Everything Oscars 2016!

Monday, February 29, 2016

Happy Monday! I know its been a while, but I thought I was hop back into blogging with a post I have been looking forward to writing for SO long. The Oscars is my favorite award show and I look forward to it every year. I love the discussion of movies for the few weeks that leads up to the show and then the glitz and glamour the day of the show. It would be my dream to have my hair and makeup done, and get into a gorgeous gown to walk down that carpet. Although knowing me, I would definitely stumble and fall...but at least I would have something in common with Jennifer Lawrence. Since being away and work has consumed my life lately (not complaining, just busy!), I wasn't able to get around to watching three out of the eight movies nominated for best picture (Spotlight, Room, and Bridge of Spies). Aside from that, I am super excited to talk about my favorite and not so favorite moments of the show and, of course, the dresses!



Best Dressed



// Jennifer Garner looks like royalty in her gown. Seriously a force to be reckoned with (especially after her latest interview with Vanity Fair!)
// Naomi Watts' style never fails to disappoint. I thought this was such a fun choice for her!
(Also no matter how many times I switch the code around, I cannot get the top right picture to not be spaced away so I am just going to accept that my blog has a mind of its own)
// With Brie Larson being the front runner (and eventual winner!) for Best Actress, I figure her gown would be a good one! It did not disappoint. Especially loved the combo of the fuchsia lip with the blue dress.
// My favorite would definitely have to be Saoirse Ronan's slinky green gown. Also I loved how casually she wore her hair...seems to be gorgeously windblown!

Not So Best Dressed:


// Come on Kate Winslet! She is usually so on point with her style but I felt like this was an odd choice. It was just so boring!
// I was super curious to see what what Lady Gaga would present to the red carpet wearing and I was just plain confused when I saw what it was. I like the structure of the top, but felt like there was just too much going on with the bottom half. I know this will probably be an unpopular opinion, but I was in love with her Emmy 2015 look, so I guess I was expecting something totally different last night.

Favorite Moments:

~ Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe's presenting bit for Best Adapted Screenplay. Did anyone see them being interviewed during the pre-show by Michael Strahan? He did not know how to handle them!
~ Jenny Beavan's (Mad Max's costume designer) outfit...she had a big sequin skull on the back of her jacket! I am guessing it was representative of Mad Max, but I just thought it was too funny and so bold.
~ Tina Fey and Steve Carrell presenting together...would love to see them host together!
~ Mad Max: Fury Road winning so many awards. Like I said in my post mentioning it a few weeks ago, it was such a cool/arty film to watch. So much better than I had anticipated!
~ I loved the segment with Andy Serkis and visual effects... I didn't realized that movies with characters like apes and other creatures were made using actual actors and their facial movements.
~ R2-D2, C3PO and BB8 all appearing on stage together!
~ The acceptance speech from the writers of Inside Out, "You can make stuff. Make films. Draw. Write. It will make a world of a difference!"
~ Lady Gaga's performance...her voice is incredible.
~ Alejandro Iñárritu ignoring the musical shoo off the stage.
~ Jacob Tremblay's excitement after Brie Larson won Best Actress...he is so stinkin' cute!
~ I feel obliged to put Leo winning Best Actor. Not that I think he doesn't deserve an award for all he has contributed to in Hollywood, but I just was so not wowed by his performance in The Revenant. There's a scene where was he is dragging himself along in agony, and I know this was suppose to be a major acting moment for him...but I was just thinking "haven't we seen this before in Wolf of Wall Street?!" I really thought he should have won two years ago for WOWS, but competition was so stiff that year with 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyers Club, and Gravity. Oh well.

Not So Favorite Moments:

~ That damn instrumental music that chases people off the stage. I cringe watching winners look so sad as the are shooed through their acceptance speeches. Just let them thank who they please!
~ The "(fill in winner here) would like to thank" banner going across the bottom of the screen (seems dumb IMO).
~ Sarah Silverman's bit was just a bit painful for me. I know its part of her whole brand to be awkward but it just didn't translate well last night.
~ I think everyone was confused when Stacey Dash came on stage...I had to look up the explanation behind that.
~ Eh, not a big fan of the minions presenting...
~ Tom Hardy not winning for Best Supporting Actor in The Revenant. His character had so much depth and I was really captivated by his performance!

Best Picture: Spotlight
Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
Best Actress: Brie Larson (Room)
Best Supporting Actor: Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
Best Supporting Actress: Alicia Vykander (The Danish Girl)
Best Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu (The Revenant)

Overall I felt like this year's Oscars was kind of boring. Yes Leo finally won, but I am totally counting this as a "career" Oscar for him...not so much one for The Revenant specifically. I was happy that Spotlight won (even though I hadn't seen it) but with a cast like that, how could it not be a winner? After seeing so many clips of the movies throughout the show, I still think I will watch Spotlight and Room, but don't think Bridge of Spies is really high on my list to watch. Also, The Danish Girl and Carol are two that I am putting on my list. As far as hosting goes, I think Chris Rock did a great job and I am curious to see the reviews of his performance today. There was so much controversy about the show this year, and I think he was able to acknowledge it well. Hopefully there will be changes in the future to how movies are cast and thus leading to more diverse nominees.

What did you think of the Oscars this year? I would love to know your opinions!



How is it already February?

Friday, February 5, 2016

Happy Friday! We are ending the week here in Maine with some snow and while my ski-obsessed brothers couldn't be more happy...I, however, am bummed. This week we had temperatures in the 50s and it seriously felt like spring! This was such a crazy week and I am really going to have to nail down working a few days ahead of time on my posts. If I am ever going to blog five days a week, I would really have to crack down on my planning and organization. I don't know how so many others do it! Here are some favorites for the week!

Favorite Article: Either this Snapchat one from Buzzfeed or this one about kids who are too literal. Both had me laughing out loud!

Favorite Lust: I was in Sephora this week and I stood in front of this gel for a while debating whether or not to get it. I used a different exfoliating gel now, but I have heard good reviews about this one. Anyone have good/bad comments on it? 

Favorite Funny: 

A photo posted by Elliot Tebele (@fuckjerry) on


Favorite Blog Post: Amanda from Meet @ The Barre is doing a photography tutorial series for bloggers and this week she talked about changing ISO to get perfect lighting for your pictures. She breaks it down so its super easy to understand. This series only makes me more motivated to save up for a DSLR!

Favorite Quote: 



Favorite Moments: 

1 // Starting my new job! I kept looking down at my badge and seeing "RN" made me feel like I was in a dream!

2 // John and I went to see one of my favorite bands, Reel Big Fish, last night. They are a ska band that has been together since the 90s and I love their sound! Their most well-known song is Sell Out...anyone heard of them before?!



3 // Shopping for a vacation that is coming up soon! I usually have such a struggle finding bathing suits that I like the fit of, but this year's search for them was relatively painless. Its a first world problem, I know!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Today is like my Sunday...I am working the weekend, yikes!



Linking up with Amanda and April



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Weekend in New Orleans

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Hello! Sorry for being MIA for a week, but I was away last weekend and started my job this week. I feel like someone has hit fast-forward on my life the past few weeks...I hope it slows down! I am trying to take it all in as much as I can before its a year or five from now and this time in my life is just a blur. Anyway, I wanted to share some pictures from my weekend in New Orleans! My mom and I went down to visit my uncle and see my mom's favorite singer, Barry Manilow, for his "one last time" tour. I tried to be good and remember to take pictures of where we went, and I think I did a fairly good job (compared to my picture taking history!)

On a streetcar! 

Lafayette Cemetery Number One 

The cutest pink house in Riverside

How could I not stop to take a picture of this?!

Funny story about this picture.... We were walking along and I spotted this dressed up dog and snapped a picture. As I took a few steps away, I hear behind me "HEY YOU NEED TO PAY HER FOR THAT PICTURE" so I whipped around and realized that the dog had a tip bucket in front of her. I was so embarrassed! 

Do you think they even like Mardi Gras?

Royal St in the French Quarter...Home to restaurants and art galleries. 

Jackson Square

Before the show!

At a parade!

These beads were SO heavy! 

It was a great weekend and I have to say that I think my mom converted me into a Fanilow...He was an amazing performer. Even though I think I might have been one of the youngest people in the audience, I had a blast singing along. I was also so curious to see what NOLA was going to be like, and I think my favorite part was the gorgeous houses with the second story balconies (like the one in the pink house picture). I wish I could pick one up and put it in Maine!

Its a short post today, I know, but hopefully I will be back on track with my normal MWF schedule tomorrow! 




I PASSED THE NCLEX!

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

I am officially a registered nurse! *heart beats out of chest when typing those words together* I cannot even begin to express how excited and relieved I am. I have spent so long working towards becoming a nurse and it is surreal that I get to put RN next to my name now. The past few weeks have been grueling with studying, and I had myself completely convinced that I was going to fail. I know that probably wasn't the best attitude to have, but I was just filled with stress and worry because all of my college studying and time had come down to one test.

James Madison University graduation, nursing grad
Now I feel like I really graduated!

I took the test early Monday morning and I thought I would actually be relieved after taking it...but I was only more anxious while waiting for my results. Although every nurse I have ever talked to said that they left the test thinking they had failed (when they had really passed), I really didn't believe it. But on the drive home on Monday, I could not stop thinking "oh my gosh, I failed the biggest test of my life and now I am have to study all over again". From finishing the test Monday morning to early Tuesday morning was probably more stressful than all of my studying combined. People were congratulating me on getting the test over with and saying that I would never have to worry about studying again, but I refused to pack my books away until I saw my license number yesterday.

I guess what is most exciting about all of this is that I can finally start my "adult" job/career. For a while I had been feeling like I was in a holding/waiting pattern with my life. Like waiting to graduate college. Then waiting to pass the NCLEX. Now, I feel like the rest of my like can officially begin. I feel like I can actually take that step into adulthood and become a full-fledged contributing member of society, instead of just a college student with the goal of becoming a nurse. Now, I can just say "I am a nurse!" instead of blabbing on about majoring in nursing and actually working as one being a far-off dream. Graduating from JMU was exciting, but this completely blows that excitement out of the water, because now I am proven to be qualified to have the job that I have wanted for so long.

I don't have many friends or family that read this blog, but in case they ever do, I want to thank all of them for their support throughout all of my schooling. I know that my BFF will read this and smile because she will *hopefully* know that she is a major part of my college experience (I can't wait to send you my NCLEX practice books, Sarah!). I also want to thank all of you for supporting me (and Me as Meghan!) because this blog has given me the best outlet that I could have asked for but didn't know I needed until I started it. I cherished the time I spend writing and also reading blogs, because it always helped ease some of the stress of school. I can't wait to officially transition this blog from the view of a college girl to a post-grad one and I hope you are excited to follow along!


I Haven't Gotten Lost Under My Study Books...Yet.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Happy Monday! For those of you that got hit with the storm, I can't believe all the pictures that I am seeing from the mid-Atlantic! The pictures with the snow piled over cars are stressing me out and we didn't even have a flake fall this weekend...

I was feeling left out of everyone sharing their storm pictures so I am sharing this picture of the snow that I took last week! 

This is just a quick weekend recap post to say that I did not get lost under my pile of NCLEX (nurse licensing exam) review books and I managed to make it out of the house a few times this weekend. Here are some highlights from this weekend!

Friday // I studied my brains out during the day, but then John and I went for barbecue for dinner which was absolutely amazing. You'd think that here in Maine we wouldn't have good barbecue restaurants, but we have a few that are just as good as the barbecue I have had in the south!

Saturday // After studying in the morning, John and I went outlet shopping. John really wanted to hit up the Patagonia outlet so he could figure out sizing for a fleece he wanted to order and I really wanted to find clothes for my upcoming trip to New Orleans. Did I find any? Nope, but I did get a super similar sweater to this at the Banana Republic outlet store so it was cheap and I wore it out to dinner with my family that night. I am puzzled with what to wear in NOLA, with weather in the 60s. I don't have great walking shoes and I hate dressing for in between weather...spring-like clothing is my nemesis! I really only know how to dress for 20 degrees or 85 degrees. Any clothing suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Sunday // At this point, do I need to mentioned that I studied in the morning or have you just already assumed that? I tried to relax and give myself a break in the afternoon, but that dream was crushed when I was sitting at the edge of my seat and watched the Patriots lose. This loss will be a rough one for my household to get over! I finished off Sunday with some Gossip Girl and sadly realized that I only have five episodes left...any suggestions on what I should watch next for a series?

I hope you all have a great week!


Linking up with Biana today!



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I talk about the weather so much, I should be a meteorologist.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Happy Friday! I hope you all had a great week. If you are in the part of the country that is supposed to get walloped with snow this weekend, then I am truly sorry and I imagine you will all really feel my post from Wednesday! I am spending the weekend with my nose in my study books and taking practice test after practice test, but will hopefully do a dinner out with John for a study break! Lets get on with some Friday Favorites.

Favorite Article: Small talk (aside from the weather!) is never something that I have felt comfortable with but feel like its something that we are all supposed to do in order to engage in conversation with each other. This article from the NYT's Modern Love column really hit home with me at the beginning of the week. I wish I could start off deep conversations like he does, but I just don't know if people would be as receptive as they were to him.

Favorite Lust: I have been eying contour palettes lately, and I just can't decide which one would work best. Cream or powder? I don't know! Brand? There are so many with good reviews! I really like the look of this one and this one too. And can't forget about this one! Does anyone have any insight into any of these?

Favorite Funny:


Earlier this week, John just randomly sent me a picture of a pine cone a stick...in reference to this vine that we both love. His way of saying he cares?!

Favorite Blog Post: This one from Helene in Between... I thought it was super funny and it inspired me to really make sure my personality is really infused in this blog! I don't love blogs that are all business, I want that personality to shine through!

Favorite Quote: 
inspirational quote, motivational quote
I hope that studying more will bring me more luck!

Favorite Moments: 

1 // I spent a lot of great one on one time with everyone in my family this week which is nice because we all have crazy schedules and are running in different directions! 

2 // John and I didn't see each other much this week, but he always makes me laugh so hard when I do see him! 

3 // This will make me sounds like a crazy cat lady...but when I am studying, the cats are always sitting nearby and it makes studying a little less lonely! 

Stay warm if you are in a cold part of the country this weekend, and if you are in a warm part, know I'm jealous! 


Linking up with Amanda and April today! 



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8 Things That Inevitably Happen In Winter

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

I had the sad realization yesterday that its actually winter now.  You think I might have thought that when we had our first snowfall a few weeks ago? Nope. Maybe when it was really the first day of winter back in December? No again. Yesterday, when I woke up, the temperature was in the teens. Thirteen to be exact. And throughout the day, it only warmed up a bit. What really made me say "holy crap, winter is here" was looking at the forecast and seeing that it wasn't going to get much warmer for the rest of the week. With the season of cold officially here (in my eyes), we inevitably have certain things happen to us that we can only thank winter for!

// When you leave your warm bed in the morning and you regret it instantly


// When you think about your bikini body 


// Looking at the weather forecast


// When you've stepped outside for longer than ten seconds


// When you've left the house and underestimated the wind chill 


// Trying to hide your dry winter skin from everyone like...


// When you've gotten obsessed with looking at pictures of tropical locales


// Patiently waiting for warmer weather like...



I hope you stay warm where ever you are! 




Linking up with Jenn and Jessi today! 









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