ACCESSORIZE

Confession from a Shopaholic:  I don't care for shoes.  Obviously need to wear them but I have a very small collection.  Not sure why.  Maybe becasue I am not drawn toward my feet {no surprise there, right sister?}.

But here is what I do love ... bags.  Handbags, tote bags, shopping bags.  Any kind of bag.  I still think about a bag I sold at a garage sale for $10 {think Coach} - WTF - I'm a pack rat, there was no need to get rid of that!!!

Speaking of pack rat, about 3 years ago, I dug out sunglasses I wore in my college days.  Circa 1991 Ray-Ban Aviators!  I saw a photo of Gwyneth wearing a pair so I went digging - score!  I love those sunglasses for many reasons.  And unlike shoes, I am definitely drawn to sunglasses but I don't really collect them.  I usually buy one pair and stick to them for a season or two and then move on.  Styles change so quickly.  But I think I'm going to start collecting.  I also now have a really great pair of Tory Burch shades {super fun Christmas gift}.  They are dark navy blue which is unusual.  Great especially for the winter.  And I just spotted a pair that I must have for summer:

as seen on the cover of the JCrew Catalog 

& sold thru JCrew on-line

Cutler and Gross® sunglasses $420.00

Super cool {until I saw the price tag} - yikes!  Does Santa come in April?

Tracy

A Real Mom

I love the story The Velveteen Rabbit, especially the poignant discussion about what it means to be REAL. Here is just a tiny quote from the book.."Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become real."

It got me to thinking about being a REAL mom. What I realized is this --> a real mom finds humor, and maybe even love, in the trenches. So much, that she keeps digging back in day after day. I am reminded I am a REAL mom..

* when I take my two littlest kids to the doctor with me (unexpectedly) and that doctor happens to be my gynecologist. {yes, there was some peeking}

* when I shake out a sweatshirt before tossing it into the washer and I hear gunshots everywhere. #%£%€¥! Once I crawl out from under the laundry tub, I realize a medium kid left a pile (!) of those exploding poppers in his pockets.

* when the youngest tells me "tissues are for boogers"..perfect, now he can stop wiping his nose everywhere else & I can get the furniture professionally cleaned.

* when I considered, after lingering with the kids at a St. Patrick's Day party, whether it would be easiest if I just did everyone's homework when we got home. Yes, all six sheets of it. Truthfully, I made green eggs and ham, the kids did the homework, tubs, and bed.

* when I lost a kid after his first lacrosse practice. Picture about a hundred second graders and they all look the same ~ helmets, silky shorts & shirts, and carrying sticks. I pretty much gave up after the fields cleared out and went home. (no joke) A real dad had him btw.

* when I instruct a kid, who is being teased at school, to tell the offenders to simply "buzz off." Before sending him into school for the day, I review our plan - "what should you say?" Very quietly, I think I hear him say, "F**k off" That will work just fine too.

* when I get an email from a teacher and it says that my A student has missed spelling homework, not once, not even twice, but three times!!! WTF??? {don't you remember the spelling bee?) Spelling is pretty easy for this kid. I responded that it is okay to get a B in school, as long as it is in a hard subject, like quantum physics. Getting a B for being lazy isn't okay.

Over and out from the trenches.

One Real Mom

SWEET

I was contemplating what to write about tonight.  Truly, not much on my mind.  Lovely husband was kind enough to pass along the stomach bug . . . I have the giant knot probably in the upper G.I. and the only position that takes the pain away is the prone position.  Nice - allows me to get much done (roll eyes).

I was thinking about doing a piece on March Madness.  But that would require some research because I haven't watched one game and overall have no clue.

Then you called sister.  We were chatting away and little Kate curled up next to me in bed. When we finally finished our call, I looked over and she was sound asleep.  You guessed it ... SWEET.  She still has on her favorite velour pants from Mini Boden (I should have stock piled those) and her feet smell SO bad thanks to the Lelly Kelly's that Emma gave her.  Kate lives in these shoes and never ever wears socks!  I kid you not when I say the smell is bad.  Lucky she is cute.

And yes, I will keep her in my bed, in her clothes and simply pull up the covers so she (so WE) are nice and snug.  Goodnight.

Tracy

source of the stink ~ notice the holes in the toes!

Our Super Bloopers from NYC

Ok. All getaways, even a me&t one, have some bumps along the way. A little laughter and a so-called "blooper" or two, provide priceless memories in the end. A perfect vacation isn't truly perfect without a bit of imperfection. Drumroll please -D -D -D (sticks & drums btw)..here are our me&t bloopers straight from NYC!!

1. Right out of the gate, we both need to get our nails in order. One t grabs a gorgeous glam green, which is popular in the fashion mags. (she was quick to get to it first) The slower t was left with a gunmetal gray, which was dramatic too, but not so much in the mags. As nails are drying, the slower t realizes the date ~ March 18th. Both t's are quick to realize the cutting edge green nails simply seem like a leftover from a bad St. Patrick's Day pub crawl.

2. Time to go to the Brooklyn Flea. Hail a cab and give the driver the exact address. Seems to be on a busy intersection on iPhone map. Should be easy..over the bridge and we'll be there in no time. The cab driver has no clue. Get out of cab - quickly hail a new one. Give fresh driver the address and show map. He seems a tiny more confident. We know we are in trouble when we don't go over the Brooklyn Bridge. Needless to say, we are lost and me&t are clueless. We spy two ladies strolling..one t yells for the cab to stop and pushes the other t out to get directions from the ladies. They point the way. Only 2 blocks!! Both t's abandon the cab and walk to the Flea.

3. If you have never been to Fishs Eddys, picture stacks of hundreds of plates, bowls, platters, and glasses stacked around every inch of a pretty small store. Now picture the most enormous stroller ~ the new, modern kinds that all the hip parents are driving nowadays. The couple, with their stroller, and baby inside came at us. We had no where to go..just stacks & stacks of breakables. One t mumbled "hang on a second", but before she could back up, the dad driving the stroller ran over her foot!! The mom kind of apologized and t couldn't stop staring at her newly scuffed ballet flat in horror. The couple probably thought "just wait until she has kids" ~ if they only knew. {and for the record, neither t has ever run anyone over with a stroller}

4. After a busy day visiting Brooklyn Flea, shopping in Union Square, and enjoying dinner at Da Silvano, what are two t's to do??? Go back to hotel and rent a movie. The t's pulled their covers up to their noses and cozied in for the night. Every so often, one t would pop up & ask the other t "are you awake?" ... "yes".  This banter went on several times throughout the movie.  Any guesses what movie they watched? GOOP's Gwyneth Paltrow in Country Strong of course!!

Over & out from NYC. We truly are back to the grind.

Both t's

Photo Friday No. 18

Reading Lonny on iPad in

New Jersey

colorwheel in

Pennsylvania

Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple

A big part of our me&t whirlwind weekend in NYC involved plenty of eating and drinking. Here is the list...

* Asellina - the flagship restaurant of the Gansevoort Park Hotel provided a convenient, Italian dinner on our first night. The three month old restaurant seemed comfortable, despite it's 10,000 square foot space. The predominantly wood interior with high ceilings and industrial lights provided a chic backdrop. The staff was friendly and the food was great. We loved the cauliflower soup. {and the champagne}

* The Black Duck - around the corner from our hotel, we accidentally found this spot for the perfect nightcap. The Black Duck - part of the new Park South Hotel - has been called "a best kept secret." A jazz band and a few sidecars ended a festive start to our weekend. We loved the unique mermaid chandeliers that loomed over the bar..go see them for yourself!

* Rosa Mexicano - okay..I remember this once unique Mexican staple before it became a chain. The location in Union Square provided a much needed pitstop after a busy day of shopping. Margaritas on the rocks (yes, with salt) and the guacamole prepared table side seemed to get us back on our feet again. We loved the enormous bowls the guac was served in.

* Da Silvano - this Greenwich Village destination provided a truly New York experience. It was intimate and bustling with plenty of people, authentic Italian food, and wine. Owner Silvano Marcchetto kept the show moving along while visiting tables and directing the busy waitstaff. The food was perfection. We especially loved the bread salad. {thanks to K&J for sharing one of their favorite NYC restaurants with me!}

* L'Express - this French bistro was across the street from our hotel and it is truly open 24/7. I wonder what is going on at, say 3 AM?? We dropped in for an early breakfast on Sunday morning. It was quiet with locals slowly rolling in. We loved the French press coffee.

It was all good.

tb

FLEA

As part of our weekend adventure, we made our way over the Brooklyn Bridge to The Brooklyn Flea.  This has been on our radar for quite some time and I'm so glad we made it happen (even though our cab driver was clueless!).

The market was still indoors for the winter and the building that housed it was a treat itself.  Vendors were set-up on three floors.  Everyone was super friendly, we even found a lady who we think wanted to be our friend, and shoppers had an air of confidence and unique style.  Thus they were probably drawn to the vintage clothing, jewelry and handbags that were plentiful.  We too were drawn to these items ~ was it becasue we did not have the means to haul furniture home or anything big for that matter?  

In the basement, there were food vendors set-up with choices including hot dogs with asian inspired toppings (crazy), tacos and lobster rolls.  Yum!  The food selection was even unique.

I cannot wait to return and encourage anyone to check it out.  You will not be dissapointed.  Click here for more information on-line:

  The Brooklyn Flea

Here are some photos, enjoy!

Tracy

Our collective picks!!!
 

A Room with a View

I firmly believe that in most instances, where I stay is as important as where I go. This philosophy can make or break a trip. In our case, Gansevoort Park Ave NYC became our home away from home, so to speak, for our me&t weekend in the Big Apple.

Centrally located in the Flatiron District, the Gansevoort was close to just about everything on our "to do" list ~ even Brooklyn! {more about that later} I especially loved the "neighborhood" feeling we were afforded. A Starbucks on our corner, the requisite nail salon across the street (green polish anyone??), a French bistro, a red pub, and even a subway stop for the truly adventurous! And, Union Square was walking distance with it's park, shops, and restaurants galore. We became locals for the weekend. Well, almost.

The HOTEL itself was sleek, modern, and full of energy. As you would say, it had swagger. The purple (!) chandeliers, vinyl chairs, and zig zag floors immediately set the tone as we entered the lobby. It was a style that didn't take itself too seriously.

Our ROOM was minimal, yet inviting. Fuschia curtains and electric blue bedspreads were the only breaks of color. Check out the bathroom sink photo..it was our favorite!! From our fifth floor, we had sweeping views up and down Park Avenue. And, an iPod loaded with a groovy playlist set the tone as we got oursleves dressed. At night, someone would leave white slippers next to our beds ~ size 11! Wonder if they estimated our large feet in the lobby.

The AMENITIES were so numerous, we didn't need to set a foot out the revolving door. There was a heated, rooftop pool, which turned into a bar/club/dance venue at night. Another rooftop bar was a cozy indoor/outdoor space for cocktails. {also for peering into beautiful apartment across the street} There was a full spa with a hair salon, as well as offerings of yoga and core fusion classes in their own studio. On the ground floor, Asselina (newly opened) was a convenient destination for a delicious dinner.

Finally, the STAFF was extremely friendly, and young for that matter! ;)  Upon checking in, Michelle immediately observed two tired moms with seven kids between them (!) and gave us complimentary champagne. She knew we needed some bubbly asap! Speaking of kids, there were none to be found at the Gansevoort. Also, we loved how the young man guarding the express elevators the rooftop destinations, asked us to show him our i.d. ~ yes, we got carded. (btw he was required to card everyone)

According to me&t, Gansevoort Park Ave NYC gets two thumbs up. Obviously, we would highly recommend this hotel. It would make an ideal spot for a weekend with friends, a husband, and even a sister. You can check it out for yourself, click here:

Gansevoort Park Avenue

Tune in tomorrow for more about the me&t NYC weekend..the adventure is just beginning.

Tricia

Gansevoort Park Ave NYC

Purple Chandeliers!!!

Giant Houndstooth Chairs

Zig Zag Floor

White vinyl chair - a fave!

Wood Railings

We adore this sink

Slippers for tired feet after busy days

Our room with a view

 

 

 

 

NYC

We are back from a really great weekend!  We ate, drank, shopped ... alot!  What could be better?  And everywhere we went we spotted owls ... some as part of the stores decor and others on goods being sold.  We spotted owls in Kate Spade, Anthropologie and here is one of our favorites found in the JCrew store in SoHo.  It was gigantic (2 maybe 3 stories tall?).

More posts to follow on the hotel, restaurants and shops we visited. 

As we were winding down our weekend, we had a bit of deja vu.  As we were shopping in SoHo today, I received a phone call from Mike.  They were on the way to the emergency room because Jack had a skiing accident.  I received the same phone call several weeks ago when I went to visit t for lunch and antiquing in New Jersey.  OMG. 

Tracy

Photo Friday No. 17

Signs of Spring in

New Jersey

almost packed in

Pennsylvania

 

UPCOMING

I confess, I am watching America's Next Top Model and writing this at the same time.  Apologies in advance for bad sentences or typos.

Here is what's upcoming on our blog.  Photo Friday is back after a one week hiatus due to computer crapping out.  So sister, send me a fresh photo.  And ... me&t t&me is getting out of dodge ... together!  NYC here we come.  An entire weekend of girl stuff.  Chic hotel, good eats, shopping and fleaing.  And each other {of course}.

Due to our weekend getaway, there will be no post on Saturday & possibly Sunday.  But we promise to give a full report on hotel, restaurants and most certainly The Brooklyn Flea Market (we've been talking about going there for quite some time).  So be sure to check back.  Hopefully we won't disappoint.

Until then,
Tracy

what is a girl to wear?

A Fresh Start - Part III

Looking around me, my entire first floor is in need of a fresh coat of paint. Some child used pencil to scribble on an entire wall and, then, another signed his name. It clearly says, "Henry"..hmmm, wonder who did that?? There are countless chips in the moldings that run along the floors and around doorways. {they are beyond my normal touch-up} And, we had a window/shutter fixed a long time ago, but never bothered to paint it. (!) It is time. And, while I dread the actual process, I can already imagine myself savoring the results. First step ~ choosing a color. As you know sister, this can be tricky. {is this why you stick with white?} With gray on my brain lately, I am leaning in that direction. I promise to keep you posted on the winning color. If you have any suggestions, please advise asap. Stay tuned..

tb

Graffiti needs paint!

BEEP

She's back!  My computer that is.  Good as new (I can only hope).  A couple of things going on here in PA:

1.  We just got back from having our taxes done.  Every year we make a stop at McDonald's and Mike gets a milkshake (I do not).  But then I stare at him the entire time wanting a sip (or two, or three) and he is stingy.  So this year I got a medium Shamrock Shake!  McD's now puts whipped cream and a cherry on top.  It was yummy.  Needless to say I had to open the button on my jeans ~ I was totally busting out. 

2.  Diet program is not working!  Probably because I am not following it.  After tonight's episode, I have decided to confiscate Matthew's Ipod touch and download the Lose It! program onto it.  I will have it in my purse at all times - no excuses!

3.  Was glued to PBS this weekend ~ they were airing a Les Miserables concert.  It was so great.  They brought together the main cast members of the show since it opened in 1985.  Gram took me to see this show on Broadway and it must have been soon after it opened.  I know I saw it before college because a roommate of mine had the soundtrack and we listened to it all the time.  I am going to see if I can download the soundtrack from Itunes when I am done here.

4.  Now to the BEEP ... so I bought a new handbag when I was in Colorado.  I've been using it since then but I really haven't done much shopping since we got home.  On Saturday night, I went out to buy some new running kicks.  As I was leaving Sports Authority, the security thing beeped {how embarrassing ~ I was sure I didn't swipe anything}.  The sales dude told me it was probably my purse.  Damn.  So I then go to Dick's.  As I enter the store my purse beeps ~ shit.  I do my shopping and I am stressed because I know I am going to beep when I leave.  Sure enough, I do.  Now what?  Today over lunch, I run into JCREW .  Walk in the door ~ beep!  Shit again.  The sales lady looks at me and I cheerfully explain my problem.  She was so great, she takes my purse, runs it over their debeeper and the problem was fixed.  JCREW rocks!

I am going to stay naked for one more night ~ sorry.  I really just want to hop onto Itunes to see if I can get the Les Mis soundtrack.  Very exciting!

Tracy

P.S.  Need to see a photo from your Fresh Start II post.  I am trying to freshen up here too but I am taking baby steps.  Need to organize first.  But you are inspiring me so keep it coming!

A Fresh Start - Part II

A friend told me she switches her bedding ensemble every year (!) to freshen up her master bedroom. Wow! What a perfect idea..a simple way to transform a room and keep the look up-to-date. Honestly, amazing bedding can be had for a reasonable price point. Most of the time, a beloved sale can be involved. :) Recently, I scored a set on the site "One Kings Lane"..are you a member yet? Join if you haven't already ~ they offer amazing sales on a wide variety of all things related to the home. Back to my bedding --> it is a dove gray quilt in a grid pattern. Simple, sophisticated, and tailored. I must admit it is precisely the "freshen up" I was hoping for! The entire space has a better vibe with a simple change of bedding. Success!!

Tricia

PS What? No photos?? We're "naked"??? In that case, I had better up the writing a bit. ;)

NAKED

As you know sister, my computer crapped out on me Thursday night. It did nothing! Why does a 2-1/2 year old computer do that? It is beyond me. Thus NO Photo Friday :( My apologies.

So folks we are running naked for a bit (i.e. no photos to accompany our posts). Computer dude thinks he knows what the problem is so I am hoping to have her back soon. Until then ... just words.

Happy Saturday!

Tracy {naked + not my font = :( again}

A Fresh Start - Part I

The urge to give my home a fresh start has become quite strong. I started looking around my rooms with a critical eye and what I discovered was most alarming. The short list of what needed some work became long pretty quickly. At the same time, my "Fresh Start" post was getting so lengthy, I decided to divide it into a few parts. As a result, you can enjoy each and every one without getting bored from reading so much! (yawn) Happy reading..maybe you will be inspired to initiate a "fresh start" too.
__________________________________________________________

{Part I - Pillows}

"New pillows in the family room asap"..first on list. I didn't realize how tired my current pillows looked until I inspected them closely. {gasp} To be honest, new ones were ordered recently and they arrived faster than anticipated. (yipee!) It did take a couple months of research and pondering to select the "perfect" pillow. I decided on a grey, linen fabric with a celery green monogram. Traditional with a twist of modern from the style of monogram font. Here it is..what do you think??

Y2 Tricia (?)

PS sorry my danger post freaked you out, but that was the point. I heard our mom was freaked out too.

PSS missed GOOP on Glee (again!) I fear she has given up her day job to sing & appear on tv? I wonder if she will duet with Chris Martin

PSS I think it may be time to ask the men to come back as guest bloggers..Mike? Ed??

RESPONSE

Sister, I feel the need to respond to you on a couple of things discussed lately: 

No. 1:  Blessings of a Skinned Knee: I kid you not but I just dusted off this book and a day later you mentioned it in your post.  I needed a huge refresher.  I also talked to BFF Jen about it and told her she needs to get a copy.  A must have for every mother. 

No. 2: Gowgirls are Forever Sign: No, I did not steal the sign.  It was hanging in a Bar & Grille at Keystone.  I suppose I could have tried.  It is super cute ~ I'm thinking about printing the photo poster size and framing it!

No. 3: Suggested Blogs & Misc. Websites: You keep throwing out some blogs that I should be following or some websites to check out.  I have to admit I am failing miserably.  I need to go thru all the correspondence from you (emails, texts, blogs) and make a list.  I think I'm totally missing out.

No. 4: Your post yesterday freaked me out.

No. 5: Girl's Weekend: Ok, so maybe it is just a me&t weekend but I can't wait!  Already planning outfits.  Alittle stressed about my overnight bag(s) as compared to what I know you will be pulling out.  Plus you mentioned I need stylish but comfortable shoes because the city is always cold ~ help!

Tracy

P.S. Did you watch Gwyneth on tonight's episode of Glee?  She rocked!

Danger, Danger

OMG! Recently, I glanced at a newspaper article while waiting somewhere - wished I would have saved it so I could reference it. Anyhow, I can't stop thinking about it. Basically, the author shares why a "doomsday" scenario for earth is inevitable. Some signs that point to this include wild weather, toppling trees, power outages, melting icecaps, and so forth. Eventually, there will be global battles over water, food, and electricity for starters.

With the above thoughts in hand, the author was motivated to install solar panels, buy a back up generator for electricity, purchase seeds for indoor cultivation, place deadbolt locks around his home to prevent break-in's for supplies and learn how to operate a firearm. Yikes!! Maybe double yikes!!

In the meantime, I have been busy organizing, decorating, and watching the fall 2011 fashion shows. Trips to Target, yes, trips to the generator supply store, no. I feel a slight wave a panic..I should be stocking up on batteries, canned goods, water, and seeds. The mentioned locks are meant to keep out unprepared folks just like me!

I am not an alarmist by nature, but the article did make me stop in my tracks. At a minimum, I always thought it would be a good idea to have a "survival kit" in case of an emergency. After 9/11, I recall reading about what the contents should be, but I would need to research this. Maybe throw in a generator, a gun, and solar panels just to be on the safe side?

Do you remember your neighbor "Y2 Gary"?? He was worried about the impending doomsday which would occur on 1/1/2000 as computers crashed and darkness ensued. I think he had piles of pellets in his garage as fuel. Not sure, but I doubt any pellets were utilized.

What do you think about all of this?? I wonder..

Y2 Tricia

Our safety kit (not!)

AGAIN

Back to the mountains again.  This time a quick weekend trip to the Green Mountains of Vermont.  We just love Vermont, one of my favorite places.  The house we stay at is nestled so tightly in the woods you can barely see it from the road.  Cozy. 

We only had one day to ski because the forecast for the weekend was rain (mainly on Sunday).  We decided to ski Stratton.  I love Stratton!  It is really easy to navigate and very family friendly thanks to the centrally located gondola.  This ski resort has such great lazy trails that go right past the most beautiful homes.  You don't find that at many other resorts.  I found the ski house of my dreams.  Picture salt box style, dark metal roof and dark siding (meant to look worn & old but it was most definitely new).  It just had that modern, clean style unlike most of the multi-tiered homes nearby.  I asked Matthew if he would buy it for me one day.  He said he didn't like it so I would have to buy it myself :(

The rain held out for the most part and we had a great day.  But always happy to be home in our cozy Pennsylvania abode. 

Tracy

One of my favorite Stratton trails

Give Me a Break

We just returned from our winter school break, which we spent in Annapolis, Maryland. Nine days of FAMILy..yep, just the SIX of us. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the wisdom of Wendy Mogul in her book Blessing of the Skinned Knee ~ most days are not extraordinary, therefore teach your children how to get through the ordinary days. It is a good life skill. This became my mantra.

Here is some of what my children came up with -->

*created "museums", made tents with their bunk beds, played hide and seek

*played games (Henry cheated during Sorry!) & there were some electronic games :(

*whooped it up at the playground..made up games using an old tennis ball left behind by a dog

*ventured out to paint pottery and visit a science museum (we all laid on a bed of nails!)

*gathered for a few "movie nights" complete with popcorn & snuggly blankets

*read books by a cozy fire on rainy, snowy, and windy days

Looking back on winter break, it was a good time for our family. There were a few bumps (there always are), but for the most part, we enjoyed our time together. Here's the good news -- spring break is around the corner!

{sadly, we are back to the grind}

Tricia

Photo Friday No. 16

Endless laundry in

New Jersey

new dish towel in

Pennsylvania

SEUSS

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!  My kids were so excited to go to school simply because of the activities planned around this.  Kate picked the book "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" to take to school and share with her class. She insisted on sleeping with the book so she wouldn't forget it. She ended up snuggling in bed with me and I slept on the book!

At around 7:00 pm, Matthew asked me what he was wearing to school for the party. My response was "huh".  So I humored him and suggested that if he finished his homework we would try to make a Dr. Seuss hat.  Not sure what I was thinking.  This craft would require vision, skill and most certainly supplies.

Finally around 9:00 pm, I gave it a try.  I got lucky because we happened to have some red construction paper and white poster board on hand.  There was a picture of "the hat" on the back of a book.  I was ready.  I started to craft while the entire family watched on.  They all offered to help.  Hmm.  This craft was better handled by just one {me}.  Promise not to laugh, but here is what 45 minutes, a scissor and some tape produced:

Unlike you sister, I have no artistic ability and I am not crafty.  But I was actually pleased with the outcome.  Matthew was thrilled.  So hats off to Dr. Seuss for all those crazy books he wrote.  One of my favorites is "Oh, the Places You'll Go!".

Tracy

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss

More Gold

For the first time in many years, I watched the Academy Awards in it's entirety (not even a nap midway.) Usually, I wake up in the morning to find out who won best actor, actress, and picture on the news programs. That said, I was able to see every dress and listen to each acceptance speech. What surprised me the most was how many of the movies I actually saw and how many I was inspired to see in the near future.

Here are some of my personal thoughts and observations. The good, the bad, and the in between!
_______________________________________________________________

> I think the lovely Anne Hathaway did a fantastic job of hosting the show. It's not an easy gig to say the least. She was poised, enthusiastic, funny, and spontaneous. To be honest, she could have carried it on her own (agree James Franco was flat) Her outfit changes were fun ~ each gown was more glamorous than the previous. Bravo Anne!!

> I think our favorite, Gwynnie, looked every bit the Academy Award Winner she is. She almost looked like an Oscar statue herself in her Clavin Klein dress ~ I may have preferred her in some color. What surprised me the most was that the camera caught her sitting in the audience next to hubbie, Chris Martin. They are never photographed together. I thought she did well on her song..again, it is a tough crowd. Some thought she sang off-key.

> I think there were piles of sparkly, statement jewelry pieces..especially enormous earrings. Funny, green seemed to be the gem color of choice. (Celine, Annette, Reese, and Amy!) Maybe a trend? I think Marissa Tomei's earrings were a favorite.

> I think I was very disappointed by Natalie Portman's overall look..her Rodarte dress looked "off the rack" from Pea in the Pod and the tassel earrings didn't help. Many pregnant actresses in the past arrived to the Oscars looking chic, belly and all. Note: anyone favored to win an award should take extra care in one's appearance, especially best actress. I did love how Ms. Portman thanked her parents so graciously.

> I think over on the men's side, Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg looked elegant in their black ties..one a bow tie and the other long. A classic look is always in style. (didn't care for the black-on-black look at all)

> I think, in closing, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Style, on the other hand, is another matter altogether. Looking back on vintage photos of the Oscars, it is interesting how the styles of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly would have been perfect even today. I wonder how Sunday evening's fashions will look in fifty years..

Until next year..

tb

Maybe Oscar could use some rubber arms?