Daily Distraction: Yo, Should I Dump This Asshole?

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:46:28 -0400

Have you ever looked back on a terrible relationship and thought, “Man, why didn’t my girls tell me to dump that jerk earlier?” Well, for future reference, there’s a (brutally harsh) website that will.

It’s called Yo, Should I Dump This Asshole and well, the answer is pretty much always yes. I’m sorry to say that I am getting absolutely no work done now thanks to this craziness.

So funny, right? Go on over to the site and read the rest. I won't tell your boss if you don't get anything done for the rest of the afternoon.

Anyone trying to decide if they should dump that a-hole? Submit in the comments and we'll tell you if you should (probably, yes). Or, let us know which entry is your fave!

Daily Distraction: Last Dance

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:41:16 -0400

Five-time Grammy Award winner Donna Summer, who first hustled into our hearts in the 1970s, died yesterday morning. She was 63. Having released 17 studio albums between 1974 and 2008, it seems fitting that we honor the Queen of Disco’s legacy by lacing up our dancing shoes tonight.

Here’s our favorite song of hers…enjoy!

(And don’t forget about our other faves, She Works Hard for the Money and Bad Girls!)

Daily Distraction: STFU, Parents

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:45:02 -0400

We all know there are Facebook status updates that make us cringe. Especially in today’s age of oversharing. And no offense to all the mommas out there, but parents might be the worst oversharing offenders. So many pictures! So many updates! So much poop! Seriously, these days my news feed is overrun with kiddos.

If that sounds like you too, I have a real treat for you. A friend just sent me to a blog called STFU, Parents and I have not stopped laughing since. It’s basically a submission-based “public service” blog that mocks parent overshare on social networking sites. The site serves as a guide for parents on what NOT to post about their kids as well as a forum for non-parents to vent about their TMI-related frustrations.

Unlike other humor sites that post screen caps without comment, STFU, Parents thrives on generating conversation through the author’s commentary under each post. And she is wickedly funny. The blog covers a range of topics, from placenta smoothies (eww!) to lessons in potty training to bouts with puberty, and never aims to be hateful or mean-spirited. Only wildly sarcastic.

I love reading the author’s comments. I love reading all of it. Seriously, go waste a few hours this afternoon. You can thank me later!

Daily Distraction: DIY Bride’s Kit

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:56:03 -0400

This is such a cute little gift for someone getting married! As someone who is married, I remember on my wedding day there were so many random things I needed. Luckily, a good friend made me a kit like this and all my problems were solved! You could just go buy little travel size versions of everything and put them in a standard travel makeup bag…but why not spend a little more time on something creative and handmade?

This tutorial from Oh Happy Day! shows how you can paint and use temporary tattoo paper on a wooden box. Who knew? The results are lovely and it all comes together in an afternoon.

Materials Needed: Wood box 8.75″ x 6.75″ from Joann’s Fabrics, Paint and Paintbrush, Free downloaded image, Temporary Tattoo Paper, a spoon, scissors and items to fill the box like: Visine, headache medicine, lotion, perfume, chapstick, bobby pins, etc.

Step 1: Lightly sand the box. Paint the box with craft paint. You could remove the hardware or just carefully paint around it.

Step 2: Download the image here and follow the instructions on the package of the tattoo paper. The kind we used came in two parts, a white sheet, and a green sheet. Print the design on the glossy side of the white sheet on your inkjet printer with the photo setting. The image should be reversed

Step 3: Carefully peel the green sheet apart and place the adhesive face down on the design on the white sheet. You burnish it all over with something like a spoon to get it stuck down really well and get out any bubbles.

Step 4: Cut the design out right along the edge of the outer box of the design. Peel the other side of the (formerly) green sheet off, leaving just the thin, waxy layer over the design on the white sheet. It’s very sticky at this point.

Step 5: Carefully position and stick the design down centered on the lid of the box. Stick down well everywhere.

Step 6: Lay a very damp (but not drippy) paper towel over the design and allow it to saturate the back of the white sheet for about 15 seconds. The paper should become translucent and you’ll be able to see the design. Rub any dry looking areas with the wet paper towel.

Step 7: Starting from one corner, slowly and carefully lift away the white paper backing from the design. If any bits of the design start to lift with the backing, lay it back down and rub those areas with the wet paper towel again. It should come away easily, so if it’s sticking, add more water.

Step 8: Once the paper backing has been removed, if there are any air bubbles where the film with the design is not stuck to the surface, you can use a little bit of the white backing paper to rub them onto the surface. (It’s very slippery and won’t damage the thin film the design is on. Don’t use your fingers because they will tear it and mess it up.) Once it’s dry, it’s much more durable, but you could put a clear coat of wipe on poly over the design if you wanted to make it more durable.

Click over to Oh Happy Day! for pictures of each step.

Would you make this for a friend? Former brides, what emergency supplies did you need on your wedding day?

Daily Distraction: “Too Close”

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:52:58 -0400

I can’t get this song out of my head! I first heard it in a Microsoft commercial of all places, but since then I have been obsessed with it and googling the song constantly until now it’s finally being played on the radio. Alex Clare is a newcomer to the states (not sure if he’s big in the UK where he’s from) and I think his tunes are great. This song in particular has a pop-bluegrass kind of sound even though he’s known for dub-step style. I hope he has more hits for us to sing along to!

I think the other reason I’m totally digging this song is the lyrics.

“You know I’m not one to break promises.
I don’t wanna hurt you but I need to breathe.
At the end of it all, you’re still my best friend.
But there’s something inside that I need to release.
Which way is right, which way is wrong.
How do I say that I need to move on.
You know we’re heading separate ways.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you.
There’s nothing I can really say.
I can’t lie no more, I can’t hide no more. Got to be true to myself.
And it feels like I am just too close to love you.
So I’ll be on my way.”

Who hasn’t felt this way before, right? This song’s going to be on repeat for awhile this afternoon!!!

Daily Distraction: How Do I Put This Gently?

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:48:14 -0400

We all know and love the Tumblr #whatshouldwecallme. It’s an amazing and super funny timewaster. Well here’s another one you’re just going to have to spend some time with this afternoon. I can’t stop giggling at the funny gifs featured on How Do I Put This Gently? The person behind this site is in grad school and “slowly losing [their] mind.” Well, I’m glad they are because we get to reap the benefits!

(By the way, I think this is my favorite post…pretty sure we’ve all had this convo right?!?)

So it’s Friday, and be honest, you’re not doing any work anyway (unless texting your girls about your weekend plans counts as work). Get your giggles on here!

On Our Bookshelf {May}

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:18:00 -0400

Reading is probably my most-favorite pastime. I was the kid who read all summer and well, I’m still the same. There is nothing I love more than sitting by the pool or on the beach with a good page turner (with a floppy hat and sunscreen of course…). There are so many books on my list right now, I can’t keep up with the downloads on my Nook and I’m almost thankful for the NON-STOP Stanley Cup playoffs that have taken over my TV. Almost. Here’s what on my bookshelf (or rather, e-bookshelf)!

1. The Night Circus: I read this book about a month ago and was enthralled from the beginning. I actually finished the book, and then immediately started to re-read it – it’s that good. It’s the story of a circus (obviously) and two dueling magicians who fall in love. It’s beautifully written and really feels like a dream the whole way through.

2. The Fifty Shades Trilogy: Yeah, I went there. I had to see what everyone was talking about! And since I have an e-reader, I could buy it sans-embarrassment. I’m about halfway through the third book and though I don’t think the writing is all that great, it’s pretty addicting. And, well, kinda hot. Besides the writing, my other complaint is that I find it pretty obvious that it was written first as Twilight fan-fiction. Anyone agree with me? All in all, a good mindless summer read if you want to spice things up.

3. Paris in Love: A Memoir: I’m a really big sucker for memoirs. I pretty much devoured Eat Pray Love and re-read it maybe once a year when I’m feeling like I need some inspiration. So this new book is what I plan on reading next. This woman took a sabbatical and moved to Paris (my favorite city) for a year and rediscovers life’s pleasures. Sounds like a dream to me! Can’t wait to dig in! (This memoir is also on my list. What can I say? I love Paris!)

4. Vanity Fair and Self’s June Issues: I love magazines too! I got these two in the mail and I’m trying so hard to save them for Memorial Day weekend when I first get to lounge at my pool. Don’t magazines still feel luxurious? I love treating myself to them each month!

5. Imagine: Every few months, I make myself read a “learning book” because if I didn’t, I would read novels all day long. Not that you can’t learn from novels because I really believe you can…but sometimes I like to challenge myself. Imagine is on my list because I do creative work and am always looking for ways to make my work better. While probably not a book for the pool, I am excited to pick it up!

What’s on your reading list this month? I’m always looking for suggestions for new reads!!!

Daily Distraction: Bad Couple Photos

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:44:15 -0400

It’s definitely wedding high season. Weekend after weekend we all get dolled up to go see our friends even more dolled up, looking like gorgeous, glowing brides. And then we fawn all over their beautiful photos when they make their way to Facebook. And there’s all the popular “shots” now: The jumping shot, the shoes, the balloons…most are beautiful and classy, but some, you can’t help but laugh a little at their awkwardness.

But luckily, none of them are quite as bad as the pics in this amazing collection from the queen of funny, Ellen. These have me laughing out loud. What were people thinking?!? The fashion choices are laughably out of date. The editing is disturbing. (Like this one…or this one!) The photobombing is epic.

So whether you’re stressing about your walk down the aisle or a feeling a little like the left-out single girl, check out the Bad Couples Photos photo gallery and laugh it up. I promise you’ll instantly be in a better mood!

Which bad photo is your favorite? I love the photobomb!

Daily Distraction: Summer Funnies

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:28:24 -0400

With the opening of The Avengers today, the summer move season is about to switch into high gear. I always love summer movies! Sure they may not be the Oscar winners, but they always provide action, laughs, and a whole lot of entertainment when you need to escape the heat and bask in the glorious air conditioning for a few hours! And this summer has some particularly funny films heading our way. Channing Tatum as a stripper? Check! (And yes, please.) Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin as aging rock stars? Check! Vince Vaughn’s return to movies? Check! (Seriously, where has he been?!?) Here’s a roundup of the comedies we all can’t wait to see this summer!

Rock of Ages
Release Date: June 15
Who's In It: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Akerman, Mary J. Blige, Alec Baldwin, Tom Cruise
What It's About: The big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical follows a waitress and busboy's love affair with hair-metal music.
Why We're Excited: Maybe it's that he's shirtless and sporting long hair, but this feels like the role that Tom Cruise was born to play. And everyone's wearing ridiculous wigs!

Watch the trailer here.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
Release Date: June 22
Who's In It: Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Connie Britton, Adam Brody
What It's About: A dark comedy set on the eve of the end of the world, two strangers (Steve Carell, Keira Knightley) take a road trip toward the ones they love.
Why We're Excited: If the Mayans really were right and it were the end of the world, wouldn't you want to spend it with Steve Carell and Keira Knightley?

Watch the trailer here.

Magic Mike (I might be most excited about this one…)
Release Date: June 29
Who's In It: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Cody Horn, Olivia Munn, Matt Bomer, Riley Keough, Joe Mangianello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, Gabriel Iglesias
What It's About: Based on Channing Tatum's real-life experience as an exotic dancer (seriously!), the movie sees him trying to reconcile his "entrepreneurial" profession and his budding romance.
Why We're Excited: Channing Tatum shirtless and Matthew McConaughey as a stripping emcee. Who isn't excited?

Watch the trailer (over and over) here.

Neighborhood Watch
Release Date: July 13
Who's In It: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Will Forte, Billy Crudup
What It's About: A neighborhood watch is set up as legitimate-sounding bro-time, but swiftly changes when the group uncovers a plan for world annihilation.
Why We're Excited: Since when have you ever been let down by the hilarity spinning writing team of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg? And Vince Vaughn is back. We’ve missed him.

Watch the trailer here.

The Campaign
Release Date: August 10
Who's In It: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Cox
What It's About: The feud between two North Carolina politicians (Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis) heats up when they discover their shared presidential hopes.
Why We're Excited: Whether it's cymbals or suits, these two can't lose.

(No trailer yet, but look how amazing they look. Funny already!)

Daily Distraction: Maddie on Things

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:43:54 -0400

Well, we’ve made it to Thursday, my friends. I know you’re all just sitting there, counting down the hours until happy hour. So what better time than to distract yourself with some animal photos? I mean, I could look at adorable baby animals on Pinterest all day. Look at this guy! Or this little one. They’re just so freaking cute. Anyway, it was through this Pinterest time-suck that I found a hilarious site with some pretty cool pictures of a dog named Maddie.

It’s called Maddie on Things. And it’s pictures of Maddie. On things. They call it a “super serious project about dogs and physics,” but I just think it’s hilarious. Look, that dog is in a tire. Here she is on a horse:

There are pages and pages of this dog on things for your viewing pleasure. Now, no one get their panties in a twist here…I’m pretty sure Maddie is their pet and they’re not hurting her in any way. It’s just a silly internet project. A silly internet project we can all enjoy!

So tell me, which pic is your favorite? Mine is the one in the tire!