And The Nominees Are...

It is another fun time of the year for me: Oscar season!

I know many people do not care about the Academy Awards or think that the whole award-scene is rigged, but I have always enjoyed them. I love movies and have wanted to be apart of them for quite some time now. Not really in front of the camera (though I wouldn't turn it down) but more so behind the scenes. My main interest and passion is with screenwriting. Characters, plot, and dialogue is the skeleton of a movie. Sure, the director is a big part of it and of course the actors that bring the words on the paper to life, but it all starts with the script.


I love a good movie with quotable dialogue...especially "one-liners."


"Joe Nast: The truth is hard. Sometimes it looks so wrong, y'know. The color's off, the style's wrong, but I guess... I guess it's where the good ones live." -Moonlight Mile


"Lester Bangs: They make you feel cool. And hey. I met you. You are not cool."  -Almost Famous


"Sean: People call those imperfections, but no, that's the good stuff."  -Good Will Hunting


"Mark Zuckerberg: You know, you really don't need a forensics team to get to the bottom of this. If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook."  -The Social Network


"Marilyn Lovell: No, Henry! Those people don't put one piece of equipment on my lawn. If they have a problem with that, they can take it up with my husband. He'll be home...on Friday!"  -Apollo 13


"Claire Colburn: Trust me. Everybody is less mysterious than they think they are."  -Elizabethtown


Anyway, before I get too off-subject here, I will now provide you with a list of this year's hopefully nominees:



BEST PICTURE
The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse


Actor in a Leading Role
Demián Bichir - A Better Life
George Clooney - The Descendants
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt - Moneyball


Actor in a Supporting Role
Kenneth Branagh - My Week with Marilyn
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Nick Nolte - Warrior
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Max von Sydow - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close


Actress in a Leading Role
Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help
Rooney Mara - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams - My Week with Marilyn


Actress in a Supporting Role
Bérénice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer - The Help


Animated Feature Film
A Cat in Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Pa nda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango


DIRECTING
The Artist - Michel Hazanavicius
The Descendants - Alexander Payne
Hugo - Martin Scorsese
Midnight in Paris - Woody Allen
The Tree of Life - Terrence Malick






You can get the FULL list here. 
Now I have (unfortunately) not seen most of these films...having a baby noticeably changes your weekend plans. I do plan to make predictions based on different reviews, and my own personal opinions from past experiences. Notice I say "predictions." Who I want to win and who will most likely win are two different things. ;)




And to top it all off, one of my favorite hosts is back this year: Billy Crystal. *cheers*


Happy Oscar Nomination Day to all my fellow movie-lovers!












M.LEWIS  

What Ever Happened to Accountability?

I have a bone to pick with America.

While I have an array of topics to choose from at this moment, this bone is concerning the "controversy" over Paula Deen. If you haven't heard the bickering news, Ms. Deen has recently shared with the country that she has type 2 diabetes. I don't know about you, but my first thought over this news was "That's not surprising."
The woman is known for her recipes that involve large amounts of butter, oil, heavy cream, and sugar. Now this "good southern cooking" has never been known to be healthy by any stretch of the imagination. I mean, you hear a menu of "chicken fried steak, loaded mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and sweet tea" you think: "Holy cow!" That kind of eating should probably never happen, but if it does happen, it should be called "Thanksgiving."
It should be clear to everyone that if you eat this way on a regular basis, you will have some serious health issues. Some of which might be: high blood pressure, clogged arteries, heart disease, obesity, and yes, diabetes (II).

Why is this so shocking? Why does America feel duped? And more importantly, why does America feel like helpless, defenseless victims?

Hey guys, here is a little secret: You are, in fact, perfect capable of using your brains. You can think for longer than 3 seconds. You can make decisions. You do not need the marketing and advertising agencies of the world to tell you what to eat, what to buy...how to live your life.
Just because Paula Deen provided the recipes, doesn't mean you are forced to make them and consume them. Why are so many people furious at Ms. Deen? I can't speak for everyone, but I do not feel entitled to know of any medical and health issue going on with absolutely anyone (outside my immediate family).

"How dare you trick us with your delicious, calorie engorged food and not inform of us of any of your personal health repercussions!?"

...Do you now feel guilty of eating the foods in the first place? Are you forced to face the reality of "you-can't-eat-everything-you-see?" What about if she didn't have diabetes? Would you still load up on the butter without a second thought?

This is the same reason why I hated "Super-Size Me." And why I hate all the new restrictions companies now have to enforce. Take some responsibility people!

Our country's obesity issue is not due to McDonald's, Cute cartoon characters on cereal boxes, or even Paula Deen. The issue stems from our lack of self control and our inability of accountability.

I went to McDonald's several weeks ago and split a happy meal with Lorelai. I was shocked by the barely-there portion of fries.
This is not an exaggeration. This is the actual size of fries kids now receive in their happy meals.
I grew up having a happy meal maybe twice a month. I had a bigger portion of golden goodness and apple slices were years away from being added to the menu.

Guess what! I was not an obese kid, nor am I an obese adult!

The key is not giving people these predetermined amount of food; it's teaching them self-control and, more importantly, it's teaching them to accept the word "no."

Just like in Super-Size Me, the film-maker blamed McDonald's for his weight gain and health issues after embarking on his insane experiment. He made himself eat at the fast food chain 3 meals a day (who does that?) AND he had to say "yes" if they asked him if he wanted to "super-size" it.
WTH?
You have to say yes? You are forced to eat more? Please. How about thinking logically for a minute and remember you are not a puppet designed to follow any little suggestion someone may throw at you?

I heard rumors they may start charging for the toys in the happy meal because kids are being "hypnotized" by the toys and their parents are unable to set any sort of ground rules. You are the parent. If you want them to eat healthy, DON'T TAKE THEM TO MCDONALD'S! If you are the average parent, take them every few weeks, let them enjoy a little burger and fries. Moderation people!

Just because there is a cute dog on the box of "Cookie Crisp" doesn't mean you have automatically buy it for your 5 year-old shouting "pleeeeease!" in the aisle. You can say what my mom used to say (and what more moms need to say): "No. We do not eat cookies for breakfast." And she was right. Even of your child has Guinness World Record fit in the middle of the grocery store, you can say "no."

Sorry Paula Deen that people are hounding you about your health problems. I know when I heard, all I wanted to do is yell at you and blame you for every extra pound on my body. *psh*

Stop passing the buck America. You are responsible for some things in your life.

Ok...bone picked. Thanks. ;)

M.LEWIS

Recent Life Summary

Just going to update you all on a few things happening over here at the Lewis household.



Lorelai is now officially walking now...well, she has been for several weeks now, but it is very exciting. She waddles a bit and, in shoes, it's worse...in a good way. I compare her to Charlie Chaplin often, she just need a bowler hat and a walking stick. ;)
She still only has 2 teeth, but more seem to be making their way down...slowly.
She has her first hair trim was a week ago, just her bangs. I was hoping to avoid a haircut that needed frequent trims, but she kept pulling out all her hair clips, and then her long hair pokes her in the eyes. We took a few more recent pictures that showcase her adorable little face, with newly cut bangs. :)
How can you not love that little face ♥



Chris has had a little break from work...the work load that is. I enjoy seeing him in the morning and still be able to have dinner with him at night.
Phoebe is Phoebe...February was the month we discussed getting her teeth cleaned (her breath could stop an 18-wheeler) she also needs an extra baby tooth removed.

I have been trying to stick to my goal of at least 15mins of continuous exercise a day. Some times I do fit in 2 sessions but Lorelai's napping schedule is a little off lately. I basically run in place for 10mins (I look silly, I'm sure) then do pilates for another 10mins (5mins if I don't have time). It is just basic stretches and toning exercises, but I think it goes a long way. In fact, I dug out 2 pairs of old pants the other week and I could fit in them! Now I still have plenty I don't fit into yet, but it is the best encouragement. :)

My mom had a birthday on Monday. We all got together (all 11 of us) and ordered pizza, shared a cake, gave presents, and played pictionary. I do love seeing all my siblings for happy occasions. We have the best moments that pop up...especially with some people's drawing skills. :P

The house is pretty much the same. We have raked up the leaves several different times and have probably filled up at least 8 lawn bags with the leaves. I also pulled up all the dead, frozen plants (that I didn't like anyway), but we still need to spray weed killer on all our clovers sprouting up. This winter hasn't been that cold at all so sneaky little weeds keep on coming. :( I am looking forward to buying new mulch and pretty plants to help spruce up the curb appeal! Inside the house, I am thinking I will get that console table I was talking about for that bare wall. I really think that will look sharp. I also need to call someone to finally hook up our gas logs in our fireplace and I need to buy paint for the halls. I did accomplish one goal this past week: my "picture wall." I received a coupon for shutterfly last week and I used the rest of my giftcard to hobby lobby to buy half-priced picture frames. They all came together yesterday, and I am loving the results. I purposely placed them in a way I can easily add to the collection as time goes on...and change out the pictures as girly gets older.

I did see my friend Maggie a little while ago...I love my "Magipher" and I hope to see her more often. In fact we discusses getting together with another friend of ours and her little girl...*winkwink* Jen. ;)
I was supposed to see my other friend, Erin, today, but she fell under the weather. :( Hopefully we can reschedule soon, I haven't seen her in a little while.

Now I need to figure out what I want to make for dinner tonight. Most likely something fast and simple, for Lorelai will need a definite bath tonight after her "syrup in the hair" breakfast. At lest she smelled good today. :P ...Hope that is not a mark against me in the "good mom department."

Until next time!
M.LEWIS

[Day] Dream Bathroom

I really love decorating. I have enjoyed going through my house and updating its blank-canvas-feel to something classy, fresh, and me.

Slightly old picture, I now have white curtains on the windows

My upcoming project that I am so anxious to dive into is our master bathroom. It is so plain. White walls, white tile, original light fixture, original vinyl floor...you get the idea. Our master bedroom is probably my favorite room in our house. I feel so relaxed and comfortable in it, and yet, modestly modern and fresh. That is the feeling I want to carry on into the bathroom. In the apartment we had more updated faucets, lights, cabinets, floors, etc. It did need much to feel "complete." I picked out generic colored towels (gray and black) with match rugs and a black/white shower curtain. Now...I don't know about those. I really want that fresh, clean feeling; and black doesn't invoke that feeling. But first, I have to pick out a paint color. I think that has to be job #1.

Here is the color I was really taken with (online) I need to go and get some samples to decide.
I think it is a neutral color. It is gray, but a blue-gray. It flows with the bedroom, but it is its own area too. I can keep my gray towels if I choose, or I can get another color...I think white would be an amazing contrast to this color, so I can match my white tile with white towels (and I want to paint our cabinets white too).

I also want to rip out the "eh" floor and replace it with a new, modern, self-adhesive tiles. Economical, easy-to-install, and durable.  I really like the look of the "slate" tiles. Something like this is a good mix of modern and classic. This is something we could do ourselves (which I am ALL for!) and it would only take a day...assuming nothing goes wrong. :P

In a previous post, I mentioned replacing the faucets...and we will, asap. The originals are cheap, awkwardly installed, and are out of date. I would LOVE to replace them with something very similar to this. Again, something not too expensive, easily accessible, and simple to clean. This brushed silver is much preferred over the shiny silver in my opinion and I can find matching hardware for the cabinets and towel racks if wanted...of course this probably means replacing the shower faucet too...and that scares me for some reason. *shrugs*






I then want to take down the one large mirror and replace it with two smaller, framed mirrors. One over each sink. This, I think, will define more of the "his and hers" vanities and will create a larger feel in the not-so-large room.

I want to install 2 or 3 of these small, glass shelves in between the 2 mirrors. We have very little storage space in the bathroom, so this will add a place for "pretty" objects to sit and it will blend in with the mirrors so I will not take away from the open feeling I previously mentioned.

Also in the shelving department I would love to add even more storage with an over-the-toilet cabinet. I really like this one:

And to top off the whole look, a new light. Again, brushed silver, and classy. We have one whole in the wall for a light, and I am not too keen on making more. So I think one light that stretches over the 2 sinks would look kind of cool. I think it would need to be more like 6 lights than 4, but you get the idea.











As you can see, there is a lot of work and money that I would like to pour into redoing the master bath, but I think once it's done, it will add a lot of value to the house and it will make me so happy! I will keep you all posted of my progress. Beware, it will be slow! I love having projects to think about and plan out. :)

M.LEWIS

Cut it Out

Warning: Most of you all will not care about this post, nor will you know what I am talking about.

I usually write silly, lighthearted posts. That's more than fine with me, I am so lucky my life consists of silly, lighthearted events...but there is one growing issue amongst my siblings.

I don't know what exactly started the tension, nor do I care...I don't want to dive into the details, mainly because I am not privy to that information, but I also do not want to alienate anyone any further. I just can't sit quietly any longer.

We are an awesome family. We are large, loud, opinionated, augmentative, kind, humorous, and close...or at least, we were. I know this is just a bump in the road and it will eventually pass, but I dislike the feelings floating around my parents' house. Now these feelings are not shared by me, nor are they directed at me...and I think that is the frustrating thing for me. This issue mainly exists between my younger siblings (mostly teenagers), and so I have this to say to them: Cut it out. This is so ridiculous...and that goes for both sides. Stop the 'tude; stop the freeze out; stop the dirty looks; stop the childish games. We are family, and you need to figure this out. Everyone needs to come together and air their grievances in a calm, mature manner. If you guys don't figure this out, I will warn you...I will get more involved; and I think we can all agree we don't want that. ;)

Ok...I just had to get that off my chest....but seriously guys, stop it.

M.LEWIS

House Update To-Do

Things I want to get soon to continue in our mission to update/improve our house:


New faucets for the bathrooms (3 in total)
Paint master bathroom
Paint the 2 halls
Buy table for the "awkward" wall (and small things to put on it)
Chris wants to drop wires to bring it up to "modern technology"
I need to get a new set of dishes...I keep breaking mine
Buy picture frames for my collage wall
And we need to figure out the fireplace still

There is more, but I am trying to limit my list for now. Now I need to budget and prioritize.

I will try accomplish some of these tasks soon, with updates! :)

M.LEWIS

The Christmas after New Year's

Due to illness last week, we never finished Christmas with my in-laws. We did today. It was fun having that little piece of Christmas saved for later...like Hanukkah...for Christians. Anyway, I got an awesome little treasure. The U pillow. 

"The U pillow?" you say?

Yes. The U pillow. It looks a little something like this: 

It looks so comfortable. Obviously I haven't tested it out yet, but I hope it is as promising as it seems. I think it will be awesome for pregnancy too; and NO, that is not a hint that am I pregnant. Again, no pregnant people at this moment in this house...just clearing that up before people pounce.

We also got a nice handful of giftcards, candy, trinket toys, and stocking stuffers. Lorelai received some cute things as well...thanks M&FIL. Sorry to ruin one of your gifts with a previous purchase...oh well. *shrugs*

On a completely separate note, I will be cutting my hair. Now, people who know me well shouldn't be surprised...not that anyone is surprised really. I wanted to grow it out loooong, but it's take too long and I have decided my best look is not the long, flat, "eh" hair. I think my hair looks better shorter, with some shape. So I will be doing that soon, probably tomorrow.

I also want a sofa table. Not for my sofa, but for a wall in my house that is awkwardly positioned and desperately need something to will the empty space. I also need more places to do everyday chores...like charge my phone or kindle. Right now I am taking up valuable kitchen counter tops with this and would very much like to find a remedy.

This brings me to my last thought of the night: new year's resolutions. Cliche, but I think it is good to evaluate and better one's self. I don't want to go crazy here, I have it pretty nice; but I want to do 2 things: Get in shape (how unique, I know) and continue to improve and upgrade our home. I look forward to latter more...duh.

Alrigthy. G'night friends!

M.LEWIS