The Best, The Worst, and The Meh

Ah, the Oscars. Growing up, this event was bigger in my house than the Superbowl. And the best part was always critiquing the various outfits that went down the red carpet. So I thought I'd go through my favorites and hates this Monday morning! Feel free to agree or disagree! Here we go!


Best:
Jessica Chastain


I'm a sucker for old Hollywood glamor.

Best:
Jennifer Lawrence


Love it love it love it! At first, I wasn't a huge fan of the skirt...it does look a bit odd and awkward, but it makes her waist look impossibly small and I love her hair and necklace. I can't help myself, I think her over all look is a win!



Worst:
Anne Hathaway


I wanted to love what Anne was wearing, I really did. I think I was looking forward to seeing what she would wear...unfortunately every girl who was under the age of 15 in the 90's called and they want their dress back...


Meh:
Zoe Saldana


At first, I wasn't sure what to think about this particular look. There's just too much going on! the ruffles on the top, the bow, the belt, the different color ruffles on the bottom, the slit! Over all it isn't a terrible dress, but I don't love it either!

Meh:
Amanda Seyfried


Now, I like her! But I'm a little disappointed in this gown. I don't think that it's really the gown's fault either. I wish she had worn her hair down! The messy bouffant is best left to Adelle. The rest of us just look like we belong with the cone-heads...

Best:
Charlize Theron


I'm still a bit of a pushover for a good peplum! And I love the train! That fabric looks like buttah!

Meh:
Jennifer Hudson


Now, the dress isn't bad, but that hair...please at least return Cher's wig with a nice "thank you" note for her trouble...and embarrassment...

Meh:
Reese Witherspoon


I don't mind the dress so much, and her hair is gorgeous, there's just something a little off about her look. I can't quite put my finger on it...

Worst:
Kristen Stewart


O.K. So, the dress wasn't all that bad...if only someone had washed or even brushed her hair before they put her in it...it's called hygiene m'dear...

Worst:
Sally Field


Did she steal the curtains from the "Lincoln" set? Honey, I don't care who you are, the only person who can pull off that look is Scarlet O'Hara. So don't even try!

Best:
Olivia Munn


I have no idea who she is, but I love that dress!

Worst:
Renee Zellweger


The case of the disappearing boob...or ahem appearing out of nowhere boob...tomato tomahto! There's a sure sign of trouble when you mix up your bra inserts with that stuffed animal you got from your trip to Disneyland...or maybe she just stole Quvenzhane Wallis' puppy dog purse and put it out of its misery? Either way, it might be a good idea to lay off the stuffing...or plastic...whichever you prefer!

Best:
Sandra Bullock


Love her, love the dress! You just can't go wrong!

Well, I had a few more people on my list, but that about covers the important ones! Just a quick summation of the rest of my opinions (look up the pictures if you'd like)

Jennifer Anniston: Meh
Jennifer Garner: I honestly can't make up my mind with this one! I love the color of her dress, but I'm not sure how I feel about the fart of ruffles ensuing in the back...
Salma Hayek: Worst! What was with the return of the 90's this year?
Amy Adams: Best
Nicole Kidman: Meh
Helena Bonham Carter: Worst...I just...I can't...
Helen Hunt: Meh. Not bad dress, but come on, even I know how to use an iron!
Melissa McCarthy: Worst
Queen Latifah: Best
Kristin Chenoweth: Best
Brandi Glanville: Worst! I hadn't ever heard of her before, apparently she's some "Real Housewives" person something or rather? I have no idea, but I wanted to make her wear a large unsightly t-shirt over that getup! How many ways can you say TACKY?!

Anyway, it's the start of a new week! And, not to mention the end of February!! The time is flying by!
Hope you're loving it!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

All Things Downton...

Well, I've finished all three seasons of Downton Abbey!
And, I'm going to try VERY hard not to give anything away for those of you who haven't seen it yet! But, I'm so sad!!
I'm convinced they are going to start the next season with Mary waking up and finding everything was a dream. Because that is the only way this is in any way acceptable!!
Gah!
Well, if I go on any longer I'll give it all away and I hate when people do that! So I'll leave it there...we'll see how long that lasts!!
Happy Wednesday!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

P.S. Do you ever find that after you watch something in which everyone is talking with British accents, you tend to start slipping into one as well? I'm fairly certain Larry thinks I'm crazy...either that or possessed by the spirit of a British woman from 1912...

(Picture here!)

One of My Favorite Guilty Pleasures

So about a year or so ago, I discovered Downton Abbey.
I fell in love with the show but I was devastated to find out that they only have the first season on Netflix! Which translates into seven episodes. How could they do this to me??
But it is on Hulu...which I find ridiculous to pay money for, so I had to go Downton Abbey-less. We decided that we would do the week free trial and just catch up on everything we wanted to, and we finally have the time to do it! So I can finally watch the second season! I'm thrilled!
This picture was a little bit of a spoiler for me, but she looks gorgeous so I guess I'll get over it! I love the styles on the show and, well, it's my guilty pleasure (let's face it, it's not that far away from a soap opera, though most shows these days seem that way!)...along with a few other shows that I'm just too embarrassed about to admit to. *cough* The Bachelor *cough* Pretty Little Liars *cough*
Anyway, I'm off to go catch Larry up on Revenge and revel in season two of Downton Abbey!
Gah! I'm so excited!!
Have a fabulous Friday and an incredible weekend!!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

(Picture credit here)

What is Elegant?

So, my question is, when and why did this go out of style? Rita Hayworth is the epitome of GORGEOUS!
I wonder if many of you will even know who she is?
Rita is one of the American Film Institute's "Greatest Stars of All Time" she is absolutely iconic!
Today I am grateful that I grew up with parents who loved old movies and the culture of the 40's and 50's!
I grew up wanting to be Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth, Cyd Charisse, and so many other classic women!
Never did I want to be a Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian. And I'm so grateful for that!
I think the world forgot elegance and everything it meant. I think we need it back!
It's more than just curling your hair or painting some red on your lips, it's about having values and treating people with kindness, courtesy, and inner beauty. When did it become popular and cool to shun all of that?
So today I hope you have a beautiful day! Filled with all the wonderful and beautiful things we seem to take for granted!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

For those of you who have no idea who any of those women are, here are a few videos!

This one is Cyd Carisse:



Grace Kelly:
P.S. I want that swimsuit and coverup...not gonna lie...



Audrey Hepburn:
(quick fun fact, the part where Gregory Peck puts his hand in the mouth of truth, Audrey Hepburn didn't know the cameras were rolling so that is her honest reaction...)



Rita Hayworth:



And because I couldn't help myself, here's another one:



(Picture credit here!)

Five Dollar Furniture Please!

So, we have been working on settling in since arriving back in Arizona! Which means we have dug out our comforter set from the back of the car!
I was very excited about that! We love it! And I missed getting to see it all the time! We got so many beautiful gifts from our wedding and this is among our very favorites!
We have also been window shopping and looking around at furniture. See the problem is, I want beautiful furniture for about five bucks...like that's going to happen! But a girl can dream! Hey, I figure if they can do a five dollar foot-long sandwich at subway, they can do a five dollar pillow top mattress! Right?
Still, it has just been fun to do together, imagining our dream home and all that jazz. We've begun quite the wish list!
Thankfully, one thing we don't have to include on that list is a fabulous bedding set!
Hope your week is wonderful so far!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

The Perfect Cookie

So, I went to make these cookies about a month or so ago and I realized that I didn't have my recipe! So posting this is as much for you as it is for me! Next time I can make them with no problems!
Now, I'm sure that there are many great chocolate chip cookie recipes out there, but I'm a little partial to my own!
While I was looking for one that was similar, I realized that there really isn't a cookie recipe out there that was quite like the one I have. And, seriously, perfect cookies EVERY TIME!!
So, I am sharing my recipe with you.
I hope you enjoy it and the wonderful cookies it makes!
As well as your Tuesday!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/3 Cup Margrine or Butter
1/3 Cup Shortening
1 Egg
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
Pinch of Salt (or 1/4 Tsp)
1 Package Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

-Mix the sugar, brown sugar, butter, shortening, egg, and vanilla together till well blended
-Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips
-Mix together
-Roll into good sized balls and drop on cookie sheet
-Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees till light golden brown
-Allow to sit on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before removing and eating!
Preferably with milk ;)

Where Beauty Begins

True beauty begins with beautiful thoughts. Not always the easiest thing in the world! But worth it!
Well, we are back in Arizona! And it is beautiful here! The sun is shining and it's a lovely 59 degrees!
And that's honestly all I have time for today! We have to unload the car and do some chores!
I hope you are having a brilliant Monday!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

(Find the picture here!)

P.S. Larry and I have been married for six whole months today!! Here's to the best six months of my life and to many, many more to come!! I love you, Larry! <3

Disney, You've Done it Again!

It's Friday!
Have you seen the Disney short "Paperman"? It's so freaking cute! I've watched it a few times...ok maybe closer to seven or eight...
But still!! You have to see it!
So here it is!



I hope you enjoyed it just as much as you enjoy your weekend!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

(For the link to the source of the picture, click on the word "Paperman"!)

White Roses for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Weather you're celebrating with someone or on your own, please please have a little chocolate today!
And here is a lovely picture of some white roses!
They happen to be my favorite and every Valentine's Day I was home, my parents would get me a dozen which I ALWAYS appreciated!
I don't think Valentine's day has to just be about your significant other, I think it can be about celebrating the love you have for your friends and family as well.
So, take some time today to let everyone know how much you love them! And remember all of the people out there who love you right back!
Have a fabulous Thursday!!

Less Than Three,
Sarah <3

Wallpaper and a List for Love

Hi everyone!

I am loving that wallpaper and that bannister! I don't know why, but I am really loving all things grey at the moment!

So, are you all ready for Valentine's day? I know I'm not! This year will have to just be simple, but I'll be happy to just spend my first Valentine's day married, with my husband! There's not much that beats that! Not gonna lie! It's funny that this time last year I wanted to throw an "I hate Valentine's day party"! I even looked up how to make a heart shaped pinata! That's dedication my friend!!
Funny how quickly our lives can change!
Anyway, I figured it would be appropriate to share my list. Yes, my list of things I was looking for in my spouse. This list has been basically the same since I was 14! I changed it a little through the years, always adding to it, never taking away. And lucky for me, I found someone who has every quality on this list! Well...maybe not the one about being stubborn! :P Anyway, here you go!

I titled it long ago:
"Qualities I Respect and Admire"
1. Respects the priesthood
2. Temple worthy/driven
3. Kind
4. Understanding
5. Fun
6. Great sense of humor
7. Driven
8. Smart
9. Courteous
10. Gentleman
11. Faithful
12. Great potential parent
13. Loves Kids
14. Spiritual
15. Diligent
16. Supportive
17. Sensitive
18. Loving
19. Outgoing
20. RM (Preferred)
21. Equally yolked
22. Not quick to anger
23. Encourage service
24. Respects women
25. Not stubborn
26. Knows what he wants and goes after it
27. High standards
28. Dedicated to the gospel
29. Loves the Lord
30. Nurturing
31. Follows the prophet's council
32. Isn't critical
33. Love of the temple
34. Humble
35. Educated/Values Education
36. Someone who will cherish me and whom I will cherish
37. Keeps a journal
38. Sincere
39. Dependable
40. Priorities in order
41. Has Eternal goals
42. Self sacrificing

For a little while there I started thinking I was hoping for too much, but then I met Larry. So never compromise what's important to you!
Well, that's all I have for now!
Have a beautiful day!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

I've Got a Thing...

For cinnamon pull aparts!

Hi kids!
Hope you're having a fantastic week so far!
I've been thinking about the things I love (as well as the people, of course) and I just can't get over how much I love my mother's recipe for cinnamon pull aparts.
I know I went over this way back in November, but I figured I'd share the recipe with you all. Honestly, THE best cinnamon pull aparts/monkey bread I have EVER had! And the best part? It's super easy!
So here's the recipe! Enjoy!

Less Than Three,
Hessy


What you'll need:
2 packages pop biscuits (or any bread dough will work)
1 stick margarine or butter (or 1 cup)
1 cup sugar
2-3 tsp cinnamon

What you'll do:
Grease your pan. A bread pan or a bundt pan works best. If you use a bundt pan you'll need more biscuit dough.
Melt the butter.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
Dip each biscuit in the butter and then into the sugar and cinnamon.
Layer in the pan.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes for a bread pan, 30-40 minutes for a budnt pan, or till the rolls underneath aren't aren't gooey but a little firm.

Well! There you go! Have a beautiful Tuesday!

A Quote for Your Monday!

“... What really matters is that he will love you,that he will respect you, that he will honor you, that he will be absolutely true to you, that he will give you the freedom of expression and let you fly in the development of your own talents. He is not going to be perfect, but if he is kind and thoughtful, if he knows how to work and earn a living, if he is honest and full of faith, the chances are you will not go wrong, that you will be immensely happy.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley

Hope you have a beautiful Monday and are looking forward to a lovely Valentine's Day this week!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

Home, Home on the Range

They say home is where the heart is, but I must say, I wouldn't mind if this were where my heart was! This is the Crespi Hicks Estate. For sale for the small price of 135 million dollars. It boasts 14 foot ceilings, a two story guest house, a three story pool house, a library, a theater, 25 acres, gardens, meadows, creeks, and a forest.

So, I'll be moving in next week...
HA! If only! But it is a gorgeous house! If you want to see more pictures, take a look at Architechtually Significant Homes (scroll over that for the link) because there are some GORGEOUS pictures of this house!

Hope you're enjoying your Wednesday!

Less Than Three,
Sarah

Oh! Hi February! Long Time No See!

Can you believe it's February?? It's crazy!
The time really does go by so quickly!
Well, we found out that Larry won't be able to have his physical for the Air Force for probably another month! We had been waiting for him to have his physical before we would head back to Arizona to wait for him to go to basic training. But now that it's going to be a month, we are planning to go back to Arizona this week or next. Other than that, not much has been going on! However, I thought I'd try something new this week. Instead of the traditional post, I thought I'd just post a picture and maybe a quote I like or something, or a quick thought. That way I can post more often. So I figured I'd try it for a week! We'll see how that goes! Anyway, hope you've all had a great start to your week!

Less Than Three,
Sarah