Since the great closet clean out of 2019, I was left with a whole foot of closet real estate. This also meant that I had parted with many of the options I had been leaving myself. I still have plenty to wear, but in an effort to really see what I have and wear, I’ve decided to document my daily outfits whether it be work or play. My goal is to figure out what I wear most, what I need more of, and what I do not/did not wear at all during the month of April.
Hi, friends! Anyone else got a real case of the hurry-up-and-clear-out-the-pollen-so-I-can-get-outside-and-enjoy-the-spring-weathers? This self-proclaimed winter lover is really ready for the warmer temps, but only like the sunny and 75 stuff. Nothing higher. I immediately want winter again at the first sign of sweat.
Hi, friends! Now that it’s April and I’ve had a whole week off of school, my brain is back and functioning on all kinds of levels. It may be all the extra coffee I’ve needed this week as I’ve gotten back into the school routine, but whatevs. All I know is that I have been brainstorming ideas like crazy for this blog. April is going to be one of the busiest months ever, but I’m going to give it a go and try to do it all. Fingers crossed.
Where is 2019 going? Already three months in? Why do I feel like I blinked and it’s gone? I’m not complaining. It’s that much closer to summer break, and it’s been a great month (other than all the pollen and allergy issues that have hit me like a ton of bricks). So many great things happened in March, and I’m pretty excited to share them with you today. This post is basically a compilation of everything I did this month. I don’t have a whole lot of products to report about, but if you’re nosy about what I got into, read on! 🙂
Over on Instagram, I took a poll asking if you wanted to see a recipe for a quinoa salad that I’d been eating for lunch that week. Lots of you said yes, so here it is. Sorry I don’t have many pictures. I chose not to have it again for lunch this past week, but the picture I do have is a good representation of what is in it.
People are always making posts on social media wondering what they should watch next. I always scroll the comments before posting, and I get so many recommendations. However, I didn’t watch Bird Box like most people recommended. I’ve also yet to watch You on Netflix with Penn Badgley, but it’s most definitely on my list. Have you watched that one? Will I be afraid to go outside alone? I hear it’s super creepy. Anyway, I’ve watched some great shows from scrolling those comments, so I thought I’d drop seven of them here in a post with a little description so you can decide if you’d like to start watching one of them on this lovely Saturday.
Grace and Frankie (Netflix)- This show is hilarious. I don’t particularly relate to the characters who have moved in together in their 70s because their husbands left them for each other! However, it makes for some funny TV. Both Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda are downright quick-witted and fun to watch. All of the characters are funny in their own way and bring their own depth and element to the story so that you get very attached to them. There’s also been some fun guest stars like Craig T. Nelson, Lisa Kudrow, and Sam Elliot to name a few. I’m in season four (out of five), and it’s just pure entertainment that makes me laugh out loud. It’s light-hearted and pretty mindless, so it won’t make you cry or anything. Just good fun. It’s not for the kiddos, though, so make sure you watch this one without little ears and eyes.
Stranger Things (Netflix)- I’m about a year and a half late to season two of this show, but it was worth the wait! Paul and I randomly decided to watch it after putting it off for so long, and we are so happy we did. I have a love/hate relationship with shows like this one. I don’t get scared of the alien stuff, but the suspense is killer to me. I do love how well the show is written and how it caused me to get invested in the characters. Eleven is one complicated little girl, and I absolutely loved her story line and that we got to know a little about why she is the way she is. If you haven’t watched it, do it! And if you haven’t watched any of Stranger Things, you are seriously missing out. It is truly more than the suspenseful alien invasion, but it definitely lives up to it’s name because it is the strangest television show I’ve ever watched.
I am the Night (TNT)- I’ll go ahead and say this show was a big thumbs down for me. I wanted to like it because of Chris Pine. I think he’s actually a great actor, but let’s be honest, he’s hot and watching him for an hour each week wasn’t going to hurt at all. It was said to be based on true events about a reporter that supposedly solved the Black Dahlia murder, but obviously the killer goes free. I suppose if you’re interested in this particular murder case and are more informed that I, give it a go. However, I did not understand many parts of the story and how they were relevant. When the last episode went off Paul and I looked at each other with absolute confusion. We thought it was kind of stupid, but it had just enough suspense to keep you wanting the next episode. Overall it was a let down.
Rachel Hollis Presents: Made for More (PRNewsfoto/Fathom Events)
Made for More Documentary (Amazon Prime Vidoe)- This documentary is from Rachel Hollis of Girl, Wash Your Face. It was basically her book in documentary form. She has previously released this film to select theaters around the country that had only one or two showings. A friend of mine in Baton Rouge had tickets to see it and loved it. She’s the one that told me about the book, too. When she posted to her social media that Made for More was out on Amazon Prime Video, I knew I had to check it out. Thanks, Whitney! It was great. If you like her motivational spirit and have read Girl, Wash Your Face, you’ll enjoy this film. It was cool to see the behind the scenes operations of her conferences, and you truly get a sense of her heart behind this mission she has to help empower other women. I thought it was very nice and worth the watch.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (Movie)- Melissa McCarthy (you know, the funny one) gave a very serious and dramatic performance as Lee Isreal in this movie. It tells the story of how Lee Isreal fabricated and sold letters written by other famous people in order to make money because she was so broke. It had funny elements that McCarthy plays to perfection, but it is not a comedy. It was very heavy, in fact, and had many deep issues to work through. I really enjoyed it and understood her award nominations, including that Oscar. It’s definitely not a feel-good movie, but if you like Melissa McCarthy and interesting movies, I recommend this one. I got mine from Red Box, but it might be at the library now.
BlacKkKlansman (Movie)- This Spike Lee film was pretty great. It tells the story of Ron Stallworth, an African-American detective that infiltrates the KKK. It had excellent comedic performances, but it also really showed how things were in the early 70s with the hatred toward black people. I enjoyed the movie and the story. I’ve never seen a Spike Lee film, so I have no idea if the ending was true to form or not, but as the credits are rolling he shows footage of the attacks that happened in North Carolina this past year. I know the point was to show that racism is still an issue in our country, but I just couldn’t watch people being killed knowing it was real and not part of the movie. That’s the only issue I had with this one. Otherwise, I really liked the story and how it was told and recommend it. This one’s at the library.
Bohemian Rhapsody (Movie)- You guys, this was my favorite movie in a long time. Rami Malek was excellent as Freddie Mercury. I knew something unfortunate happened to him, but I didn’t grow up with Queen playing in our house, so I didn’t know the extent of his story. I’ve been familiar with their music from, I think, D2 The Mighty Ducks. Remember that movie? When they played We Will Rock You and We are the Champions? Then my friend once told me she wanted her family to play Another One Bites the Dust at her funeral. 🙂 Haha! I can’t believe I still remember that. And I distinctly remember head banging my way to Montgomery while listening to Bohemian Rhapsody when I was about fifteen. This movie brought new-to-me songs that are now on regular rotation on my playlist. I thought the movie was very well done. I laughed, I cried, and I sang. Highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it. Not sure if it’s at the library yet, but it’s at Red Box.
What have you watched lately? We attempted The Umbrella Academy on Netflix the other night, but I’m still forming my opinion and need to give it a few more episodes. I’ll report back. Have you seen any of the seven I shared here today? What were your thought? Tell me in the comments.
I’ve got a delicious recipe for you that I’ve been eating for most of my life and making for Paul and I for most of our marriage. We’ve changed it up here and there because it’s such a customizable recipe, but the basis is always the same. My mom’s the one I got the recipe from, so she gets all the credit for the deliciousness. It’s the simplest weeknight dinner and a delicious alternative to tacos.
Um, where did February go? I feel like the month went by so quickly that I don’t have as many favorites this time. However, the Oscar Fashion portion is going to be pretty lengthy, so it’ll make up for the lack of other favorites. 🙂 I hope you all had a great month and that March will be even better.
Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards
I was completely in love with her whole look that night. The dress was so eye-catching and glamorous. Her hair and makeup was sultry. And that necklace was the perfect compliment to the dress. Then she went and changed for her performance, and I lost my mind. More sparkle, and she looked fabulous.
I’ve never wanted to be a rock star more. So many people criticized her performance for being terrible and strange. But like my favorite quote says, “The things that make you strange are the things that make you powerful.” Keep doing you, Gaga.
Where the Crawdads Sing
This book was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was incredibly descriptive, heartbreakingly beautiful, and I was surprised all the way to the end. I could not recommend Where the Crawdads Sing more. Ms. Owens is a phenomenal writer, and I hope she gives us more of these types of books.
Oscars Fashion
Oscar night is like my Super Bowl. Heck, it might as well be as exciting as Christmas morning. I love this day so much because there’s actual “pregame” programs on TV starting at 4pm and sometimes earlier. E! covers a ton of the red carpet, and I tend to stick with them until showtime. This year there was drama about Kevin Hart being the host of the Oscars which led to there being no host at all, and I actually enjoyed the show better that way. I didn’t have to listen to someone push their political agenda through a monologue, and I didn’t have to cringe through bad jokes. I thought the night flowed quite well, and I enjoyed it a lot. I mean, Queen opened the show! How much better does it get? In my opinion, there doesn’t need to be another host. Each song that’s up for Best Original Song gets performed throughout the night, so why not let one of them be the opener? I think most people enjoyed Queen singing with Adam Lambert. I know I did.
But this section of the post is titled Oscar FASHION, so here are my favorite looks of the night.
My favorite look of the night. She looked incredible. This lovely gown is by my all time favorite designer, Oscar de la Renta.
On anyone else- a pink potato sack. On Gemma Chan, haute couture…with pockets!The Mother of Dragons looking gorgeous in lavender. I loved the asymetrical neckline. Brie Larson looked absolutely fierce in this metallic dress that showed off her impeccable superhero body.Ashley Graham- Not 100% sure what she was doing there, but she looked awesome, and I couldn’t get enough of this classic yet killer silhouette. Probably would have done a different necklace, and I could have done without those things sticking out of her updo. Other than that, gorgeous. Amy Adams has left me feeling meh all award season, but she knocked it out of the park with this look. Total movie star.The Disco Ball dress was one of my favorite looks. It just screamed glamour and was a tad bit extra. I loved it.
Pink was the color of the night. Julia Roberts didn’t walk the red carpet (to my knowledge), but she walked on stage to give the final award looking like a total babe. Pink really is her signature color. I really like the wow factor a ball gown gives. I loved the black and how classic that was. But Gaga kept it Gaga with those leather gloves and the hip structure. But can we talk about that Tiffany necklace. I bet she had security for that one.
Now for some Vanity Fair Oscar Party looks:
Oscar de la Renta again. It’s a bit extra, but in this bright white it’s just fresh and pure perfection.I like the dress itself, but it fits her perfectly. I love this look on her.
(Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)Yes, yes, yes. She ages backwards. I love the blue and black together. It’s not done enough.At first glance I wasn’t very impressed, but then she started working that cape, and it grew on me. The news of the night was that this was her first appearance since being diagnosed with MS, hence the cane. Great color for her and loved that it was a two piece. However, I loved most that she wore turquoise jewelry with the red. Hello, Mr. Draper. He looked so handsome. Stopped me in my scroll so I knew he had to be included. I also read he’s in the new Top Gun sequel or remake or whatever they’re doing. Not mad about that. #amirightCould these two be any cuter? Not loving the track suit look over a gown, but I love her attitude about the whole thing, and the matching made it work. She’s the best. They’re hilarious.I actually liked this dress better than the one she wore on the red carpet. A giant black ball gown. Yes please. She’s a tad over-tanned, but she looks stunning. The dress is perfect.
Here’s a few more looks that I liked (I can’t help myself.):
When they walked out, I giggled the entire time they were out there. Did you catch her using that rabbit puppet while he talked? This was pure genius. Google it if you didn’t watch. It’ll provide a much needed laugh.
Olivia Colman was so surprised that she won for Best Actress. It was the best acceptance speech of the night and is also worth a Google. Can’t wait to see The Favourite.I don’t really even need to caption this picture, but while you’re Googling the other two bits, Google this one too. It was something else.
And if you need more and differing opinions plus alternative looks, head to Erin Gates’s blog post here. She’s put together an incredible Oscar fashion post that’s even pretty funny.
Homemade Pizza
On Oscar night I always eat pizza. This started when I would drive to my friend Rochelle’s house and we’d all eat pizza, sometimes in our PJs, and watch the show. However, we’re older now and takeout pizza doesn’t sit well with our aging bodies, so we have taken to mostly making our own pizza or very carefully ordering and taking lots of heartburn medication before we go to bed when we do order out. Ha! I knew immediately this year that I wanted to make my meatless white pizza, so I did just that. You can get the recipe here.
Paleo Brownies
Photo: Elisabeth and Butter
I also knew I’d want dessert after my pizza, so I whipped up these delicious paleo brownies again. I made them for the last book club, and I really enjoyed them. If you aren’t following Elisabeth and Butter on Instagram, you’re missing out on some amazing recipes. Not all of them are paleo or healthy. But she makes some delicious looking stuff, y’all. Get the recipe for the brownies here. (I subbed brown sugar for the coconut sugar but kept everything else the same, and they were amazing.)
Well, it was literally fashion and food this month with one book thrown into the mix. What can I say? I am who I am.
What were your thoughts on Oscar fashion? I want to know your favorite look. Have you seen any of the movies up for Best Picture? I’ve watched four so far: Black Panther, A Star is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody, and BlacKkKlansman. Really want to see The Favourite and Green Book. I’ll watch Vice, but I’m not dying to see it or anything. Thinking about watching Roma since it’s on Netflix, but I know I’ve got to really commit because of the subtitles. Which ones have you seen?
Anything else fun happen during February for you? Tell me in the comments. And cheers to March!
I’m bringing back the Seven on a Saturday series for at least this Saturday. I blame it on Valentine’s Day that got me thinking about all the fun things you could do for a date night with your significant other. It doesn’t have to be wild and crazy nor do you even have to leave the house. Hope one of these will appeal to you and yours.
Need a quick idea for a Valentine for your girlfriends, mom, sister, in laws, etc? Or maybe your guy needs a little nudge in the right direction? I’ve got a few ideas for you that won’t take long to get here or won’t take long for you to run out a get.
