James Franco & Other Oscar Highs...

I love Awards show season.
It's probably one of the only good things February brings. And I eat up every glorious bit of it. From the politics behind the nominations to the long drawn out acceptance speeches and every backhanded compliment in between.

So last night was the Oscars.

The Superbowl of the movie industry

The Oscars are actually my least favorite telecast during awards season. This is largely due to the fact that I am not really a big movie buff anymore. Movies take too much time and effort nowadays and since I am usually short on both, I tend to gravitate towards TV and my DVR.
So, I really don't watch The Oscars for the artistic achievements.
I watch to make snarky observations like the rest of you.

So without further ado, here they are...

*Fashion
The Red Carpet is by far the biggest attraction of any awards show for me. I am usually glued to E! for the better part of the day watching all the arrivals. I find the Red Carpet amusing because the hosts are always telling the stars that they look fabulous and then the next day they rip them to shreds. I guess that's Hollywood right? Home of the insincere.I don't really feel as though there was anyone that stood out this year, best or worst, but here's my best Joan Rivers for you...

Halle Barry- Most people like this dress, but I was a little "Meh" about it. I am not a fan of flesh colored dresses and to me it is ok from the waist up but the bottom looks like the sewing machine threw up a bolt of tulle.
Natalie Porman-Love the color. The dress was pretty but I think it made her look slouched over and shortened her. Don't even get me started on those awful tassel earring, I think she could have done way better.
Helene Bonham Carter- Stop hating on her! Does anyone really ever expect her to dress well? I'm tired of her making the worst dressed lists. This is her style. She owns it.  And cut her a little slack..you'd probably dress like this too if you were married to Tim Burton.
Jennifer Husdon- Her boobs made me uncomfortable. The are saggy and discolored. She looks great, but they totally took away from her.
Cate Blanchett- I could maybe appreciate this dress if I could get past the circle around her torso. It ruined the whole dress for me.
Nicole Kidman- in Wilma Flinstone for the Millennium. Not a fan of this look. She's been pretty off this whole season though.

Really I could go on all day, but I'll stop. Michelle Williams, Jennifer Lawerence, and Sandra Bullock were among my favs. And I actually liked Melissa Leo's dress, though I know a lot of people hated it.

*Anne Hathaway and James Franco as hosts
Anne was way too over the top and James looked like he took one too many sips from an Ambien Juice box. The opening was by far the best part even if it was ripped off from an MTV awards show montage and Alec Baldwin :::swoon::: was the best part. I appreciate the "hip" vibe that the Academy is trying to achieve but there were times throughout the show that I was begging for Kirk Douglas to steal the mic.

*The Awards
I only saw 3 of the nominated movies this year: Black Swan, The Social Network, And Toy Story 3. Every year I aim to try and see them all, but with the number of nominees increasing every year it is damn near impossible. 10 nominees for Best Picture?? Seriously?? The Academy needs to go back to 5 and stop nominating every artsy farsty film out there.
Also, this show is soooo long. I wish it were like the Grammys, where they give out all the technical awards in an entirely different ceremony. I understand the importance of these people to the film making process, but some categories need to be cut. Like all the shorts. Who, but the Acadamy, is watching these?? I would say to cut the documentaries too but apparently my husband is quite the fan. He had seen 3 of the 5 documentaries nominated. I guess it's nice to know he watches something other than ESPN all the time.

Did you watch the show?
What did you think?

El Monterey Giveaway Redo!!

Ok guys, it seems that somewhere in transition I have lost the comments from my El Monterey giveaway.
To view the post go here.

To be fair we are going to start this thing from scratch. From now until March 10th you can enter. You can comment on this post or the original post for an entry. I will also accept comments on my Facebook Page as entries as well.

I apologize for the mix up & I promise not to do anything to mess things up this time.
That's what I get for DIY blogging!

Metamorphosis

I hate February.
When I look back on my life at the bad stuff that has happened most of it has taken place in this, thankfully, short month.
So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the vacation I took this month didn't exactly go as planned.
A sunny California trip that wasn't so sunny.
People with feet boundary issues on my flight from hell.
And my son getting pneumonia the day after I flew out.
And that's not even the half of it.

But luckily this month is almost over, so in anticipation of Spring I'm making some changes.
If you are reading this I am sure you have already noticed a few.
I bought my domain and have now switched over to http://www.mamainsomnia.com/
To go with my new name I have also been working on the design. It's a feat I've decided to take on myself, so it may take some time for it to get to where I want it to be. I am flying by the seat of my pants with the technical side of it all, so please be patient with me. My hopes are that the site is easier to navigate and more ascetically pleasing.

In addition to my redesign I am also changing my Twitter Handle to @Mama Insomnia and converting over my Facebook page. I also have a new email address: mamainsomnia@gmail.com Shoot me an email if you are interested in guest posting!

And the changes don't stop with the blog!!
I have also made quite a significant personal change.
After 30 years of being a blonde, I'm giving brunette a try...

From This...

To this....

What do you guys think??

A duo of 2 unrelated thoughts

I can't seem to collect my thoughts into one cohesive post today.
I blame last nights wine...

Last night was one of those nights that catch you by surprise. My husband surprised me by getting off work early and brought home a heart shaped pizza from my favorite restaurant. We ate and watched the Grammy's and after we put Jack to bed we cracked open a bottle of wine.
And then another.
And then we were out of wine and my husband was scurrying around the kitchen like a mad scientist looking for something to make.
We watched the Grammy's-my all time favorite awards show-and we talked and laughed.
And this morning at 7am when Jack woke up, and we both were a little hungover, he got up with Jack and let me sleep. Which is better than any flower, card or candy and one of a million reasons why I love him.

***********************************************************************************

This Thursday I am taking a vacation to San Diego, sans baby and husband, to visit an old friend from college.

While I am super excited to get away and have a fun weekend with some gal pals, the preparation for leaving is stressing me out.
I have no idea what to pack. None of my warm weather clothes fit me anymore because I've gained 10 lbs in the last month. 10 POUNDS!!
Now I am sure that I could be eating better and working out more, but believe me when I say that I don't know where these 10 lbs are coming from. I was actually working to lose weight this month. So I am only left to wonder if my thyroid is going crazy again. I have this really cool thyroid condition called Hashimoto's disease and  I  guess I need to go back to my doctor and see if my medication needs adjusting. Until then I am left with all this extra poundage to take with me to Cali. I was just coming to terms with this when my friend sends me this text message:

"Get your bikinis waxed ladies, I think it's going to be warm enough for the beach next weekend"

Crap
Suddenly I realize that  if none of my shorts fit me from last summer, my swimsuit probably won't either. What's even worse is the fact that I have virtually no time or money to shop for new clothes so I will probably have to pack some of my maternity clothes.

This realization makes me sad, angry and oddly enough...hungry.

Since there is no chance of losing 10 lbs in 4 days, I text my friend back and let her know that this weekend I will only be photographed from the neck up and that I will be drinking copious amounts of wine.

***Also, I'm extending my El Monterey giveaway until next week. If you haven't checked it out, please do. The fine people at El Monterey let me try some of their yummy meals and they are letting me give some to you guys too! To enter go here. ***

Blog Boycott Day

It's the 2nd Friday of the month and you know what that means....








I'll be hanging out tweeting with my favorite "Tweeps" & I hope you'll join us.

Follow me on Twitter: @Anngee2011
And link up over at Liz's for more great people to follow.

And while you are here don't forget to check out my giveaway from the great people at El Monterey
&
Leave me some comment love on this post!!

Have a great weekend!

I live with a ventriloquist

Jack is a master at walking. He started at 9 months and everyday he grows faster and more agile.
But his talking skills leave something to be desired.
I've been told this is normal by every book, person and doctor I've come in contact with & the truth is I'm not really worried because he communicates great without talking.

If I ask him to bring me his spoon, he gets it without me even pointing in the right direction.
If I ask him where Gabrielle is in his favorite book, he gets it and opens the page to her.
He's got the basics like "Ma and Dad', sometimes you can get a muffled version of "grandpa" out of him, and every single cup in the house is a "BaBa".

But my kid's got conviction and he is stubborn.
And his newest skill is what we refer to as "the ventriloquist" .
When he gets really passionate about something he will come up to you and talk mumble-with his mouth closed. He points and uses inflection and is really into what he is saying. I wish and wish and wish I could understand what this little man wants but I can't...and it drives me crazy. I will ask him and show him a million things. I will pick him up and ask him to show me what he wants. But that only makes him more mumble louder and faster and pretty soon we are both crying & I'm at my wits end, wishing I could lock myself in a pantry 'a la Charlotte in SATC2.

Somebody please tell me this will get better?
(or send wine)
(or both)

Bow Chicka Wow Wow...

Valentine's Day is coming up and apparently it's more than just Hallmark and candy companies cashing in on this holiday. While clipping my coupons in this Sunday's paper I found this little gem:

K-Y and a card!

Ladies & Gents, you can get all your Valentine's Day shopping done in one trip!!

This coupon got me thinking.

Would you get the lube and the card for the same person?

What kind of card would you get?

What would you write in the card?

Would it look a little something like this?

 or this

What would you write in your free card??

Get creative and leave me a comment with your best "love note"!

I have an irrational fear

I really didn't intend on posting a McFatty post this week.
Mostly because last week was a total failure.
Because I had a giveaway that I wanted to post.
And because I am afraid to admit what I am about to tell you all because I am afraid you will think that I am silly and stupid.
But when I read Blair's post I just felt the words coming and the need to put them into motion. So I'm posting it today.
Even though I'm scared to.

Until about 25 I was skinny. Obnoxious skinny. I was the friend that could stuff her face with craptastic food and never work out and still LOSE weight.

Obnoxious.

I wish I appreciated my body more back then but I took it for granted like any self absorbed 20 something does.
See before I met my husband, I had issues. I had a poor relationship with my parents, was recovering from the loss of 2 friends, and was confused about the direction of my life. I was "happy" on the outside but underneath it all I had confidence issues and was lonely. But after I met my husband and our relationship began to grow, slowly I started to shed my insecurities. He was everything I was looking for and more. I was so sickeningly over the moon in love with him. I was so grateful. I was so happy.

The years have gone by...
Vacations
Celebrations
An amazing little boy that has my eyes.

All these things have increased my waistline.

& my happiness

There are times that I feel ashamed of the number staring back at me on the scale. Times I am angry that I can't fit into the cute clothes I used to buy. And it's these times that I am compelled to jump on the treadmill, buy the latest diet book and clean out my pantry. Sometimes I do. I plan out my diet and post on McFatty Mondays. I share my struggles with all of you. But it never lasts.
Because I am scared...

I feel exponentially blessed with my life.
And if I could drop 20 lbs. life would be darn near perfect.
But who lives a perfect life??
I was skinny.
I had a great body
But I had little else in my life that made me happy
& now my body is not exactly what I desire it to be, but I have so much more.
A husband.
A son
A home
A family
A life I am happy to wake up to everyday.
&I feel like that can be taken away from me at any moment.
&that it is greedy of me to want more
to be thinner and look better.
to want it all.

So I sabotage myself week in and week out. Because to me perfection is not worth it.

What is your biggest fear?

Ole!! (I have a giveaway)

Today I am taking a break from McFatty Monday. Wednesday continues to be the wrench in my week as far as exercise goes. Luckily I was snowed in for 3 days with a near empty pantry, so the week wasn't a total waste. (besides Superbowl Sunday)

This week I'm bringing back Mom Friendly Meals Monday for a giveaway that is quite possibly the most Friendliest Mom Meal Ever...

When the people at El Monterey asked me to try their New & Improved Family Entrees I was excited but a little hesitant. Frozen meals can be tricky. Even though they are a quick and easy meal solution, they can also sometimes be lacking in the taste department. This is not the case with El Monterey.
Their Family Entrees come in 4 flavor's; Chicken Enchilada, Cheese Enchilada, Spicy Beef Enchilada, and Chicken Mexicana. The enchilada varieties come served over Spanish rice which is a nice addition and adds more substance to the meal. They take an hour to bake, which is a little longer than some entrees out there, but I promise you that they are worth the wait.
All 4 flavors are delicious. The Spicy Beef enchilada's and Chicken Mexicana were a little too spicy for me but I tend to be a little wussy when it comes to spicy food. A little dab of sour cream cooled it down perfectly for me. The Chicken enchilada's were my favorite and Jack, my 14 month old son, even enjoyed a taste of them. It was more than enough food for Kevin and I, especially when we added veggies and a salad. We even had some leftovers which we enjoyed with a margarita after Jack went to bed!

**And in keeping with McFatty Monday a serving -which is quite filling- is only 290 calories which isnt too bad for a frozen meal!

El Monterey is giving 5 lucky readers a coupon for a Free Entree (your choice of flavor)!! Just visit El Montery's website and leave me a comment telling me which product you'd like to try!

For Extra Entries: (leave me a comment, if you did it!)
"Like" El Monterey on Facebook
Follow El Monterey on Twitter

5 winners will be chosen at random next Monday and contacted via email!

Click here to view my Disclosure policy

Notes from the blizzard

This may come as a shock to some of you but the Midwest was just hit with this little snowstorm.  Here's my account of the Blizzard of 2011 and how I spent the last 24 hours...

February 1, 2011

4:00 pm: Talk to Kevin. He made it to work ok. I'm actually quite miffed that he has to go to work tonight. I understand that a lot of employers are playing it by ear, but is it really worth it?? If it's a big enough storm to shut down schools than certainly we can shut down a restaurant or 2. Just sayin.

6:30 pm: It's really starting to come down now. It's Jacks bathtime and as we sit in the bathroom I can hear the wind and feel the walls shake. Did I mention that we are in the innermost room of the house? With no windows. And that we are the Middle townhouse unit. Yea, that's how windy it is.

7:15pm:Lights flicker. Luckily the power stays on.

7:30 pm: Jack goes to sleep immediately. I worry he will wake up from the howling wind but he doesn't even so much as flinch.

8:25 pm: Talk to Kevin who has left work and is headed to his parents house. Wish he could come home but it's safer for him to go there. I should take this opportunity to get some things done but I'm motivated to do nothing. So I head up to bed to watch TV.

9:00 pm: Realize that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion-part deux is on tonight and not Thursday!! Maybe this night won't be so bad after all.

10:07pm: Click over to the news... I wonder what they are talking about??

10:08pm: Watching earlier coverage of people preparing for the storm makes me realize that I did not stock up enough junk food for this blizzard. Luckily, I found some Nerds leftover from Halloween. Desperate times right?

11:23pm: Head downstairs to crank up the heat again and realize the inner garage door was blown wide open.  There is also snow blown inside the garage. Nice! Guess that explains why it feels like 30 below in here.

11:27pm: Tried to sleep but can't. Sounds corny but I have a harder time sleeping when Kev's not home. (also may be the 4 boxes of Nerds I inhaled) I turn on the TV and realize I never watched Gossip Girl yesterday! Bonus!

February 2, 2011

12:30am: I turn off the TV and try for sleep again. Before I go to bed I look outside. Snow is halfway up garage door but there are areas of the streets that you can still see pavement. The wind is blowing the snow around and it almost looks like waves. Weird how it can seem oddly peaceful in the middle of such a powerful storm.

1:16am: In bed on my iPhone tweeting and well, writing this. As I write this I get a wonderful text from our friends who welcomed their daughter into the world at 11:56pm. Congrats Kris & Dena!!

1:41am: Still so cold inside. It would figure that this blizzard happens the one year we don't cover our windows with plastic. I creep into Jack's room to turn on the space heater. This kid is oblivious to everything and barely stirs. Even when I trip over his glider and knock down a laundry basket. I grab a few towels to cover the window cracks with. It helps, but not much. I'm really afraid to see the gas bill this month. I find and extra blanket and try again for sleep.

3:15am: Awaken by the sound of squealing tires. Sorry neighbor, you aren't going anywhere. Realize that the towels on the window work great but I probably should've turned down the heat. It's sweltering upstairs. Creep into Jacks room to shut off his heater. Trip over glider again. Salt.

6:38am: Jack wakes up. Figures that he would be up at the crack of dawn...he slept through everything! Today will be a 2 cup minimum...

8:00am: 2 cups of coffee make me slightly functional. Even though he slept all night it appears that Jack woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Awesome.

12:00pm: Killer Yo Gabba Gabba Dance party with my favorite dance partner.

1:00pm: After 20 minutes of bundling up, we step outside and "play" in the snow for 5 minutes. Jack seems unimpressed by the snow. 

2:00pm: Kevin calls and tells me that his work has decided to close today so

he has the day off. There is a travel ban in effect for our county, so he's staying at his parents for awhile. He brags about the wonderful breakfast his dad made for him and how he got such great sleep last night. As I stare at my Captain Crunch and the flurry of toys I am surrounded by, I plot his death...

Somewhere around 6 pm Kev finally made it home. Still bragging about breakfast. I think back on my plot to kill him, but I have to admit I kind of missed the guy. 

Plus, he makes great chili.

And I'm hungry & too tired to hide the body.

What did you do during Snowpocalypse 2011??

I'm going through some changes

I'm having an identity crisis.
Well, not me...but my blog.

When I first started blogging I created a very nice blog called Mama Insomnia.
I liked the name & the way it rolled off the tongue & it suited me perfectly because,well, I had Mama Insomnia...

You know the advice every new mother gets "sleep when the baby sleeps"?? It wasn't for me. There were so many other things I needed to do. Wanted to do. Sleep wasn't one of them. So I stayed up and I cleaned, and I watched TV, and I blogged.

But then somewhere in a sleep deprived state I decided that I wanted a different blog name, so this blog was born. And this is where I have spent the last year. I'm happy with my little space here but I want more. I have now been blogging for a full year (Happy Blogday to me!) and I want to learn how to write better posts, get more from social media, and grow my connection with other bloggers & businesses.

& I'm also a little vain...so I want a face lift.

Over the next month or so I will be working with Kate over at Mommy Monologues to redesign the look of my blog and add a little flair to it!  I am also changing the name back to Mama Insomnia and eventually streamline Facebook, Twitter and Email to this handle. I will still be blogging over at this URL until I can figure out something else, so for now only my name will change.

I hope you'll stick with me through my identity crisis. I promise most of the changes are purely superficial.

I'm very eager to take my blog to the next level so if anyone has any tips/tricks for better blogging (design, content, moving to WP, etc) please leave me a comment. I'm committed to learning more about my newfound hobby and how I can become a better blogger. I appreciate the sense of community that is shared here and I can't wait to learn more!!