Best Brush Ever!

 

no seriously.  this little guy is amazeballs. 

 

i have super fine hair that is a pain in the butt to comb out when i get out of the shower.  so much so that i don't brush my hair ever. 

 

for reals.  i only brush my hair when i get out of the shower.  and even then i don't actually brush it, i just comb it and it usually takes a some time and results in a loss of a lot of hair and a bit of a sore head (and god knows how many broken hairs). 

 

so imagine my delight when my new hairdresser ashley worked this nifty weird gadget through my hair in a matter of seconds (all while it massaged my head).  i immediately asked what the hell was that.  and she informed me it was called the "tangle teezer" and it was great on all types of hair, wet or dry. 

 

i was of course sold and ready to purchase only to find out that they are kind of hard to track down (i should have ordered online).  a few weeks ago i found this sparkly brush at barrington court health & beauty supply and couldn't wait to try it out at home...turns out it works just as well at home as it did in the salon! 

 

it does sometimes make me feel like i am brushing a horses tail due to the shape and sound, but i promise you, this brush is life changing!  it's the perfect brush for summer beach days, or everyday shower days!

Gone Girl...

 

i borrowed "gone girl" from my coworker and was so excited to finally get to read the book that everyone was talking about!

 

except, every time some one saw me reading it, i head this comment "good book, terrible ending".  which left me feeling confused as to whether i should even bother reading it. 

 

the answer is yes. 

 

yes the ending was less than pleasing.  but the first 2/3rds of the book is compelling, well-written and suspenseful.  i enjoyed it immensely and didn't want to put the book down.  considering my book reading has been at an all time low, i welcomed the excitement i felt when reading this book. 

 

i cannot really review this book without giving anything away, but what i will tell you is that it is refreshing.  not refreshing like a jump in the pool, but refreshing as in i have never read anything similar or dare i say as honest as gone girl. 

 

i wish the ending had been different.  that said, i am happy i read it and am looking forward to reading another one of her books.  i am excited for the book to be made into a movie.  i am dying to see who they cast to play amy and nick.  most of all i am intrigued to see if they keep the much hated ending as is, or hollywood it up. 

 

did you read gone girl?  what did you think?  and what on earth should i read next?!

 

(ps - while i was reading gone girl, i happened upon this page in the book from b.  such a sweet surprise!  only problem is the book wasn't mine.  guess it is now!)

Rodan + Fields Redefine Regimen Review

last december my gf stacie sent me some rodan + fields products to try.  i have only heard wonderful things about this beauty line and was excited to get to try it out for two weeks for free! 

 

after stacie and i determined my skin problems and goals, we decided on the redefine system to best address my goals.  this system is focused on reducing the appearance of lines, pores and loss of firmness.  growing up in seattle and being fair skinned has helped a bit with my aging and i feel very blessed to have the skin i do, but as i am creeping past 33, i am noticing the lines are getting a little deeper, my pores a little more noticeable and just a loss of daily glow. 

 

stacie sent me over a two week supply of the redefine regimen, the micro-dermabrasion paste and the lip micro-dermabrasion. 

 

 

i must admit, i am a dial hand soap as face wash kind of girl and besides moisturizer don't really dabble too much into systems or regimens for my face. 

 

the redefine regimen begins with the daily cleansing mask which is a thick white clay based cleanser that you apply as a mask for two minutes and then wash off.  the mask provides a little extra exfoliation and worked best for me in the shower.  in full honesty the two minute wait is a bit much for me in the morning, as i like to get in and get out. 

 

the pore minimizing toner (conveniently labeled 2) was the next step and i really enjoyed this product.  while i cannot attest that i saw a difference i did enjoy that it is alcohol free and left my skin feeling fresh. 

 

step 3 in the am is the triple defense treatment which i absolutely adored.  it provided great coverage, spf 30 and a light scent that was not overwhelming.  it was light and non-greasy and made my skin feel smooth and ready for my daily makeup.  in the pm i used the overnight restorative cream and again, i absolutely loved this product.  my skin felt moisturized and smooth and when i woke up my skin looked more refreshed then usual and ultra soft. 

 

twice a week i used the micro-dermabrasion paste in the shower or sunday night before the week to feel my freshest.  a little goes a long way with this product which left my skin feeling oh so soft and smooth which i LOVED!  it's gritty and really leaves you with a clean slate for the week.  dare i say my skin even looked a little brighter?

 

a few of my friends refer to my lips as "pillow lips" a nickname i would like to keep and take very seriously.  the lip micro-dermabrasion was one of my favorites as it was so easy to use and left my lips oh so pillowy and soft.  see ya dry flaky lips. 

 

 

my favorite product stacie sent over however, were the night renewing serum capsules.  one of my favorite things about these capsules is that they are pre-measured so you can't mess it up!  you use just the right amount every time and these babies most definitely had me seeing results fast.  i could absolutely notice an extra glow to my skin after using them as well as my lines looking a little less deep and my skin a lot smoother.  the serum is light but covers fantastically and made me feel like i received a little facial over night. 

 

i want to thank stacie for letting me try out the system and i am definitely planning to order the night renewing serum capsules again.  rodan + fields just released the macro exfoliator that sold out so quickly and sheds 5 million dead skin cells in one five minute treatment!  see ya dead skin! 

 

as we age and expose our skin to all those yucky toxins out there, it is ever so important to make sure you create your own beauty regimen to keep your skin looking its very best.  r + d has created some amazing products to assist you at home at very reasonable prices.  if you are looking to start now (and you should) reach out to my girl stacie and figure out the right regimen for you! 

Beauty Review ~ Vichy Day Cream

 

this past fall the nice people at apothica sent me a jar of vichy liftactiv cxp day cream to try out and review.  i was super excited as i had just run out of my current lotion and was on the hunt for a new product.

 

the vichy liftactiv cxp day cream was different then my other moisturizers as the product was thicker and richer in texture.  a little went a long way and it left my face feeling moisturized and hydrated in a way it had never felt before. 

 

the product promised:

 

 "Vichy LiftActiv CXP Day For Normal/Combination Skin Anti-Wrinkle & Firming is a breakthrough anti-wrinkle and firming formula that continuously releases pure Vitamin C into the skin for 24Hr to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers for firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin."

 

i will say that my skin most definitely felt smoother.  as for younger-looking or firmer i can't really confirm, but what i enjoyed the most was how hydrated my face felt.  during winter months my skin can get a little flaky or dry and i am happy to report not once did i have a flake or dry patch while using this product. 

 

while i enjoyed this product a lot, my only complaint was it is heavily scented.  in fact when i mentioned the name "vichy" to a girlfriend of mine the first thing out of her mouth was, "i really liked the product, but it is very perfume-y".  luckily for me, i did not find the scent offensive but people with sensitive noses or skin may want to be weary of this product. 

 

i was so pleased with this product that i am currently looking into purchasing the vichy neovadiol gf night densifying re-sculpting care cream.  as we head into warmer weather i am looking to move to a lighter moisturizer, but come fall/winter 2013 this product may very well end up in my medicine cabinet again!

 

*this is a sponsored post but all opinions and thoughts are my own!

Holiday Party Time...Rent the Runway Style

i have been dying to try rent the runway for my next big event and finally had the opportunity for my company holiday party. 

 

the dress code was cocktail, so i new i wanted to go short, and for the longest time i have been wanting to wear an all sequin dress. 

 

enter the mark & james by badgley mischka mini sequin pixie dress 

 

 

after searching their endless supply of amazing dresses, and reading numerous reviews i decided to order the dress in an xs and s.  my event was on the 8th and i received my dress on the 7th. 

 

only problem was that i only received one dress instead of the two i ordered (they always give you one extra size free).  i glanced at the size xs and was a little nervous that i would have to do some last minute shopping. 

 

lucky for me, the size xs fit like a glove. 

 

(i should mention that rtr did email me on the 6th (and i missed the email) that they would only be shipping the xs as there was an issue with getting the s)

 

off to the party b and i went and let me just say the dress was a hit!  i loved dancing in it and it was definitely a conversation starter! 

 

i opted to go with a "sock bun" top knot, simple eyes and bold lips which i think complimented the dress even more. 

 

we had such a great time that we forgot to take more pictures (or a full length shot) and at the end of the night i didn't want to give the dress back! 

 

but back into the pre-addressed stamped envelope it went and i bid adieu to all the fun memories the dress provided. 

 

although my rent the runway experience wasn't perfect, it was pretty damn close and i will most definitely be renting in the near future again! 

 

be sure to check out rent the runway for your next event...perhaps some more sparkly goodness for new years?

Rent It ~ Moonrise Kingdom

 

it has been awhile since i watched a movie that had me smiling from ear to ear the entire time.  moonrise kingdom was beautiful to watch, had an incredible soundtrack and reminded me of my youth.  first loves, rebelling against your parents and camping.  pure fun. 

 

with the four day weekend ahead, i highly recommend renting...heck even buying this flick.  it will not disappoint (unless you absolutely hate wes anderson flicks - then perhaps you should skip it). 

 

here's a sneak peek of what to expect...

 

 

amazing.

  (also my favorite gif to describe how i am feeling about this short week and thanksgiving!)

 

have you seen it yet?  what did you think?  love or hate?  i think i may be adding it to my christmas wishlist.

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

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if you find the photo above offensive or inappropriate in anyway, please stop reading this post and please stop reading fifty shades of grey immediately. 

i began reading fifty shades after i heard all the hype surrounding it.  upon a little more research i learned that the author e.l. james loved the twilight books so much but always wished there was more sex, so she decided to write her own book, set in washington, with lots of sex.  then my gf shelby said it was pretty steamy and i thought, what the hell?

and let me just tell you.  it definitely has its steamy moments and lots of sex.

without giving too much away here are some of my thoughts on fifty shades...

*sex scenes are graphic and definitely arouse the imagination

*the author uses the same adjectives and words a lot.  to the point of extreme annoyance

*miss steele went to wsu-vancouver - happy for the reference to wsu in such a popular book - go cougs!

*inner goddess annoys the f out of me

* ending felt a little flat

after finishing the book i of course bought fifty shades darker, for my kindle on my ipad (perfect device to hide what you a reading in public or say at the dentist office).  not because i thought the book was so good and i couldn't wait to read the next one, but because i was interested in where she would go with the next book and the sex scenarios.  truth. 

the books are terribly written.  the sex scenes are unexpected and naughty.  that's why you are reading it.  don't fool yourself, it really is a sexy version of twilight (minus vampires, werewolves and bella - thank god).  if you read these books for the reasons highlighted above, you won't be disappointed.  if you are reading them for a romantic love story and literary genius, this is not the book for you my friend. 

i love the way this book has brought forth a sexual awakening of sorts amongst women of all ages and opened people up to options other than "vanilla sex". 

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have you read fifty shades?  what did you think?  worth the hype or so over it? 

Drug Store Beauty Booty

it took me over a month to finally find the maybelline baby lips lip balm in my local target after i searched any and every store in LA for this raved about product.  i ended up purchasing the grape vine color (pictured above) and have to say, i just love it!  less than $3.99 a tube and it leaves my lips with a pretty barely there tint, a light grape taste and baby soft lips.  plus the packaging is just adorable.  i forsee (if i can find them) many more baby lips lip balms in my future. 

i didn't think it was possible for me to find a liquid eyeliner pen that i loved as much as the stila one i raved about here, but believe it or not i did!  the revlon colorstay liquid eye pen was not immediately impressive to me as the color didn't come out as dramatic and black as i had hoped.  however, quick thinking on my part and storing the pen with the tip down made a big difference and i have been so happy with this product since. 

a lot of people ask me how i get my liquid liner so perfect and i always say the liquid eye pen is the trick.  this eyeliner stays on all day as it promises (even after a major sweat session at circuit works) and washes off pretty easily (with the help of almay eye makeup remover pads). 

this pen and i are going to lifelong friends.

i ran out of moisturizer recently and realized i have not bought any in a long time (thanks to my mom who always sends me her rejects or gifts me good stuff) and was a bit stumped as to what i should buy. 

i have always read such great things about olay products and decided that i would give the olay total effects 7-in-1 anti-aging daily moisturizer w/ spf 15 a shot.  i may have also been swayed that it was on sale if i am being completely honest. 

turns out i really like the stuff.  i haven't really noticed a lot of improvements to my skin, but i do like the consistency and spf factor.  i am not sure if i would buy it again, but i don't hate it! 

now i realize this isn't "technically" from a drug store, but it was only $7.50 so it seems to fit well enough into the category. 

i have been suffering from really dry lips these past few weeks and no matter the amount of product i smear on them, they still felt rough and flaky and totally hating it. 

last friday, i popped into bath and body works for some home scents and came back with some new scents as well as this tube of my favorite night balm by c.o. bigelow.  well i thought the package was a little cocky, i am quickly changing my tune as it has become my favorite night lip balm.  i apply it before i lay my head down and awake 5-6 hours later with balm still on my lips!  it's a miracle.  and in the short time i have been using it, i can see a vast improvement to the condition of my lips. 

buy this immediately...whomever you are kissing will thank you!

i've said it before and i will say it again.  eye cream as we get older is so important.  and not just any eye cream...hydrating eye cream.  moisturizer is our best bet again wrinkles and let me just tell you, this neutrogena ageless essentials continuous hydration eye cream does just that. 

santa brought me this little guy in my stocking this past christmas and i love it. i am almost at the end of the tube and will be buying it again once it is empty.  the cream leaves your eyes feeling soothed, moisturized and with a healthy sheen/glow.  my undereye concealer goes on so much smoother and doesn't cake or fall into the cracks. 

and those my friends are my favorite products as of late.  do you have any favorites that are missing from the list that i must try?  do you think there is a huge difference between drug store and retail beauty products?

The Help Book Review

I finished The Help last Wednesday and have to say that it has been one of my favorite reads in a long time.  I laughed, I cried, and I also cringed throughout the novel.  After dragging through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Help was a welcomed change. 

The book takes place through the Civil Rights in the 1960's and tells the story through three different narratives, Skeeter - a white college grad who belongs to a ladies society and wants to change the way "the help" is treated, Aibileen - a black maid to Skeeter's friend Elizabeth and confidant to Skeeter and Minny - a recently fired by the leader of the ladies society black maid with a strong personality.

I loved every one of the narratives and the different opinion and view they had to offer.  Aibileen - nurturing, cautious and brave.  Minny - defiant, hard-working and brave.  Skeeter - alone, creative, and brave.  When Skeeter witnesses horrible acts of racism in her city, she sets out to pursue her passion of writing while trying to make a change to the future with some help from the maids of Jackson, Mississippi. 

Without giving too much away, the book has moments of extreme happiness and moments where I was disgusted that all this happened a mere fifty plus years ago. You grow extremely attached to the cause and rooting for change and when I finished the last page, I was sad to be finished and had to remind myself that these characters although fictional, really existed back in the day, and left me wishing for their happiness. 

The movie comes out August 12th and you better believe I am hoping one of my gf's here in LA finishes the book in time to see it with me!  I just started The Hunger Games (rec'd from Pink Sass) and am already loving this series, more to come about that, but for now, check out the preview for The Help.

Drug Store Beauty Booty

I've been really trying to pinch my pennies (I am thinking a fabulous vacation somewhere abroad is so in need) and start utilizing drug store beauty products.  At half the cost, I really can't be too disappointed if they turn out to be a dud (and there have been a few). 

Whenever I think of the Shick Intuition Razors I automatically think of the commercial and start singing Jewel's Intuition (Album Version).  I will say when I first saw the commercial, I thought who would ever use that big bulky razor?  Turns out the answer was me!  I received a free sample and tried it out to find that it works really well and removes the requirement for shave cream at all.  Perfect for vacations, house-sitting, the boyfriends place, or even home. 

Only negative thing is the cost for 3 refills is almost $20...not sure how much you are actually saving...but it is indeed the perfect travel companion razor. 

A gal at my work has very fair skin at work like me and always has the prettiest glow.  I finally just asked what product she used, and it turns out Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers helps her achieve this look (I think her being in her mid 20's doesn't hurt either). 

As a devoted user of Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer I was hesitant to try it out, but seeing as the tube was under $15, I was easily swayed.  While I did not end up with the same glow as Megan, I did end up with a tinted moisturizer that provides decent coverage and a built in SPF of 30.  I am quite happy with this product and while I am not sure it will replace Laura Mercier it has provided a great alternative when money is tight.

I ran out of my eye moisturizer recently and set out to purchase a new one.  Eye creams can get very pricey (even at the drug store) so it was essential I found one that I could use both day and night and focused on moisturizing (anything additional was a bonus). 

I came across the Olay Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream and felt it fit my needs best.  That was until I saw the CVS version right next to it for $3 less.  I will admit I didn't expect much from this eye cream, but I have to say that I am really pleased with just about everything from this jar.  A little goes a long way and it is very moisturizing and silky.  I use it day and night and it may be my imagination, but I think there has been a slight improvement in my general eye area.

I tried the Almay One Coat Dial-Up Mascara after reading a great review on blog (which blog has escaped me right now).  I am always game for a mascara that promises full volume and this one seemed especially great since I could decide how full I wanted that volume to be. 

Turns out it is a decent mascara but I am not loving the plastic bristle brush and tend to go right for level 3 which often has me wiping off the excess on the side of the tube.  I am happy with the coverage but will not be purchasing this tube again.  If you like those plastic style brushes, I would recommend trying this one out.  If you like Dior Show, skip it!

Call me stupid, but when I saw the commercial and magazine ad for the L'OREAL Studio Secrets One Sweep Eyeshadow I was totally sold.  Loved the colors and the idea that someone did all the work for me and all I had to do was swipe the brush across my eyes and voila!  Such a time saver! 

Only it didn't work like that at all.  Not even a little.  This product is a total FAIL.  Luckily I can still use the shadows individually and try to achieve a similar look but, please take my advice and save the $10 this shadow is going to cost you.  Just go buy the individual shadows that will last longer and you will inevitably be happier with. 

Do you have any great drug store beauty items that I need to try?  Do you love any of the products above or had better luck with the one sweep?

I'm Lovin' It

I opened the cupboard in our kitchen at work and noticed this AWESOME mug staring back at me and I just smiled so big.  I have been trying to figure out who the owner is so I can give them a big hug.  It has had all of us gals giggling this week, and for that I love it. 

Have Mercy!

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I would do just about anything to call this my bathroom.  The pop of yellow, the bright white and light = right up my alley.

My iPad will be taking its first flight on a plane this Sunday and I am thinking I really wish I owned this Vivienne Westwood Derby tartan leather iPad case.  Love that it's pink and leather. 

I have been house sitting for my boss this past week at his gorgeous house on a walk street in Venice and have been loving the evening walks with B down the boardwalk to enjoy a beer at the Venice Ale House and the Waterfront Cafe all while enjoying the sunset.

My thoughtful and sweet coworker left me these lovely and fragrant roses on my desk Tuesday morning with a note that read, "Congrats on your promotion! Very well deserved".  Instantly brightened my mood.

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  I purchased  My Private Jet back in the end of February and just got around to painting them this past Sunday and loved the results!  It lasted almost without a chip for 4 days and really sparkled in the sunshine.

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This picture is really accurate of how it turns out and shines.  The color will soon be added to my must always have a bottle of collection.

And now I need your help, should I repaint my nails My Private Jet for San Francisco or go bright and bolder for my weekend?  I am on the fence - any polish color that I should absolutely pick for the trip?

Fall 2011 RTW Collections - WWRZD Edition

Who else is super excited about Oscar fashions on Sunday? I have to say that my favorite episodes of The Rachel Zoe Project is her securing dresses for her celebs for award season!  Talk about stress and excitement. 

Will Fashion Week wrapping up last week in NYC and still happening over in London, I thought I would take a stab at Rachel Zoe's profession and try and dress all the best actress and best supporting actress nominees for Sunday.  I in no way shape or form even try and compare my selections with the uber talented Zoe, but below you will find my own version of What Would Rachel Zoe Do (WWRZD).... 

{click to enlarge all pictures from NY Mag}

I love Amy Adams and think she would look stunning in navy blue Naeem Khan or a sparkling goddess in Pamela Roland.

I am hoping Annette Bening puts a little more effort into her hair this awards season.  Regardless, she would look magnificent in this Diane Von Furstenberg gown.

Sweet little Hailee Steinfeld was difficult, as she is only 14, so I wouldn't want to age her in any of the gowns but also need to steer clear of cleavage and sexiness.  I think the Monique Lhuillier is angelic and the Badgley Mischka would look radiant against her gorgeous hair.

Helena Bonham-Carter is funky and interesting with all of her selections and as much as I would love to see her in something like the Badgley Mischka gown (feathers make it funky), I think she will veer more towards the style of this Marchesa gown which I think would suit her perfectly.

I don't know much about Jacki Weaver, but I think this Ralph Lauren dress is the perfect shade for her coloring and also a flattering fit for her figure.

My recent girl crush Jennifer Lawrence wowed me at the Golden Globes in that bright pink number, and I think she would absolutely shut.it.down in this teal John Richmond gown.  She would just glow!

I love Melissa Leo and have a feeling she will be taking home the statue, so she needs to dazzle and this Oscar de la Renta will do just that. 

Her Valentino daisy number for the Golden Globes was all wrong and I am left hoping Michelle Williams will go either bright and sparkly or sexy and sparkly.  Either dress will flatter her pixie cut.

Red is the perfect color for Natalie the sure winner for Best Actress on Sunday.  This gown will accentuate her growing bump and standout when she is accepting her Oscar.

Is it just me or has Nicole Kidman been a lot more personable on the red carpet lately?  I am leaning towards the Naeem Khan dress, but either would make her look statuesque on Sunday. 

Anne Hathaway has a great job hosting the awards and will no doubt be sporting numerous gowns through the telecast.  I am crossing my fingers this Oscar de la Renta is one of them!

She isn't nominated but always kills it on the red carpet at any awards show.  I want this new mama to be to walk down the carpet in this show stopping Marchesa.  Stunning.

What celebs are you most excited to see on the red carpet?  Do you think my picks will land my celebs on the best dressed or answering to Joan Rivers and the Fashion Police?  What was your favorite Fall 2011 RTW show? 

Ciao luvies! 

Oscar Time 2011

It's Oscar time again!  This Sunday will be an evening of glamour, movies and hopefully some laughs courtesy of co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  I am excited for these two hosts as they are both multi talented and sure to bring something new to the show, which it could definitely use. 

I am proud to say that this year I made it my goal to see all ten best pictures nominations.  And I succeeded!  Below are my reviews and votes for best picture (in order of my favorites).

And the nominees are.....

I kept hearing in October about this movie the The King's Speech.  I read the description of the film and was like *yawn*, even though I really like Colin Firth.  When they announced the nomination for best picture I knew I had to my butt to the theater and can I just say, I am SOOO glad I did as it is my favorite film of the bunch. 

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are so excellent in this film.  It made me nervous, it made me laugh (a lot) and it really made me want to pick up a history book.  I LOVED it and really think it is a crowd pleaser.  I am also betting that Colin Firth takes home the Best Actor statue. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 35%

I am not sure why, but I wasn't super excited to see The Fighter - I mean it has Marky Mark in!  I watched this on a Saturday morning and was blown away by Christian Bale's outstanding performance as drug addict brother Dicky.  Also, Melissa Leo is unrecognizable as mother Alice and both deserve the supporting actor statues. 

The story is similar to all those come from behind to win movies but there is some serious heart in this film and it is my second favorite flick of the nominees. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 25%

I have loved all of the Toy Story Movies and am happy to report that Toy Story 3 is my favorite of them all.  I saw this movie with B in 3D and was holding back the tears at the end of the movie, as it just pulled on my heartstrings.  The characters, the idea of growing up and all that you leave behind and the nostalgia of my old favorite toys (Peaches & Cream Barbie anyone?). 

Toy Story 3 proved that sequels can be better than the original and also that some cartoons really do deserve to win best picture.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

Black Swan was a movie that disturbed me on so many levels and yet I loved it as well.  Natalie Portman's frightening portrayal of a ballerina trying to be perfect should definitely earn her the Best Actress Oscar, and the costumes and music were beautiful.  This movie literally had me squirming in my chair at parts and I left feeling unsure and weird. 

The movie was unique and interesting and I feel it deserves all the press it has been receiving, including its best picture nomination.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

B and I take turns picking movies at the theater and this flick was his choice.  I heart Jeff Bridges big time.  I once saw him at Palimino at lunch with his mom and he was carrying her purse for her and pulled out her seat and just was a true gentleman and ever since then I was a fan. 

The cinematography of True Grit is breathtaking and the cast is pretty impressive as well.  Matt Damon & Jeff Bridges are both hilarious in their roles and young Hallie Steinfeld is a welcomed fresh face. 

The film takes you back to simpler times and also the savageness of it all.  B and my girl Nicole seem to think that True Grit could be the dark horse and take home the Best Picture Oscar.  While I enjoyed the film, it wasn't best picture quality to me. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 9%

The Kids Are All Right was the last film I saw of the nominees and I was surprised to find that I ranked it so high out of all ten nominees.  The story is so intriguing and I found Mark Ruffalo, Annettte Bening, and Julianne Moore outstanding in their roles as parents to Joni and Laser. 

The film was the perfect combination of comedy and drama and really left me wanting to dine at Paul's restaurant and enjoying a glass of whatever Nic was drinking.  It also shows that family is family regardless of if it is man and woman, woman and woman or man and man. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 3%

I saw Inception last summer and walked away entertained, whereas B walked away disappointed and annoyed.  Which I think was most peoples reaction.  You either loved it or hated it. 

I loved the idea behind the film as well as the awesome cinematography and special effects.  The idea was creative and most walked out wondering what world Cobb was really in at the end.  Do we think there will be an Inception 2?  

Again, while I thought it was a good movie, not the best movie in my opinion. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

The Social Network or better known as The Facebook Movie was informative and amusing.  I didn't walk out of that movie thinking Mark Zuckerberg was an asshole (as I was warned I might feel) but instead I walked out feeling sorry for this genius as well as this Eduardo character. 

Jesse Eisenberg is satisfying as the role of Mark Zuckerberg and I finished the movie wondering what the REAL story is.  I also left thankful that Facebook was created. 

I know it won Best Picture for the Golden Globes by I don't think it holds a candle against The King's Speech or The Fighter. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 6%

I watched 127 Hours at my home and was told that not seeing it in the movie theater takes away some of the greatness of the film.  This movie takes you through the journey and struggle Aron Ralston experienced for (you guessed it) 127 Hours.  His knowledge and determination was impressive and inspiring.  

James Franco did a great job of portraying the highs and lows that Aron went through and the music compiled by A.R Rahman really intensified scenes and your emotions.  The landscape and scenery of the film (minus that one scene) was stunning and made me want to explore nature a little more.  

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

Winter's Bone was a flick I knew nothing about going into.  I knew it was a drama and that's about it.  My thought after watching was what an F'ed up flick. 

It was intriguing and dirty and made me want to shower as soon as I finished watching it.  It also made me feel so sorry for the main character Ree, played by the gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence. 

The movie was at times hard for me to follow but I ended up understanding at the end.  It is not a film for everyone but again one that leaves you thinking long after the credits end. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2%

Now it's your turn! 

What do you think will win best picture?  Was there a film that was left off the nominations that should have been included?  What were your feelings on any of the nominated films?