You deserve an award for the role that you played

It's the day of love. And there are few things I love more than awards season! I love the fashion & the films and (sometimes) the actors themselves. In anticipation for the Oscars (AHHHHHH!YEAH!!!!) coming soon & the Independent Spirit Awards (coming one day sooner!), I am going to show you my favorite and my worst dressed of the awards season so far and leave you with some wishes for the Academy Awards and my predictions.

My favorite of the globes...Claire can do no wrong (plus she just had a baby!)
Atelier Versace-- her kohl rimmed eyes make it, in my humble opinion

She did the Angelina Jolie leg pose!  I thought we heard the end of it.
My worst of the night (again this is Atelier Versace)

SURPISE-- a lot of people hated this.  I don't like the fishtail braid but I LOVE BALL GOWNS
And this Carolina Herrera is no exception.

Best of the SAGS...it was divine, and the Lorraine Schwartz Art Deco pendant...I die.

You know what else can go away along with Angelina inspired leg-slit poses?  Side-boob.  Yuck. Michelle Dockery in  Chado Ralph Rucci.  Michelle can stay in the post-Edwardian era.

SURPRISE-- I can't stand Marion (like at all), but I  LOVE this DIOR...LOVE

I don't usually count the Grammy's in my award season viewing, let alone fashion as I tend to prefer the classic to the outrageous.  But this year I did love a few looks.

Carrie in Cavalli = Flawless

Dear Gucci, I am a sucker for green on the red carpet...and I do not oppose cleavage (just side boob)

She's SO pretty-- but the hair is too sparse and the leg is too, well I've already told you now a few times. WORST!

Dear Solange, Ralph Russo, those pumps and that natural hair did you RIGHT.  Surprise, I love it all, head to toe!

Predictions for the Academy Awards...Best Pic- Argo, Best Actor- DDL (although Bradley Cooper had such a performance in Silver Linings!), Best Actress- Chastain (I love Wallis too).

I wanna see ball gowns ladies....  someone please wear these...

Arca Reem 2013 collection

Love the red, love the fushia

Dear Jessica, You are beautiful in sapphire!  

Miss Wallis,  you rock that puppy purse.  You are only  the youngest oscar nominee once! 

I found all the photos at the page I am addicted to each year:  RCFA!

Enjoy the show all, I can't wait!

title courtesy of lyrics of Oscar nominee herself: Madge-- Take a bow

wake up Maggie I think I've got something to say to you...

Spent a little time this weekend working on a scrapbook of "firsts" for my nephew who will be coming soon!  And then I got to looking through Sloane's first year and realized there are some must have photos missing.  So I have challegned myself to do one page for Sloane for every two I do for my nephew. 

These two photos were the first ones up...

first look at you-- for a challenge at Studio Calico

first bath at grammy's -- for the Sunday sketch at Studio Calico

Besides scrapping I had a lovely Easter weekend watching Sloane in a poofy dress learning to hunt and gather eggs, watched my nephews and niece play, watched my brother Cam play baseball and made him try on his prom suit for me, had a drink with some dear friends and got to see my nephew's 3D sono photos. 

We also finally watched Martha Marcy May Marlene.  Keenan did not like it but I did- I thought Elizabeth Olsen was wonderful the plot was so creepy and haunting-- and very PTSDesque.  I shouldn't have watched it right before bed.  Young Adult is the next movie on my list to see at home, I am hoping Diablo Cody's (of Juno fame) screenplay does not disappoint. 


title courtesy of Rod Stewart: Maggie May

you could shine a little light on everything around you

Things have been a little crazy lately.  Quite busy and very blessed.  Keenan started his new position and so daddy daycare is no longer in operation.  Sloane goes to grammy's all day.  She is very happy to hang out with grandma all day and grandpa on his lunch break.  It's great because Keenan goes to work early and gets off early and I go to work later and get off later.  So I get to spend the early morning getting Sloane ready and off to grammy's and Keenan gets to pick her up in the early afternoon.  I don't regret for a minute moving here, it's such a blessing (and HUGE money saver) to have Sloane in the care of her family all day long. 

Speaking of family...we have been working like fiends on Taylor's baby's nursery (wait til you see the before and after shots, it's unreal).  Everyone is goading her to choose a name, she is having as hard of a time as we did.    I don't think he will have a name until he is out of the womb and into the world.

And this is coming up soon....

designed by Kate at grey square design on Etsy (she's delightful!)

Crazy weekend, I jetted to Lawrence on Friday for Whitney's surprise 32nd birthday party (her husband is a gem, she was so surprised she cried).  On Saturday we hung out and watched KU beat Mizzou (hooray!) and Sunday brought our favorite day...the Academy Awards. I was tickled for my favorite actress evah-- Meryl (although I wanted Viola to win so much too-- definitely the best category this year).  I am slowly (much more slowly than usual, pre-baby) working my way through the nominees.  We are slated to see The Artist (art cinema) this week and My Week with Marilyn (art cinema) and The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo (red box) next week, I believe Hugo will come out soon as well. 

Oscar baby 2012

Who did you think looked smashing? I loved Viola's green gown and her natural hair!  She is seriously gorgeous, she looked like a total movie star.  Green on the red carpet is always a winner with me.

via

I did not care for Angelina's look at all.  She was so posey.  She totally ruined her aloof image.  She should be the kind of star that you should say-- "is that a slit in her dress?" in that mysterious give-me-more way.  Instead she looked so vampy.  Ick. Plus she does not look too skinny-- she looks like a SKELETON.  Seriously, this is honestly a medical problem.  It doesn't help her to be on all the best-dressed lists-- she needs help. 
 
Also this coming weekend--a swimming party, even though appearing in a bathing suit before losing all the baby weight is against my religion...I will be going to celebrate a special day for my favorite family.  And these two little guys:

4 years old, can it be?

Mr. Quinn one year ago
photo by David (daddy)...look how gorgeous Bre is minutes after giving birth.  that should be illegal people.

 Someday soon I will be able to breathe again.  I believe this, I do. 
 
title courtesy of Rob Thomas: Someday

misty water-colored memories

tonight!

the consummate beauty
the best dressed (ever)
the color I love to see on the red carpet (especially on redheads)
vintage Dior (beautiful!)

Last night I watched The Hurt Locker. So I now have seen 9 of 10 of the best picture nominees (p.s. I hate that there are 10 now rather than 5). Also have seen a good 10 other films that are nominated.

I don't want to see Avatar & I hope it doesn't win. I have a strong dislike (although probably arbitrary) for James Cameron and his bajillion dollars. Therefore, it gives me great joy to root against him and for his ex-wife (Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker) for best director (Also would be the first woman to win in this category, long overdue). If she doesn't win, I am going for Lee Daniels (Precious) he is a big underdog and Precious was brilliantly directed.

My other hopes for statues are: MoNique (Best Supporting Actress, Precious), Colin Firth (A Single Man, although I think Jeff Bridges may have it on lock). If not Sandy (The Blind Side), then Meryl, if not Meryl (Julie & Julia) then Gabourey (Precious).

Christoph Waltz (the best performance in the delightful Inglorious Basterds). If not him, I'd love to see Stanley Tucci (the Lovely Bones). He was chillingly wonderful, and if the movie would have been a little better I think he'd have it in the bag.

happy viewing!

title courtesy the award winning song The Way we Were

all the blue light reflections that color my mind when I sleep

I love lists. Sometimes I make random "top 5" lists in my mind. Here's one that ran through my mind today. 5 of my favorite acting performances...

Babs in The Way We Were (she drips class in that last scene)

Hoffman, Kramer vs. Kramer, heartbreakingly perfect fave scene
Mr. Penn, Ms. Watts, & Mr. del Toro in 21 Grams (flawless)

A new favorite performance from an old favorite actress Ms Claire in Temple Grandin

Hilary was the Million Dollar Baby but her performance was priceless

Speaking of priceless, there is a great giveaway here.

title courtesy of Mrs. Potter's Lullaby (aptly written for a movie star, by one Mr. Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows)

finding right in what went wrong

this is one of my ultimate favorites... so many lines that I feel hit me to the core, wrapped up as an unpretentious little romantic-comedyish.



Claire Colburn: Do you ever just think I'm fooling everybody?
Drew Baylor: You have no idea.

Lately I feel a little like I'm fooling everyone, since my promotion my job has been really uninspired. I really want to get back to what I love (which is not the clinical review process, alas it seems to be all I ever do).

Gotta find a way back to myself...

title courtesy of Jeff Finlin, from the Elizabethtown soundtrack (which is amazing from track one to fourteen), Sugar Blue

you're covered in secrets

This is up for tomorrow's matinee, I LOVE Oscar season. Also it's Keenan's tech weekend for Grey Gardens, which means the 24 hours of rehearsals this weekend and a LOT of alone time for me. Went to dinner at McCoys with Josie last night and took her "on-call" duties for tonight so she can go to Party Arty. Watching the SAG awards tonight and trying to get a little creative. I'm due to post about my birthday, but must locate my camera usb cord first.

Hope your weekend is wonderful! Really looking forward to next weekend already, a little road trip with my bff&birthday girl Bre! Can't wait.

edited to add: Mo'Nique definitely deserving of all the accolades she has gotten recently. Precious was totally worth my time. It was important & tragic, and real.

title courtesy of Patty Griffin: Mary

isn't she lovely...

I finished the book voraciously and am off to see this film later this afternoon. I have heard the critics are not liking it...but I am hopeful. I can't wait to see Peter Jackson's interpretation of Alice Sebold's interpretation of Susie Salmon's heaven.

edited to add...LOVED the film! I thought the acting was well done and the cinematography was beautiful. I loved the changes that were made to adapt this book into a screenplay. I balk at you critics!

title courtesy of Stevie Wonders song by the same name

and the seasons of last year like reasons have floated away

I saw a bevy of films over the holidays and thought I'd record my thoughts on them before heading back to reality and the office tomorrow. These thoughts DO NOT contain spoilers, I am not a spoiler.

Nine...eh more like a "Five"...it was dreadfully boring, even with the gloss of tons of Oscar winners (Marion Cotillard, Dame Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren & Daniel Day Lewis) it didn't matter. Fergie (the only "name" in the movie who hasn't won an Academy Award) actually upstaged them all...her performance and song were the best parts of the movie. That's how you know it was dreadful.

Up in the Air...aka The George Clooney film...Keenan LOVED it...I did not. However, I am not a Clooney fan (I always feel like he is trying poorly to channel Cary Grant, this maybe unfair, but it's just one woman's opinion). Clooney's performance is solid but there is no way I think he can best Colin Firth (A Single Man). And although I doubt Brothers will be an academy-darling Toby Maguire was better too this year. The script is decent (again Brothers is better) and save one completely silly crying scene Anna Kendrick was spot-on.

The Hangover... I bought it for Keenan for Christmas, he saw it at the theatre with his friends and has been raving over it ever since. I loved Zack Galifianakis. It's basically what it is supposed to be, the everyday-guy's pipedream, including completely stereotypical roles for females. The Hangover left me minimally charmed and feeling a little nauseous myself. (To atone for making me watch this he watched my gifted DVD Julie & Julia)

Two Lovers...A redbox rental (since our Netflix is devoted to Mad Men at the present time). It's a small indie flick with Gwyneth and Joaquin. They are both great in this film, which starts a little slowly but satisfies eventually. The performances are definitely better than the script. But it's a good rental.

Adventureland...Another redbox, we hadn't seen it. And to be honest we didn't see the end. However, we were pretty sure there wasn't a big twist ending. I really only want to see Micheal Cera as the lovable-smart guy...sorry Jesse Eisenberg...Micheal does it better.

A Few Good Men...I watched it on TV, all the way through, for probably the thousandth time...Keenan saw it for the first time when we were first together. It was really difficult to not recite the lines that first time he watched it, I don't abide by that restriction anymore, therefore he doesn't watch it with me anymore. I can't help it, every time Lt. Caffey demands "Col. Jessup did you order the code red?" And the Col. screams "You're damn right I did!" I get chills. Solid story, great performances (Keifer Sutherland makes me squirm), and great dialogue...I love this film.

I am looking forward to seeing...Sherlock Holmes, The Lovely Bones, Me & Orson Wells and The Fantastic Mr. Fox.


title courtesy of Something Corporate: Me and the Moon

I'd swim across lake Michigan, I'd sell my shoes.

I am ready to do another "weekend agenda" post. I want another weekend. I want another weekend like this one. I got to see two lovely films, went out to dinner with my brother & Keenan, finished my Christmas shopping, finished wrapping presents & making cards, had lunch in the River Market with Josie, spent some time on the phone with my mom, sister and Bre.

I saw A Single Man, there is a lot of buzz about this film, especially about Colin Firth. I thought Colin was amazing---I didn't see "Colin Firth" I believed his character completely and loved the screenplay. It was close to perfection

Also saw An Education, buzz about this for the actress, Carey Mulligan and the movie. I thought the screenplay was good. I liked Carey Mulligan (who also has a bit part in the film Brothers) but I didn't believe she was 16. The actress is 25, and her skin looked 25. Makeup was poor. Also, I thought she must be the most subtle and mature 16 year old ever. I liked Carey's performance, but it could have been so perfect if just once we could have seen the beautiful disaster that is "love at 16 years old".

title courtesy of Sufjan Stevens: To be alone with you

your faith was strong, but you needed proof

found here

The weekend flew by. Knocked some things off the weekend agenda...

• The movie Brothers was intensely fantastic and has me all ready for Oscar season. Jake Gyllenhal was fabulous, and Toby Maguire had a strong performance. Also the screenplay is AMAZING. So real.
• Randy's (step-dad) 50th birthday party went well. We met in Topeka at Outback Steakhouse. My niece and I colored. She wanted to order ribs, she's 4.
• About half of my Christmas shopping is done
• Baking was successful
• Watched Four Christmases on demand and thought it was cutely typical
• Meaningful amounts of hot liquids (tea & cocoa)
• Watched FB with Dad, Cam & Matt at Kites in Shawnee
• Missed my girlfriends but kept up with their antics via text message
• Read a self-help book that did not help me

title courtesy of Jeff Buckley, Hallejuah (although I prefer to listen to the Rufus Wainwright cover of it)

come into my world I've got to show show show you...

So I am on "staycation". My boss forced it really, she looked at what I had used my time off for in the past year (holidays, Keenan's audition, bereavement) and decided I needed some "real" time off, with no commitments. I thought it sounded delicious. Actually, not having a schedule is more difficult than I remembered.

So far I've accomplished some things that are notable on staycation...

reverse happy hour at 180 with Bret & Keenan
chiropractor (ahhhh!)
the end of guiding light (boo-hoo)
drinks w/ Josie & John (coworkers)
received banana bread & cookies from mom (yum)
got my car worked on (it ran great for 2 days, now it's crap again)
coffee at coffee station
coffee, lunch and drinks w/ Josie, Juan & Kim.
football, fantasy football and chili-making
baked banana bread and made green beans from the farmers market
browsed food magazines
Starbucks, again (hey it's my vacation!)
sent Brooks' birthday present (Aug 3)
sent Grandmas' birthday card (only a day late)
paid bills
went to Time Travelers Wife (alone w/ gummy worms, popcorn and a small sprite) (2 stars)
going to lunch with Keenan
sleeping in (much-needed)

also I am required to keep my work phone off, no email, no "checking-in". after detoxing from the ever-ringing I am feeling quite grateful.

darling, I wish you well, on your way to the wishing well

what I scored this weekend for hardly any $$$
MajRThrift had a big sale...

• vintage pyrex pitcher w/ lemon design (we owned this same pitcher circa 1985) (1.71)
• a big stock pot w/ lid (2.48)
• a book for Keenan (.49) & one for my future offspring (.99)
• a small Peter Rabbit child's plate (.48) (I have a problem: shopping for my non-existent-yet-baby)
• a pair of Gap jeans (14.99) (I have the same pair in a different wash, that cost me 60 dollars & they are my faves!)
• a cream sweater dress (1.50)
• 1 scarf (.50) & one cream pashmina (2.00)
• a black DKNY suede overnight bag (2.50)
• a zip up adorable hoodie (4.00)

Movie lately viewed...

• Sunshine Cleaning- stars my girl, Amy Adams...love it, it moves a little slowly, but it's definitely a 4 star movie
• Facts of Life - 3 stars- Lucille Ball & Bob Hope 1960
• The Way we Were 5 stars- an old fave, but it was on this weekend and I can't resist it

Blogs I recently fancy

• Lisa Golightly -- love her prints on etsy & her posts on her blog
• Smitten Kitchen --unpretentious recipes & wonderful pictures
• Cooking for cock -- sure the tagline makes me blush, but it's got tasty recipes & a sense of humor

title courtesy of Patty Griffin "Nobody's Crying"

you visit me in my sleep

"Sometimes you can see things happen right in front of your eyes and still jump to the wrong conclusions."— Jodi Picoult

I've been a little MIA this week. I took two days off of work before the weekend and had myself a 5-day weekend. It was nice. Lots of sleep, movies & good food, lots of time spent with Keenan.

We saw 500 days of Summer--2.5 stars (eh, didn't like how the female character was written at all), Inglourious Basterds (sic)--4 stars, although it was TOO long, and District 9--3 stars, again TOO long and slow.

I've been feeling off lately...this seems to be a pattern in August. I am not sure why August is such a "downer" every year. Although I have decided that I will make no major decisions in the month of Ceasar Augustus. Major decisions will be tabled, until September.

Had the best dream last night. I fell asleep, unsuspecting that I would get to "spend some time" with my grandma and hug her, for a long time. Of course I wish it hadn't been a dream, but it was so much better than nothing.

title courtesy of Pink: Who Knew?

and like an idea she came to me.

Things I've done lately...

• enjoyed a Royals win with my sis, brother, stepbrother & fam, Mom & stepdad
• ate my uncle's famous homemade icecream for the first time in 8 years
• went to the theatre & saw Orphan, alone (creepy).
• went to the theatre w/ my nurse friend and saw Julie & Julia (loved it!)
• went to the theatre w/ my bf and saw Funny People (ok).
• went to the thrift store and got 4 NY times bestsellers for 2$
• ate a delicious brunch with Keenan, with lemon merengue pie for dessert
• held my first drama therapy session with a new group of elders with alzheimers & dementia
• painted my toenails (abysmally, albeit economically).

I've been waiting, rather impatiently, to see Julie & Julia. I have always admired Meryl Streep and have been quite taken with Amy Adams ever since Junebug.

The film really resonated with me, possibly because I blog too, possibly because I am a scant 6 months from turning 30 and sometimes wonder what I've really done with my life, and quite possibly because it was about 2 women who were doing something with their lives that had little to do with the men around them. Women don't get to have films like that too often, maybe a woman is a CEO in a film, but the total plotline is how she can fall in love with someone in order to make herself complete.

Right after I saw the film I really wanted to read the book or the blog, so that I could experience more of Julie Powell's Julia Child project. Then I started hearing of all of this backlash against Julie Powell. The funniest bit of critique I heard is that she is self-absorbed. Ha. Of course she is. I would like to call for the previous question here, let's take a vote. Who thinks that bloggers are self-absorbed? Isn't that inherent in blogging? Even if you blog on a topic (celebrities, food, scrapbooking, thrifting, home-design) it's still through your own lens.

Therefore I say (as a fellow self-absorbed vapid narcissist), so what! I am glad Julie Powell was absorbed enough in her project to share it with others. I love that she introduced me to a style of cooking I know nothing about, and that she renewed America's interest in a woman who beat the odds: Julia Child. Lovely film. Bravo, Julie!

the official weekend to-do list...

"There's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last." A Duritz, A long December

FRIDAY!!!!

The end of this work week has been delicious. Keenan didn't have to work tues, weds, or last night. We got to eat dinner together and lounge around on the couch watching tv: Wonderful!

Tons of movies I want to see: Rachel Getting Married, Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, Doubt and Frost/Nixon, and that Brad Pitt one...Benjamin Button? (something to the effect of that). Might hit Rachel Getting Married this weekend alone. Would love to see it w/ Tay, but it won't come to Salina while I'm there and she's not planning on coming here anytime soon. K works all weekend and so does the Nurse...therefore I am loner at the movies.

Okay, must finish up Christmas and Christmas party for work...therefore lots of shopping is in order this weekend. need to organize and wrap the gifts I do have done.

Have to go to Olathe to an open-house of three of my guys at the center. Wasn't planning on going but I brought it up in front of one of them and he said he wanted me to see where he lives. Heartwarming ensued. Thus I will trek south and see his home & do some shopping in the suburbs.

Who I know I have left to buy for:
Something little for Tay
Mom's ornament
Keenan's massage gift certificate
A couple of my friends (who may read this...can't tell what you are getting)
Something little for Brielle
Brooks
Dad
Send G&G G a card and photos from this year of Tay, Matt & I...

Never ended up decorating the apt. for Christmas. I got out the snowflake bathroom towels and Christmas dishtowels and angel throw pillow, everything else is still in the green rubbermaid crate. I doubt I will follow-through, I've never decorated much in the past, besides the one year it felt obligitory (Dec 05).

Also not sending Xmas cards this year...only did this one year too, the obligatory married Christmas cards. Now that I am no longer such, and I have no children, I don't see that you need a Christmas card from me (with the exception of my grandparents), consider it yours and mine contributions toward being "green" for Christmas.

I should probably squeeze in laundry, somewhere in the schedule as well...

have a great weekend yourself.