Dahlight | The Fantastical Life of Laura Dahl » Treat Yourself

The Brilliant Brazilian Blowout

Laura — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:01:55 +0000

With the arrival Spring, I was due for a hair makeover. So, I chopped my ‘do’ into an edgy bob and got my second keratin treatment. It’s amazing how a new look has the power to reinvigorate and renew the spirit.

This time around I went with the celebrity recommended Brazilian Blowout instead of the Keratin Complex by Coppola, and I’m amazed at how different the two products are from each other. So, to add to my previous article on keratin, here’s a more specific look at the Brazilian Blowout process and results.

To begin, I needed to find someone nearby who was well versed in all things keratin and I landed on the fabulous Jordana Lorraine. Being that she is one of the rare stylists who works with several different keratin products, she fist interviewed me about my hair’s natural texture and the results I wanted. We spoke about the effect the Coppola treatment had on my hair and we determined that this time around, my fine, wavy, frizzy hair would be best suited for the Brazilian Blowout.

Jordana worked her magic and the treatment made great improvements to my rad new cut – making it effortless to keep the geometric style in place. My fine hair is free of frizz but still has the natural body and movement that I want. In comparison, the Coppola product seemed to be a bit more aggressive in that it made each strand of my hair thicker and more course thereby leaving it stick straight and a little stiff. It goes to follow that the stronger treatments like the Coppola complex are better suited for people with very curly or naturally course hair.

In addition to delivering different final effects, the Brazilian Blowout salon process is quite different too:

Shampoo 1 to 3 times with a clarifying shampoo.
Towel dry and apply a small amount of the product to damp hair. There’s no need to dry the hair first and there is no processing time.
Blow dry with the product in the hair.
Seal in the product with a 450 degree iron.
Rinse the treatment out and apply Brazilian Blowout deep conditioning masque. Rinse, dry and style as desired.

Brazilian Blowout is the only keratin treatment that is rinsed out during your appointment therefore allowing you to see the results immediately. And, most importantly to me, allowing you to avoid the 24-96 hour waiting period before sweating in your hair, washing it, styling it or being terrified that a ponytail or clip will result in a semi-permanent crimping effect.

As with all other keratin products, sulfate and sodium-chloride free shampoos are recommended to prevent the treatment from fading out, but Brazilian Blowout takes it a bit further. The company recommends their own Brazilian Blowout Acai Aftercare system of shampoos and conditioners.

The skeptic that I am, my inclination is to believe that this recommendation is just another way for the company to squeeze more cash out of their customers, but they claim that the ’system’ contains many of the active ingredients of the treatment itself so that every time you wash your hair you are actually enhancing the effects. I don’t know if I really believe all of that but I figure, you have to buy shampoo and conditioner anyway and their product smells delicious, so why not buy into their claims.

Overall, I have been very happy with both the Keratin Complex by Coppola and the Brazilian Blowout, but since I have the luxury of choice given my natural hair texture, I will stick with the later and take my shiny frizz-free coif right to dance class, forgetting all about the after-care ‘rules’.

A big thank you to Jordana Lorraine for sharing her professional expertise, and for helping me look fabulous with little effort . It goes without saying that if you’re looking for a keratin pro in the LA area, tweet or call for an appointment and, as Jordana likes to say – ‘Kiss Your Frizz Goodbye’.

My NYC | Eateries

Laura — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:02:34 +0000

New York City is an extraordinary place. To quote Jay-Z, it’s the “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do in New York. The streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you.”

I have yet to find a City that compares. Manhattan is an island of contradiction, a city of diversity, a place where ambition is the driving force. Where creativity and commerce intersect and art and business team up.

It was New York that encouraged me to open my mind. To embrace challenges that, to most, seemed impossible and to take on life with fearless enthusiasm.

In New York, you work hard and play hard, and on those special occasions when, amid your eight million neighbors, you find a solitude that allows your mind to quiet and prompts your body to breathe in the City’s dynamic inspiration, there’s no better place to be.

Perhaps the best thing about New York is its staggeringly eclectic mosaic of cultures and realities that allows each person to design their own personal town within the chaos of the colorful metropolis.

This is the first of a series of posts where I gush about the places that make up my New York and turn the concrete jungle into a warm and friendly home. With a growling tummy and overactive taste buds I’ll begin the series with my favorite scrumptious eateries. Bon Appetit!

EATERIES

‘Ino – True to it’s name, this is an itty bitty wine bar that serves delicious antipasti and panini.

Westville – The smallest spot with the biggest organic veggie menu. Their hotdogs are good too.

Da Andrea – Good home-cooked Italian food. Though it sounds like a terrible contradiction, my favorite server, Atilla, makes every dinner warm and friendly.

Aki on West 4th – If you like bold, creative sushi and you’re lucky enough to score one of their 14 seats, you must dine with Chef Nakanishi. To all you sea urchin fans, the Uni Coco will change your life.

Le Singe Vert – For an authentic and casual French dining experience (without the French attitude), it’s all about The Green Monkey.

August – The wood burning oven, cork ceiling, and indoor atrium make this spot as cozy as any can be. Dinner is great, but starting your weekend with their baked pancake in a cast iron pot is a must do.

The Spotted Pig – I can go on and on about my favorite West Village gastropub, but I can already taste my favorite dishes and it’s making me hungry so I’ll just say this. Go there, order the Roquefort Burger or Ricotta Gnudi or Cuban Sandwich or Pork Belly and be sure not to skip on the fresh veg. Don’t be afraid of their crispy pig ears and special awful concoctions they’re definitely worth a try.

Grey Dog’s – Tasty sandwiches on the most amazing freshly baked bread.

Freemans – Hidden at the end of an ally, decorated with taxidermy, and bustling with happy diners. This unusual restaurant serves up traditional home-style food. Start with the Grilled Cheddar Toast and your taste buds will thank you.

9 Chatham Square – Dim Sum baby. In the heart of Chinatown, this is an unusual Chinese restaurant in that it’s more like a diner than a ballroom. Everything is yummy, but be sure to end your meal with a coconut pastry fresh from the oven.

Joseph Leonard – A new restaurant in one of my favorite spaces now serving up seasonal dishes and giving American fare an unusual twist.

Café Habana – For some high energy Latin flavor this place can’t be beat. Start with the grilled corn and work your way through their well edited Latin cocktail list.

La Bonbonniere – When you leave this historic greasy-spoon you’ll probably take the scent of the smoky grill with you, but it’s well worth it. A traditional family run NYC diner serving cheap, simple, food. I suggest ordering a stack of blueberry pancakes for the table and designing your own omelet.

Cafe Edison – For me, this is the best matzo ball soup in NYC. It doesn’t hurt that the restaurant is located in the historic art deco Hotel Edison and the ceiling is like a dreamy cloud of ornate moldings.

Mary’s Fish Camp – For fresh, no fuss, fantastic fish, Mary serves up the best.

The Standard Grill – At the base of the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District, nestled under the High Line Park is this cool restaurant and beer garden. The place is large enough to feature three areas with different ambiances so even the fussiest group will be satisfied.

Roasted Asparagus Soup

Laura — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:07:25 +0000

I’ll keep it short and sweet (well actually, hearty and nutty). This Roasted Asparagus soup is easy to make, delicious to eat, and healthy to boot. So, for a warm and filling meal – get your asparagus on!

INGREDIENTS (makes 8 servings)

For the Soup:
5 pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces (14 to 15 cups)
4 cups chopped leeks, white and pale green parts only (about 4 large)
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
Tip: To save a step, I simply break the asparagus stalks into smaller pieces after I snap off the ends.

For the Gremolata:
2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
4 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
salt to taste

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PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Combine asparagus, leeks, and oil in very large bowl; toss to blend. Divide between 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast vegetables until asparagus pieces are soft and leeks are golden, stirring occasionally (about 45 minutes); cool on sheets.
Spoon 1/3 of vegetables into blender; add 2 cups broth. Blend until smooth. Transfer to large pot. Repeat 2 more times, using half of remaining vegetables and 2 cups broth for each batch.
Warm soup over medium heat, slowly thinning with more broth if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix gremolata ingredients in a small bowl: parsley, lemon peel and garlic
Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with gremolata and serve.

Tips: The soup can be made 1 day ahead and rewarmed before serving. Though it is a meal in itself, I like to serve it with garlic bread. And, for an even heartier meal, it pairs wonderfully with grilled Italian sausage and meaty fish.

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GREMOLATA ALTERNATIVES – to suit your personal taste

Tarragon Surprise Gremolata (The one I prefer with this soup for that special licorice flavor)
2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
4 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
1 garlic clove, minced

Breadcrumb & Shallot Gremolata
Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add minced shallot; sauté until beginning to brown (about 2 minutes).
Add breadcrumbs; toast until golden, stirring frequently (about 3 minutes).
Transfer mixture to small bowl. Mix in lemon zest.

Cilantro & Parmesan Gremolata
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Finely grated zest of Lime
1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan Cheese

Moonday Medicine | Chinese Swan Lake Circus

Laura — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:08:14 +0000

Great Chinese State Circus | Swan Lake

Leave it to the Chinese to reinvent one of the most traditional and beloved ballets, Swan Lake. I’m just glad this wasn’t the trend when I was dancing. I just can’t imagine my 5′9″ frame on pointe while balancing on my partner’s head.

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…Wondering what the heck Moonday Medicine is? It’s my way of trying to make your dreaded Monday a little more Dahlightful. And, you guessed it, the concept is inspired by the brilliant film, Office Space.

Keratin Cliff’s Notes

Laura — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:59:00 +0000

You probably haven’t been able to avoid all the talk about all the “miraculous” new keratin treatments that promise to give you runway worthy locks.

All the Hollywood starlets are doing it and my fine, frizzy hair wanted to jump on the wagon and see what the hype is all about. Being the web savvy girl that I am, I picked up my PowerBook and began searching for answers. But alas, my hunt only turned up frustration as I found myself browsing through a dozen pages, collecting one small tidbit at a painful time.

Thankfully, my stylist is ahead of the curve and agreed that I would love this “life-changing” procedure, so, despite my research deficiency, I threw caution to the wind and booked my appointment. And my results? Amaaazing (if I do say so myself). In the spirit of sharing, I’ve packaged all my research and experience, from the client’s perspective, into this one page so that you can confidently consider the treatment for yourself.

Ladies (and fabulous gentlemen) of the world, I bring you:

LAURA’S KERATIN CLIFF’S NOTES

: gorg’ smooth & shiny hair | AFTER Keratin Treatment

: wild & frizzy hair | BEFORE Keratin Treatment

The chemistry

The primary component of hair fiber is keratin. Keratins are proteins, or long chains of amino acids. Keratin proteins form the miniature skeleton within all epidermal cells. Keratin filaments run within a cell from the inside of the outer membrane to weave a “basket” around the nucleus of the cell. Keratins are a principle part of the cells in hair and comprises 65-95% of the total hair fiber by weight.

There are several subtypes of keratin proteins, some are called “soft” keratins and others are “hard” keratins. Basically, soft keratins are relatively easy to break down whereas hard keratins are very resistant to degradation. Hard keratins do not dissolve in water and they are highly resistant to proteolytic enzymes. As you might have guessed, hair fiber is mostly made from hard keratin proteins.

Keratin proteins link together with adjacent sulfur to create a chemical bond. These bonds are very strong and very difficult to break apart and they are the key factor in the durability of hair fiber and its ability to resist degradation under environmental stress. These bonds are largely resistant to the action of acids but they can be broken apart by alkali solutions. This property is exploited in perms and chemical hair straightening processes.

The Treatment(s)

Since any keratin supplements taken orally pass right through you, there is no way to re-build the keratin lost except by topically filling in the missing spaces with hard keratin that will not wash out immediately. This is what the Brazilian blow-out does. A keratin solution is applied to the hair fiber, filling in any porous spots that have been weakened through chemical processes and heat damage. The solution is then heat-set into the hair fiber with the use of a 450 degree professional straightening iron. The heat bonds the keratin to the hair and you have smooth hair once again.

Note: This is NOT the Japanese Permanent Straightening process which breaks your hair down to give it a new form and leaves you with curly root growth. Keratin bonds to your hair without breaking it down and it washes out gradually to prevent the strange root ‘fro.

There are several brands of keratin product available these days which only helps to make the process more confusing. Here are a few of the main brands on the market today: Brazilian Blowout, Global Keratin Treatment, Keratin Complex by Coppola, Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Texteira.

I know that comparing the different products and weighing their benefits is something that few clients want to do. After all, each company boasts that their product is the best. Ultimately, I subscribe to this doctrine: choose a trained expert, one who has worked with all the different products, and allow them to determine the best treatment for you. And, go formaldehyde free whenever possible.

The Process

To begin, your stylist will wash your hair with a purifying shampoo to remove any build-up and ensure they are working with clean hair. They will then blow dry it. Once you hair is clean and dry, the keratin solution will be applied evenly and carefully to every hair follicle and it will be once again blow-dried. Finally, the keratin will be set into each fiber, tiny section by tiny section, with an iron that is 450 degrees.

Note: If you dye your hair regularly, schedule touch-up color before the keratin treatment so you’re not breaking down the keratin with dye afterward. Also, the treatment may fade your color slightly, so redheads and brunettes might consider going a shade darker before the treatment.

Time Commitment & Cost

The entire process can take over 3 hours (depending on your hair length and thickness). Add in the cost of the solution and gratuity, and you’re looking at spending a pretty penny. On average, the treatment itself will cost $300 to $500.

Caution: I think it’s quite important to find a technician who is well trained and skilled in keratin treatment. Throughout the process I identified plenty of places that it could go wrong, but I rested easy knowing that my stylist, Trinity Higgs, is a pro, and she has a lot of experience with the process. They do sell DIY products, but I haven’t tried them (and will not be trying them) so I can’t speak to their effects.

What I can do is reiterate my philosophy of hair – Your hair is always on your head. It’s part of your outfit whether you’re wearing a $2k Chanel suit or jeans and a ratty tee. So take care of it! It’s your most important accessory.

The Rules

OK, we’ve forked over a wad of cash, now let’s ensure we don’t do anything to compromise the treatment’s outcome.

1. Do not wash your hair for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days). The longer you can go before washing, the better.
Note: Your hair will have a light “film” on it which is simply the keratin solution that has not been washed out. As the days go by, your conviction will be put to the test. Resist the temptation to wash your hair. Know that after 3 days of odd textured hair will come 3 months of the best hair days you’ve ever had.

2. If your hair gets wet, damp, sweaty or moist in first the 72 hours after treatment, immediately blow-dry straight it and use a straightening iron to smooth out any pieces that have been effected.
Note: Schedule your workouts around the treatment so you’re not working up a messy sweat right afterward.

3. Do not allow your hair to get crimped in the first 72 hours. Your hair will take on the shape you give it so do not use ties, clips, pins, bands, etc. You can use a loose headband to lightly pull your hair out of your face to wash it, but immediately remove the band once you’re done and straighten any crimps the band might have caused.

4. Do not use additional products in your hair for the first 72 hours after treatment.
Note: In an effort to reduce the filmy oil of the keratin solution, I used hair powder on my bangs after the third day, and that didn’t seem to do any harm.

5. Once you’ve succeeded in getting through the first 72 hours, you can celebrate by washing your hair. But, be sure you’re shampoo doesn’t have any sulfates in it. Sulfates break down the keratin and will result in your treatment lasting only a short time.
Note: I’m liking Pureology products these days.

6. Avoid salt water (aka-the ocean), chlorine (aka-the hot tub), and sulfates (aka-salt in your shampoo) else the keratin will wash out quicker than you would like.

Note: These rules do not apply for the Brazilian Blowout. Regardless of the brand you choose, be sure to get detailed care instructions from your stylist before leaving the salon as each product may have differing rules.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

You are. Well, let me be more specific. I have fine, wavy, hair that I dye every 6 weeks and keratin has changed my life. My color didn’t fade, and my fine frizzies have been tempered. I’ve seen it work wonders for my friends with super curly hair, and my Asian friends who have those annoying crimpy ends absolutely rave about it.

What Can You Expect?

You can expect to spend up to 3 hours in the salon and over $300 for the treatment that will last you 3 to 5 months.
Note: Since keratin washes out slowly, it’s up to you to determine how long it lasts. The less you wash, the longer it will last.

You can also expect to walk out of the salon with thicker, shinier, frizz-free hair. The texture will be improved, the condition will be corrected, and the time spent beautifying your hair will be reduced – drastically.

Fact: Before my treatment, I could easily have before spent 30 minutes – sectioning my hair, blow-drying it with a large brush under uncomfortable heat, then smoothing it with a flat iron – in hopes of achieving that runway coif. Now it takes me 5 minutes. Literally.

For my fellow wave-lovers who want the flexibility of wearing their hair stick straight one day and naturally wavy the next, not to worry. You can don your characteristic curls, they will just be a little looser and any trace of frizz will have been eliminated.

Finally, you can expect that your hair will demand attention. My locks must get at least one compliment a day. I’ve been giving the keratin all the credit for my newly chic look, but now I just wonder if my pre-treatment hair was so bad that any improvement would inspire compliments. Regardless, I’m embracing the current sleek hair trend and am thankful perms aren’t back in style.

how high can you get YOUR perm?

Some Specific Questions Answered

In preparation for this post, I opened up a forum on Twitter (if you aren’t already following me – get on it!) and got some great questions. I think I’ve covered most of the concerns above, but please let me know if I’ve missed anything. I’ll be happy to share in the name of beauty. Simply post your question here as a comment or Tweet me @Dahlight and tag your question with #DahlHair.

I hope this has been helpful! Hit me back with your “before” and “after” pics – or other ridiculous hairstyles from days past. I’ve never done the crimping iron thing, but I do remember going to bed with my hair in dozens of wet knots, hoping to create Ferrah Fawcett waves…

Green Lemonade | a tasty, healthy recipe

Laura — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:00:39 +0000

Please understand. I really love food. Any ethnic menu will do. I eat Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine at least four times a week, but having lived in France, I always appreciate a nice triple cream cheese, plump pate, and fermented grape goodness. On a cold winter’s day nothing’s better than saag paneer and chana masala or maybe, a juicy blue cheese burger with rosemary garlic fries.

I obviously don’t think of myself as a health nut, but I do respect my body and like to practice eating in moderation (most of the time). But, when some people I love recently went through treatment for cancer, I wanted to take more control of my own health and began looking at food as it was originally intended. As nutrition and fuel.

After reading my fair share of medical, holistic, and off the charts coo-coo literature looking for answers, I came to this revelation. If we consume foods rich in nutrients and we choose natural foods that our body innately knows how to process, it works far less to process those foods so it can spend more time healing itself and fending off disease.

Ok. I can hear how seriously “granola” I sound right now, so – from one foodie to another, let me just share with you a most unexpected and delicious recipe for a refreshing drink that’s full of all the goodness our bodies are hungry for. I love to start the day with this yummy elixir, and it also makes for an energizing mid-afternoon treat. I bring you…

pretty Green Lemade moustache

Green Lemonade
In your juicer, add the following:
2 leaves kale
2 stalks celery
2 medium lemons
1 large cucumber
1 large apple
1″ ginger
Stevia for added sweetness if desired
Pour over ice and enjoy!

Note: If you don’t own your own juicer, simply take this recipe to your nearest Whole Foods or local juicing counter and have them make it for you!

Looking for a good juicer to invest in? Check out my favorites below!

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Omega Juicer

Breville Juicer

Juicers I like:
Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear Commercial Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black
Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite 1000-Watt Juice Extractor

hit me on my iPhone

Laura — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:00:56 +0000

Just so you know…I’m lovin’ my new, white iPhone 3Gs!

I’ve never been one to rush to a purveyor on the launch day for anything. Not for concert tickets. Not for a Karl Lagerfeld dress designed for H&M. Not for a corner table at the hot new Meatpacking District restaurant. Not even to get my dance on at a “chic” club. So, why the hell would I stand in one to buy some geeky technology? Because a pocket computer really does have the power to change my life.

Truth be told, we ordered our phones online at apple.com and then got Apple’s VIP treatment by being bounced into a special line for “smart” shoppers that had the foresight to pre-order. We were literally on the line for 15 minutes. Just the amount of time it took me to run into Sephora and restock on my DiorShow mascara and Dior Addict Lip Glow (while my hubby kept guard of our spot in the queue).

Thus far, the little thing really has blown my mind in that it’s sooooo much faster than my first generation iPhone. I can type with much more speed and confidence now that the horizontal keyboard works on almost every app I use (Pssst – Tweetie, you need to get with it-ASAP! Else I’ll find another app).

The gmail search addition, the real GPS, the compass, and the camera improvements including adjustable focal point and 3 times more pixels totally rock the casbah. Did I mention the video camera??? I haven’t put it to its best use yet (I’m actually kind of intimidated by it) but I foresee many selfishly entertaining times in my future with it’s frighteningly powerful help…

So, if you’ve been thinking of making the upgrade. Or you’re contemplating taking the iPhone plunge for the first time. I say – get on it. And, just for old time’s sake, here’s the classic iPhone video, Hit Me On My iPhone, to help encourage you even more. Enjoy!

aloha extravaganza

Laura — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:00:45 +0000

I’m one lucky kaikamahine (Hawaiian for “girl”). My bags are packed and I’m off to Hawaii for our annual family furlough. I can already smell the plumeria and orchids, I can taste the fresh ahi poke, and I can feel the warmth of the aloha embrace.

The islands have become a friend of sorts, always dependable for a healthy dose of adventure, relaxation, inspiration, and plenty of hearty belly laughs shared with family. With extraordinary natural set design and a uniquely kitschy soundtrack, I find myself cast as the leading lady in my own tropical fantasy feature.

As you can imagine, I’ve collected thousands of photos, videos, and memories over the years, and the idea of editing them down to something that others might find interesting is a gigantic task. So, I’ve simply embraced my stream of consciousness and included some random goodies that speak to my Hawaiian experience.

J.J. Casuals, “Shoes that look like feet”, courtesy of Jack Johnson and SNL

My favorite island foods: coconut, tropical fruit, shaved ice with red beans and mochi, ahi poke, Maui Tacos, traditional plate lunch, Puka Dog, spam sushi, banana mac nut pancakes, malassadas

pillage and plunder

Laura — Sun, 31 May 2009 06:07:58 +0000

Makeup Artist Nicola Gavins, Photos by Ashley Champagne, Art Direction/ Post Production by Pete Nguyen, models: Kelsey and Omar Reyes.

Arrrrh!

Just because its summertime and I’ve always loved Pirates, I thought I would give a shout out to my favorite buccaneers of all time.

Swashbuckler What a testament to how far video games have come. As antiquated as it now is, I logged hundreds of hours as a kid wielding my sword at creepy skeletons and lumbering monsters.

Captain Hook As scary as Peter Pan’s nemesis is, with his sidekick Smee he always succeeded in serving up some comic relief.

One-Eyed Willie Although we never got to meet him while he was “alive”, One-Eyed Willie is responsible for all the Goonies’ wild adventures. Booby traps, magic organs, Mama Fratelli, Sloth, sloppy waterfall kisses, Baby Ruth bars, and the best scene entrance of all times – “Hey you guys!” Thanks for the memories Willie.

Captain Jack Sparrow I’m flustered. Can’t find my words. Johnny officially wins all the loot in the treasure chest for creating the most brilliant, strange, gorgeous, flamboyant, and lovable pirate character of all time. You can pillage me any time Captain Sparrow.

a few days with a few films

Laura — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:55:15 +0000

I recently had an accident that sent me to the emergency room where my lip and chin were stitched back together. Rather than bore you with the gory (and I do mean gory in its purest definition) details, let me share with you the DVDs that kept me entertained as I holed myself up at home until the 25 bright blue stitches could be removed.

By no means are these films my favorites (though Man on Wire makes it onto my short list in its category), but they certainly served me well throughout my healing and best of all, they distracted me from the urge to feel sorry for myself and helped me to feel thankful that I was spending a few days couching.

Man On Wire Truly one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. How can your interest not be captured by a talented, obsessive, risk-taking, flamboyant, French street performer?

The Films of Charles & Ray Eames Not something you will want to watch over and over (I suspect some people will give it a mere 10 minutes before turning it off), but the DVD extras give a unique and interesting history of the life and business of these well known American designers.

In Bruges This is a quirky and strange murderous adventure set in beautiful Bruges, Belgium that makes the city its leading character. Ever romantic and mysterious, In Bruges delivers an exquisitely shot film with intriguing dark humor.

The Tudors Don’t we all like brushing up on history by watching a gorgeous young king get all that he wants while wearing an impressive amount of luxurious fabrics and jewels?

Seinfeld Because Larry David is a genius and his one-liners never get old…yada yada yada

Role Models It ended up to be lot better than I thought, probably because of the film’s use of the soap opera formula that makes the viewer feel superior to the characters. Audible chuckles were released as I watched McLovin’ sword-fight while dressed as KISS.

The Ben Stiller Show Though the series had a short run, it was actually quite good. Some hits and some misses, but interesting to note that Stiller gave Janeane Garofolo and Andy Dick their first jobs.

As I write this post, my stitches have been removed and the swelling decreases every day. I’m definitely on the mend, and thankfully don’t expect to be left with any horrible scars.

Did I mention that I lucked into getting the McDreamy-est ER doctor in the world? Thankfully he also ended up being an excellent sewer and perfectly lined up my lip so I look more human than monster. I suspect his own vanity inspired him to do his very best work, and to that I say – thanks for choosing medicine over acting Dr.!