Thursday DVD Review ~ Some New, Some Older

Motherhood

I absolutely LOVED this movie what a way to start out our Thursday DVD reviews. Now again don't show me I've not been a big Uma fan but I do love Anthony Edwards (Hello Top Gun & ER). But I couldn't help but laugh out loud the first few minutes of this movie. It starts with her taking a picture of her sleeping child (yup done that). Then running outside to take kids to school in nightgown covered by a long jacket (yup done this). The snobby neighbor that points this out (yup have those too). Then she blogs about it!!!! She even has a nasty comment she replies too (yup been there too). Blogs about a friend that backfires (yup had that happen to). This is a day in the life of a mom trying to plan the perfect birthday party while dealing with kids, city parking and a hubs that is in and out and oblivious to helping out (OH YES that sounds familiar). This move was hilarious it of course had a few slow moments but over all I could so see my life right there on the screen. You'll laugh maybe even cry when you see yourself :).

Financially strapped Eliza Welch (Uma Thurman) wants to throw her 6-year-old daughter a great birthday party, but all of Manhattan, her goofy dog, and her 2-year-old dynamo of a son seem to be conspiring against her. Besides the pressure of the party, Eliza must battle an invasive film crew, fend off a flirtatious messenger boy and keep up appearances at the playground. Katherine Dieckmann directs; Minnie Driver and Anthony Edwards co-star.

Wonderful World

Another actor I just love is Matthew Broderick! I always try to get any movie he is in. This one was a little odd and slow in parts, it was almost like a Wood Allen movie. Now if you like the way his movies go you'll love this one. There was of course some adult content. There were a couple sweet moments and things that made me smile but overall it was hard to keep it on the whole time.

Dejected, divorced and jobless, Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) is not inclined to see his glass as half-full. But when his roommate falls ill and Singer must host the man's Senegalese sister (Sanaa Lathan) in their apartment, his outlook begins to change. Darkman writer Josh Goldin makes his directorial debut with this drama (which he also wrote) about the attitude-adjusting romance that blossoms between Singer and Khadi.

Princess & the Frog

This is one I rented a while back for the boys. I wasn't going to because it looked a little to girlie for them, but Cole asked for it so I rented it. They really loved it, it's one I will have to rent it again for them in the future. They watched it a few times before it had to go back.

After being summoned back to the Mouse House by Pixar founder John Lasseter in 2006,Alladin and Treasure Planet directors Ron Clements and John Musker join forces once again for this traditionally animated 2-D fantasy for the entire family, set in New Orleans. Former Dreamgirl Anika Noni Rose will voice the lead character Tiana, Disney's first African-American heroine in their long heritage of fairy tale animated features. Also in the voice cast is Keith David, lending his baritone chords to the film's villain, Dr. Facilier. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Post Grad

Here's one I watched a while back but never shared :). As many of you know I LOVED Gilmore Girls and of course when I saw Alexis Bledel was in a new movie I had to rent it. No I don't love her because we share the same name (ok maybe a little). So you have Alexis then you add in Micheal Keaton and Carol Burnett and I'm so there! It was a cute movie of course not an award winning one but again one that makes you smile, and in my world that means a lot! A cute movie about a girl that graduates college and big dreams of that wonderful job to come and nada, she does work for her dad in the luggage sales department in a cute bellman outfit for a while. Life has some strange turns of course it works out in the end but you'll have some fun along the way. A good rent movie for girls night!

Recent college graduate Ryden Malby (Gilmore Girls star Alexis Bledel) has just survived four years of higher education, but when she's forced to move back into her childhood home, the stress of dealing with her eccentric family, landing a job, and finding the right guy leaves her with precious little time to ponder where her life is truly heading. Shrek andShark Tale's co-director Vicky Jenson takes the helm for a comedy co-starring Michael Keaton, Carol Burnett, Zach Gilford, and Rodrigo Santoro, and produced by Ivan Reitmanand Tom Pollock in collaboration with Joe Medjuck and Jeff Clifford. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Amelia

I thought I would share a few movies we watched a while back, but had to share :). Now I'm sorry don't shoot me but I'm not a big Hilary Swank fan, but I do love Richard Gere. I tried with this one, I thought I would love to hear more about Amelia. It was an interesting movie I really should have payed more attention in high school to know if this stayed with the true story. The story line was well written you felt sad for her that she was being used more for commercials then for what she loved. She was a very brave woman. Sadly the chemistry didn't work out with the two of them or something just didn't jive right.

Amelia Earhart -- who made history in 1932 by becoming the first woman ever to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The trip made the aviatrix a national celebrity -- with help from her publicist George Putnam (Gere), whom she fell in love with and eventually married. Their union was tested, however, as Earhart developed feelings for contemporary Gene Vidal (Ewan McGregor ), and the couple's marriage faced the ultimate tragedy years later, as Earhart's fierce independent spirit spurred her to attempt to fly around the world -- a venture that infamously shrouded her in mystery, as the pilot simply vanished after crashing into the Pacific Ocean. Christopher Eccleston and co-star in the Avalon Pictures production. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Love Happens

This was another one I watched a while back but wanted to share a few more with you. This was a cute movie of course had the cliches you would expected in a love story but there are a few twist and tear jerker's (you know me and movies that make me cry). Who couldn't love Jennifer Aniston and she plays a funky flower shop owner, perfect for her. You'll laugh, your cry it's not an award winner but it will put a smile on your face.

The directorial debut of Brandon Camp concerns a widower (Aaron Eckhart) who makes a living as an expert on grieving. During the course of teaching a seminar, he meets and begins to fall for a floral designer (Jennifer Aniston), a discovery that leads him to face up to the fact he has not fully reconciled the loss of his wife. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Couples Retreat

This is one we rented a while back but I wanted to give a few more this week. Now I usually love funny movies but lately the funny movies just haven't been that funny to me, they rely to much on over sexual comments and moments instead of good writers, writing jokes that just work. This movie had some highs and lows it's a stretch to give it 3 stars but Rick thought it was funny so maybe it's just me? All star cast so you have the major hitters, just not all the funny spots, definitely a rental.

Their relationship in danger of dissipating, a couple racing to salvage their marriage invites three other couples to join them at a tropical island resort. Upon arriving at the island paradise to enjoy some carefree fun in the sun, the other couples are disturbed to discover that participation in therapy sessions is mandatory if they hope to remain at the resort. Peter Bilingsley directs a comedy penned by Jon Favreau, produced by Vince Vaughn, and pairing the two Made collaborators onscreen with co-stars Jason Batemanand Faizon Love. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

WWW ~ Mother's Day & Birthday Parties

I hope all you mothers and Mr. Moms (all you single dads) had a WONDERFUL Mother's Day. Well let's just say this year wasn't one of my best but hey I was with the kids and Rick picked up some hours for his part time job so I can't complain to much. Now the lack of a Mother's Day Card or wishing me a Mother's Day yes can be a thorn in my paw :).

This week Cole's school had a Mother's Day Tea. It was so fun the kids made cookies, then they really cute tea pot with a pocket full of my favorite teas along with that they had a great performance! Yes it made me tear up just a bit!

Part of the kids Performance

Prayer to end our Mother's Day Tea

Saturday was party central for us. I worked until around 9:30am and then off and running getting everyone ready. Of course I forgot directions in a panic to figure out where I was going. Finally go there and my girlfriend asked me to help. I am always the party planner at many different events, love it! So I gather up the kids, got them eating, opening presents, eating cake and then we had to leave. She had some games planned but I'm so not a game girl for little kids parties it never works out like you want.

Yes that is Caden in the corner he was cut off from the cheetos, so he went to one little boys plate and stole his. Oh man talk about a little tattle tail ... lol that little boy had a melt down over it. Ugh off to party #2!

2nd party was for a boy at school he's a rodeo rider so his party was at the Jr. Rodeo. The mom didn't send out invites just had a huge card set up in the classroom, so I had no clue where I was going. Thankfully I had her # from her calling me for Cole's and she told me it was easy to find, you can't miss it. Guess who missed it! I drove up and down and was about to give up before stopping at a gas station who so nicely pointed across the street ...UGH!

Let's just say sitting and watching was not something Caden wanted to do. He wanted to play with everyone else's little pez trucks. They kept telling Caden that's not yours! UGH he's just playing I promise we won't take it home. It was so hot so after an hour we were ready to go. Cole though got to stay and hang out and then go to their house and play it was a nice retreat for me!

Now there is me, not my best idea to go with my black half sleeve sliming shirt. Then I had my new white purse and new shoes mom bought me for Mother's Day. Let's say me with White Purse and new shoes at the rodeo wasn't a winning combo and I have a Sunburn and a blister to prove it!

Then it's crash time after all that!!

Yup that is Cole's Leg and hand ... lol

Happy Mother's Day to me!

Rick worked so I made myself myself my favorites on a Pizza!!

Pesto Artichoke Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 Boboli Thin Crust Pizza Dough (or you can make your own, but this saves time)
• 1/4 Cup Prepared Pesto
• I Large Tomato - Sliced
• 1 Cup Marinated Artichoke Hearts - Chopped
• Handful of Black Olives - Sliced
• 1/4 Cup Red Onion -Chopped
• Enough Feta Cheese to cover the top

Instructions

1. Spread Pesto over the Boboli Crust. Layer sliced tomatoes, red onion, chopped artichoke hearts, and black olive over the pizza. Top with feta cheese.
2. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes or until desired crispness.

ALEXIS NOTES: I picked up a regular Boboli because that is what they had, I also add pineapple because I love it! The Feta I used was a sundried Tomato and Garlic, so freaking yummy! Thank you Brita who send me Mezzetta: Italian Homemade Style Basil Pesto and Mezzetta: Artichoke Hearts. These gave this dish and amazing punch it needed. Thank you again Brita for my yummy Mezzetta items, you made my Mother's Day!

Recipe found here: http://www.familyoven.com/recipe/pesto-artichoke-pizza/304206

Tuesday Recipe ~ Sour Cream and Bacon Chicken (Crockpot)

Chicken was on sale so I stocked up and as you know I love my crockpot. I ran out of crockpot liners I was about to cry, I had to soak the pot but I lived! I had some bacon left over that I didn't use for Easter and had to be used so I did a little search on my favorite meal planning site Relish! and tada here we go. I also had some Mahatma® Extra Long Grain Enriched Rice I wanted to use so it become a perfect combo for all!

Sorry my non pork lovers, it was super yummy :)!!!

Sour Cream and Bacon Chicken

Sour Cream and Bacon Chicken

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 6-8 hours

4	bacon slices
4	boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1	10.75-ounce can roasted garlic cream of mushroom soup
1/2	cup sour cream
1/4	cup all purpose flour
1/4	cup Italian parsley, chopped
1	cup long grain rice

[1] Wrap one slice of bacon around each chicken breast and place in the slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine the soup, sour cream and flour. Mix well with a wire whisk to blend.

[2] Pour over the chicken, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken and bacon are thoroughly cooked. Cook rice according to package instructions. Serve chicken mixture over rice and sprinkle with parsley.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used Healthy Choice Cream of Mushroom Soup I had on hand, I had the cheap bacon so it took 3 -4 pieces to cover each piece of chicken. I also started late in the day so I threw it on high for about 4 hours :). I also used Mahatma® Extra Long Grain Enriched Rice and it was perfect. Put it in my rice cooker, simple easy!

Blogger of the Week @ A Journey Not a Race!!!

I'm so freaking excited! My friend Julie @ A Journey Not A Race has me as her blogger of the week! She is the sweetest thing ever, a few weeks back I put up her new blog design that she had done by my girl Diana. I hope you all went over to say and do so now again! She is a true treasure, she's a mom of a sweet girl Dani and post the cutest pictures, recipes and just fun life stuff! And her watermelon design she picked out just makes me smile and want to hang out all day!

Please stop by and say hi and even follow I promise you'll love her! Thank you again Julie, I'm so appreciate of you and this special award.

MSM ~ Fish Tacos

As you all know I'm on a mission to make a new recipe at least 5 times each week. There is only so many recipes you can do with Chicken and Beef my two go to proteins. Now don't get me wrong I love fish & chips you know the ones that have battered in beer and served with fries, yup this girl loves to have some fish but that is when someone else makes it for me. Ok don't faint but this is the FIRST time I've EVER cooked fish, stop laughing and rolling your eyes (@@) at me.

Rachael my godess of all the craft projects and homespun yarn has been talking about fish taco's that she does one a week or so for the family. I of course smiled and nodded nicely thinking in my head yeah right me cook with fish, one hello I only buy chicken when it's on sale for $1.89 a pound I would never buy fish that usually is $5 something a pound. Like my penguins from Madagascar say "Smile and Nod". So knowing me so well she invited me and the boys over for dinner for "Fish Taco Night". Get this Cole ate THREE of them, and even picky no eating one, so you know it we're doing "Fish Taco Night".

This was so freaking easy, not on the cheap side but still a GREAT meal for less than $15 for 4.

I picked up some cod that I found wasn't deboned so I did just cut it out, yes there probably is a better idea but go with me it was my first time making it.

Heavy Pound of Code (Racheal told me to say this so you get a nice piece of fish)

Eggs

Bread Crumbs (picked them up in the bulk section - cheap)

Corn Tortila's

Pre-made Slaw

Uncle Dan's Ranch (Rachael had a special green sauce I'll share next time)

Oil to fry in the pan

Put the oil in the pan on stove

I cut the code up into bite size pieces

put in egg and the in bread crumbs

put in HOT oil on stove, becareful it's hot and cooks FAST

Put on towel to get some oil off and then make up the ranch dressing. Heat up the tortillas in microwave oven put some ranch down (or the green sauce of your choice) add some of the pre-made slaw and add a piece of fish or two and ta da you're ready to rock and roll!

Just Let Me Lie Down Book Giveaway

Wow look at me go today ... For our Fourth installment of books to honor this Mother's Day is one of my favorites!

Just Let Me Lie Down had me die laughing when I was at the gym reading this, yes I was getting strange looks but I couldn't help it.

Her nanny stories were fabulous, one because I wish I could have one and two because the people she described our usually the people that come in contact in my life ... I love it! Motherhood is such a journey and we come up with little sayings and things to do.

As a working mom, when I was out of the house I had to deal with stressful times and the emails, this had me cracking up!

This was one of my favorites:

Accounting Error: The irrevocable mistake you make when you decide to have one more child than you can actually handle, which pushes the parental sanity balance sheet from the black (a place of comfort, if occasional boredom) to red (excitement panic). sound familiar

Just a Second: That eternity between when a child says he'll do something you've asked and when he actually gets around to it. Hmmm yup know that one

Self-Cleaning Kitchen: The handy device a working mom needs in order to avoid ever having to wipe up food spills. A.k.a. the family dog. Hmmm maybe I should break down and get a dog.

Publishers Notes:

Kristin van Ogtrop knows she's lucky--fulfilling career, great husband, three healthy kids, and, depending on the hamster count, an impressive roster of pets. She also knows she is tired. Always. Using stories and insights from her own life, she provides a lexicon for the half-insane working mom. Anyone who has left a meeting to race to the Halloween parade immediately understands van Ogtrop's definition of "Kill the messenger" as "The action you must take in order to forget about the office for a time--that is, to remove your Blackberry/Treo/iPhone/whatever from your person and store it as far away as your neurotic self will allow.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Just Let Me Lie Down

by Kristin van Ogtrop

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for another great book!

BUY IT: Pick up a copy

Just Let Me Lie Down

for yourself for $24.99 or on Amazon for $16.49 or on Kindle for $11.99.

WIN IT: Hachette Book Group has offered 3 of my readers a copy of Just Let Me Lie Down: Necessary Terms for the Half-Insane Working Mom.

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I was not paid for this review these are my opinions and experiences, I received products to try and to tell how I liked them. No monetary or any other form of compensation was given to me. I review products free of charge to give my experience and opinion.