Archives for February 2011

Well, last night I watched the Oscars, though I didn’t pay much attention that last hour because OH MY MERCY THE BORING.

It didn’t help that I’ve only seen two of this year’s best picture nominees and, until this past weekend, didn’t really even know what was nominated. After listening to some friends discuss all ten films, though, I feel much more educated.

Here! Let me show you some of my knowledge.

Black Swan – This movie is about a crazy ballerina. I didn’t see it because there’s a part in the preview where it looks like Natalie Portman’s skin is turning into bumpy swan’s skin, and NO.

The Fighter – This movie is about how Marky Mark wants to fight. I imagine that the fighting is on a literal and figurative level. Because movies are fancy like that.

The King’s Speech – This movie is about a stutterer. I believe he is British. And from what I have gathered on Twitter and Facebook, people adore this film.

See? I am very informed.

And even though I really was only familiar with – seriously – approximately two whole plot lines, I tried my best to be an Oscar gamer. I watched the awards live, laughed at the opening, tried to give the proceedings the benefit of the doubt when the “banter” started to feel a little awkward, and then, well, I just caved. Surrendered. Had a nice, long talk with my husband during the last hour of the show. Found out the Best Actor / Actress / Picture winners from him when used the DVR to “watch” the entire telecast in the span of about four minutes.

So for me, at least, the Oscars were a bit of a bust.

However, I did enjoy seeing Sandra Bullock, Michelle Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow on the Red Carpet. They were probably my three favorites, though Gwyneth’s earrings did cause a bit of a debate on Twitter. I couldn’t decide if they were monkeys or lemurs, but in the end I went with lemurs. I seem to recall Alexis Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan wearing something similar on Dynasty back in the day, but I applaud Gwyneth for not following Alexis’ lead by pairing her lemurs with a silk shirt-waist dress. And also for not getting in a catfight on the red carpet and winding up in a lily pond.

I really wanted to like Cate Blanchett’s dress – I thought the colors were dreamy and her hair was perfection – but I didn’t understand the plain oval section in the front. Neither did folks on Twitter, apparently.

Oh, Twitter. You just delight me.

So what about y’all? Any fashion favorites last night night? Any thoughts on the awards? Were you underwhelmed or pleasantly surprised?

– First things first: I made a mistake yesterday when I posted the Nations Outfitters giveaway. I should have added the info that you can get a second entry if you follow Nations on Twitter or like them on Facebook, but I forgot. I fixed it, but if you were one of the first 50-ish people to comment, know that you can still get a second entry. Details (and links to the Twitter and Facebook pages) are on the giveaway post. Sorry for my absent-mindedness!

– I was so moved by Debra’s “becoming: puzzle pieces” post. Good stuff.

– If you like nesting / home decor blogs, you will love Bradford Avenue. LOVE. IT. It’s so fun to see the transformations from week to week as an old Nashville home gets a very modern makeover. Delightful.

– This is a local tip, but if you’re in or around Birmingham and love great music, the first week in May could very well be the best week of the whole year for you. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors will be at WorkPlay on May 1st, and just FOUR DAYS LATER Matt Wertz & Ben Rector will be in town. It’s too much goodness is what it is. Too. much. goodness. For ticket info, take a look at the calendar on the WorkPlay site.

– Today Kelly has a great Show Us Your LIfe post that features mom-owned businesses. You could spend hours looking at all the links – so much creative stuff!

– Over the last few days Nester has shared some really wise perspective on thrifting – and why it’s not always a bargain. Very interesting indeed.

– And last but not least: Jack Cristil, the voice of the MSU Bulldogs for 58 years, will broadcast his final game this Saturday when the Bulldogs face Tennessee in basketball. I have listened to Jack Cristil all my life, and I have searched the radio dial for his voice on more occasions than I can count. I’ve watched him on hundreds of coaches’ shows. I’ve listened to him say “You can wrap it in maroon and white” as long as I can remember. He’s nothing short of a legend to Bulldog fans, and we will miss him.

Go ‘Dogs.