Silver screen

Saw a couple movies over the holidays, and here are my thoughts:

Les Mis -- eh.  My expectations were so high for this one!  I mean, I love historical movies, Frenchies, and musicals.  But I must say I got kind of bored during this one.  Sigh

Silver Linings Playbook -- So good!  For the first time, I finally get why people love Bradley Cooper.  And Jennifer Lawrence was so pretty/amazing.

Lawless -- This is out on dvd, we watched it on demand.  I was surprised, but I really liked it!  Caveat - I love anything set in the olden days and/or involving cowboys.  Although I guess these guys aren't technically cowboys because they don't ride horses.  But they are dirty and have accents and beat people up.  It's  got a lot of violence, but if you aren't too squeamish I'd definitely recommend this.  One of the my favorites this year!

Movies I want to see:
Argo
Gangster Squad - although I think it's totally unfair whats-her-name gets to be in two movies with Ryan Gosling (first was Crazy Stupid Love which I didn't love in the movie theater but now watch every time it's on tv)
Broken City - 2 words: Marky Mark!

And finally, I know this is a tv show and not a movie but I started watching Homeland when sis in law came to visit and now I'm HOOKED.  It is so suspenseful!  And Claire Danes is such a good actress - I totally believe her.  Although it does nothing to alleviate my childhood fears that one day I will go crazy.  I'm just now starting season 2 so no one tell me spoilers!

Update

The holidays are over and back to work for me.  I've been derelict in my blogging duties as of late, so this post is full of random updates to make up for it!

First of all, who else is excited for the Bachelor premiere tonight??  I'm watching it right now... the awkward intros are always my fave.  I'm hoping Sean will be a good bachelor, although I see the potential for him to be a little boring.  And does anyone else think it's weird that the girls are chosen for the season before the bachelor is?  I think the show would be so much better if they chose contestants based on who the bachelor/bachelorette is!

UPDATE: omg, just saw the one-armed girl
UPDATE 2: OMG, just saw the back flip girl

Also, I got my first ever gel manicure this weekend.  I know, I'm way behind the times.  Secretly, I've been afraid my nails would get damaged if I ever did gel but I know so many people who get it I decided to take the plunge.  Overall I like it!  My one complaint is the color didn't turn out the way I was hoping and, since it's gel, I couldn't change it.  What do y'all think?  Too Barbie?

Last night I made lasagna in the crockpot!  Who knew?  It actually turned out very tasty and was so easy to make.  Hubby has leftovers for the week now.  Recipe here.

Alright, that's all I've got for now.  The Bachelor (and work) are waiting!

Sky shopping

If you ever want a good laugh while on a flight, just open up the Sky Mall.  Seriously.  The stuff in there is almost purposefully ridiculous.  On a flight awhile back, I ran across this product and snapped a photo to text to friends.  One glass can last you the whole night!

Each glass holds a full bottle of wine!

Who would ever buy this?  Well I'll tell you who - the St. Regis.  Evidence below: my room service dinner from last week - this glass is holding half a bottle!

Word

I know this is random, but...

Whilst facebooking last evening, I found this quote (posted by a "friend" I haven't spoken to in about 10 years) and really liked it.  Good reminder of the futility of dwelling on negative thoughts:

"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies" - Nelson Mandela

Green chili mac & cheese

Okay.  Y'all.  Deliciousness awaits...

The perfect comfort food for a cold winter night.  And it's Christmas, so no need to worry about silly stuff like calories.  This was easy to make and words cannot describe how good it is.  Recipe here.

I used canned fire-roasted green chilis and it was yummy, so I bet it'd be even better with fresh chilis.  I promise you won't regret making this!

Sauteed broccoli with garlic on the side

Noisy

This is a teeny bit embarrassing but too funny not to share...

Last night I got a phone call from the hotel front desk saying they'd received a noise complaint and to please tone it down.

I was alone.  In my room.  Singing along to this:

Retreat

Grumpy work day.  harrumph.  What can make me feel better?

Listening to the Bob Marley Pandora station and going on this mini photo retreat:  corner of our porch with a Highlander romance novel and hot chocolate :)