16 FebThemed weeks starting… soon I hope

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One of my favorite bloggers is, in fact, a cartoonist. Not cartoons like you’d normally think. These are rather sarcastic and very funny. Anyway, every once in a while she does a theme week. It gave me the idea that maybe I should do a theme week, too. It’s hard to gain a dedicated readership when you post three times one month, don’t post for six months, and then post once a day for a week. That’s my fault! But I’m trying to turn over a new leaf now that I am blogging more. It’s a goal!  And I think themed weeks may help give me that blogging boost that I need.

Here are some of my ideas: (most of these will be pictured-posts)

-What’s For Dinner… where I post the cooking/finished product of what I make for dinner 5 nights of the week. Too exciting? (Sarcasm)

-Things You Didn’t Know About Me… a new, actually somewhat surprising fact you may not have known about me. Too self indulgent? (Partial sarcasm)

-Cartoons of my Life… horribly photoshopped cartoons of things in my life. May be funny terrible to look at.. Too silly?

-Experiences… each day a new experience in my life will be written about. The range? Shittiest, best, most embarassing… It’s got potential.

-Places in my house… I’m always curious to see other peoples’ homes so a picture of a different, possibly requested, place in my house?

Well those are my ideas. I’ll have to stew over it some more. I also think I’ll be re-writing my dinner guest post, as my last version was a short cop-out to the fantastic question it was and all that the post could have been.

Category(s): Me

15 FebSick of normal people trying to be overly trendy!

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People trying to look like stupid celebrities just look stupid!

People trying to look like stupid celebrities just look stupid!

Right now I am tired of young girls (well, those are the ones that TRY but all ages of women, I guess) who are trying to imitate celebrity fashion. To each his own–but to what extent? I mean, I like to be a little trendy too but when you see someone walking around with a doily glued to their forehead a la Lady Gaga and a pair of Manolo Blahnik’s you have ask yourself… is this what they truly like or is this what they think is fashion? I mean, it’s hard to know but I guess the message from celebrities should always be for people to be themselves! If they really truly like that weird crap that Gaga does (even the orange skin color) then they should do it. I guess just as long as you’re doing it for the right reasons, right?

I love Sex and the City. I think some of Carrie’s style is so unique and I really like it. But I don’t copy her because I don’t really like it for me or think it to be realistic in central California. Although I have a “Shelby” version of her “Carrie” necklace, that’s the closest I’ve come. So am I being hypocritical/butting my nose in when I see girls walking around in fashion statements past their age that they probably don’t understand? I don’t know. Just know I feel annoyed when I see girls trying to be celebrities. Especially the scary skinny thing!

Any thoughts?

Category(s): Me, Rants & Raves, Thoughts

14 FebWorking on Site Wallpapers and Headers….

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Damask & Stripes Wallpaper

So this weekend we have been working on getting our domains sorted out. We realized we own more than we remember and yet we had to buy more because we just didn’t have the ones we wanted! But now that we’ve purchased the ones we want to launch immediately, we good to go (for now). Sites that will fall under my responsibility? Well, I will still man and run HollywoodHeadache.com, which is still our first/only monetized site. I plan to continue posting on my person blog (this, duh) and co-write a site dedicated to cool stuff (think: Break meets Engadget meets Maxim Magazine), I will have my photography website (sort of a business front more than anything else), and The Ultimate Be Better Blog, which will focus on bettering your life in every way thinkable :-) Matt’s got his own set of blogs to run and I’ve yet to mention any of the actual domain names yet because they are not quite up. However I will say that this go around we have been a lot smarter in that we actually just bought layouts for our sites rather than Matt spending a whole weekend coding his own. Time saver! We are, however, still creating our own wallpapers and logo’s.

The one above is a wallpaper and will be/would be (have not decided yet) the background of a web page, like the funky designed backgrounds on Soul Pancake. I don’t know if I am going to leave it just the way it is. Most likely not, as I originally created it the size of a header. But with headers, I’ve learned that less is really more and so that background would be way too busy for a header… esp since there aren’t even any words on it yet. Yikes!

I’m also working on pretty simple stuff like the header below, which would be for this blog. I’m looking to re-do the whole blog here. HollywoodHeadache.com is going to stay the same. It got redone not that long ago and is fine and function as is.  Now that I look at this again (below) I think I may keep it. Quite simple. Then pair it with a khaki or chocolate colored wallpaper background. Yes?shelbystidhamheader copy

I just peeked through the rest of my WIP’s (term I stole from work, means Work In Progress) and there doesn’t appear to be any that I can put  up here (some sites not mentioned will forever be anonymous!) but any more revised versions I will post later in the week.

Any comments or suggestions regarding these two pieces I am more than happy to hear them! Always looking for feedback :-)

Edit: While photoshopping and blogging I listen to classical music. Right now? A LOST song, of course. Life & Death by Michael Giacchino. Makes me wish I could play the piano. Quite a moving song!

Category(s): Me, Photoshop

14 FebHappy Valentines Day

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lost valentine JACK

Today is Valentine’s Day and the only reason it’s a good day is because we have tomorrow off of work, so it’s Sunday but it feels like Saturday. Otherwise, Valentine’s Day is just like every other day. I am working on the computer–blogging, organizing bills, accounts, working from a home a little, etc–and just relaxing.

I thought I’d post these LOST Valentine’s Day cards because I am a huge fan of the show and they were pretty much the funniest Valentine’s Day cards I had seen on the internet.

Anyway this is just a brief post to tell everyone to have a good V-Day… even though it’s a completely made up and consumerist holiday! :-)

Category(s): Favorites, Me, TV

24 JanDeciding On My Watermark…

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Now that I’ve been trying my hand at event & portrait photography, I think I will begin making a watermark for my photos. I know, I know, I’m not a professional but I’m in the process of having my husband build me a photography site to add my work to and that means I will need a watermark.

I am having trouble deciding but ultimately it comes down to this: A design with one initial, both initials, or one initial duplicated and overlaid the other (because my first and last initials are, conveniently, the same). So what do you think?

My design/logo of choice is of course a fleur de lis but could be something else if anything better was to come along so… any ideas?

I plan on posting samples later.

Category(s): Me, Photography, Photoshop

20 JanSan Francisco Trip

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Ornate Antique Lamp Mark Hopkins International San Francisco CAThis past weekend, I went to “The City” with my husband, his parents, and his sister and her husband. Even though we live just 2 hours (or less) away from San Francisco, we hardly ever go there. And I have to say–I really enjoyed being there. Normally I don’t like really crowded places, bad traffic, and average items at a high price but San Francisco wasn’t as bad as I remembered.

On Saturday night we saw Cirque du Soleil’s OVO at AT&T Park. I’ve seen one other Cirque show (it’s not one that they perform anymore) and thought it was amazing but this one was even better than the last! If you’ve never seen a Cirque show, it’s basically this (give or take a few elements depending on the show title): funky costumes, a loose story line and theme, a lot of acrobatics–people standing on another, people swinging from ropes, jumping on walls, juggling things with their feet while tight-rope walking with their hands–fun lighting and crazy music. It’s really a must. There are a lot of shows in Vegas but they are a little more pricey than some of the shows in less frequented venues, like the tent in AT&T Park. Although it was definitely sold out on Sunday night.

We stayed at Mark Hopkins International and my husband and I had a GREAT view from our room. We had a big king size bed, a clean room, and a good sized hotel gym that we used on Sunday morning. Our stay was wonderful and we really enjoyed the room. The hotel lobby had a lot of amazing antique decorations with it’s own museum and bragging rights–6 American presidents have stayed at that hotel since it opened. Woot! Becuase it rained off and on the whole time, we didn’t get as many outdoor photos of the amazing architecture but we did manage to snap some.

We went shopping in Union Square, which is what we usually do when we go there. We ate at the Cheesecake Factory that rests comfortably at the top of Macy’s… it was great, as it always is. So great that we can back to Turlock and both decided it may be time for a diet :) All in all the trip–the time Matt and I spent together–was perfect. Couldn’t have asked for anything else! Plus I got two new pairs of amazing shoes :)

Category(s): Me, Photography

08 JanAhh, Relaxing

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mug of hot cocoa with marshmellowsLately it’s been pretty cold where I live. Not the coldest it’s ever been but still pretty chilly. So after I come home from work, change my clothes, make & serve dinner, and clean up the kitchen… I like to make a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows.  Now I know that marshmallows are bad for you, but I justify it by using non-fat milk (or water) and sugar-free hot chocolate. Empty calories but it warms me up while I’m relaxing. Which brings me to the topic… Relaxing :D

Over the years, I’ve found ways to relax but like anything else, things change and so I’ve grown into new habits. Here are some things I still enjoy doing to unwind after a work week.

*Taking a really warm bubble bath with lots of bubbles, steam, and a book. Ahhh….

*Watching new/unwatched episodes one of my new favorite shows in my pajamas in bed with a blanket and a cup of juice.

*Taking a nap on my bed with freshly dried sheets and a candle burning

*Reading some of my favorite blogs while playing classical music on Grooveshark Lite

*Watching a favorite movie with the lights off and no cell phone

*Editing my own photos in photoshop while listening to music… it’s very relaxing, oddly

…Those are of course only a handful. So what do you all do to relax?

Category(s): Favorites, Me

06 JanLOST is almost back!

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The Lost Supper- Teaser for Season 6 of "Lost"I know this is not a good quality picture but I had to post it because it’s the first teaser for the 6th and final season of LOST. And if you know me then you know I’m a fan.

I only recently became a fan when I watched all 5 seasons because they were streaming on Netflix. And even though it’s pretty far out there and the plotlines have strayed almost impossibly far from the original “survive post-plane crash”, it keeps me entertained and Matthew Fox is a fox. Do I need anymore reasons that those? I don’t think so :)

If you squint you can kind of make out some characters in the picture, appropriately titled “The Lost Supper”, but that may not mean anything. At the end of the last season we saw Juliet detonate the bomb to save the others but sacrifice herself. But with LOST we just never know… if they go back in time she may still be alive. Except that their present dictates their past so maybe she is dead… and Charlie, Boone and Shannon are all still dead, too. But people who weren’t on the island–Sayid’s wife Nadia who was hit by a car–could still be alive if they go back in time. Hmm, it should definitely be interesting. I Absolutely HATE watching shows while they are airing but I will put aside my hate for commercials and cliff-hangers to watch LOST when it airs on February 2, 2010. I am just keeping my fingers crossed for an amazing series finale!

Also, I hope that Matthew Fox decides to make some more movies or another TV show after this one ends because I think he’s a great actor. I also hope to see Terry O’Quinn in some more things. And if you haven’t seen the ORIGINAL The Stepfather movie with O’Quinn I suggest you see it… I was a fan of that many years ago and its gotten slightly more popular since the remake… but the original is the best (not that I’ve seen the new one, I’m just making a bold guess).

Anyone else out there a fan of LOST? If so what are you hopes for the last season? Mine are:

Don’t make Jack Shepherd into a drunk, failing Dr. and make him and Kate get together only if she stops being a drama queen beeoch.

Don’t make Sawyer still be in love with Kate because not everyone is in love with the same chick in real life and it’s getting old.

Make Claire be alive.

Hmm… that’s it for now :)

Category(s): Uncategorized

04 JanI Hate New Years Resolutions

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This morning I went to the gym–like I do nearly every weekday morning–and found the parking lot more crowded than usual. Inside I found nearly all the cardio machines full and the weight room more crowded than normal. Then I remembered–it’s the beginning of January! That means a bunch of people made resolutions to “get in shape”, “go to the gym”, or “get fit”… so what that means for gym regulars is this: January-March the gym will be crowded and by May it will have tapered off back to the normal amount. This leads me to my post topic: why I hate New Years resolutions, which will now be referred to as NYR.

Why does one day make people all of the sudden want to change? If there are things about yourself or your life that you are unhappy with, why do people wait to change as a NYR? Yes, I’ve bought into the hype of making a NYR but you know what I found out? They don’t stick.

You make a list of things you’re gonna change, you go strong for a few months, then you fizzle out when you lose energy and desire. Then you (most likely) feel worse about yourself than you did before. It just doesn’t make sense.

In September I began working out and dieting, because I knew I needed that for a happier life. If people know they need this, why do they believe starting “fresh” will make it any more possible? The longer you wait, the harder it gets. I just hate NYR because I think it’s an excuse for people to be lazy until the first of the year.

Anyone agree? Disagree?

People: … just make goals all year and accomplish them! Or at least try!

Edit: Sorry to those who *love* NYR and always make them. MAYBE they work for some people but they just don’t work for me.

Category(s): Uncategorized

03 JanSherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams

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sherlock holmes

This weekend my husband and I went and saw Sherlock Holmes. We had been wanting to see it ever since we saw the first trailer for it nearly a year ago. We are both really big fans of both Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. And here’s my opinion of it, for those of you who haven’t seen it:

For my taste, it was a little bit long. It  is 134 minutes (2 hours 14 minutes) but I felt like it could have easily been an hour an a half or maybe 2 hours. There were some parts that seemed to move a bit slow. Entertaining, yes, but not absolutely crucial and could’ve been edited down. And that comment–about the length–is the only negative thing I have to say about it.

As always, Robert Downey Jr. gave a wonderful performance. He had an English accent the whole way through, which seems like a given but you never know with movies these days :P He played the quirky, brilliant and goofy Sherlock Holmes excellently and even made him lovable. He and Jude Law had great on-screen chemistry, making viewers feel like the two of them were actually long-time friends with a deep history. In fact, Jude Law also did an excellent job portraying the hesitant yet dedicated Dr. Watson. Overall, the two of them made a powerful duo which translated to on-screen and box office success. Well done!

Rachel McAdams did a good job. I would say her best bet at being a good actress in a time-piece film was a drama like The Notebook. Her actions scenes in Sherlock Holmes weren’t bad but they lacked a certain believability. Part of what made her a less desirable match for Holmes was the big age difference; Robert Downey Jr. is 45 years old and McAdams is 32 years old. It just seemed like a stretch. With that said, she did, however, pull off the role and at the end of the movie, you had forgotten the age difference and grown to like her as a character.

The end titles, the scenery, costumes and music? Amazing. Hands down my favorite part. I love time piece films but this one was amazing. At the end of the film when the credits rolled, they had some amazing still-to-sketch photos rolling and they were done in rustic sepia tones making them look like they were straight out of the late 1800s. It was magnificent. All of the old time scenery throughout the film was perfect. Run down, old, classic and vintage all in one. Excellent.

This movie wouldn’t be one I would see in theaters again simply because of the length but I would definitely own this. Well done to everyone who worked on Sherlock Holmes!

Category(s): Me, Movies
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