the OSCARS

Wups! I'm a little late on my Academy Awards review. The husband had the day off from work, so today was spent exploring our new surroundings and FINALLY watching this fabulous movie. Apparently, nearly 14,000 "Yahoo! Users" gave it an A, but "the Critics" only gave it a C+.

What I'd like to know is this: Who are "the Critics" and why do they seem to hate the movies that everyone else thinks are wonderful? They must represent a very small portion of society because their views almost always differ from the majority of movie-goers.

Anyway, to start off my review of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, I must admit something: This was the first year I've ever watched the Oscars! Sure, I've seen bits and pieces in the past, but this was the first time I watched it from beginning {including Barbara Walters' last Oscars TV special} to end. And I loved every minute of it! I'm definitely going to watch it every year from now on, and Ben said we should throw an Academy Awards party next year!

So, on to my review:

Best Dressed: It's a TIE!

Elizabeth Banks {LOVE the color}...

and Demi Moore {who is genuinely smiling! I don't think that has happened since 1990}

Worst Dressed:

Ick! I really hope Charlize Theron fires whoever told her this dress was a good idea.

Sentimental Moment:

Jeff Bridges' "Best Actor" speech, in which he thanked his parents who had passed away {so sweet; I cried like a baby}. And I loved that he called everyone "man" ~ too funny!

Awkward Moment:

Elinor Burkett totally stealing Roger Ross Williams' thunder. The poor guy had said about 3 words when she bombarded him and grabbed the mic. I don't care who you are or what you think you deserve: once someone else takes the stage, it is THEIR turn to speak, not yours! Someone needs to go back to Kingergarten and learn their manners...

Fairytale Moment: 

Sandra Bullock winning her first ever Academy Award! She could have done without the 99 cent lipstick, but other than that, I thought she looked great. I was sure "Best Actress" was going to go to Meryl Streep {who looked stunning and did a great job in Julie and Julia}, but I really wanted Sandra to win! She totally deserved it, and her acceptance speech was heart-warming and hilarious; just like her.

Shockingly Awful:

WHY, Sarah, why?!? I'm loving the Chanel, but...the spray-on tan, the hooker eyeliner, the frizzy bee-hive hair...Sarah Jessica Parker, this is completely unacceptable. Maybe you were trying to look like an Oscar award? Frankly, I don't care; I expected so much more from you! No excuses: Play like a champion!

Shockingly Delightful:

I've got to be honest: I think Kristen Stewart is perfect for the role of Bella in the Twilight Saga. Clumsy, easily embarrassed, awkward {Did you notice that she had just one line to say, yet she somehow managed to awkwardly clear her throat right in the middle of it?}. And, just like her character in Twilight, Kristen seems to HATE dressing up. But oh my goodness, she did it! Kristen Stewart finally looked like the movie star she truly is! She definitely should have at least worn some earrings, but I'll forgive her because the hair, makeup, and dress were all so chic. Well done, my vampire-loving friend :)

Closing Remarks:

:: Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were excellent choices for co-hosts. However, whoever writes the jokes for the Academy Awards needs to come up with better material. Many of their lines were inappropriate and not even remotely funny!

:: Meryl Streep is one of the most classy actresses of all time.

:: George Clooney may have been voted "Sexiest Man Alive" year after year, but I think he seems like a total jerk {and I absolutely loved the stare-down between him and Alec Baldwin}.

:: James Cameron {producer of Avatar} was robbed! I can't believe his ex-wife {producer of The Hurt Locker} won so many awards. Maybe he was really mean to her, and this was a very belated "Jesus-spanking"? ;)

To end this on a good note {and to avoid sullying the good name and fashion sense of Sarah Jessica Parker}, here is a little reminder of what the usually fabulous SJP looked like at last year's Academy Awards:

Ahhh, much better!

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After all is said and done, I think my favorite part of Oscars night was...

"The Handsome Men's Club" skit featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

No, seriously. It was HILARIOUS...especially when the camera turned to John Krasinski. You have to watch it:

So, what did you think of the Oscars this year?

Spring Inspiration

We've had some delightfully sunny days lately, so I thought I'd share some bright and cheerful spaces to get us in the mood for warmer weather:

Blog it Forward : 3.5.10

I am thrilled to be one of the 300 bloggers participating in "Blog it Forward", a sort of blogging chain letter created by Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay. Every day, select individuals write about what inspires them the most and then introduce the next blog on the list.

Ashley, of loveashley.net, wrote yesterday's "Blog it Forward" post and up next is Kary, of "Mackin Ink" ~ be sure to check out her inspiring post tomorrow.

New York City

{the skyscrapers, the stores, the people ~ I love it all}

{via}

The adorable children we sponsor
{who we were able to meet last year, thanks to World Help's Children of the World Choir}

We sponsor Christian {front, left, age 10, from the Philippines} and Keith {back, right, age 10, from Uganda}...

We also sponsor Wilber {left, age 9, from Uganda} and Francis {right, age 11, also from Uganda}

Photography

{I plan on buying my own SLR camera at the end of this month. I can't wait to join the rest of you talented photographers out there in blogland!}

{via}

The Seasons

{just a few of God's many beautiful creations}

{Owego, New York}

{Washington, DC}

{Ocean City, Maryland}

{Annapolis, Maryland}

My godly, handsome, funny, hardworking, thoughtful, intelligent {etc.} husband,
Benjamin ♥

Etsy, and all of its creative contributors...

{via}

Glory and Grace...

{read John 3:16-17 here}

{via}

I hope you all have an inspiring weekend :)

Home Style + another Giveaway

Home Goods is an incredible resource for chic, yet affordable home decor. So, when I found a "Home Style" quiz on the Home Goods website, I just couldn't resist! Here are my very accurate results:

Natalie, you are an EARTHY CASUAL

You're interested in creating a welcoming home where people feel comfortable and happiness flourishes. You appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly. And you are never taken in by the trend of the moment.

You value serenity. While there are probably a lot of interesting things in your home, they are joined by your taste or a certain palette that keeps them in harmony. You appreciate the beauty in simple forms. Whether fancy or plain, you appreciate things that are well made and function as well as they look. You also have a strong respect for the environment and craftsmanship. You care about how things are made, and how they are used.

Putting Your Style to Work!

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: UNIFY The good news is, you probably have many things you love and have collected, and no one would ever say your home is boring! You've done the hard part; now you just need to pull it all together. If your furniture seems like a mish-mash, unify it through similar upholsters or slipcovers. When grouping objects, try to find something they have in common. If they share a shape, color or material, they will look like a collection. A tray is every decorator's secret weapon for making groups of small objects look purposeful and sculptural. If your accessories are all over the map, try subduing the upholstery or wall color, so your small items are the stars. 

2. Your Happy Place
Choose a color or two that harmonizes with the tableware you already own, and collect things like linens, glasses, dessert plates, or platters in those hues. This is a fantastic way to liven up a plain, white table setting. And if you can, set the table the night before a dinner party, so you can really take pleasure in tending to the details.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time!
 Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Thanks to all of you design-savvy bloggers and your posts full of incredible decorating and party-hosting ideas, I already follow each of these guidelines. So, my first thought after reading my results was "wow, I guess I'm doing something right!" Very reassuring for an avid decorator :)

Click here to take the Home Goods Style Quiz and leave a comment, letting me know what style you are and if you think your results are accurate!

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Also, be sure to check out this amazing giveaway over at High-Heeled Foot in the Door. Up for grabs: THREE GALLONS OF PAINT!

That is way too good of a giveaway to pass up. Click here to enter ~ good luck! :)

Cheap Treats + a Giveaway

I'm glad you guys enjoyed my post about Emily! Kudos to her for being an inspiration to us all :)

Well, I've decided to start writing weekly installments {along with "Star of the Week"} on a similarly themed issue. They're called "Cheap Treats" and they will deal with cleaning, organizing, and/or decorating your home on a budget. Let's begin!

So many people are under the the impression that you have to spend lots of money in order to have a beautiful home.


I completely disagree!

Check out this Inexpensive Dining Room Makeover:

Designer Matthew Lanpier "removed the wallpaper, repainted the walls, reupholstered chairs in sunbrella fabric (to prevent fading from the sunny windows), and then redid the chairs by sanding and spray painting them (professional refinishing wasn’t in the budget)."

Source: Design*Sponge

Amazing, no? So much pizazz for so little money!

There wasn't a price break-down in the article, but here is my estimate:

Putty Knife {to remove wallpaper}: $2
Mild Household soap {mixed with H2O, to remove wallpaper}: $2
Sponges: $2
Paint {as low as $3 if you are willing to buy a mistint}: $3
Paint Brushes and Rollers: $16
1 Gallon Primer: $9
Accessories {lamp shade, 2 smaller mirrors/art, centerpiece}: $20
Rug: $60
Fabric {remnants can be found at JoAnn's or Walmart for as low as $3/yard!}: $12
Staple Gun {to apply new fabric}: $17
Sand Paper: $3
Spray Paint {for chairs}: $8
------------------------
Total Cost: $154


So, for about $150 {that's less than $2 a day for 3 months}, you could completely revamp a room in your home!


Who says you have to spend an arm and a leg to have great decor?



P.S. Jackie, over at Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle, is having a Giveaway!

Up for grabs is a 2010 Weekly Planner and notebook set from Pretty Chic SF:

Aren't they fabulous? There are even more designs available at her etsy store. I don't know about you, but I still need to get a planner for this year and the ones offered at Pretty Chic are too cute to pass up! Be sure to stop by Jackie's Blog and enter for your chance to win this great combo!

Star of the Week: EMILY ANDERSON

When I was student-teaching in first grade, we always had a "Star of the Week", in which one student had their chance to shine. It was always fun to see their creativity and a great opportunity for the rest of the kids in class to get to know them. I've decided to do a weekly feature called "Star of the Week" in which I will highlight fantastic blogs that I have fallen in love with. So, without further adieu, here is my first ever Star of the Week:

Her profile:

i am 28. i am married to mr. anderson. i have 4 little people. i love jesus. i am a photographer. i love to get crafty with it. i am very sarcastic...which you may or may not pick up on in my ramblings. don't be offended.
thanks for stopping by my little place in the world wide web. thanks for your nice comments. i love them. i try my hardest to return the favor, but sometimes my little ankle biters don't allow me the time. enjoy reading about our crew.

And here are just a few reasons why her blog is fabulous...

#1. Her posts are genuine. And hilarious. And sarcastic. My top 3 "must-haves" :). Here's one of my favorite excerpts:

being a mom of 3 boys is full of fun.

full of crazy.

full of loud.

full of spiderman underwear.

and full of lots and lots of pee around the toilet.

but we LOVE our boys.

Too funny!

#2. She is a creative decorator. Here is a glimpse of the co-ed kids' room she designed:

Click here for more pictures of the space.

#3. Usually, playlists annoy me. As soon as I hear the first few notes of whatever obnoxious song is playing, I'm like "Where is the playlist hiding?! I need to turn off this junk!" However, Emily has an amazing Playlist. On more than one occasion, I have actually left her blog page open, just so I could listen to all of the fantastic songs {would someone please buy me itunes? jeez}.

#4. She has the cutest family you will ever see:

#5. She does neat little craft projects...like this and this and this.

#6. She takes amazing pictures. Seriously. A.MA.ZING. For example:

Here is a link to her photography website.

#7. And last but definitely not least, she is honest.

I hope you enjoyed this tiny glimpse of Emily at "Anderson Family Crew"! Please check out her blog and let her know how truly awesome she is! :)

Belated Love Day

I realize that I'm about 2 weeks too late on this post. I also realize that many people view Valentine's Day as a pathetic excuse for Hallmark and Chocolate makers to take advantage of us...and maybe it is. But I love what this little faux holiday can represent:

Love for each other. Love for our Creator. Love for life.

Plus...I love any excuse to give and receive gifts :)

Here is what our "Love Day" consisted of:

...and much more :)

Even though it's no longer Valentine's Day, it's always good to share some love.
So, be sure to tell someone you love them today!

What are your thoughts on this "Holiday"?


P.S. Thank you so much for the great Giveaway, Cecia!

The gift card will be used to purchase some much-needed items for our home, like...

{hehe, "much needed"}

I'll be sure to post pictures of whatever I end up buying. Thanks again! :)