OSCAR GOWNS 2013

Who watched the Oscar's last night?  I certainly did and yes, mostly for the fashion...

Here are some of my favourites - which ones are yours??  Some disappointments too...

Charlize Theron - rocked her new pixie cut and wore a bold white very structural gown.  Simple, classic yet modern and edgy at the same time.  Stunning.



Jane Fonda - yellow is so tricky to wear but she nailed it!  The touches of gold added some glam and the whole look was current but also age appropriate.  Loved her in this!



Jessica Chastian - talk about Old Hollywood Glamour at it's best.  Classic and just beautiful, so flattering and lovely. 



Nicole Kidman - rumor has it her husband selected this gown...great job, if he did!  Love the sparkly metallic trend on her.  Stunning silhouette on her!



Halle Berry - I love this nod to the 80's and it was so super sexy but not overt.  the earrings and the shine.  Love!!!



Naomi Watts - this could have gone horribly wrong but it didn't!!!  the cut, the colour, the glamour...so luxurious and fabulous - not a look for everyone but certainly suits her!





Some disappointments...mainly because they we expected or just too plain, the OSCARS are the time to really show off and dress in your Sunday best

Jennifer Aniston - great cut and colour on her but her hair....try something different.  it just looks like the hair and the dress don't match.  She is a 'beach babe' so a a beachy dress would have suited her better or an up-do



Anne Hathaway - I know, I know...it was her night, but honestly - very boring, very plain and it didn't fit.  Colour was great on her and not many could pull it off but the cut was not working.  the neckline with the necklace was also not working either...however, I think you will see this dress re-done by ABS and many girls will wear it to Prom.



Sandra Bullock - nothing bad, but nothing good just typical which is why I put it on the disappointing list.  It would be great to see her step out into something edgy and modern.



Salma Hayek - she is so petite and I felt the heaviness at the neckline was too much for her and it was weighing her down.  when you are so tiny, it is tough to pull off certain looks



Kristen Stewart - i know she is on every one's list but a mess.  Dress was too big, messy hair, bad make up....if you are hurt, in pain etc...just don't walk the red carpet.

Healthy Hobby - Knitting

Just before Christmas, I asked my mother in law to teach me how to knit.  She is a very talented woman and makes all kinds of beautiful things and really enjoys it too!  She knits, crochets and quilts.  I thought starting simple would be a good idea, so I asked her to teach me how to knit.



I was a good student.  I wanted to learn, it took some time to get the tension right and to finish some projects.  My first project was a dishcloth and it was a great feeling to finish.  But I have a made a few a more since and they look better and better.  Just last week, I finish my first big project a scarf for my husband.  It looks great and he wears it with pride. 

Now, I'm hooked!!  I am working on another scarf but this time with a pattern.  I have seen so many other projects that I can't wait to start like circle scarves and maybe even a sweater.  But I'm really finding this is a great creative outlet and a stress reliever too. 

Being a stay at home mom with 3 little kids can get crazy and I was feeling kind of cooped up at home some days.  This is an activity that I find calming and it also gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

If you don't have a mother in law or someone in your life to teach you how to knit, there are some great videos on youtube

Mmmm...Mexican Chicken Soup

Such a delicious one pot dinner and so easy to make.  A perfect dinner idea to use up left over chicken and surprisingly light and filling too!

I made this the other night for my family, ususally soup for dinner isn't well received but this was a hit and no one was whining about being hungry after dinner...

and total time from beginning to end is about 40 minutes, perfect for any busy mom!



Here's what you need:

1 tbsp of butter but you could use olive oil
4 small shallots
1 large tomato (chopped)
1 jalepeno pepper, seedd and minced
6 cups of chicken stock (look for low sodium)
1 lime, juiced
pinch of sugar
2 cups of chopped chicken
salt and pepper to taste
1 ripe avocado, cubed
1 tbsp of fresh cilantro

Here's what you do:
- in a large sauce pan, melt the butter, then add the diced shallots. Saute for several minutes, until tender. 
- add the tomato and jalepeno and cook for about 2-3 minutes
- pour in the stock, add the lime juice and the sugar
- cover and let simmer for 20 minutes
- add the chicken and heat through
- season with salt and pepper
- just before service add the avocado and the cilantro

Serve chips and salsa on the side

What to go vegetarian? Easy.  Switch out the chicken stock for vegetable stock and substitute the chicken for black beans or kidney beans, you can also add corn for some more texture and flavour, too