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Coffee Talk with Executive Producers of ABC’s Trophy Wife

March 18, 2014 by Samantha 5 Comments

While we were in LA, we were able to screen the TV show Trophy Wife. (We watched “The Wedding” parts 1 and 2.) We were also able to meet the “wife” of the show Malin Akerman and the Executive Producers the ABC show, Sarah Haskins and Emily Halpern. Malin chatted with us about the show, but more about her nearly year old son. It was cool to see the mom come out in this TV star, who was asking us for tips she can use as he grows up as well as what to expect, and what age is the best and worst in our opinions.

Trophy Wife stars Ryan Lee as Warren, Bailee Madison as Hillary, Marcia Gay Harden as Diane, Bradley Whitford as Pete, Malin Akerman as Kate, Natalie Morales as Meg, Michaela Watkins as Jackie and Albert Tsai as Bert.

Photo Credit: ©(ABC/Bob D’Amico)

About Trophy Wife:

From ABC: ”They say third time’s a charm and reformed party girl Kate (Malin Akerman) is hoping that’s true when she becomes the third wife of a slightly older man, Pete (Bradley Whitford). The fell into each other’s arms (literally) at a karaoke bar, and flash forward a year later, Kate finds herself with an instafamily complete with three step-children and two ex-wives. But Kate is determined to make this work and become a part of the family no matter what.”

How did you come up with the idea for Trophy Wife?

Sarah Haskins: We’re the creators, so we came up with the idea together. It’s very loosely based on my life. I married an older man who’d been married a few times before and has children from those different marriages. Kind of like Malin Akerman’s character, without rocking the short shorts. It’s a situation that while unique and highly specific, is also very universal. People have dealt with divorce and co-parenting. It’s very common and we think it has a place on TV.

The characters have very good chemistry. How hard was it to get who you wanted?

Sarah: We filmed the pilot off-cycle and we didn’t appreciate it at the time. That wound up being a huge advantage because we weren’t competing for all the exact same actors as all of the other pilots at the same time. And a lot of that had to do with Malin. She was really the first piece. ABC had actually passed on Trophy Wife the first year we developed it and ultimately it was given a second life when Malin read the script and ABC really wanted to work with her – and so did we.
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Filed Under: entertainment, lifestyle Tagged With: disney, la, tv

ABC’s New Series “Resurrection”

March 16, 2014 by Samantha 4 Comments

Have you seen Resurrection yet? Episode 2 is on later tonight, so if you missed the first one, get thee to a computer or Hulu and download it stat. You don’t want to miss this series, it’s going to be a good one. Even IO9 says to give it a shot, and they are a pretty good source when you are looking for fun new sci-fi or sci-fi-ish-ness. I totally made up that word, deal. It’s a great word, use it with zeal.

Back to the point- the show is pretty good thus far. I was able to preview episode two after seeing episode one, and it only gets better (and weirder) but will keep shocking you. I’m by no means any type of wild fangirl of much, but I’m going to be watching this show and you can bet on that. The first episode (and in case you have not seen it, I wont’ give away any spoilers) has the young son of a couple come back after being dead for 30 years. When he arrives on his parents doorsteps, and his father realizes who he is, I almost threw up. I had to hit “pause” and leave the room for a second- can you imagine first losing a child (God forbid) then having that child returned to you? You really put yourself in his place for that second, it was very visceral. The show was completely amazing, and you find yourself being sucked in the entire time. The second episode gives you more of those feelings, and has a feeling of the show “Lost” or “Haven” to it if you watched either of those.

As much fun as it was to see an episode of Resurrection before it aired,I must say it was made even more so because we watched it with the Executive Producers and had a question and answer session afterwards.

Are we going to find out how these people were brought back?

Tara Butters: That’s one of the central questions of the entire series. There are some answers but we don’t answer everything. We still want to have an investigative drive. Do we know yet? There are several questions: Why here? Why Arcadia? Why is it happening? How is it happening? When we pitched the season to ABC, we pitched them the last scene of the last episode of the series. So we know where we want to go.

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Filed Under: entertainment, lifestyle

How-‐to Make a Quick and Easy Romantic Pasta Dinner in Under 30 Minutes

March 11, 2014 by Samantha 4 Comments

Menu: Rigatoni Florentine with Wild Mushrooms and Toasted Walnuts, green salad with cherry tomatoes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, Champagne and espresso.

This is an easy, elegant and romantic dinner that can be thrown together very quickly. To save even more time, look for fresh, pre-washed and pre-sliced produce.

The key to a creating a romantic dinner is to appeal to all five of the senses…sight, sound, touch, smell and, of course, taste. Get these elements right and the rest is easy. This article shows you exactly how to get the details right without any fuss.

Just follow the lead of the Italians, and Saint Valentine in particular (San Valentino, Roman saint of courtly love) by slowing down, savoring the moment and enjoying la dolce vita (the sweet life).

First, set the scene…

Set an intimate table for two with your best linen, china and crystal. Light a few candles (unscented only please…the aromas should be limited to just a hint of your perfume and the dinner itself). Add some mild-smelling, fresh-cut flowers or a vase of simple greenery and place it on the side of the table so the view is clear. Put the wine and Champagne in the wine bucket (or fridge) to chill. Turn the lights down low and put on some romantic music.

Next, dress the part…

Choose something very comfortable but flattering. Sexiness comes from confidence so whatever you choose should make you feel really good. Add some bling and a light spritz of scent. Take some time with your grooming as you look forward to the evening ahead…enjoy the anticipation.

Mis en place…

Put on an apron to protect your clothing and collect everything you’ll need for the dinner. The French culinary term for this is mis en place, or put in place. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking go very smoothly and allow you to focus on your date.

Collect your ingredients…

1/2 pound of rigatoni pasta (half of a bag or box)

1 package (12 oz.) of fresh wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

1 small bag (10-12 oz.) of fresh baby spinach, washed

1 cup walnut pieces

3 tablespoons butter

1 container (8 oz.) mascarpone cheese

1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg or 1/2 tsp dried.

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

salt and fresh-cracked black pepper

A small bag of spring salad greens

A handful of fresh, cherry tomatoes

An oil & vinegar dressing of your choice

A fresh French baguette

A pint of fresh strawberries, washed and dried, with the stems still on.

8 oz. heavy cream

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate pieces or morsels

A crisp, dry white wine

Champagne of your choice

espresso

Assemble your equipment…

A large pasta pot with a lid

A collander

A large saucepan for the sauce
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Filed Under: food, lifestyle

5 Natural Supplements to Improve Brain Memory

March 10, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

New health and diet fads have been rising and falling for years. For instance, fish oil popularity has been waxing and waning since the 1970s. The latest research has shown that there are a lot of new and old herbal and chemical components working as brain food which help with mental health, memory and intelligence. Even with continuing research there are still no conclusive results, but that does not stop supplement manufacturers and suppliers from marketing to the general public. Among all the chaff, there are several health food and supplements which clearly show potential.

In recent studies, these five brain food have been consistently recommended by experts:

Creatine. Gym rats and body builders swear by creatine when it comes to building body mass and bulking up. There has been evidence to counter these claims, however, recent research show that creatine helps in improving memory. The same researches have also shown that creatine helps with attention span. These benefits are enough for a second look as it may look help keep brain cells from atrophy. Additionally, if there is a history of alzheimer’s or dementia in the family, creatine supplements might help stave off the onset.

Chocolate. The effects of chocolate on the brain has long been documented. The flavanols in cacao enhances the brain’s cognitive functions. However, for best results it is suggested to have dark chocolate, preferably 90% and unsweetened. This almost pure chocolate is the upper limit of commercially available consumer class chocolate. Although clinical studies show that it has the least potency compared to others on this list, it is also inarguably the only item on this list which can be considered a fun food item.

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Filed Under: health, lifestyle Tagged With: health, Supplements

The Other Josh Cohen At Paper Mill Playhouse

March 3, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Now showing at the Paper Mill Playhouse in NJ, is the incredibly funny “The Other Josh Cohen”. This play is about a Jewish man who is down on his luck and broke, but this nice guy just wants to do the right thing when a mysterious check shows up at his home with $58,000 for him. Not knowing the sender, he tries to make sure that it’s really HIS money before he cashes the check. His friends and family try to help- which only makes it stranger. This musical (told in the past and present, with multiple actors playing the same person at the same time, often literally talking to themselves) will have you laughing from start to finish.

Josh didn’t have the best luck with girls, jobs, or even his writing. But nice guys can finish first, and the show will make you feel good about your own junk luck, and make you laugh at yourself as well as Josh. Add in a dancing Darth Vader and random visits from Neil Diamond, the strange-sounding show is a real hit, and one I would recommend to anyone.
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Filed Under: entertainment, lifestyle, theater Tagged With: NJ, paper mill playhouse, theater

Marriott Rewards (and fun sweepstakes)

February 25, 2014 by Samantha 10 Comments

I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Marriott Rewards. I received Marriott Points to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

I just wanted to let you all know about the new Ambassador program I am in now for Marriott Rewards® and will be posting two more times in the coming months about the program. There are so many cool things about this, one of them is it makes me happy to work with Marriott and of course I get the insider’s view of their new contests and promotions to share with you. One of these new contests is called Year of Surprises. Year of Surprises is Marriott Rewards’ way of celebrating its 30th birthday. To enter it is easy, just think of someone who deserves to be celebrated this year with a surprise party- so head on over to yearofsurprises.com to enter. The first round of the contest ends soon (February 28th) so please get your entries in quickly. Nominations are reviewed on creativity, appeal of the nomination essay, and ability to actually throw the surprise party. This first round of nomination’s winners will be announced in March. Then there are two more rounds, one in May and one in August. So Aunt Sue who recently moved the Arctic Circle might not win, but its worth a shot to nominate that special someone who lives near you. In order to enter, you do need to be a member of Marriott Rewards, but this is more of an incentive then a chore. To sign up click here: Marriott.com/rewards.
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Filed Under: lifestyle Tagged With: Hotels, travel

Adventure Aquarium in NJ

February 25, 2014 by Samantha 9 Comments

This winter has been interminable, but there is plenty to do indoors. Just a short drive from NY, NJ, or PA, is the Adventure Aquarium- formerly the Camden Aquarium. There are many things to see and do inside, from new exhibits, to interactive touch pools, and educational experiences. You can get a hot lunch there, bring your own and grab a table, and spend the whole day inside. (There are also outdoor penguin enclosures, but bring your coats! Baby, it’s cold outside.)

The latest exhibit, running through March, is all about our favorite amphibian- frogs. Everything and anything frog related can be found here- and your children can even see (and touch, if they are brave!) a tiny poison froggie. Don’t worry- it’s harmless to people. Unless you eat it. So, don’t. 🙂

Featuring more than 8,500 aquatic species throughout two million gallons of water, Adventure Aquarium is the only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos and also home to the largest collection of sharks on the east coast – including a Great Hammerhead Shark. Located just minutes from downtown Philadelphia on the Delaware waterfront, visitors can get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays they can touch. They can also explore one-of-a-kind exhibits, including hippos, penguins and a shark tunnel.

The NJ of Adventure Aquarium on the Delaware Waterfront’s newest exhibit, Frogs: Natures Messenger hops on to the scene and opens to the public, bringing the opportunity to come face-to-face with frogs of all types, sizes and vivid colors. More than 20 species of frogs and amphibians will invade the Aquarium through April — from the red-eyed tree frog, the poison dart frog, the tiger-legged monkey frog and the enormous African bullfrog, there will be something for everyone to croak about.
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Filed Under: lifestyle, travel Tagged With: aquarium, family, NJ

LA Bound

February 22, 2014 by Samantha 3 Comments

Very shortly, I will be headed to LA to visit (among other things) the Muppets. I’m pretty excited about that- Kermit has always held a soft spot for me- as has Gonzo, the well-meaning and often misunderstood creature of unknown origins.

Here is a brief synopsis of what we will be up to during our #MuppetsMostWantedEvent and #CaptianAmericaEvent trip-

Attending the red carpet premiere of The Muppets Most Wanted. This will be the highlight for me, I’m fairly certain.
Interviewing the cast/directors of The Muppets Most Wanted, including Kermit and Ms. Piggy.
Attending the press junket for Captain America-The Winter Soldier and interviewing the cast/directors. My husband is pretty upset I will get to see the movie a whole month before it comes out, and he can’t. He’s a huge, huge comic geek.

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Filed Under: lifestyle Tagged With: california, disney, movie, travel