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Thursday, January 8, 2015

Sister Wives Review S08Ep01 Growing Up & Moving Out 1/4/15

This happens every season.

I wait patiently for the first episode of the new season, and invariably,  Sister Wives has always disappointed me.

At the end of the last season (that would be the Summer season since this current season is being called Winter), we saw an overly excited Kody yelling that Robyn had an announcement.

Next thing we know, Robyn is running into her house to answer a mysterious phone call.

Many viewers called foul on that bit of stupidity.

Then we watched the so-called "Tell All" episode. The final segment was supposed to be Kody and his most lovely trophy wife and budding business entrepreneur Robyn (/sarcasm off) discussing why in heavens name has Robyn not pushed out another of Kody's spirit babies from her fertile nether regions.

But that segment went kaput courtesy of wife #3 Christine who during a break in the action took time out for a sisterly talk with Robyn behind the scenes. A kibosh was placed on the baby talk and the Tell All ended with Robyn looking like she was smelling what Christine was cooking, and it din't smell good, y'all.

So yes, we the audience waited patiently for this premiere. We wanted to know if the cow...the brood mare....I mean the babymaker was doing her job: i.e. incubating a little Kody or Kodette in that royal oven of hers.

And we found out that...just like the death of Bobby Ewing on Dallas, it was all a dream - kind of. What a letdown. I mean, Robyn couldn't even say her lines with sincerity. "I would like to have a baby, [but] I can't" she said in her talking head. "I am working insane, insane hours for My Sister Wife's Closet." she said. Now I KNOW she's lying.

Earth to Robyn and Kody....this type of tomfoolery didn't work on Dallas, and it certainly didn't work on Sister Wives.

Kody and Robyn , you need to hang your heads in shame. And Robyn, please block me from your Twitter. The name is Jinx. Cynical Jinx. Thank you.

The remaining 95 minutes were EXCRUCIATING!

From the lame recap, to the excessive party throwing and Kody dancing, a trip to the marriage counselor for Janelle, and Robyn and Kody's lame attempts to run a business, I almost, ALMOST called it quits.

This two hour show was to viewers what Green Kryptonite was to Superman. Deadly. Death by boredom via  Kody Brown overdose. Watch Kody dance. Watch the Kodettes dance. Watch Janelle refuse to dance.

Will somebody tell TLC that the show is called Sister Wives and NOT the Kody Brown Variety Hour?

Let's take a break, shall we?




One thing I notice was Robyn's makeup - specifically, her eyelashes. Now call me silly (Robyn you can call me Ms Jinx) but did their makeup "artist" come from Disneyland?






For me, Robyn definitely had a Minnie Mouse thing going on with her eyelashes. Or, as mentioned by Amused in my living room, Daisy Duck. Which is just Minnie Mouse with eyeshadow and a bill.







In either case, girlfriend looked like she was auditioning for a Disney side show with those lashes.









If only she had Mykelti's headband on her head, her ensemble would have been...complete!





Yeppers, the Browns do love their Disneyland, don't they?

Back to the show.

Now, I don't mind a good variety show. Heck, I thought the Carol Burnett Show was one of the best variety shows of the 1970s. For Mykelti's graduation party, Kody and his Kodettes decided to dance and lip sync to a popular song about guys telling no lies and keeping their hands to themselves.

  
Of course Kody Brown thinks he's the consummate entertainer. The problem is, the man does not have one iota of talent.

Which is a pity for the audience, because I have come to the conclusion the only reason Sister Wives showcases party after party each season is because it gives Kody a reason to act a fool and dance.





If only Kody had been born with a little bit of talent and a whole lot of soul, he could have been another Ike Turner.









Lord knows he's got his Ikettes dancing behind him, just like Ike did...

But I'm not quite sure which Ikette would be Tina because Janelle does not dance.




Not only did Kody fancy himself a dancer/lip sync artist, he also added film maker to his resume.

That's right. Kody was the cameraman who filmed the skit shown at Maddie's graduation party which featured Kody and wives acting out two versions of Maddie's life: one version had her being rebellious with black hair (played by mom Janelle), a bad disposition and eventual dead end marriage to some dude (played by  Kody of course) with a motorcycle. The other version showed Maddie (played this time by of all people Robyn) getting involved with student government at her high school eventually becoming class president and having lofty goals of graduating law school and becoming a supreme court justice.

Although Maddie was polite and laughed when appropriate during the film, I got the feeling she would have been happier with the lip sync act  like at  Mykelti's party.

On the subject of Mykelti, she was shown being interviewed for an intern position with designer David Tupaz. Of course Kody was bored which made me think why did he go with Mykelti and Christine. Then it hit me. Kody was there for the cameras. Makes sense...


Sadly, I think Tupaz granting Mykelti an interview was not based on her portfolio, but on the TV cameras that were present. When he was going through her portfolio, the look on his face said it all. But he was charming and gave her a lot of advice including that she should think in terms of designing something people will want to buy.




Hopefully CEO of MSWC Kody Brown took some notes. Earth to Kody: If people don't want to buy your crappy jewelry, you won't make money. Interesting concept.

On the topic of MSWC, Kody and Krew met up with Mariah, a local businesswoman who tried to offer them tips on how to make money. Of course Robyn didn't want any part of it. But Janelle spoke the truth when she told them conducting business the way Robyn and Kody want it run isn't working. As David Tupaz put it, Robyn has to design jewelry that people will want to buy. And let's face it, Robyn isn't that talented a designer.

The fact Robyn doesn't understand that concept doesn't bode well for the future success of MSWC. And having dimwitted Kody as CEO is the kiss of death.


Finally, the premiere ended with Dayton having plastic surgery to correct injuries to his eyelid as a result of his ATV accident two years ago. And Maddie left for her Utah State apartment a week after graduation.

At last, Maddie, Kody and Janelle arrived at Maddie's Logan UT apartment. After suffering through Kody bloviating about the sanctity of a woman's body and that no means NO, Maddie only had two words left for her parental units.

Words she's been waiting three years to say. Simply,  "Please leave..."

And that was the end of episode one.


87 comments:

  1. What a strange choice of song the adult Browns chose for Mykelti's graduation celebration. And how insensitive of Kody to be so thrilled she and her boyfriend broke up, probably in large part due to Kody. I can't understand why Christine and Kody think these dances are a great way to honor the graduate anyway, because it doesn't. Mykelti seemed miserable, wonder if she has to "keep sweet" to keep getting funded by her parents for college?

    I thought the video for Maddie bordered on insulting. I loved how they made Maddie look all mopey and depressed like she had no reason to be, um no, she had very valid reasons for being pissy. Luckily, Maddie adjusted to life in Vegas extremely well, becoming class president, making friends, and getting a scholarship. Notice that she went back to Utah for school, in fact she already had a job lined up. You could just tell that she cannot stand Kody and that there is a lot of resentment there. She has a lot of motivation, I see her doing really well. I wonder if we'll be seeing much more of her on the show?

    Back to the sister wives, how mad do you guys think Kody really is that his "trophy wife" is refusing to have anymore babies? Remember when he snipped at Meri that he was having more babies with or without her? Sol was already born then, so exactly is going to have these babies for Kody? Wife number 5?

    I would like to see ratings for this episode, because I have a feeling that their ratings are going to be way down this season from last season. Viewers don't like being jerked around and last year's cliffhanger that lead to nowhere was ridiculous. Robyn's excuse of being to busy with MSWC is the lamest excuse I have ever heard. They better try to do something new and exciting this season or they may be done. Plots about a "hobby business" and "she was mean to me 20 years ago" and anything Kody centered are not interesting.

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    1. Just wanted to add, great review C.J.! Thanks for all your hard work!

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    2. I agree Freya, about Maddie's video. They used that time to tell her how awful she was and how they were right instead of just focusing on where she is now. I thought it was in poor taste, but she really was a good sport about it.

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    3. Robyn acted like she had no idea why Kody said she had an announcement...doesn't that seem like something you would discuss with your spouse or explain in some way?
      "Honey, why did you think I had an important family announcement to make? Was it my smug smiling about a phone call? My ever expanding gut? I'm ever so pleased I've overcome my inability to eat that so plagued me the first and second seasons."
      I demand answers!

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  2. This fits the Browns: "There are none so deaf as those who will not hear" and "There are none so blind as those who will see." For instance, the adults went on and on about the change in Maddie and how she said, as soon as I am 18, I'm getting out of here and going back to Utah. Well, if I'm not mistaken, Maddie showed the world that she is not only capable of adjusting under very difficult situations but she is also capable of planning her escape from her parents' insanity and even polygamy...she graduated in a program that allowed her to go through high school faster and earlier, which made me think she graduated a year earlier. She earns a scholarship, gets a job that makes her come to Utah immediately (BS), so she moves a week after graduation. When she packed her things and started carrying the things down the stairs, where the hell was Kody and her brothers and other mothers? Also, Maddie took everything...she only left the things she didn't want...did you guys notice that? She has no intention of every coming back...not to live. I felt so sorry for Mykelti having to have her parents go on her internship interview and then having to watch a designer critique her horrible portfolio...I suspect her disney inspired gowns were a definite deal breaker, but I am sure having Kody and Christine walking into his office didn't help. And, like you, CJ, I call fowl on the attempt to fool the audience with the phone call at the end. Robyn's line, everyone thought I was pregnant....no, we thought as we think that you are getting way fat. Janelle, who has been credited by some with being the intellect and as being the most likable, has really begun to get on my last nerve. Her weightlessness and weight gain journey is lame. She eats, she visits the gym, she eats, she stays fat. Then she suddenly has all these lines thrust upon here about being so private (bitch you weighed on national TV...that ain't private); you went to a councilor on national TV to discuss your mistreatment; you let a camera man follow behind you as you ran up a hill and the view at the top was not any better than the view of the bottom....you know what I mean. And her lines of being so embarrassed by their loud talking and having fun is so not true...you marry a man with another wife and who marries other women after you and you get a gig on TV to talk about it and you go to concerts and have your picture taken and posted on twitter....you ain't private. Finally, Christine has really gained favor with me; I guess if you take enough medicine you can put up with three other women tapping the love of your life as well as his absence but she is down right taking over the new and fresh wife role. Her humping Kody's leg in her faux dance moves was priceless and did you see Kody's happy smile...he was digging it. I believe that while she isn't the smartest tail on the dog, she is definitely the most cunning. Her smile and laughter has, I believe, won her man back into her fold...of course it doesn't help that Robyn is such a sour puss. Meri's little bit of action in the family was just that...a little bit. I do believe that Meri is heading away from the family in both mind and body and while I am not a fan of her, I am happy to see her leaving the fold. My heart broke for David. Meri, as much as you really believe that polygamy makes you a better person, it doesn't; and to the wife who says she believes in this lifestyle, you only see your sister wives once a week or less. The ruse is up; you guys hate each other and I see it in every thing you say and do...my mama use to say, Jeannie Girl, actions...actions speak louder than words. Thanks CJ for giving me something to do on Sunday nights and thanks for the updates and the reviews. We love you!

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    1. I agree that Christine seems to have regained the loving favor of Kody, despite what next week's preview seems to indicate.
      I'm still annoyed that we did not get to see the graduation quilts--wasn't that supposed to have become one of their family traditions?
      I feel like the "bad Maddie" video and the "tell me no lines and keep your hands to yourself" song and dance were essentially passive-aggressive ways to shame those young ladies while hiding under the guise of 'just kidding'. HS graduation is pretty big time (my son just graduated HS) and it to me to be lame to seize the opportunity to put in a dig. Not nice, especially at Mykelti's lovely "classy" tea party...especially to the evolved and gracious "thank you guys for all you are doing to make my day special" Maddie. Badly done, Brown adults. Taking the opportunity to steal the spotlight from the young adults whose proud day it was was simply low class, in poor taste, and badly done. At least Mykelti and Maddie had the good sense to act like it didn't bother them--classy response, girls.
      The designer interview I found completely uncomfortable. I'm hopeful that Mykelti's design style will evolve and mature as she does. Not so sure Kody will evolve and mature...
      Great review, as always, Cynical.

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    2. High School Graduation is a huge event for the teen-agers. I ended jup having an emergency appendectomy and missing my oldest son's event. He has never quite gotten over it. He undersands, but he is still regretful. I can not imagine making my child's day be about me on purpose.

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    3. Christine still annoys me. I think she always will. Like Kollene said - fake, fake, fake. She's probably happier these days because clearly Kody is not so smitten with Robyn anymore.

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  3. Thanks for the review. Now I don't have to watch. Frankly I don't want to give TLC the ratings and I am hoping the show gets cancelled!

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    1. Me too. I watched a smattering of it that I had recorded and turned it off. When I started watching this show the first season I was curious about how they managed a family that big and expected to learn about bulk buying, batch cooking, shared childcare etc.. I was curious how their tasks were divided up between the women. It became obvious quite early on that these women have very little regard for one another and live in separate spheres. I was trying to think back what the worst episodes were. For sure the episode where they buried the dog but second worst, to me, was the MSWC at the mermaid casino episode. How dumb was that? They see the end is near for the show unless wifey #5 is found and some new drama can be created with Sobbyn taking a back seat. I'm taking a poll here. Does anybody think any of these four women and Kody will ever again get a "real" job? And the real estate gig doesn't count - since I don't believe we've seen any houses bought/sold by her. Correct?

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  4. So excited for your episode recaps! They are even better than watching the show, in my opinion, and a big reason I look forward to a new sister wives season!

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    1. Oh Gawd yes reading Cynical is WAY better than watching the insipid show.

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  5. Reminds me of TWoP, only nicer! Great job!

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  6. Enjoyed the recap, CJ.
    You expertly hit all the "low" notes. There were no "high" notes to shoot for.
    And likely that will be the norm for this "winter" season.
    They are out of new entrees....now it is just reheated leftovers.

    No surprise that Janelle eagerly volunteered to play the dark, brooding, lackluster Maddie.
    It was hardly a stretch for Janelle to just play herself ! But how unfair to project that image onto her daughter for viewing entertainment.
    Now had they done a similar satire and spoof on Mariah's personality, that would have been worth a look. However, hovering Mama Meri would *never* have allowed such disrespect of her darling protege.

    Yes, indeed, you have to hand it to Kody. He must have a clause in their contract that every show's script must revolve around him literally (as evidenced by the dancing) or at least feature him to the point of hogging the TH spots.
    Kody Brown is one of those rare individuals who truly lacks any gauge or off-switch for A-hole behavior. He has made a colossal fool of himself in EVERY way, be it just speaking, lecturing, bungling the simplest jobs and of course, the stupid "look at me" dancing.
    Through it all his harem just mindlessly giggles and parrots adoring compliments.
    (But of course, as the saying goes...they all could be laughing on the way to the bank)

    Kody *has* to be an embarrassment for the older kids. Both sexes !!
    No surprise that, so far, NONE of them have opted to live at home while attending college.
    No surprise at all !!

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    1. Amused, it's almost funny just how fast those teens book out of the cul-de-sac when they hit 18. Even Princess Mariah got the heck out of there by being the first girl to go out of state to Utah. I have a feeling Hunter will also go out of state for college - Midwest is my prediction...

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    2. You're forgetting to add the episode where he ran laps in circles around the backyards of the houses before they started construction or the hissy fit he had in the camper on the road trip.

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  7. I wonder what they will do for Hunter's graduation party? Being that he is a testosterone monster, perhaps they will have Hunter and Kody wrestle for everyone's entertainment (gag). Hunter will wipe the floor up with the old man.
    I was quite surprised that Kody accompanied Janelle and Maddie to college. He didn't do that for either of his compliant, pride and joy kids (Logan, Mariah or even Aspyn). Guess he felt the need to try to make amends with his rebel child, Maddie. I remember her hugging Janelle. Did she even say anything to Kody other than "Please leave". Can you blame her?
    May turn out to be interesting season after all, if for no other reason than to watch Kody's perfect world show more and more cracks.

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    1. My gut says he didn't drive there with them, just appeared later at the apartment...and he did go to Westminster with Meri and Mariah when they met the director of admissions and he asked her if she ever heard of fundamentalist Mormons. If True ly hadn't gone into kidney failure, I'm positive he would have driven with Meri and Mariah up to SLC.

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  8. The perfect title for Maddie's "Tell all" book on the life of a child living with parents who are polygamist....


    "Please Leave"


    LOL!

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  9. I wondered if the Brown parents were disappointed when Maddie made her speech and said NOTHING about her family? You just know Kody was sitting there ready to puff up when she started to talk about her wonder family and upbringing........instead she chose to make reference to making a pizza.......which for kids her age was probably something they could relate more to.
    I admire her courage at 18 years old to move that far away, start a new job and start college all alone.
    Hats off to her.
    I really do question how they keep coming back season after season.....TLC must be hard up for entertainment....these guys are annoying, not entertaining.

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    1. I thought it was wonderful how Maddie didn't mention Kody and how he abruptly uprooted his huge family units just so he and Robyn could live the good life in Vegas - the city where Robyn's stepfather Paul Sullivan lived!

      And wasn't it sweet that Mariah got to give a speech at graduation, where Mariah didn't? Hmmm....

      Just like Honey Boo Boo, and more recently the Dani and Mo saga from 90Day Fiance, TLC knows a profitable train wreck when it sees it. But I think the fascination over polygamists is beginning to wear thin...

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    2. "I thought it was wonderful how Maddie didn't mention Kody and how he abruptly uprooted his huge family units just so he and Robyn could live the good life in Vegas - the city where Robyn's stepfather Paul Sullivan lived! "

      THAT is the crux of it all.
      This season seems to already be all about *again* repeating the totally BS line that they "had" to move to LV. Had to flee like the wind out of Lehi like pitiful deer with targets on their backs as the plyg-haters were ready to take aim. BS...all of it !!

      And doing that shameful video about Maddie and her doldrums, which allegedly were the result of being *forced* to abruptly move, is just another boost to that outrageous perversion of the truth.
      They moved because it was to be a major storyline for the show, complete with the drama of telling 13 kids (minus Sobbin's three) that they had 2 days to pack up and hit the road for parts unknown !! (that scene of telling the kids was just perverse, cruel and perverse)
      And also because Sobbin was the new bedmate who lived off-site due to no room for her at the Lehi habatrail house.
      So the producers saw a winning script with a win-win for all and for the ratings.
      Drama for the move.
      Sad, palpable angst for kids !!!
      And let us not forget....., the McMansions !!

      Browns...just stop the BS about the move !!
      You are doing yourselves no favor by continuing that lie.

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    3. the habitrail house! LOL!

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    4. My bad...that should be Maddie got to give a speech, not Mariah!

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    5. Oh good grief - the habitrail house! You get the prize for the best post on this thread! That's right up there with the cuddlesac! Speaking of which... wonder how Kody's doing as prez of the HOA board? How sick are the neighbors by now of filming and lookyloos in the neighborhood?

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  10. Thanks for the review. I stopped watching 3 seasons ago. I don't want to add to the ratings. I wish the show gets cancelled. I find it hard to believe that these 4 women want to have sex with Kody. He is gross. These 4 women do not deserve the title of "wife". Legally only Meri is a wife. The others are just neighbors that her husband sleeps with. Polygamy does not make you better. It makes you stupid.

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  11. Great Review!!! Thanks, CJ

    Kody and harem's graduation movie was SICKENING
    They were trying to tell Maddie and the world that....
    *Kody is a visionary decision maker and Maddie should remain under his kingdom because one day she might earn money and he might need some.
    *They were really persecuted and had the pending Utah decriminalization lawsuit hence jumping from Maddie being a class president to a Supreme Court justice.
    *the other kids in the family better realize that there will be revenge for any dissent such as Maddie being pissed off about the move.
    *Kody's is hilarious and every show should showcase his antics.
    What a bunch of ignoramus buffoons!!! She accomplished so much and she earned her scholarships. Kody didn't even have to go to the school and beg for freebies. You could tell he was not pleased with her apartment and Janelle had to justify the expense as being less than Logan's first year dorm costs. Kontrol Freak!!!!!

    I think Janelle was cranky the morning she took Maddie in the Lexus SUV to college because the venture capital episode had aired the night before. She was snapping at Maddie and mentioned Kody was not ready because of "business issues" but he had been rapidly tweeting about the proposal criticism the night before and was probably listening to Robyn crying and blocking tweeters that morning before they left. (If he did go with Janelle in the car.)

    I would LOVE to read a tell all book co-written by Maddie and Hunter.

    Robyn seems to be unraveling.

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    1. Thanks MA!!!

      (If he did go with Janelle in the car.)
      If Kody drove all the way to Logan UT, I will buy a hat designed by Mykelti and eat the sucker up.

      Kody was filmed getting into the car. He was not filmed getting out of the car a block away. Janelle tweeted a couple of times during that trip, not once did she mention Kody being with her.I agree with you that the "business issues" Kody was attending to was Robyn who probably was having a major breakdown over MSWC. Just like Hunter had to wait around on that camping trip while Kody watched Meri and Robyn put on their makeup, my gut feeling is Maddie and Janelle had to wait for Kody while he futzed around with Robyn all morning - just to film him getting into the car!


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    2. Oh my gosh you guys! See THIS is why I have to check this blog 14,000 times a day.I didn't put this together while I was struggling through the episode, but I bet y'all are SO right about the car thing! I was too distracted by the fact she was driving a lexus SUV to even realize it was staged. So disappointed in myself.

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  12. Off topic - but check Nevada Sec 0f State Records. Dufus Kody is now President of his HOA

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  13. Loved how David Tupaz said that Mykelti's dresses were of the "fantasy" variety. Well, of course they are! They spend every moment they can at Disneyland, and to them, a Princess Belle gown is the height of fashion. Also, the utter shock on KoDouche's face when the polygamist lesbian said she didn't want to marry him. A woman that doesn't want to marry The Great Kody Brown?!?! Impossible!! Oh, she's a lesbian. That's the only reason a woman wouldn't want him! Well, that, and common sense.

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    1. Tupaz also told Mykelti she could go into costume design - which if you watch Project Runway, is the kiss of death for someone aspiring to be a fashion designer.

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    2. I was surprised at the lack of color in the designs. Very middle school!

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    3. On an earlier thread, Mariah's lack of awareness of what it takes to get into med school was discussed. I think Mykelti suffers from the same lack of knowledge. It's one thing to doodle with a pencil and create fantasy dresses or shoes but quite another thing to translate those doodles into reality. Mykelti doesn't seem to have much background in clothing construction, fabrics or any of the computer programs used to generate patterns. Her prom dress creation was pretty juvenile as an "artistic effort". Now none of my comments are meant to say that Mykelti can't mature and learn the craft she wants to work in. But applying to be an intern with a successful designer without a lot more preparation for the duties has to be a set-up by the film crew. Tupaz got on national TV for a couple of minutes and Sister Wives had a small plot line for a little bit. All went away happy except Mykelti who seems to think the garment industry works like Disneyland. bgee

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    4. Mykelti could go work with Sondra Celli in Boston who makes all the gypsy wedding "fantasy" dresses.

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    5. Monog Apostate,
      .
      Too funny !!!! LOL !!!

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    6. Monog Apostate that would have been great to see Kody land in Sondra's design studio surrounded by gypsy wedding dresses...although she probably would have booted him out the second he opened his mouth and said something stupid!

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  14. Anybody in Vegas know what happened to the store they put their rounder in? Full Circle Closet? It's already closed............

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    1. The owner of that store must have been a friend of a friend. And what happened to the unsold merchandise on that rounder once the store closed? Ebay? Swap meet?? Trash can???

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    2. Kathy Denton (the owner) reactivated the store's FB account. She said in one posting she had to give up the store because of a sewer problem, but a minutes earlier she'd posted the reason was because of "wife" problems. Here's the url (just copy and paste into your browser)

      https://www.facebook.com/pages/FCC-Full-Circle-Couture-A-Teachers-Thrift-Boutique/202249699958282

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    3. In the post about the wives, she states she just wants to be on TV, and on the one about the sewer, she says hopefully we will see more of her on TLC, so it is possible that she contacted them to get on SW in the hopes of getting her own show. She also states the clothing was given to a charity when the store closed, however, I think the jewelry would belong to MSWC, and just be sold on consignment at her shop.

      I had to scroll down to get to the posts CJ mentioned, and there are several about a book she wrote. It is her memoir about being gay and being raised Mormon. I don't know what a show about her life would be about, but polygamy is worn and tired. Yet, I would watch the Discovery show Escaping Polygamy if it gets a run, at least until it becomes too scripted.

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  15. As Always, Thank you for the recap-- It was so much better than the episode. I love to read this blog, all of the posters are so observant and funny! Did anyone notice the Christine dig at Janelle? When Mykelti was telling her to change clothes and not to wear jeans to her job interview (because the only thing more embarrassing than having your parents at your interview is when your mom wears her butt bedazzled jeans to said interview), Christine said "oh I've lost so much weight, everything else hangs off of me. Clear dig at her sister wife who hasn't lost as much weight as she was hoping. Oh, ok, sure. Christine has a rich fantasy life because the jeans that she was wearing were not exactly loose. Maybe next she will get pregnant so that she can rub that in Robyn's face.

    I love Maddie! She was as sweet as she could be as she told Kody to shove off and not let the door hit him in the fanny. I think that Janelle's kids know the score. As a matter of fact, they are the few who are so outspoken in their way against the life. Remember when Kody wanted the big houses so that all of the kids could live with them when they went to school? So, let's see. . . how many kids are clamoring to live at Ranch Brown? oh, yeah. zero. Logan flew the coop as fast as he could and has never looked back. When was the last time that you saw him hanging out with the family(when it was not mandated by filming)?

    So, this season is shaping up to be a snoozefest. Unless, they put Kody on Deadliest Catch and film that, I can't see how this season is going to get better. Although, when I see your screenshot photos, I see a glimmer of hope.

    Thanks again, CJ.

    Missy

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    1. Missy, I did NOT realize Janelle was in the room when she made the weight loss comment! (I was seriously off my game this episode.) This girl Is good. I've gotta give her credit.

      I also have to say - deep breath - Christine was lookin pretty darn good in her butt bedazzled jeans compared to the rest of the Brown mares. I said it. Robyn should be very concerned about her position right about now. While Robyns been at home sucking up all the Kody time and aging at an exponential rate, christines been using her free time to get her act together and bedazzle her jeans. I would be in hog heaven if christine came up pregnant!

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    2. The Lone Lady, oh no, she wasnt in the room. I just think that she said it because she knew that janelle would see it.

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    3. Oh okay! She still knew what she was doing though... thanks for the clarification!

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    4. Kody wouldn't last an hour on Deadliest Catch. It would be entertaining, though.

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  16. Someone in the thread wondered about ratings. The show was watched by 1.679 million households. According to the Nielsen ratings, last year's Winter season the show averaged 2million viewers. So it's down a little bit. I watched this first episode, but after seeing the previews for whats ahead this season, I'm out - another RV trip?! The whole set up with Janelle going to the therapist to talk about Mary - fake - I'm so convinced that TLC reads blogs like this to come up with storyline. Look forward to reading more of these great reviews without having to sit thru the mind numbing bore that is this show!

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  17. BORING!!! The premier could have easily been condensed into 30min. I hate the way they do that whole "next on sister wives..." and then they show a long preview. Trying to eat up time because these people produce no interesting content. The couch sessions are beyond dull. I turned the channel at every commercial break and got side tracked by another show before remembering about SW. I will read this blog for the snark but I don't think I can make it through another full episode of this.

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    1. I was just thinking about the divorce rate among reality tv shows. I think about half or slightly more than half end in divorce, so considering that Kody has four " wives" it would seem likely that at least two will leave. I'm putting my money on Mary & Robyn..... No money, no honey. Janelle just doesn't seem to care about much of anything & Christine is just silly enough to stay around no matter what happens. Just my thoughts.

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  18. She is 18 and has just started with fashion. They aren't supposed to look finished yet. She just got started. She needs practice and lots more classes.

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    1. There's a show called Project Runway Threads that come on after Project Runway. The kids are 12-15 years old and their work look a hundred times better then Makelti's. She needs talent is what she needs.

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    2. Just checked UNLV's degree programs and there is nothing in fashion design. What a shame for Mykelti who is so interested in the field, regardless of what anyone thinks of her abilities at this time. I hope she will be able to pursue her passion at the right school.

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    3. Likely most of her skills were in clothing construction. I too think it's sad she isn't in NY. Hopefully she is taking classes and will transfer to a school that can give her the skill and experience. Christine doesn't have all that extra allowance to fund a private school. Maybe that is why she is trying to be an intern. To learn the skills another way? She is 18, I don't think her dream is unreachable at this moment.

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    4. Does Mykelti sew???? I don't know much, but my cousin went the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles and she did designing, drawing and sewing at this school....I would think that it all goes hand in hand.

      I would feel more excited for her if we actually saw her working on projects....but nope.
      Which makes me wonder.....why did she not help out in the designing of her mothers pathetic dresses for their recommit (ha ha, I laugh) ceremony. Correct me if I'm wrong...I don't believe she was even giving advise.

      I am quite sure she got to meet this designer because she had a camera crew with her....as with other people on the show.....It's amazing what a TV show and cameras will do for some people....they become your best friends.

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    5. Just A Thought, if you look at the scene again when Mykelti and parents are being introduced to Tupaz, the woman doing the introduction is none other than the Browns' booking agent Alice Goldstein.

      As far as Mykelti being able to sew...there were some flashing glimpses of her handiwork. With all due respect, when I was in high school I made most of my everyday school wear. Back then in the 60s it wasn't so unusual. From my "experienced" eyes, Mykelti's work was not the best and her fabric selection (which takes years of experience) bordered on ridiculous. That's why Tupaz advised her to learn more about fabric selection, so she won't go choosing upholstery fabric or fabric suited more for curtains like she and her bonus mothers did.

      This is my opinion and I know some will think it is harsh, but, of all the children, I think Mykelti is the one closest to Kody's temperament, intelligence and arrogance. She is a female version of her father. So this need to "change the world" through her fashion designing is just one of many phases most children grow out of eventually except for someone like Kody Brown. She has her father's approval for her fashion designing as long as it meets HIS criteria - To change the world - but does she have the talent? Frankly, I think there are plenty of designers in the world today that design modest AND tasteful clothing. I just don't think Mykelti will ever be one of those designers. Kody is so immature that he wants to be told the truth...well, Tupaz was telling Mykelti the truth. She thinks she's a fashion designer but designing does not exist in her heart and soul. She simply doesn't "feel" the fashion and that just isn't something that can be learned.

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    6. CJ, I, too, was one of those kids from the 60s, and I sewed all my clothes and my younger sisters and I used my mom's old fashioned non electric singer. Sometimes, I sewed with patterns and sometimes I made my patterns. Some would say that I was designing but really I copied what my friends wore but they could afford to buy and I made mine. Later, I sewed for my kids and now my grandkids. I would have thought if Mykelti's interest in fashion would have lead her to more sewing and more experimenting with sewing. I agree with the commenter that said the immaturity of the wives and Kody has bled over into the kids: they think just because they really really want it, it will happen. I hope it does happen for Mykelti but I don't think her mother is a realists and that lack of reality spilled over to her kids. I think Janelle's kids seem to work harder toward their goals than the other wives' kids. It will be interesting to see how reality sets with the other kids.

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    7. I think I read somewhere in a Tweet or maybe even saw on the show that Mykelti picked out the fabric for Meri's re-commitment dress (the upholstery looking leather-like atrocity). If that is true, then there is no wonder she was told to learn more abut fabrics. We all know what a horror that was. Makes sense that she would help them pick out the fabric, though, since she's considered the fashion-forward Brown.

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    8. Not Janelle's kids so far. Logan, Maddie and Hunter all seem to be free thinkers.

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  19. TLC must be trolling the globe to find more polygamist families. The Browns take a road trip to Montana to meet the Collier family. This guy has 2 women and 5 kids. I refuse to call them wives. Get ready to snark. I can't wait for the review after this show. I will not watch this boring and stupid show. I only enjoy reading your recap. I found the webpage KTVQ.com for the story. At first this guy was afraid to come out but now he has decided that he is tired of hiding. Looks like they have a lot of people who want them to be able to enjoy their lifestyle. They claim that this is a loving and happy family. Not sure how old the kids are. This has got to be hard for the kids. They are the innocent victims in all of this. TLC continues to showcase these polygamist families. They are trying to make people think that this is the new normal. I can't watch any more of this polygamist propaganda. I don't care how these people live their lives. I just don't want to see if on TV. This is not legal nor should people begin to think that this is a better way to live. These women are not normal. I don't see how they can put up with sharing one man. I would love it if the women could take lovers. Can you see Kody comparing notes.

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    1. Remember when Meri was trying to explain her jealousy to Kody, and asked how he would feel if she was showering attention on another man? I can't quote him exactly, but I think he said that the idea of her with another man was absolutely DISGUSTING to him - (and he made a "disgusted" face to back up his words.

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    2. Being "illegal" doesn't make it wrong. Interracial marriage was at one time illegal as well. The only reason this changed was because there were people willing to take a stand for what they believed in, even at great personal sacrifice. Government has no business in family business.
      The only time this is hard on children is when they encounter closed minded busy-bodies who criticize and judge others because they are different. Intolerant people, just like you.

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    3. Anonymous 10:10, you come into my living room and insult people. But you brought up an excellent point.

      Being "illegal" doesn't make it wrong. Interracial marriage was at one time illegal as well. The only reason this changed was because there were people willing to take a stand for what they believed in, even at great personal sacrifice.

      You hit the nail on the head with this statement. But when has Kody Brown take a stand at great personal sacrifice? When he is hamming it up for the cameras on his reality show? Is that his sacrifice?

      The only stand I've seen Kody Brown taking was when he high-tailed it out of Utah to Nevada like a thief in the night. On MLK day if I remember correctly. Oh, and he made sure the gossip rags were aware of his "flight" to freedom.

      People gave up their lives to end racial prejudice. The only thing Kody Brown gave up was his dignity by showing the TLCs viewing audience what a narcissistic, camera mugging, completely talentless a$$hole he is. And don't get me started on his wives who think this lifestyle makes them better, while they bicker amongst themselves who gets the bigger house, or the wetbar, or French doors instead of sliding doors.

      And while you bring up interracial marriage, why don't you ask a fundamentalist Mormon like Kody Brown exactly how he feels about Black Americans and why we are not welcomed into their church.

      Yes, I'm intolerant towards Kody Brown and his happy band of polygamists because I am tired, TIRED of them riding the coat tails of freedom movements when their religion is nothing but organized racism. You want to see intolerance? Look at Kody Brown.

      Thank you for playing. You may leave my living room now.


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    4. Boom. Go, CJ!

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  20. I was excited to watch this epi - until I realized there is only about 10 mins worth of new material. If they mention fleeing for their lives again one more time I swear I'm gonna scream.

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  21. Was Dayton's surgery actually on Father's Day, a Sunday? That seems fairly unusual for a scheduled surgery.
    And again...graduation quilts. Where were the graduation quilts?

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    1. I thought his surgery was on a Saturday. At any rate, I doubt if Kody would have allowed any distractions on HIS day - Father's Day, although I was quite pleased there wasn't any footage shown of HIS party.

      As far as the graduation quilts, I have a feeling Robyn must have blocked whoever used to make the quilts (I can't remember if it was Robyn's sister or Meri's sister). Or maybe Maddie and Mykelti said thanks but no thanks. Just one more heavy item to transport and if memory serves me, Logan used his to line the trunk of his hand-me-down Lexus sports car when he left for the UNLV dorm.

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    2. Grazie, Cynical.
      I recall liking the color theme of Mariah's the best. Purple and gold, perhaps. Maddie looked to have a quilt with blue borders as she was entering her college suite.
      Nice work on Logan's part--I missed that one--good eye.
      In regard to the surgery, I thought I heard Kody say "it's Father's Day", but maybe that was the day before (?). Even a scheduled Saturday operation seems unusual.

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    3. Bemused,
      Kody definitely emphasized the surgery was taking place ON Father's Day. Unless the Las Vegas medical community works different days than almost every other city in this country, there's no way they did an elective surgery on a Sunday - plus it was a holiday that many of the doctors and nurses themselves celebrate. The only surgeries that normally take place on Sundays are emergencies. David's was not an emergency procedure.

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    4. Isn't *every day* Father's Day at the Brown's?

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  22. My hope is that the Brown daughters all find success and fulfillment. I wish it for the sons, too, but I am especially hoping that the girls are all apples who not only fall far from the tree, but then keep on rolling--right out of the damned orchard, in fact.

    Some of their pie-in-the-sky dreams, I believe, spring from growing up in a family of starry-eyed unrealists who are convinced that if they really really really want it, then life should fall into place, like magic. That said, though, it's important to have a big dream, especially when you're just starting out in life. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Mykelti lets her dream of design and fashion deepen and mature, and that she finds great mentors and a bright path to follow. Hell, Mariah sets my teeth on edge, like biting a lemon, but if she really wants to be a doctor, I hope she buckles down, grounds herself in science and human compassion, and leaves her paltry and pitiful notions of being one woman in a stable of wives so far in the dust that she can't even remember wanting it.

    Project Runway notwithstanding, I think if we were magically privy to the early drawings of now-famous designers, and the middle-school writings of now-famous novelists, and the first-effort paintings of acclaimed artists, we'd be amused at how relatively crude and clunky the work was. We all start somewhere, and most successful people will tell you that effort and drive can take you places even when innate talent seems sparse on the ground.

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  23. Thanks CJ for everything you contribute to this site. And thanks for the link you posted, to the FB page of Kathy Denton, the lesbian thrift store owner who was featured on SW. https://www.facebook.com/pages/FCC-Full-Circle-Couture-A-Teachers-Thrift-Boutique/202249699958282

    This woman is every bit as cuckoo as Kody! I scrolled down her page, and clicked on a you tube video she posted; supposedly to "teach the application of makeup to menopausal women over 50 who look like men". I watched about 20 seconds, then skipped ahead to about the 4-minute mark, where she happened to be talking about her bit on SW.

    She claimed that the producers "loved" her, talked with her for over an hour (even though they filmed only a minute or two), and that they want to put her on other shows - maybe even a show of her own!?!?! Like Kody, she has grandiose ideas for her future in TV - making it all the way to an appearance on "Ellen". I know this is a bit off topic, but if you thought she was off the wall on SW, check out the video on her FB page. As CJ mentioned, her FB posts gave differing reasons for closing the store - ala the Browns???

    I can't wait to see the recap and comments after this Sunday's SW. I'll be back!

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  24. Looks like Mykelti's future in fashion design is having long legs in this thread.
    (I blame TLC and Kodyworld for that since the premier episode was seriously light on any other meaty offerings)
    That introduction to Tupaz was clearly all for the show. The designer agreed to do it for his own reasons, and TLC and the Browns did it for some footage to use to fill up the slot.
    Plus, it was a spot to showcase one of the kids since the producers know by now (via the blogs) that viewers are weary of the silly crap with the adults.

    Bottom line for me on Mykelti's talent for fashion was decided last season with the "should be committed" ceremony's gowns. Not saying a teenage kid should have been expected to design and/or sew them. But wouldn't you think, since this extravaganza was going to be a filmed major dress-up event for all, that the family's wannabe fashion star would have known and advocated against what at least three of the moms wound up wearing? That she would have had an avid interest in the process?

    Those dresses looked like costumes, bad ones. Meri's original pleather material and design looked like something from Bush People of Alaska. Her replacement store-bought dress was that green horror that was so tight, so too-small that she should have worn an industrial-strength Spanx to pull it off. Janelle's was ill fitting and looked like it was three styles of dresses sewn together. Christine looked like she either was Maid Marian from Robin Hood or was ready for bed in her nightgown.
    Mykelti surely had to see all that if fashion is her thing, especially since the fittings all took place conveniently in the cul-de-sac ?? Wouldn't you think??

    My daughters were never shy about voicing opinions on what I was wearing.
    (And still aren't....lol)

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  25. I was just looking ahead on the TVGuide website - to plot my viewing choices for the next couple weeks. On Sunday 1/18, the Sister Wives episode is titled, "Courting Another Wife". C'mon, we aren't going to fall for THAT are we??? On tlc.com, they list 3 episodes - 2 of which we've already seen. (The graduation parties & Dayton's surgery.) The 3rd one is titled, "A Family Meltdown", and is described as: "The Browns begin a road trip to meet another polygamist family. They check in on Christine’s mother who has plans of moving to Vegas. Next, they visit their old home in Utah and are overwhelmed by past emotions. And Kody does something to upset one wife."

    Does this sound like the trip to meet the Christian Polygamists where they talked about families they knew who shared a bedroom??? TVguide labels it as "New", but I'm not so sure. Upsetting one wife does sound like the preview they showed of Kody and Christine. Do you think they're really off to meet yet another polygamist family? And didn't they already show Christine's mother moving in? - Or was that Janelle's mother? I'm SO confused. Well, it's almost 6:30 AM in my time zone, and I haven't been to bed yet. I hope nobody needs me until afternoon today.

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    1. I believe it's a new episode with a different plyg family. We'll know for sure in a few hours, though. lol

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    2. yes, they are off to meet another family in Utah i believe. One man two wives and 5 kids

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  26. Cynical Jinx - I was SO looking forward to that picture of Meri when she was dressed up as Kodi with the beard for the film. Shocking to see how much they looked alike.

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  27. In tonight's previews about Christine's demand for an apology, it looks like Kody is standing in front of an RV. I think it's a flashback to the Missouri trip. Kody forced Garrison to apologize to Isabelle, Kristine and Janelle for calling Isabelle an idiot for dancing.

    Regardless, tonight's show is bound to be a lot about nothing.

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  28. The dresses designed for the commitment ceremony were atrocious. But did anyone notice that in Mykelti's "portfolio" there was a dress design that looked just like Christine's Maid Marian outfit? I think Mykelti might have designed that disaster!

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    1. Yes! I saw that sketch in her book and had to SMH. I noticed many of the other sketches in her book looked like she copied designs from ads and then added her own embellishments. I had to keep telling myself that she's just a kid in high school.

      One her major mistakes is her choice of fabric. She, and many of the young people today, are choosing to use satin for their finished outer garment. I had a wonderful mother who taught me about fabric and what was appropriate for different outfits and what was only to be used as lining. I also was taught to read the fabric suggestions on the back of the pattern envelopes! Many young people are using lining fabrics for the main fabric and it looks cheap, tacky, and totally inappropriate.

      I blame Mykelti's fashion choices on the fact that she's grown up with limited exposure to popular and appropriate fashion trends and has lacked strong mentors. I think the mentors she's had have been awful (especially if her mother and her 'aunts' have played the role). Right now, her sketches are no more inspired or better than what tens of thousands of aspiring designers are drawing everywhere the country. The only thing that sets her apart from them is that she has a tv network giving her a national introduction. It's up to her to develop her talent and make something of the hand-up she's been given.

      She needs experience, to get away from the konpound and into a different environment, some strong and good mentoring, and positive life experiences. Hopefully that'll all come in the next few years.

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    2. I also was taught to read the fabric suggestions on the back of the pattern envelopes!
      My mother taught me the same thing. Another was to learn by mastering Simplicity patterns first, then McCalls, Butterick and later in adulthood Vogue. AND I had to learn how to make bound buttonholes.

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  29. Surprise, surprise !! The TLC gremlins have been busy rearranging things.

    Our Xfinity cable has listed the three SW epps airing today as...

    "An unscripted series documenting the daily life of a polygamous family Utah"

    !- What is with the "Utah" bit ?? What happened to the cuddle-sac in Vegas?
    Too embarrassed to admit the sham of the McMansions?

    2- *Unscripted".........HUH !!!???
    Now come on........they can't be serious on this one !!!
    This show is about as unscripted as any of the "Housewives" shows.
    TLC....shame on you !!!


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  30. Awaiting tonight's excitement...;-)

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