June 20, 2014 · 3:28 pm

Reunited and It Feels So Good

I love pop culture, as you know. But what I really love is ’90s pop culture. And what I really really  love is when ’90s pop culture BFFs pull off a modern-day reunion. Like the selfies above. The top, from Thelma & Louise, 1991. The bottom, from Susan Sarandon’s Facebook page, 2014. (Can we all just agree that these women are ageless?) Thelma and Louise basically stand for all things best friendy, and just seeing these pics reminds me why I started my partner-in-crime search in the first place.

In other ’90s-pop-culture-friendship-reunion news: Lifetime is set to air The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story. You read that right. Bayside is back, y’all.  The movie, which will air in September, will be about the behind-the-scene shenanigans of everyone’s favorite Saturday morning teen sitcom. You know, before Screech became a porn star. Lisa Turtle for president is all I have to say.

I will also admit, right here, right now, that I bought a number of hats at Contempo Casuals in an attempt to be more like Blossom and Six. I have a picture of my 5th grade BFF and me wearing our hats with giant flowers on them. I’d say it’s not my proudest moment, except I’m kind of into the fact that my 10-year-old style could best be described as Clarissa-meets-Blossom. I’ve never since been that much of a fashion risk-taker (that might be a good thing). All this to say: Yay! The Blossom folks reunited yesterday!

We live in a culture hungry for nostalgia. So I say thank you to my childhood heroes for feeding that craving. And, also, Party of Five, we’re all waiting.

Which old TV gang are you dying to see again?

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June 17, 2014 · 9:41 am

Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me – Two Weeks!

In anticipation of the release of Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me, I sent an email this morning to friends, family and supporters of my first book, MWF Seeking BFF.  But then, I realized, you guys are, like, my biggest supporters out there. You are the people who have cheered me on as I stumbled through friend-dating, and chime in when I post random celebrity musings on this blog. You are, simply put, the best.

So, since you all fulfill the role of supportive friend as much as anyone I might meet for coffee, I figured I’d post this note to you, too. Oh, and again, THANK YOU.

—-

Dear Friends,

As you may know, my next book, Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me: The Pursuit of Happiness, One Celebrity at a Time, will be in bookstores soon. Two weeks from today, in fact.

To those of you who have already pre-ordered: Thank you!

And to those who haven’t–want to??

If you’re not sure, would it help to know that Cosmopolitan named Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me one of three books to take to the beach this summer? Or that Flavorwire called it a summer read that will make you smarter?

Think of it as Us Weekly meets The Happiness Project — celebrity reading you don’t have to be embarrassed about!

Selling books today is harder than ever. Especially for a relatively unknown author like me. This is why I’m asking for your help: Pre-orders are vital because they contribute to the first week’s sales (the most important week!) and they help build buzz for new books. If you might pre-order the book today, I’d be forever grateful. (Did I mention it comes out July 1? Right in time for holiday weekend beach reading?? Just saying.)

Please forward this to friends, family members, or anyone you know who loves reading, gossiping about celebrities or supporting authors. Or who loves you and by extension loves me.

For more information on Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me, you can read an excerpt, check out the early press, or see what readers are saying on Goodreads.

Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!

Rachel

P.S. Set your DVRs! I will be on Good Morning America discussing Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me on July 1

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June 12, 2014 · 12:43 pm

Do You and Your BFF Want to Be On TV?

Two things I love: BFFs and reality TV. And here comes a reality show about BFFs. Score.

Did you meet your best friend in an interesting, unusual or funny way? Do you have a great story that started your friendship? Like, maybe you met your bestie while running from lions who were chasing you through the jungle? Or, something less dangerous but equally as surprising?

If so, you and your best friend could be featured in an episode of a new television series on a major cable network! Here are the deets: “VPEtalent and an award-winning production company are seeking a pair of best friends with one hell of a story to tell.  Whether the two of you survived a major catastrophe, were caught in a ridiculous love triangle, or outran the law together, we want to hear the outrageous, unimaginable experience that brought you super close to a complete stranger.”

For more information, or to apply—or nominate someone—fill out this application.

And don’t forget the little guys when you’re rich and famous.

Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me comes out in less than three weeks! There’s nothing better than word of mouth to help a book succeed. Won’t you share the news with your BFFs (and anyone else you know)?  They can:
pre-order the book
read an excerpt
check out the reviews
see what readers are saying
Thank you!

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June 10, 2014 · 2:41 pm

“Celebrities Give Too Much Advice, and People Listen To It Too Much”

Graduation season is my favorite time of year. Not because I’m getting a diploma (haven’t since Northwestern 2004–Go U NU!), but because in an effort to seem hip, prestigious universities invite funny celebrities to give commencement addresses. I’ve enjoyed plenty of wisdom dispensed via YouTube from the likes of Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler and Ellen DeGeneres, and I love it.

You see, I’m the kind of person who loves a good life lesson. I relish hearing how other people tackle their day-to-day—celebrities especially, because then maybe I can incorporate their rituals into my own daily life, and seem almost as put together and glamorous as they are.  In my upcoming book, Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me, I spend nearly a year trying to better myself by emulating the lives of the celebrities that I admire. Jennifer Aniston’s body? Tina Fey’s work ethic? Julia Roberts’s zen? I want it all.

One of the celebrities I admire most (as you know) is actress and writer Mindy Kaling. This year, she gave the commencement speech at Harvard Law School. In her speech, she deals with people like me, who want answers and advice from A-listers like her.

“Celebrities give too much advice, and people listen to it too much,” she says. “Actresses can become nutritionists, experts in baby care, or in environmental policy. Actors can become governors, pundits or even high ranking officials in religions made up a mere 60 years ago.”

It’s true that the Gwyneth’s of the world are no longer just actresses, but lifestyle experts with million dollar brands. It’s also true that I, and sometimes even Mindy, eat it up. Who can resist?

To see Mindy’s take on celebrity advice-givers, go to 12:45 on the video at the top of the page. Or watch the whole thing because, well, it’s fantastic.

Is she right? Should we quit taking advice from celebs? Or is a role model a role model,  famous or not?

Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me is out in three weeks, and I need your help! Pre-order sales are vital to a book’s success–all early orders count toward the first week’s sales, which is the most important week.  I would be so grateful if you might:

Pre-order the book 
Read an excerpt
Follow me on Facebook or Twitter

Thank you!

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May 13, 2014 · 3:09 pm

Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me: A Sneak Peek!

My new book, Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me: The Pursuit of Happiness, One Celebrity at a Time will be on sale July 1. For those of you who can’t wait another second—or those who can’t decide if this book is for you—I present to you an excerpt, which I hope will leave you as excited for July beach reading as I am.

There’s been some exciting Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me press lately, too (thanks Glamour!) and I’ve put readings on the schedule for Chicago and Boston. Which is to say… things are happening!

And speaking of Jennifers, I just learned that one of my other Jennifer role models—Ms. Garner (she’s Chapter 5!)—is starring in the movie version of one of the all-time great children’s books, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. And I didn’t know I could love her anymore.

So, folks, weigh in: Garner, love or hate? And are you as excited for July—sunshine!!—as I?

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May 7, 2014 · 9:58 am

The TV Friendship We All Wish We Had

Sometimes fictional characters set us up with unrealistic real-life expectations. For example, I am still waiting for Matt to give me a speech a la Harry’s declaration to Sally, in which he lists all the reasons he loves me. (“I love that you cry every time you watch The Biggest Loser. I love that you quote every line of Friends. And I love that you keep talking to me, and won’t stop, long after I’ve wanted to go to sleep at night.” There, Matt, I wrote it for you. Go.)

The TV friendship that still makes me jealous—even after having made tons of new, great friends in Chicago—is Meredith and Cristina’s on Grey’s Anatomy. Now, I know some of you are thinking “Grey’s Anatomy is still on??” But, yes, it is. And even though this season is kind of boring and the original characters are seeming really, really old, I still watch it. I am nothing if not loyal.

Now that Sandra Oh is leaving, the folks at Grey’s have put together this ode to the best bestfriendship there is. It brings a tear to my eye, sure, because I’m a sap. But more than that, it reminds me why I want A Person.

Do you have A Person? Or is this just TV showing unrealistic relationships? I like to think we could all have A Person, but then, I’m a bit of a sucker for BFFs.

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April 22, 2014 · 3:23 pm

Vote! Who Will Be People’s Most Beautiful Woman?

The bible of celebrity admirers everywhere, People, will crown its Most Beautiful Person in the World tomorrow. Clues the magazine has revealed thus far: It’s a woman (it’s only been a man three times—thrice!—and the honors went to Mel Gibson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Cruise. Two-thirds crazies.) and she’s never been on the cover before.

My money is on Jennifer Lawrence. She’s stunning (duh) but also totally of-the-moment It-girly. She’s popular enough to sell covers, but just divisive enough to fuel some backlash and keep the choice in the headlines. She seems the easy answer.

There’s also new It girl on the street, Lupita Nyong’o, who is crazy beautiful to be sure. But despite her Oscar, I think she might need another year in the spotlight before People‘s editors deem her Most Beautiful worthy.

Shailene Woodly is definitely in the Jennifer Lawrence sorority, and she has lots of big-time movies happening (Divergent out now, The Fault in Our Stars this summer), but I think she’s still too new on the scene. Other possibilities in the young’uns category: Taylor Swift, Kate Upton…

Here’s a thought: Cameron Diaz? I was surprised to find she’s never held the title. She’s certainly A-list enough. She just wrote a book all about loving yourself and being beautiful. She’s in a new movie, The Other Woman, that comes out this week, which makes her super relevent in terms of magazine sales. If it’s not Jennifer, my money is on Cameron.

And this just in from my mom (she’s so hip): What about Kerry Washington? Talk about someone who can sell a magazine. Even pregnant she takes my breath away. She’d be like, “Most beautiful in the world? Handled. Boom.”

So definitely Jennifer. Or Kerry. Or Cameron. (Or Shakira?? I can’t commit.)

 

Shameless self-promotion: Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me just got its first review. And it’s a good one {breathes huge sigh of relief}. Check out what Publishers Weekly had to say.

 

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April 17, 2014 · 9:32 am

Is Gwyneth Paltrow the Most Divisive Celebrity?

 

Lunchtime poll: Is there any celeb as loved, hated, and love-to-hated as Gwyneth?

I think not.

For my upcoming book, Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me, I set out to adopt the lifestyles of the celebrities I most admired. I tried to emulate Jennifer Aniston’s workout routine (I want those legs!), Jennifer Garner’s marriage, Sarah Jessica Parker’s style, Tine Fey’s work ethic, and more. Armed with My Father’s Daughter, Gwyneth Paltrow’s first cookbook, I also tried to achieve Gwynnie’s kitchen prowess. There were some hiccups (cleanses are not my friend) but overall I thought it went pretty well. I mean, I roasted a duck. So there.

Of all the celebrities I write about, Gwyneth is definitely the most controversial. Some people adore her. Her website Goop.com, has more than a million subscribers and her more recent cookbook, It’s All Good, debuted at number 1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List. My BFF Mindy is trying to cook all of Gwyneth’s recipes in an attempt at self-improvement.

Other people hate her. Hate. Her. A reporter once told me Gwyneth should be “outlawed.” Websites write about her most irritating quotes and then more irritating quotes. And of course we all had a field day with the now infamous uncoupling.

I go back and forth. Do I think it’s absurdly out of touch to recommend that us regular women buy a $90 white T-shirt? Of course. But do I still subscribe to Goop? Of course of course.

I’m trying to think if there is any celebrity who inspires as much simultaneous rage and admiration as our Gwyneth. (This is someone who was named  People’s Most Beautiful Woman and Star’s Most Hated Celebrity in the same week.) Maybe Beyonce, but I think we all mostly love her, no? I’ve heard conflicting reactions to Jennifer Garner but how can you not want to go to lunch with this lady? Jennifer Lopez? I just don’t know.

You tell me: Love Gwyneth? Hate her? Is there anyone else nearly as polarizing?

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April 1, 2014 · 1:10 pm

Saying Goodbye to (Fictional) Friends

Last night was the finale of How I Met Your Mother, which, you may know, has long been a favorite of mine. The finale itself was pretty divisive. (Warning: Spoilers ahead.) I was satisfied with the ending—I liked the closure, I appreciated that they didn’t dwell on the mother’s death, I was glad they set the story-telling six years after her death, so we could see that Ted turned out ok and I didn’t have to cry for him too much. I didn’t love that Barney and Robin got divorced after approximately two minutes. I HATED her old lady hair in the final scene. But when those closing credits rolled, I was smiling.

Episode specifics aside,  I did go to sleep with a sense of sadness. It was as if I’d said goodbye to old friends. I’ve been watching How I Met Your Mother since 2005. I’ve known Marshall and Lily and Barney longer than I’ve known most of my Chicago pals, and it’s amazing how much I truly feel like I get these people who, I have to remind myself, aren’t even real people.

While researching Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me, I learned about a scientific concept called “parasocial interactions”: one-sided relationships where one party knows a lot about the second party, but the second party knows nothing, or next to nothing, about the first. It is most commonly observed between celebrities and their followers—I , for example, feel like Mindy Kaling is my BFF; she, on the other hand, doesn’t know I’m alive. A study out of Kansas State even found that one of the most common parasocial relationships people have is with the characters from Friends. Guilty. Could I be any tighter with Chandler? 

Parasocial interactions aren’t bad for you, provided you have enough self-awareness to recognize you don’t actually know these people. (Stalker territory, folks.) Research has shown that, when kept in check, we can reap the same benefits from an imagined relationship, like mine with the HIMYM gang, as we do from the real-life kind. We might feel more connected, less isolated, and more confident. If we identify with someone, and also think highly of her, we might even by association think more highly of ourselves.

So I’ll miss the slap bets and Robin Sparkles and the reminders that nothing good happens after 2 am. I’ll miss MacLaren’s and Puzzles and all the Interventions. But most of all, I’ll miss my (parasocial) pals.

Ever had a parasocial relationship of your own? Ever miss the fictional characters of a TV show or a book as if they were your real-life friends? Or am I just too committed to my TV?

My new book, Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me, comes out three months from today! (The release date was changed to July 1.) You can preorder it here and I’d be so grateful if you did. Publisher’s Weekly said readers will “alternately laugh and cringe” and “examine their outlook on perfection, self-acceptance, and aspiring to be one’s very best self.” Who doesn’t want that?!?

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March 19, 2014 · 1:30 pm

Crisis Mode: America’s Friendships

I don’t know how it’s possible that I just discovered Lifeboat, a “movement of people rediscovering friendships,” but apparently I’m off my game. The site, which posts the latest news, advice and science of friendship, released their State of Friendship in America report last year, and the findings are fascinating. (Random tidbits: Married people are 18% more likely to donate a kidney to a friend; city folk put more emphasis on attractive friends; liberals are less satisfied with friendships than conservatives.) Check out their key findings below.

And if you’re curious how I dealt with my own friendship crisis, have I got the book for you.

Seventy-five percent of Americans aren’t happy with their friendships? That’s depressing. Do you see yourself in these stats? Find them surprising? Sound off below!

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