It's that time of year again....THE OSCARS!!

Sure, I haven't seriously blogged in two months, but I've started a tradition and I can't let this year's ceremony pass me by. Not even an impending move (we found a darling house to rent! more soon!) can stop me from planting myself on the couch for the next five hours and bringing you all the glamour, all the stars, all the winners and all the snark.

If this is your first time, I'll be updating this post through the night, so just keep hitting refresh. As always, comments are welcome! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Let's do this thing.

But, before we start, I'd like to dedicate this, The 4th Annual Southern Drama Queen's Oscars Extravagnanza, to two women who have encouraged me and inspired me in my love of the Academy Awards. First, I dedicate this night to Katie P, one of Winston-Salem's finest police officers. Katie will spend this night protecting the streets from vagrants and thieves, sacrificing her love of Hollywood for the greater good of The Dash's citizens. Katie, my best snark? It's all for you.

I also want to dedicate this post to the irrepressible Molly Page, fashion guru and fellow pop culture kindred spirit. Molly and I connected through our blogs before becoming friends in real life here in Chattanooga. I had looked forward to watching this year's Oscars with her, but then her husband went and got an amazing job in Chicago and Molly was off to the big city. Thanks to the magic of social media, we'll watch it together via Twitter but I can't wait to see what she posts in the days to come regarding all the fashion on the red carpet. Make sure you check her blog this week!

Ok, y'all, on to the red carpet! Let's start with The Bridesmaids...

I am SO glad Melissa went with a brighter color! I love that this shows off her gorgeous shape, rather than the voluminous shifts she's worn for the rest of the awards season. Stunning.

Rose. Oh, Rose. You don't have to take yourself so seriously. Also, it might be time to take the Scarface DVD off repeat. 1983 Michelle Pfeiffer called and she wants her hairstyle back.

OH, SWOON. I love everything about this look. The sheer glamour of the hair, the color of the dress, the sparkle at the sleeves and waist. Also, how great is it to see curves on the red carpet?!?

Jessica Chastain is a very pretty woman and I'm impressed at how she pulls off this elaborate dress on such a diminutive frame. 

Dear Miley, Lindsay, Selena and Demi Levato, TAKE NOTE. This is how you do young Hollywood.

Oh, Viola. How your bosoms doth impress. And that shade of green is just fabulous!

Annnnnd Sacha Bren Cohen just dumped an urn of ashes on Ryan Seacrest. Did he not get the memo that "Punked" bit the dust years ago and NO ONE CARES ABOUT HIS CRAPPY "COMEDY"? Ugh, go away.

Classic. Elegant. Beautiful. Well done, Octavia.

I like how Kristen went kind of wonderfully understated. So effortless. But maybe too much so for the Oscars? I'm torn.

This is a first. I don't actually hate what Giuliana is wearing! It's very pretty and feminine and kind of old school glamour. Her make-up is gorgeous and she's not orange. I'm not sure I can ask for more from G. Way to kick cancer in the keister!

So my dear Molly tells me that peplums are very on trend. I haven't really understood the fuss, but I absolutely LOVE the dress that Carolina Herrera designed for Tina Fey. I vote yes for the peplum!

Emma, you are darling in red. Sure, the bow could be a bit smaller, but I'll you'll be one of the most comfortable actresses in the auditorium tonight.

I am looooooooving these polka dots! So fun and unexpected for Oscar night! Well played, Natalie.

7:53 p.m.

It's seven minutes and I've only seen two actors that I would consider current Hollywood legends. Where is everyone?!?

7:56 p.m.
While we wait for the show to start, how about some Hollywood legends from the past? Life Magazine has a slideshow of some wonderful shots and I think these are my favorite...

The epitome of style- Audrey and Grace.

Lovely Liz

If you've never seen "Splendor in the Grass", go out and find it this week.

8:03 p.m.

Ok, just realized the show doesn't start until 8:30. I can't believe I didn't know that. That's a rookie mistake and I'm better than that.

Back to the red carpet...

I'm always impressed at how the more experienced dames bring it. Now, where's Helen Mirren?
Speaking of the dames of Hollywood, how about a little Meryl?

No one does draped better than her.

Gorgeous. As always. But a tad boring?

At first I thought Sandy's dress and overall look was a bit stern, but then I saw her delightful interview with Louise on ABC's coverage. Apparently, it's sexy times tonight!

It's Angelina! And she's smiling! And her hair is all loose and relaxed! Me likey.

8:22 p.m.

Ok, taking a break and then I'll be back after Billy's opening number. Fingers crossed there's a grandiose musical parody coming!

8:47 p.m.
Sooooo, that was kind of...lame? Billy's opening, while traditional, felt dated and contrived. Why not go for something new? Eh. Disappointed.

8:53 p.m.
Have I mentioned that movie montages set to soaring orchestral music make me cry?

8:57 p.m.
The irony of J Lo discussing wear a loose dress to make you look like a lady is not lost on my friends. And that is why I love them so.

9:03 p.m.
Can we just do movie montages and actor interviews all night? Loving those. And apparently all you have to do now is merely mention "Field of Dreams," flash a shot of that field and I start crying.

9:15 p.m.
Hooray for Octavia!! She was absolutely outstanding in "The Help" and I can't wait to see more of her work in movies to come.

9:17 p.m.
For those keeping count, Octavia's win was Tears Welling Up #3 for me. Any guess as to what the final count will be?

9:29 p.m.
Molly and I agree that the "lost footage" of a MGM focus group (performed by Christopher Guest and friends) was the funniest part of the show so far. And that strikes me as just a wee bit sad...

9:39 p.m.
Holy. Cow. The Cirque de Soleil performance was UNREAL. Designed to capture the feeling of going to the movies, I'd say they definitely nailed it. (ETA: Video now posted of this AMAZING performance!) 

Also, is it crazy that I really loved Miss Piggy's hair?

9:44 p.m.
Watching Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwenyth Paltrow Best Documentary presenters banter was like a true life Ironman and Pepper scene.

And TWU #4 goes to "Undefeated" winning the category. Y'all, it's like a real life "Friday Night Lights". Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!

I think my Best Banter and Funniest Moment goes to Emma Stone and Ben Stiller. She's hilarious anyway, but I loved how she hammed up the fact that she was a first time presenter. Total drama queen, my kind of gal.

10:05 p.m.
Captain Von Trapp for the win! Best supporting actor goes to Christopher Plummer. His acceptance speech was winsome and charming, making it my favorite of the night thus far. Now excuse me while I indulge myself in a rousing rendition of "Eidelweiss."

10:19 p.m.
Really, Oscars? Only two nominees for Best Song? For shame. But Will Ferrel and Zach Galianfinakis presenting did give me a good giggle.

10:33 p.m.
I'm fading fast, y'all. I also have a strange craving to go eat a cheeseburger in Angelina Jolie's scrawny thigh's honor.

Annnnnnnnd, pose.

10:58 p.m.
TWU #5 - The Governor's Awards highlights and Honorary Oscars going to Oprah and James Earl Jones.

11:24 p.m.
I got nothin'.

11:31 p.m.
I am delighted for Meryl, but a little sad that Viola didn't get it. Also, I'd like to have Colin Firth record the outgoing message on my voicemail. Can someone arrange that for my birthday?

11:36 p.m.
And Best Picture goes to "The Artist"!! Between winning Best Picture and Best Actor, I really need to go see it.

And that's all, folks. It was a tame ceremony as Oscars go. I feel bad I didn't have more to offer, but they really didn't give me much to work with. I have a strongly worded letter going out to the producers tomorrow. Thanks for reading, y'all!

Here's to glamour, here's to fashion, here's to the movies!

It's a big day, y'all.

Twice a year (and maybe one more time, if that other team is lucky) comes a day that is bright and glorious and full of all things the right shade of blue- Carolina blue. Today is one of those days, my friends. 

I've got my new game sweater on.

Wearing my class ring with pride.

Let's do this.

Go Heels! Beat Dook!

Christmas means getting my crafty on until 3:30 in the morning, y'all.

And as such, an already prepared Christmas questionnaire sounds like the perfect idea for a blog post today.

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? Venti Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks, please.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa is a freaking rockstar and leaves gorgeously filled stocking and the big gifts artistically displayed around the tree in such a way that creates the most magic.

3. Multi-colored lights on the tree or white? Oh lord, we had this debate three years ago in our house. I've been converted to white lights, but I reserve the right to go back to multi-colored whenever the mood strikes.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Like I need an excuse to make out with my husband...

5. When do you put your decorations up? Despite the pressure that corporate America is putting on all of us, my decorations go up after Thanksgiving and NO EARLIER.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? The Cruise Family Secret Recipe Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sweet Potato Casserole, Jason's pork tenderloin, PW's Cinnamon Rolls, my mom's Breakfast Goulash. Don't make me pick just one, it's not possible. I'm southern.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Every year since I was born, Mom has given me an angel ornament. Every year I would anticipate the new angel ornament (and Allie's new Santa ornament) because Mom did such a good job picking ones that fit our personality or interests or things that were going on that year. It's still one of my favorite things about Christmas!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was in 4th grade and looking at some pictures that Mom had recently gotten developed from Christmas morning. In one of them, everything was set up just like Santa had left it on Christmas morning but I noticed that the TV was on and an episode of "The Dick Van Dyke" show was playing on Nick at Nite. Right then, I realized that Santa wasn't real. Don't worry, though, I was happy to play along as long as I still got loads of presents under the tree. Greedy little punk...

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We never did when I was growing up, but Jason and I do now.

10. How do you decorate your christmas tree? A strand of white lights around the trunk of the tree so it illuminates from the inside out and shows off the ornaments. White lights around the outer branches (for now, see Question #3) and the vast ornament collection that's been handed down, given to and gathered by me over the years. Simple, sweet and full of meaning on every branch.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I love snow as long as I have my husband, tomato soup and cinnamon rolls in the house.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, and one of my favorite birthdays from my 20's was an ice skating party. Random, sorry.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? One of my absolute favorites was when I was eight years old. My Aunt Joann had drawn my name that year in our gift exchange and she gave my bookwormy little self an entire box full of brand spankin' new Nancy Drew mysteries.

I was pretty jazzed. Also, try to contain your jealousy and not covet my suh-weet Coke sweatshirt and Swatch watch.

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? After several rough Christmases at the start of our marriage, the most important thing to me now is that I get to celebrate with Jason and that at some point we celebrate with one of our families.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? See Question #6

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? In the tradition of my annual angel ornament, Jason and I exchange ornaments as well. We give each other an ornament that is symbolic of something in the past year. You can see some of those here and here.

17. What tops your tree? The angel of courage!

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? I looooooove to give gifts. I'm filled with a giddy joy every year as I plot and plan what to make or buy folks, what will make them especially happy or be something that is especially unique. I've been especially crafty for the last few Christmases and I think Jason is mourning losing me to the craft room this time of year.

19. Candy canes, yuck or yum? Eh. I wouldn't turn one down, but I'm not grief stricken if I go an entire Christmas without eating one.

20. Favorite Christmas movie? Hands down, without a doubt, absolute favorite Christmas movie that I quote (along with Jason, his family and mine) all the ding dang year- "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." I watched it with Mom and Allie at Thanksgiving. Jason and I watched it with a group of our Chatt friends a couple of weeks ago. I just need to sit down and watch it with my in-laws and I will have hit the trifecta.

{Want to see my absolute favorite part that makes me cry laughing? Go watch this. Sorry about the language, but it's just so funny!}

21. Saddest Christmas song? Justin Bieber, "Mistletoe." Actually, you know what? Any Christmas song sung by Justin Bieber is the saddest Christmas song.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? "In the First Light" by Travis Cottrell. There aren't words. Just watch, or even better, close your eyes and listen. And then when you're done, go to iTunes and buy his Christmas album "Ring the Bells." I promise you won't regret it.



But the song that makes me happy and nostalgic and reminds me of pure joy in Christmas? It would be staring at this album cover and listening to this song. The part at 0:36 is my FAVORITE.



{When Animal starts hollerin' "WON'T GO! WON'T GO!"...oh my word, I giggle so hard I can't breathe...}