Wednesday, February 25, 2015

The Sound of Talent

Who watched the Oscars Sunday night? I did, and even though I hadn’t seen too many of the films nominated, I was completely blown away by Lady Gaga’s tribute to one of my all-time favorite movies, The Sound of Music.

Along with delivering a beautiful vocal performance, Gaga surprised everyone by forgoing wild visuals and gimmicks. Far too many singers today focus more on showing off their boobs/butts and prancing around like poll dancers than on simply sharing their gifts. Still others can’t really sing at all, relying on auto-tuning, special effects and so-called sex appeal to mask that sad reality.


(via Getty Images) 

I’m glad Gaga wowed viewers with this classy performance, and I hope we get to see more just like it from her and others in the future. Oh, and the always charming Julie Andrews stepping out right afterward? Made my night!

What was your favorite Oscar moment?

Friday, February 20, 2015

365 Workouts: Staying Fit While Fighting a Cold

It’s been a slow, cold month here, and sadly, winter doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. In fact, we’re due to get 3-5 more inches of snow tomorrow, on top of the few inches that are still on the ground from this week’s earlier storm. Worst of all, along with bitter cold temps outdoors, this winter has also brought cold viruses into our home.

While we've still managed to make it to trampoline boot camp most weeks this month, nasty winter colds did sideline us for a few days. I tried to at least continue using weights while watching TV, and even pushed myself to keep doing workout DVDs a couple nights in a row. For the most part, though, I just had to relax and take it easy.  


I’m feeling better now and working to get back on track, but a busy schedule and below-zero wind chills have left me feeling pretty unmotivated. I would much rather curl up under a soft blanket with a hot bowl of mac and cheese than put on my workout clothes and squat it out with Jillian Michaels. Here’s hoping spring makes its appearance very soon (and that in the meantime, no more viruses weasel their way into our lives). 

How do you stay fit while fighting a cold? Do you try to push through the discomfort or just lay low until you’re feeling better? 

Monday, February 2, 2015

A Cat's Quest for Love

Need a quick Monday pick-me-up? This 4-minute short film, winner of the 2015 Catdance Film Festival, tells the story of French "exchange cat" Guy, who travels to America in search of love. Will he find it...or end up suffering a broken heart?



Also, how many of my fellow cat lovers tuned in for Kitten Bowl II on Sunday? Seriously, it and the annual Puppy Bowl are the only football games I ever care to watch.

How about you? Did you watch the Kitten Bowl, Puppy Bowl and/or the "real" game?