5 things to get you Spring-cited #1

After my pathetic rant about a listless New Years, and after a good 2-3 inches of snow fell here in the east, I thought the only way to excite myself for warmer - at least more sunny - weather is to talk about all the things that remind me of spring. And first on this list of top 5 - Florence + the Machine.

I discovered Florence last Spring -- about 6 months after everyone else as I do with most things -- and since then have had her albums on my go-to playlists; Howl is my top played itunes song with 160 plays, just in case you're wondering. There's just something about Lungs that I can't get out of my head. The songs embody spring with rose colored glasses; or they just reminded me of the California sun in a 1970's picture.

While I haven't found as deep a devotion for her new album Ceremonials as of yet, I blame that on having no time to listen to it, and even less time to blast it in the car. Unfortunately (but completely okay with me), this means all my song choices and recommendations are from Lungs.If you want to listen to the songs featured, you can hear them over here.

Listen to Raise it Up if - Every time I hear Rise it Up I think Greek mythology and early morning sunlight. It's normally my go-to first song in the car on the morning drive.

Listen to Howl if - Do you have a warewolf thing? Then this is your song. Trust me, vampires don't have an anthem like this, and they never will. And the reference to classic Wolfman? Priceless.

Listen to Drumming song if - Borgias fans - this is your song. More specifically, Cesare and Lucrezia OTPers I dare you to listen and not have an entire plot line develop in front of you. Go on. I dared you. I'll wait till you're done. ... ... ... I was right, wasn't I? 

Listen to Cosmic Love/Binding if - These are completely meant to be apart of the 'Once Upon A Time' inspired-by soundtrack. Just saying. These two certainly rival each other to be my favorite Florence song and often, I simply refuse to pick my favorite.

Listen to My Boy Builds Coffins/I'm Not Calling You a Liar if - You know that saying "Sweet; creepy, but sweet"? They were talking about these songs. Indulge your slightly morbid song tendencies with these two selections. They really are sweet...creepy, but sweet. 

“I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you’re being sucked down into the ocean and you can’t breathe,...It’s something overwhelming and all-encompassing that fills you up, and you’re either going to explode with it, or you’re just going to disappear.” -Florence Welch

1st snow of 1012

 

The first snow of the year was spent sleeping in, drinking turtle shell hot chocolate, and then cleaning off the driveway. All in all, it wasn't such a bad day. Thank you instagram for capturing the magic. 

Are we really only 17 days into 2012?

Dear reader, we are over halfway through winter and the East coast has yet to snow me in. I know writing this is temping fate, but I'm already tempting fate with my listless attitude for the last few weeks, so what harm can this do? I refocus - its the middle of winter and yet no snow (go California weather!), but we're still 63 (good lord why?!) days away from spring.

What's a girl to do, dear reader? I can't plan for summer and then have a foot of snow hit - that could break my hopeful summer spirit; and I'm NOT a winter planner for anything. So, in search of this answer, I've been racking my brain for the last 2 days. And all I've got so far is nothing. I don't want to start a project, every sentence I write for the novel isn't working, my hair still isn't long enough for a fishtail braid no matter how many times I try, and the golden globes were a fashion and entertainment bust this year. So what did I do? I popped in Jane Eyre 2006 and pulled out my copy of Persuasion.

Enter the blank-staring Heather at the TV screen only half watching. Yep. This listlessness might just be that bad that Jane Eyre can't cure it. I think I might need a stint in the time out corner for my attitude. I think I might need a tub of ice cream. I think maybe I should just go to bed and wake up on a different side.

Whatever ends up happening,  I thought I'd share -- you know, since we're good friends and all. And I thought you might like a few complimentary photos of Toby Stephens to start your short week. Just because I'm the victim of a bad attitude doesn't mean everyone has to suffer. :)

The Golden Globes - with some serious drama

Tomorrow night the red carpet comes out for the official start of awards season. And while many of my favorite bloggers will be looking towards that carpet to see the new spring trends and dish about designers (I will be too), my focus this year will be inside the Beverly Hilton Hotel, watching to see if our favorite costume dramas win.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

THE DESCENDANTS

THE HELP

HUGO

THE IDES OF MARCH

MONEYBALL

WAR HORSE

 Last year’s winner: The Social Network

Most Likely: The Descendants

My Pick: Admittedly, I've been very bad this year - I haven't seen any of the movies nominated, but I'd like to see War Horse of The Help win.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

    GLENN CLOSE  |  ALBERT NOBBS

    VIOLA DAVIS  |  THE HELP

    ROONEY MARA  |  THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

    MERYL STREEP  |  THE IRON LADY

    TILDA SWINTON  |  WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

 Last year’s winner: Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Most Likely: Tilda Swinton

My Pick: Viola Davis - Ladies and Gents, she's a class act and brilliant.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

    GEORGE CLOONEY  |  THE DESCENDANTS

    LEONARDO DICAPRIO  |  J. EDGAR

    MICHAEL FASSBENDER  |  SHAME

    RYAN GOSLING  |  THE IDES OF MARCH

    BRAD PITT  |  MONEYBALL

 Last year’s winner: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

Most Likely: Leonardo DiCaprio

My Pick: FASSBENDER. ALL THE AWARDS.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

50/50

THE ARTIST

BRIDESMAIDS

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

Last year’s winner: The Kids Are All Right

Most Likely: Midnight in Paris

My Pick: It would be nice to see My Week With Marilyn win. It's rare that a bio pic in the comedy or musical category wins, and I'm even surprised its in this category.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

    JODIE FOSTER  |  CARNAGE

    CHARLIZE THERON  |  YOUNG ADULT

    KRISTEN WIIG  |  BRIDESMAIDS

    MICHELLE WILLIAMS  |  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

    KATE WINSLET  |  CARNAGE

Last year’s winner: Annette Bening – The Kids Are All Right

Most Likely: Michelle Williams

My Pick: Michelle Williams

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

    BERENICE BEJO  |  THE ARTIST

    JESSICA CHASTAIN  |  THE HELP

    JANET MCTEER  |  ALBERT NOBBS

    OCTAVIA SPENCER  |  THE HELP

    SHAILENE WOODLEY  |  THE DESCENDANTS

Last year’s winner:  Melissa Leo – The Fighter

Most Likely:  No clue

My Pick: Again, I would love to see Chastain or Spencer win.

 

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

    KENNETH BRANAGH  |  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

    ALBERT BROOKS  |  DRIVE

    JONAH HILL  |  MONEYBALL

    VIGGO MORTENSEN  |  A DANGEROUS METHOD

    CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER  |  BEGINNERS

Last year’s winner: Christian Bale. The Fighter

Most Likely: Viggo Mortensen

My Pick: I want Branagh to win, but I'm good with Mortensen too.

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE

    LUDOVIC BOURCE  |  THE ARTIST

    ABEL KORZENIOWSKI   |  W.E.

    TRENT REZNOR, ATTICUS ROSS  |  THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

    HOWARD SHORE  |  HUGO

    JOHN WILLIAMS  |  WAR HORSE

Last year’s winner: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, The Social Network

Most Likely: Howard Shore

My Pick: They've all won before, but come one - its JOHN WILLIAMS.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE

“HELLO HELLO” — GNOMEO & JULIET

 “THE KEEPER” — MACHINE GUN PREACHER

“LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN” — ALBERT NOBBS

 “THE LIVING PROOF” — THE HELP

 “MASTERPIECE” — W.E.

Last year’s winner: “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me”, Burlesque

Most Likely: "The Keeper"

My Pick: I always get this category wrong. The song that wins: I've never heard of, don't really like when I do hear it, and enviably throw my hands in the air when the winner is announced. I liked "Hello Hello" from Gnomeo and Juliet....

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

AMERICAN HORROR STORY (FX)

BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)

BOSS (STARZ)

GAME OF THRONES (HBO)

HOMELAND (SHOWTIME)

Last year’s winner: Boardwalk Empire

Most Likely: Boardwalk Empire, but Boss has a fighting chance

My Pick: Honestly, if Boardwalk doesn't take it I'm shocked. Sure, I adore Game of Thrones, but the HFPA rarely recognizes fantasy pieces in their acting categories. American Horror Story (though a love of mine) shouldn't even be nominated, and I haven't even heard that anyone's watching Homeland. Boss could snatch the award, however, it is Grammer's return to TV and has been called very good. But I just don't like him and so I don't watch Boss.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

    STEVE BUSCEMI  |  BOARDWALK EMPIRE

    BRYAN CRANSTON  |  BREAKING BAD

    KELSEY GRAMMER  |  BOSS

    JEREMY IRONS  |  THE BORGIAS

    DAMIAN LEWIS  |  HOMELAND

Last year’s winner: Steven Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire

Most Likely: Kelsey Grammer

My Pick: Jeremy Irons. ITS THE ONLY NOMINATION FOR THE BORGIAS. TRAVESTY. And so, Irons must win. I still think Arnaud should have gotten a nod or at least Feore.

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

CINEMA VERITE (HBO)

DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE) (PBS)

THE HOUR (BBC AMERICA)

MILDRED PIERCE (HBO)

TOO BIG TO FAIL (HBO)

Last year’s winner: Carlos  

Most Likely: Mildred Pierce

My Pick: Downton Abbey. There's a reason Downton is hitting huge numbers in the states (and PBS is thrilled). Come on HFPA, get with the times!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

    ROMOLA GARAI  |  THE HOUR

    DIANE LANE   |  CINEMA VERITE

    ELIZABETH MCGOVERN   |  DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)

    EMILY WATSON  |  APPROPRIATE ADULT

    KATE WINSLET  |  MILDRED PIERCE

Last year’s winner: Claire Danes, Temple Grandin

Most Likely: Kate Winslet

My Pick: Winslet's the darling of the HFPA and she was strong in Mildred Pierce. I would like to see McGovern win though, or even Garai.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

    HUGH BONNEVILLE  |  DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)

    IDRIS ELBA  |  LUTHER

    WILLIAM HURT  |  TOO BIG TO FAIL

    BILL NIGHY  |  PAGE EIGHT (MASTERPIECE)

    DOMINIC WEST  |  THE HOUR

Last year’s winner: Al Pacino, You Don’t Know Jack

Most Likely: ?? ...William Hurt? 

My Pick: Hugh Bonneville please please please win this category. PLEASE.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

    JESSICA LANGE  |  AMERICAN HORROR STORY

    KELLY MACDONALD  |  BOARDWALK EMPIRE

    MAGGIE SMITH  |  DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)

    SOFIA VERGARA  |  MODERN FAMILY

    EVAN RACHEL WOOD  |  MILDRED PIERCE

Last year’s winner: Jane Lynch, Glee  

Most Likely: Sofia Vergara

My Pick: Maggie Smith!!! Although Jessica Lange kicked some serious butt on American Horror Story this year. That woman -- she's her own master class in acting just watching her on screen. And Sofia Vergara is brilliant on Modern Family. I'd honestly be happy with any of them winning.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

    PETER DINKLAGE  |  GAME OF THRONES

    PAUL GIAMATTI  |  TOO BIG TO FAIL

    GUY PEARCE  |  MILDRED PIERCE

    TIM ROBBINS  |  CINEMA VERITE

    ERIC STONESTREET  |  MODERN FAMILY

Last year’s winner: Chris Colfer, Glee  

Most Likely: Eric Stonestreet

My Pick: Eric Stonestreet. I just love him. He's so funny and wonderful and dramatic on Modern Family. But of course go!! Peter Dinklage! Let's have a Game of Thrones upset?

Feel like live-twittering with me on awards night? I'll be adding #goglobes to all my tweets. See you there!

Guest Post at the book.

the book. -- What's your favorite book?

This month, I've been given the wonderful pleasure of guest blogging (my first!) over at the book about a topic I can go on and on about - my favorite book. If you haven't discovered it before, you must venture over there! Louise is lovely and she's put my love of typography to shame.

I'll give you just a little hint: "What are men to rocks and mountains?"

Read the whole article at the book.