Friday Favorite: Catching Fire from Hunger Games

Warning***Spoilers***

Part of me dreaded watching Catching Fire. How could Peeta's character ever be redeemed?  Then I saw the movie. Even if you are a stickler for details, believe me when I tell you it is worth watching.

Just turn off the sound and watch.

butterfly dress by Alexander McQueen

Clothes
Since a pin helped spark a revolution and a dress helped the fire grow, it seems fitting that the clothes in this movie are incredible. Cinna is one of my favorite characters, but I applaud the real designers who costumed these actors.  Somehow, the Capitol clothes don't seem quite as over-the-top as in the first movie. In fact, they simply seem couture. The audience's acceptance of their look as normal is a triumph--the creators have truly made us voyeuristic members of the Capitol. I love-love-love that Effie wore Alexander McQueen's butterfly dress. The victors, too, have stepped up their look and make quite the statement. As soon as Katniss appeared onscreen, I wanted to learn to knit or crochet or...okay, I wanted to buy this cowl/vest thing.

photo from capitol couture.pn 

Each time the victors dressed up, I wondered how many versions will be at high school proms this year? Plus, I may pick up running if I can acquire a workout version of the shirt worn in the Quell.  I can't find it, but I did find the training gear here. Hmmm. Did the franchise possibly have marketing in mind? Buy the jewelry here, including the mocking jay pin, Finnick's necklace, and Peeta's art deco pendant (cast from the actual prop).

Peeta
Even though I will forever be a Gale girl, the book convincingly argued why Katniss would be attracted to Peeta.  He was yin to her yang.  They balanced each other. She needed him as much as he needed her. Plus, it was in first person so we live the love story through the eyes of Katniss and see how she is sometimes flat-out in awe of the boy with the bread. Not so in Hunger Games movie.  Peeta was a big ol' pansy.  All of the parts where he helped them survive were tossed out to show what a badass Katniss was. And that's just annoying.

Relief filled me as Catching Fire attempted to restore Peeta's dignity a little at a time. He was intelligent.  His talent for dealing with people was reinforced. I was feeling pretty good about Catching Fire making him seem like someone she'd actually prefer to the rebellious Gale. Then, they had him pansy up again. He was stumbling, she was rescuing...Blahblahblah.

However, at least this time around, he wasn't all pathetic puppy love and weakling. Josh Hutcherson has the opportunity to win over even Gale faithfuls in the third and fourth installments. Onscreen, he has the possibility to grow and change more than any other character.

Casting
All in all, I think Catching Fire was a much better movie than the first one.  I screamed, gasped, curled up in my chair, etc.  And I've read the book three times. I've only been that crazy obsessive with one other series. Initially, Finnick wasn't quite what I'd imagined. Then I went home and read how Katniss described Finnick as "too pretty" for her tastes. Yep. The casting was right on. Now, I adore him. And I believed he'd been passed around the Capital women for almost ten years.  I absolutely loved the casting of Mags and Johanna. Perfection.

Madge
I did, however, miss characters--especially Madge. Remember the girl who gave Katniss the mockingjay pin?  The girl whose aunt died in the Quarter Quell Haymitch won?  The only girlfriend Katniss had?(What? Katniss had a friend besides Gale? Who might have even had a crush on him and been a better fit for Gale than Katniss?) No?  You must have only seen the movie.  She was cut.   By giving the pin to Katniss, Madge revealed the heart of a rebel. As the daughter of the mayor, she knew what it represented. However,  since they couldn't neuter her like Peeta they just amputated her. Peeta, Madge, Darius (what? who's he?!) were silenced as much as an Avox, preventing anyone from portraying Katniss as more of a person doing great things rather than some kind of superhero. Perhaps to cover these misdeeds, the character of President Snow's granddaughter was introduced in the movie.  Really? Really?

Extras
If you're throwing a watch party, it wouldn't be complete without this Happy Hunger Games banner.
Consider wearing this mocking jay full skirt. 


If you just can't get enough Hunger Games, check out this online magazine called Capitol Couture. See stylish pictures and insider information.  If you don't already, you'll feel just like a citizen of Panem when you peruse the pages.

Here are some other posts I've written about the Hunger Games trilogy. 

Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor.

So, did the movie measure up to your expectations? What did you love or loathe? How many movie watchers plan to read the book?  

Tea Talk: Downton Abbey Season Premiere

I dreamed--seriously, I had a dream--about eating petit fours and drinking tea while watching the premier.

Instead, I drank a glass of water and ate a granola bar.

Tower of London tea, anyone?

So, please, let's have tea now and share all the gossip of Downton.

Matthew and Mary are in love! Edith is in love! Sybil is in love!

My husband is annoyed.

Lady Mary and Matthew. My husband thinks it's too obvious that Matthew is always the savior of Downton and that Lavinia's father's inheritance goes to Matthew.  I think there has to be a fourth person on the list.  If Lavinia's 's father was as sweet as his daughter, I can see him leaving it to...Mary!  *Gasp!* Why? Well, it's a soap opera. Plus, he'd think his daughter has all of the money from Downton and they cared for her so well even though the family was losing the estate, so...leave a little to Mary in thanks.  I agree with my husband that they can't leave the estate.  After all, the show is called Downton Abbey, not Downton Abbey-less.

Lady Edith and Sir Anthony. Why is Lord Grantham and the Dowager so suddenly concerned with Sir Anthony? Wasn't he going to propose in another season?  I'd think now more than ever they'd be thrilled Lady Edith might be married off.

Lady Sybil and Tom Branson. How will they fit into this season?  How will his politics be incorporated? So exciting! I adore her.

Martha Levinson. What did you think of the introduction of Lady Cora's mother? The Dowager Countess and I share the same opinion of her.  Then again, that shouldn't be a surprise. I took a test, and if I were on Downton, I'd be her. I know you're jealous.

Okay. Let's talk about downstairs.

Mrs. Hughes. Oh my. I kind of thought the housekeeper might have a thing for the butler Mr. Carson. They at least held mutual admiration and respect.  Suddenly, in this show... where did all this animosity come from? I've never seen their relationship so stressed. True, she's ill. I'm curious to watch the whole thing play out.

Mrs. Patmore.  I love her. If I ever have a cook, I want her.

Daisy. She seems to be coming more into her own. Why she continues to let Thomas influence her is beyond me, though.  What really has me curious is her interest in the new footman. Why does she care about his dalliance with the American maid? Is she simply concerned? Jealous? Or is she recognizing what she might have missed with sweet William?

Thomas, Thomas, Thomas. Your evil ways are a delight to watch since I'm safe outside of Downton Abbey and can not be a victim. He is one ambitious fellow.

O'Brian. I like the continued changes of her character.  She is still spiteful and manipulative...but taking sides with the right people. It's about time.

Mr. Bates. Free Bates! Get him out of the prison. I'm not a fan of what's going on with that story line. And on that note, who killed Vera? My theory is Sir Richard Carlisle --Lady Mary's ex-fiance--had her killed because she was shopping the story. Yep. That's why the family stayed out of the papers. To protect him. Not Lady Mary. Wouldn't that make a good story?!

So, what do you think?

Remember that test I mentioned to let you know what character you'd be? Take it here and tell me who it says you'd be.

Plus,  let me know your thoughts on what's going on at Downton. But, since Season 3 has already aired in England, if you're privy to real information, please don't spoil the fun for the rest of us.

Friday Favorite: It's the little things...

I like Lucky Brand clothes.  We get catalogs from them. The winter issue arrived and I laughed out loud when I saw it.

If this is the style this season, well... I just don't get it. Could they be for real?

Is it just me, or does this model look like a (sexy) homeless man who stole some bag lady's sweater to throw over the flannel he found that was so small he couldn't button it?

And look at the expression on his face.  My mind came up with all sorts of scenarios of what he must be thinking.

Give it a try. Leave a comment on what you think a caption to this photo should be.

Hunger Games Heels

Don't think I wouldn't wear them.

 Check them out here!

Friday Favorite: Confessions of a Closeted Geek

 

I am a closet geek. At least I think I'm closeted.  Not anymore.

 

A knit hat with Yoda ears for a newborn makes me giggle.

The only outfit I've ever "liked" on Pinterest contains a Superman tee and yellow Converse. When I clicked through to see the source, I realized it was inspired by Leonard on The Big Bang Theory.

 I sincerely believe Firefly was brilliant...and should probably be taught in schools.

So, this morning's conversation with my three-year-old was bound to happen.

Max asked, "Mom, what's in a lightsaver?" (Note: just as he says "grabel" for "gravel," he means "lightsaber," not "lightsaver."

Contemplating the proper answer, I paused.

Do I tell him it's not real? Do I tell him about good and evil using The Force as a metaphor? Is he too young?

"Never mind." He looked at me knowingly and nodded. "Probably plastic."

Um, yeah.   

Toddler Tuesday: Lessons From My Dragon

Max: Dragons eat stars. That's why they breathe fire.

Interesting.

Max: I'm a dragon. You're my princess.
Me: What's Daddy?
Max: He's an ogre.


Thought so.

Max: (adjusting my plastic headband so that it fits like a circlet) Mommy, do you have a real crown?
Me: (pausing) Yes, I do.
Max: Thought so. Go get it.

I rummage through the closet to find an eighteen year old tiara and present it to my son.

Max: Let me put it on you. (He crowns me.) That's better.  I love you, Princess Mommy.
Me: I love you, too, my little dragon.

Who says being Prom Queen doesn't have real life applications?

TV Tuesday: Project Runway

I always enjoy having Tim Gunn in my living room.

But another season of Project Runway is almost over.

I choose my designers similarly to how I choose my favorite protagonists.   Heroines fall into two categories: 1) Those I like or with whom I can identify 2) Those who possess qualities I want to emulate.  If a designer can create clothes that make me feel the same way, I'm a fan.

Viktor, Anya, Joshua, Kimberly

Each of the four finalists has a specific point of view. Each of the four have made clothes I coveted. Consistently, though, this season, I'm a fan of two:

Viktor Luna

and

Anya Ayoung-chee

Friday Favorite: Miss(ed) Oklahoma

Although she is queen of her domain, my friend Jennifer lives in a neighborhood of princesses and a home of four princes.  When a queen summons, I do her bidding.

She invited me to attend the Miss Oklahoma pageant in Tulsa to support her lovely neighbors. One was contestant Emily Ousley and the other was her "Oklahoma Star," a program in which little girls are mentored by contestants. They were both lovely.

Plus, I saw two OU Tri-Deltas were in the running, so I got all collegiate nostalgic. 

Although we almost missed the pageant.

On the way there, Jen said, "If anyone were with us, they'd kill us."

Yep.  But it was hilarious.

After spending an afternoon with me driving us to pedicures and tea at Dragonmoon Tea Company, Jennifer insisted on driving. She activated her On Star and said, "You have to get this."

Clearly, she didn't yet comprehend the magnitude of my geographical challenges. Like the Bermuda Triangle, my curse soon reached out and grabbed her.  We barreled down the interstate, following the instructions, and encountered a giant "CLOSED" sign plastered across our route.  I laughed at her surprise. This sort of thing always happened to me. She called and gathered new directions. We were to turn on 11th street. Guess what? We were at an intersection where both signs said 11th street. I kid you not. These things happen to me all the time. It's a gift.

The pageant began at 7:30. The rain began at 8:04.  We arrived in the parking lot at 8:08. As we raced toward the Mabee Center, a woman eyeballed us.   I called, "Did we miss the good part?" (Since I've never attended a pageant, I didn't know what that would be, but certainly there is one.)  She encouraged us to hurry because we'd missed the opening number and they were about to announce the top 15.

We never found our seats, but we caught a lot of the show.

In fact, I fear we were part of the show. A pregnant lady in heels.  A tired mom of three under three lugging a good-natured four-month-old. We found seats near her friends at one point, but because Baby J wasn't fond of classical music in the talent competition, we courteously sped out. Let me restate that...Jennifer was courteous. I'm pretty sure I bonked some poor guy on the head with both my purse and her diaper bag.

While watching the swimsuit competition from the aisle, an older gentleman must have been impressed with the soon-to-be crowned Betty Thompson.  He looked me up and down. "Those girls don't understand women don't look like that after thirty."  Hackles raised, I threw my shoulders back and pregnant belly forward.  "Speak for yourself.  After I had my first baby, I looked just like that." I patted my tummy. "You ought to see me next summer when I'm through with this one." 

He had the nerve to grimace like he didn't believe me.

To his credit, I checked myself out in the mirror before I left for the evening and thought remember when someone told you you looked hot, and you knew they weren't thinking you needed an air conditioner and glass of iced tea?

Still... Even queen mothers should be treated with respect or they can be be a royal pain.

Friday Favorite: Keen shoes

A few years ago, a student commented I'd never worn the same pair of shoes twice.  It was second semester. I was no Imelda Marcos, but she was right. Shoes were a weakness.

I lead a different life now.

Heels aren't practical while chasing a toddler or pregnant. Neither are they practical when my office parking lot is "paved" in gravel...but that's another blog.

During this pregnancy, it is not uncommon for me to change my shoes four times a day due to discomfort--and I used to happily teach on concrete floors while wearing high heels.

But I really need comfy shoes to get me through this hot summer pregnancy. 

In my experience, if someone says a brand of shoe is comfortable, it's the equivalent of getting set up on a blind date and having the matchmaker stress what a great personality your date has. In either case, you know the recipient of praise is not going to look good and you don't want it touching you.

A couple of years ago, our family friend Paul recommended Keen. Since the day my husband wore his first pair out of the store, he's rarely donned any other kind while not at work. It's a struggle to keep him from sporting the sandals with socks in the winter. (I told him if it embarrassed me, it will mortify his children, but I think that statement only served as incentive.)

Alas, pregnancy makes you do strange things. I made a list of all the comfy shoes people have praised over the years and sought them in stores.

Only Keen has lived up to the hype. 

In my pregnant discomfort, I acquiesced and bought a pair.  The store was out of aqua, so I purchased the bright yellow. I figured if I was going to wear those shoes, I should be bold and truly own the ugly.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I love them so much, I think I may buy another pair.

Have you tried Keen shoes? Do you have any other comfy shoe suggestions?

Fashion in Politics

I recorded the Democrat National Convention so that I could fast forward through all the political commentaries and just watch the speeches. I'll do the same with the Republican Convention. I believe it's important to draw my own conclusions before listening to all the media mumbo-jumbo.

During my marathon viewing session, one thing jumped out at me that I didn't expect.

Michelle Obama.

Remember how I commented on the fashion of Sex in the City? You may recall I predicted roses would be popular. Well, check out Mrs. Obama.

Obviously, brooches are a signature of hers. Did you notice, though, that each night those brooches were floral? Since some are comparing her classic style to Jackie-O, perhaps she's one to watch.