Miss City Discovers

Friday, June 27, 2014

"The Lunch Box" Film Review

The Lunchbox


A few months ago, I went to a screening of The Lunchbox for Washington Square News. It should be available on DVD relatively soon. If you're interested in seeing it, read my review below!


The Lunchbox, directed by Ritesh Batra and starring Irrgan Khan (Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire) and Nimrat Kaur. The premise of the film is about a lonely, underappreciated wife, Ila, who realizes the lunchbox she packs for her ungrateful husband every day is going to another man, Saajan, who lost his wife years earlier. Slowly, they begin exchanging notes each day through the lunchbox. By sharing their lives, worries, fears and dreams with each other, they connect without knowing truly whom they are communicating with. Meanwhile Ila’s husband is receiving Saajan’s lunch from a restaurant, and has no idea there is any difference (all the more proving his ignorance).
            While the main romantic element of note exchanging between Ila and Saajan is sweet, it is the other relationships interweaved in the film that propel the story forward. Saajan and Shaikh, his somewhat exasperating follower who is set to take over Saajan’s job when he retires in a few months, slowly become friends as Saajan’s heart is warmed by Ila’s cooking and words. Simultaneously, in the apartment above Ila’s is a hysterical old woman called “Auntie”, who very willingly doles out advice and the occasional spice through a hanging basket. All we ever hear is Auntie’s voice, yet her character is very compelling through her yells down to Ila. Auntie and Shaikh’s comedic arrival is undoubtedly welcome after some sluggish-moving scenes between Ila and Saajan.
The film was certainly suspenseful, with the audience unsure of where the story was heading. Will Ila’s husband finally realize that he’s not eating his wife’s food anymore? Will Saajan arrange a meeting between the two of them? Will Ila leave her husband for Saajan? Will Ila’s daughter find out about her parents’ troubles? What will become of Auntie and Shaikh?
The lunchbox system in India is extremely impressive, though the premise of the film is about a singular, fateful hiccup in the organization. Perhaps this mistake adds to the romantic element of the film. They were so meant to interact that the perfectly orchestrated lunchbox system, praised by countries all over the world, could not compete. Although I’m not sure I completely agree with the course (no pun intended) the film took after the initial excitement of the first few notes through the lunchboxes, I certainly think that the character development of Ila and Saajan was well-done. The film is so focused on their relationship, that the audience can sometimes forget what else is happening in the world outside of them. Romantic? Perhaps. But this also puts a great pressure on the two main characters, and I’m not sure the writing completely keeps us riveted.

After seeing this film, if you do not want a full-course, homemade Indian meal, then your mind must have been elsewhere, perhaps on your own fluctuating relationship. Each scene seemed to contain more delicious Indian food than the last. The Lunchbox, while romantic in an old-fashioned sort of way and rib-tickling in between, certainly had my mouth watering.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Hot List For Your Face: Skincare

Hi my loves!

It is finally summer, and I have a little lull in my day-to-day.

I cannot wait to share everything I've been up to in the past few months! It's been a crazy whirlwind. I just got back from a month-long trek through Europe (OK, just London and Paris!) and prior to my trip I said au revoir to Cosmo (but I know I'll be back!)

I am currently in the process of taking a huge step with Miss City Discovers, by moving it to WordPress! 

Before I tell you more about my trip to London, I decided it would be really fun to share a post on everything I use on meu rosto (did I mention I'm learning Portuguese?). So here is a definitive list of my favorites for my face in skincare.  


SKINCARE 





For makeup removal: Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
I rub this all over my face, and sometimes through my hair, before I get in the shower and let the steam do all the work. It breaks down the makeup, and it's heavenly for your skin!

For deep pore removal: Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
There is something so satisfying about seeing all of your pesky blackheads lifted out of your pores onto those little pads. Gross....but satisfying. 

For exfoliation: Boscia Konjac Cleaning Sponge
This came highly recommended to me during my last visit to Sephora. It's great, because after you use it, it drys and bounces right back to it's normal shape!

For a cleanser: Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
Nicola, Dylan's sister-in-law, recommended this to me last summer. It's perfect for summer days that can make you oily, even if you are naturally dry (or combination) like me. 

For a moisturizing oil: Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
Love, love, love. Put on every time after I wash my face, and before I put on a cream. 

For a deep hydration mask: Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
Again, my skin tends to be on the dry side, plus I love masks that can stay on over night. You wake up more beautiful :) 

For a serum: Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Peptide Complex
I have been scrounging from a sample I received at Cosmo, that's how much I love this. When I run out, I just may have to purchase it myself. 

For a peel: Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel
I stole this from my mama! It's wonderful, and very gentle. Works for every age, clearly!

For a peel/exfoliator/mask in one: GlamGlow Youth Mud 
When I feel like I have absolutely no handle over my skin, I slather this stuff on and normally feel much better afterwards. Very intensive! Not for the faint of heart!


For a luxe cream: Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream
I swear this stuff has gold in it. Before you purchase, go to the nearest department store and request a sample. There's no reason anyone should pay an arm for this magic cream. Try first! 

For a straight up amazing mask: Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask
This is probably my favorite mask. I love how they come in little pods, so it's easy and clean. The brush is like....love. I made both my roommates try this mask this with me, and I think the end result was all positive. 

For a daily mist: Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Essentials Hydra-Pure Smart Spray
I'm not usually one for mists and sprays, but I do like this one. It clears the dirt out of all your fine lines, so that you don't get wrinkles. Um, yes please. 

For a night cream: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Night Cream 
This creams SMELLS so GOOD. And is also the prettiest lavender color. Oh and it works. 

For acne spot treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion 
Mindy Kaling uses this. Nuff said. 


If you enjoyed this list, let me know, and I'll do a post on my favorite makeup and hair products!

xxoo

Jordan





Thursday, March 27, 2014

News Report at Cosmo

Hi Friends!

I'd love to share with you an example of the News Report that I send out every day at Cosmo...here is the email that went out to all the editors this morning!



Good Morning Cosmo!

Senator Patty Murray is pushing for anti-harassment legislation in colleges after hearing a very disturbing personal account from one of her interns. Also, apparently it's as important to cry as it is to eat your vegetables. So for a guaranteed cry, watch some of these videos of soldiers returning home and surprising their loved ones. 

Jordan Scott
Features Intern
COSMOPOLITAN
300 W 57th St, 38th Fl
NYC, NY 10019
p: (518) 312-7273


News Report
March 27, 2014

If you only have five minutes







Politics & World News




Pop Culture & Lifestyle





Sex & Relationships



Fitness & Health



Just for fun:

Jimmy Kimmel asks little kids if they know bad words


I hope you've enjoyed getting your daily dose of news, Cosmo style! 

xxoo Jordan