& the slipper still fits

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.




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?"