I-Heart-Movies

Sorry I’ve been away for so long. It’s been a busy month for me. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I enjoyed spending it with my family and the time I had away from work. I feel bad that I didn’t spend the time painting like I hoped I would, but the weather was too rainy for that anyway. One thing I was able to indulge myself in other than food was movie-watching…my favorite past-time! I made it out to see Beowulf, No Country for Old Men, and Lars and the Real Girl. Now, I’d love to tell you what I thought of each of them, but I’ll have you know that I’m a terrible reviewer. I can tell you if I liked the movie, but I don’t have any interesting background stories or references to give. So, if you’re still interested, here goes:

Beowulf
Recommended for: fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, grown-up animation, blood and gore
What I thought: So fun! This movie held my interest the entire time and sometimes it’s easier to watch animated blood and gore. Also, what’s the big deal about Angelina Jolie being naked in this movie? If you’ve ever seen Gia then you’ve already seen what she looks like (for real) naked. She has boobs; big deal.

No Country for Old Men
Recommended for: Texans and those who favor the Texas scenery. Fans of really dark comedy.
What I thought: Made me wistful for my small town relatives who’ve passed on, and – I can’t believe I’m thinking this – trips to Odessa, if only for the West Texas scenery. I couldn’t have loved Javier Bardem’s performance any more; such a terrific actor in the truest sense (also loved him in The Sea Inside). Great story, love the twists and turns and the whole ride and I appreciate movies that aren’t wrapped up in a neat little package. Also, I was shocked that Kelly MacDonald could pull of a Texan accent.

Lars and the Real Girl
Recommended for: the general “indie movie” audience
What I thought: it’s not a funny movie, but it has its funny moments. However, you don’t need to rely on those fleeting moments to enjoy this movie as long as you realize that its more drama than it is comedy (although the row of women sitting in front of me laughed the whole time. I think they were high). I admit it felt slightly irrational and it went a little too far at times, but nonetheless, I was impressed with the acting (specifically Ryan Gosling); I liked the tender moments.

Here’s a list of other movies I watched this year that I particularly enjoyed:
-Children of Men (why: this movie makes you think; and Clive Owen)
-Running with Scissors (why: great acting and soundtrack, love the dark comedy, based on a true story!)
-Half Nelson (great soundtrack - turned me on to Broken Social Scene; reminds you that we’re all human and fallible)
-Fast Food Nation (why: funny and entertaining, but you’ll think twice before you go out for a hamburger)
-28 Weeks Later (why: I’ll watch anything Danny Boyle is involved in; no-holds-barred when it comes to blood and guts, the acting and AWESOME soundtrack)

You have got to be kidding me...

Are these not the cutest/weirdest thing you've ever seen?!





I'm so taken by these ink drawings. They are part of a series titled Neo Zoology at Kristinelly's Let's Run Away Etsy shop. She's also a featured Etsy seller and you can read her interview here.

Doodles, revealed

So, I wasn't really sure I wanted to post this because the analysis doesn't paint the best picture of me...but whatever...I just did this for fun.

I submitted a doodle to Blueprint's blog, Blueline's, for their Doodle Do's post where they would have an expert analyze four doodles and mine was picked.


(I did that doodle during an hour long---felt like days---benefits-changes meeting)

Michelle Dresbold, the expert handwriting analyst and author of Sex, Lies and Handwriting had this to say:

“This doodler is female because her eye has lot of long, full lashes -- a sure sign of feminine flirtation and appreciation of glamour and beauty. The cloud here reveals that this person has an inner self and an outer self that are not always on the same page (so to speak!). For example, the cloud is smiling, but the tear like raindrops make it look like it’s crying. This person, therefore, is probably a combination of happy and sad—putting on a happy face, perhaps, but harboring sadness within.”

Go here to read the full post.

By the way, my stuffing recipe is down there, under the cupcake post...I started it on 11/7 and finished writing it today, but it stayed on that date.

mmmmmmmmmmmm

A surprise for my co-workers


Hmmm...I never get tired of cupcake photography.

Our department is having a Thanksgiving potluck tomorrow and I signed up for cornbread stuffing (I plan to post the recipe tomorrow), but the cupcakes will be a welcome surprise. I just had one and it was awesome. Today, I told about 5 people how badly I wanted a cupcake. It was a popular topic for me.

Well, I'm off to watch America's Next Top Model...tootles!

Stuff your belly with this stuffing recipe

The other day, I made a batch of delicious cornbread stuffing for a Thanksgiving potluck at work. This recipe comes from my husband's side of the family. Specifically, it was his Grandfather's recipe. What is best about this recipe is that it's very forgiving if you don't like measuring things out, which I don't. It's extremely simple for such a grand taste.

Roughly, this recipe takes about an hour in cook/prep time and serves 6.

Ingredients:
1-box of cornbread mix (I like Jiffy - in the blue and white box) -- for this mix you will need additional ingredients, please check box.
1-6 ounce box of chicken flavored stuffing (I like Stove Top)
3-stalks of celery, chopped thin
half-large onion, chopped thin
1-16 ounce container of chicken stock/broth
1-stick of butter

Directions:

Start by preparing the cornbread as instructed on the box (grease the pan too). I use an average 9x9 baking dish. While the cornbread is baking, saute the chopped celery and onion in the stick of butter until fully cooked. The cornbread should be done or almost done baking by the time you are done cooking the vegetables. Don't turn off the oven, you will use it to bake the stuffing mixture. In a large bowl, add the sauted vegetables, the cornbread (break it up as you go), the stuffing mix and the chicken stock and mix well. (see pic)

Add back to the same pan you used to cook the cornbread and cook until there's are crunchy bits of golden brown stuffing here and there and on the side (see pic). My husband thinks you can even take it out before it gets too golden-brown - as he thinks it might dry out the stuffing.

My apologies if these directions are too vague -- I'm a bit tired right now. If you have any questions, just leave a comment. (snoooooooze....)

Easy-breezy skirt

I took a sewing class this past weekend -- learned how to make the cutest wrap skirt. And it was the easiest sewing project ever. No zippers, no measuring, no seams. I can now whip up one of these in an hour.



I didn't have any help with these photos, so they aren't very good. And the skirt ties in the back -- which made it difficult for me to get a shot from that angle.





This is the skirt laid out in all it's glory. As you can tell, it will fit a wide range of sizes, which is why it's perfect!

If you are interested in making your own super cute wrap skirt you can sign up at Craft-o-Rama. You will probably need some basic sewing machine skills for this lesson.

Can I gush about Craft-o-Rama for a second? I really love this place people. Like, a lot. Craft-o-Rama is a fabric & supplies store, sewing/knitting lounge and crafty boutique. It's located on S. Congress across from St. Edward's University, next to Amy's Ice Cream. The owner, Hayley Pannone, is so friendly and inviting. I sent my daughter here for a week-long crafty camp this past Summer and she enjoyed every single minute. Hayley still asks about her...how sweet is that! What I love most about Craft-o-Rama is the selection of designer cotton fabric. I'm talking Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Alexander Henry, Robert Kaufman and so much more. It's hard to find that stuff around town. If you sign up for email updates you can receive valuable coupons and these fabrics don't go on sale too often (if you've perused the internet you know). Also, the classes are very affordable and all of the instructors are down to earth. The store definitely has an Austin vibe and is gaining attention for it. Craft-o-Rama was just named "best place to get hooked or needled" in the Austin Chronicle's Best of - Critics' Pick 2007. Congrats! - it's well deserved.

Mock up craft room

So, I have some space at home where I can do all of my crafty little projects, but it needs to be beautified. Here's a little mock up of what I plan to do.



The folding table is something I already have. I would purchase that shelf and the shades from IKEA. I found that awesome MCM desk at a dumpster - I will put it to work as my sewing table. It's not in the best shape, but it has so much potential. I was thinking of painting it black (I changed the picture so you can see what it would look like). Is black a bad idea? The top of the table is laminate, but the rest is solid wood. I could always try to refinish the table, but what would I do about that top? In some of the vintage modern stores I frequent I've seen pieces painted black that look awesome.

Then there's the topic of fabric. IKEA is having a sale on Pernilla fabric this week only (11/5-11/9) for $4 a yard (reg. price $8). Below is the only option I like.

That's a pretty good deal and I would need about 10 yards to cover windows and whip up a make-shift room divider to block out noise. I'm worried that it's kind of ugly though. Be honest...is it? I like this IKEA fabric better, but it's twice the cost.



The good thing about the IKEA fabric (aside from the cost) is that its 59" wide and it's a heavy, durable cotton.

Oh, on the side there is some artwork by Matte Stephens that inspired my color choices. Isn't it great? It's so perfectly retro. The piece with the kitty is already in my collection (thanks to Chad & Julie) and I'd like to add the others. If you want to see more of his work check out his Etsy shop. It's also very affordable.

So...what do you think?

Quickie

Wow. What a weekend! There’s so much to blog about and I just spent way too much time on goodreads (I really need to start working – like, right now, but I’m blogging).

I’m itching to post something – really quick so I can’t spend a lot time chatting it up with a preface. I stumbled upon this blog – and I could spend HOURS here. I think anyone would find this site fascinating. Sleevage is all about the story behind album cover art. Combining art and music is my cup of tea.

The post on Debbie Harry caught my eye because I’m quite a Giger fan. I think the sole reason I ever watched the Alien movies is because I’m captivated with Giger’s work and involvement in the movies.


(I realize that photo can be an assualt on the eyes -- sorry, but the story is quite interesting)

From the Sleevage site:
“Giger’s cover, Koo Koo, for Debbie Harry is tremendously sensual, building on the image she developed as a rock ‘n’ roll Marilyn Monroe long before anyone else tried it. Debbie Harry’s sexuality was hidden rather than blatant and that’s continued here with a fabulous extension of her image.” -Jimmy Page
(And isn't that so true in this day and age of young, female "entertainers" that can do no better than show a little t&a to promote their music)

We'll talk later...check out Sleevage...let me know what you like!

Busted!

Dear Alexandria,

You thought you were sneaky, didn’t you? I told your Father that all that extra candy left over from Halloween was a bad idea. I knew your sweet little heart wouldn’t be able to handle the temptation. It’s a good thing (for us) that you forgot your lunch today. What do we find when we checked your lunchbox? Oh, about 10 pieces of candy.

Shame, shame. :)

Sincerely,

Mom & Dad

Follow the yellow brick road...

We had so much fun on Halloween this year. My department (at work) chose the Wizard of Oz as our theme and we went to town! Actually, thanks to (Scarecrow) Ben's creativity we had a very impressive set-up. We didn't win the contest, but we still had a blast!


Let the joyous new be spread, the wicked old witch is dead!


Follow the yellow brick road!


That witch is so mean!


Cowardly Lion doesn't look so scared. We got the most awesome video of the Lion doing "put em up, put em up!"


The Wicked Witch




The "brains" behind our design.


Mayor(ess) of Munchkinville


Glenda the good witch -- she really glows all the time!


My tornado in the background. It was the coolest. It broke my heart to take it down.






Crashing the tea party (another department did Alice in Wonderland)

Etsy-love

I have wanted so badly to talk about Halloween today, but my week has been busier than usual. I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Halloween...I did! I dressed up (even made my costume) as...well, I'll wait until I can post pictures (hint: we're not in Kansas anymore).

I want to do a quick post on Etsy (I'm sure this will be a frequent topic for me). My friend and I were talking about how awesome Etsy is because there's so much affordable and original art. Specifically, we were talking about artwork for a baby's room and I happened upon a really wonderful artist, Yumi Yumi. I love that her artwork is versatile and combines nature and bursts of color. I'm kind of a sucker for bird motifs and baby animals anyway.




How cute for a little girl's room!