Newest Obsession: Fringe

I go through television shows like people go through shoes.  About every month I end up with a new show that I am absolutely obsessed with.  Last month it was Dawson's Creek.  I watched all 6 season (with some expert fast-forwarding skills) in about two weeks, and then went back and re-watched my favorite episodes.  My favorites were of course the best Pacey Witter episodes, because he is the only character worth re-watching.  I mean look at that face.

Oh yeah.  That boy grew into this man...

Say hello to Peter Bishop, one of the leads of Fringe.  He retains all of the witty dialogue of my beloved Pacey Witter, but without all those horrible collared shirts.  I started watching Fringe for the man candy, but kept watching for the endearing characters and science fiction story lines that are just out there enough to be interesting without going overboard.  It's easy for science fiction shows to get too far-fetched, but this one toes the line remarkably well.  It's also created by J.J. Abrams, the mastermind behind Alias and Lost, which helps.

What shows are you all obsessed with now?  Any recommendations for my next one?!

The Shows of Summer

One thing that I absolutely love about summer is the extra free time.  While I'm doing some work with a lawyer in the city, I find myself with a lot more hours than when I was in school.  This means several things.  For starters, I actually clean my apartment.  I dusted, scrubbed and windexed the heck out of my apartment and it looks pretty spankin' clean.  All future house guests are grateful, because that bathroom was not pretty before.  Believe me.

I also get to cook more.  Bake more.  Sit on my couch and huff tapioca pudding cups more.  And most importantly, I get to catch up on television.  Some of these are first times while others are repeat offenders.  I love 'em all the same.  Without further adieu, I bring you the shows of summer.

1) Gilmore Girls

This one will always and forever be on any tv show list that I make.  I watch this entire series about three times a year.  It's what I put on when I'm sad.  It's what I put on when I'm doing work and want something in the background.  It is my perfect catch-all-show.

2)  Dawson's Creek

First off, I should start by saying that I am a Joey/Pacey fan.  That's pretty much the first thing anyone will ask you when they hear you watch the show.  I actually can't stand Dawson as a character, but there are so many other wonderful things happening that I can overlook the milquetoast Dawson Leery.  Plus, there are all the awesome 90's overtones.

3) Grey's Anatomy

McDreamy.  McSteamy.  McMan.  This show has a hot doctor for everyone.  Plus, it can make me cry like a two year old who just had their toy stolen.

4) Firefly

It's written by Joss Whedon and has Nathan Fillion in REALLY tight pants.  You really can't go wrong with either of those things.

What are your shows of the summer?

Asparagus and Sun-dried Tomato Frittata

When I grow up I want to be Diane Lockhart.

Any The Good Wife fans reading this?  If not, let me give you a simple introduction to Christine Baranski's illustrious lawyer Diane Lockhart.

She's a BAMF.

The woman knows how to accessorize.

I am now looking forward to law school purely so I can become a Diane Lockhart prototype with the perfect swooping hair and powersuits.  Future planned.  Bam.

On a completely unrelated note, I made a frittata this week that was so good that I literally ate it for every meal one day.  I am going to go all hyperbolic here and say that it is the best frittata that I have made.

Yes, I do realize that I say this about every frittata that I make.

But this time I rrreeaallllyy mean it.

Asparagus and Sun-dried Tomato Frittata 

Ingredients:

1/2 bunch asparagus

1 link sun-dried tomato sausage (cooked)

6 eggs

2 tbsp milk

1/4 cup, plus 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a mixing bowl combine the eggs, milk and 1/4 cup cheese.

Chop the asparagus and saute in olive oil for 5-8 minutes, until tender.  Remove from pan and add the sausage, sauteing until seared.  Add the asparagus and egg mixture.  Cook until the bottom is cooked but the top is still slightly runny, 10-15 minutes.  Sprinkle remaining 2 tbsp of cheese and put in the broiler for 5 minutes, or until the top is browned.

Serve with a side salad.

And eat.

The end.

Oscars: Best Dressed

Did you all watch the Oscars last night?  I did!  The Oscars are one of my favorite times of the year.  It's seriously up there with national holidays for me.  I love the pomp and circumstance and how excited all of the actors are to be there.  It's like celebrity prom that we get to be all awesome and voyeuristic about.  What is there not to love?

One of my favorite parts of the show are all of the dresses.  I even love the ugly ones, if only for the mocking.  I want to share with you some of my favorite dresses from the night.  I thought over all the dresses were pretty fantastic, but I picked my top five to share!

Michelle Williams

Natalie Portman

Jessica Chastain

Emma Stone

Penelope Cruz (My Favorite of the Night!)

Did you guys watch the Oscars?  Who are your picks for best dressed??

Top 5 Fictional Boyfriends

Anyone who reads this blog regularly (or even stops by occasionally) knows that I watch a lot of television.  I once had a running total of eight shows that I was religiously watching.  It's a wonder I managed any actual social interaction.

Growing up, I used to always dream of dating the guys from my favorite shows.  I pretended I was going on badass missions with Vaughn from Alias or roughing it on a stranded island with Jack from Lost.  As I've gotten older, I haven't stopped falling for my fictional men.

Without further adieu, I bring you my top five fictional boyfriends.

Logan Huntzberger from Gilmore Girls

Oh, Logan Huntzberger.  He is he perfect combination of charm and wit with just a smidge of douchebag thrown in for good measure.  Pretty much the perfect man. 

The Doctor from Doctor Who

First off, check out that hair -- it is tousled perfection.  I absolutely love the Doctor in all of his regenerations, but Ten will always have a special place in my heart.  He wears snazzy pinstripe suits with Chucks, and it just WORKS.  Plus he has that nifty blue box that can travel anywhere in time and space.  

Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Before I started this show, I was a complete Angel girl.  I mean, David Boreanz is sexy (hello, Seeley Booth!) and this guy has peroxide hair.  What even?!  But then I actually watched the show and quickly switched to team Spike.  I mean, look at that face.  And those cheekbones.  Seriously.  What even?!

Fitzwilliam Darcy from BBC's Pride & Prejudice 

Yes, that is a wet Colin Firth.  You're welcome.  I firmly believe that no fictional boyfriend list is complete without Mr. Darcy.  So, here you go.

Seth Cohen from The O.C.

The male equivalent of adorkable, Seth Cohen is everything I would realistically want in a man.  He may not have a traveling telephone box like the Doctor or Logan Huntzberger's trust fund, but I bet you anything he could hold his own in a geek-off.  Plus, he has a sexy jew fro.

Who are your top fictional boyfriends?  

Alias: Five Reasons You Should Watch

Here is another post where I wax and wane about one of my favorite television shows in an attempt to convince you to watch them.  Last time, it was Downton Abbey.  I promise not to misspell the name of the show this time.  Luckily, it's only five letters.

I had an impromptu trip home this weekend and returned with all five seasons of Alias.  That show was my absolute jam when I was growing up.  I started during Season 2 and stuck with it through the inane plot twists, actress pregnancies, and Jennifer Garner's awful bangs.  I loved it, though.  Even as half of the show went over my fifteen year old head, I couldn't wait for the next episode.

I started my epic re-watch with a bit of trepidation.  Would this show, that could be characterized as my first big TV obsession, live up to my rose-tinted-memories?  Would Michael Vartan still be as attractive?  Would Jennifer Garner's bangs still be as awful?  Why yes, both would.  And everything else would be just as wonderful as I remembered.

So, why should you watch?

Michael Vartan

I'll start with the obvious.  Look at that face.  Look at that suit.  Seriously guys, this should be a no-brainer.  This man probably singlehandedly created my obsession with men in suits.

All The Disguises

Jennifer Garner changes her hair color more often than Katy Perry.  And she looks amazing with every disguise.  How can one person look so amazing with eighteen different hair colors?  I have trouble enough looking halfway decent with my own hair color.

The Quentin Tarantino Episodes

Quentin Tarantino, genius creator of the Kill Bill franchise, guest stars (and wrote) two episodes in Season 2.  The show is literally worth watching for these episodes alone.  They are amazing and feature cray-cray Tarantino.  What's not to love?

The Gadgets

This show nearly made me a tech nerd.  Their tech-ey guy Marshall just makes so many cool gadgets and gizmos.  And while I'm pretty sure I didn't understand half of them, they just sounded impressive.  There's a coin that shatters glass.  A lipstick that scrambles security codes.  A ring that has a sedative built into the stone.  AND THAT'S JUST ONE EPISODE.

Victor Garber

Okay, this might just be a Liz thing, but I freaking adore Victor Garber.  He plays Jennifer Garner's badass dad and he has some of the best lines in the series.

Have I convinced you to give Alias a try?  If not, I will judge you quietly over here while you leave me your favorite TV shows in the comment section!  Any recommendations for my next big show?  I love discovering hidden gems!

Downtown Abbey Love

Hello.

My name is Liz and I am addicted to Downtown Abbey.

Do you watch this show yet? If you answered no, then you have some explaining to do. Downtown Abbey is the soapiest dish without any guilty residue. It's funny. Heartbreaking. Clever. And so British.

If you're an anglophile like myself-and let's face it, you probably are-then it is time to jump on the Downtown Abbey bandwagon. Don't be afraid. We have tea and crumpets here. Still not convinced? Let me present my top five reasons to move Downtown.

1. Mystery and Intrigue- The base of any good show. Downtown has it in spades.

2. Attractive Englishmen - Does this need an explanation?

3. Attractive Englishmen with English accents - Just in case the point above did not hit home.

4. Dame Maggie Smith - This woman is a bamf. Don't believe me? Watch just one episode.

5. A Whole New World - Downtown Abbey is a gateway show. It will open up an entire new world of Masterpiece and BBC wonder. And that is reason enough to watch!

Already watch Downtown Abbey? I found this fantastic article on HelloGiggles with lots of fun recommendations for shows to watch! Most of them are on Netflix instant, too!

So, no more excuses people! Get your English Breakfast tea, your comfiest seat and start watching!