{ oscar party wrap up }

Happy Monday, readers!

Hope you enjoyed the Red Carpet and Awards Ceremony last night. I know we did.

It was a great show, and we watched til the very end. Congratulations to all the winners, including

Best Picture: The King's Speech (which I am dying to see)

Best Director: Tom Hooper, The King's Speech

Best Actor: Colin Firth, The King's Speech

Best Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter

Best Support Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter

And we can't forget, Turtle's favorite, Toy Story 3, winning Best Animated Feature!

Applause, applause.

And I'll tell you, we celebrated in style.

Despite the wind, this larger-than-life Oscar statuette greeted guests approaching the door (nothing like some foam board and metallic gold paint to create the effect).

Upon entering, guests could walk the red carpet and pose for pictures in front of this giant DIY backdrop.

I couldn't turn down a photo with my real Oscar.

Such a handsome boy.

Anyhoo. 

Guests could partake in two "games." Trivia questions, one asked every hour, with a prize for the correct answer, drawn at random. And they could also fill out their predictions for the winners on the Oscar ballot. The winners are being tallied today, with prizes for the top three with the most correct.

The rest of the party was just around the corner.

Thanks to Hostess with the Mostess, I got some really amazing ideas and free printables in a beautiful color palette for the party.

Here are some of my favorite details:

We offered a buffet of dips, appetizers, and assorted munchies, complete with an Oscar themed cake...

And these cookies, inspired by Bakerella...

There was bubbly, beer and wine, and we had a blast!

Some more of my favorite pictures.

And no night would be complete without some little favors. In this case, gold Oscar (the pug) cookies, sparkly with luster dust and bagged for easy transport.

Thanks to all who joined us. We had a wonderful evening and hope you did the same!

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{ little known fact about me & a party }

Did you know that my degree is in Motion Pictures?

Specifically screenwriting?

No? 

Well. Now you do.

And another fact? Oscar the pug? Is named for the statuette. Everyone assumes he is named for Oscar the Grouch, but that would be incorrect. So even if I never do actually accept that Academy Award for my nonexistent script, I will always have the best Oscar of all.

Go ahead. Squee at my cheesiness.

I love movies. I love going to the theater and sitting in the dark, watching stories play out on the screen.

I'm a bit of a snob about it, too. My uncle says I'm a fun burglar because I care about things like character development and plot and dialogue. To him, I say "meh." If I'm spending 90 minutes to three hours of my time to get invested in someone else's story, I want to be absorbed and engrossed. 

And somehow, Deuce Bigalow doesn't do it for me. On the other hand, Monty Python and the Holy GrailMonty Python and the Holy Grail (Special Edition) will make me pee myself with laughter every time.

Not to say I don't eat up my Twilight flicks with a spoon, and that I'm not looking forward to Beastly. And I may as well tell you that I am addicted to horror movies of all kinds and qualities (although, as time passes, my stomach and nerves are less able to handle the kinds of atrocities you would see in the 18th sequel of Saw.)

The reason I mention this is because it's Oscar time. A "holiday" of sorts that has long gone neglected in my world. I used to view every nominated film I could get my hands on. And I watched the presentation every year, from red carpet to after party, until work got in the way. I always dreamed about hosting fancy schmancy award-watching parties, but with a move and a new baby, I focussed my time on playdates and BBQs. A different kind of fun.

But this year, since we did not host the Superbowl party, I got to thinking... How lovely it would be to invite some friends, roll out a red carpet, pour some bubbly, and host a preshow event?

MacGyver grumbled a little ("What do you mean, I can't wear shorts???"), but agreed it would be fun. I don't believe he found "lovely" to be an appropriate adjective. His loss.

And I was off to the planning races.

I've been drawing inspiration from some of my favorite sites:

cookies from Bakerella...

printables from Hostess with the Mostess...

tissue paper decor from Martha Stewart...

I'm a DIY Fiend this week.

Which is ten times better than Fun Burglar.

Also, I'm combining this all with spring cleaning. Because it's that time and now I'm motivated.

I also managed to get in Black Swan, Toy Story 3 (obvi) and The Social Network. If I can see The Kids Are All Right before Sunday, I'll be feeling good about my movie watching.

I want you to stay tuned, though. I am going to have a very special prize pack to give away to one lucky reader! And of course, I'm going to have lots of recaps and wrap-up posts!

In the meantime - do you watch the Oscars? What's your favorite part? Favorite host? Favorite Oscar fact? Share away!

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{ radio silence }

You may be wondering where I've been.

After all, I'm pretty consistent, blogging Mondays through Thursdays, for your enjoyment.

And this past week, I just didn't keep up.

I have a good excuse, though. 

A few, actually.

First. I was baking. A lot of cakes.

A checkered flag themed cake.

And an Olivia cake.

Of course, there were associated smash cakes and cupcakes, so it was quite the subject.

And then we went for a little trip to visit some dear friends and their baby. Which involved lots of relaxing and catching up.

We took advantage of the beautiful weather.

Checked out some planes at breakfast.

And just kind of regrouped.

You have to do that sometimes.

This week promises to be busy.

I spent today gardening. Yes. I know. It's hilarious. Seeing as how I'll be back at the nursery in approximately six weeks, replacing the flowers I just planted, which will surely perish.

And then we are hosting an Oscar party, and I am so beyond excited. I got a snazzy new dress and have been slaving away over the details. I still have to plan the final menu, but Sunday night is going to be incredible. 

Stay tuned, because I have a special surprise for my readers in honor of the Awards!

Have a great week!

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{ enter fear, stage right }

Yes, I'm going to write about this. 

Again.

Because for one thing, it's clearly my new "hobby", even though it's not super fun. And for another, it's keeping me from having to write about the preschool selection process, over which I am in complete maternal denial (also filed under "My baby's growing up, boo hoo hoo!").

I'm on Day 4 of this whole "training" thing.

And fear has joined my regimen.

Seasoned with just a pinch of doubt.

When I rolled out of bed this morning, I reaffirmed (for the ten kajillionth time) that I am not a morning person. I am not energized by being out before the sun. I don't feel any special sense of accomplishment. I just feel kind of sandy-eyed and grouchy.

And after I hit the road (adding some length to my circuit, because that seems to be the recommendation for day 4), I got a little panicky. 

This is a big deal.

And it's one thing to just get out there and do a run for health purposes or fitness or just because. By yourself. Singing Black Eyed Peas songs through your teeth. And possibly sounding better than Fergie did at the Superbowl. Possibly.

It's something completely different to run for three to four hours. With lots of other people. Who, according to the official race website, may or may not be dressed in costume and who might be skipping.

I feel like I'm way behind all the other runners, costumed or not. Like I'll be swept up by the threateningly-named "straggler bus" and deposited at the finish line in shame. 

And speaking of that elusive finish line - what is it that happens there? Do you sprint it (mindful of the official photographers, who suggest you smile brightly and keep your race number unobscured by perspiration and flailing arms)? Do you fall to your knees with your arms in the air? Do you weep brokenly? 

I am totally perplexed as to the etiquette there.

All of this is a downer.

Today hurt. My feet object to sneakers (And they always have, no matter what kind. The back of my right ankle is clearly shaped oddly, because every shoe I have ever owned opens it right on up, and it's in such a place that bandaids/bandages won't stay on. It's awesome. ). My wonky knee is holding strong but my thighs hurt. My core hurts, too. I think it's that good kind of sore, the one that means you're getting somewhere, but at 6:30am, it's kind of hard to tell the difference.

MacGyver is being hugely supportive. He's been handling morning duties so that I can get my training time in, with as much of a smile as I can expect from anyone before sunrise. I totally appreciate that.

I'm hoping next week (or even the week after that), I'm feeling more confident. 

Right now, I'm just daunted. Not quite defeated but definitely overwhelmed. 

People do this every day, so it can be done. And no matter the outcome, it's definitely good for my overall health and I am drinking more water (yuck), than I have in years.

I guess I just need to confess my fear in order to break it down and move past it.

So there it is. My apprehensions laid bare for the blogosphere to see. 

It feels good to have it out there. Hopefully it ends here.

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{ i ran }

Now that I'm showered and not wheezing like some asthmatic beluga whale, I can tell you about my first run in many, many years.

As I mentioned, I agreed to run this half marathon (and half since spoken sharply to MacGvyver, making it clear that when I tell him I have agreed to do something crazy, it is his obligation to bring me back to my senses, stat), and obviously need to work up to it.

But I digress.

I was hyping myself up for Sunday. Sunday was going to be The Day. I mean, really. One has to start somewhere.

I planned my route - from the house to the front of the neighborhood is about 1.5 miles each way. That seemed a reasonable starting point.

I geared up. One needs the proper equipment. Namely, sneakers and 80s power ballads.

I waited for the frost to melt away and then out I went.

For this first attempt, I didn't really have a specific plan in mind. I kind of wanted to throw myself out there and see, realistically, where I'm at. 

That's not saying I didn't prepare. I browsed some online "training information" and gleaned the important parts.

1. Stretch.

2. Walk some.

3. Run some.

4. Don't die.

I would like to add to that a #5. Make sure your drawers don't head in the downward direction. 

Not that it happened to me. I'm just putting it out there, in case it DOES happen to someone. 

But now you're prepared so it won't.

I'm helpful like that.

I did the distance in 30ish minutes. Combination of running and walking. At one point, it was probably more of a fast stumble, but this wasn't about style points.

When I collapsed into the house, my first two reactions were to vomit. I then wanted MacGyver to explain to me why he let me think I could do this. And then we went right back to wanting to vomit. 

Some of that, I blame on the cold. I'm not a quality breather on the best of days (which is why I don't do yoga), and cold wind just compounds that. I figure that will get better with time, and as the weather starts to warm up.

Look at me. Being all positive. Pushing through the pain and whatnot.

I wrote this post a few hours after the attempt, and, after a hot shower and some peanut M&Ms, I gained some perspective. 

Namely, that I think I can do this.

I may not be super fast or super coordinated, but I think I can reach that finish line. 

Especially if there's wine waiting for me.

So it's on. Like Donkey Kong.

I'm probably going to download that crazy Couch to WhateverK podcast that everyone raves about and get myself all hyped up, so that I can breathe through 13.1 miles like nobody's business.

Who's with me? 

And if you're not with me, who wants to offer support or encouragement? Heck, you can even point and laugh. I'm cool with that. 

Also, feel free to share your favorite workouts, training regimens (even though I hate that phrase), tips and tricks. I need all the help I can get!

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{ happy valentine's day ! }

It's kind of a bummer when holidays fall on weekdays, especially Mondays. It's hard to really get in the spirit. 

At least for me.

I'm such a party pooper.

But we still plan for a nice day.

MacGyver surprised me on Saturday with an Edible Arrangement, full of chocolate covered strawberries and cinnamon & chocolate covered apples.

It's as delicious as it looks. And it's not long for this world.

Our plans are exciting.

We got Turtle a little assortment of goodies (a Toy Story sectioned plate, some new Matchbox cars, a little box of chocolate) and we may do a craft during the day.

After the wee one is in bed, MacGyver and I will enjoy some homemade cheese fondue - we'll dip raw carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, green apples, pretzels and pumpernickel bread in a delicious melted mix of extra sharp cheddar, garlic, beer and a few other pleasantries. We'll have some pink champagne and if we're feeling extra indulgent, we have some chocolate to melt for strawberries and heart-shaped marshmallows.

Maybe, if things get really crazy, we'll watch a movie.

It's bound to be a nice, calm night in. Simple and perfect.

What are your plans?

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{eat: raspberry chocolate mini pie }

I love sweet little surprises, so when my friend posted this link to Our Best Bites on Facebook, I knew I had to give it a try.

We were pretty lacking in supplies (aka: we were out of lollipop sticks, and I only had a large heart cutter, not a small), so I used a large heart and a small flower to cut shapes out of pie dough, while the oven was preheating to 375.

I laid out half of the cut shapes on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

I spooned a little raspberry jam (Publix brand, people. I swear by this stuff) on to each shape, being (mostly) careful to leave enough of an edge to seal the pies closed. And then I tossed in a few chocolate chips. Because chocolate is the macaroni to raspberry's cheese.

And then I sealed these bad boys up with a little bit of water and the tines of a fork...

Pierced some holes in them and brushed them with melted butter...

Sprinkled them with some red sugar and baked them for about 15 minutes.

Perfect. And Turtle approved.

There's no right or wrong way, either. I bet some Nutella and little smidges of banana would be a yummy filling. Or strawberry jam and chocolate chips. Or whatever creation you can come up with. 

Enjoy!

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{ in which i get myself in trouble }

I wasn't going to write about this.

But as the week passed and blog-spiration has been lacking (I totally blame Snowpocalypse 2011, even though we have seen nary a flake in my region), I realized I would have to discuss this sooner or later. 

It's sooner.

About ten days ago, I met up with two lovely girlfriends for a night out. We started off innocently enough. Chatted over slices of pizza, just catching up. It was nice and leisurely and absolutely relaxing.

We moved on to a delightful little wine bar, and took stools at a giant wine barrel high-top. We ordered our wines, and sipped away.

The conversation flowed through work and school and family. We touched on hopes and dreams and plans. We discussed vacation and travel and Costco.

And that's when one of my friends (we'll call her KT) pounced. Deftly, she grabbed the steering wheel of chitchat and maneuvered us to two of her favorite things: Disney World and running.

What happened next is a little hazy. I remember laughing and possibly talking with my hands a lot.


I remember KT talking about the Epcot Wine & Food Festival, and going through all the best places to get flights of wine and samplers of beer.


And then, she hit us with her best shot "And, you know what else would be fun? We should all go to the Wine and Food Festival! Andrunthehalfmarathontogether and then drink and eat lots and lots! Ok? Ok!"


Do you see what she did there? Just blurted that out!


And while we were all caught up in the enthusiasm of flights of wine and samplers of beer, we all somehow were on board.


The next thing I know, we are discussing potential training schedules and would it be better to drink like fish the night before the race to ramp up, or the night after to celebrate.


And I'm all "whaaaa?"


And KT's all "whooo!"


And there it is.


I don't mind exercising. I have a lovely relationship with my Wii Fit and 30 Day Shred. I just don't particularly like exercising in front of people. And also, I have a cranky knee.


I asked some pertinent questions. For example:


A. Do I have to wear those awful shorts or can I wear pants, because no one needs to see my pasty thighs and/or the hideous spider veins located there.
B. Does the ability to use a restroom exist with relative frequency along the route?
C. Can I carry a flask of an adult beverage of my choice, or better yet, just stand on the sidelines with said flask, cheering my friends on to the finish line?
D. Will anyone point and laugh at me and my attempts? And if they do, will Captain Jack Sparrow both avenge me and carry me to the end?


A and B got yes answers. C and D did not. Can't blame a girl for trying.


So, it begins. I have new running sneakers (purchased for an entirely unrelated reason). I plan to watch Run, Fatboy, Run a few times for inspiration. Because if that dude can do it, I can do it. I think.


My Wii Fit claims I can run 9.4 miles in 30 minutes (I'm pretty sure it's the way I move my arms). This proves two things. One, that I am more than halfway to the 13.1 miles goal. And two, that I can run in place for 30 minutes straight, so adding some forward propulsion should be no big thing.  


Right? RIGHT?


I think I'm going to run with the Wii remote strapped on my wrist, for support and comfort.


So, KT, if you're reading this (and I know you will, because I will direct your attention to this particular post), it's on. I'm in. Barring any tragic knee accidents (which would be totally un-self-inflicted). And I've told the blogosphere about it, which means I'm accountable. 


Hakuna matata. Please have a bottle of pinot noir open for me at the finish line. I'm going to need it.

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{ no }

That one little word has wedged itself firmly into our home.

And oh, how I wish it would make its way back out.

We are riding this out. With lots of deep breaths and patience and a good sense of humor. 

And wine.

Wine helps.

I know this, too, shall pass. I say it all. The. Time.

It doesn't make it easier, though.

What's the word du jour that drives you to the brink?

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{ happy superbowl monday! }

It's a rainy, nasty morning, here in Three Pugs land, but that's ok.

There are a few announcements (aka ramblings) I have to make.

First and foremost, congratulations to the Green Bay Packers! I was pulling for them, simply because I really like little Aaron Rodgers, and I think it was about time he had his chance to shine. Not only did he lead his team to victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he won MVP. 

A funny thing is that I actually own a Packers jersey, which I actually wore for the first time last night. I bought it went Brett Favre "retired" from the Pack, thinking (as did the rest of the sports world, who actually did give a damn at that time) that it would be a vintage piece. Oh, but I was wrong. Oh, well. At least it got some use.

Next up, Bakerella is out to get me. I was browsing the internet yesterday and came across this little number. I almost started rooting for the Steelers simply because this was so darn perfect. However, I figured I would settle for the next best thing: to be inspired and create something similar in honor of the Dolphins or the Jaguars next year. I have all summer to prepare.

Finally, I have to say this. I finally have a new favorite commercial.

In 1996, Snickers debuted this beauty (I believe during the Superbowl, in fact), and it's honestly been my favorite of all time.

Until last night.

The tongue. The jowls. The look of madness in the eyes.

Enough said.

Happy Monday!

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{ i had an idea }

And that's pretty much the reason I don't have a real post today.

Instead, I'm going to send good thoughts to friends and family in the north, who are suffering through Snowpocalypse and Icedom. I hope everyone can stay safe and warm and survive the cabin fever.

And stay tuned.

Something fun this way comes...

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{ child's play: rain gutter bookshelves }

It's a DIY kind of week here on three pugs & a baby.

I imagine it's because the winter blues are taking their leave (finally) and I can get cracking on what I can only eloquently refer to as "stuff."

I saw a tutorial for these rain gutter bookshelves and knew they would be a perfect addition to Turtle's new big boy room.

The concept is that they are lightweight shelves that can be hung at child-height, and books can be displayed cover-out, making them more accessible to little hands. Turtle has a kajillion books and they are all piled in bins and baskets, making them more difficult to get to.

After a few weeks of plotting, we were finally able to swing by Home Depot and pick up some supplies:

Please note: I do diy projects very much the same way that I cook. A little o' this. A little o' that. Bada bing, bada boom. Voila. Just be prepared.

Anyway, we picked up:

• one 10' vinyl rain gutter
• 6 gutter brackets
• 3 right and 3 left gutter end caps
• package of gutter screws (I call them that because they were with the gutter supplies, and are designed to go in the brackets)

We don't have a saw at the house, so I found myself a helpful Home Depot employee. I showed him what I wanted to do and asked him if he would be able to cut the gutter into three, 40" lengths for me, please, oh, please with a cherry on top?

He whipped out some vinyl shears and complied, doing, I might add, a very neat and precise job.

And home again, home again we went. Where I had to wait a few more days to finish the job.

Darn previous engagements!

But finally, at long last, I was able to set myself up in Turtle's room with my trusty Philips-head (you can also use a drill, but I didn't want to wait) and laser level.

Where I screwed a bracket into the wall like this...

Lined up for the next one...

And learned (the hard way) that my walls do not have studs where I want them to be.

Screwholes: 1. Me: 0. 

After spending close to thirty minutes knocking all over the walls and coming up empty, I put out a whine on Facebook regarding my failure. At which point, my friend J came to the rescue by bringing me a stud-finder.

Whoo hoo! And also, adding one of those to my shopping list.

Anyway, my second attempt was far more successful. The biggest issue for me was that Turtle's room is a bizarre shape with lots of jogs and short walls, so it was harder for me to find appropriate ways to hang the shelves. However, I was quite insistent on prevailing, and so I did. 

I also found that if you slide the brackets into the gutter and put on the end caps before screwing/drilling into the wall, it was a little easier.

The photo is crooked. Not the shelves. 

Up close.

And from the side.

We are hanging the final shelf on an opposite wall, today. 

Turtle loves being able to organize and arrange his books, and I love how much he loves it.

Bada bing. Bada boom. Voila.

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