Five on Friday

[ONE]

Celebrating Chris' birthday on Wednesday was a blast!  He had a great time as evidenced by a lovely video I posted to instagram.  If you haven't seen it already, it is most definitely worth a watch.  You can find me at [alhadventures].  Check it out!

[TWO]

Running has been going pretty well.  I long for the warmer days of spring when running outside is possible, but for now I seem to be trucking along on the treadmill.  The NYC Half is just two weeks away now!  I can't believe it is already here!

[THREE]

Chris and I went to see the animated short films this week.  I wasn't as impressed with them as I had been last year.  Of the five nominated - Get a Horse, Mr. Hublot, Ferel, Possessions, and Room on the Broom - I liked Mr. Hublot and Possessions best.  Room on the Broom was cute as well.  Get a Horse and Ferel were the two I didn't care for as much.  However, the three honorable mentions I enjoyed more than any of the five nominated.  I loved À La Française, a hilarious bunch of chickens at the Palace of Versailles. Blue Umbrella and The Missing Scarf were both also quite enjoyable.

[FOUR]

We now officially have a church and reception venue for our wedding booked.  That also means we have set the date.  More on this exciting progress soon, but for now I'll just say we have less than 8 months to go before becoming Mr. and Mrs.- so excited!

[FIVE]

I am headed off to New Orleans today for work.  Since Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, I am sure it will be quite the trip.  Maybe I'll have some time to catch one of the parades in the evening!  Either way, it will be nice to escape the snow and general wintery nature of NYC this weekend.

*Don't forget to check out the Oscars on Sunday!*

Have a great weekend :)

Andrea :)

My Picks for the Oscars

Now that you've read all my reviews (just click the name of the movie in the lists below if you missed them), I want to make my annual predictions for the big night!

I have two lists for you.  The first are the Best Picture movies ranked in order of how I liked them.  The second is a list of how I perceive the Academy liked them.  I'll follow that up with the rest of my picks for the major categories!

My List of Favorites

9 - The Wolf of Wall Street

8 - Her

7 - American Hustle

6 - Nebraska

5 - Captain Phillips

4 - Gravity

3 - Dallas Buyers Club

2 - 12 Years a Slave

1 - Philomena

My Prediction of the Academy Rankings

9 - Captain Phillips

8 - Philomena

7 - Her

6 - Nebraska

5 - Dallas Buyers Club

4 - American Hustle 

3 - The Wolf of Wall Street

2 - Gravity

1 - 12 Years a Slave

Best Supporting Actress -

Julia Roberts (August: Osage County)

 

 

Best Supporting Actor -

Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

 

 

Best Actress -

Sandra Bullock (Gravity)

 

 

Best Actor -

Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

 

 

Best Directing -

Alfonso Curon (Gravity)

 

 

Best Picture -

12 Years a Slave

Who do YOU think will win this weekend?!?!

Andrea :)

Happy Birthday to my Fiance'

I think I might enjoy when Chris' birthday rolls around even more than he does with each year that passes.  As you all know, I'm a birthday person.  There's just something about a day that is all about ME!  Even though today is all about Chris, I've had a lot of fun gearing up for the day!  This is the only birthday he will have as my fiance' (yes, we set a date!) so I want to make it extra special for him.  I won't get too mushy here, but I absolutely love this man.  He is an amazing person with a heart of gold.  He truly helps me and pushes me to be my best self.  I am grateful for our friendship, our ability to laugh and have fun together, and our shared values.  We make a great team, and I look forward to making it all official on paper later this year.  Here's banking on this being your best year yet my love!

Now, in honor of the birthday boy, let me take you on a little stroll down memory lane...

Chris turned 30 after we'd been dating for close to a year so I had a lot of fun helping him put together a party in Albany with friends from near and far that year.  I even baked a cake :)

The next year, we kept it low key, but I whipped up some cupcakes and got Chris some great gifts!  Mainly a Jets mini-helmet signed by fellow Pitt Panthers Darrelle Revis and Curtis Martin along with a pair of Rangers hockey tickets.  Still not entirely sure how I managed to pull all that off exactly.  It's a very tricky process for sure!

Last year, I made some personalized cookies...straight cash, homey! And we had a fun filled sports day beginning with cheering Newcastle to victory before breakfast to Pitt at Madison Square Garden to watching the Knicks on big screens at Clyde's Wine and Dine that evening.

Any guesses on what this year has in store?  

Andrea :)

*P.S. - Check out my instagram (@alhadventures) if you are curious to find out sooner than later...

Oscar Review: The Wolf of Wall Street

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture

Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio)

Supporting Actor (Jonah Hill)

Directing (Martin Scorsese)

My Review:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of my all-time favorite actors.  I was perhaps mildly obsessed with him in my younger years.  And while I think he did have a great performance in this movie, I really didn't like the film overall.  It was just too much for me...especially since it is based on a true story.  There was too much vulgarity.  Too much nudity and unnecessary demeaning sexual acts and references.  Too much positivity regarding drugs and alcohol.  Too much disgusting behavior.  And also WAY too long!  I do think the story itself is an interesting one, but I believe I would have rather read about it than seen it.  As I mentioned, Leo does a great job acting, but it was all just too much to take in for me.  There was one particular scene toward the end that I am sure was a doozie to film that had me laughing for a bit, but otherwise I just felt gross watching this one.  Though it did have a handful of comical moments, I don't really recommend it at all.

Did you see The Wolf of Wall Street?  What did you think?

Andrea :)

Mini of the Month: February

I wasn't very excited when I saw that Toffee Crunch was the Mini of the Month for February.  I'm not a fan of chocolate cake so this mini had its work cut out for it from the start with me.  The staff at Baked by Melissa seemed confident that it had been quite popular though.

Ingredients: Chocolate Cake, Caramel Icing, Chocolate Drizzle & Toffee Crunch Topping

Toffee Crunch is a totally new flavor.   Never seen before...and possibly never seen again.  Once I worked up the appetite to try it, I was pleasantly surprised.  I think the icing balanced out a bit of the chocolate flavor so it wasn't too overwhelming for a non-chocolate cake lover.  The toffee (which is one of the most popular versions of taffy worldwide) was a surprisingly tasty topping as well. 

Would you enjoy the Toffee Crunch mini?

Andrea :)

Runners Tell All: My Running Story

Back in my middle school basketball days, I hated conditioning because it meant running. And that wasn't fun...at all! I moved on to high school where I joined the track team. I didn't like running any more than in middle school, but I learned a few tricks of the trade and stuck with it for the camaraderie...and a crush I had at the time :)  A few years down the line, I moved to New York. I made some great friends. Those friends ran. What's a girl to do when all her friends run?

First "real" race - a Race for the Cure 5k with friends in Central Park

I signed up for my first race because of the encouragement of those friends. These amazing ladies showed me that running is more than just a way to get some exercise. They showed me that it can be a way to challenge yourself, to build community with others, and to unwind and reflect on life. Over time, they've taught me that it's ok to not be fast as long as you continue to race against yourself. They've taught me that it's ok to set lofty goals because you just might surprise yourself with what you are able to accomplish when you put your mind and body to the test. They've taught me that it's ok to enjoy running, but even when you do, sometimes, you just have to make yourself get out there and go. 

Four years after that first race, I completed the NYC Marathon. Not very fast, but smiling all most of the way!


Andrea :)

Oscar Review: 12 Years a Slave

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture

Actor (Chiwetel Ejiofor)

Supporting Actor (Michael Fassbender)

Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong'o)

Directing (Steve McQueen)

My Review:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

This movie is incredibly well made, and the actor and actresses are phenomenal.  It is very difficult to watch though.  It is a depressing true story.  A free black man (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is enslaved early on in the film.  The quality of his life immediately diminishes severely, but his hope and spirit is not broken.  He is well-educated, and he knows what he needs to do to survive.  It does not make his journey any less heart wrenching or easy, but it does make it different than some of the others he encounters.  It was difficult to watch because as Americans the slavery we are taught about in school is unfortunately painted in the best light possible.  This movie shows slavery for the harsh reality that it was for our country.  It is sickening.  It is vile.  It is twisted to seem acceptable by the slave owners.  This movie is a must watch for everyone.  It is the first time I have ever been to a theater when the entire audience was simply dead silent as they exited the room while the credits rolled.  This film leaves an impact and should be used for years to come as it shows the true colors of racism and slavery in our country's not so distant past.  I hope this film wins Best Picture as it truly deserves the honor.  It does have a handful of graphic scenes and does use some inappropriate language, but is worth watching even so.

Have you seen 12 Years a Slave?  What did you think?

Andrea :)

MLS, anyone?

Way back in the fall of 2010, Chris helped me mark off the first of many tasks he'd be roped into on my bucket list.

I had experienced professional football, basketball, and baseball a good number of times in my life, but I had yet to mark off Major League Soccer.  Being a huge soccer fan, Chris was more than willing to help me cross this one off my list. 

 

We ventured out to New Jersey (ironically) to watch the New York Red Bulls take on Real Salt Lake in a remarkably warm October match up.

I was excited to take in the whole experience and had an enjoyable time.  The thing I liked most was watching the mass of hooligans behind one of the goals as they stood and cheered throughout the match.  It was also exciting to see Thierry Henry play since I actually recognized that name from his international play.



By the end of the game, I was asking Chris when we could come back and watch them play a more well known team or a team with more well known stars.  I won't say I had caught the soccer fever, but I was intrigued.  It wasn't nearly as slow paced and boring as I had imagined it would be for all those years.  We had a fun time...and they even gave out free beanies :)

If you haven't given soccer a chance yet, I definitely recommend checking out the action live before totally dismissing it.  It is MUCH more exciting in person than on tv.  We've been to several games (though I'm not certain any have been MLS) since this experience.  I've enjoyed the atmosphere just as much each time.  I really like watching the US team play in friendlies when we get the chance!

Have you ever been to an MLS game?

Andrea :)

Oscar Review: Philomena

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture

Actress (Judi Dench)

My Review:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

This movie was my favorite of all the Best Picture nominees this year.  It is another true story...and a heartbreaking one for sure.  I was wrapped up in every moment of this film.  I was so intrigued by the story that Chris bought the book (which I believe will have even more details) for me as a Christmas gift shortly after we had seen the film together.  I haven't made time to delve into the book just yet, but I did love this story.  Both Judi Dench (Philomena) and Steve Coogan (a journalist whose company was footing the bill for their joint search) were great in the movie.  They possessed the wonderful ability to add bits of humor throughout the heart wrenching journey to find Philomena's long lost son.  I think this is a film that everyone should watch.  It is unbelievable to see how unwed mothers were handled just a few short years ago by a well known religious organization with no remorse to boot.  So sad and truly shocking to watch.  I promise you won't be sorry you watched this one!

Have you seen Philomena?  What did you think?

Andrea :)

Five on Friday

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! 
 Sending lots of LOVE your way today!!

[ONE]

I'm over winter.  It is very much overstaying its welcome this year.  Totally done with it.  I am training for two races right now...and I'm not a happy camper on the treadmill.  At this rate, I'm just hoping there isn't still snow covering the ground when I run the first one in mid-March.  Come out and play, Mr. Sun!  I know you're just dying to melt away all this messiness :)

[TWO]

I was blown away by the presence and confidence of Michael Sam throughout his recent interview with ESPN.  In case you aren't familiar, Michael announced he is gay.  He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year with the Mizzou Tigers in 2013.  He is projected to be drafted in May.  I can't wait to see where he lands and how he contributes to that team on the field in 2014.  He seems to be a very intelligent young man that knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go get it.  He's also got some great people in his corner based on what I've seen so far.  For one, the timing of his announcement was nothing short of perfect.  And he is a very marketable fellow.  Look forward to following his story this off-season.

[THREE]

I loved getting to see my niece and nephew this past weekend!  They are getting so BIG!  And I just love them so much.  It was awesome to get to spend a bit of time with them...even if it wasn't nearly enough!

[FOUR]

Chris and I had to cancel our Vermont trip for the third time due to weather this weekend!  We rescheduled for next weekend so please keep ALL your fingers crossed that we will finally get to go then!  Seriously, we already had to cancel in December AND January.  We'll be having some impromptu Valentine's day fun at our favorite hibachi restuarant tonight instead!

[FIVE]

I'm sad to say I haven't too much of the Olympics coverage yet.  Boo!  I need to fix that real soon though.  (Anyone know when the figure skaters take the ice, next??)  Instead, we've been catching up on the last few weeks of the amazing True Detective series.  Are any of you watching?? 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Andrea :)

Oscar Review: Nebraska

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture

Actor (Bruce Dern)

Supporting Actress (June Squibb)

Directing (Alexander Payne)

My Review:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

I really enjoyed this movie!  Probably because it reminded me of home...maybe a little too much!  The movie follows a father and son as they head to Nebraska to claim the father's "guaranteed" prize money winnings.  There are lots of twists and turns along the way that prove quite humorous.  It is a tale of the good and bad when it comes to family and friends...especially when a large sum of money is involved.  It is most definitely worth watching.  It will make you laugh and possibly shed a tear or two.  I would recommend it to anyone.

Have you seen Nebraska? What did you think?

Andrea :)

Oscar Review: Her

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture

 

My Review:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

 

I wasn't very excited about seeing this movie at all.  I am not a fan in any way of Joaquin Phoenix.  Not entirely sure why, but I just don't like him on the big screen.  I'm also not really very into technology.  At least not the kind of technology present in this movie.  So going into this one, I was only watching it as an obligatory check off on my Best Picture nominee list.  Knowing that, I didn't totally hate the film.  It held my attention most of the time even though I thought much of it was quite strange.  I mean, dating an IOS (your phone/computer) is bizarre to me.  I just couldn't really grasp it  though it was more interesting to observe than I imagined.  Overall, I wouldn't recommend this one unless you love technology and all the possibilities it provides.

 

Have you seen Her?  What did you think?

Andrea :)

Five on Friday

[ONE]

It was sad watching Jay Leno's final Tonight Show last night.  I loved watching him when I was growing up.  After moving to the Eastern Time zone, I didn't watch as much.  I always loved Headlines and Jay Walking though.  So funny!  He had two of my favorites as his final guests - Billy Crystal and Garth Brooks.  So glad I tuned in for his final week on the air!!

[TWO]

I started my training for the NYC Half yesterday.  I hadn't done much running since the marathon this past November, but it felt good to be back.  I only had 3 miles on my training schedule for yesterday...and it wasn't my easiest 3 miles ever, but it's progress!   Slow and steady wins the race...at least in my book! 

[THREE]

I've finally seen all of the Oscar nominees for Best Picture!  YAY!!  I am posting reviews on Tuesday and Thursday for the rest of the month so be sure to check those out.  I also rented Blue Jasmine and went to see August: Osage County with my parents earlier this week.  Both have nominees for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.  While I didn't love either film, the actresses in both movies were great!  I especially loved Meryl Streep...is it even possible for her to not be fabulous on the big screen?

 [FOUR]

We are headed to Kentucky tonight to check out venues for our wedding this weekend.  I am both nervous and excited!  I am ready for us to have a location and official date so we can get rolling on all of the other items we need to lock in, but we have multiple factors to consider with this decision so I want to make the most optimal choice possible. 

[FIVE]

Looking ahead to March, I'll be in a different city a couple of days each week via work trips.  It will be nice to rack up the frequent flyer miles, but I know I'll be exhausted when April rolls around.  Here's to enjoying (and relaxing as much as possible) the rest of February!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Andrea :)

Oscar Review: Gravity

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture

Actress (Sandra Bullock)

Directing (Alfonso Cuaron)

My Review:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Gravity recieved a LOT of hype when it came out in theaters.  The previews didn't particularly grab my interest.  And I am not a fan at all of 3D movies.  So...I wasn't planning to see this movie.  Until, of course, the Oscar buzz started.  Then, I became a little more intrigued.  Chris wasn't interested in it so I saw this one by myself one day after work.  I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  I thought it was very unique that the entire film was shot in space.  It must have been extremely difficult to coordinate the movements in these scenes.  I actually just saw a clip regarding the mechanics involved in the filiming of the movie when Sandra Bullock was on Jay Leno last night.  Wow!  I can't imagine having to practice movements with machinery to make them look fluid AND act at the same time.  Quite impressive!  I don't know how many theaters are still playing this movie, but I would highly recommend seeing it in 3D if you intend to watch it.  Even though I'm not a big 3D fan, I believe the movie would definitely lose something without that third dimension.

Have you seen Gravity?  What did you think?

Andrea :)

Oscar Review: Dallas Buyers Club

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture

Actor (Matthew McConaughey)

Supporting Actor (Jared Leto)

My Review:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

This was another movie that I wanted to see from the moment I saw the previews.  It was shocking to see Matthew McConaughey so thin and scrawny in those previews.  I knew that if he was willing to make himself look that way for a role, it would have to be a good one!  I was right!  Once again, this movie is a true tale.  Near the beginning of the film, you learn that Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), a Texas man, contracted AIDS in the mid 80's.  As we all know, very little was known about the disease at this time and various medical trials sprung up throughout hospitals.  Of course, not everyone was able to be included in these trials.  This is were the Dallas Buyers Club came into play.  Basically, Ron along with help from his transgender friend, Rayon (an amazing Jared Leto performance!), set up a black market to sell the drugs that were helping to prolong his life. 

I absolutely loved the film.  It provides a personal look at what these individuals had to endure in a very unknown and scary time.  It was also good to see how far the research and medical treatments for this virus and disease have progressed in the past 30+ years.  I thought both Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto more than deserved these Oscar nominations.  They both gave phenomenal performances...particularly Jared Leto.  If he doesn't win the Best Supporting Actor award, then something is very wrong.  I was blown away by his performance.  I remember watching him on My So-Called Life many years ago.  I hadn't seen much from him since then, but he came out of nowhere and just nailed his character in this movie.  This is not particularly an easy movie to watch (and there is a some nudity in a handful of scenes), but it is impactful.  I would definitely suggest watching it if you have the chance.  There are some very powerful scenes that will really make you think about how you treat people (especially when you may not know the whole story) and the value of true friendship.

Have you seen Dallas Buyers Club?  What did you think?

Andrea :)