Books and Movies

Over Christmas break we watched a lot of old movies with my parents. The kids love it and frankly I did too, it brings back good childhood memories.

Here's the list...

            

1. Mr. McGorium's Wonder Imporium
2. Rear Window
3. To Catch a Thief
4. It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
5. The Great Race
6.  Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?

I also read two books and have started another. The first was Sarah Palin's new book called America By Heart.

I found this book to be a great motivator to stick to things even when they are hard, to have the love of country that our founding father's had and to stand up for the things I believe, to have faith in our God who will always be there for us. I wasn't a big Sarah Palin fan when I started this book, her voice annoys me and she's a little cheesy at times, but I think she's one tough cookie and I admire her for her dedication to America and her family values. I think this book gave me the boost I need to stop hiding my head under the covers and avoiding the difficult (and at times uncomfortable) discussions we should all be having if we are going to get this country moving forward again.

Do I hope she runs for president...no.

Enough about that, the next book was Decision Points by George W. Bush. Two words: LOVED IT! Like I told my facebook friends, if I didn't already have an awesome dad I'd want 'W'.

Though all the political jargon was new to me, I still stumbled my way through it and ended up really liking it. I've always liked Bush but now I have a new perspective of him. I think he's an incredible President who was foreordained to serve at that specific war time.

Thank goodness for politians who have stong morals and don't just change their views according to what's popular. He was a solid leader who meant what he said, stood firm in his beliefs, yet changed courses when necesarry. I love that he admits when he was wrong and even says what he (and we) can learn from those mistakes. George W. is highly compassionate, he truly mourned the loss of each American life lost, and it was evident to me throughout his presidency.

I can't imagine having the weight of the world on my shoulders the way President Bush did, yet he remained steadfast and never faultered in his duty to protect our country. In my eyes he is someone to look up to...a modern day hero indeed!

Now I'm reading a book called Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Breathnach. I love inspirational/motivational/do better books, so I'm enjoying it so far...I'll let you know what I decide once I'm finished. The basic idea is to find the things that make you happy, the small things like polka dot mugs :) and $1 Target socks. Getting cought up in the persuit of obtaining worldy possession to be happy is easy to do. I'd say as a blogger it's really easy to do. Looking at everyone's "perfect homes" or even if they don't come off as perfect, we get so many great (but sometimes costly) ideas or wants.

Finish my thoughts later...

xo,

Oscar Weekend

I don't have a lot of time to spare today so I'll make it quick. This weekend was colder than my liking but the rain stayed away long enough for us to have a successful school carnival. The highlight of said carnival was my sweet little Sophia braving many new things such as a pony ride.

You have to know, Sophia is very shy and cautious...OK, she's pretty much a scaredy cat! When she first saw it she was all smiles but said "too scary!", same went for the blow up slide and bounce house, but by the time we were done she had tried everything...and LOVED every minute of it! I was totally shocked.


Obviously, Sunday I watched the Oscars (while sending and receiving hundreds of texts from Chantell) sharing our thoughts on the red carpet fashions. Here's my take...

Favorite Gown & Overall Beauty:

First Place

Camila Alves w/ Matthew McConaughey

I can't even wrap my brain around how beautiful she looks in this gown. If anyone could tame Matthew McConaughey it's her!

Second Place

Melania Trump...nice look Donald!

I think she is also gorgeous in this gown and definitely my second pick for all around beauty,  the only flaw is her date. Could 'The Donald' be any more annoying?

Third Place

Sandra Bullock

One thing I loved about last night was that no one asked about J.J. nor did Sandra speak of him! Dirt Bag with a capital D!! I thought she looked super fab, the only down was that she looked tired...maybe a smoky eye or just some eyeliner would have helped. I say this while wearing the same lounge pants I wore last night to the Oscars... so what do I know? :)

Favorite Winners

Christian Bale: The Fighter

This movie was fabulous!! I was blown away in the first 20 seconds of his acting. I've always liked him as an actor but he really nailed this role...I'm still blown away by his abilities. I was BEYOND happy he won.

Colin Firth: The King's Speech

I was also happy Colin Firth won for Best Actor. Not only did he do a fabulous job in The King's Speech, I love all his movies and thought it was time for him to win.

Biggest Upset (for me)

Amy Adams

I thought she should have won for Best Supporting actress however, the good news is the woman that won played the mom in The Fighter (so that eased the blow for me), I think Amy looked a little bummed that she didn't win though. Don't get me wrong, Melissa Leo was amazing too, but I was a little surprised she beat out Amy...maybe after seeing it a second time, I'll feel differently. I'm also sure Amy would have given a more classy acceptance speech...dropping the 'F Bomb'...really?

Least Favorite Gown

Kate Blanchett

While I love Kate Blanchett, and thought her hair and make-up were gorgeous (as usual)...I didn't care for this gown. It has pretty eliments to it, but I thought the circle thing was too distracting. The dress was artistic and interesting, but I'd rather have seen her in something more classic.

Favorite Film

The Social Network

My top three favorite movies this year were: The Social Network, The Fighter & The King's Speech (in that order). I was a little disappointed The Social Network didn't win Best Film. I thought it was fast paced, smart and relevant. I liked The King's Speech, and thought it was a great story of friendship and perceverance, but it was a little slow at times. I do love that it sheds light on those who are struggling with studdering and hopefully will help others be more compassionate toward them. As for The Fighter, it was totally insperational, I just wish they could have done it without using the language, but then again, it's a true story about a drug addict.

The Hosts:



James Franco and Anne Hathaway

 I'm not a huge Anne Hathaway fan so going into it I thought I'd be annoyed with her hosting abbilities...not the case! Poor girl had to work overtime to make up for her dry co host James Franco. I thought I'd enjoy him, but instead, found him boring (not to mention he himself looked totally bored)! In this photo he's actually smiling, but for the most part his head was tilted back and to the side like he was half asleep. I was bummed I didn't get the chance to see his film 127 Hours, but now I doubt I will.  At least Anne looked fabulous in all her costume changes...she sure knows how to work a gown.

OK, enough of this nonsense...time to get back to reality and things that really matter, like laundry and Miss Sophia. :) Have a fabulous week!!

xoxo,