a midnight exchange

They lay in the still, quiet, darkness - almost asleep.

She found his hand in the covers and held it.

"I love you so much. You make me so happy." she whispered.

A moment passed.

Then he placed her hand over his heart.

"You made my heart race." he said.

Still in love.

6

They Deserve an Oscar

The Oscar Noms are in and that means time to weigh in. These are my pics, NOT necessarily me predictions. To see the full list of nominations click here. Here goes!

BEST PICTURE

The Artist

LEAD ACTOR

Brad Pitt for Money Ball

LEAD ACTRESS

 Viola Davis

(although I have not yet seen 'My Week with Marilyn')

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Christopher Plumber for Beginners (he was AMAZING)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

 Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Rango

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

 A Separation

ORIGINAL SONG

Real in Rio from Rio

Only has TWO nominations? 'Man or Muppet' and 'Real in Rio'

I think if a Muppets song was going to be nominated it should have been "Life's a Happy Song'.

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Sunshine Saturday: Advanced Style

This week's SUNSHINE SATURDAY is a highlight of a blog I recently heard about called Advanced Style. It is all made up of women aged 70 and above (up to 100 years old!) who are committed to being stylish and showing personal flair through clothing and accessories. 

Holy Awesome.

Here are a few of my favorites from browsing the site this week (click to enlarge).

Also, make sure to check out the section called "I'm proud to be _____ years old".

 These women do charity events, pilates classes and lead active, amazing lives. I swear, if Matt dies first (which I will be very sad about) I am taking whatever retirement money we had saved, moving to Manhattan and becoming these women.

Are you as inspired as I am?

5

Have you ever....

stayed at the Olive Garden 

until it was a full 30 minutes 

past closing because you were having 

too much fun with your girlfriends 

at Book Club to go home?

I have.

Thanks girls.

P.S. Sorry about the severely unflattering picture.
But the mid-laugh joy was too much for me to pass up.

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random thought thursday

i finally got all of

the negatives from my

humanitarian trip to Africa

put onto a picture CD.

it only took 11 years.

* * * * * * *

Bianca is 50/50

walking and knee-walking.

progress.

* * * * * * *

i feel like i should apologize

every time i beat someone

in Scrabble or Words With Friends. 

* * * * * * *

our Christmas tree is still up.

super-pathetic.

* * * * * * *

Evangeline:

"We believe in God, the maternal otter  
and in his song, Jesus Prize,  
and in the scary ghost".  

Close, little Mormon girl. Close.

* * * * * * *

if this isn't the cutest

valentine's day photo shoot

i don't know WHAT is.

* * * * * * *

on a related topic:

will i ever have a boy?

* * * * * * *

have you seen my

Plucky Momo shop?

because it's filled with

super-cute Project Life printables.

i'm just sayin'.

* * * * * * *

4

something controversial

UPDATE: I am closing the comments on this post. I guess I didn't realize just how fired up people might get.  I really found Kristin's comment insightful. Make sure to read it since it's one of the only times I have heard the "other side".  Just something to consider.

So, remember this post about Ted Kennedy? When he died some called him the greatest senator ever and the like. I was interested because he did something pretty awful. Basically he drove a car into a river with a young female passenger inside, whom he was suspected to be having an affair with. He swam to the surface and then let the woman die...not reporting the incident for nine full hours.

(photo by Associated Press)

So, here's the thing. Joe Paterno passed away this week. Of course, you know that. But he is not really being mourned or remembered for his good contributions outside of Pennsylvania. Here, people are hurting and mourning and remembering. Our news is filled with tales of his good deeds, philanthropic work, inspiring students, helping the needy.   But elsewhere?...not so much.

In making my own judgement about the recent scandal and his part in it I have concluded that I do not think he did his due diligence. I think he should have gone straight to the real police. I think he should have done more. However, is that worse than driving away from a drowning woman in a car? It seems to me that the timing of this scandal has made a world of difference in the public opinion following Joe's death.

Is it because Kennedy had time after his scandal to continue to do good and therefore repair his broken public image? Will Joe Paterno's good deeds, which I believe outweighed this scandal (especially since it was a sin of omission) be overshadowed and forgotten by the general public? Wouldn't it be horrible to be remembered this way? Is it fair?

Weigh in.

11

swoon!

is anyone in the entire world

hotter than old-school Paul Newman?

i think not.

*img src unknown

5

war paint

Every day it's the same. At some point (usually in the rear view mirror while waiting for a child to get on the school bus) I apply my war paint. I'm one of those people that looks MUCH better with make-up on. Like, when I don't wear it, people say, "Oh my! Are you sick?!" Ouch.

I whipped this up for my Project Life 2012 and thought I would share it here. Boring? Maybe. But whatever.  You'll note what a cheapskate I am when it comes to make-up. Oh well.

In my Make-up Bag: (1) Foundation (2) Retractable Blush Brush (3) Blush (4) Eyebrow powder (5) Heated Eyelash Curler (6) Waterproof Eye Liner (7) Vanilla Eyeshadow (8) Waterproof Mascara in Black (9) Lip Gloss in Wine Shine OR (10) Long Lasting Lipstick in French Roast

At the end of the day? These amazing cloths take it all off.  A vital necessity since I seem to wear make-up suited for underwater diving.  I've tried ALL of the make-up removers out there. Just trust me, this is the best. Not oily like Mary Kay or stingy like Neutragena.  And yes, better than Baby Wipes. 

7

from this week

Evangeline at Pre-school.

I caught her coloring intently with her tongue stuck out.

1

purely for spite

Yesterday Bianca totally walked around my friend Amber's house.

Like a gazillion steps.

And then I brought her home.

And she wouldn't take a step.

Not even one.

3

Recipes that Rock: Chicken Tikka Masala

My husband LOVES Indian food. And I love SOME Indian food. Overly spicy yellow curries are not for me, but what IS for me is Chicken Tikka Masala. Oh man...it is GOOD!  You could make this with any protein and maybe even with....gulp...tofu? 

Pin It

I wanted to share the recipe here since it's a great starter recipe to get to know Indian food and flavors since it's not too strong or unusual in taste. Our kids LOVE this stuff.  We had it this past week for Matt's birthday dinner. Even baby Bianca ate two helpings and smacked her little lips...a lot.

Note: Garam Masala is an Indian spice which can be found in the regular spice section of most grocery stores. It is pure magic.

Printable version w/out photo CLICK HERE

Printable version with a photo CLICK HERE

4x6" Recipe Card - click img below to enlarge. 

Then right click and choose "Save Picture".

5

random thought thursday

Guess what I received in the mail
over Christmas break?
The publisher saw my post and
offered to send me a free copy.
How could I refuse? 

 * * * * * * * *

If you're wondering why I went blond

here is your answer:

I felt I had to do it to offset

the hair dying universe after

THIS major event happened.

I always coordinate my look
based on what the Biebs and I discuss.

* * * * * * * *

After our home reaching

"Hoarders" status we are now

implementing some new household rules.

Starting with a mega-clean.

Hopefully we don't find too many

flattened cat carcasses.

* * * * * * * *

I actually don't think you're allowed

to be featured on an episode of

"Hoarders" if you don't have at

least two and a half dead cats under

your piles of filth.

* * * * * * * *

My friend, Christie, is amazing.

* * * * * * * *

If I haven't already told you

about THIS site.

You need to go check it out.

Like now.

* * * * * * * *

Now that I know there's

a photo booth at our local

movie theater I may

be going there a few times a month.

Not to watch movies.

Just for the photos.

* * * * * * * *

If I post my amazing recipe

for Chicken Tikka Masala here

will anyone even use it?

Would YOU make Indian food at home?

* * * * * * * *

If Mondo doesn't win the current

All Stars season of Project Runway

I may boycott. His previous 2nd place

finish was a complete farce.

Gretchen Smetchen.

* * * * * * * *

Have you seen the trailers

for the Hunger Games movie?

More importantly, have you seen that

my celebrity crush is playing Cinna?

Things just got HOT in District 12.

* * * * * * * *

Our cell phone won't hold a charge anymore.
Add one more stupid expense to the list.
Bleh. 

* * * * * * * *

16

no regrets?

there's no cliche i hate more than "i have NO regrets
because everything i did led me here."
really? NO regrets? in your entire life?



i regret
saying things that hurt other's feelings,
not stopping that day when the woman was on the side of the road,
not licensing our car on time,
eating that quesadilla at midnight,
barking at my kids yesterday,
not doing the dishes more often,
not speaking out about abuse sooner,
letting my emotional eating habits continue,
buying those red shoes that were so cute, but left a permanent scar on my big toe,
wasting time on stupid guys in college,
getting that perm in high school,
not finishing college when i had the chance,
i mean...i could go on and on.

a life with no regrets? baloney.
what do YOU regret?

9

birthday boy love

Yesterday was the Hubbs' Birthday.  He's SO adult now that he didn't tell anybody at work it was his birthday. Crazy Old-Man.

We had our family shindig on Sunday. Matt requested CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA for his special dinner. Yes please!

After dinner we sang and opened presents. New ties and a new belt sander. Very manly indeed.

Monday night we had a date. Out to fancy dinner at Subway. Yes, THAT Subway. And out to a man-movie: Mission Impossible 3: Ghost Protocol (oll....oll.....oll...)

Oh...did I mention I am blonde now?
Well, I am.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Matty-Pants. You're pretty cool and stuff.

6

Golden Globes 2012 Fashion Wrap-Up

I know you've been waiting for it! So here it is:

THE GOOD

DIANA AGRON usually dresses too old and severe, but this dress was young, interesting and fresh.  I love the ruby red up by her face and the red lip to match.  NATALIE PORTMAN scored again in this chic pink gown with perfect, subtle hair and make-up.  HELEN MIRREN you are amazing.  Gorgeous, age appropriate and sexy like crazy, you old broad! Well done.

MORE GOODNESS

BRADLEY COOPER was in an immaculate tux. I fit like a glove. Now shave that weird facial hair and meet me at the Motel 6.  VIOLA DAVIS looked fan-tastic.  Who knew her body was so slammin'?  Everything is modern and gorgeous.  EVAN RACHEL WOOD wore a risky choice in a deep green with layers and feathers at the bottom. I loved the risk and I loved the entire look.

LOVING THE NUDE

I know. I have disparaged nudes on this blog before, but when it's done right...it works!  CHARLISE THERON was best dressed of the night. I usually don't like odd appendages coming off gowns in the form of bows or flounces, but this totally works.  And I just loved the jeweled headband.  JESSICA ALBA carried this nude sine it is not too close to her skin color. It's so soft and feminine and fits perfectly.  JULIE BOWEN...stepped it up!  Her hair is so 'Old Hollywood' glam.  Adore.

FUNNY-LADY CURSE LIFTED?

Wha?!  Has the funny lady curse lifted?!! MELLISSA McCARTHY finally gets it right. The gown is fancy enough, the right material and fit well. I am not a huge fan of the hair, but it's not a deal breaker.  TINA FEY has never looked so good.  There's still room for improvement, but this is totally in the right direction.  And AMY POHLER was perfection. Look at how young she looks! Her Emmy look was severe, hard and aging and this is exactly the opposite.

THE BAD

ANGELINA JOLIE has this weird red stripe along the top of her gown which was really out of place. And the gown itself was full-on satin. Not a good fabric to wear on the red-carpet.  JULIANNA MARGULISE looks like she is in a lavender straight-jacket. When everything is too covered up you look like you're choking. Remember when Amy Adams did this at the Emmys?  CLAIRE DAINES paired too many hard lines and elements.  With a gown as angular and contrasting as this she needed soft hair and makeup.  Oh and her shade of coral lipstick was killing me.

THE UGLY

AMANDA PEET looks like she stole a lace doily of her Grandmother's table and sewed it into a flouncy, unflattering mess. Sheesh!  MERYL STREEP. You're insane.  A western shirt with nude cut-outs and a super-wide and hip enhancing skirt? Are you sure?! CONNIE BRITTON dressed for a fourth grade Valentine's dance, not the Golden Globes.

BAD NEWS IN BLUE

SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR looks insane in a tie dyed dress. It's a shame because the cut and fit of the dress isn't bad. It doesn't look young and hip...just nutso.  JODIE FOSTER wore a bridesmaids dress from 1984.  See you can wear them again!  KELLY OSBORNE from the blue hair to the massive blue dress to the pointy shoulder-pads this was a Smurf's delight.  Seriously...why is her hair blue?


All right bloggies - weigh in!  
Am I insane? 
Agree? or Disagree?

11

NCAA Final

My NCAA Final equivilent is tonight. 

Yep, the Golden Globes.

Bring it, Ricky Gervais.

Bring it, Red Carpet.

Bring it, Fashion.

And you KNOW what's coming on Monday.

Right?

5

Gwyneth & the Vegenaise challenge

The thing about really healthy people is...

they are always lying and saying that ____________ tastes just as good as full fat version.  

As in: "I replaced my regular pasta with 12 grain, whole wheat pasta and it tastes exactly the same!" and "You should try snacking on edamame! It's exactly like munching on Cool Ranch Doritos...no wait...it's BETTER!"

Listen, you can like those alternatives, but don't pretend they're identical taste twins.  That's just baloney.

So when I read Gwyneth Paltrow's cookbook where she talked about Veganaise (a vegan version of mayonnaise) tasting even better than real mayo (You'll never be able to tell the difference!") I cried foul.  But then, a few months back, I was in our local Mennonite Grocery store and spotted a jar of Vegenaise on the shelf, beckoning me with it's promise of mayo taste with 1/4 the fat per serving. I bought it on a whim. 

Now listen, I'm not going to pretend that it tastes exactly the same.  It doesn't. However, it DOES taste more like regular mayo than Miracle Whip. Seriously. 

You could probably taste the difference in a dish where mayo was prominent, like Devilled Eggs, but spread on a sandwich or mixed into a casserole and your kids would never know. I'm a believer.  Note: It DOES cost about $8/bottle.  But it's much healthier so I think it's well worth it. Goodbye Hellmans!

*To find a store near you which sells Vegenaise click here.

3