J+SHELL OSCARS EXTRAVAGANZA

Last night was the annual J+SHELL Oscars Extravaganza and it was everything I could have hoped for. There was a ridiculous quantity of food, someone frequently refilled my flute with champs (including a new sparkling rose from Weins that was DELICIOUS), Leonardo DiCaprio finally got his moment of glory, Mad Max did NOT take best picture even though it seemed to SWEEP the rest of the awards, and J. Law wore my very favorite gown. I mean seriously people, it was a dream. 

Overall, I loved the films nominated this year and it was a challenge to decide where to place my “hypothetical” votes in each category (let’s be real clear, I’m not in the academy, and though I would LOVE to get screeners, I am NOT legit). It totally makes sense that Mad Max took costumes and production design - I mean NO ONE has ever looked more ominous (hence why I avoided the movie like the plague). Revenant was undoubtedly Leonardo’s most outstanding performance to date, Brie Larson was undeniably astounding in Room and Spotlight was a phenomenal work from an ensemble cast. 

{Side note: Jenny and I somehow failed to see Bridge of Spies entirely - I was in charge of the list so we’re going to chalk this one up to “wedding brain” because #Tamanda2016 was in FULL-FORCE throughout our movie watching escapades and we were squeezing them in whenever we could. Between designing and cutting and crafting and showering and bachelorette planning and partying it’s a wonder we saw as many as we did. I’m counting this a success story instead of a failure. Trying to grow in grace-giving here people.}

The Red Carpet was far less outlandish than usual and I had two clear winners with Jennifer Lawrence taking my undeniable first place finish for Best Dressed 2016. Oh my goodness she looked amazing. So classy, so sophisticated, in my personal opinion (and not just because I love her always) she was radiant in every way. Second place went to Saoirse Ronan who is SO MUCH PRETTIER in real life than she was in her film and that is a true compliment because typically these women look amazing in their movies! My 3rd and 4th place awards would have to go to Brie Larson in that stunning blue number (though it’s just a bit too blinged out at the waistline for my personal taste - and she had some sort of hairpiece too! A bit too far Brie) and Alicia Vikander who came in a sassy yellow Louis Vuitton that just worked. 

It was a wonderful evening with laughter and friends and bubbles. Cannot wait for next year! Cheers! 

and then there was Selma...

I’m officially in a RACE to the Oscars… the Academy Awards air on Sunday and as of yesterday I had only seen 4 of the Best Picture nominees aka… only halfway…aka 4 films to view in a single week. I’m honestly not sure I can do it but I’ll give it my very best effort.

Last night I went to Selma. There has been a LOT of discussion surrounding Selma as it only received two nominations - one for Best Picture and one for Music - Original Song (which took a Golden Globe). It didn’t receive nominations in other anticipated categories such as Best Director or Best Actor and as this is a historical film based on the nonviolent civil rights movement and walk from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery Alabama led by Martin Luther King, Jr. racial prejudices and gender discrimination are heavy concerns even with as far as our country has come in fighting for equality.

Selma was a powerful film, the kind of film that made me ashamed to be white and simultaneously question how I would have responded if I was alive at that point in history. There were so many profound and monumental statements made throughout the film. One of the most poignant concepts for me surrounded this  idea that non-violence was not weak but in fact the exact opposite - it was the very definition and epitome of strength. These men and women of all ages were willing and prepared to walk valiantly towards the battle. They knew the opposition would be waiting with clubs and other various weapons with every intention of brutally attacking and beating them. And yet they marched forward. At one point Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We will triumph for there can be no other way. Fear or not, we have come too far to turn back now.” They were wholeheartedly invested in the effort to gain freedom, for it was life itself they were fighting for. It was so much more than where they sat on a bus or segregation or the right to vote, it was the right to life, real, and true, and free. I have never had to fight that hard for anything. Never experienced that kind of injustice.

Perhaps the most consequential statement for me personally was this: “I’m no different. I want to live long and be happy. But I’ll not be thinking about what I want today. I’ll be thinking about what God wants.” The conviction was deep and instant. That is how Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life. Dedicated to a cause. Committed to changing lives. Willing to sacrifice it all to ensure tomorrow would look different. Am I invested with every ounce of my being to following God’s call for my life? Am I willing to sacrifice everything? I’m no different. I want a husband, a family, maybe even a house - but more than that, I want to live a fulfilled life where at the close I can honestly say I lived my days for the Lord and by grace He will welcome me into salvation. I want to be scattered, I want to leave a legacy that has a lasting impact. I don’t have any grandiose dreams of being the next Martin Luther King Jr. but I do know that I want to walk intentionally into whatever the Lord lays before me with reckless abandon and I want to be ready to forgo the “American dream” to live something far better if that is what He asks. Lord would you give me the courage to be brave and prepare my heart to say YES to You…

continuing the countdown...

Any time a film opens with “based on a true story” I’m instantly hooked. There is something about knowing a film is laced with actual history, a real person, an element of time, a story that was meaningful enough to be encapsulated and re-told that makes me want to listen a little harder...many Oscar nominees hold this value. It is not lost on me. 

Yesterday I continued my Oscar nominee viewing quest with The Imitation Game. After church and lunch I headed to Birch Street (to Edwards West - not to be confused with Edwards East, which is literally steps away) to settle in for the afternoon. It was a remarkable film including history, a hint of romance, elements of controversy, and desperately sad and conflicted moments from actors who played their roles with exceptional strength. Benedict Cumberbatch was remarkable and his nomination for Best Actor was undoubtedly well-earned.

As I watched the film, my original take-away quote was, “Everyday we performed our blood soaked calculus” - this team of geniuses were forced to calculate and determine how many lives to save, and simultaneously how many lives must be lost. They were ravaged by the casualties of war, forced to feel the weight of each loss and held themselves personally responsible for the secret they kept and the associated devastation that their horrifyingly undisclosed information contained. They cracked enigma potentially rescuing millions and ending the war years earlier than anticipated; yet the burden was momentous and in my perspective, seemingly unbearable. I sat shifting uncomfortably in my seat contemplating how distant the touches of war have been in my life, how thankful I am that I haven’t ever had to live through that kind of fear or tragedy or monumental loss.

As the film ended, they repeated another line for the third and final time. Though I had heard it before, it rang loudly in retrospect of all that had been accomplished and how magnificent the costs… “Sometimes it is the people the world imagines nothing of, that do the things no one can imagine.”
Perhaps it is time to start SEEING what is happening around us - to notice the people the world imagines nothing of and give them a chance to make the impossible happen. I hope to be THAT kind of cheerleader, to celebrate the unnoticed and provide the platform for them to become something far greater than anyone would have EVER thought possible.

Another phenomenal film - the competition is getting stiff folks...4 down and 4 to go...

countdown to the oscars...

Over the weekend I FINALLY started navigating my way through the list of Oscar nominees. As you very well know, I’m knee deep in my annual quest to see every film with a Best Picture nomination, which means lots of time spent either on my couch cuddled up under my favorite down throw or in a theater with my feet up on the chair in front of me taking it all in via surround sound while the scents of heavily buttered popcorn waft all around me. You won’t hear me complaining. (You also won’t find me consuming massive amounts of buttered popcorn - because I hate popcorn - even movie theater popcorn - hate is a strong word - the wrong word - but that’s another story, never mind, anyway…)

On Friday night I went to The Theory of Everything. It was a great pick for my very first Oscar flick. I sobbed. Multiple times. It was phenomenal. it was a beautiful depiction of the harsh reality of a life trapped inside a body that doesn’t function and serve the full capacity of the mind. Eddie Redmayne was remarkably brilliant and definitely deserved his globe win and Oscar nod. Felicity Jones is amazingly lovable even as she is caught in the tension between a two-year diagnosis and a seeming eternity. My favorite quote from the film has to be “where there is life, there is hope” - Steven Hawking. I can cling to that for a while I think.

On Saturday I trekked to RedBox and spent exactly 54cents to rent Boyhood - a movie that took 12 years to complete and felt like it took about that long to watch. Ok that’s a little bit extreme but it was definitely slow. It was a long and arduous menagerie of drunken a-holes who continuously failed to meet expectations and mother who felt like she couldn’t give her kids the chance they deserved. The standout quote for me was, “You know what’s next? It’s my funeral. I just thought there would be more.” Isn’t that true in life - we always think there will be more. I want to sit in these moments - even the casual and mundane and appreciate them for the gorgeous, beautiful right now.

Sunday I drove out to the desert to see Gan and I had absolutely no doubt which movie we would see together - as suspected - American Sniper. I almost don’t even have words for this film. It was heart-wrenching and anxiety ridden and inspiring and breath-taking and horrifying all at the same time. Yet something in me screams that these are the kinds of movies we NEED to be seeing. We need to remember THIS IS HAPPENING. This is the war we’re fighting. Our soldiers are willing to give up their lives to protect our country, our freedom. And there are a million arguments that can be made against that statement - but at the end of it all I will proudly stand as a citizen of the United States of America and praise the Lord for this place I get to call home and the many who have chosen to fight bravely and defend with honor.

I would say my first major Oscar viewing weekend was a major success. Out of the three films, I would say The Theory of Everything takes my top slot for Best Picture; however, I am only three deep so there could a contender within the remaining five. WE SHALL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE!

OSCAR NOMINATIONS ARE LIVE!!

OSCAR NOMINATIONS WENT LIVE THIS MORNING and I for one am SUPER EXCITED! I haven’t seen any of the movies nominated for best picture so I have a LOT of movie watching to do in the next 38 days! Indeed friends, the countdown is ON. We have exactly 38 days to see as many nominated films as possible in preparation for the big event. I’m headed to Palm Springs next weekend to see Gan and I’m sure we’ll see at least one or two together!

The Best Picture Nominees are as follows:
American Sniper
Birdman
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash

There are only eight (8) Best Picture nominees this year! That’s a small number so I am really hoping I can squeeze them all in! Out of ALL the movies up for awards period I have only seen Into the Woods and Gone Girl. Usually I have a lot more under my belt at this point in Award Season, but my life has been a bit hectic and full as of late and I haven’t spent a ton of time in the theater. Also, my girl Jennifer Lawrence isn’t in ANY of the nominated movies. Can we all just have moment of silence. It’s a little sad. I know. I will recover and find other people to root for, but seriously it’s a major red carpet loss.

ALRIGHT, it’s off to the redbox races for me…

THE GLOBES

MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR IS OFFICIALLY UPON US! I know for some people it's the holidays, but THIS GIRL is all about award season! The Golden Globes were last night thus officially launching us into all things celebrity fashion and nails and accessories galore. That stuff is not lost on me. I will most likely NEVER be in attendance at one of these events (unless I become best friends with Jennifer Lawrence or Ellen Degeneres decides I'm worthy of being on the red carpet - but I'm not holding my breath); but I hope I'm always the girl on the couch in her cozies eating a ridiculous amount of snacks and oogling all the gorgeousness. Last night the dresses DID NOT disappoint. However, the old hollywood throw back hair was far from extraordinary. Definitely not my favorite. It might have worked with the right dress, but the hair and dresses didn't seem to go in combo - personal opinion - I'm no Rachel Zoe. My very favorite dresses were the mostly neutrals with bits of flair. I think Anna Kendrick and Sienna Miller take my top 2 slots - Anna's dress is what dreams are made of and the beadwork on Sienna's is bar none! I had to throw in a couple bold color moves from Jenna Dewan Tatum and Felicity Jones and Emily Blunt rocked the best braids of the night! Ahh! So good! They were sophisticated but messy and she has the accent to make any hairstyle swoon-worthy! I'm still a smidge sad The Globes are over. I'm also a bit sad that Jennifer Lawrence didn't hit the runway. THANKFULLY, I don't have to be sad for long because Thursday morning brings Oscar nominations and then I'm off to the races in effort to see every nominated film! Anyone with me?

the OSCARS

First things first...ELLEN DEGENERES...she was amazing, stupendous, absolute perfection! She ordered pizza, fed it to A-List celebrities on paper napkins and then collected cash in Pharell's hat...she also took down Twitter. We don't really need to say anything else. Ellen rocked it. The Academy should really just ask her to host the show from this point forward...anyone else will basically pale in comparison.

I truly loved the entire show. There weren't really any major surprises - I actually saw every movie nominated for best picture, so my opinions were somewhat valid and for the most part I agreed with the winners. Megan feels strongly that Leo was robbed and I would have given it to my girl Jennifer Lawrence, but 12 Years a Slave was a clear win and Gravity was undoubtedly difficult to film, not to mention we all knew Frozen would take the animation slot. Girls have been singing their little lungs out for months.

The red carpet was a bit simple - I want to see ravishing beauty and dresses that are daring and risky. But I will give the gorgeous women some credit because it was WET in LA and we Californians don't really know what to do with weather. I'm sure they were thinking "what am I gonna do when my hair gets wet and frizzy" just like I would have been. The red carpet seemed a bit brief in general. E! did coverage for about 16 hours before the show started, but I don't feel like we really saw anything of value. That said, I picked six women to take "best dressed" - and Olivia Wilde deserves some major props for rocking that baby body even though she didn't make the list. DANG GIRL. I think Charlize Theron takes my top slot - those illusion straps and illusion stripes did me in...she was breathtaking. Jennifer's dress was fabulously bright, but I wasn't a huge fan of the hair and she totes did the back necklace last year. Sandra and Julia looked mature and sophisticated both of them just epitomize classy. Idina may have been super nervous while performing, but I think she did fantastic and she looked amazing while doing it! I watched her moment twice and will forever think she is a star! Finally we have the most talked about dress of the day - Kate Hudson - it is white and layered and angular and has a cape. Perfection.

I am so sad the Oscars are over. What is a girl to do when there are no more red carpets for watching while feasting and still losing weight by drinking skinny girl? Alas, I shall wait with bated breath and unspeakable anticipation for the Tony's on June 8 and then the Emmy's in August. Until then, the red carpet posts are on hiatus. Oh how I shall miss them! 

12 Years a Slave

In my valiant efforts to see all things Oscar nominated, I coerced (without much convincing I might add) Steven into a movie on Sunday afternoon. We went to 12 Years a Slave and I was not prepared. I anticipated it would be a hard movie to watch; however, I was moved in a deep and profound way - I was literally and legitimately rendered speechless. There was one point in the film when my heart was so deeply invested in the (true) story that I almost just erupted into agonizing sobs. It is horrifying to know that we did this to people and not very long ago. Throughout the entire film there is only one white man that stands up for equality. And though he is afraid, he decided to pursue justice. I know that history is sordid and grotesque and that we have come so far, but we've done so through the blood, sweat, tears, and the loss of many. This one man did the right thing and ultimately (spoiler alert) rescued a life and reunited a family. As I contemplated the movie later that evening I was struck repeatedly by the question of what our responsibility is for the gross injustices that are happening worldwide. I know that God wants more for us than to enjoy our comfortable and richly blessed existence. I know He calls us to move and act and give and love beyond what we believe comprehensible. We are called to walk boldly into the frightening and illuminate it with His light and hope. I don't know where the Lord is going to use me and I know I cannot solve all the unspeakable realities in this world, but I pray that I'll be courageous and that my life will in some way have value far beyond myself. I pray that if I am ever faced with such a choice, I will do right. 12 Years a Slave is a phenomenal film - it is one that everyone should see - we need to remember - because we definitely do not want to go back. I don't know if it will win the Oscar, but it is definitely deserving of recognition and celebration.

the oscar countdown has begun...

The Oscars are on March 02, which is in exactly 37 days (you can countdown to the minute the show begins online - visit the official Oscars website for all kinds of news and fun tid-bits!) and I have a lot of movies to watch! Nominations came out one week ago today and I have not been to the movies since! YIKES BIKES! There are a total of nine best picture nominees and I will do my very best to see all of them before Oscar day! The nominees are:
-- American Hustle
-- Captain Phillips
-- Dallas Buyers Club
-- Gravity
-- Her
-- Nebraska
-- Philomena
-- 12 Years a Slave
-- Philomena
-- Wolf of Wall Street

I saw American Hustle the weekend it came out - it stars Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams and was directed by the incredible David O. Russell. Liking it wasn't even in question - I knew I would love it. I did. And it has been winning awards all season! HAPPINESS!

I have also seen Gravity and Philomena.  Gravity was much better than I expected and I give Sandra Bullock major credit for being able to sustain the film completely on her own - that is serious talent. Philomena was beautiful...the story was captivating and devastating and infuriating and heartbreaking and just absolutely beautiful.

Tonight I'm going to see Her and I can get Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Nebraska, and 12 Years a Slave from Redbox meaning it is time to start planning for lots of movies nights at home! (Can we say Praise the Lord for Redbox by the way, I am so glad I can watch some of these movies for $1 instead of $15! AND I can bring whatever snacks I want into the "theatre"! AND I can wear jammies and cuddle under a blanket or push pause to use the restroom. AND I don't have to feel guilty checking my cell phone - THIS is the good life!) With all those watched, I'll be down to just Wolf of Wall Street and I need to get a date on the calendar to watch that with Gan (Leo is kind of her guy!). Ahhhh I do love the movies!

sag awards

Awards Season is going strong and making me one happy lady! I have LOVED getting to watch a red carpet virtually every week! SO FUN! The SAG awards are always fun because it is actors celebrating actors. The red carpet at the globes was definitely more spectacular overall, but I found several dresses to love and there were plenty of laugh-worthy moments. I think my overall best dressed has to go to Hannah Simone. She stepped out of the car and I audibly gasped. I loved the grace and sophistication of her dress coupled with the subtle makeup and classy hair. She was breath-taking. Michelle Dockery also looked remarkably classy in her tuxedo inspired dress with a simple twisted pony and soft side bang. Elisabeth Moss rocked the bright red strapless and Lupita Nyong'o picked the perfect color for her skin tone. My final pick went to Jennifer Lawrence who wore a fantastically fun dress - let's be honest - it has sequins - and anything with sequins is a WIN! Plus, she is just my fav and always deserves a little blog love! Looking froward to the Grammy's this weekend - bring on the TSWIFT!

the golden globes

Sunday, January 12 brought us the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards. There were hours of red carpet coverage and I spent the afternoon comfy on my couch while watching Ryan Seacrest and Guiliana Rancic interviewed the stars. My favorite red carpet moment was undoubtedly when Ryan was talking to Taylor Swift (who looked absolutely fantastic by the way) and Jennifer Lawrence turned into a total creeper and photo bombed the interview while walking up the stairs. Apparently JLaw and TSwift are friends, so they shared a little moment on the platform and then hugged. It was darling (and yes, I definitely wished that I was ALSO their friend - they send each other text messages - I totally want in on that! I think they'd really like me - I'm totally fun!). There was a lot of gorgeousness and a few near disasters, but overall beauty was in abundance and radiance overwhelmed the Beverly Hilton as celebrities accepted awards with unparalleled enthusiasm.

Designers like Dior, Versace, Tom Ford, Zac Posen, Burberry, Carolina Herrera and more swept the runway with the latest trends and custom designed gowns. I picked ten gorgeous girls for my best dressed list and I honestly would be hard-pressed to pick an absolute winner. These ladies looked absolutely fabulous from head to toe!
Unfortunately, the incredibly talented and ridiculously hilarious Jennifer Lawrence did not make my best dressed list. However, her makeup and nails were incredible and she won the globe for best supporting actress in a motion picture. She still TOTALLY ROCKS and remains my top pick for "actress I wish I was friends with in real life".

PS. if you just want to laugh about how much I love award season, check out 20 Signs You're Obsessed with Award Season at least 10 of them ring true!

Thursday the Oscar Nominations will be announced and then this weekend is the SAG awards! THERE IS SO MUCH FUN STILL TO BE HAD! Cheers!

red carpet madness

This week kicks off AWARD season – and if you know me at all – you know I LIVE FOR THIS STUFF! I think it is so fun to watch the red carpet and oogle over the incredible dresses, jewels, and manicures! Some dresses are swoon worthy and others are an absolute disaster, but deciding which is which is left entirely to the eye-of-the-beholder.  The hosts for the major award shows this year are FANTASTIC. First up is the People’s Choice Awards hosted by Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings from 2 Broke Girls, then we get treated to the hilarious Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for the Golden Globes, and they top the season off with Ellen Degeneres hosting the Oscars. I JUST CANNOT WAIT. In anticipation for the events, I have begun attempting to catch as many potentially nominated films as possible. I won't have an official Oscar Nominee So far I have only made it to four (4) of the films nominated for a globe (I had to see Hunger Games…twice…AND Saving Mr. Banks with the family), but they were all FANTASTIC. Cheers to many more and let the red carpet madness BEGIN!

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For your convenience, I've included the schedule of shows I'll be (planning on) catching! Red carpet recaps and full low-down on my dress loved-it and hated-its are coming soon...

The 40th People’s Choice Awards 2014 – January 08 @9pm
The 71st Annual Golden Globes Awards 2014 – January 12 @8pm
19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards 2014 – January 16 @8pm
The 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2014 – January 18 @8pm
The 56th Annual Grammy Awards 2014 – January 26 @8pm
The 86th Annual Academy Awards (the Oscars) 2014 – March 02