Felicity, A Review

Before I review, can I just ask: HOW many shows does J.J. Abrams and Ron Howard have their hands in?!? Those are two wealthy suckers!

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Onto Felicity, the bookworkmy high school graduate that follows her crush (edging on obsession) to a New York university. Seriously, Felicity is a stalker-in-the-making. So why keep watching?

Noel Crane. Noel brought a human element to the show that was much needed, and MUCH MORE BELIEVABLE than the Ben/Felicity storyline. Of course, my affinity for brunettes in sweaters skews this opinion slightly; however, Noel and Felicity are just more of a fit.

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I say this because Felicity was always trying to save Ben. ALWAYS. If there is anything I've learned through the years, it's to avoid those horrendous relationships. I remain Team Noel. I choose the geeky brunettes over the unattainable blondes!

Like most shows, Felcity had a super strong start and an ending that made you say, "what the f***?" The show started to go downhill once they switched theme songs (I hate when shows do that). And the ending was...just...I mean, really? Time travel? Why introduce something so supernatural into a show that shined because of its realism?

Despite possibly the worst ending of all time, there is something really loveable and addictive about Felicity. Of course, the love triangle keeps things exciting. I also appreciated the scripts ability to highlight mundane eccentricities of each character, like Javier's use of "crunch" instead of crush. Lastly, there was something really special about the show's portrayal of college life: the dark-halled dorms, the late-night study sessions during finals week, the roommate issues, gritty shots of the classroom, etc., all shown in a contemporary way.

Characters today are entirely too glammed up: fake eyelashes, suits, designer shoes. I miss the shows of the 90s, like Felicity, that have stripped-to-their-soul characters: fresh faces, realistic clothing, minimal makeup. None of this I'm a hot spy that solves a crime everyday nonsense.

But I guess that's a rant for another time...

What did you think of Felicity?


P.S. WHY was Elena alive in the last episode?!?

Other TV Show Reviews:

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Ally McBeal

Gimme More Piri Piri! (Portugal, Part 2)

The rest of my time in Portugal was spent indulging in all the local specialties and exploring the Old Town area of Albufeira. 

Meet Piri Piri sauce...my favorite new hot sauce that burns sooooo good: 

I also found the Portuguese to be friendly, welcoming jokesters. Take, for instance, this "large" beer that was presented to me...

Onto the town, Albufeira, which definitely reminded me of Mexico with a splash of European flair here and there. Judge for yourself:

So, Port Wine comes from Port-ugal. Get it? Learn something new everyday. 

I definitely noticed a lot of abandoned, broken down buildings in Portugal. A product of the recession? It was a bit of the shame to see once magnificent buildings literally falling to pieces. At the same time, it somehow added some great charm to the area, which is probably a very selfish first-world traveler thing to say. 

My overall view of Portugal was positive. The people there had a sweet, welcoming disposition and the town had this relaxed, summery attitude even amongst the cusp of winter. I will say I have no desire to visit again. Portugal didn't wow me in the way Norway or Ireland did, but it's still worth a trip, especially if you're looking to unwind and have a drink (or two) by the sea.

That One Time I Spent Thanksgiving in Portugal (Part One)

Last week I had my first Thanksgiving away from home. To soften the sting of homesickness, a group of fun ladies and I strategically planned a trip to Portugal. "I'll give myself something to be thankful for!"  I thought to myself...

Despite not being in Cali for a major holiday, I was pleased to find Portugal's uncanny resemblance to California in looks and weather. I wasn't home, but it sort of felt like home. 

We got a good little deal on our hotel through LivingSocial London...they have deals all around the world, folks! 

 Words do not describe how incredibly happy my pasty white skin was to see Mr. Sun...

 Green wine (which is just a more bitter white wine) is the local speciality in Albufeira, Portugal.

 There was something about this little rock formation that I was obsessed/drawn to. Thus, I give you the many phases of Big Rock on Beach: 

I hope that was as good for you as it was for me. (It was really good for me). 

The first day in Portugal really was all about relaxing and chasing Mr. Sun wherever he went. After living in London for a bit, I am infatuated with Mr. Sun and edging on becoming his stalker. I will follow him WHEREVER he goes...Besides stalking the sun, I made sure to have one too many drinks, complete with parrot and orange slice. 

The perfect end to a perfect day filled with a lot of necessary nonsense. Yes. 

On a Mission: Finding American Breakfast in the U.K.

Before you judge me, hear me out. The British do plenty of things better than Americans:

• Style-wise, they blow us completely out of the water. We couldn't dream of being more fashionable! 
• They are a witty bunch. You can't beat a good conversation with a delightfully smart Londoner. Hopefully this is rubbing off on my convo skills, so I can impress all my friends back home. 
• Those accents! I've been here for 2 months, and I still love it. 

However, there is one thing that they don't do better. BREAKFAST. Let me show you a picture of the typical British breakfast: 

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I mean, baked beans? (specifically Heinz Baked Beans, the British are obsessed with this). Boiled tomatoes? Mushrooms...not mixed in an omelette? I just...don't...understand.

To further my distaste for English Breakfast is my OBSESSION with American Breakfast. I am a breakfast girl all the way. And boy, do we have it down perfectly! Golden pancakes, fluffy eggs and crispy bacon (the Brits call this 'streaky bacon' as it has streaks of fat in it...HAHA!).

So, you could imagine my excitement when I found out there are some diners boasting to serve American Breakfast here in London. I had to check it out!!

First Attempt: The Breakfast Club in Soho

A cheeky establishment with an undeniably great name! 

Verdict: The sausage was amazing (another thing the British do better). But the pancakes were a little burnt and the eggs were less-than-desirable. This place had a fantastic atmosphere, but sort of failed at American Breakfast. 

Second Attempt: The Diner in Shoreditch

Verdict: This is the best replica I've found. The pancakes were pure perfection, and truly a bite of home! Although I ordered a burger (well done, which they called 'cremated'...LOVE THE WITTINESS), I tried my friend's breakfast and was delighted to taste those fluffy eggs I was dreaming of.

So far, The Diner has the BEST American Breakfast I've found. Will I stop here or continue searching????? To be continued...

Punch Brothers, My New Love

I'll make this short, because talking about concerts never does them actual justice.

If you like blue grass mixed with classical, check out Punch Brothers! They'll be touring the States very soon, and it's sooooooo worth a ticket. Simply, it is now in my top 5 favorite concerts. And if you are wondering what instruments you're seeing, there is the mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass and banjo. Genius!



Also, sorry for the blurry video, but Chris Thile playing Bach on the mandolin is well worth a listen!


 

The band was nice enough to talk to fans after the show, and Chris even took a picture with a gushingly happy Mel...

This was one of my best nights in London: red wine in a plastic cup and beautiful, beautiful sounds to uplift my soul...ahhhhh...

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's sooo aceeptable:

• to put off writing research papers for just one more episode of Arrested Development. George Michael is my favorite! Annyong. 

• to overdose on coffee and tea in order to write those damn research papers. 

• to find out that overdosing on caffeine actually makes me extremely ADD and hinders my ability to write papers; thus, I have nothing to show in the way of progress. Doh! 

Caught red handed, and extremely wired! 

It's Not Perfect, But It's Great

Art from the Saatchi Gallery

Some of you have commented here and there and said "Looks like you are having a blast!" and "You look so happy!" and other nice things like that.

And it's true. I took this giant leap and here I am in a new city, pretty damn proud of myself. And some nights I do have a blast, as evidenced by all the happy pictures that I post. But if you only go by pictures up on a blog, then you're probably not getting the full story.

London is not perfect--it's not a dreamy vacation. Not everyday is interesting. Some days are incredibly boring, overcast and somber. Some nights I stay in and watch a movie, when maybe I should be going out. Sometimes, the cobblestone streets get really annoying.

But the point is, I'm living my life here. Life does not become a fantasy simply by moving to a new city. It takes a lot of effort moving to a new city, and once you are there it takes even more effort to build a new life...



I'm being forced to grow and subsequently feeling those damn growing pains. Homesickness imminently creeps in (read this great post from Emily on that), and not everything stays charming. Through all of this, I'm still very happy that I came here. It's not perfect, but it's great. It's not a vacation, but it's a good life. London is changing me in ways that I needed, and that's the best thing of all.

Favorite Thing Thursday

1. Norwegian Sweaters and Mittens

I scored in Norway! This sweater and these mittens = my favorite thing ever right now. Cali girls need to stay warm! 

2. Hanging Out With Norwegian Locals in Bars (And Being Mistaken for a Local Myself)

I blend right in, just like white girl camouflage. 

3. SNOW! 

I miss the snow! I miss Norway!!