It's OK (by me)

It's that time again. A time to reflect on what we did a little less then perfect but, who cares!  Shake it off! It's ok! I'm going to play along with airingmylaundry today as I tell you what items/events/activities are OK by me.

Check out her latest post here.

It's OK that I caught brief bits of the Fergie performance but don't feel the need to see the show so I can add to the conversation.

It's OK that I am enjoying the winter Olympics so much because not everyone can pull off these winter sports like thesee guys.  I'm just in awe of all of the shows.    

It's OK that I failed another attempt to donate blood for the Red Cross but I received some tips and should be able to donate successfully next time.

It's OK that we went to see Peter Rabbit a couple of weeks ago and the kids and I still talk about it based on commercials we see.

  Cheers to a new week! Goodbye to last week!  I will be OK no matter what!   Looking back at the past few days or weeks what are you OK with?

12 Strong (movie review)

 

  12 Strong is drama action rated R that runs for a little over 2 hours.  It stars Chris Hemsworth, his wife Elsa Pataky, Michael Peña, Rob Riggle, William Fichtner and more! 

  My last day of January and last movie of the month was a great one!  I almost think just as good as the first one I saw at the beginning of the month (All The Money In The World).

  Having been prior service I do go out and see military movies for several reasons but, this based on a true story of such an important part of history was a definite must see in my book.

  The movie was fantastic.  It was easy to follow along.  It started out a few years ahead of the actual events to give you a full back story to the purpose and reason of why the need to get these 12 soliders over there to fight.

  It is rated R because there is language and the war scenes do include death and blood.

  I walked out just speechless that these men went into a war environment where there were tanks and rode horses! 

  This movie told an amazing story.  One that I was not even remotely familiar with.  I appreciate this story being told especially because I wasn't aware of even the book.  The cast was great and portrayed the story in an entertaining and believable manner.  You know they were stressed, but there was a time for jokes and a time for seriousness.

  Call them warriors or soldiers but the team that they made.  The loyalty and respect that they had in addition to the training all helped to get the job done.

Check out a clip here!

Family Fun at the movies

  We loved going to the movies in this house.  It's not just about the movies because to be honest you don't know about the movie until after the movie.  It may be about the popcorn though!

Sometimes we don't have to vote on the movie we are going to.  It's just unanimous!

Paddington was on my mind since I saw the advertisments.  Paddington of course needed a sequel!  This movie rated PG with a run time of 1 hour and 43 minutes was an entertaining movie the whole time!  My kids enjoyed watching the bear and his antics.  

In this movie from the previews you know that he goes to prison, turns the laundry pink and of course indulges on Marmalade sandwiches.  With the bear locked up the show must go on.  That leaves his family whom does all the foot work to prove Paddingtons innocence. 

This movie will not disappoint.  My kids are older and had no trouble following through and laughing along with the show.  This was a great sequel and sometimes we know sequels are not always good.

  This was a great family day.  We saved money by going during a matinee.  Along with utilizing refillable popcorn buckets that will can refill for a fraction of the cost.

Motivation Monday

  We all need a little motivation on Monday!  Regardless of that cup of coffee.

That long weekend!

Or if the kids actually slept in!

Take some time for you! 

Workout!

Paint your nails!

Grab a treat!

Catch a movie!

Or just take a walk!

Just do something for yourself.  It doesn't have to cost money it just needs to give you a break to unwind.  No thinking necessary.  You have 6 more days to do something.  Make it happen and then sit back and appreciate.

All The Money in the World (movie review)

  I concluded my birthday with a late showing of All the Money in the World.  This drama runs for over 2 hours and is rated R.  It's cast includes Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer and Mark Wahlberg.

  This movie is based on a true story around Jean Paul Getty.  He founded the Getty Oil Company and was known to be the richest man.  This was why his grandson was kidnapped.  The initial ransom was a demand of 17 million.

  Despite all the begging and pleading from  his son and his wife he refused to pay a cent.  He made plenty of excuses to justify his decision.  He had 14 other grandchildren and if he paid for one, the others may get kidnapped for ransom as well.  He also would make no money on the transaction which is all he cared about.  More money.

  Things make a turn for the worse when. The kidnappers don't receive their demands.  They decide to send proof of how serious they are straight to the newspaper. 

  I will end my summary on that sentence!  I thought this was a good movie.  I wasn't aware of the complete storyline prior to walking in.  I only knew it was based on a true story so some of the content surprised me. 

  It was a long movie.  I would like to say it goes by quick but it didn't.  The storyline was easy to follow and I was entertained through the movie.  There were some parts that could have got cut out and you still would have been able to follow.    The end was exciting because I truly didn't know what was going to happen. Of course I was rooting for a safe return but if the ransom doesn't get paid what could the outcome possibly be?

  Did I leave just enough to get you interested if not here's trailer more.
 
   It was nice to get out and see an adult movie but one of the next movies I want to see is Paddington 2! 

2017 recap

  I can't say that I have never had a year I wanted to hold onto and this was definitely not one either.

  I started 2017 out with some bad health news in my family and then problems just continued after that.  You know that saying, "When it rains it pours."  I don't want to over exaggerate my problems because there is worse out there but, I did have doubts of how much I could tolerate at one time.

  Thankfully some issues have resolved themselves and others I'm carrying with me into 2018 sadly.  I have nonetheless also accomplished some goals and had proud moments.

  In 2018 I crossed off 2 bucket list items!
Stand up Paddle Boarding and Zip line in addition to hanging out in a tree obstacle course!  Of course what I didn't get around to doing just gets rolled over and hopefully some will get crossed off again this year.

  I read a total of 40 books and went to the movies at least 16 times.

  I shared firsts with my kids like a hockey game, a carriage ride and laid wreaths.

  I had more collaborations both paid and with complimentary products compared to my previous year (this was my 2nd year blogging).  I even was selected for the Chick Fil A moms panel!

  Kudos to me for even donating blood for the first time!

I also tried aerial yoga and that wasn't even on my list! Bonus!

  So I can sit back and smile with satisfaction of my success as a blogger.  I can't wait to see how I grow in this new year.  I have a few blogging goals I would like to accomplish so amongst everything else like my bucket list and resolutions. I'll be working towards those too.

  Happy New Year everyone and I wish much success on everyone. 

Showtime Rewards at Cinemark

  Reward programs from stores and restaurants do have their own unique perks.  Some perks are not as good.  I will not necessarily run out my house for a buy one get one free deal.  A free burger from the restaurant down the street gets my attention and so does free entertainment.

  Last week I received an email promoting a special screening of Girls Trip for Cinemark Connections.  Cinemark's reward program works twice as hard as other programs.  I have the app on my phone and open it upon arriving at the location.  I have the staff scan my phone when I purchase tickets and food. For these scans I receive points.

   Another way I receive points is Cinemode.  You get points for not using your phone for the duration of the movie.

  Your points go towards discounts on food, drinks and even some special movie items!

            

I am slowing building up my points and when I see the right reward I'll know it when I see it! For now I am just collecting away.  It's hard to remember to have them scan for tickets and food so that's a hit or miss deal for me but the Cinemode is easy to remember.

So next time you visit Cinemark don't forget to get your points.  Cinemark provides several movie viewing options to include digital, XD and 3D! I always love that Tuesdays at my local theater is matinee ALL day! 

What's the next movie you plan on seeing?

It's Ok

  Linking up again with airingmylaundry to share what's been ok lately.  This is where we can share with each other what others may not necessarily agree with.  Or where your opinion is opposite the majority.

It's ok......

  That I'm not horrible excited about the new Fifty Shades Darker.  I saw the first one after it finally made it to television.

It's ok......

  That I don't have any plans for dinner the rest of the week but, I have the grocery list planned so maybe after that trip that will help.

It's ok.....

  That I'm not super excited about the Super Bowl.  Even if they took out the game and gave me the commercials cutting the time down drastically, even if it was different teams I just never get super excited.

It's ok.....

  That I took 3 cups of cocoa from the gym today as a treat for my two kids and myself! There's days when I don't take any at all so why not once and a while I snag a cup for 1 person not visibly there.

  Ok I will stop there.  What's ok lately with you?

Hidden Figures (movie review)

  This drama was released into theaters based on true events in Dec and I finally got around to seeing it.  The film is rated PG and has a run time of about 2 hours.  The film had a great cast including Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer and Kirsten Dunst and many more.

  This film takes place in Virginia in the 60's.  The story follows 3 women as they work in various areas of NASA.  The film touches on the day to day obstacles they faced based on the color of their skin.  Segregated buses, drinking fountains and bathrooms.

  Promotions for two women lead them into a more responsible role with a lack of appreciation and respect.  The third women played by Octavia Spencer works harder to secure her fleet of women and their jobs by learning the new computer system that's being brought in.  This learning process takes us to a stop at the local library which of course is also segregated.

  I was energized by this movie not because they were of color or women.  I liked this movie because of the determination they had.  The fight they had in them to take their job to the next level.  They knew they were smart.  They knew they were qualified.  They just had to prove the laws were wrong and that they were an equal citizen if allowed.

  I have not read the book and I'm not aware of what was added to the movie to enhance it but a few of my favorite parts including: the scenes where Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) ran across the base to use the bathroom, where Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) told her case to the judge and when AL Harrison (Kevin Costner) took down the "coloreds" bathroom sign.

  There was enough going on though the movie that I wasn't bored.  I sat entertained through the duration of the film.  I walked out empowered with the confidence that I could do anything if I set my mind to it.  It made me want to encourage the children of the future to keep at what your good at be it science or math.  They will get recognized for their accomplishments!

  Have you seen this film yet?  Any plans to?  What's the last movie you saw?

Top 10 of 2016

  Looking back at 2016 and I decided to share my 10 favorites of the year!  In no particular order.

1.  My son's birthday cake.  I was pretty impressed with selecting a cake in the world of Pinterest and make it happen.

2.  Deciding and cycling 50 miles on a local bike trail.  I felt good going out the gate. I never had a doubt I wouldn't finish.  I did finish with some sore legs but surprisingly no pain the next day!

3.  I started out the year wanting to catch a movie every week.  I did pretty good for the first few months but after that life got in the way.  However my favorite movie of the year was Moana!

4.  I got crafty this year and made more crafts and DIY projects then prior years.  I was pretty proud of the fall mat I made.

5.  One of my favorite songs were Unsteady by X Ambassadors  and Rise Up by Andra Day.  These two songs have been played in my house enough that the littlest of people even know it.  It also never gets old and always gets turned up when it plays on the radio.

6.  I ran out and got a cup of coffee from Luke's Diner at Stars Hollow.  No, I'm just kidding I didn't see Lorelai either at my local pop up coffee shop sponsored by Netflix for the 16th anniversary of Gilmore Girls.

7.  Peppermint lattes from Wawa.  I have been previously drinking from other locations but when I tried one from Wawa I was pleasantly surprised.  It was love at first sip.  No need to go anywhere else.  It's the same wait time, it's made fresh, it's topped with whip cream and it's delicious.  The only down side is you have to go inside to get it.

8.  Grey's Anatomy will always be a hit until.... we won't talk about that.  I'm not even prepared for the show to end so let me just enjoy that it's still here!

9.  The Amazon Firestick.  Oh my what a device.  So many movies and not enough time.  Its cheaper to enjoy movies at home even when I almost always go to the $5 matinee but I do miss that movie buttery popcorn.  I love picking almost any movie I want to watch.  My kids have even enjoyed several movies and shows from Amazon.

10.  My favorite books of the year were several.  So I tried to pick a couple from different genres.

       


Nonfiction: Wild The story biographical story of a journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Humor: Mother Can You Not centers around a mother and daughter, their relationship as a mother and child from the childhood of the daughter to adulthood.


  Thank you 2016 we did have some good times and I won't forget you.  No pressure 2017 let's see what you've got.

Now showing Holiday shows

  I am not one to put the tree up before, on or even the day after Thanksgiving but, I will watch the shows as early as today!

1.Home Alone (maybe the whole series if the little people have a say)

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas 

4. Scrooged (I love the toaster scene)

5. A Christmas Story (Oh Fudge!)

6. A Miracle on 34th Street (My childhood dream was to look out a window and see the parade pass by)

7.  The Polar Express (another kids favorite)

 

8. Rudolph and Frosty (never get old)

9. Jingle All The Way (kids favorite but, I will watch this one willingly)

10. The Family Man (Nicolas Cage and I really like the story plot of life if you didn't exist)

  I might even listen to some holiday music between now and Dec 25th too!  What are your must watch shows for the holidays?

#NaBloPoMo

Troll (movie review)

  It's showtime parents of little people.  What are you plans this weekend?  Regardless of mine this is where we went today!  They say if you can't beat 'em join 'em.  I try to get to the theater before the crowd and the matinee is over so it's a win-win all around.

  Trolls opened today and with all the hype and promotions in stores on shelves and McDonald's.

 Your kids have been bound to have heard it somewhere.  My kids heard the 3 day countdown and were more excited as each day passed.  Of course a recent birthday gift fueled the excitement.

  Trolls stars Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick joined by a bunch of other celebrities.  You can almost easily identify the others as soon as they speak.  The movie runs for a comfortable hour and 33 minutes.  This fantasy/adventure film is appropriately rated PG.

    This movie is full of bright, vivid colors.  A lot of singing (which surprised me) and some dancing to accompany it.  The songs are great though for any 80's child who also had the original Troll toy anyways.  

  There was an actual storyline and it was easy to follow. Enough troll characters with individual personalities to keep you entertained.   The trolls are all about happiness and want everyone else to be happy to.  These trolls party, do makeovers and give hourly hugs.  This is a nice movie for the family.  Kids will enjoy the trolls and colors will mesmerize them.  Adults hang out and enjoy the songs and jokes.

  Have a good weekend and if you going to the movies what will you be seeing?

#NaBloPoMo