Cozy Movie Night

Last night Mike and were chilling and staying warm as the weather outside was getting icy and icky. We thought we would watch a movie and as we were talking about what movie to watch, I found one on TV. The Upside of Anger with Kevin Costner, Joan Allen, and Keri Russell (to name a few) were in this movie.

It's a good movie if none of you have ever seen it! Mike actually liked it too. I always love Kevin Costner and have ALWAYS just LOVED Keri Russell! I used to watch Felicity ALL the time!! I'll have to do a post on Keri Russell another day - but lover her, she is so beautiful, naturally beautiful!

After that movie was over I continued to flip threw the channels when I found another one of my favorite movies . . . Coal Miner's Daughter - the true story of Loretta Lynn.

Some people may totally think this movie is weird, but I like it. I always love true stories about people and since I am from the South and like country music, I like this movie! Again, if you haven't seen this - watch it. It's really good! AND Sissy Spacek did a phenomenal job in this movie - she became Loretta Lynn. Tommy Lee Jones was amazing as well, playing Loretta's husband, "Do" - real name Dolittle Lynn, this name cracks me up! Loretta Lynn was ONLY 13 when she got married, WHOA and she was the mother of 4 by the time she was 20! Pretty gross and weird, but that was how it was back then. She had to grow up really fast, bless her heart. But she also did what she loved and became a country music icon. Basically this is a rags to riches story about a little 'ol country girl who becomes rich and famous, but is still, and always will be a little 'ol country girl.

After that, I was back to more channel surfing, when I caught the middle of another great movie that I haven't seen in a LONG time and actually not quite sure I have ever watched the whole thing - it was the movie ALWAYS.

I remember my parents always liking this movie. It is really good. Audrey Hepburn is also in this movie, she is older of course but you still know it's her. Boy did she age beautifully!

Mike was asleep at this point, poor thing. He couldn't stay up as late as I did, he was so tired after a long, hectic day at work. After this movie we finally went to bed, where I found ANOTHER great movie: Seabiscuit. I don't think I've ever watched this entire movie either. When Mike got in bed he was telling me how good this movie was. I watched some of it, but just couldn't stay awake. I am really wanting to watch the entire thing, so I am going to look to see if it's coming on TV again or will have to rent it. I know I would really enjoy this movie, plus it's a true story, which I always love!

So that was what I did last night. I was so glad that I found some good movies on TV. I always feel like when I am staying in and wanting to find some good movies on TV, I never do - but last night my luck changed. Hope everyone has a good weekend. I am still in my PJ's and may stay in them all day - why not? I love days like this!

Happy 21st Birthday to my Lil Bro!

Happy Birthday to my Little Drummer Boy . . . who's not so little anymore! =(

Today is my little brothers 21st Birthday. He lives in Nashville and is in a band and on the road a lot. Originally I wanted to throw him a big party to celebrate, but then he moved to Nashville right after Christmas so my party plans were knocked out. I didn't think he was going to be able to come home, but yesterday morning he called me and said he was going to come home for the day. I was so glad and even though he wouldn't get to be here on his birthday for a party, I could still do a little something for him and celebrate a day early. I was also glad because since my parents are so far away and not able to be with him on his b-day, I knew they would be happy that he was able to come home with me and let me do something for him.

Since I found out so fast that he was coming home, I had to throw something together quick. Luckily I was working from home yesterday so during a break I made him some cupcakes and had them ready by the time he got home. I asked him what he wanted for dinner and he really didn't have a specific request, so I came up with a birthday dinner for him. I did steak, homemade mashed potatoes, shrimp sauteed in garlic and butter, creamed spinach and then garlic cheese bread. It was mm mm good too! I kept joking around about how thankful Mike was that Casey came home because that way I really cooked a meal, ha ha!

(Case enjoying his b-day din din)

After Dinner I made Case blow out some candles - always a birthday must! Then after he opened a couple cards and gifts from us, we all sat down and watched The Hangover. We had the best time and just laughed! I love that movie!!

(A 21st Birthday would not be complete with out his very own set of "beverage" mugs. ha ha - He said he was going to put them to good use with some ice cold Dr. Pepper . We'll see - if not I 'll be going to his pad and using them, for real! LOL)

Casey had to leave today, and I hated he wasn't able to stay longer. But his band has a show in KS and had to hit the road tonight. Life of a musician of course.

I love my lil bro so much and wish I could have thrown him a BIG 21st birthday party, but was glad he was able to come home, even if it was just for a night. I was just glad that I was able to do a little something for him and his 21st Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASEY!!!!

Your Big Sis LOVES you!!!

Show 'N Tell Tuesday: S.M.I.L.E Box

SHOW:

TELL:

For Christmas I made my Mom a "Smile" box. She was about to move far away and I knew it was going to be hard for us all being a part, so I wanted to make her something that would make her "smile." One of our favorite songs is the song by Charlie Chaplin: Smile. Many musicians have done this song and we just love it. It's a great song to listen to when you are down.

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky
you'll get by.

If you smile through your pain and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun shining through
For you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile-
If you just smile.

For the smile box, I took each letter of the word S.M.I.L.E and got my Mom something that I know makes her smile.

"S" was for SPICE and was a jar of chili peppers. She (and I) love spicy food!

"M" stood for MUSIC. I made her a CD with songs that would make her smile, including a few renditions of the "Smile" song by various artists.

This was my Mom's cd that I made. I had SO much fun making it and thought it turned out really cute.

I made my Dad a copy too, and this was what his CD looked like, ha ha . . .

"I" was for IVORY candles. This was kind of a hard one, but I did Ivory candles because I know how she loves candles.

"L" stood for "looking at a picture of your family." I got a cute picture frame and put a recent photo of me and my brother with my parents.

"E" stood for "earrings." My Mom loves pearls and has white and Tahitian pearls, but has been wanting some pink pearls - so I got her a pair of classic, pink pearl earrings.

So when any of you are having a bad day or feel down . . . JUST SMILE!!!

LC likes LC

Today I am sporting one of Lauren Conrad's adorable boyfriend blazers. I have always loved "LC" and miss tuning into the Hills every week and watching her. I've also always been a fan of hers since we shared the same last name,Conrad. Now it's my maiden name, but still - it's my name. People used to call me "LC" before Lauren was introduced to the world on Laguna Beach. I remember when the show came out, I used to tell people that I was the "original LC!" ha ha!

Lauren Conrad's clothing line is simple, elegant, classic, and can go from casual to dressy just like that! Last year sometime she put a halt on production of her clothing line, but now it's back and her pieces can be found at Kohl's. I have been a Kohl's shopper here and there, but I wouldn't say it's in my top stores I shop often. I had to make an exchange after Christmas at Kohls' which is when and how I stumbled across LC's line. The prices are great too! She has such great style and I love watching what she wears and now watching what she designs herself!

Red Carpet at the SAG Awards

Last night I watched the SAG Awards (Screen Actors Guild.) I love watching award shows because I love seeing all the pretty dresses!! I would love to be able to get all dressed up like this! I don't think I've worn a formal gown since our Honeymoon 2 years ago. I have a few sitting in my closet that are saying "wear me, wear me." But I'm afraid they might not fit me right now, but I'm working on it and hope to slip one on before too long. Heck - who says I have to go somewhere fancy to enjoy one of my gowns, maybe I'll just put one on at home one day. ha ha - that would be so funny! I should do that one day before Mike gets home from work and be all dolled up and cooking dinner in a formal gown! He would really think I had lost my marbles then!

Back to the SAG Red Carpet . . . these are some of the dresses I particularly loved:

Lea Michele from Glee wearing Oscar De La Renta. LOVE the color!!

Diane Kruger wearing Jason Wu. I think this dress is so "Old Hollywood" . . . classic!

***Note: Designer Jason Wu was really put on the map after his gown was seen all over the world on The First Lady at the Home States’ Ball. His gown looked so beautiful on her, especially during the President and First Lady's dance to "At Last." After that, everyone wanted to wear Jason Wu designs!

Kyra Sedgwick wearing Vera Wang . . . absolutely stunning!!!

Kate Hudson - WOWZA!! Hey - she has the body to pull off a dress like this, so why not?? I would if I had a bod like that!!! Dress by Emilio Pucci.

Some of you may hate me for this one, but fellow Memphian Justin Timberlake is NOT looking too hot to me these days. I think he looks like a dork and I would not look twice if I passed him on the street - sorry Justin and sorry to all you JT fans out there! He just looks more like a geeky college professor than a rock star to me.

Penelope Cruz - she always looks beautiful!! Pretty dress, just not so sure about the length, wish it was either longer or a bit shorter - love her shoes though!! Gown by L’Wren Scott.

Mariska Hargitay looked pretty in pink on the red carpet! Talk about a beautiful woman!! Still looking to see who her gown was by . . .

Now for a few I didn't like . . . sorry ladies - you are all talented, but just need a little help when it comes the red carpet.

Drew . . what did you do?? Such a cute girl, but she just doesn't get it right a lot. Plus, she looks like she needs some color on her face, get some lipstick, blush - something, quick!

Meryl, Meryl, you need to take that dress and throw it in a barrel!

I just watched a movie last with actress Vera Farmiga - she is a beautiful lady, but this dress just washes her out - YIKES!! She needs a darker color against her pale skin - or a tan.

I suppose I will stop there, the list could go on and on. If I think of anything else I saw that I though was just Oh So Fabulous or a complete disaster -I will add to my list.

My Fabulous Friday in Nashville (Last Fri.)

Last Friday at this time I was headed to Nashville for the weekend. I already blogged about last Saturday and going to see my brother at the Hard Rock, but I haven't shared what I did last Friday. When I got into town I headed to one of my best friends house. Jennie and I have been good friends for almost 7 years. She was my first good good friend I found when I moved here to Memphis from Northwest Arkansas. Jennie moved to Nashville over a year ago for her job and I have missed her dearly. I got to her house Friday night and we got ready together in her adorable condo, had a little wine and then headed out for a great dinner and night out.

This is her condo - I just love it! So cute!!!

We went to dinner at this great place called LIME - if you are in Nashville, you should go. It had such a cool, hip atmosphere, I felt like I was in NYC. After that we went to The Red Door for a few cocktails. I met some of her friends there and we had a great time!

Jennie and I used to sing at the TOP of our longs back in the day. We would have the music blaring and just belt it out . . . and we did it again and it was SO fun!!! ha ha

As you can see - we were really feeling the music! ha ha

We shared some chicken nuggets from Mcy D's (late night eating = not good!!) and continued our music listening and singing once we got back to the condo. Jennie has a cat named Willis, he was our hot date and dance partner for the night! ha ha!

So that was what I was doing last Friday. I worked from home today and had a productive day completing my weekly sales report and making appointments for next week. I got an early start on dinner and made a Enchilada casserole. I used chicken instead of beef to make it less fattening and did not add a whole lot of cheese in order to keep the fat down too. I'll probably add a little more to Mike's when I serve it. After that I did my little Shred workout. Mike just got home from work and he's going to the gym to get his workout in. Then we will eat dinner and might just make a trip to Lowe's where I have my eye on a rug that is on sale. We have a gift card to Lowe's that his Grandma gave us for Christmas - and it's been burning a whole in my pocket! =)

So . . . Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend! Ta ta for now!