Film on the Rocks: Caddyshack

Wonky faces

There is so much to do here in CO during the summer that it's impossible to fit it all in...especially if you're like me and stuck in a cube 40 hours a week. *Sigh* so depressing. But, if you find yourself free of your box and don't know what to do on a summer Tuesday night may I suggest taking in a film at the most amazing venue in the US of A! That's right folks, I'm talking about Film on the Rocks put on by the Denver Film Society at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. My first Red Rocks film of the summer was Caddyshack! I had never seen it before and my boyfriend loves it. Though it was incredibly...er... silly I'm glad to add it to the watched list. Cult classics are funny that way; I love The Lost Boys and had a friend watch it (who is also in to Vampires mmmk) and she thought it was the most ridiculous movie she had ever seen...and that is kind of how I feel about Caddyshack. It may be if you don't see these sort of movies as a kid their greatness is lost on you, but I'm glad I saw it nonetheless.

Live music and a local comic before the show, pretty sweet.

This was my boyfriend's first event at Red Rocks (be nice, he's only been here two years...) and after one night of seeing Denver's night sky in between two glorious slabs of rock he's hooked.

Does everyone have this photo?

I'm pretty sure there isn't a bad seat in the house. Last summer I saw Rocky Horror Picture Show (does anyone else catch themselves calling it the Rocky Mountain Picture Show or is that just me?) and we were way up at the top and still had a blast. In fact, we had a great view of thousands of toilet paper rolls flying through the air "Great Scott!"... If you haven't seen Rocky Horror Picture Show it's okay to be confused here. This year however, we arrived at 7 (film starts at dusk, around 8) and were able to sit in row 26. These seats were perfect! And if you're worried about sound quality don't be. In fact, if you have sensitive ears you may want to bring ear plugs because the sound is pretty awesome.

...and this one?

Here's the lineup for this year:

June 3rd - CADDYSHACK with Ark Life and Covenhoven 
June 10th - FIGHT CLUB with Flashbulb Fires and FaceMan
June 16th - LABYRINTH with Grizfolk and Total Ghost 
June 24th - THIS IS SPINAL TAP with School of Rock 
July 1st - THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS with The Yawpers and Native Daughters
July 8th - THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE with Boy & Bear and Inner Oceans 
July 29th - PITCH PERFECT with The Messers and Tracksuit Wedding 
August 25th - WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT with Chimney Choir and Jesse Manley 
September 2nd - THE BIG LEBOWSKI with The Congress and Tyler Lee Holter 

I personally like to see the older, classic films at Film on the Rocks so I'm thinking my next visit won't come until August for Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Heck, even us girls thought Jessica Rabbit was the hottest. If you haven't seen the Big Lebowski in a group/party setting I would also recommend that one. Let the White Russian's flow...though they might only be selling beer. Lame. 

If you want to sneak in your own White Russian's it might be a little trickier than it used to be. Here's a link of what you can/can't bring into the Amphitheatre for events. I was super awesome and read this before I went. I even stuck our Chipotle burritos in a gallon plastic bag! Sadly, this wasn't even good enough as I was advised next time to wrap the burritos in clear cellophane. I'm blaming the legalization of marijuana on this one. For all they know that's a giant joint burrito!

One more piece of advice...BUY AHEAD OF TIME. This event does sell out! Get the tickets online or at your local King Soopers, they are the same price no matter how you get them. $14.50 (listed price includes fees) a pop.

Happy Summer!

Phoneless

Decided to put down my phone for a moment on break and to my surprise someone actually waved, smiled and commented on the weather. Yes, it's small talk, but better than no talk...Maybe I'll come stand out here every break and see how many people smile at me if my head is not buried in my phone...but if every single person comments on the weather I might reconsider.

Passenger "Scare Away The Dark" LIVE Billboard Studio Session

Yearly Casa Bonita Trip

Is there anyone who has been living in the Denver Metro Area for over two years who has not visited Casa Bonita? I would think not. My boyfriend Sean, who moved here from Idaho, was recommend this place by an older lady in his mothers quilting circle for gosh sakes. This place's infamy expands state lines! As a true Denverite it is my duty to scoff at the food when anyone, local or not, wants to take a trip to Casa Bonita. Once the appropriate shaming has taken place my excitement is allowed grow... I would never say 'NO' to Casa Bonita. That is why I spent this past Tuesday evening along side Sean and our pal Estellita dodging mariachi bands, holding my breath and Black Bart’s Cave and indulging on not one, but TWO, sopaipillas.  

I used to think the only edible items on the menu were the cheese enchiladas and the sopaipillas but this time I took my chances on the endless pollo platter and was not disappointed in the chicken enchiladas. Not bad Casa Bonita, not bad. Our night was filled with the usual; exotic divers (if the Lakewood dive team is considered exotic) and skillfully trained high school drama members...err I mean actors, performing the ole' lost my gorilla routine. I had such a splendid view of the Casa Bonita's talents because we asked for it. Remember people, do not be afraid to ask for what you want, and if what you want is a seat by the waterfall at Casa freakin' Bonita then by all means go for it (thanks Estellita for not being scared to ask). 

While watching the show from our prime seats I asked Sean if he would still date me if my sole profession were an actress at Casa Bonita and to my surprise he didn't immediately say yes. It was not until I assured him in this scenario I hadn't been working there more than a year, this gig was just my start and I had hopes of making it big that he said yes...well, at least he said yes. I was not the only one asking the questions. Sean, the inquisitive soul he is, had all sorts of questions; ones which I was glad he did not seek out management to ask… Well Sean here are a few answers for you and all the rest of you wanting to know a little bit more about this Lakewood gem.

• It took approximately one year to create Casa Bonita.
• Our famous pink tower facade is 85 feet fall.
• The dome is covered with 22-karat gold leaf and features a statue of the last Aztec emperor - Quahuatomec.
• The fountain in front of the restaurant was shipped in pieces from Mexico.
• The restaurant boasts over 52,000 square feet and seats over 1,000 guests.
• The waterfall, designed to resemble the cliffs of Acapulco, is 30 feet high and the pool is 14 feet deep.

The only thing left to do now is watch the South Park Casa Bonita episode. I know, it's shameful I have yet to watch this...

Happy Mothers Day!

Ft. Collins in the Spring...with the greatest mom around. Happy Mother's Day!

Browned Butter Brown Sugar Cookies

I haven't baked in a while.  I figured I'd try and come up with something that I didn't have to go the grocery store to make. I knew I didn't have any chocolate chips, cream cheese etc so these cookies would have to be pretty basic. I saw we had plenty of butter, brown sugar, 2 eggs (luckily) and of course your normal baking essentials. That is how I decided to try my hand at Browned Butter Brown Sugar cookies. They turned out delicious, the sprinkle of sea salt made them taste like salted caramel! Below is the recipe along with some personal tips. Enjoy! 

Had the supplies! Added a twist with 1/2 tsp of almond extract...fantastic decision.  Also, best to let your eggs and butter reach room temp.

Homemade vanilla extract from my awesome friend Caiti!  Just vodka and vanilla beans!

Butter melts better when sliced up! To get the right portions follow the tablespoon guide on the butter and make indents when butter is wrapped up.

Dough consistency will be a little dryer. 

Butter will froth initially when melting...

then bubble...

Then brown! You want to stir your butter constantly. AS SOON as it hits this brown color  remove it from the stove and pour in bowl to cool! Should have a nutty aroma. 

Since I'm at high altitude I upped the oven temp by 10 degrees and cooked for 8 mins. so they would be a lil' chewy. 

Ingredients

1. 14 Tbsp butter, divided
2. 2 c all-purpose flour
3. 1 tsp baking soda
4. 1 tsp baking powder
5. 1 tsp salt
6. 1 3/4 c brown sugar
7. 1 large egg
8. 1 egg yolk
9. 1 tsp vanilla extract
10. sea salt for sprinkling
11. 1/4 c brown sugar + 1/4 c granulated sugar for rolling
12. ****I added 1/2 tsp of almond extract***

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 c brown sugar and 1/4 c granulated sugar. Set aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients ( flour, soda, baking powder and salt ). Set aside.
3. Place 7 Tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan and cook until it browns. Take off the heat and pour into a large mixing bowl of your stand mixer. Add the remaining butter and whisk. Add 1 3/4 c brown sugar and whisk. Let cool to room temperature.
4. Add egg and egg yolk and whisk. Add vanilla and whisk again.
5. Switch to a wooden spoon or a spatula and fold in the dry ingredients.
6. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight. You can freeze the dough for up to 1 month.
7. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or silpat baking mat. Scoop the cookie dough into a tablespoon size balls and roll in brown and white sugar mix. Place on baking sheet leaving 2 inches of space between the balls. Sprinkle with sea salt.
8. Bake 8 to 9 minutes for chewy cookies or 10 to 13 minutes for crispy cookies.
9. Cool on sheet for 30 seconds and transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Get Amazing Waves...

Scarf by The Lovely Pear Tree http://www.esty.com/shop/LovelyPearTree

Amazingness

If you currently see me on a day to day basis you know I hardly do anything to my hair when it comes to straightening or styling...I kinda just let it do its thing (as in air dry on the way to work). On days when my hair is cooperating you may have asked yourself "Wow, how does Jessica get such awesome waves?" If you haven't asked yourself this I forgive you. Well, I will tell you my secret. My father has wavy hair and has passed it down to me...just kidding, kind of. My natural wave would be nothing if it wasn't for this amazing product. I have tried all sorts of "beach" wave products and nothing works more amazingly than this. It is called Control Twist by Pureology.  This stuff brings out the curl/wave without leaving your hair sticky or stiff. It is a high hold liquid wax that is great for color treated hair. If you don't have color treated hair I'm sure it would be just as awesome for you. 

I find it works best when I put it in damp hair, mostly on the length, and minimize the scrunching. Too much scrunching = Frizz Head. I also let it air dry but if you prefer to use a diffuser that works too. I have pretty long hair, medium-fine on the thickness scale and I just use one pump of the product. That being said it has lasted me about a year. Seriously, and I use it like 5 days a week! This line of hair care products is also 100% Vegan, which just adds to its greatness. If you have used the Pureology line before I don't need to tell you how wonderful it is, or the fact it can be a little pricey. I believe this product cost me upwards of $30, but like I said it has lasted me almost a year. Plus, you may be able to get it cheaper at places like Beauty Brands. So my wavy haired friends, next time you are thinking of buying some new hair product you might consider giving this one a try. For more info visit:  

http://www.pureology.com/systems/colour-stylist/controltwistwax?cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-Google-_-Pureology+Brand+Product+Lines-_-pureology%20control%20twist&gclid=CNfbnKiw1bYCFYZaMgody1MARA

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LovelyPearTree

If You Know my Mom...

Watching The Voice with my Mother:

Mom: "Every time I see Adam Levine I just think of that picture where he's naked with his girlfriend holding his balls...we should take voice lessons."

Me: "So we can meet Adam Levine?"

Mom: "Yeah, I'd hold his nuts like a squirrel," while making a squirrel face. 

It's always the quiet ones...