Peach Whiskey BBQ Chicken

Something some of you may not know about me is that I LOOVVEE barbeque sauce and chicken, which is usually one of the reasons why I have never succeeded at a vegetarian diet. OOooh how I wish I could but…. not today. However, I now drink almond milk instead of cow’s milk. I'm taking itty-bitty steps, haha.

So anyways when I stumbled across this blog here raving about a recipe for Peach-Whiskey BBQ Chicken from this site called The Pioneer Woman I had to make it immediately! I also made the roasted carrots from this site.

I think I’ve fallen in love.

Well here goes nothin’—

12 whole Chicken Thighs, Bone-in, Skin-on

 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

 2 Tablespoons Butter

 1 whole Yellow Onion, Diced

 1-1/2 cup Whiskey

12 ounces, fluid Barbecue Sauce

 1 jar Peach Preserves

1/2 cup Water

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

4 cloves Garlic, Peeled

3 whole Green Onions, Sliced Thin

*above is the original recipe but I only used 5 chicken thighs and eyeballed/guesstimated with the rest of the ingredients measurements.

First preheat the oven at 300 degrees

In a pot heat up the butter and oil then add the chicken thighs skin facing down.

Brown on each side and then set aside to rest.

Chop up the onion and add to the left over grease, oil and butter.

Add Jack Daniels and allow time for the alcohol to reduce.

Next add BBQ sauce, peach preserves, water, Worcestershire and garlic then whisk together

Put chicken back into the pot. Cover the pot and place in the oven for 1.5 hours.

While that bakes prepare and cook your sides

 As for the roasted carrots, cut them lengthwise and then coat with olive oil. Add fresh thyme, salt and pepper then place into the oven with the chicken at 300 degrees for 1 hour.

For the Mustard Greens: Caramelize and brown the onions in olive oil. Add garlic. Then add the greens and 3 TBSP of chicken stock. Cook till wilted and serve.

Then Voila! It's done!!

Oh and a quick hello from Sushi Bear

Need New Glasses?!

examples of different glasses that flatter certain face shapes

I used to work in the beauty business and if there is one thing I've learned the hard way it’s that something that works for one person doesn’t always mean it will work for you. You have to take into consideration your skin tone and face shape when choosing the right haircut, color or even your makeup shades(if you wear makeup). This also applies when selecting the right pair of eyeglasses.

I've personally had this trouble in the past. I would purchase glasses that I thought appeared fashionable or looked good on someone else rather than finding the right frames that suit my face shape. If you are like me you’ve probably wasted a lot of money.

In general, glasses can be expensive but they don’t have to be. Once you’ve learned your face shape it’s important to find a reliable company like GlassesUSA.com. They offer high quality glasses frames and lenses that won’t break the bank. They offer 110% lowest price guarantee and 100% satisfaction guarantee along with an amazing refer-a-friend program.

So if you’re looking for a new pair of eyeglasses for the New Year you can buy glasses online with these awesome discounts:

• Take 20% off any pair of eyeglasses and get FREE US shipping with the code: New2012

• Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses with the code: Blog10

So check out GlassesUSA.com they have a great selection at a reasonable price.

Also, stay updated with their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/glassesusa) and Twitter feed (@GlassesUSA).

**This is a sponsored post but the story/opinions are my own.

DEVON SAWA

OH-MY-GAWD! So how did I not really know anything about this little television show called Nikita?! Okay wait let me be more specific—How did I not know that DEVON SAWA is on Nikita!!?

So bored out of my mind I started scouring Netflix and then choose to go ahead and watch this television show called Nikita starring the fabulous Maggie Q, which by the way that girl is h-o-t-t! Anyways, I ended up really liking the show. So time passes by I’m halfway into the series and low and behold my childhood celebrity crush Devon Sawa appears. I’m telling you I lost my shit. I mean I literally became 10 years old again and I’m still recovering. I was hesitant of even blogging about this because 

1. It’s embarrassing
2. I’m sure no one cares

but I just couldn’t resist plus I’m hoping it’s my little way of getting this "90’s girl problem" out of my head.

Little Giants (1994)

Now if you don’t know who Devon Sawa is you might remember him from films like Little Giants, Casper, Now and Then, Night of the Twisters, Final Destination, Slackers, SLC Punk and/or Idle Hands. Maybe?? Now you girls may remember him from Tiger Beat, 16, Teen Beat and BOP magazines. I know I do, that was the source of all my posters that I have to this day. Well anyways, since the early 2000’s he has basically been MIA so it’s really nice to see him back acting and still looking pretty hott. 

I’m officially now a hardcore fan of the show, which by the way is pretty intriguing in itself. It’s based on the 1990’s French film La Femme Nikita. So in general it’s your basic revenge/assassin story that manages to keep you excited for the next episode. However, I would be lying if I didn’t say what amplified my enthusiasm the most was Devon Sawa, I mean c’mon.

Some of you may remember my past post on my Celebrity Crushes well it’s 2012 now and I might need to reconsider/update…

Well since I have officially geeked out over my equivalent to today’s Justin Bieber I can move on with my life but I must ask and must know...

WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CELEBRITY CRUSH(s)?

Whip It

Whip It, the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore is about awkward teen Bliss Cavanaugh (Ellen Page) who is lost in a world of Pageants led by her smothering mother Brooke (Marcia Gay Harden), a former beauty queen. That is until Bliss decides to follow her heart and try out for a Roller Derby league unbeknownst to her parents and becomes reborn as Babe Ruthless.

I love this film! I mean it's been out since 2009 and I still continue to enjoy it. I’m not sure Whip It was in theaters everywhere at the time because it sure wasn’t where I’m from but once I got my hands on the DVD I’ve been a huge fan. So because this film seems so underrated I thought it would be appropriate to give it some worthy attention.

Now Whip It is filmed in a rather hipster/indie punk sensibility filled with some pretty entertaining action. You don’t have to be a roller derby fan or even know the rules of the sport, it is pretty much explained with ease within the film. There truly isn’t a dull moment in this film, which was smartly written by Shauna Cross (based off her novel Derby Girl). It’s basically a coming of age/sport-themed/mother-daughter type love story. It does have its predictable moments with some clichés however it is still rather believable especially in the end. Slight Spoiler Like I said earlier there is a mother-daughter love story but there is also a romance brewing with a boy (of course) but I’m thrilled to say that the boy doesn’t end up being what completes her. It can be frustrating how some films always tend to have the woman falling for a dude even after they’ve been a major douchebag. Thankfully this film didn’t fall victim to that. End of Slight Spoiler Anyways, you should also be prepared for a lot of jabs, punching, close-lining and nasty falls that are classically fun to watch even though I have been told some of the plays/routines shown on the track are pretty illegal in roller derby but hey it’s a movie.

A huge plus to this film is Barrymore’s exciting cast which includes herself as Smashley Simpson. We have of course Ellen Page as Bliss/Babe Ruthless who is the star of the film. She was really enjoyable playing the misfit teen that ultimately discovers her inner self. Then we have Daniel Stern who played Earl Bliss’s easy-going father, Marcia Gay Harden as Bliss's mother Brooke and Alia Shawkat who played Bliss’s best friend Pash. Then we have the Hurl Scouts which is Bliss’s team: Eve as Rosa Sparks, Kristen Wiig as Maggie Mayhem, Zoe Bell from Death Proof and Kill Bill as Bloody Holly and their coach Razor played by Owen Wilson’s older brother Andrew Wilson. Then we have Jimmy Fallon as Johnny Rocket, Landon Pigg as Oliver the love interest and the ahh-mazing Juliette Lewis playing Iron Maven Bliss’s nemesis. They all definitely delivered very genuine and likable performances. Also, they did all of their own stunts, which I must commend. I love any film that tries to do without any dishonest strategies and has everything done in camera especially when an actor or director is capable.

I truly find this film to be a nice triumph for Barrymore especially since it was either make this film or direct Twilight’s Eclipse. I think we all know she made the right decision in the end. Overall, it’s a pretty empowering film for females very girl-power-like but it’s still very enjoyable for males.

I rate this film a 7/10

Watch the Trailer

Now while we are on the topic of sport-related films I am also a guilty fan of Stick It, Blue Crush and A League of Their Own, etc. Now when Blue Crush 2 came out I was of course skeptical however I recently watched it and instead of doing a review I will just tell you now- DON’T SEE IT!! Oh-my-goodness, Blue Crush 2 is an embarrassment and never should have been made.

My Top 10 Films of 2011

Being the last day of the year I figured it would be appropriate to list my 

Top 10 Films of 2011. Now I must say I haven’t seen everything so my list may be a little weak. Hopefully you’ll still see some favorites anyhow!

10

This is probably writer/director Kevin Smith’s take on a more mature film. The mixture of sex, violence, religion and politics is just enough to rub some people the wrong way. Luckily I am someone rather open and accepting to most things and this film was in my opinion pretty awesome in the end. It has its flaws but overall I was pretty satisfied.

This was also rumored to be Smith’s last film but it appears his last film will be titled Hit Somebody, I’m unsure of the details.

 9

Oh Hanna. Well I tend to be kind of a sucker for anything that involves assassins or whatever so it was pretty inevitable that I would end up really liking this film. I mean how can you not enjoy a film that has a young woman kicking major ass and not in a cheesy way. This action thriller was exciting and visually appealing. It did have its weaknesses with some slow moments but fantastic acting, music by The Chemical Brothers and great cinematography very well made up for that.

8

I was immediately intrigued by Limitless once I saw the trailer. It suggests this fantasy that you can be a brilliant you by taking a pill. Wouldn’t that just be amazing?! Well of course but it has it’s side effects like any drug and we learn this with a little surprise at the end, (slight spoiler alert) which thank goodness it ended that way because otherwise I would think “uh duh wouldn’t you manipulate NZT to work for you and not against you since you are soooo damn smart now??” I don’t know, but it was a pretty good film that managed to keep my eyes on the screen. I was so excited to see what would happen next. Overall it’s an interesting film worth seeing.

7

Even though there is romance brewing this is not your typical romance comedy. It is smart, funny and sincere that can address anyone at any age that has been in love or thought they were in love. I was able to actually watch this film and not feel like it was insulting my intelligence, it was a bit more honest. I mean I actually cried during the little graduation speech in the end and I wouldn’t label myself as someone who does that often. It’s kind of embarrassing. Oh yeah and there is an amazing cast you don’t want to miss.

6

Okay I have to be honest, this film could have sucked big time and I probably would have still adored it because it has my favorite bromance Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. However I actually did enjoy this film. I can be a bit immature sometimes so the crude material was definitely funny to me. As much vulgarity involved there were also a lot heartfelt moments that balanced the film out. I am usually not a fan of CGI, it’s a little too dishonest for me, but I thought Paul the alien was designed rather nicely and thankfully didn’t ruin the film.

5

So it’s really no secret that I’m a fan of this franchise despite it’s past faults but Fast Five really delivers action, speed and excitement overall. I feel like this film can entertain girls and boys alike. We have the bad ass cars, the car chases, the heists, the fighting and of course Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel…. delicious if you ask me. I mean this film or the franchise in general has never pretended to be anything else but pure mindless entertainment (in a good way).

4

What can I say? This film was simply beautiful. Not much was said and not much needed to be said. It’s basically a story told through amazing visuals that try to explain life and how experiences make us who we are. It takes a lot of your attention to fully enjoy this film but I think it’s worth a watch at least once. I mean I probably won’t ever see it again. I have seen it twice now and the first time around already spoke volumes I just had to watch it at least one more time. It’s breathtaking.

3

I absolutely loved this film!! The kids were fantastic especially Riley Griffiths who played Charles---LOVED HIM!! All the kids delivery and comedic timing was brilliant. I was smitten with the friendships and the act of riding their bikes around getting into trouble it kind of sparked some nostalgia. Then it takes a turn into some sci-fi magic with this, I guess, monster that just wants to go home. It’s funny I don’t usually like alien-like films but I have 2 listed in this year’s favorites… hmmm.

2

Magical! This film was magical. I loved every minute of it. I’m not necessarily someone who has always dreamed of going to Paris (although I’d like to) but this film makes you want to but only if you can transport to the twenties, haha. It’s a fantasy film that really takes the audience on a whirlwind of an adventure that you wouldn’t expect or at least I didn’t. It was the perfect amount of whimsy and mystique supported by an impressive cast.

1

Warning, don’t expect Fast and the Furious or The Transporter. Drive is a film of it’s own. It displays raw emotion and intense behavior without having to be flashy. Ryan Gosling was BRILLIANT, stylish and hypnotic basically just fuckin’ outstanding. The music was perfect even though I initially thought it was kind of an odd choice. I don’t know what else to say besides this will probably be one of my favorite films ever.

My Guilty Pleasures of 2011

Monte Carlo

Scream 4

Our Idiot Brother

I Still Would Love to See

Hugo

 50/50

My Week with Marilyn

The Adventures of Tintin

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Descendants

Young Adult 

I'm kind of excited for Young Adult…

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Shit Girls Say

Please forgive my brief absence I was traveling due to the holidays. I unfortunately ended up spending most of Christmas at McCarran airport however my little adventures throughout the week definitely made up for it. I hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday!!

As some of you know The Movie 411 Blog Awards 2011 concluded about a week ago and even though I didn’t win (or even expect to win) Best Newcomer I am still really thrilled/surprised at even making Top 5 so I want to thank all of you who voted for me!! I really appreciate it. I also would like to congratulate everyone who did win!! 

I would like to give special congratulations to Nebular at CineMarvellous for winning Best Animation and the Special Achievement Award!!!! Well deserved my friend!!

Moving right along, has anyone seen this little web series called Shit Girls Say----hilarious! Okay, well it is to me and might be to you. It’s basically a short compilation of well…  Shit Girls Say. You will either know a girl who is like this or you are a girl who is like this. Unfortunately for me I qualify for both except for the first minute of episode 3.

Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel

Many of us are familiar with Hugh Hefner and Playboy alike but our perceptions are most likely skewed. In the spirited 2-hour documentary Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel (2009) directed by Academy Award Winner Brigitte Berman we learn about a Hugh Hefner we can admire. Hefner is not only a man who introduced sex into magazines he is also a man with great respect to human rights. Who would have known, right?

Brief Overview

Playboy has been a controversial topic since the first issue was published in 1953. Feminists and religious activists have always found the taste of the magazine to be disgusting and morally wrong. To be honest, I do think that Hefner did originally use women to have that competitive edge but I also believe that it was just as risky for him to display such content in the early fifties. After watching the documentary I understand how Hefner believes that the magazine liberates women. The images suggest that women are sexy and that it’s healthy for women to have a sexual appetite. Plus he also fought for women to have the choice to use contraceptives in the fifties. I also don’t think we can be mad at Hefner for women going nude. It’s ultimately their choice in the end. Nevertheless, Playboy had and to this day has an audience.

In addition to beautiful women demonstrating the ‘girl next door’ look the magazine also includes amazing articles and stories that were revolutionary. Hefner would often have writers submit controversial stories like Charles Beaumont’s “The Crooked Man,” a story where homosexuality was the norm and heterosexuality was the perversion. This was a story Esquire turned down but Hefner embraced. Remember it was the fifties. It received mixed reviews but Hefner dismissed any negative opinions because in his mind he saw no wrong educating the importance of equality. He also discussed various political issues in the magazine and had conducted interviews with rather inspiring and risky individuals. The combination of nudity and risqué articles created so much controversy but it never affected Hefner because he believes that "controversy is the only way to change things."

In addition to the magazine Hefner hosted a variety show called Playboy’s Penthouse. It contained various acts many of which who were controversial by race or religion. This also was the case for the Playboy Clubs. He made sure that all races were welcomed into his clubs even if he had to personally pay for that to happen, which he did. He franchised a club in New Orleans and by law they couldn’t allow blacks in a facility that sorted with whites. So Hefner bought back his license to ensure that blacks could also enter the club. He later in life was given the Special Award by the NAACP.

Some other efforts made by Hefner included the Post Office. In the fifties anything containing any nudity couldn’t go through the Post Office so Playboy was obviously rejected through mail. Hefner changed that by making efforts to fight the issue by going to Washington, later the issue was resolved. As you can see we clearly still don’t have a problem distributing nudity through the Post Office or anything for that matter. Hefner also rebelled against The House of Un-American Activities Committee several times. He couldn’t comprehend how these men were defining how people should be. Anyone who was a free thinker fell under extreme scrutiny by this committee. He also fought for the legalization of marijuana.

In 1975 he moved to LA and began life in the Playboy Mansion we all know today. A place he created for people to enjoy and feel free from oppression.

Overall, Hefner made a lot of money from the magazine and used it to help others felt by injustice that subsequently made a statement supporting millions.  He has also supported the film industry by helping the preservation of film. I mean even George Lucas is fond of this generous man.

He is truly a man of substance more than I ever gave him credit for.

“I want to live in a society which people can voice unpopular opinions because I know in a result of that a society grows and matures.” –Hugh Hefner

I rate this documentary a 7.5/10!

☆you can Instantly watch on Netflix

Watch the Trailer

Here is a sample picture from Lindsay Lohan's editorial in Playboy.
I gotta admit she looks good.