The Envelope Please...

Are you ready for the Oscars? Have you picked your favorites yet? Ready to watch the red carpet, and see who wore what?  Sunday is the big day...

I must confess, I've only seen one nominated movie this year, (The Grand Budapest Hotel) but I still love watching the awards. All of the Academy buzz has got us thinking and talking movies lately, and we thought we'd share some of the Clever Girl's favorite movies with you in celebration of this week.

Here are are three recommendations from each of us: Movies we love-for better or worse-that you might want to check out for yourselves.  And if you have something we would enjoy, let us know--we're always looking for a good movie to try...

Linda Recommends...

Rosanne Recommends...

Katie Recommends...

Sally Recommends...

Lynn Recommends...

Kathy Recommends...

Jinny Recommends...

If you're ever stumped for a movie to match your mood, try these two web sites for some ideas...tell them what you like or are in the mood for, and they will give you some suggestions.

• AGoodMovietoWatch.com
• YourNextFilm.com

P.S. FACEBOOK ALERT! 

There is a great gift-with-purchase offer on the Clever Girl Facebook page right now...be sure to "Like" us on Facebook so you don't miss out on these specials!  Click HERE to check it out.

"G" is for Groundhog...

As a true blizzard swirls outside my window this morning, I'm crossing my fingers that Monday shall bring happy news from a furry Groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Yes, it's Groundhog Day, everybody!

 This quirky little tradition, involves the weather and a rodent, and was forever immortalized in the movie, Groundhog Day, staring Bill Murray.  (It's running all day today on the AMC channel, by the way...)



What you may not know is that the movie was actually filmed in nearby Woodstock, Illinois! I had no idea about this!!!  The town is devoted to celebrating all things Groundhog.

"Woodstock Willie" is available for photos, there's Groundhog Bowling at Wayne's Lanes, a trivia contest and even a walking tour!  You can stay at the Royal Victorian Manor Bed & Breakfast which was featured as the “Cherry Street Inn” in the movie; and there's even a Groundhog Hotline (815- 334-2620) if you need updates.  I don't know about you, but next year I'm heading there for the big day... 

Here's something else I didn't know: Brian Doyle-Murray, who plays the gravelly-voiced Groundhog Day official, is Bill Murray’s older brother!

So, whatever the outcome; shadow or not, Groundhog Day is quite the fun little February diversion to observe when the wind is howling and the snow is a-flying.  Thank you Mr. Groundhog...

Please note:
As a service to readers of the Clever Girl Chronicle, we offer two important links below.

Should you be interested in acquiring your own weather forecasting mammal (AKA, a Groundhog) my internet searching reveals that they seem to sell for between $400-$700. Decidedly not the cheapest weather forecasting method available.  
Click HERE for an example.

Before you and your family take on one of these fuzzy companions, I strongly suggest that you read this short, yet helpful article on Groundhogs as pets.  I found it most insightful. Especially Section 5, entitled Special Dietary Needs. Click HERE.