BuzzSugar

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:30:15 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 also catch up on season four of Desperate Housewives and the first season of Eli Stone.

The Office: Season Four
There are a handful of TV shows that I love to own and have handy for when I need a pick-me-up, and The Office is definitely one of them. Hurray for the release of season four and more of "The World’s Greatest Boss!" The season started out slow for me but got a lot better as it progressed, and Jim and Pam tentatively entering into a romance was a definite highlight.

Special features include deleted scenes, outtakes, commentary on "Did I Stutter?" and featurettes titled "The Office Convention: Writer's Block Party" and "Goodbye, Toby Music Video."

Two more movies, so

read more! Then She Found Me I added this little gem of a movie to my must-haves list for the month of September, but I wanted to remind you again - it's just that good. Then She Found Me stars - and was directed by - Helen Hunt and features a really talented cast including Colin Firth, Matthew Broderick, and Bette Midler. Based on a book of the same name, the movie follows April (Hunt), a middle-aged elementary school teacher who is adopted but, when faced with trouble getting pregnant, refuses adoption as an option for herself. Her issues only get more complicated by marriage problems, a death in the family, and the introduction of her biological mother (a sparkling Midler). If you didn't catch this in the theater, I highly recommend it! Special features include director's commentary with Helen Hunt, cast interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and the theatrical trailer Married Life There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this dark drama starring Rachel McAdams, Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, and Pierce Brosnan, including the acting, the sweet and uplifting ending, the fantastic costumes, and the way the movie captures the 1940s atmosphere. Overall, it's not a perfect film, but it's definitely worth adding to the old queue. Extras include commentary with director Ira Sachs and three alternate endings.

Then She Found Me: A Sweet Treat for Mother's Day

BuzzSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:30:30 PDT

The first thing actress-turned-director Helen Hunt's film has going for it is a capable and enchanting cast that includes Hunt, Colin Firth, Matthew Broderick, and Bette Middler. I have a hard time calling Then She Found Me a romantic comedy because, unlike recent additions to the genre, no one in this cast plays a scene for an easy laugh. Instead, each actor approaches his or her character as a human being - as complicated and flawed as any of us. The humor comes, as in life, with truth. Specifically, Midler's character could easily become a farcical caricature but instead is played with such restraint that the result is both touching and funny.

The movie follows April (Hunt), a middle-aged elementary school teacher who is adopted, yet when faced with trouble getting pregnant, refuses adoption as an option. Yes, Hunt is quite thin in this film, but it didn't shock me so much as it seemed like the physical state of a woman who is exhausted by her frustrating situation, which is compounded by marriage problems and a death in the family.

The joy of the movie comes from the way in which Hunt's character begins to open her heart to a new love - and to her biological mother. A touching story about motherhood? What perfect timing! To see the other reasons I enjoyed this little film,

read more. I don't think I've ever seen adoption handled onscreen in quite this way before, specifically the way this story (based on the novel by Elinor Lipman) subtly explores the identity issues an adoptee may have later in life. April's struggle to come to terms with being an adopted child has started to seep into her daily life, and she tries to find clarity when it comes to her relationships. Matthew Broderick plays Ben, April's emotionally immature husband who decides he doesn't want to be married soon after they're wed. So, he moves in with his mom. Yeah, he's that guy. But despite his Peter Pan complex (and his less-than-crushworthy physique), April has a hard time moving on, even with the steadfast Frank (Firth playing a role that's familiar but no less adorable), who is ready and able to love her. Just as April's love life couldn't be more complicated, her adopted mother dies and her charismatic, self-absorbed birth mother, Bernice Graves (Midler) decides she wants a relationship with her. Of course, Bernice doesn't bat an eye at the havoc she might wreak on her biological daughter's life by entering it. All of these forces combine to take April on an emotional journey that is interesting and often funny. This film isn't perfect and some scenes feel just a touch overwrought, or the dialogue is a teeny bit stilted or "artsy" - a word that came to mind during exchanges like, "Is it you?" "It's me, is it you?" "It's me." But the performances are emotional and sometimes unsettling, the laughs are earned and best of all, the plot is anything but predictable. It all amounts to a terrific directorial debut by Hunt as well as a treat for those of us who like a good laugh and an honest tug at the old heartstrings. Take your mom if you can. Photos courtesy of THINKFilm

Then SJP, Matthew and Helen Found Their Premiere

Molly — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:30:38 PDT

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were matching in pretty blue at last night's premiere of his new movie Then She Found Me in NYC last night. His costar and director, Helen Hunt looked smokin' in her skin tight gold number as she posed with a dressed down Matthew Perry. This little comedy looks like an adorable take on finding what, and who is right for you, something the other half of the SJP-Broderick couple will be tackling on the big screen soon too. While the similarities between this and Sex and the City end there - forgive me, I'm a little giddy from getting yet another new preview last night. Spring is here and love movies are definitely in the air.

To see more of the premiere including Carson Kressley, Colin Firth, Jessica Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld and more just read more

View 14 Photos ›

Images Include: Carson Kressley, Helen Hunt, Sarah Jessica Parker, Natasha Bedingfield, Matthew Broderick, Matthew Perry, Colin Firth, Jessica Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld, Ben Shenkman, Kathy Najimy, Gloria Steinem, Ricki Lake Source

Movie Preview: Then She Found Me

BuzzSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:30:44 PDT

Prepare your "ahh"s and your "yay!"s because the trailer for Helen Hunt's directorial debut, Then She Found Me, is packed with adorable actors (Bette Midler, Colin Firth, Matthew Broderick), charming moments, humor, and romance.

Helen Hunt is both director and star of this movie based on a bestselling novel by Elinor Lipman which centers around a woman who's biological mother (Midler) comes smashing into her life right as her romantic world seems to be unraveling. I'm so glad to see Hunt back to perfectly embodying the decent, intelligent woman who wears her heart on her sleeve. She described this project as a "very weird, funny story," and I can't wait to check it out.

The movie will open in limited release May 2. To take a gander at the trailer for yourself,

Fat-Proof Your Life

Health — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:06:06 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

By Maridel Reyes

It's true that there are certain times in your life when extra poundage seems to appear out of nowhere . . . and settle on you. In fact, experts have honed in on the exact moments when you're most vulnerable to weight gain.

"Life transitions, having a baby, and going through menopause cause many women to pile on pounds," says Susan Albers, PsyD, author of But I Deserve This Chocolate!: The 50 Most Common Diet-Derailing Excuses and How to Outwit Them. "But with planning and prep, you can stay thin."

We asked top experts for their strategies to help you ward off weight creep - and even shed pounds - at these tricky stages. Solutions ahead.

Getting married

Heavier ever after? It can be the flip side of wedded bliss: "Six out of 10 of my clients come back heavier after the honeymoon," says celebrity fitness and wellness guru David Kirsch.

Health.com: 25 Diet-Busting Foods You Should Never Eat

Young newlyweds pack on an extra six to nine pounds in the five years after getting hitched compared to singletons, according to research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And most of that gain happens in the first year of marriage.

"Couples start to mirror each other's eating habits," explains Albers. "You might be matching him calorie for calorie without realizing it."

Learn how to keep the pounds down postmarriage and in the mommy years, after the break.

Linguine With Sea Urchin and Caviar

OnSugar Blog — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:01:25 PST

Sea urchin is often a polarizing ingredient. Yoo Eatz encourages us to muster some courage and embrace this culinary adventure in the form of pasta.

What's so gross about sea urchin? Even some of the most adventurous eaters I know will make the most horrific faces when the topic comes up.

I asked my husband about this - he generally recoils when I suggest that we share a pair of nigiri at the sushi bar - and he offered that it's a textural thing. Some people say it resembles phlegm (or worse), and I heard one person characterize the briny bits as "little orange tongues" (although, let's face it: the truth of what uni is may actually be harder to stomach!). But a lot of these same people will tell me that the flavor doesn't bother them; in fact, they find it quite pleasant.

For more, plus a recipe, keep reading!

The Vampire Diaries "Bringing Out the Dead": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Marisa Tom — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:46:39 PST

After a week's worth of TVD reprieve, it's about time we got some answers - specifically, ones that have everything to do with our favorite Original vamp Elijah and then some. From the tragic twisted fate of Bill Forbes to the shocking discovery Elena makes at home, we're still trying to wrap our heads around everything that goes down. Meanwhile, Bonnie and her estranged mother Abby are tasked with opening the mysteriously sealed fifth coffin, and Damon and Stefan head to Klaus's sweet new pad for the ultimate dinner party showdown.

Like all things based in Mystic Falls, nothing is as it seems and nothing ever goes according to plan. Ready to review the good, the bad, and the bloody? Just keep reading.

Jamie Lynn Spears Shares Lessons on Birth Control and Teen Pregnancy

Annie Scudder — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:50:37 PST

“I believe in safety and birth control as prevention," Jamie Lynn Spears tells Glamour this month. "But like many young girls . . . I was really scared to go to the doctor." Britney's little sister had to grow up fast, after she became pregnant at 16, and after taking some time away from the spotlight, she gave an interview with Glamour to mark her 21st birthday.

In the interview, Jamie Lynn shares the reality of becoming pregnant at an age most girls are thinking about prom, cheerleading, or college. She admits, "I had been on a Nickelodeon show, Zoey 101, and after we wrapped shooting, I just wanted to go home to Louisiana and finish high school, be a cheerleader, all that." But that wouldn't happen. "Then I found out I was pregnant [by then-boyfriend Casey Aldridge]. I was 16. I’d had one boyfriend."

Jamie Lynn also says she resented the judgment, which she believes was intensified by her fame. "I was judged for something that probably most everyone does. I was young. I was in love. I was like every other teenager, except I had this last name. And I made a decision that is forever my decision." But fear of judgement also led to the accidental pregnancy. Jamie Lynn explained, "I was on a Nickelodeon show, and it [felt] especially embarrassing to ask someone to put me on birth control. I didn’t want to ask my doctor, because she had a little girl."

Jamie Lynn's honesty reveals that many sexually active teens need the adults in their lives, be it parents, doctors, or sex ed teachers, to be more proactive about getting them access to birth control. Do you think Jamie Lynn's high-profile cautionary tale could make a difference? And see more from inside the March issue at Glamour.

Are Your Birth Control Pills Safe?

Shape — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:06:17 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Last year during my annual exam, when I complained to my doctor about my terrible PMS, she was quick to pull out her pad and give me a prescription for the birth control pill Yaz. "You're going to love this," she said. "All of my patients that are on it think it's the best. It's even helped some of them lose weight!"

Less PMS and not having to worry about my weight? I was sold, even though I'd only intended to talk to her about lifestyle and/or diet modifications since my birth control needs were already taken care of. Before I stopped into the pharmacy, however, I looked up the pill online (Paging Dr. Google!). The results were anything but the lovefest I'd been promised. In fact, the information I found scared me so badly that I never filled that prescription.

Am I Normal? Your Top Six Sex Questions Answered

It quickly became evident that I wasn't the only woman concerned when Yaz and it's sister pill Yazmin, two of the most popular pills on the market, came up for review by the FDA after reports that the manufacturer may have hid and minimized critical health risks. But is the hysteria warranted?

Find out how safe birth control pills are after the break!

The Benefits of Homeschooling Your Kids

LearnVest — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:05:49 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

In the past, LearnVest spoke to parents who chose not to use diapers with their children and dove into the stay-at-home parent debate. This time, one mother shares why she has decided to homeschool her children.

In 2002, we had our third child, 10 years after our second was born. Our eldest two boys were in a private school, but we began to consider the best way to educate our newest addition. Although we loved the school our boys attended, each year cost us about $10,000. We questioned how feasible it would be to put additional kids through there, too.

We had three more children in the following years for a total of six, and with each new baby came further confirmation that putting our four youngest through private school was out of the question financially. Our two eldest were approaching college age, which put even more pressure on us.

The decision was simple. We elected to educate our four youngest at home.

Why Public School Wasn’t an Option

We always knew that we wouldn’t send our children to public school. Parents who opt out of public school do so for many reasons: safety, quality of education, religious conviction, and many others. My husband and I both went to public school, but that was a long time ago, and I don’t know what schools are like today. For us, religion was the main reason. We believe that God gave parents the responsibility to raise, train, and educate their own children. Many parts of the Bible talk about training your children - to us, that includes education.

For more, read after the jump.