop laughing at how they were all on this tiny little blanket.  Why did they all need to be on the same blanket?  Why couldn’t they each have their own mat?  Was the budget that tight or what?  I mean clearly they didn’t spend much on their wardrobe. 

Then there were the bare butts and bulging private parts.  It was all just way too much for my eyes and I just couldn’t concentrate.   I give this one 2 STARS ** (but really only one with a bonus star for the comic relief and the hot guys).  

Here is a video because…well, I think it would be best for you to just see for yourself.  If you are easily offended or have kids in the room do not push the play button: 

This dvd does not work for me, but making a promise to the blogosphere does.  I’m also going on one week without Coke Zero (and I totally miss it and feel like a zombie most of the time without it) so yay for me and yay for all you holding me accountable (ok, so I know you really didn’t do anything, but I knew you were there all along expecting results, so you all should be praised too.)

 To see what works for others, visit Shannon’s blog.

It’s that time again… Friday Eye Candy.  Wooohooo!!!

I have to say that this was just what the doctor ordered.  I really needed a pick me up since I’m on day 3 without my beloved Coke Zero and it is just about killing me.  This week’s compilation did the trick nicely.

Today’s list comes from Firah of Essentielle Elegance. 

I had a lot of fun with her list because quite a few of my favorite guys were on there.  One question that I did want to know was whether she preferred Ryan Gosling with or without a beard.  Here was her answer:

“Oooh..that’s an interesting question..usually, I’d prefer him clean cut but there was something about his scruff in Half Nelson that was actually quite..erm..attractive…hehe…so it’s a toss up I guess…”

So just for fun, I thought I’d take a poll.   You will find it at the bottom of this Firah’s list. 

1) Ryan Gosling (Pictured both ways)

2) Hugh Jackman

3) Josh Harnett

4) Josh Duhamel

5) James Marsden

6) James Mcavoy

7.) Jesse Spencer

Note from Firah:  And here are a couple of really odd ones simply cause they make me feel like a cradle snatcher:

1) Zac Efron

2) Chace Crawford

Remember:  If you would like to see your list featured on my blog, email me at dailymishmash (at) gmail (dot) com.

Who is your favorite guy on Firah’s list?  Leave a comment and then head on over to her blog to say hi.

Oh, and don’t forget to take my very important poll:
 

 

Dear John Mayer,

I forgive you for not contacting me about the concert tickets.  I’m sure you must be very busy with your new lady friend and the tour, so you may not have as much time to google yourself anymore.

I won’t lie and say that I wasn’t a little disappointed, but life goes on.

Luckily, the Universe picked up your slack and we ended up eventually finding someone who was trying to unload tickets. The Universe must also know that I’m really cheap because the seller gave them to us for under face value! This was really peculiar because everyone else we found selling them were trying to get double the face value.  I swear it was fate that sent this very nice woman to us.  And just like that, my faith in the power of The Secret was restored.

I must tell you that you are an AWESOME performer!!!  I’ve been to many concerts and I really like how you mix things up.  One minute you are singing your own songs and the next minute you throw a little Aerosmith, Duffy, Tom Petty and Van Halen into the mix. It was like five concerts all rolled into one. Loved it!

Although I wish you would have done “Your Body Is A Wonderland” (yes, I know it’s kind of played out and doesn’t really go along with your new arm-sleeve tattoo and serious musician image) I will say that you made it up to me when you did Van Halen’s Panama. 

Ok, so I don’t really even like that song very much, but I LOVED the idea of you not wearing a shirt while performing it.  Best part of the concert for sure!!! (Sad to say that my camera’s battery chose to die at this exact moment and I only got a few seconds -stupid, stupid camera!!! )

I really do think you should have done the entire show without a shirt, but I’ll take whatever I can get.

Thanks for a fun night!

Love,

Jen

(And my husband who says that you are his idol for dating half his laminated list.)

Dear Mr. Mayer,

Just in case you do, in fact, google yourself, I thought I’d throw something out there to you (or the Universe since I fully believe in the power of “The Secret“). 

On Sunday, July 13th, you will be performing a concert in Columbia, Maryland.  This venue is only a mere 30 miles from my house.  I would love, love, LOVE to attend your concert, but I am a chronic procrastinator and put off buying tickets until today.  And guess what?  Your pavillion seats are sold out.  Congrats to you. :)   Boo for me. 

Since you are John Mayer and probably could get your hot little hands on a few of the tickets, I am putting a request out to you (and the Universe) for just two measly tickets.  (Preferably front row center, but of course I would take anything at this point.)  (Accept the lawn because why bother, really.  I could just youtube you performing if I wanted to see you that far away.)

July 13th, the date of said performance,  just happens to also be my 11th wedding anniversary.  We are both HUGE fans (well actually he loves U2 a little more than you but it is U2 so I think you can forgive that, but you are my #1 favorite singer, songwriter, guitarist, music person EVAH!!!!) so this would be like a gift from you to both of us.  

I know you haven’t appeared on my Friday Eye Candy, and for that I am truly sorry.  You are #4 on my laminated list (behind Ryan Gosling, James McAvoy, and Leonardo DiCaprio).  I mean how could you not be:

To summarize: you… me… concert tickets… please.  Thanks for your time.  Have a great day.  I love you.

Love,

Jen ( A real Goonie)

PS You can get in touch with me by email:      dailymishmash (at) gmail (dot) com.

PSS  To all my loyal readers, I apologize for Playlist.  I am trying to score some John Mayer tickets and I want him to think that I always have his songs playing on my blog.

_____________________________

To everyone here from POW–You can read An Open Letter to John Mayer Part 2 right here to see whether or not he gave me the tickets.

I thought with baseball season being in full swing (get it–swing, like as in bats) and the All-Star game being next week that we should take a look at a few of the hottest players.  When I say “hot” that doesn’t mean “good” because who knows if they are actually playing well right now.  Does it really matter?  Not when they look this cute!

Chase Utley…Philadelphia Phillies–Second Base

JJ Hardy–Milwaukee Brewers–Shortstop

Joe Mauer…Minnesota Twins–Catcher

Jeff Clement…Seattle Mariners-Catcher

Nick Markakis…Orioles-Right Field

Derek Jeter…Yankees–Shortstop

Grady Sizemore…Cleveland Indians-Center Field

Jose Reyes…NY Mets–Shortstop

David Wright…NY Mets–Third Base

Josh Beckett….Red Sox–Pitcher

 And for old time sake, here is a picture of my all-time cute baseball player…Brady Anderson, outfielder from the Baltimore Orioles.  Since he isn’t playing anymore, he is spending his days at the beach.  At least that is what I’m guessing from this photo.  Yum!

Who is your favorite baseball hottie?  Did I forget anyone?

***Remember– if you would like me to feature your favorite men on my blog (Remember how much we enjoyed Jenny’s picks last week!) just email me at dailymishmash (at) gmail (dot) com. 

(Let’s try this again.  This post should show the picture.)

I interrupt the Movie Madness Carnival for some Goswatch:

A couple of observations:

1.  Man, he sure is working out lately.  Look at those arms!!

2.  Those shoes crack me up.  He’s always wearing them. And that gold watch.  I love his fashion choices.

3.  That hat is killing me.  Please stop torturing us (When I say us, I mean me and a few other crazy fans. And when I say it is killing me, I mean you look so darn cute in it that it is driving me mad.)

That’s it.  Intermission over.  Movie Madness may now resume.