ABC's Scandal Has Me Feeling Mishandled

NOT really!

It's been a month of Thursdays without Scandal and my feelings are not handled.  So much so that I'm only willing to acknowledge one solid month of missing the show. This is where you nod your head and say "Yeah, Girl" THIS is your moment of solidarity. The moment you hold your heart and say "I'm with you Girl!" Learning that they pushed the premiere date out from September 12th to October 3rd, has me feeling like Scandal delivered a bouquet of melancholy to my virtual soul. Pheeew! Just thinking about it gives me the Withers...



*Sways* "Ain't no sunshine when she's gooooone. She's always gone too long, anytime she goes away" *throws a hanky* YAS! Tell me Scandal doesn't make you feel like that!! When Seven Fifty Two wrestles you into a corner, takes hold of your life and you rock back n forth."I know, I know, I know, I know, I know....aint no sunshiiiiiine when she's gooooone... this house just ain't no home.... Chiiiiile, you will mess around and catch the sweats like Withers in that video because your Thursday is somber and darkness is rolling in the way . I undAHstand! I do!  This tale was foretold in a feature on The Root(Scandal withdrawal: It's a Real Thing) The withdrawal is real and rehab needs to be taken seriously.  Like me, you have tried to fill the void and nothing can take the place of your Thursday night love. Olivia Pope and her misfit of associates have hucked us all the way up. Left us wondering who leaked that Liv is Fitz's side piece. Scandal had us Casper'd when Liv said "Dad?"  We were confused, shaken and chest clinching like Cyrus upon the cold slate. Our pressure just would not go down like Mellie did in the shower scene. NOPE!  Our Gladiators suits are heavy  but our emotions will deal. Period!   By the way, I'm not pleased at the "#WhoIsRowan?" campaign. There are many pertinent questions which are far  more worthy than that one. Last Season it was #WhoIsQuinn? We STILL don't know. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah her name is Lindsey Dwyer. AND? How come she has survived TWO boyfriends being murdered in association to Defiance? Why is her life so much more valuable? Her daddy didn't seem like he would be camped on the white house lawn if she had gotten blown up with her boo.So again, Why was her life more valued and she worthy of being a Gladiator? Did she really just tuck her anger and 5g's away after that Huck speech (Ep:213 Nobody Likes Babies)? Is she REALLY a natural at bludgeoning and torturing? Nah, I don't buy it. Huck was so concerned about her enjoyment, he alerts Liv who is just as concerned. So ya'll just gave her B-613 training cause ya'll feel bad for saving her life? Again, NOPE, NOT buying IT. Remember, Verna wished they would have let her hang in court (Ep: 202 The Other Woman) Why didn't they since she believed Quinn could bring down the whole government?  Mmmmmhmmmmm

See! I have good questions and since I've committed to the #31WriteNow challenge, (A post everyday for the month of August. Read about it on Awesomely Luvvie) you can come back every Thursday and feed your Scandal rehab needs right here.

Now understand this isn't your traditional Rehab. We're not here to fix anything. WE ARE ENABLERS. We FEED the issue. LOL  Our motto is:
LET ME AND MY DENIAL WORK IT OUT ON OUR OWN TERMS! Shooo
So if you:
~ Need to root for the side chick the poms poms marked OLITZ are down the e-hall on the right.
~ Long for some fast talkers on a Thurday night, myself and some of the best table shakers can be found in the Twittersphere lounge.
~ Are having a neurotic Abby moment, leave your rant below in the comments
~ Just need a gingham fix:

photo courtesy of  ABC

YOU'RE WELCOME!!

How can we be of help to you in the Rehab? What has you so scandalized that you need to talk it out? Tell us about it, we are here for you. Lay your burdens at the door *points to shiny bucket marked "Hold Your Morals"* and come on in and chat.

Gorgeous New England: Boston's Baddest Burger kicks off the Summer with FREE Burgers.

I heard something about a burger battle and free burgers happening in the Massachusetts area so I had to do a little research for you guys. Real friends don't let friends miss out on grilled goodness and a cold one. Right?  Right!!  So, jot it down or get your phone calendars in order. Boston's Baddest Burger Truck  has teamed up with Amstel Light,The Official Beer of the Burger™    to kick off a wicked cool summer in and around Massachusetts. Starting May 24th through June, You can stop by any of the locations listed below and grab yourself a FREE burger. 

• May 24: Weymouth, MA at Curtis Liquors (486 Columbian St.) 3-5 p.m.

• May 24: Cohasset, MA at Curtis Liquors (790 Chief Justice Cushing) 6-8 p.m.

• May 25: Attleboro, MA at Yankee Spirits (628 Washington St.) 12-2 p.m.

• May 25: Swansea, MA at Yankee Spirits (207 Swansea Mall Dr.) 3-5 p.m.

• May 31: Sturbridge, MA at Yankee Spirits (376 Main St.) 3-5 p.m.

• May 31: Fitchburg, MA at Kappy’s (220 Whalon St.) 6-8 p.m.

• June 1: Springfield, MA at Winn Liquors (1038 Wilbraham Rd.) 3-5 p.m.

• June 1: W. Springfield, MA at Table & Vine (1119 Riverdale St.) 6-8 p.m.

(schedule courtesy of Michelle Levine from http://eatandsipinthecity.com)

The party continues until someone wins the crown at  Boston Magazine's Battle of the Burger on August 13, 2013. So grab your friends for some burger and food tasting, entertainment, Amstel Light at "cup runneth over" levels, and a New England wicked good time. This good time of course requires a designated driver or a cab on speed dial.  We know loud talking Bostonians will be in full effect and falling off curbs may be in the future for a few of you. Whatever your pleasure may be, I want you safe. So don't be a PISSAH!!(<-- i="">that's Boston talk for don't be the one to mess it up) 

No drinking and driving. k?! Thanks   

All this burger talk has me anxious for a Memorial Day BBQ.  I'll be handling a Jerk Turkey Baconburger. What about you?  Do you have a favorite burger recipe or are you a basic patty type?

Follow #BurgerBattle  on Twitter for up to date information on all events.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream Review

Sometimes a girl has to be a little rebellious when it comes to beauty.  For example, using a moisturizing shampoo as a body wash or in this case, using a night cream during the day. Due to the cosmic confusing of our weather my skin was poised to read "out of whack! and I'm not for that forecast. This woman works hard at keeping her skin looking at least 10 years younger. hhhmph!  Apparently, the folks over at Influenster were moved to help so they sent me a "Hey Girl, You should try this.Ok! Great! look for it in the mail." email.  Geesh! Must be a staff of physics over there! As a fan of the Aveeno Positively Radiant line ( The cleansing pads are FAB! read it), I was more than happy to give the Intensive Night Cream a try. Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream  is said to give an extra boost to the 5 Factors of Radiance -tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots.   All of the aforementioned are not on my list of concerns but those that are (texture and dullness) needed some quick assistance. Bravo to the Soy complex and vitamin B3 for taking care of it within days. My face and neck thank you. Oh, and I wasn't a total rebel. The day AND nighttime use of the cream maintained my goal: Clear and balanced skin.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream is very hydrating which is what my skin needs right now.  Although it's labelled as a cream, its texture is more like a lotion.  The non greasy formula spreads with ease and absorbs quickly.  Texture has been an issue since I turned 40. You're surprised?! Me too!  Good genes, love of self, and great skincare will do that for a girl. So yeah, back to this wonderfully affordable drugstore gem. It wears a pricetag of $16.99 and is well worth it you're looking for a quality cream that delivers on its claims. I'm off to go slather some on my face now. It will be morning when you read this and my skin will be GLO- WING! *rings the school bell*

What are some of your skincare concerns?  Also, tell me what Aveeno products are you using or are looking to try?  

Follow Aveeno on Facebook

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Gorgeous New England: John Carver Inn & Beach Plum Spa

I was invited to visit The John Carver Inn and Beach PlumSpa located in historical Plymouth, MA.  This would be my first time EVER going on a relaxing vacation ALONE. Alone? Really?  My honey isn't joining me?  What about the kids?  As I packed an overnight bag the answers to my questions became very clear… Yes, Yes, No, They will be fine.  *Sunglasses on, music on, and windows downs*

So off I went on a drive that spanned less than one hour to the final destination. I drove upon a panoramic coastal view that made me feel like I had flown over 300 miles to paradise. Wow! It’s amazing how you can visit a location several times as a kid and never fully experience the true beauty and appreciation until you return as an adult.  Yes, Massachusetts kids field trip to the Mayflower, Plymouth Plantation, and Plymouth Rock yearly.  But the bustling between yellow school buses, loud school kid chatter and the trading of brown bag lunches pretty much overshadows the beauty of it all. Yeah, so back to the trip!  My excitement set in and I could not wait to find The John Carver Inn.  I was greeted by  Old New England charm, the most pleasant staff and shortly thereafter the lovely owner, Deb Catania.  Ms. Catania gave me a tour of the Inn which has 80 rooms (standard hotel to luxurious suites) She shared her creative ideas about the design of the Inn “I want to stay true to Old New England while still implementing "new luxuries.” New luxuries meaning, working fireplaces and jacuzzi’s which makes good for a super romantic lock in with the one you love.  Family time can be enjoyed at the Inn also.  In fact there were many families enjoying the Inn during my visit.  Apparently, you can book a party at the pool!  Cool right?   The pool has a life size replica of the Mayflower with a 80ft slide that winds through the boat. There is a whirlpool, sauna, lap lanes and a deck for those who prefer sunbathing.  I wasn’t surprised at how accommodating the Inn is to families.  Ms. Catania’s father started it all 40 years ago with the opening of the first Hearth n Kettle.  Now today there are 5 restaurants, 3 Inns and Spas.  She and her brothers have truly created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for all.

One can get hungry during a tour so lunch at Hearth n Kettle was only fitting.  I am no stranger to the restaurant which is located on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  My husband and I enjoyed many breakfast visits during our newlywed years. Ms. Catania suggested ordering off the lunch menu “The options and portions are just unmatched.”  She was so right.  She ordered a baked scrod that clearly looked like a sumptuous healthy dinner for under $10.  Now, I had a little hesitation about the lunch menu due to the “breakfast served all day” option.  That four word phrase always interprets as “oooh! Pancakes” After some consideration, I opted for the clam chowder and the spinach, bacon and egg salad.  Yes, someone thought it a good idea to take some maple cured bacon, crisp it to perfection and toss it upon spinach. Bravo to that brilliant mind!!  The clam “chowdah” was a winner. It was thick, creamy and very respectful of the clam to potato ratio.  You know there is nothing worse than a chowdah that turns soupy as you’re eating it and most of it is potatoes with tiny clam bits. Shameful!  So back to Hearth n’ Kettle and their awesomeness.  Their homemade salad dressings deserve mentioning because they are truly worthy of stocking in the kitchen.  You MUST try the White French.  Oh my goodness, a dressing should not caress bacon the way White French does. It’s magical all the way down to the tummy. LOL  Oh, and did you know that traditional New England Strawberry shortcake is served on a warm corn muffin and not that spongy round cup cake?  I had no idea but I tell you the truth it is DELICIOUS.  Noooo, I didn’t have dessert at lunch. I returned later that night to get something for my Scandal viewing pleasure.  I tried the Petite Sweets Sampler option.  The menu says it’s for those of us that just want a “taste”. Ha!  It’s really for those of us that can’t make up our mind. LOL  AND they give you more than a taste, you get your choice of 3 out 6 desserts for $7.  Make sure to order that one and you can thank me later.

Now, I’m content with lunch and good conversation with Ms. Cantania but apparently she wants to up the ante by taking me to her amazing spa. Ok! Ok! I surrender Ms Cantania. Beach Plum is her baby and you can feel the love she puts into it when she speaks so passionately about its inception and how she, personally tries everything before it’s made part of her establishment.   The boutique style spa is indeed laid out to be ones sanctuary of peace.  The aromatheraputic scents make you forget the day’s stresses upon entrance.  A nice relaxing  chakra dead sea salt bath was drawn for me before my facial.  Kimberly (massage therapist) is so sweet, I had her repeat the salts to me several times because I just could not decide. She suggested I mix them; We chose a mixture of balance, clarity and energy.  After 20 minutes of aquatic relaxation I was off to my facial. THIS WAS THE BEST FACIAL I EVER HAD and I am no stranger to facials. Seriously, Jessica must wrap her hands in angel wings at night.  Her hands are blessed from the heavens. I might have moaned twice and snored once and I’m not ashamed.  All of my cares were cast away as she nurtured my skin and massaged out some kinks. You want to experience it too? Ok! Ask for the Sea “C” Spa Facial.  Beach Plum has so many great spa options and medspa treatments for those that need a little extra. *whispers*. Kathy (medspa nurse) is your girl for the “extras.”  So fly solo or grab your girls, pick a Package and call up Jeanna (manager) to book you escape. The ladies at the spa have all become friends in my head.  I really enjoy a group of women that know their industry and have a great sense of humor to boot.

Totally relaxed, I finally arrive to my suite. *falls across the bed and enjoys the silence*  As I mentioned above, it was a Thursday night so I had to prepare for Scandal.  Dessert ordered (we talked about that above), Jacuzzi bath drawn, and fireplace turned on. Oh, it was a grand night in what is called the “Suite Dreams” Experience.  Euphoria would best describe how I felt wrapped in a silky plush robe, cozied up on  lavender pillows, and watching Olivia Pope and associates “handle it.” I too had it handled, all courtesy of  John Carver Inn.

So please plan a visit to John Carver Inn and Beach Plum Spa on your next visit to new England. If you’re already here, it’s less than 1hr from Boston and truly worth the trip.  In the meantime...

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StyleFixx Boston Giveaway

The Gorgeous Ingredient and StyleFixx  have teamed up to give 3 of you TWO tickets to the hottest and largest beauty event of the season.  Yes! Over 55 designers, Complementary beauty and hair services, Cocktails, Shopping and soooo much more to make this a night to remember.   

Where to get Fixx'd: Boston Center For The Arts ~ 539 Tremont Street Boston,MA

5-9pm

How to Enter:  

1.Follow The Gorgeous Ingredient on Twitter and "Like" me on Facebook

2.Follow STYLEFIXX on Twitter  and "Like" on Facebook

3.Let me know you completed 1&2. Leave a comment below with your email address. 

Earn Extra entries: 

Share this on YOUR facebook page (make sure to tag me)

Tweet this : I just entered @thegorgeousblog 's @Stylefixxevents Boston tix giveaway!! RT to help me win! #StylefixxBoston #GorgeousFixx

Deadline is October 17, 2012.  This contest is open to anyone living in or planning to be in the Boston area on Wednesday Oct. 24th and Thursday Oct. 25th.  Winners will be picked at random and MUST reply within 48hrs (so, please leave an email that you check often) If  the winner fails to reply within that time another winner will be selected. You MUST be 21 to attend.