Shop: Breathtaking Bridal

As the friend and relative of several engaged ladies, I have had the pleasure of perusing bridal magazines and websites to look at everything from floral arrangements to cake designs to favors to the most important item, the big, white dress.

When deciding what websites to visit to look at gowns, I always direct my engaged beauties to Kleinfeld, a.k.a. home base for TLC's show "Say Yes to the Dress." This weekend, while poking around the online dress collection with a bride, I found a gown that literally took my breath away.

If I am lucky enough to get married, I have unequivocally decided, this will be my dress.

From the Romoma Keveza collection, the gown is strapless, fitted at the bust, cinches the waist with the perfect amount of sparkle (classy, not tacky) and floats away from the body to create a fluid, feminine skirt.

Now, about finding a groom . . .

Movie Musings: Julie & Julia

After weeks of anticipation I finally took in the delicious treat that is Julie & Julia. The movie, based on a book by Julie Powell, chronicles the life of Julia Child as well as the every day life of New York City girl Julie.

Julie is a young, talented writer, who despite having a handsome and loving husband, does not feel accomplished in life. While her friends are journalists and realtors with assistants and Blackberrys, Julie works a phone job she hates and lives in an apartment over a pizzeria in Queens.

Julie's husband suggests that she reignite her passion for writing by staring a blog. She decides to tackle cooking all 524 of Julia Child's recipes in just one year and blog about it as she goes. Over time, she gains a following, and begins to feel alive again.

Meanwhile, the film also follows the life of Julia Child herself as she moves to France with her husband and learns to cook. She has an unparalleled appreciation for food and you cannot help but drool while watching her create a new dish.

Julia and her husband travel all over the world, taking her massive amount of kitchen supplies with her everywhere they go. Eventually Julia receives a book deal for the cookbook she slaved over for years, cementing her as expert on French cooking.

In the film Julie is played by Amy Adams (I seem to be on an Amy Adams kick this week) who comes off as whiny, pathetic and self loathing in a way that's not entirely endearing. Although she does have some laugh out loud moments (making her first lobster dish), overall her performance underwhelms.

Her husband is played by newcomer Chris Messina, who has a Mark Ruffalo vibe about him. Not jaw droppingly handsome, but loving, supportive and relatable. I hope to see more of him in upcoming rom-coms.

And finally, the legendary Julia Child is played by the incomparable Meryl Streep. I could go on and on about Meryl's accomplishments as an actress, her incredible range, her vivacious spirit, her intensity, but instead I will say this - in this film, it felt as if I was watching Julia Child play Julia Child, not Meryl Streep playing Julia Child. She mastered her voice, her facial expressions, her body language, her style. It was absolutely superb. If she does not win the Golden Globe, the Oscar and the Screen Actors Guild award, I will be shocked.

Julia Child's husband in the film is played by Stanley Tucci, who after seeing in "The Devil Wears Prada" I cannot imagine as anything other than gay. Their chemistry was not believable, despite their adorable Valentine's Day tradition.

The other star of the movie was the food! Kudos to the set and prop magicians who made Julia's food come to life. I was warned by a friend not to go to this movie hungry, so I was armed with a king size bag of Skittles. Good thing too, as every morsel looked delectable.

If you love food, you will love this movie. You will drool, you will feel inspired to master these recipes and you will feel privileged to witness Meryl Streep's performance.

Bon Appetit!

Top Chef: Seeing Double

Now two episodes into it's 6th season, Bravo's Top Chef has one of the most interesting reality TV casts to date, featuring surprising, and perhaps unplanned duos.

Let's start with the fiercely competitive, incredibly sexy brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. Bryan is the elder and owns his own restaurant, while Michael, desperate to even the score, is using Top Chef as his platform to prove he is just as capable as his big bro. Both Voltaggios bring the heat, in the kitchen and on screen. Here's hoping they make it to the end!

There is also the alarming duo of Preeti Mistry and Ashley Merriman, bonded by the fact that they are both women who at first I thought were men! Both women (who still cause me double takes every time) have been in the bottom four each week, so I do not anticipate them being around much longer.

Then there is what I like to call the butterball duo, Kevin Gillespie and Eli Kirshtein. Two chefs with beer guts that could rival any you have seen before. Despite their rolly polly appearance, both chefs are serious about food, and have been top competitors in each quick fire and elimination challenge thus far. My gut (pun intended) tells me both will be around for several more rounds, particularly Kevin.

As I do with each reality competition show I watch, I choose my winner while watching the first episode. This chef is not a part of any of the aforementioned duos. She is ferocious and focused and comes from the kitchen of Eric Ripert (renowned French chef and occasional Top Chef judge). Her name is Jennifer Caroll and if you can't tell already, the chick is not messing around. I believe it was the first epsiode when she said, "I have made many men cry, and I'll do it again." Watch out boys! Jennifer wants you to "pack your knives and go."

To see if my predication comes true, tune in to Top Chef each Wednesday night at 10:00pm Eastern on Bravo.

Rental Review: Sunshine Cleaning

This week a girlfriend and I watched "Sunshine Cleaning" months after first seeing the preview in a movie theater last December, prior to the screening of "Slumdog Millionaire". We looked at each other then and said "let's go see that!" Well, we never made it to the theater, but it did make it to the top of both of our Netflix queues.

"Sunshine Cleaning" stars Amy Adams as a young, single mother trying to raise her son while monitoring her wacky father, rebellious younger sister, and of course, juggling an affair with her high school sweetheart, who is now married to another woman (side note, the former high school quarterback is played by Steve Zahn, who normally plays a lazy stoner, and in this movie is looking surprisingly masculine and handsome!). Adams plays the role convincingly and you do find yourself rooting for her.

Her younger sister is played by Emily Blunt, made famous by her role as the bitchy assistant to Miranda Priestley in "The Devil Wears Prada". Blunt plays a tortured soul, working daily to move on from her mother's suicide.

Their father is played by Alan Arkin, who plays an almost identical character to his grandfather role in "Little Miss Sunshine". In both films he is the cheerleader for all lost souls.

The movie chronicles the adventures of the two sisters as they open a crime scene clean up business. There are some definite laugh out loud moments (as well some gag reflex moments), but overall, the girls' experiences with their clients are moving, poignant and at times deeply sad.

Despite its cheery name, the movie is anything but happy. It is a candid, often upsetting portrayal of a family struggling to keep it together. If you like your popcorn with a side of realism, add "Sunshine Cleaning" to your queue.

Dining Out: Barking Crab

As a native Bostonian, I grew up spending the last two weeks of every summer on Cape Cod. We'd spend all day at the beach and end the day with fried food and ice cream. 14 days each summer, blissfully predictable and delicious.

Now, as an adult, its not as easy for me to make the Cape escape. Without a family home, cash for a summer rental, or a desire to sit in bridge traffic, I find myself going less and less each year. But when I miss those summer nights of grilled cheese and french fries, I know exactly where to go - the Barking Crab.

The Barking Crab is located on Sleeper Street in downtown Boston and calls the Boston Courthouse, the Children's Museum and the ICA its neighbors. The Crab is a large red and yellow tent set out into Boston Harbor. One end houses the bar and occasionally a live band, while the other side of the restaurant is filled with wooden picnic tables. Hanging from the top of the tent are lobster traps filled with Christmas lights and weathered buoys, adding to the waterfront ambiance.

Just as if you were on Cape Cod, you can sit outside, smell the ocean and order a plethora of fried seafood delights! On my most recent trip with my cousin and my sister, I went for the vegetarian-friendly grilled cheese and fries, my sister chose clam chowder and a caesar salad with shrimp, while my cousin opted for a hamburger and onion rings.

Our lunch felt just like the meals we used to have on the Cape at Captain Frosty's in Dennis, MA. The great news is, the Crab has opened a second location in Newport, RI! After a day of touring the mansions you can channel the Cape Cod spirit down in Rhode Island!

For all the latest news, specials and promotions follow the Crab on Twitter: @BarkingCrab.

Shop: Tea For Two, Tea For You

My first memory of a cup of tea was in the movie "Alice and Wonderland". Alice went to an "unbirthday" party where the table was covered in tea cups of different sizes and colors, portraying a dining room table unlike any I had ever seen. I was fascinated.

As an adult, I relive that fascination a few times each year in New York City at a place called Alice's Tea Cup, where the waitresses wear fairy wings, and the only items on the menu are tea, finger sandwiches, scones and cookies. Its the most divine type of girly.

Now thanks to several tea-inspired jewelry designers, I don't have to wait for my next trip to N.Y.C. to conjure up the whimsy of my dear friend Alice's adventure, I can simply wear it!

Check out these funky pieces discovered by TheFrisky.com:

Careful, they're a little hot!

Coming Soon: Love Happens

Lately I've put a moratorium on seeing romantic comedies (also affectionately know as rom-coms). I find their story lines offensively unrealistic and formulaic. However, something in the preview for the upcoming film "Love Happens" struck a chord with me, and now I can't wait to see it!

The movie stars Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart. How can you not root for Jennifer Aniston? The woman publicly lost the world's most gorgeous man to a crazy, blood sucking woman, who just so happens to be considered the sexiest woman on the planet (I'll throw you a bone, Angelina). Our hope is renewed for her when we see her fall in love on screen.

Aaron Eckhart, who you may recognize from "No Reservations", "Thank you for Smoking", or "Batman the Dark Knight" (thrilled to see him without his two-face make up! Gruesome!), plays a man who has written a self help book after losing his wife. Can he fall in love again? Or will he hide behind helping others?

The trailer seems to show great chemistry between Jen and Aaron and it also highlights a supporting role performance from Judy Greer, the resident rom-com sidekick. You may not know her by name, but you know her as J.Lo's assistant in "The Wedding Planner" and as Jennifer Garner's nasty, faux BFF in "13 Going on 30". Judy has an expressive face and great comedic timing.

Will love happen for Aaron and Jen? Grab your popcorn and find out when the movie hits theaters September 18th.

Dining Out: The Beehive

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas. Restaurant week! Twice each year, in both March and August, Boston’s finest restaurants offer three course lunch and dinner menus for supremely discounted prices. In the past I have leveraged the restaurant week promotion into incredible meals at Brasserie Jo, Ciao Bella, Upstairs on the Square, and Harvest, just to name a few.

Exactly one year a go I expanded my love of restaurant week to include two girlfriends, beginning a new tradition we called “the Cocos”. Each restaurant week cycle we choose a new place (ideally one none of us have been to), we dress up, put on our pearl necklaces (an homage to Coco Chanel) and head out on the town!

The first Coco dinner was at Ristorante Olivio in Arlington, our second dinner was at Flora, also in Arlington (read the review here), and this week we moved the tradition downtown to the Beehive on Tremont Street in the South End.

Tremont Street is home to many of Boston’s most well known and well respected dining establishments. The Beehive counts Hamersley’s, Sibling Rivalry, Aquitaine, Tremont 647, and B&G Oysters as its neighbors.

As you approach the Beehive, the first thing you’ll notice is its expansive “front yard” of outdoor seating. The patio even has its own hostess! Of course we opted to enjoy the summer weather and dine outside. Our waitress, a beauty belonging on the pages of Vogue, was wonderfully bubbly and attentive.

We each started the meal with an appetizer. We sampled the summer harvest salad, the roast beef sliders and the Mediterranean plate. The salad had fresh, crisp greens, radishes and hearts of palm (a rarity in New England). The roast beef sliders were a delightful surprise, served with a spicy BBQ sauce and a creamy, zesty dipping sauce. The Mediterranean plate came with pita chips, hummus, feta cheese, cucumbers, pickles and olives. Mmm mmm mmm!

After polishing off our first round of plates, our dinner arrived. Brisket, jambalaya and tomato and mozzarella pizza. The brisket was described to me as “melt in your mouth delicious”, while the jambalaya was a generous portion with a variety of meat and seafood and a bit of a kick. The tomato and mozzarella pizza was served on toasted French bread with balsamic vinaigrette, a heaping portion of arugula and topped with fresh, shaved parmesan. I think its safe to say we achieved food nirvana at that table.

I had to tap out for dessert, but the ladies tried the blueberry cobbler and the chocolate pot du crème for dessert, which both looked delectable.

In addition to the incredible food, we also enjoyed refreshing cocktails. White wine, red wine sangria, and a cocktail called the pink lady – passion fruit vodka, raspberry liqueur and lemonade. Careful with that one, you could hang out with the pink lady all night.

Before leaving for the night, we checked out the scene inside the restaurant. There is a large bar upstairs, that serves as a balcony overlooking the bottom floor, where there is live music nightly. The bar has a French bordello vibe with dark wood and deep burgundy and red colors.

I was particularly impressed by the ladies room, which continued the burgundy color on the walls, with any added floral pattern and one screamingly loud blue accent wall. It had one, long, basin tub sink, with several antique, gold accented mirrors above. Very feminine and chic.

Overall, our experience at the Beehive was superb. Wonderful service, a great outdoor spot, positively mouth watering food, memorable cocktails and décor that transported you straight to France. The Beehive is perfect for girls night out, a celebration dinner or an al fresco Sunday brunch.

Buzz on down to the Beehive!

Rental Review: What Doesn't Kill You

This week my loyal and thoughtful boyfriend Netflix delivered to me another fantastic piece of cinematic gold. A drama starring Mark Ruffalo and Ethan Hawke in a story about the true life of Boston's Brian Goodman.

This film, like the many other dramas shot and centered around life in South Boston (Good Will Hunting, The Departed, Gone Baby Gone), was gritty, heart breaking and involved some actors who just couldn't grasp the Boston accent.

The film, titled "What Doesn't Kill You", focuses on two childhood best friends devoted to each other and a life of crime. They face danger, challenge neighborhood dons, and eventually keep each other sane while in prison. Their relationship is truly tested post-prison when one decides to stay on the straight and narrow, while the other returns to his old ways.

Mark Ruffalo, playing the lead character, gave an authentic and compelling performance. I have always felt he was underrated in the Hollywood community, and this film demonstrates yet again why he deserves title roles.

His best friend is portrayed by my 8th grade celebrity crush, Ethan Hawke. I first saw him in Reality Bites, then Gattaca and Great Expectations, falling in love with his good looks and tormented characters more and more with each film. With this film he continued the tradition of playing someone troubled from behind a handsome face. His bromantic chemistry with Mark Ruffalo is convincing and endearing.

For me, the best part of the movie was actually watching the special features on the DVD, particularly the "Making Of" special. The movie was written and directed by Brian Goodman. The movie is about his personal life growing up in South Boston, his marriage, his children, his drug addictions, his time in prison and his attempt to get straight.

Brian got help with the script from fellow Boston native Donnie Whalberg, who is featured in the film as well. Listening to Brian talk about why this was important, what inspired him, and how grateful he was for an all star cast made the movie have a much stronger impact. A big thank you to my mother for turning me onto DVD special features!

"What Doesn't Kill You" is The Departed meets the Shawshank Redemption, with two superb actors at its core. Ladies, this is a perfect movie rental to enjoy with your boyfriend. Emotional for the girls, violent for the boys. Check out the rave review from the New York Times.

What are you waiting for? Go see what made them stronger!

Summer Concert: John Legend

Hello, loyal Pop.Bop.Shop fans! Please forgive me for leaving you without any reading material while I was on vacation. A girl needs to go off the grid every once and a while, you know?

Now, back in action, I share with you a fantastic experience I had this past Friday night.

One of the best parts of summertime is the opportunity to hear great, live music outdoors. Here in Boston, there are two major outdoor concert venues - the Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA and the Bank of America Pavilion on Seaport Blvd, downtown (Can you say, waterfront!).

On Friday night, my cousin and I scored last minute tickets to a superb show at the aforementioned Bank of America Pavilion to see John Legend. For those who are unfamiliar, John Legend is a young, R&B singer with a velvety smooth vocals and insane piano chops. I kept his first album "Get Lifted" in such heavy rotation in my car, that the CD now skips from being overplayed.

John opened the show with one of my favorite, up tempo songs, "Used to Love You" about chasing after a girl who has lost interest in him because he can't lavish her with gifts. My favorite lyric goes, "Maybe I could rob somebody, so we could live like Whitney and Bobby." He went on to play several others hits from the first album including "I Can Change" and "Number One".

He also played music from his second and third albums including "P.D.A.", "Green Light" and "Everybody Knows."

John has a song called "Slow Dance" and as he was getting ready to sing it, he shares with the audience that he loves to slow dance, and asks who would like to slow dance with him? Of course the females in the audience erupt into screams and he chooses one very lucky girl to join him on stage. Let me tell you, she was most definitely keeping up with him! They were having quite an intimate encounter up there!

When John closed the show, the crowd demanded an encore. He returned after a few minutes, in a perfectly tailored black suit and crisp white shirt to perform one of his most well known and beautiful songs, "Ordinary People."

The show was positively fantastic. Beautiful outdoor venue, John's seductive voice, his impressive dance moves, his sick piano skills, and a set list including all of our favorites.

Not only was he incredible, his opening act was one of my favorite artists, India Arie. Nominated for a "Best New Artist" Grammy award in 2002 and winning the "Best R&B Album" Grammy award in 2003, India's melodic voice, beautiful lyrics and earthy vibe create an iPod must, and a wonderful live performance. She even joined John on stage for a mid-set duet! Bonus!

John still has several tour dates left, well into September, so get your tickets! You'll be singing and dancing to his music long after the show ends.