A Few of My Favorite Things

Hello, dear friends.  First of all, I have heard from a number of my wonderful readers that they are no longer getting my posts in their emails.  I apologize profusely and have tried to figure out what is going on.  The only thing that I can suggest is to sign up with Bloglovin' and they will notify you when there is a new post on the blog.  Bloggers - if you have experienced this problem, I would appreciate it tremendously if you could tell me how to remedy the situation.

This post is a combo of weekend fun and my new favorite things.  Last weekend included two movies because the Mister was recovering from a bad cold and I couldn't stand to be holed up in the house all day listening to him sniffle and moan.

You may be surprised to hear this, but I am a sucker for a good mafia and/or gangsta movie.  I was really excited to see Black Mass which is based the life of Boston's most notorious bad boy, Whitey Bulger.  

There are a couple of things I want to say about the film.  First of all, Johnny Depp is literally unrecognizable in this role.  It must have taken hours for him to be made up every day.  The second thing is that his performance is so chilling that I am sure he will be nominated for an Oscar.  

The screenplay is well written.   Sure, there is plenty of violence and the f-word is every other word, but there is no way that the story could be told without them.

The story is an interesting one, and no question about it, the movie is great entertainment.
  

The Mister and I had no business going to see Everest.  We both detest cold weather and snow.  We are still suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome from last winter.  

And yet, we found ourselves in the theater donning the latest style of 3D glasses.

We both felt the movie was a little long but was pretty good.  We still hate snow, though.

   

Another fun fact about menopause:  the eye brow hair falls out and takes up residence on the upper lip.  This prompts my continuous effort to find the ideal brow pencil and filler.  I didn't have time to run to a cosmetics store, so I picked up Maybelline's Brow Satin up at Walgreens.  It is part pencil and part sponge applicator with powder in it.  I think it does a great job and is easy to use.  It also stays put all day.

Sista told me about this foundation so I had to run out and get some because I don't want Sista looking better than me.  CVS was having a deal on Revlon products - buy one get one half off.  The most difficult part of purchasing drug store cosmetics is getting the color right.  So I bought two colors and hoped for the best.  I have an oily t-zone and I was worried that my face would look like an oil slick after a few hours.  The foundation stays on all day and if you are looking for full coverage like me, it is a great product.  It did not make my face look oily either.  As a warning... when you put this on, you'll think it is too thick, but it's not - it looks natural. 

We picked up these 10 calorie crispy snacks filled with pressed barley, wheat, and brown rice.  Not only are they delicious, but they don't crumble with the first bite.  I eat a couple for breakfast with my low-calorie peanut butter and banana.  They are also great with cottage cheese, beefsteak tomato, and a dash of fennel on top.

With all the calories I am saving, I can eat more Twix ice cream bars!

My mother used to accuse my father of "overselling" things.  It could be anything from a car to a movie - he would say it was the absolute best.  My mother would then explain to him for the umpteenth time that during their 48 years of marriage that people have such a high expectation about that thing, that it never quite reaches it.  I feel that way sometimes when I recommend a book or movie to you.  

At the risk of overselling, I have to tell you that I positively adored A Man Called Ove and every quirky, mismatched character in it.  Basically, it is about a town curmudgeon that lives in a small town in Sweden who lost his beloved wife and decides that he wants to commit suicide to join her.  He sets up many ways to end his life and every time he's ready, he is interrupted and a comedy of errors ensues.   Upon finishing this book, I went through three tissues because I had to say good bye to the characters and especially to Ove.

And to top off a great weekend, my #1 called me last Saturday night and said she had great news.  Now when you are the mother of a twenty-three-year-old who has been dating an adorable young man, your mind always goes to one place.  But it wasn't that.   My #1 told me that she and Adorable Jonathon were at a tailgate at TCU and the loveliest lady came up to her and asked if she was #1.  She introduced herself as Vicky and she explained that she has read my blog ( #1 said "really?")  for awhile.  As Adorable Jonathon walked up, she knew him right away.  Vicky has two boys who are horned frogs,as well.  

Vicky - you made my day, week, and year.  Next time I'm in the great state of Texas, I would love to take you to lunch.

Have a great weekend.

Until next time...

Treat time!