Legally Blonde

Musicals are funny.

Where is this magical land where it is ok to sing out loud in public? Why is there always an orchestra ready to play? Where does the music come from (please don’t say “the heart”)? And, how does everyone always know all the words and dances to make it all fit together perfectly? If I start singing a song about how much I love my wife right now, will she start singing the same song at work? My head hurts.

Call me crazy, but where I come from we just talk about what’s on our minds. It’s a lot easier that way – but maybe not as cute.

Speaking of “cute,” Lauren and I were able to catch “Legally Blonde – The Musical,” last week at Fair Park. It was about as frou frou as expected, but still left me a little disappointed with the show’s songs.

The only one I can remember was the opening number called “Omigod You Guys,” which was clearly the audience favorite. Nothing says “adorable” more than breaking one of God’s commandments, am I right, or what? Soooooo cute.

Honestly, if you have seen the movie, you’ve seen the musical. Same story, some forgettable songs. C+

Next up, Mama Mia! Sitting this one out.

To the Theatre We Go

Derek here again.

In a desperate attempt to culture ourselves, and experience artistic expression through theatre arts (yes, theatre with the “re” – it’s just classier that way), Lauren and I have been attending the wide array of Dallas Summer Musical productions at the Music Hall at Fair Park this summer.

Now, I am no stranger to the theatre. In fact, I enjoy a catchy song and dance number every now and then. Something that gets my toe tapping is just fine with me.

I have spent countless hours of my life immersed in the Lake Highlands High School Theater (not that classy) Department’s emotionally captivating renditions of “Hello Dolly,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Guy’s and Dolls,” and many others – mainly in support of my wonderful sister (by the way, thanks Heather for coming to those three baseball games of mine in the fifth grade). I even co-starred as Freddy the Farmhand, in the Lake Highlands Elementary production of “My Fair Lady Goes West” – now, who could forget that riveting performance.

So you can tell that I was open to the idea of attending and being a part of musical magic!

First up this summer was that old classic “Happy Days.” That’s right, the Fonz, Mr. C, and the rest of the gang were in full force and belting out the tunes in order to save Arnolds, which nothing short of a wresting match between Fonzie and the Malachi Brothers would do. Spoiler alert – Arnold’s is saved! I give this one a C+ for not being that good, but mildly humorous with references to Richie’s long lost brother Chuck, and Fonzie jumping the shark.

Next on the list was “The Wizard of Oz.” It was a great story and a great production. I can’t really say too much about this one except I was a little disappointed that they didn’t use real midgets, um, little people. They tricked us by using children. Oh well. I give it an A.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” was another classic that honestly, I wasn’t too familiar with before attending. I knew it was a musical and it was about a flying car. What I didn’t know was how irritating the title song would be, even days later. “Oh you pretty Chitty Bang Bang - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, We love you.” B+.

And then there was ‘A Chorus Line.” Oh boy. I wasn’t quite ready for this one. I knew I was in for something interesting even before the musical even began.

At the Music Hall they have a buffet dinner before the show in which theatre-goers can enjoy a meal that shares a theme with the musical. As I was filling my salad plate, I couldn’t help but notice a sign that indicated that I was partaking in the “T&A” salad bar. I was taken aback for a moment, but quickly realized in parenthesis it was noted that it stood for toasted almonds. Whew.

And then the show began. Meandering through a myriad of snaps, taps and painfully-looking toe-touches (by men), this plot got too deep too fast. Maybe it was that there wasn’t much to the set, just a few mirrors, or the fact that is was more of a monologue than a story that put me off. I don’t know. Maybe it was the fact that I was forced for two hours to listen to some dudes talk about how it was their childhood dream to dance. Yeah, that’s it. I give this a D for making me feel uncomfortable.

Next up - Legally Blonde. I’ll keep you posted.

Accessorizing on a budget

Accessorizing your home is the icing on the cake! Its the cherry on your sundae! It doesn't have to be expensive to be beautiful!

This beautiful wicker hurricane from Crate and Barrel costs $69! I love it but I could never spend that much on a hurricane.

Now, check out my find from Ross for a grand total of $9.99!! Not exactly the same but gives me the same wicker feel.


I found these white chairs at Homegoods for $22. And the pillows for $3.99 each at Ross. I bought two chairs and two pillows for my dining room.



I love to find a great deal on accessories! What great deals have you found?

My hutch!

I finally found a hutch for our dining area of the kitchen. This hutch was my aunts and she didn't want it anymore so she gave it to me! Thanks to my awesome hubby it got a fresh coat of black paint. Everything I've been painting lately has been black. Black is so modern yet so classic. Almost anything looks good black. I'm still looking for hardware to finish it off.
After the painting was finished, it was time to decorate and stage it.

Tip: When decorating a hutch or furniture piece, gather everything around your house you could use to decorate with. Set everything on a table and start creating! Many of the things on my hutch were serving pieces hidden in my kitchen cabinets. Pull out your beautiful wedding gifts and display them. Choose a color scheme. I orginally wanted my hutch all black and white. But I decided to add some silver and a splash of green. Create a focal point. My focal point here is the green platter on the middle shelf.

We still need to work on our bathroom. Could someone please tell my husband to stop working so much and help his lady out with another project! I'm sure thats why he's so busy all the time. Its just an excuse so he can get out of another idea I have!