My Favorite Commercial

Recently, on Facebook, a friend complained about a commercial she hates.  It got me to thinking.  Everyone always complains about commercials but we rarely give praise to the ones we like. 

My favorite commercial of all time, one that I could easily watch over and over again, is a Visa Check Card commercial.  In this one, a guy is getting a tattoo of his girlfriend's name, Donna.  In the background, we hear a cover of Richie Valens' "Oh Donna."  As it turns out, he doesn't have enough money and the tattoo artist stops before completing the artwork.  As the poor fellow's girlfriend walks out on him, we see a closeup of the tattoo stating "I love Don."  In keeping with the new artwork, the song changes to "Oh Don."  The guy turns to the camera and says, "Very funny."  It is and I laugh every time.  In case you'd like to see it for yourself, here's a YouTube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCwZO1QoFQI 

So?  What's your favorite commercial?  Why do you like it?  Is it a nostalgia thing?  Does it touch you emotionally?  Does it make you laugh?

While we're on the subject of commercials, here's one of my own.

I've added some new pieces to my web site.  Here's an example.  I hope you like it.  (Yeah, not an entertaining commercial, but it's short, sweet and to the point.)

SUPERnatural

I love me some Winchester boys and it's been too long since I've had a Sam and Dean fix.  Welcome back to my TV screen guys.

Our boys got themselves checked into "Hotel California" simply by telling the truth about their lives, hunting, the apocalypse and hanging out with a trenchcoat-wearing angel.  How and why is something better left to the zillions of blogs and websites that focus on episode recaps.  I focus on my opinions and observations, not full recaps.  If  you haven't seen "Sam Interrupted" yet, go crank up your DVR or watch it online or read a recap and let's get started with the discussions.

Did anyone think that Nurse Ratched's eyes turned black when we first met her and she turned her back on Sam and Dean?  I watched that several times and am pretty sure they were black and that she was going to be the baddie of the week.  But then they went and threw some red herrings at us and I got all confused.  Did you figure it out right away or did you have a few false guesses as well?  I figured the male doctor was a little too obvious but was leaning towards Wendy, the poor girl who was forced to make out with both Sam and Dean.  I really liked Dean's lady doc.  She "got" him.  Too bad she was a delusion.

The only real problems I had with this episode were 2 plot holes that you could have driven the Impala through.  One:  How did they end up in the morgue?  Since when does any patient have free access to all areas of a hospital, not to mention psych patients?  You'd think they would be on a locked ward, wouldn't you?  Second:  The escape was way too easy.  It's like they just strolled out.  And really, Sam, before you start emoting about your anger issues, get in the damn car and get the hell out of Dodge!

All in all, this was a good episode.  The brothers were back together and working together.  There was just the right touch of brother interaction, angst, humor and creepy.  May I also add that Jensen Ackles does crazy really well?

Favorite lines:
Pudding!
I like him now.  He's larger.
The whole speech about how crazy brains taste better.  (Yeah, I'm sick like that.)

Here's the part where you click on Comment and tell me your favorite lines and your observations and opinions about this episode, or Supernatural in general.  While you're gathering your thoughts, take a peek at this necklace.  How does it fit in with Supernatural?  It's a crazy mix of snowflake obsidian and rose quartz crocheted on wire.

Is it Wednesday already?!

My, how time flies. What have you watched so far this week?

How I Met Your Mother.  I will forever feel the need to take a drink whenever I hear someone say, "But, um."  Oh, and remind me never to get on Lilly's bad side.

The Big Bank Theory.  Does anyone else just pretend to know what they're talking about when they get all scientific?  I wonder how much of it is true.  But some of it has a very profound effect on my own life.  Just last night, as I was lying in bed, I thought to myself, "I am the master of my own bladder."  It didn't work any better for me than it did for Sheldon.

Castle.  Very little Mom and daughter in this episode but loved the hug Mom gave to Beckett.  Very cool how Kate is becoming a part of the family.  Bummed though, that they didn't find out who was behind her mother's murder.  I hope they don't make it a constant big thing.

The Biggest Loser.  Loved seeing Bob lose it at the weigh-in.  How many think the red team is totally playing the game?  I'd think so but the husband got really upset at Bob and Jillian when they called wifey a liar, so it makes me wonder.  Maybe he's not in on it?  Or maybe she really can't lose the weight for some weird reason.  Yeah, right.

American Idol.  Nobody stood out for me last night except Shania Twain.  She actually had interesting things to say and knows her music.  So far, she's been the best guest judge.  Which makes me worry just a little about Ellen.

Tonight doesn't look terribly exciting on the TV front, but tomorrow?  My DVR is full.  I won't get to everything in one night but will definitely be watching the return of my very favorite show - SUPERNATURAL.  Also, Burn Notice is back!

No tie-ins with jewelry yet this week but I'm hoping Project Runway will spark something.  In the meantime:  My website is brand new with new items, new pictures and a working shopping cart!  It also has a guest book if you'd like to leave a comment.  (If you must criticize, be gentle and constructive.)  Sweet Pea Creationz also now has a page on FaceBook.  Just enter Sweet Pea Creationz in the search box and follow the link.  I'd love it if you'd become a fan.

Catching up

It's been a busy week.  I actually left the house last night and today!  I've been making jewelry like a madwoman and working on my new web site - which is scheduled to go live on Monday.  So, not a lot of TV time or blogging time.  But let's take a look and see what I've watched so far this week.

I did watch Desperate Housewives but, frankly, don't remember much of it.  I enjoy it while I'm watching it but forget it soon after.  It's not really appointment TV for me these days.  (Just remembered Susan pole dancing.  I could have happily lived without that memory.)

Worst Cooks in America is mildly amusing and makes me think there might be hope for me yet.

I've already commented on House, HIMYM, Castle and the first round of AI auditions.  Doesn't anyone else watch House, HIMYM or Castle?

Very little else was comment-worthy.  (Anyone remember sponge-worthy?  Yeah, I have a warped mind and my train of thought often derails like that.)  Of course, Pants on The Ground was an instant classic and I think people who disdain AI have heard this song and seen the video.   But I also liked Vanessa Jo, and her trip to Hollywood on an "aeroplane" should be fun to watch.  I'm waiting to watch Dollhouse and Sanctuary with my son and I'm sure they will be worth the wait.   Dollhouse is getting so good now that it only has an episode or two left.

I did enjoy the first outing for this season's Project Runway.  The winning dress was actually my favorite, which rarely happens.  I also liked that designer's personality, even if I can't remember his name.  I'm terrible with names.  They have to get down to about 6 or so before I can remember them.  I was so glad to see the whole gang back together, Heidi, Tim (I heart Tim Gunn), Nina and Michael, but do we really need "celebuNOT" judges?  I wonder how they decide what goes on the accessory wall?  My dream is to have someone wear a piece of my jewelry on a red carpet and getting something on Project Runway would be a good start, doncha think?  How about this one?  Is it funky yet couture enough?  It's crocheted wire with beads.  A little departure from the chainmaille but it's almost as addicting and you can never be quite sure how it's going to turn out until it's done.

So, what did YOU watch this week?

Will You Watch American Idol Without Paula?

Someone asked me this the other day and my answer was, "Of course!"  I don't watch it for the judges.  I watch it for the singers.

That said, if you didn't watch Tuesday's show yet and don't want spoilers, go wash the dishes or something and come back after you've watched the episode.

I don't really have much in the way of spoilers, actually.  I'm terrible with names in these early stages but I do remember one girl.  Her name was Maddie.  She was 16 and came from a large family.  One of her brothers has Down's Syndrome and her parents adopted several other boys with Down's Syndrome as well.  There was video of her with her brothers and I was so impressed.  The judges commented on her maturity.  Simon said most 16 year olds who audition are annoying but she wasn't.  Not only that - she could sing!  She made it to Hollywood and I'm looking forward to more from her.

The only other 2 that really stood out for me were the Italian guy with the huge family and the girl who sang Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead.  He was a riot and seemed genuinely nice.  His voice wasn't bad either.  The girl could scat!  I really enjoyed her singing and was disappointed they didn't really focus on her much.

As entertaining as these audition rounds are, I wish they would focus more on the ones who make it through to Hollywood and not so much on the bad singers and crazies.  But that's just me.  My sons only like the early audition rounds and stop watching once they get to Hollywood.

My focus piece of jewelry today will be these earrings because the red beads make me think of the ruby slippers Dorothy got when she landed in Oz.  Ding Dong! The witch is dead!

Tonight, I'll be watching the Wednesday edition of American Idol and possibly Ugly Betty if there's time. Please click on Comment and let's talk!

So, what did you watch last night?

Last night I watched House, How I Met Your Mother and Castle. I kind of watched Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It was on in the background while I worked on my new web site (launch date hopefully next Monday, January 18, 2010). So, if you have any of those shows on your DVR but haven't watched them yet, you might want to go do something else and come back to read this after you've seen the show.

Coast clear? Good. How awesome is Neil Patrick Harris? His homage to suits in song and dance was the stuff of which legends are made. (I really had to stop myself from doing the whole "wait for it" thing. It's really only funny when Barney does it.) I do wish that the others sang more but hopefully their time will come. I have to ask. Does anyone really care about the mother anymore? I just want to watch these friends live their lives and interact. Although, I do have to say it was very flattering that the mother's roommate was named after me - Cindy.

On to House. I didn't really pay close attention to this episode. It wasn't riveting. The whole House/Wilson gay thing was amusing, especially when Wilson proposed to House in the restaurant. Wilson isn't as tightly wrapped as he first appears, is he? I didn't pay much attention to the whole prank on Foreman gag. I saw the end of that one coming from the beginning. Same thing with the sick guy. I knew he was a cop right off the bat. However, I did think that he and his partner in crime might have been partners in another sense, so I was surprised to find out the cop had a wife. I forget what disease he had but I do remember that it was incurable. Nice that they lose a patient once in a while. What? I can say that. It's just fiction!

What can I say about my Castle? More people should be watching this show. It's so full of little side things like the faces Castle makes when someone else is actually the focus of the scene. I never saw Firefly. (Shoot me now.) I did see Nathan Fillion on Desperate Housewives and was underwhelmed. I honestly couldn't see why there was so much fuss about this guy. His character was boring. However, as Castle? Superb! Sublime! Wait. Were there other people in last night's episode? Oh yeah. Alyssa Milano guest starred as a former flame of Castle's who was getting married and found one of her bridesmaids murdered. I loved her on Who's The Boss and Charmed. On Castle, she was eh. Seriously, any competent, attractive actress could have played that role. There was nothing special. I don't know if it can be blamed on Ms Milano or the writing or directing.

So, out of everything I watched last night, what was my favorite scene? Rick Castle duct taped to a chair and trying to escape.

I bet you are dying to see how I tie this into jewelry, aren't you? Well, after seeing Castle's wrists tied up with duct tape, I decided I'd much rather see this bracelet on his wrist.  I don't see him wearing a lot of jewelry or "bling," but I can picture him rocking this half persian bracelet.

So, what was YOUR favorite scene of all the shows you watched last night?  Please click on Comment and discuss.  (Yes, the comment link has been fixed - I hope!) 

What's on my DVR this week?

The holidays are finally over and my shows are beginning to come out of reruns or returning from hiatus. I've also added one or two new - at least to me - shows. So, without further ado, let's see what I'll be watching this week.
Tonight - SUNDAY: Desperate Housewives, Worst Cooks in America (Food Network)
MONDAY: House; How I Met Your Mother; Heroes; The Big Bang Theory; Castle; Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)
TUESDAY: American Idol; The Good Wife. Also recording Scrubs for my son and I might give it a look.
WEDNESDAY: American Idol; Gary Unmarried; CSI: NY; Ugly Betty
THURSDAY: CSI (The Original); Private Practice; The Mentalist; Project Runway; Models of the Runway
FRIDAY: Ghost Whisperer; Dollhouse; Medium; The Best Thing I Ever Ate (Food Network); Sanctuary; What Not to Wear (TLC)
SATURDAY: The Dish (Style)

I don't always watch a show the same day it airs and you're probably the same, if you have a DVR. I will make sure I put the name of any show I write about either in the title of that day's blog or in the first sentence or two. That way, if you haven't watched it yet, you can stop reading and come back after you've seen it and join in on the discussion. Please don't expect me to write about every show every week. But if there's one you'd like to discuss, please feel free to start a conversation in Comments.

So, what's on on your DVR?

Long time no see

It's been a while. How have you been?

Okay, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I have a favor to ask.

I'd really like to get serious about my jewelry business. I plan on doing more shows this year but I also want to increase online sales. Everyone says I need to have a blog and need to update it regularly. But what would make someone, like you, read a blog where the ultimate goal is to get you to buy jewelry and/or tell other people about it so they would read it and buy jewelry? Seriously, how many times can I say, "I make really cool stuff so please go to my website and buy it"?

So, I figure that I shouldn't really focus the blog on the jewelry stuff. I should maybe write stuff that people, like you, would be interested in reading and maybe tell their friends about. But every so often, (daily?) add a picture of a necklace or bracelet and a link to my shop. That way, I'm entertaining you or informing you but not hitting you over the head to shop. I mean, really, who is going to buy a new piece of jewelry every day or every week? Especially from the same person? But, if I can keep you informed or entertained, maybe the fact that I do make really cool stuff will stick in your brain the next time you need to buy a gift or want something special to go with a new outfit.

Sound good? I think so.

Now comes the part where I ask the favor.

What would make you keep coming back to read what I write? Are you interested in the minute details of my life? Do you want to know that I now have a cold that it seems came back with me from my Florida vacation? Yeah, I didn't think so. Do you want to hear my thoughts and ideas on raising children? I'm no expert, but I certainly did a lot of it with 6 boys. I have a lot of funny stories that I'm sure my sons would just love for me to share with the world. Or not.

I'm kind of leaning towards writing about television. I watch a lot of TV. Too much, probably. I also critique commercials. I don't think I could tell the ad people how to write a good commercial but I can certainly tell them what turns me off. If you are still reading this far, you're probably wondering how this could possibly tie in with jewelry. Well, my friend, I'm about to tell you. I could probably say something like this: I was bored last night because none of "my" shows were on and I've watched everything on my DVR. I took a chance and watched Courtney Cox's new show, Cougar Town. While I didn't laugh out loud at anything and I had no idea who was who or how they were all related, I was still slightly amused. I'd go on for a little bit about what or why I was amused or something like that and then I'd go on to say: Did you see the earrings that Courtney Cox was wearing? They were okay but I think something like these would have gone better with her outfit. And here is where I'd insert a picture of a pair of MY earrings. Sneaky, huh?

So? Would you read a blog like that? Would you come back to read more? Would you add your comments and keep a conversation going? (This is the part where you hit Comment and add your 2 cents - pretty please?)

P.S. I promise I won't always have such long posts. Unless you like long posts.