Dark Knight Rises (Movie Review)

The trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan was ended well- perhaps too well- leaving one to think "what's next?" I think Christopher Nolan out did himself with this movie, it trumps all his others including the first two in his series of Batman movies. What a director, what a movie! I would watch this movie over and over without despair. I highly recommend!

I would love to give an outline but I'm do afraid of ruining it for others that I refuse. Just know that it's well worth the money that you will spend on it- just don't spend $23 at the concessions like my husband did!

Christian Bale plays the leading role of "Bruce Wayne" aka Batman. As a female I can say this- WOW! Best looking Batman ever! Seriously, he's tall, dark and handsome with amazing acting talent. He truly is my favorite Batman to date. 

 Bruce Wayne took on an interesting story line in this movie, starting out rough and distant, the socialite does come out of his shell and Batman returns once again to save Gotham. I was thrilled where the story took him and how Christian Bale played the role, he seemed to take it over completely.

Of course you can't have a Batman flick without Michael Caine as Alfred. He's a classic, very talented, and "fits" the role in my eyes. This man brought me to tears in this movie. I cannot go any deeper into detail in fear of ruining your movie experience. 

Also returning to his role as Lucius is Morgan Freeman. Enough said- it's "God" for goodness sakes! I love Morgan, and I love Lucius, you cannot go wrong with Morgan Freeman in your movie! 

New to the franchise, Tom Hardy. I don't think anyone else could play the role of Bane quite the way that Tom did. Excellent. Scary, stern and awesome! He played the villain that comes to torture poor Batman. Again I cannot go into great detail, because his story is a large part of the movie. 

 Anne Hathaway- I love her- she came into this movie as a newbie playing Cat Woman. Great role for her! I'm use to seeing her in "Princess Diaries" and "Ella Enchanted" but Cat Woman was a complete 180 from where previous Disney movies had placed her. She plays a sexy villainess quite well. While I must admit that I wasn't fond of how she entered the movie, she ended her role with me asking for more. Bravo Anne!

  

One of my favorite actors in this movie is also a newbie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He plays a police officer named Blake. He is a good guy, thank goodness, I would have hated to see him play a villain. He is a warm hearted man with a love for others. You will love him even more at the end of the movie. Especially if you are a big Batman fan.

 The structure of the movie was pretty traditional, it leads into it and then rises to the climax, but at that point it pretty much stays at a climax, it ends with a lot of excitement. The lighting and shooting was perfect for the mood and feel of the movie. I felt like I was right there in all the action. Of course the music was catchy, as in the other movies, it's original and infectious. 

I highly recommend this movie to young adults and adults. I would not recommend this movie for young children or those that are afraid of violence. 

Once you have seen it- leave your opinions below!!

Friends?

Many things in my life have made a huge impact on who I am today. Some good, some bad. Some I could have controlled, some that were out of my control. Some I was glad happened, and some that I wish I could change.

In high school and for a few years after I had some wonderful friends, lots of different people that I cherished for one reason or another. Lately I have began to notice, outside of my family, I really only had 5 friends. They are the people I talk to the most and the ones that know why I don't have any more friends then them. All this will change though. I hope.

I'm in the process of "redeeming" myself if you will. When I started getting depressed I started to seclude everyone. Unless you knew me well enough and wasn't afraid to stand up to me and tell me to quit being such a bitch. Hence why I only have 5 friends. So now that I'm on some kick butt medication ((shout out to Celexa for kicking my butt back into my old smiling self!)) I'm going to fix this problem. 

For example, one of my friends since high school has been feeling like I didn't want to talk to her or hang out with her, mostly because I didn't pick up the phone and call. Also because I let it be known that I hated her husband. That being said, I love her to death and I love her son to death- I can bite my tongue if that's what I need to do to keep her and her son in my life. 

Yesterday I hung out with an old friend that maybe can again become a friend that I can trust and love as I once did. I have also known her since high school and she also has a cutie pututie little girl. I don't recall exactly why I shunned her away from my life but again- I was depressed and didn't really feel at the time I needed a reason- I was feeling lonely and wanted to be left alone to hide in that.

Now by no means am I saying that I will once again be friends with everyone that  I once was- but baby steps is more progress than none.

Some of those people got pushed out for valid reasons, not simply because I was a heartless bitch.

2 Years Strong

Roughly about 10 years ago I met who would become my wonderful husband.

Though at the time he was not "wonderful" and was by far the "perfect" boyfriend. Nor was I the "perfect" girlfriend. Far from it- but we were happy for a brief time.

I was 16 & he was 18. Young and foolish. Everyone said we were too young to know what true love really was. Eventually we split. 

After years of not speaking to one another, we had other relationships, had children with other people, lived our own lives essentially. Yet neither of us was 100% happy.

We eventually made it back to one another in late 2009- rushed things a bit and moved in together in January 2010, became pregnant in February 2010 with Brian, got engaged in April 2010- and finally married on July 24, 2010! 

To all those that said we didn't know what true love was- kiss my butt- if we had stayed together we wouldn't have gone through nearly as much crap in our lives and things would have worked out from the get go. But thankfully, my friend Kat & her husband Billy talked us into talking to one another again, set things back up- if you will. ((Short back story- my husband & I set up Kat & Billy when we were dating as teenagers, they fell in love, got married, bought a house, and have a wonderful son that is my God Baby!)) I thank them so much for helping me & my husband find true happiness once again. 

So 2 years strong- we were married 2 years ago today and I'm still just as happy as I was in that picture. Things could be better- but duh- everyone wishes somethings could be different in their lives- but my things don't involve my husband. We have a wonderful marriage, and great kids. I love him and I love our life together as one. 

Happy Anniversary Baby!!! 

I LOVE YOU!!!!!

This photo was from April 2012 @ the University of Kentucky Basketball Championship Ceremony @ Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY

Maybe I Get Too Emotionally Attached?

I am honestly not sure where to begin this post. There is so much flooding through my mind right now that I'm actually at a loss of where to start. 

I guess let's back up to  April 20, 1999. I was 12 years old in the 7th grade and home from school sick with the stomach bug. Laying in bed watching TV trying to go back to sleep. It didn't work. The show that I was watching had been interrupted by a "Special Report: Breaking News." While normally I would have changed it, I was sick and didn't care to get out of bed to get the remote, so I watched. I watched in horror as I seen teenagers about my brother & sisters age running from a school building crying, people injured being pulled out of windows, and the news reporters completely lost on what to say or how to explain what had just happened. This incident became known to many of us simply as "Columbine." 15 people died, and 1 injured (including the shooters). May the innocent rest in peace knowing their memory lives on.

That day I realized just how short life can truly be, you never know when that psychotic break might happen and you never know who it might be that has it. I cried that day, for the kids, for the families and friends who were losing their lives or lost a loved one. At 12 years old I was capable enough to understand sympathy and be able to put myself into others shoes. It was not a comfortable feeling. 

Since that day I have been that way. About almost everything. If it's something that someone is traumatized by or something that I can place myself in that position I get upset and generally cry.

A celebrity dies that I grew up watching or idolized and I cry. Characters in a movie or a TV show die that I have gotten to "know" or like- I cry. My husband & friends frequently pick on me for crying over what seems to them to be "nothing" to them. 

Until yesterday... Unless you live under a rock you are aware of what happened in Aurora, Colorado yesterday. Just a short 40 minutes from Columbine High School. James Holmes opened fire on an unsuspecting crowd of movie goers at the midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" (the new Batman movie). 12 people have been killed (thus far) and another 39 injured (thus far). What broke my heart initially was the ages of the children injured and dead- 6 year old boy dead (that's the same age as my Princess) and a 3 month old baby injured (at last I heard anyway). UNFORTUNATELY, this psychopath was not one of the few that do us all a favor and kill himself for us. No, instead he sat in the parking lot and waited to be arrested- seriously! He gave himself up without a fight and is currently in police custody. However, I kept saying "thus far" because this idiot booby-trapped his apartment and at this current moment the police are trying to disarm this contraption. So far they have successfully eliminated a few barriers. Best wishes to them, I am praying for the police, firemen and bomb squads that are working on that. But above all, I am praying and my heart goes out to those friends and family that lost loved ones early Friday morning. Also to those who were injured and will forever be marked a victim. 

I have cried, I have shed tears for those that I don't know, nor will I ever know. But the tears have passed- for now. I am confused- I am baffled- and I am getting flat out irritated. I don't understand HOW someone could do this to a fellow human being. I was angry after September 11, 2001 for the same reasons. Despite what your religion is, despite who you worship, despite what you believe- we are ALL human beings, none better than the others. We all have flesh and blood, we all have hearts and we can all love. I'm probably never going to understand why people do the things that they do but I can hope that one day all of this senselessness will come to an end and we will all be "one." 

Please take a moment of silence to honor those that have passed on- God Bless!

Candle Light Vigil for those lost in Aurora, CO

Those lost at Columbine High School in 1999

Students at a make shift memorial after the Columbine shootings.

Have "COmpassion" for COlorado! <3

Plus-Size Costume Shopping!

I recently had the opportunity to speak with someone about providing a review of their "plus size costume" website and product for Plus Size Costume Supercenter!

Let me first start by saying that I find it extremely hard to find costumes that fit me in all the right places. As a taller female, sometimes things are just too short to wear out in public. Having a large chest area, makes it hard to find something that is actually fitting in that area. Since I've started losing weight the stomach area isn't as much of a concern but can be bothersome.

On to the goods- I love this website! They have more than just plus size items so please even if you're a 120 pound stick, check it out- they have some adorable items! You can visit them at http://www.plussizecostumesupercenter.com

The site was easy to navigate around and find what I was looking for, as well and having a large selection of costumes that I hadn't seen before. It took me forever to find the one that I felt would "suit" me and fit in the budget that I was allotted. However, I did finally come to a decision- and I personally think it's quite fitting!

It's a Kitty Cat!! I <3 IT!!

Of course it looks much better on the girl that was pictured on the website- this is how it looked on her! 

She's a bit skinnier than I am, but alas I still like the costume! 

My only complaint honestly is that it's so low cut on my chest- that can be fixed though- a black bra and a little bit of sewing and we'll be good to go! 

The costume itself is great. Soft material, lightweight, and very comfortable. It came with almost everything you would need to complete the outfit. A headband with the ears, the dress, glovettes, tail and a choker with a bell. Just have so throw some black shoes or boots with it, and some black panty hose and you're set for a fun filled night out!

Heck I may even use the headband and choker for taking the kids trick or treating! How cute?

Finally, I cannot stress to you enough how badly you should check out their site. I FELL IN LOVE! This will definitely be where I order any future Halloween costumes from for myself. I just might order another one for this year- possibly host a Halloween party just to get to wear it... what do you think?

A blonde Snow White? I think I could pull it off!

Thank you all for reading- and please be sure to check out PlusSizeCostumeSuperCenter.com

First Giveaway Winner Is...

The winner of the $10 Build-a-Bear gift card (and my first giveaway) is......

"Wife, Mother and Student... That is me!" and owner of the blog "The Butterfly Life"

AMANDA PRELLER!!!!!

Congratulations Amanda! 

First!! (Giveaway Closed)

GIVEAWAY!!!

Let me start with a quick review!

I absolutely love Build-a-Bear! My kids have at least 30+ at my last count- not to mention I have about 5 myself. (Plus some I want that haven't got yet!) My kids get one every year for Christmas, and usually one for their birthdays. The ones they get to make on their own are usually their favorites. In case you don't know how it works let me enlighten you.

First you pick out the "skin" of your animal that you would like- it looks similar to this but sometimes they change the animals out or have specific "collectors" for a limited time. 

Then you stuff it- this is one of my favorite parts- the kids get to step on a pedal and with the help from a build-a-bear employee they fluff their animal to their liking. They get to pick out a heart and do all sorts of cool things to it to make it a "real" heart for their new friend. 


Then they "bath" their new friend with a brush and a some high powered fans to knock off extra fur. Then the clothes- oh boy the clothes! So many choices- this is what takes the longest for me & my kiddos!

The clothes also change from time to time but the classics stay all year round!

Naming your bear can be difficult- it takes a lot of special thought from you or your little one- but it's well worth it in the end when you receive the birth certificate for your special bear so he or she can go home with you as YOUR new friend (or baby as my daughter says).

I'm there so often I take advantage of the deals they run around holidays where for $5 you can get a $10 gift card. As my first giveaway I will give that out!

You can also use this card online at the build-a-bear website! Check that out HERE! 

To enter the $10 gift card giveaway:

1)Comment letting me know you follow my blog (use the link on the right to follow with google)

2) Share this post on your Facebook or Twitter (or both) & comment back letting me know you posted!

((PLEASE put an email address so that I can contact you if you win- THANKS))

**Max 3 entries per person (follow, facebook, twitter)

**This review & giveaway was not paid for nor was I asked to do this from build-a-bear. I genuinely just wanted to do something special for reaching 1,000 views. All opinions are mine!
**Contest will END on July 18, 2012 @ 12noon EST (East Coast)
**Random.org will choose the winner & I will post the picture when it has chosen.

THANK YOU!!