BuzzSugar

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:30:40 PDT

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to my selections below you can add M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening and Gus Van Sant's Paranoid Park to your queue today. Oh, and maybe there are folks out there excited to bring home You Don't Mess With the Zohan? Maybe?

Very Funny TV-to-DVD
Yee-haw! This week brings us more TV-to-DVD with two favorites headed to a home theater near you:

30 Rock: Season Two
Tina Fey has been on a roll with her frequent appearances on Saturday Night Live but come Oct. 30 she'll return to her day job, 30 Rock. Is there anything this woman can't do? I for one will be adding this DVD of the show's second season to my collection. Special features include commentary by Fey, deleted scenes, a peek at the table read for the episode titled "Cooter," and a featurette called, "The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Presents: An Evening With 30 Rock."
How I Met Your Mother: Season Three
Another adorable television comedy I would love to own (hint, hint parents). Special features include Lily and Marshall's honeymoon videos, additional scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, an unrated gag reel and, of course, music videos!

One more after the jump, so

The Visitor
A lot of people have recommended this movie to me, and since I missed the boat when it was in theaters, I'm so excited it's now available on DVD. I'm not surprised by all the word of mouth given that the reviews for this little film are, for lack of a better phrase, off the hook.

The plot, according to Netflix, is as follows: "Widowed professor Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) discovers an immigrant couple, Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) and Zainab (Danai Gurira), squatting in his Manhattan flat and becomes wrapped up in their lives when Tarek is thrown into a detention center." I love Richard Jenkins, so you can count me in already, but it's also supposed to be a touching and uplifting movie and you can never see too many of those. Special features include commentary by director Tom McCarthy and Jenkins.

A Trip to Marrakesh: Design Tips, Stories, and Inspiration From Maryam Montague and Her Phenomenal New Book

Elka Karl — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:33 PDT

Moroccan design and decor may be a popular decorating trend, but for Maryam Montague, the woman behind the beautiful and popular blog My Marrakesh and the new book Marrakesh by Design, it's much more than that: it's a way of life. When Maryam isn't working at her main occupation as a human rights and democracy specialist, she's writing and photographing for her blog; managing her shop, Red Thread Souk; and hosting visitors at Peacock Pavilions, her home and a boutique hotel in a Marrakesh olive grove (which she and her husband designed, built, and decorated).

Maryam recently traveled back to the United States as part of her book tour, and we were happy to catch up with her in LA, where she was presenting at the Legends of La Cienega event at the La Cienega Design Quarter. Keep reading for some of Maryam's thoughts on decorating with Moroccan inspirations in mind, details on her book's genesis, and other fabulous quotes from this always-inspiring woman.

Space-Saving Decor Tips For Kids' Rooms From Design Expert Kelly Edwards

Lisa Horten — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:40:01 PDT

We recently caught up with design expert Kelly Edwards, who has been featured on HGTV's Design on a Dime and Style Network's Tacky House for her scrappy style and ability to transform ordinary rooms into incredible spaces, even on a budget. Kelly's decorating and design expertise apply to any room in the house, but we were eager to hear her ideas specifically for lil ones, and she didn't disappoint! Read on for five of Kelly's best tips for making your kids' rooms organized, creative, and playful spaces that can grow along with them.

Kelly Edwards's 5 Pieces of Design Advice That Every Mom Can Put to Use

On Space Saving and Storage: Look for furniture pieces that your kids are going to grow into. Stay away from the typical bins and baskets, and instead opt for some really cool furniture for a more put-together look. Whether it's a midcentury modern credenza that's been in your family for years or a thrift-shop find, not all furniture has to scream "kids!"
On Coordinating With the Rest of Your Home: Your kids' rooms are where you can really have some fun. Visitors will judge your home on your kitchen and your bathroom. They're not the ones spending time in the bedrooms, you and your children are. Turn their rooms into places for creativity, and don't be afraid to try out that fun paint color.
On Trends: Remember, it's just $20 or so for a can of paint, so wall colors are a great place to try out a trend like neon. If that scares you, get a giant canvas, and paint that instead of the wall. Tack their artwork up on it. It'll add a splash of color to the room without your having to worry about repainting.
On Making the Most of Small Spaces: Look for ottomans with removable tops - you can stash everything in there! In a nursery that doubles as a guest room, put a twin bed in there along with your crib, but be sure to buy an upholstered box spring with drawers built in, so that you have extra storage without the boxes and bins showing.
On DIY With Kids: A fun DIY project that your kids can partake in is to find an old TV armoire and paint it with chalkboard paint, which you can either buy at the store or make yourself by mixing a cup of latex paint with two tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. The armoire becomes a great storage piece, and the chalkboard paint turns it into a piece of furniture that they can really have fun with.

This Mother's Day, Try These Eco-Friendly Floral Arranging Tips

Guest Writer — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:30:46 PDT

When it comes to buying cut flowers, sometimes it's hard to remember that behind those beautiful blooms sometimes lurks something more sinister - namely thousands of miles of shipping and herbicides and pesticides. That's why Deborah Prinzing, the author of the new book The 50 Mile Bouquet, recommends that you buy local and sustainable flowers for those you love (like your Mom this Mother's Day). Keep reading for Deborah's great tips on local and beautiful bouquets, and if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out Deborah's event at Flora Grubb on Mother's Day.

As more florists and designers discover the negatives of that green foam block (also called florist's foam or Oasis), they are returning to some tried-and-true techniques for stabilizing stems in a vase. The problem with the foam is that it is a formaldehyde-based product that does not break down in landfills. Many designers I've interviewed express concern about breathing and/or exposing their skin to the material.

Alternatives to Floral Foam

Vintage and new flower frogs. I started collecting these years ago and they're easy to find at tag sales and vintage flea markets for under $5 or $10. Use and reuse!
Pebbles, glass beads, and marbles.
Excelsior fibers. Also called wood aspen, you can find this packing material through craft stores or wine shops. Insert a tangle of the fibers in your vase and then you can stick stems through the fibers to stabilize. When you're finished with the arrangement , the excelsior fibers can go into the compost pile with other clippings.
Chicken wire.I have a $15 roll of 15 inch by 5 foot-long poultry fencing that I use over and over again. Just use wire clippers to cut off a 12-inch section of the wire so you have an approximate square. Form it into a loose ball to fit the interior dimensions of your container . If the container is shallow, use sticky clay (available in the floral department at Michael's or other craft stores) to anchor the chicken wire in place.
Twigs and branches. I learned this technique from several designers I interviewed for The 50 Mile Bouquet. As a first step. arrange a framework of decorative twigs inside your vase, placing each one at an angle that crosses over the next. This interior matrix is then perfect for inserting other floral branches and foliage - and the twigs become part of the design.

Keep reading for more eco floral design tips!

Annual LA Design Event Opens Doors to National Designers

Elka Karl — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:31:52 PDT

For well over half a century, the La Cienega Design Quarter, the renowned design district of Los Angeles, has been the go-to stop for interior designers, stylists, shoppers, and those wanting to get a closer look at the best in design, and from May 9 through 11, visitors have something even more incredible than usual to gaze at, as interior designers participate in the fourth annual LEGENDS event.

This year, for the first time in LEGENDS history, invitations were extended to designers beyond the Los Angeles city limits, reflecting this year's "Windows to the World" theme. Designers such as Muriel Brandolini, Nate Berkus Associates, Kathryn Ireland, and Oliver Furth are just a few of the dozens of designers participating in this year's event. Many of the designers will use global destinations as their inspiration to transform the windows of the La Cienega Design Quarter members' storefronts throughout the district, while others will share their insights on highly anticipated global design topics at venues throughout the two-day event.
Check back next week when we'll share photos from the event, and if you're in the Los Angeles area, purchase tickets for the Legends of La Cienega events here.

Tour All of the Gorgeous Rooms From the 2012 DC Design House

Elka Karl — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:14:32 PDT

Located at 951 Rockwood Parkway, NW, Washington, DC, the 2012 DC Design House has been transformed by 23 regional designers, with each room showing off the individual designer's unique decorating perspective and expertise. The seven-bedroom, seven-bath home will be open through May 13 for visitors, with funds benefiting the Children's National Medical Center.

The designers only had five weeks to transform the home's interiors, and the results are fantastic. Keep clicking to take a tour of the home, and if you're in the area, make sure to stop by to see the spaces in person - it's all for a great cause!

Photos by Robert Radifera

The Beckhams Wrap up a Sporting Weekend With Soccer, Basketball, and Hockey

Allie Merriam — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:36:13 PDT

Sports was the theme of the weekend for the Beckham clan. After David Beckham went shirtless to celebrate his Saturday night win with the LA Galaxy, he reported to the Staples Center yesterday afternoon to cheer on his favorite basketball squad, the Lakers, as they took on the Dallas Mavericks. David and his son Cruz Beckham were courtside to watch as the Lakers beat the visitors 112-108. Later, David and Cruz met up with mom Victoria Beckham for another matchup. Cruz's older brothers Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham joined in on the fun to watch the LA Kings ice hockey team face off against the Vancouver Canucks. It was an all-around excellent weekend for the LA-area teams, since the Kings also took home a victory of 1-0.

5 Interesting Facts About Titanic's Luxurious Turkish Baths

Jaime Richards — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:00:00 PDT

From a squash racquet court, state-of-the-art gymnasium (complete with an electric horse for simulated riding), and heated pool, first-class passengers aboard the Titanic were the recipients of some of the ship's finest perks. It was the elaborate Turkish baths, located on the middle deck, though, that were one of the most impressive amenities of all.

A popular activity during the Victorian era, Turkish baths provided a place for rest, relaxation, and plenty of perspiration. While the baths were among the first areas to flood before the vessel went down, thanks to well-kept records and a 2005 search by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), we have a sense of what it was really like to sit and soak aboard the Ship of Dreams. So in remembrance of the 100-year anniversary of the passenger liner's tragic ending, let's take a closer look at Titanic's Turkish baths.

Everything You Need to Consider When Decorating an Entryway

Laura Marie Given — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:07:02 PDT

Entryways tend to be smaller, but that doesn't make them any less important - after all, the foyer is a guest's first impression of your home. For that reason, it's worth your time to design an entryway that nicely reflects your style. Not sure where to start? Follow these quick tips to create a foyer that's both functional and well-decorated year-round:

Go with a statement piece. The easiest way to have a major impact is to choose a unique focal point that visitors will notice right away. A gorgeous mirror is a practical pick, since it allows you to have one last look-over before walking out the door. Other ideas include a large work of art, a striking armoire, or a colorful chair.
Consider your storage options. Are you regularly grabbing keys, hats, or gloves as you leave? Choose a piece of furniture that suits your habits, whether that's a tall chest of drawers or a tiny table to hold your essentials. If you live in a climate with four seasons, think about your Winter storage needs before making any purchases.
Don't forget seating. A chair of some kind is crucial for practical reasons - putting on shoes, waiting guests - but don't choose just any chair: pick one that embodies your personal style. Since there's little else to coordinate with, this is a great place to indulge your creativity and buy a chair that perfectly represents your taste.
Set the mood with lighting. A chandelier strikes a much different note than, say, a table lamp. Since you're dealing with a smaller space, every piece of furniture matters, so pick one that says something. For a fun, eclectic look, try a stark contrast, like a gold, contemporary floor lamp with a rustic wooden table.
Leave space for extras. Don't crowd your foyer with unnecessary knickknacks because you'll need that space for all those random items that you end up tossing aside as soon as you walk in. Prevent a mess before it starts by leaving ample room for everyday accessories.
Make simple seasonal swaps. As the months change, so does your decor. The easiest, neatest way to transition your entryway? Rather than adding to the space, trade pieces - one in, one out. Some examples: a Winter boot tray, a Spring umbrella rack, or a Summer picnic basket. That way you don't have to add extra clutter, just exchange your pieces for other, more seasonally appropriate items.

Do you have any tips for decorating a foyer? Share them in the comments!

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Why You Shouldn't Eat at Chain Restaurants

Wise Bread — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:15:17 PDT

Think twice about eating at that chain restaurant. Our pal Wise Bread gives reasons why you shouldn't eat there.

I’ll reveal my bias upfront - I can’t stand chain restaurants. From their oversized, cheese-topped portions to the excessive use of adjectives in their menus, grabbing a bite at a big-box just doesn’t hit the spot for me. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the amount of food that people are consuming outside of their own kitchens has been growing pretty steadily since the 1970s, which may account for why chain restaurants seem to keep on multiplying. But despite chains' obvious popularity, I also believe that there are some sound reasons to skip them in favor of smaller local eateries.

There's Too Much Food

One of the top reasons that many people give for favoring chain restaurants is the portion sizes. I get it. When you go to a restaurant, you want to actually eat. I definitely don’t appreciate being presented with a pretentious morsel of an entrée any more than the next girl. If that bite of food is really tasty, it’s almost worse - as if I could be satisfied by taste alone, even when my stomach is empty! At the same time, many of the top chain restaurants boast dishes that top 1,000 calories each. I mean, let’s be honest here - most people could do without those “stacked” and “stuffed” caloric monstrosities. And while many restaurants now offer lower-calorie menus, it’s pretty hard to order those calorie-labeled little offerings when the guy at the next table is ordering a steak that could feed a family of four.

Read on for more.