It has always been a tradition and goal to see all of the movies predicted to swoop the Oscars. I absolutely love movies, so it is both a fun challenge and good excuse to see many movies before the big event, The Oscars.

I have seen 4 of the movies so far that I think will deserve an award at the Oscars. However, I must warn you that I am not the harshest movie critic. I have been known to have a new favorite movie every other month. But I think that good movies deserve some hoops and hollers. I couldn't even imagine the stress/dedication/time that goes into making a movie. Some days, the thought of posting a new status seems like a mountain to climb.

CAUTION: Contain Spoiler Alerts

Her
This movie was incredible and so inspired. I really did not know what to expect with this movie and how I would feel about it. But, I ended up absolutely adoring it. Who knew that you could fall in love with a OS (operating system)? But I did right alongside Theodore, brilliantly played by Joaquin Phoenix. This movie showed how love can be so complicated and truly undefined. No one can define love and this movie demonstrated that notion perfectly, calling you to question love and what love truly means. Another incredible part of this movie was the ungraspable thought that someone could be capable of falling in love with hundreds of people. To humans, we cannot understand or fathom this amount of love. In the end of the movie, the OS has fallen in love with Theodore and over 600 more OSs. This seems impossible to the average human, but not for Her. Her love was unlimited.

August Osage County
I like this movie due to the fact it was filmed in Oklahoma, my home state, and has brilliant acting. But, that's about it. First off, I didn't like how Oklahoma was portrayed, flat and dusty. I mean, that is a part of Oklahoma, I will concede, but there is also a lot of beauty here that was not properly shown in the movie. Depressing, too. It was such a messed up family and the ending just kind of left you feeling...I don't even know the word. Empty? Bleh? Depressed? Neutral? Meryl Streep, though, gosh she was incredible. Along with Julia Roberts and the other Julies. That's really all I have to say about that. Go Oklahoma!

Frozen
SO SWEET, AMAZING. Took me back to my Disney watching years beside my older sister and our band of many stuffed animals. This movie's animation was so beautiful. The songs were so memorable and sweet that I all ready want to watch it again. Besides the sweet sister dynamic that I loved (shoutout to my big sees Cat), the end message was fabulous. First Disney movie where in the end she saves herself. The whole Prince Charming concept and saving the beautiful thin helpless princess has been over done. It is time for young girls to see that they can save themselves and not have to wait for their prince. Applause Applause. However, I don't fiercely believe that the whole prince charming concept is as terrible as some women make it out to be. Don't we all save each other in some way? Also, I am a feminist so I get where they are coming from but it's a sweet animated movie not a well thought out theory to live by, so lay off the old classics. However, make no mistake I am happy that they made this ending too. Girl Power!

American Hustle
Such a great cast. I love Jennifer Lawrence, like every other woman, because she is real and fabulous. She is just so likeable outside of acting and so great at acting that there really is no reason no one should not like her. Amy Adams was awesome to watch. That girl can play every type, from a princess in Enchanted, to a bartender in Fighter, to a diva in American Hustle. The story line was also really fun. I would totally do that if 1) I could get away with it 2) I wouldn't feel so guilty. I also liked how the end was such a twist, I did not see that coming. Also, the fact that it was a true story adds a whole other exciting element.

All 4 movies were great in their own way and so different from the other. We have a futuristic, a depressing, an animated, and a twisted drama. Can't wait for the Oscars.

Besides the actual awards part, I am anxiously awaiting to see what everyone wears! Will definitely be discussing that later!

Image from Fashion Magazine.

Applause, Applause, Applause

Ladies, believe it or not but warm weather will be upon us before you know it! Translation, get ready to get those arms toned!

Time is coming up for sleeveless, tanks, and even strapless! Regardless of the fact that today randomly chose to be freezing, dang you Oklahoma weather. Unfortunately, my arms are not quite up to par yet so I have created a quick 20 Min Pure Arm Sculpting Workout with added cardio to keep the heart rate up. I try to do this workout at least twice a week. For weights, I use 10 lb dumbbells and 15lb kettlebell.

Equipment Needed:
Medium Weight Dumbbells
Medium Kettle Bell

Repeat the exercise 3 times through. Do the strength move then cardio, then strength then cardio,then strength then cardio, you get the picture. Take one minute between each set if needed.

Strength	Cardio
25 Pushups	30 Shoulder Jacks
20 Tricep Kick Backs	10 Burpees
20 Bicep Curls	30 Punching Bags
30 Shoulder Presses	30 Mountain Climbers
25 Bent Over Rows	30 High Knees
20 Kettle Bells	10 Burpees

It is always encouraging to remember that after we work out, our metabolism will continue to stay up hours after! So since I sit too often during the day, that is very encouraging. I'm also really considering purchasing this awesome chair but still debating how stupid I would feel carting it up the stairs at work. Does bouncing up and down on a ball add credibility in the workplace? :)

For another great 20 minute workout click here. It's a great high intensity burning workout, cause you know bikini season quickly follows sleeveless season!

Keep it up everyone, you look great!

What an incredible busy weekend I had! It all passed by in a blur of excitement. Birthdays, Shopping extravaganzas, Addy Awards, Loving Cup...and rest.

Friday was my sweet friend Katie's birthday. Meaning it was off to Norman for dinner and drinks. Still strange going back to Norman and not being a student there any longer. But it was great catching up with some of my friends I hadn't seen in awhile. Drinks and Cards Against Humanity made for a very entertaining evening. Who knew the kind of humor that we all had?

Saturday I actually juggled two fabulous events. Unfortunately they were scheduled on the same night, but it actually worked out because the events were both in downtown OKC. Considered pulling the move from 27 dresses. Instead I split the evening rather than racing back and forth, probably for the best since my life isn't a romantic comedy.

First it was off to the 48th Annual Addy Awards. An advertising award show putting all the advertising agencies from around the area in one room and getting to mingle and receive awards based on creative done the past year. Very exciting first time there! I pretended like I was an actress from Mad Men, Joan and I are besties.

Jenn and I at Dinner

Congrats to Armand McCoy winning OKC Ad Club Young Advertising Professional Award

It was a beautiful event and the people watching was fabulous! There was a grand assortment of different dresses. I wore one of my favorite cocktail dresses from R Meyers, it appears slightly Asian inspired. It is a heavier fabric with glittered threading. The bow in the back makes the dress. I paired it with my classic black strappy shoes. I think those shoes saw their last event out, need to be replaced ASAP. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it.

After the Addys, I Ubered my way on over to Loving Cup, Colton's Beta fraternity alum party. Unbelievable going as an "alum," when did that happen? Dancing was included there so that made the night.

Absolutely loved my friend Kenz's blue dress.

Sunday was an entirely unproductive but amazing day relaxing with Colton. We watched Moneyball and Silver Linings Playbook. Sometimes you just have to relax and vegetate on Sunday. Totally appropriate.

Everybody have an amazing week!

Well unfortunately we lost the OKC Thunder Game..

And I also realized why I can't handle sports at times. I hate to see the disappointment on people's faces. I don't understand why it turns normal citizens into crazy yelling monsters. I feel really upset for the players. I can't handle so much conflicting cheering.

There was one moment in the game where Russ did something crazy good (don't ask me to expand upon this ) and everyone was standing up and then...he fell! A small crowd of about 20,000 people gasped and sat down. Could you even imagine being under that much pressure and scrutiny in your own work life? So much so that people would literally stand up and cheer when you're doing what you're supposed to be doing and sit down and gasp when you make a slight mistake. Now that's some crazy pressure.

Basically, there should have only been Thunder fans at the game and Thunder should have won and the other team should have been happy that Thunder won. My ideal version of the ending. But then it wouldn't be too much fun, huh?

Still had a good time and still love my Thunder!

But I definitely still enjoyed myself by sipping on some wine and checking out some Thunder outfits. Thunder fans sure do have some style. One girl was in some killer orange heels with awesome colorful leggings, it was definitely qualified as a best dressed. Tried to take a picture but she was struttin too fast. Also enjoyed watching the Thunder Girls . As usual, great performances ladies!

Our slightly different reactions to the game::

We are Thunder!

A closet the size of a store is a fashion dream come true, but also slightly possible when your mother owns a clothing store and you get to play in it all the time.

Having your mom own a boutique store has some definite perks. For instance, it's lovely to go into the store and pick all your presents in one place. Discounts are nice on designer clothes. And little "prizes" can be given for some small nonessential celebrations when your mother is being a doll.

Also, because she goes to New York City market and sends gorgeous photos and videos to me to check out new lines she's looking at, or gorgeous well known lines. However, poor mother right now, New York is freeeeezing with slush and snow. Not too perfect for walking around in gorgeous clothes and heels she wears everywhere she goes. Never mind the weather when it comes to fashion.

R Meyers, my mother's store, carry some of my favorite fashion lines like..

• BCBG Maxaria
• Rachel Zoe
• Three Dots
• Nicole Miller
• Hilton Hollis
• Trixi Schoeber
• Theia

Rachel Zoe

David Meister

Moschino

Long Champ Showroom

Slushy New York City

Stylish Mother

Check out my mother's store, R Meyers in Nichols Hills Plaza in Oklahoma City. And connect with them on Facebook here .

It's up to you New York, New York...

I hate long distance friendships. But I better figure it out considering every single friend and their dog is in Dallas or have plans to move to Dallas. Leaving me in good ole Oklahoma to fend for myself, (besides all my other beautiful friends here.) I'm just feeling dramatic.

I have never been good with staying connected with people I do not get to see on a regular basis. It doesn't mean I don't appreciate and love every friendship, it means I'm not a good texter/phone talker. I still don't think I have perfected it unfortunately but I am improving.

We also have about a thousand different ways to choose how to talk with someone. I mean how do you even choose which way to contact someone? Considering all the outlets including but not limited to: texts, email, phone, FB, twitter, etc. How did people ever just communicate through letters? Impressive. In many books that I have read, the characters learn more about the person they are researching through following a trail of their personal handwritten letters to dear friends, past lovers, and family. Today a text would read "what up" "true" "yes", not quite as insightful. I don't necessarily have a problem with texting but it is always trivial discussions. Perhaps I will bring back letters. Letters packed a punch and had a purpose.

Friends, prepare for some letters. But some things just don't translate with any format, like contagious laughter, fabulous dance moves, and work out partners.

Here's to planning my next visit...

Any one who knows me knows how close I am with my sister. Her moving to Houston was really hard on me. We were roomies last year, and this year she is more than 8 hours away and newly married.

But this weekend her and her husband, Andrew, came home because they had President's day off. And it was so good to see them. It had been since Christmas! Funny how time moves on.

Saturday night we had dinner at our parents house in Edmond. We had such a good time. Getting lost in conversation with your family is always so nice. It is so weird how you can not know something about people that you have lived with and known your whole life! Learning something new about people you know best is exciting. I got to listen to my mother talk about her career and her life changing decisions that brought us all to where we are today. AND of course the night ended with my mother, sister and I dancing... we wouldn't be the Shelby family if it didn't.

Sunday we hung out all day and took their dog to Paw Park by Lake Hefner. Minnie quickly became friends with some huskies. I think she thinks she is bigger than she really is, considering the dogs she chose to befriend.

I clearly will have to get tougher skin before I get my own dog. I was scared for little Minnie the whole time!

After the dog park we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house for dinner with the whole family. My aunt is an incredible cook and made some yummy Cajun food. I will definitely have to get the recipe and share! We were all pleasantly plumped after dinner.

We all got to catch up and enjoyed watching YouTube videos together that made us laugh, Stonehenge , and the Dancing Chinese Crested. What's ever better than a dancing dog?? And we looked at some old family pictures too. Our grandmother was such a babe.

My cousin's little babes are growing so fast. Were they not just born? If this is how I feel now I can't imagine how it will be with my own kids. Ella and Lucy are two years apart too, like my sister and I. We spent some fun time crawling around on the floor after dinner.

It was a great weekend with the family, and went by too fast as all weekends do.

Dreaming of the next weekend...

Heels are powerful weapons. As soon as I put them on my feet I transform into a ninja.

So I may or may not have just gone on a shoe shopping bender. But trust me, it was necessary. Recently I have realized how many types of shoes my closet was lacking, honestly . I have never been a huge shoe girl and always been more interested in my clothes. But lately, I have had a revelation and realized how important shoes are to an outfit and how much my shoes affect me. Refer to quote above, a Powerful Ninja. Who chooses flats when you could make an entrance with a clickity-clack?

Now I am my mother's daughter, so I have had an obsession with fashion since birth, but I imagine that what you wear affects you greatly.Seriously, think about how much what you wear changes your attitude. If your in slouchy clothes and flats you are telling yourself that the day will not be life altering in any sort of way. But if you were in a kick ass outfit with powerful heels, that's a different story. Things will be happening that day. It would be an insult to do otherwise.

So purely in interest of this "study", I thought it was necessary to buy a new pair, or two, or three so that I can properly document the transformation in me once I place them on my feet.

Below are some staple shoes that I happily just added to my growing shoe collection. I think every diva should have these.

A bright red power pump.
A heel to say look out world! This pump can be worn with all black and then bring a splash of a power color.

A classic brown pump.
I liked the added detail to this shoe. I all ready have a perfect black pump and needed to get a brown one.

A textured nude pump.
Nude can be worn with anything! It can elongate your leg line and is perfect with colorful dresses.

"Walk like you have three men walking behind you"...Oscar De la Renta

Shoes are from Steve Madden , and Nine West.

My Valentine's day celebrations were so sweet and incredible. Yes, I was lucky enough to get to celebrate Valentine's Day Eve because I'm properly spoiled. Any reason to celebrate, right?

My boyfriend (Colton, probably an appropriate time to introduce him) and I went to West, a delicious restaurant in Oklahoma City for Valentine's Day Eve. I had the most gorgeous plate of Salmon and ratatouille, paired with some delicious wine called 900 grapes, a New Zealand wine that I would highly recommend with fish. There were over 180 grapes in each glass of wine and it had the freshest taste!

After work on Valentine's Day, I went home and made some cocoa banana cookies before I headed over to Colton's apartment to cook our Valentine's feast. I appropriately shaped the cookies into hearts and put red food coloring in them. (I will put the recipe in another post because they are the most delicious treats ever and it would be wrong not to share.)