Mother Movies

This weekend was my first mother's day! Last year I was still a mom to be, and despite having a little human rolling around inside me, I had no idea how much my perception would change once that little human was out in the world. To celebrate, I've come up with 4 non-chick-flic mom-centric movies that would make for some good late night viewing once your kids are in bed.

Brave (2011)
OK, maybe you can watch this one with the kids. Brave is one of the few Disney movies where a mother is present and active. In fact now that I think of it, it might be the only Disney movie where a mother is present and active. After accidentally transforming her mother into a bear, feisty Merida must work with her to break the spell before it becomes permanent. If you've ever had a huge fight with your mom you'll be able to relate.

The Tempest (2010)
This adaptation of Shakespeare's last play has Hellen Mirren as the main character Prospera. It's fascinating to see how much the gender swap informs the play's relationships. Her relationship with daughter Miranda transforms from patriarchal to protective. Her reluctance to free Ariel has a hint of empty-nest syndrome. Director Julie Taymor's trademark bells and whistles may put off some movie goers, but the great thing about Shakespeare is that it's all about the performances, which the top of the line cast more than delivers.

Oedipus Wrecks/New York Stories (1989)
Woody Allen's contribution to New York Stories could be considered a nightmare scenario. After a magic trick mishap causes his mother to disappear, Allen breathes a sigh of relief until she reappears in the sky above manhattan, and airs his dirty laundry! A short movie for the time strapped mama that might give you hope for the day your kids will listen to your advice, even if it takes a little magic.

August Osage County (2013)
A portrait of family dysfunction. You've probably never seen so many amazing actors as such unlikable characters. At it's heart, August is a look at finding the strength it takes to rise above such a hostile home life without becoming the person you hate. Definitely not a warm and fuzzy, but darkly funny.

In the Den

We're two months away from my daughter's first birthday! Party planning is underway albeit at a less frenzied pace than you'd expect since we're also in the process of finding a new place to live. We've had the hottest summer and coldest winter on record here and that really exposed the quality of our current apartment and it's lack of insulation. We're probably paying the same amour for gas and electric that you'd pay for a small house!

We're most likely going to have to downsize, which in the end should be a good thing since it will mean more money saved up over all, and a shorter wait till we have enough for our own house.

What's on Amazon

I discovered a cute little series where some really great actors (Jeremy Irons, Derek Jakobi, Joley Richardson) examine some of Shakespeare's plays. It's fun to watch the process these actors go through as they bring Shakespeare's characters to life by looking at the historical context of the plays and also aspects of Shakespeare's life that may have influenced his writing. My favorite moment is at the end of the Richard II when Derek Jakobi comments on his performance by his younger self in a BBC television production.

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day and don't forget your dads next month!

Getting ready for Lent

It's Fat Tuesday! I originally planned on making merry with pączki and gołąbki since it's also Saint Casimir's feast day and being half polish I wanted to delve into my culinary heritage, but because of the forcasted snomageddon I wasn't able to head out to the grocery store and had to peapod it. I'd fault peapod for not having some of the things I needed in stock but really the amount of things that don't make it to my door is about the same as the amount I forget when I go out myself. Only I got to stay home in my toasty 72 degree apartment! I call that a win.

So instead I'm going Italian and making some sausage and linguine with zeppolis for dessert. I'm not exactly sure if zeppolis are specifically a Fat Tuesday staple but they fit the criteria: fried dough and sugar. 

Lent has been regarded as a season of penance and self depravation, but since last year and this year I'm exempt from fasting (pregnant and nursing) I've been using it as an opportunity to do something charitable as a way of thanking God for everything I've been blessed with. 

Last year I donated to locks of love. Anyone who can grow their hair long should do it at least once in their life! The feeling you get from doing something so simple is so incredible. I'll never forget when I was at the post office to drop of my package. The postman noticed the address and my short 'do and said "Aww you cut your hair, that's so sweet." Instant good feeling warm and fuzzies! 

This year I'm back to my regular crochet program, so my goal is to crochet 40 granny squares in 40 days to make a blanket to donate to one of my favorite charities Project Linus. Stash busting, charity, and the opportunity for quiet meditation as I crochet each square, I'd say that's a good recipe for Lenten reflection and soulful decluttering.

What's on Amazon

I finally watched all of Caddyshack straight through. Previously I'd only seen the beginning, end, and a couple parts in the middle. Now I'm really looking forward to the summer! Although I'd only play golf with Rodney Dangerfield. 

In The Den 

I don't know if it's like this with most babies but my daughter got her first cold, three teeth, and started sitting unsupported all within 2 weeks! It's unbelievable!

She also hasn't been able to nap anywhere but in my lap on the boppy or on my shoulder. Although I'm getting pretty good at doing things with one hand and with my iPhone ( like this post), I'm really hoping this is just a phase that'll end soon. I'm trying to keep in mind that before I know it she won't want to be less than 500 feet away from me. 

We're in the second half of her first year so I'm gearing up for her first birthday party, by which I mean getting a Pinterest board started. I've always had a jungle theme in mind, you know like Survivor. Great minds must think alike because Katy Perry stole my idea for her Roar video. 

I'm hoping I can exercise some photoshop muscles and create our own invitations to print. I feel some pressure since this sets a precedent for the rest of my child's birthday parties. It's an opportunity to show off some creativity and make some lovely memories. In other words pictures will be taken so it has to look nice! No pressure!!!

What Else is on...

So we're kicking out Netflix in lieu of Amazon Prime since we've been doing more online shopping (is there anything in stock in brick and mortar stores?). But oh my goodness I probably would have gotten it sooner if I had known what was on. 

Pretty much every award winning movie from the 90s is on here, the ninja turtles movies, the old MGM biblical epics, and probably my favorite documentary ever Looking for Richard. I really can't list how many shows and movies are on here that I'm a fan of, there's that many.

But by far the best discovery I've made in streaming is the Dana Carvey show on the Crackle channel, which is blowing up after it's Super Bowl spot. This show was so ahead of its time. I remember watching this show in my grandmas kitchen and thinking the impressions were funny. But watching it now I realize a lot of the jokes were way over my head because I was just a kid. It's a good thing English wasn't my grandma's first language!

In the den

My daughter was baptized this past January. I wanted to keep things low key but I was so happy we had such a big turnout from our family. My awesome MIL made so much food, we STILL have frozen leftovers in the freezer. 

I've been something of a shut in since the weather in the northeast has either been freezing, snowing, or freezing and snowing. You'd think seeing as I'm "home all day" the place would be immaculate, but cleaning has just become a sisyphusean nightmare. 

But it's an excuse to wear cozy slippers and cardigans and sip warm beverages while snuggling with my little one! And to take advantage of our streaming services.

Resolutions for 2014

I love making resolutions! I don't just make them on New Year's I love them so much. I don't care that I usually don't keep them, it's never a bad time to resolve to better yourself.

Here are my loftiest resolutions for 2014:

1) Improve time management skills

This will bring about all other resolutions. My biggest setback is poor time management skills. There will still be mostly random times of the day where I have to stop what I'm doing and take care of my baby, whether that's feeding, cleaning, playing or what have you, but the rest of the day I should be able to jot out time to do this and that which will allow me to endeavor the following...

2) Get Organized

I have clutter everywhere. Clutter that's followed me from my childhood home to my first apartment with my husband to our apartment now. There's a lot I can get rid of, and the rest need a home in my home where they can stay and return when I'm done using them.

3)get cleaner

Having a baby necessitates this. She's not crawling around yet but she'll be there before I  know it, so I need to get better at housekeeping. I really need to change my attitude about this. I have so many emotional hangups when it comes to cleaning and decluttering. I wish I could just get hypnotized and have whatever it is in my brain that makes it impossible for me to keep a mountain of clothes and crap to form around me removed or erased, but really I need to just work at it and do the brain rewiring myself. It's like learning a new language. Maybe I can do that too while i'm at it!

4)Exercize and Eat Healthier

I definitely overdid it during this past holiday. A couple years ago a lost around 30 pounds by changing up my diet and starting an exercise regimen. I know it's doable so i'm not stressing so much about it. It all goes back to time management. 

5)Sell My Crochet

people have been telling me for years that I should sell what I make. I think i've finally mustered up the confidence to try!

6)Make More Guilt Free Time for Me

Again, this goes back to time management and cleaning. I'd feel better about crocheting or blogging (or taking a nap) if I'm not thinking "boy, I should really sweep those stairs".


What's NOT on Netflix

This list posted on Reddit has all of the movies and TV shows that are no longer available. I didn't even know so many titles were available to begin with! Netflix needs to promote more of their collection instead of just showing the same titles over and over again as their recommendations.

Lots of luck to all of you in the new year!