Book Review: Andy Cohen's Most Talkative

I recently just finished a book by Andy Cohen called Most Talkative.  It is about Andy's stories from the front lines of pop culture (just as it says on the book).  For those of you who don't know who Andy Cohen is, you should!!!  He is a BravoTV exec, producer, talk show host, and Real Housewives reunion host.  He hosts a daily talk show on BravoTV called Watch What Happens Live.  I'm a big fan of WWHL and have to watch it every night before I go to bed.  And yes I am a Real Housewives fan.  HUGE!  I blame Ryan and my co-worker for this.  I love seeing how the rich and famous live.  If anything else, it takes me away from my reality for an hour.

I'm getting way off track!  Back to Andy.  In his book he talks about his Jewish up bringing in St. Louis.  He shares his struggle with coming out to family and friends.  One highlight of the book is how Andy 'tricked' his idol Susan Lucci into an interview for a homework assignment.  We learn about his college years and studying aboard.  How he got started in the journalism business at CBS and finally landing at BravoTV.  We get a look into how the Housewives shows started and still continue to be a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE success.

Andy's book is a very easy read.  I enjoyed reading it and learning more about his background.  Made me love him just a little more.  I am absolutely, positively sure we would be BFFs if we ever met.  (Hello SJP is his BFF!  Mom, SJP=Sarah Jessica Parker.) 

Need another reason to love Andy?  He rescued this adorable guy, who he calls Wacha.  Wacha is spoiled (just like he should be.)  This pup leads a more glamorous life then me.  Trips to the Hamptons, rides on helicopters, brunch in the city, and a regular guest on WWHL.  What a lucky pooch :-)

Photo from Andy's Instagram

Looking forward to Andy's second book, The Andy Cohen Diaries coming out this fall.

Curly Hair Don't Care

I have curly hair.  I know what you are thinking.  Oh you are so lucky!  Do you know what I would give to be able to just wake up in the morning, dry my hair, and it would be perfectly straight, ready to go?!  How easy you straight hair gals have it!!!  (I'm totally kidding but I am jealous.)

When I was 30, I finally decided to lose the battle of trying to make myself have straight hair.  (My expensive Chi straightener is just collecting dust in my closet now.)  I gave into the curl and well the rest is history.  (I also discovered eyeliner around this time, too.  Game changer but that is for another day.)  Here is a little trip down hair memory lane for me.  If you make it through these, I will tell you how I tame this crazy mop of frizz.

1980.  Baby Megan

1986.  Andy and I had the same haircut for several years.  Obviously he wore it best.

1990.  Perm hair don't care.  I use to just get my bangs permed.  OMG!

1995.  You can see the natural wave starting to take over my hair in the front.  I couldn't leave the house until my bangs were perrrrrrfect.  I'm not kidding.  Just ask my Mom how I would carry on.

1997.  Now this was a good hair day.  Minus my short, short bangs...............

2005.  I got my hair braided in Jamaica.  I told the lady I just wanted the top done but she insisted on doing my whole head.  It lasted a week and a half.

2007.  This was after I cut 4 inches off.  I'm feeling the need to do that again.

2010.  In Gulf Shores on the beach.  My hair gets really, really curly on the beach.  I don't even need any product!

Remember the Friends episode where they were in Barbados and Monica's hair went crazy.  That is me!

Monica and I could be twins!  Great minds think alike!

2010.  After straightening it for over 45 minutes.  It lasted maybe an hour before the wavy hair started.

2010.  Holding Baby K#1.  It was a rainy day out and as you can tell the wave started in the front.  I give up!

2013.  Holding Baby K#2.  Finally I just learned to wear it curly.

Yup that is about how I look when I wake up.

I wanted to share with you how I do my hair.  My routine is pretty simple.  I've finally mastered the how to keep my hair looking good all day.  (If you have super straight hair I'm not sure this routine will work.  You need to have that natural wave.)

I have used this combo for some time now and it really works for me.  Mousse is better than gel.  Otherwise your hair become really hard and crunchy.

I wash my hair everyday.  I know that isn't the best for it but it just makes me feel cleaner and my hair gets kind of greasy on the top.  After showering, I brush my hair out and make a part.  I let it dry a little in the towel while I'm getting ready.  I start to 'scrunch' up my hair with a dry washcloth.  (I know that sounds weird but it really works!)  First I put in Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave-In Conditioning Creme (about the size of a nickel).  I mainly put it on the bottom half of my hair, scrunching as I go.  This helps cut down on the frizz.  Next I use some Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse.  I use a good handful of this throughout my hair continuing to scrunch.

 After applying product, I continue to 'scrunch' it up with the washcloth.  I spray some hairspray in it and start the drying process with the diffuser.  With the hair dryer on low air setting and high heat, I begin to diffuse.  I don't diffuse it too long as my hair dries pretty fast.  The diffuser adds some volume and set the curl into place.

My diffuser is probably 10 or more years old.  It is cracked from putting it on different hair dryers but it still works.  I've looked for a new one but I just can't find one I like.

After drying I finish with some more hairspray.  I always use an extra hold/maximum strength hairspray.  I scrunch it up one last time after applying the hairspray.  Right now I am using a TRESemme hairspray.  I don't like the spray cap very much on it.  It gets all over my fingers.  I typically buy Herbal Essences hair spray because it works great and smells even better.  But when I went to buy it last time, Target didn't have any.  I won't make that mistake again!

I typically pull back what would be my 'bangs' in a twist or a braid of some sort.  I can't stand to have hair hanging down in my face.  I secure it with a bobby pin.  Do you know the proper way to use a bobby pin so it doesn't stand up on your head?  Put it in short side down, long side up.  You can go in at any angle and I am telling you it will not move all day!

The nice thing about curly hair is if you need a quick fix, all you need is water.  If it is looking a little dull and needs a refresher, I just wet my hands with some water, and scrunch it up.  Gives it a little refresh.

Are you a curly hair girl?  I would love to hear your beauty routine!

Check out my other beauty tip here on coconut oil.

High Five for Friday

Hey there kitty kats!  I hope you had a great week.  Can you believe it is August?  Where has summer gone?  I am so thankful this year that we have had a mild summer here in the Midwest.  You will get no complaints from me.  And my hair certainly appreciates the light humidity.....LOL.  Let me share some of my highlights from the week. 

1.  Vera Bradley.  I have been obsessed with Vera Bradley for over a decade now.  I love all things Vera but purses are my favorite.  QVC had this little gem as a Today's Special Value a couple weeks ago.  The pink was calling my name.  The price was outstanding (under $50).  I even set my alarm for 1:30am so I could order it!  (I was waiting for the ole paycheck to go in the bank first.  Priorities people!!!)  Funny thing is my Mom had already ordered this for me and was going to surprise me.  (Isn't she the sweetest?!)  So instead she changed her order to the violet color and got a purse for herself.  That is a win/win in my book!

Vera Bradley Signature Print Crescent Handbag in Pink Swirls

Mom's in African Violet

2.  I know I have mentioned before that I like to cook a big meal one night a week so I have plenty of leftovers.  This week I made meatloaf, mashed potatoes (they were the good instant kind), creamed spinach (a recipe I kind of created), and deviled eggs.  This meal lasted several days and I even froze some meatloaf.  I love just being able to go home after work and relax.  Cooking a big meal with leftovers allows me to just heat and serve.  Clean up is so easy.  (I hate dishes!)  Be sure to check out my previous blogs where I made Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken Enchiladas.

3.  My Dad and I are super close.  We talk 3-4 times a week.  For some reason on Monday, he was on fire!!!  By that I mean he was making me laugh hysterically.  I had tears going down my cheeks and almost peed my pants.  The best part was he was giggling, too.  We must have talked for about 30 minutes and the whole time he was making joke after joke.  Everything we said to each other was just hilarious.  It had been a long time since I laughed so hard my sides hurt.  I know this may sound silly to share but I will never forget this phone call as long as I live.  It was one of those moments I will treasure forever.

My Daddio

4.  Today the Indiana State Fair begins here in Indianapolis.  It is only a couple miles from my apartment and I really always enjoy going.  Unfortunately it does have some bad memories for me, too.  I was there the night the stage collapsed during a Sugarland concert.  That is a story for another blog post.  This will be the first time I have been back to the fair since this tragedy.  But it is time to get back on the horse and try it again.  My favorite part is all the food.  (Imagine that!)  I love the footlong corn dogs, a lemon shake-up, and a fried dessert.  They always deep fry the weirdest things (like Pepsi).  I've tried a deep fried Twinkie, Oreo, and Reese cup.  Delicious!!!  This year I'm looking forward to a free concert from a couple of cast members of the TV show Nashville.  I'm also excited to try out the new State Fair app on my i-Phone.  I'll be able to make sure I don't miss a thing.

2007 State Fair with Janelle.  Because there is more than corn in Indiana.

Corndog.  Nom, nom, nom.

5.  On Thursday I was in our cafeteria at work getting some lunch.  The cashier was stocking up things as I waited for my food.  She yelled across the room at me, "I haven't seen you in forever!"  (I've been trying to bring my lunch more.)  I smiled at her and said hello/how are you?  I paid for my lunch and as I was leaving she said, "Good to see you."  (I think it had only been a week since I had been in there.)  Then she said something that totally warmed my heart to the core.  "Your smile just brightens up my day."  We need to remember to be kind to each other.  I've been trying over the past month to talk to people more and truly listen to them.  Give them good feedback.  Sometimes I get lost in my own little world and don't want to come out.  But I have found when I put myself out there, people listen to me.

Have a wonderful, safe weekend!  Thank you so much for reading my blog.  I am totally blown away by how many hits I am getting everyday.  This means so much to me.  :-)

I'm linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.