Fall Movie Challenge - Week Two

Along with 30+ other bloggers, I've just completed week two of the annual movie challenge. As much as the challenge is about the movies - as it should be - I have to say that I really enjoy getting to provide the rest of the group with feedback on my opinion of the movies and have a group discussion of a few of them.

I wish I could say that I made as much headway this week as I did in week one!

Iron Man 3 (9/13)

What IMDB says: When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

What I say: Confession...I am a total Marvel movie (and TV) geek.  Give me a marathon of Agents of SHIELD, The Avengers and movies that feed into it and I am a nerdtastically happy girl. I couldn't tell you how I didn't watch this movie sooner (I'm blaming the fact that I keep watching Captain America: The Winter Soldier instead). I really liked this movie (obviously), even if Tony Stark is the most arrogant character known to man.

The Best of Me (9/15)

What IMDB says: A pair of former high school sweethearts reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.

What I say: A sweet movie and I would watch it again.  I was disappointed in the ending though... It just didn't deliver what I expected of Nicholas Sparks.  However - I didn't read the book, so I don't know if the movie deviated from the original story.

Silver Linings Playbook (9/12)

What IMDB says: After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

What I say: I really like this movie!  Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence have such chemistry!  It was a believable approach to a character rediscovering themselves after a mental breakdown...and it's easy to root for two flawed (but loveable) characters to find joy.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (9/12)

What IMDB says: Sam Witwicky leaves the Autobots behind for a normal life. But when his mind is filled with cryptic symbols, the Decepticons target him and he is dragged back into the Transformers' war.

What I say:  It's an action packed movie, that's for sure. While nothing was wrong with it per se - Megan Fox kind of annoyed me.

You can see my full movie challenge list HERE and my recap of week one's movies HERE.

Fall Movie Challenge - Week One Recap

About a month ago, two of my favorite bloggers - Karen and Christina talked about an annual movie challenge that they take part in and I decided to give it a shot as well.

The fall movie challenge started on September 1st and I was convinced I'd watch three movies...if I was lucky!

I'm really proud that I've made time to make a dent in my list!  Here's what I've watched during the first week:

Wreck-It Ralph (9/7)

What IMDB says: A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.

What I say: I loved it!  A great family movie.  Ralph was easy to root for, but I found Vanellope a little annoying at first.

Miracle (9/7)

What IMDB says: Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Russell), the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad.

What I say: While it was well acted, I'm not a fan of hockey...so I don't think I'll watch it again. I did appreciate seeing a version of how events in the 1980 Olympics went down.

The Theory of Everything (9/6)

What IMDB says: A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife.

What I say: I didn't expect to like this movie as much as I did.  It came as a big (and very pleasant) surprise that I absolutely loved it...to the point of shedding tears. The movie combines three important points (a complex love story, a failing body and a brilliant mind) very well.  I will be watching this one again!
smile emIt was easy to root for Ralph, but I found Vanellope a little annoying at first. Fun family movie!

The Decoy Bride (9/3)

What IMDB says: When the world's media descend on the remote Scottish island where a Hollywood actress is attempting to get married, a local girl is hired as a decoy bride to put the paparazzi off the scent.

What I say: I've been to Scotland before, but now I want to visit all the islands on the Hebrides! I knew David Tennant was in the film (Dr. Who's "The Doctor" #10) but it was a great surprise to realize that one of the other main characters was played by Kelly McDonald - the voice of Merida from Brave.  I really enjoyed this movie.  Cute; a bit predictable; but fun and really sweet.

Into the Wild (9/4)

What IMDB says: After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.

What I say: I watched this movie and I'm conflicted about how I feel about it.  I liked that the movie was biographical and that the main character bucked societal norms as well as the expectations of his family. It was really well acted...and the music was great!  I love Pearl Jam.  However, the movie isn't "happy go lucky"; it's pretty depressing in a number of scenes.  

Did You Hear About the Morgans (9/5)

What IMDB says: In New York City, an estranged couple who witness a murder are relocated to small-town Wyoming as part of a witness-protection program.

What I say: There's not much to say about this one.  There were a few funny-ish one-liners...but I'm left wondering how two decent actors made such a horrible movie!

You can see my full movie challenge list HERE.

Fall Movie Challenge

My bloggy friends Karen and Christina posted about this last week, and I just can't stop myself from joining in!  Every year Jenn hosts this fabulous movie challenge...

Here are the rules:
the movie challenge begins one minute past twelve a.m. september first / concludes midnight november thirtieth. you may NOT use a film you have already seen, even in part (excluding trailers), for this challenge. all films MUST be new to you. each film chosen for the challenge may be used ONLY ONCE, i.e. a film used for the something miraculous category may not be used for the personal victory one as well. all films selected for the challenge MUST have a page on the internet movie database. films can be viewed in the theater or at home, but all films must have (had) a theatrical release; made-for-television movies are not eligible.

the first three people to complete the challenge prior to november thirtieth will each receive a redbox gift card valued at twenty dollars. the one person to accumulate the most points at the contest’s conclusion will receive an amazon gift card valued at fifty dollars. each film is valued at ten points, yielding a total points of two hundred fifty. details of a bonus round will be revealed october fifteenth. 

to participate, you must be a member of the fall film challenge facebook group. once you have joined and chosen your films to fit the below categories, post your list to the group’s page or email it to criticalcrass at me dot com so that i may add your selections to a master list. only those who have submitted lists to me are eligible for the prizes. 

Here's my list:

one. any set in new york city. Limitless I figure this will be good to knock out at the beginning before the TV show starts!

two. any incorporating hot air balloons in the story. Casanova (2005)

three. any featuring a child as the main character.  The Professional

four. any disney film. Wreck-It Ralph  I know, I'm one of a handful of people who haven't seen this...

five. any set in egypt OR have an egyptian character OR star an egyptian actor/actress. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

six. a close friend or family member’s favorite film. Into the Wild  This is one of my brother's favorite movies.  I've read the book...but never seen the movie.

seven. any with the word great in the title.  Oz the Great and Powerful  I love the Wizard of Oz, so I think this will be fun to compare/contrast against.

eight. any starring harrison ford. The Age of Adeline

nine. any featuring an idiot as the main character. Our Idiot Brother

ten. any mentioned in levis strauss’ list: denim in the oscars: a look at jeans in cinema. Drive.  It's by default...it's the only movie on the list I haven't seen.

eleven. a film about a knight. Season of the Witch

twelve. a love story. The Best of Me...because who can say "no" to a Nicholas Sparks book, turned into a movie?!

thirteen. a movie about something miraculous. The Martian

fourteen. any starring an actor/actress with the same first name as yours. Margot at the Wedding

fifteen. a film about the olympics. Miracle

sixteen. a film on time magazine’s list: the top ten newspaper movies. State of Play

seventeen. any with a question in the title. Did You Hear About the Morgans?

eighteen. any with a score of ninety percent or greater on rotten tomatoes. Silver Linings Playbook

nineteen. a film about a superhero. Iron Man III

twenty. any with subtitles. Leviathan

twenty-one. any incorporating unicorns in the story. Inkheart

twenty-two. a film about a personal victory. The Theory of Everything

twenty-three. a film with black or white in the title. White God (It's not what it sounds like...it's a story about a dog a man gave up and the girl that tries to get him back.)

twenty-four. any set in a country you would most like to visit. The Decoy Bride

twenty-five. a film set in a zoo. Fierce Creatures

helpful links

films set in new york city.
films that feature children as the main characters.
films about knights.
films about the olympics.
films with questions as the title.
films incorporating unicorns in the story.
twenty-five favored chick flicks.

the best released from ‘three to ‘thirteen.

the best of the nineties. erin’s list. rolling stone’s list.

the best of the eighties. erin’s list. rolling stone’s list.

Have you seen any of these movies?  Have suggestions for alternate ones?  I want to know!

It's My Birthday... and a Jamberry Giveaway Winner!!

If you know me in real life, you know that I'm shy.  I HATE being the center of attention and am very go with the flow...  However, my birthday is my day.  My one day to get the few things that I really want.  So I embrace the day! I hope that isn't selfish!

If you are following me on Instagram, you've already seen this - but I'm really enjoying seeing pictures of myself as a little kid lately.  These pictures were my grandmother's and came home with my dad after his trip to Texas last month.

Congratulations to my lucky Jamberry giveaway winner - Jennifer! You all can expect another Jamberry giveaway in the fall, and I'll be having another birthday month giveaway starting in a few days!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I am having extra incentives for Jamberry hostesses.  :-)  If you'd like to host a party, email me or click the link on my Jamberry website!

Jamberry Nails Giveaway

Happy July!  It's my birthday month.  :-)  While I don't like being the center of attention, I do enjoy having a little fun, so we'll be having a few giveaways this month!

I'm kicking off the giveaways with Jamberry!  I've mentioned a few times that I am a Jamberry consultant, and I have to say that I love it!  Though most of you have heard of Jamberry, some of you may not be familiar with it, so I'm going to answer a few commonly asked questions.

What are Jamberry Nail Wraps?
Jamberry nail wraps are the latest way to accessorize your fingers and toes. Say goodbye to polish mess and dry times with this new nail treatment that can be applied at home in about fifteen minutes. Full disclosure, I can do a full set in about 15 minutes now, but it took a few applications to find my rhythm.

How long do they last?
A Jamberry manicure is less expensive than a salon manicure and lasts up to 2 weeks! I've had sets that have stayed put past two weeks and sets that are ready for a change at the 10 to 12 day mark...but overall, two weeks is a good estimate.  They last on toes for MUCH LONGER!

Do you really think they'll have designs I'd like?
Yes, yes, yes!  There is over 300 designs that range from mild to wild, there's something for everyone.

Aren't they a little expensive?
Actually, no. For those of you that get professional manicures or acrylic nails applied, you’re probably spending more than Jamberry nails would cost you to do yourself. Plus, you get two applications from ONE sheet of nails and they are Buy 3, Get 1 FREE!, In other words, super affordable!

How can I tell if I'll like them?
Lucky you, I offer a FREE SAMPLE to try before you buy.  :-)


Here's why I love Jamberry so much...

Reminder - in this post, I committed to making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project for any red, white or blue wraps purchased by July 4th through my Jamberry website.  I am extending that through the entire month of July!

One lucky winner will receive two Jamberry Nail Wrap designs of their choice. This giveaway is open to anyone with a US or Canada mailing address ages 18 and over. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below & while you wait to find out the results, request a FREE sample!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. When my Jamberry Facebook page reaches 100 likes, I'll be having a giveaway there too. :-)

The One Where I Contemplate Doing Something Totally Crazy...

I play things safe, at least, I think I do.  I still get to do some really cool stuff...like traveling cross-country, starting a rescue, and enjoying day to day life with my family and friends, which is an adventure all unto itself.  However, there are times I stand on the sidelines of life thinking "I'd love to take a chance and do this or that."  I can't tell you for sure what stops me most of the time.  Sometimes, it's because I'm shy, sometimes I'm too afraid of failure, or I care too much what other people think of my choices...and sometimes, I'm just afraid. Period.

Most of the time, the thing I'm contemplating and stop myself from doing is minute.  Go make friends with someone new at a party. Pull the trigger and get tattoo #3. Finally write a book (OK...so that one is kinda big.).

Today, I came across an article in the Boston Globe.  A local bakery is being given away by its current owner! All I need to do to enter is write a brief essay for consideration and send in a certified check for the entry fee.  I'm seriously considering it.  I love to bake!  Despite being shy - I love people!  Owning a local bakery is something I think I could actually be good at.

I'm not rushing into making the decision to enter...or not.  But my heart races when I think about it.  What do you all think?  Am I crazy for considering it?

Pictures from bakery's website

And...The Winners Are:

Um...so life got a little busy and and I totally forgot to post who my two winners are.  Sorry about that! 

On the bright side - there are two winners instead of the one I mentioned when starting the giveaway.  :-)

And, the winners are:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'll pack up your prizes over the weekend and mail them out on Monday, Karen and Ashley!  Just shoot me an email (allthelittlestuff@gmail.com) to confirm your shipping address.

The Chipmunk Christmas Song & I Challenge You To Find The UGLY!

Welcome to December!  My month o' Christmas music has made its return.  Hopefully I don't annoy the tinsel out of you...  :-)



I'm starting with a childhood favorite! Who doesn't love the Chipmunk Christmas song?!

I know that you all have gorgeous holiday displays!  Pretty lights, a perfect tree, and of course, nothing that could even come close to being called "tacky".  Right?!

Well, I've seen my fair share of tacky holiday displays lately and I'm challenging you to find me the UGLY!!!  Start snapping pictures of the eleven million singing Santa's on your neighbors lawn, the light displays that can be seen from space, the house two blocks away that has a flashing Santa and a house strung up with only red lights...or anything that seems horrifically ugly, distasteful or tacky!

Send me your ugly pictures by Sunday, December 16th and I'll post them all on Monday the 17th.  Then EVERYONE can vote for the ugliest holiday display for the rest of the week.  A prize (exactly what is yet to be determined) will be awarded to the submitter of the worst holiday display!