This was the third year in a row that I joined my European mates for the world's biggest party--but I wasn't the only one; thanks to Logo TV Eurovision Song Contest was broadcast in the United States for the first time ever. Europe (and Australia) come together for a campy good time! (Think American Idol on steroids... and LSD... and ecstasy.) Sweden did an amazing job hosting and I already can't wait for next year when we head to Ukraine.
This month I discovered (and quickly fell in love with) British pop singer/song writer Florrie. This girl's got amazing talent and is going places! Favorite songs include: Shot You Down, Little White Lies, To The End and Real Love.
Sometimes you just have to Treat Yo Self, and this month I did just that, visiting my dear friend at Kim James Skin Care to tend to my rapidly aging face. A customized chemical peel and some much needed TLC, I left refreshed with a new-found glow. Be sure to check her out if you're in town. She's amazeballs!
Full disclosure: It took three attempts to make it through Lady Dynamite's wacky and weird pilot episode-- but third time was the charm, I stuck with it and became obsessed with this different, charming, hilarious and also sweet new Netflix series. 'Maria Bamford's semi-autobiographical, semi-surreal series is a truthful look at the highs and lows of Bamford’s life -- as an actor on the rise, during her hospitalization for bipolar disorder, and through her present life in LA, where she’s reached a middle ground and found love.'
James Corden is officially Killing It! (And I couldn't be any more obsessed with the adorably talented and bloody hilarious Brit.) Be sure to check out just a few of his most recent viral videos featuring some A-List Talent: Gwen Stefani, Julia Roberts and George Clooney's Carpool Karaoke, Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas Carpool Karaoke, Anne Hathaway's Drop The Mic and David Schwimmer (and Rebel Wilson)'s Drop the Mic.
JUNE BONUS: Did you also catch the special Tony Awards Broadway Edition of Carpool Karaoke, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Audra McDonald, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Jane Krakowski? Simply Amazing!!
Electric-pop duo POWERS featuring Mike Del Rio (not clear if any relation to Bianca, lol) and Crista Ru, enjoyed a heavy presence on my Spotify playlist this month. The Los Angeles based New Yorkers got their start as song writers, penning tracks for Selena Gomez, Kylie Minogue, Eminem and Christina Aguilera. I love their work. Favorite songs include: Hot, Beat of My Drum, Loved By You and Legendary.
'A story of a family across four generations, centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Facing betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, Joy becomes a true boss of family and enterprise. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy's inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces.'
This month marked my 10 year anniversary at Trolley Manor(!!) and to celebrate my wonderful, kind, amazing landlords approved a major lawn-care upgrade. Really, it was like going from a covered wagon to a cute adorable Smart car. So farewell old manual push mower, you had a good run, but there's a new grass-cutter in town!
British Electrop pop trio Years and Years found their way into heavy rotation this month after I discovered their work on Spotify. Favorite tracks include: King, Desire, I Want to Love and Real.
Drag Race Season 7's stand out-queens Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikovahave their own World of Wonder web series called UNHhhh where they talk about whatever the hell they want. Because it's their show. Not ours.
What do you watch when there are no current televised tattooing, special effects, drag queen or clothing-sewing reality competitions ... You stumble on RuPaul's other TV project, GSN's Skin Wars body painting battles to fill the void.
I know some of you might be a bit reaaaalllly?! with this last entry, but I'm willing to bet a good chunk of people will get it. Those of us who have stumbled upon Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper's) Youtube channel, finding it deeply satisfying, fascinating, albeit a bit gross and the ultimate time waster. So Check It Out, are you with me?
After a threat from the tiger, Sheer Khan, forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named, Mowglie, embarks on a journey of self discovery with the aid of the panther, Bagheera, and the free spirited bear, Baloo. As lovely to behold as it is engrossing to watch, The Jungle Book is the rare remake that actually improves upon its predecessors -- all while setting a new standard for CGI. IMDB/RT
When Michelle Visage, Alaska, Ginger Minj, Adore Delano, Phi Phi O'Hara, Violet Chachki, Miss Fame, Courtney Act, Pearl (whom I missed her DJ set, sad face) and current RPDR Top 3 finalist Kim Chi come to town, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm going to be right there front and center. Well technically, to the left and slightly back. Yas Queens, Come Through!!
Kimmy, Jacqueline, Titus, and Lillian are back for the long awaited return of Netflix original comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt! It's wacky, wild and as wonderful as ever (with a very 30 Rock-y feel this season--that is a compliment!) as we delve deeper into our favorite character's back-stories. And Tina Fey is back as well, in a fantastically funny role. Hashbrown: Hilarious, golly darn it!
When my friend Greg introduced me to Lissie at her concert last year I became instantly obsessed. I was so happy to share in this month's show in the same venue with him where it all began! We'll see ya next tour Lissie!
Selina Meyer 2016
...Maybe!?
Mmmmmm. Tosh's Ramen. I have a new favorite restaurant--and I'm apparently not alone. If you go during peak hours expect a wait, but trust me it's worth it. Noodles, Nom Nom Nom! 結構!
I stumbled on the Australian alternative-dance group's second album Bloom, thanks to the recommendation of a friend. (Hey Greg!) and loved it! Favorite Tracks Include: Brighter, Like an Animal, Tell Me and Until the Sun Needs to Rise
A few of my favorite ladies just released some killer Spring singles and I've been enjoying them all month long. Be sure to check them out! Pink's Just Like Fire, Ladyhawke's Love Song and Tegan and Sara's Boyfriend. Perfect addition to any pre-Summer playlist!
So, I know you're already going through Broad City withdrawals (me too!), so why not put that Comedy Central app to good use and check out the goofy stoner comedy trilogy Time Traveling Bong. (It's only three episodes, so not much of a time commitment-- I know you already have too many shows.) Happy 420!
Every once in a while a truly inspiring person comes along that reminds us what is truly possible when we don't let our limitations define us, and we just go for it! Deaf America's Next Top Model (and Casey's Hunk of 2015) Nyle Dimarco is doing just that. I don't watch Dancing the Stars but I'm sure to seek out the clips of his amazing dancing skills each week. Just remember I was a super fan from the start. Let the record state. #GoTeamNyle! Watch a few of them HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.
M83 are a French-American electronic music band who have released seven albums. I was hooked on their latest after hearing the first song. Instant fave! Favorite Tracks Include: Do It, Try It (the official song of the month), Go!, Walkaway Blues and Road Blaster.
In the documentary Nothing Left Unsaid, Gloria Vanderbilt and her youngest son, Anderson Cooper to reflect on their extraordinary personal history. Born under a name synonymous with wealth, fortune and New York royalty, she has lived in the public eye for over ninety years, unapologetically pursuing love, family, and career, and experiencing extreme tragedy and tremendous success side by side. Now, through Gloria's charming and unique artwork, coupled with rare personal footage, and narrated by candid conversations between mother and son, we see her as never before. Gloria and Anderson tell the story of their pasts and presents, losses and loves, revealing how, in life, our family stories repeat themselves in the most unexpected ways. -RT
"One man's trash is another man's treasure."
In the month of trying-new-places and exploring undiscovered dining options around the city, I found a couple tasty joints. Whether you're craving a burger or in the mood for a sandwich you can't go wrong with either Proper Burger Co. or Even Stevens. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it.
No doubt, if you've received a text or message from me it was peppered with clever and awesome GIFs after I discovered GIPHY this month. (Don't worry if you haven't yet, it's only a matter of time!)
I can honestly say that Santigold's We Buy Gold tour was one of the most fun concerts I've ever been to. Special thank you to my concert buddy Greg for the invite and ticket, as well as my fellow concert companions Adam and Bubba. Other than the 45 minute wait in the drink line, it was a perfect experience. So Golden!
Victoria, Tammie, Akashia, Jade, Ongina, Shannel, Rebecca, Nina, Bebe, Shangela, Nicole-Page, Mystique, Sonique, Morgan, Sahara, Jessica Wild, Pandora, Tatianna, Jujubee, Raven, Tyra, Venus, Phoenix, Mimi, India, Mariah, Stacy Layne, Delta, Carmen, Shangela (again), Yara, Alexis, Manila, Raja, Alisa, Lashauwn, The Princess, Madame, Kenya, Milan, Jiggly, Willam, Dida, Latrice, Phi Phi, Chad, Sharon, Penny, Serena, Monica, Honey, Vivienne, Lineysha, Jade, Ivy, Alyssa, Coco, Detox, Roxxxy, Alaska, Jinkx, Kelly, Magnolia, Vivacious, April, Gia, Milk, Laganja, Trinity, Joslyn, BenDeLa, Darienne, Adore, Courtney, Bianca, Tempest, Sasha, Jasmine, Kasha, Kandy, Max, Jaidynn, Fame, Trixie, Katya, Kennedy, Pearl, Ginger, Violet, Laila, Dax, Cynthia, Naysha, Acid, Derrick, Robbie, Chi Chi, Naomi, Kim, Thorgy and Bob. 100 Queens! 100 Episodes later! Season 8... Shante You Stay! (For the record: #TeamBob and #TeamThorgy.)
When your best friend gets a new motorcycle, it's the definition of living vicariously to the max. Maxx Chromeo it's so great to know you! Vroom Vroom!
Miike Snow is one of my all time favorite bands. This month the Swedish indie pop band released their third studio album, and my ears couldn't be happier. (I've only waited for four years guys!) Let iit Snow! Favorite Tracks Include: Genghis Khan, My Trigger, For U, Over and Over, and Lonely Life.
When everyone's favorite Russian hooker comes to town you know I'd be there front and center. With a fist full of bills. Я люблю свою прекрасную Катя Замолодчикова!
The Real O'Neals chronicles the lives of a close-knit Chicago family with Catholic roots, whose personal secrets reveal their real lives and a reality check after they all reveal intimate secrets to each other. Based on the life of Dan Savage, the O'Neal clan is already one of my favorite families on TV. Another great show to add to your already full must watch list.
Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight. 'The Big Short approaches a serious, complicated subject with an impressive attention to detail -- and manages to deliver a well-acted, scathingly funny indictment of its real-life villains in the bargain.' -RT
Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav are vampires who are finding that modern life has them struggling with the mundane - like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts. What We Do In The Shadows is brought to you by the guys behind Flight of the Conchords (and starring one of them), so it was pretty much a guarantee that I'd love it. And I did! Hilarious and bloody good funny!
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me C is for cookie, that's good enough for me C is for cookie, that's good enough for me Oh, cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C. Oh and thanks the discovery of Ruby Snap, (Emily, I'm looking at YOU!) the diet has been cancelled. Nom nom nom!
She's been in the news and tabloids a lot lately but Gwen Stefani channeled all that drama into one amazing album. Her best work- if you ask me. This is what awesome sounds like! Favorite Tracks Include: Naughty, Make Me Like You, Used To Love You, You're My Favorite, Misery and Rare.
Two true LGBT tearjerkers had me grabbing for the Kleenex box this month. Freeheld tells the story of New Jersey police lieutenant, Laurel Hester, and her registered domestic partner, Stacie Andree, both battle to secure Hester's pension benefits when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. And Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine is a film about the Matthew Shepard behind the headlines. An honest and intimate portrait of Matt as he is remembered by those who knew him, it is the story of loss, love, and grief that does not go away.
Granted it's cheesy and corny (to be fair, the same was probably said by adults watching the original series back in the day) but regardless, there really was something nostalgic and charming revisiting a family that played such a huge part of my childhood. (Hello Uncle Jesse!) And my nieces love Netflix's Fuller House today too. It's strange watching it with them in the bedroom in which I grew up. (Albeit on a much larger, thinner, less static-y TV.)
One of my favorite reality competition guilty-pleasures is back as a batch of new tattoo artists battle returning former competitors, with something to prove. Bring on the drama and bring on the ink! Bzzzz Bzzz Bzzzz.
Thanks in part to this month's Love List #1 experience, I discovered that Miss Santigold actually released a new album last month. How on Earth did I miss that?! Regardless, 99 Cents was on a loop. Favorite Tracks Include: Can't Get Enough of Myself, Walking in a Circle, Chasing Shadows, All I Got, and Rendezvous Girl.
Farewell Katniss Everdeen!
Quick, what's the quickest way to beat those Winter blues? Well might I suggest an impromptu weekend getaway to the Happiest Place on Earth. I must say, based on personal experience, it really works wonders. (Happy Valentine's Day to myself!) A special thank you to James, Donny, Gillian and of course Pluto for an awesome time.
A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool. Fast-paced, hilariously entertaining and the most fun I've had at the movies in, like, forever. Oh, and Ryan Reynolds. 'Nuff said.
My favorite new artist discovery of 2015 debuted her third (and most personal) album this month and did not disappoint. Lissie the American folk-rock Goddess is back! I just love her so much! Favorite Tracks Include: Don't You Give Up On Me, Wild West, Daughters and Hollywood.
YAAAAAAAS QUEENS!
YAAAAAAS QUEEN!
American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson brings top-shelf writing, directing, and acting (Sarah Paulson is a TV Goddess!) to bear on a still-topical story while shedding further light on the facts -- and provoking passionate responses along the way(RT) in the event that gripped my, and the entire nation's attention over 20 years ago.
Chelsea Handler delves right into and investigates the topics of Marriage, Tech, Drugs and Racism in this entertaining, intriguing and thought provoking Netflix Original Docu-series.
As if you need any further proof that I'm really a crazy cat lady to my core, look no further than my strange obsession to this addicting pussy collecting game app. But hey, at least I'm not the only one! Meow.
Over the years, I've relied on my friends for new music recommendations, but now I have yet another tool in my belt to uncover even more awesome tunes. Every week my Spotify customizes personal suggestion playlists just for me, and they've been killing it. I mean, it helps that I do have pretty fantastic music tastes, if I do say so myself. We make a good team.
Speaking of Spotify Discovery, I have it to thank for turning me on to English pop singer Foxes' new sophomore album. The entire thing is great, but Favorite Tracks Include: Better Love, Shoot Me Down, Body Talk and Money.
Download this cool trippy photo editing app for your phone and have some filtering fun like I did this month. Whoa, psychedelic maaaan!
Thanks to the raves of a Facebook friend (see, I still use those music suggestions too!) I discovered Lion Babe; a neo soul duo and their fantastic first album Begin. Favorite Tracks Include: Impossible, On the Rocks, Where Do We Go and Stressed OUT!
It's time for bed, who ya gonna call? Enya has always had a magical way of helping me relax and send me off to dream land. Good thing she just dropped a new album. Listen to the whole thing HERE.... and sweet dreams.
I have Hulu auto play to thank for this recent television discovery. The hilarious The Bachelor and The Bachelorette spoof originally aired back in 2012-13, but it was nowhere on my radar. Good news, you don't have to be a fan of the trashy reality TV original to get a kick out of this series as they mock the hell out of it. And that's something that we all can love.
She slayed the Super Bowl. She rocked the Grammys.*And she blew away the Oscars....The year of Gaga continues! *Although full disclosure, I enjoyed Lorde's David Bowie tribute even more. (starts 9:00)
