Oscar Time!

When watching the Oscars I always wonder which of the nominated films I would enjoy and should see. Below, I did a little round up of the darlings of the award season that I've had the opportunity to see--it might help you decide what to rent next!

The Artist

I really, really liked this film. I wasn't sure I would be into the silent film thing for 100 min. but I was totally engrossed! A classic story told by such gifted actors. I absolutely love George Valentin and Peppy Miller! (Played by Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo.) A must-see!

The Descendants

I don't really know what to say about this movie. I do recommend it...I just found it depressing. An emotional story. Impressive performances.

The Help

Usually I do not enjoy the movie-version of books I have enjoyed. This was not the case here. I think it totally did the book justice and it had admirable performances by all (hello, Octavia Spencer just won an Oscar). If you are not familiar with the story, it has a nice mix of serious situations and tones with uplifting relationships and comedic relief.

Hugo

I had no idea what this movie was about when I went to the theater. For those of you in the same boat, this is not an animated film (as I thought). The protagonist is a boy who lives in Paris in a train station. Very nostalgic and at times heartbreaking. Loved the 3D, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the movie. A little long, but a well-written story and great performances.

Moneyball

In my opinion, the best part of this movie is the performances. I also liked the tone and cinematography-very Social Network-like. Pacing was too slow for me.

The Iron Lady

This film was not nominated for best picture; however I decided to include it because Meryl Streep was amazing (not a surprise). I thought it would be a little boring, but it was really interesting!

The Tree of Life

Intense. If you like artsy films exploring life, this is for you.

Midnight in Paris* will be discussed in its own post! (I'm obsessed and it is one of my favorite movies. )

I still have to see War Horse and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close...any thoughts on these?

Dallas!

I recently started watching episodes of Dallas on DVD from Netflix. I wanted to know who all the characters were and the backstory before it starts again on TNT in a few months. SO obviously it’s a fun watch, but I am really into the fashion.

Loving the dress and scarf here...

And this halter dress...

The dress, the fur jacket, and the clutch!

Watching it makes me want an old-school phone again...

Super Bowl Cuteness!

My team is going to the Super Bowl this year! Can you tell by this picture which team it is? : )

This shirt is from the Victoria's Secret PINK NFL Collection. If you’re looking for something cute, but comfy to wear on the big day I would check out the selection at your local store (many teams are not available online).

If you live outside Massachusetts and New York, another resource is Old Navy. I like the men's shirts found here.

And of course, you can always go to the official NFL Shop!

Only one week from tomorrow! I can't wait...especially since one of my dearest girlfriends will be visiting with her husband and we will get to watch the game with them!

Emmys!

Did everyone watch the Emmys last night? I wasn’t really blown away by anyone’s “look”. I did like Lea Michele’s dress though. I’m a sucker for red and I liked the structure of the gown. Gotta love Marchesa!

I was happy to see two of my favorite shows win for best comedy and best drama! Congrats Modern Family and Mad Men!

Now, some people are saying it was the best Emmys ever… What did you think?

Photo Credit: people.com

Hiatus is Over!

So Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill have returned from a hiatus….and so have I! It’s been a crazy time, but I’m back now. Here’s what I’ve been up to if you missed me!

I got to take a few days away from work and physical therapy appointments to go to Cape Cod, MA for Brianne’s Wedding! (I was the Maid of Honor and I got to help design my dress!)

I saw an excellent production of Othello at the Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica, CA.

My local Border’s closed (sad face). However, I did stock up on some summer reading at 70% off. I need a break from library books. (Side-note: One book I didn’t get, but will be a must-read this summer is the new Sweet Valley High! I owe it to the 11 yr old me to see what happened to Jessica and Elizabeth!)

...And finally catching up on the fourth season of Mad Men!




Photo Credits (top to bottom): Wedding Day photo-L's List, Othello photo-powerhousetheatre.com, Sweet Valley Confidential photo-sweetvalleytenyearslater.com

The Final Rose

Ali gave out her final rose tonight...



and I got a dozen!

G. can't stand the show, but how sweet of him to get me these to celebrate the finale I had been looking forward to! I was so touched I cried...and then I cried during the episode, too. Love it!

Favorites from The Bachelorette!

Tonight's the night, Ladies!!! What is Ali going to do?! I have stayed away from gossip sites and tabloids so I actually have no idea. In celebration of the season finale, I thought I'd share my favorites from this round of The Bachelorette.

:)



3.1 Phillip Lim Striped Chiffon Dress



David Meister Beaded Shoulder Jersey Gown

Alice + Olivia Kingsley Kimono Tunic Dress and
Alice + Olivia Slouchy Bodice Jumpsuit

Island Wear by l'slist featuring Alice + Olivia pants

Blue Life Departure Tee in Blue
$74 - revolveclothing.com
More Blue Life t shirts »

Alice + Olivia Eric Pants
$254 - shopbop.com
More Alice + Olivia pants »

Young Fabulous & Broke Zen Pants
$119 - shopbop.com
More Young Fabulous & Broke pants »

Did I Tell You Who I Saw?

Remember this post?


I met Tamara Feldman briefly last week. I actually told her I was obsessed with her hair. hahaha




Photo Credit: Retna at superiorpics.com, gossipgirlinsider.com

Giada!

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending Giada's cookbook signing at Williams-Sonoma in Santa Monica. The store is beautiful by the way.


I was so excited to get her new cookbook, Giada at Home. And even more excited to meet her!


She is just as cute and friendly in person as she is on TV. There was a little girl in front of me in line and she knew some of the recipes! She must have been born to be a chef to be so interested in cooking at such a young age. Giada recommended some recipes to her.

I am loving that the new book has recipes from California and Italy and I look forward to making some of the dishes.

I'll be sharing my favorites with you of course. :)




Photos: L's List, L's List, GiadadeLaurentiis.com

So Long, Weekend...

Sigh. I hate Mondays. I like Monday nights though so that's something to look forward to! My weekend was insane. Other than doing a ton of work and running errands, some of the fun highlights included:

Mexican with friends


Couch shopping (and purchasing!)


Drinks with a girlfriend
Online browsing and wishlist selection :)

Cleobella Cantina Mini Bag (which just sold out!)

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (love this show)


Thanks to a few gift cards, I was able to stay within budget despite my ventures out. How was your weekend? XOXO


Photo Credits: Paco's Tacos, Urban Home, The Cheesecake Factory, Shopbop.com, Tvbythenumbers.com.

A Little Jake and a Little Thai

When I got home from work last night, I was done. G. ordered us Thai for dinner while I showered and washed that day out of my hair! Then I settled in for a blissful 3 hours in front of the TV. It felt so good to do nothing for a change!

So of course I watched The Bachelor season finale (yes, judge me!) and I went to bed with On The Wings Of Love stuck in my bed. I can't believe they got Neil Lane! The engagement ring is gorgeous!!!

Photo: onewed.com

Reunited!

I had a rough breakup a few years ago. When I started working full-time, I could no longer watch All My Children. It was a lengthy relationship that commenced when I was 3-yrs-old. Actually, I think I began watching it before then, but that's when I start remembering plot lines. I blame AMC for my flair for the dramatic. And it might be why I expect grand romantic gestures from the men I date. Ha!

Today I revisited Pine Valley. Thanks to Presidents' Day and jet lag from a weekend trip, I was plopped in front of the TV this afternoon when it appeared. It sucked me right back in! One of my favorite couples when I used to watch was Ryan & Greenlee. Then she died. But in today's episode she's alive again! Cool! Will she get back with Ryan? I will be DVRing!

Ryan and Greenlee

Photo credit: abc.com

Can I please have Serena's closet?

Brianne and I are always talking about how great Serena's clothes are. This look is one of my favorites....I love this vest!

Vest: Matthew Williamson

Photos: (top) gossipgirlinsider.com
(bottom) coolspotters.com

Favorite Soundtrack

Sometimes there is nothing better than chillin' out to the Ally McBeal soundtracks.....I just want to go to an after-work Boston lounge and dance to Vonda Shepard!!! Ah...Reason to Believe...Can We Still Be Friends...Walk Away Renee...Tell Him...good times.

Did you vote?

I'm feeling uninspired....so let's talk about The Bachelorette! :) I thought the finale last night was one of the the most awkward pieces of television programing I've ever seen. I'm not sure why I keep getting addicted season after season...it's like those Lofthouse frosted cookies at the grocery store.


People.com is doing a poll: who should be the next bachelor? I was bored and I voted...please don't judge me! (I voted for Kiptyn-upper left hand corner for those of you who do not watch the show.)

Anyone else have a favorite?

Bachelor Newsflash

For all you fans of The Bachelor out there:

According to people.com, Melissa Rycroft is engaged!

Sophia Bush

One of my favorites! My friend, J. and I were loving One Tree Hill last season. S.B. is fantastic on this show...and she's so stunning!

P.S. I love red! ;)

LC's Purse

So I was walking to my car today when I spotted this adorable girl wearing a really cute bag. As I walked by trying to get a good look at the purse, I realized the girl was Lauren Conrad of The Hills. I found a pic of her wearing it another time (below). I don't think the picture does it justice. It looked like a vintage gold mesh purse from a distance. Anyone know what bag it is?


Pic: celebrity-gossip.net

Poppy Lifton

Poppy may be scandalous, but she has great style!

Pic: gossip girl insider

Cook Yourself Thin

I can't wait to see this new show on Lifetime. Cook Yourself Thin debuts tomorrow at 5pm ET/PT so I'm going to have to record it. The show is supposed to show you how to cook using ingredients with fewer calories. It looks fun and informative. Check it out if this interests you. I'll let you know what I think!