And The Nominees Are...

Oh, this is seriously one of my favorite times of year, when the Academy Award nominees are announced! That means I've got to hustle to see all of the nominated films I haven't had the pleasure of viewing up until now, as well as start planning my annual Oscar Party! The good news this year is that I've seen most of the Best Pictures, so the viewing part will be easy. But I've got a lot of brainstorming ahead for my party, seeing as how I've used all my best ideas so far (having an assorted popcorn bar, serving Steak Oscar and even having a real red carpet that ran all the way to my front door)! I'll be sharing photos and ideas from some of my past shindigs as the date draws near, as well as some new ones as I brainstorm, so hopefully you will throw an amazing Oscar party, as well! In the meantime, here's the list of the nominees in top categories, just so you can get a jump start on viewing these amazing films if you haven't already. Or, if you'd prefer, you can view the complete list (as well as great information on the nominated directors and actors, such as win history and biographies) here. Happy viewing! oxox, Chelle

BEST PICTURE
127 Hours
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King’s Speech
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone

BEST ACTOR
Javier Bardem, Biutiful
Jeff Bridges, True Grit
Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network
Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
James Franco, 127 Hours

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale, The Fighter
John Hawkes, Winter’s Bone
Jeremy Renner, The Town
Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech

BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right
Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone
Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech
Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit
Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom
Photo Credit: Opaline's Closet Blog

Hello Gorgeous!

Hello lovelies! I had the most amazing mood boost this morning when a friend just called me out of the blue to tell me how much she loves and appreciates me. It was just the thing to make my day, and I couldn't help but share on the blog, not only to pay it forward by thanking you all for following and enjoying French Charmed, but also to remind you that you have the power to dramatically change someone's day in a matter of a few seconds! Her thoughtfulness gave me an instant high, inspiring me to work out today, dance to fun pop music, buy some fresh flowers, and just enjoy every second that we're blessed with! Hope you have a wonderful day, as well. oxox, Chelle

Photo credit: tandsdaybook.blogspot.com

Snuggle Up

January is just one of those months when nothing sounds better than curling up in a cozy, comfortable blanket (some of my favorites shown here) and reading a delicious book. And when I'm feeling all snuggly and warm while whirling through words of wonder, I somehow always think back to when I'd curl up and read as a child. I could zip through long novels like they were See Spot Run! I tend to take more time to saver every word these days, but occasionally I'll run across a book that I just can't help but devour. My favorite: Year Of Wonders, by Geraldine Brooks. It makes me cry every single time! (And I've probably read it more times than I've checked my E-mail in the last year — it's just that good!) What are some of your favorite books? I'd love to hear some suggestions. oxox, Chelle

This luxurious baby is just in at http://www.frenchcharmed.com/

Pink Perfection

Flower Power

Cozy Cable Knit

Crème de le Crème

Hand Picked

Lead photo credit: RalphLaurenHome.com

Sweet Find

Just a quick little post today, as I had to share this sweet little makeup bag I found! Wish I would have seen it before the holidays, but I'm thinking it could also work as a perfect Valentine's Day gift for my girls. Oh my gosh, did I just mention Valentine's Day?! I can't believe how fast time is flying by... Anyway, I'm off to the flower market now to get something pretty to brighten up this gloomy January day! Hope yours is fantastic! xoxo, Chelle

Paris Please

Visiting Paris during the warm summer months is an amazing experience, but we’re here to tell you that a winter getaway to the city of love can be just as beautiful — arguably even more so! Not only does ice give the city a unique, sleek look and transform the grand architecture into works of winter art, you and a special someone will cuddle all the more closer while strolling through the cool city streets (and while sipping on cappuccinos during the breaks to get warm)! What’s more, the January sales in most French boutiques can’t be beat, and ice skating in front of the Hotel de Ville and Gare Montparnasse is second only to maybe ice skating at New York’s famous Rockefeller Center. So what are you waiting for French Charmers? Pack up your winter best, and we’ll see you in Paris!

Photo credits from top to bottom: Flickr.com, CollageOfLife-Henrqs.blogspot.com, ParlezMoiBlog.blogspot.com, Paris.org, Photo.net, Stevenunsworth.co.uk, TravelingBoard.net, TrekEarth.com.