On Keeping Calm & Media Binging (+ NYC Sweepstakes)

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Holly

When I wrote about my 2013 Goals I said I plan to repeat this mantra to myself over and over this year: Its ok to be happy with a calm life

Saying I am “focusing on” staying calm feels just as ridiculous to me as when I mentioned last year that I was “working” to get more sleep. I operate with an irrational fear of the Productivity Police. This year I want to make sure I’m balancing my goal setting and productivity tendencies with a heavy dose of relaxing. For me that means making space in my life for those things that help me unwind.

I’ve thought a lot about what it is that makes me feel zen, and I wish I could tell you it comes from running or volunteering or planting bulbs in my garden, but the truth is my idea of peace more often involves curling up on my couch to read a book. Cooking a delicious dinner on a Friday night and watching Dateline with Garrett & Buster is just about my ideal evening. Flipping through a giant stack of magazines or Netflixing an entire season of a show on a Saturday afternoon are just my cup of tea. (Bonus if I actually have a cup of tea in hand!)

So 2013 is to be the year of Media Binging.

I know, it’s a lofty goal. 🙂

I’m starting by calendaring the following date with myself: Waking up on my day off, eating a tasty breakfast, and going by myself to see the first show of the day at our local theater while I smugly enjoy my matinee pricing! (What? I feel RELAXED when I put things on the calendar! :))

On my list of shows to see? Side Effects. Have you seen the trailer?

 

The movie opens February 8th and stars a mix of actors that I really enjoy: Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum with his shirt on! (Don’t everyone sob at once. I think Magic Mike will be on Netflix streaming shortly.) Also? It’s a crime thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh. Pretty sure that guy doesn’t direct duds. But do you know what’s even more fun than seeing Side Effects at a matinee at my local theater? Seeing it in New York City with a friend. Am I right?

I am leaving the wild nightlife up to you guys! Each comment posted in response to the sweepstakes prompt below garners an automatic entry into a random drawing for 2 nights at a New York City hotel, airfare for two to New York City from the continental United States and a $50 movie gift card. Wouldn’t it be fun for the winner to watch Side Effects in NYC?

To enter, answer the following question: Why are you excited to see Side Effects?

Side Effects can be found here on Facebook and here on Twitter.

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: a. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post b:Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post c: Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d: For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 1/21/2013-2/10/2013. Be sure to visit the sponsor’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

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81 Responses to On Keeping Calm & Media Binging (+ NYC Sweepstakes)

  1. KellyBrown says:
    January 21, 2013 at 9:12 am

    BC seeing a movie in a theater, any movie, is the best date night I can ask for with my hubby!

  2. misty says:
    January 21, 2013 at 9:23 am

    I’m excited to see Mara Rooney in something else besides the Dragon Tattoo movie!

  3. Sarah says:
    January 21, 2013 at 9:37 am

    Coincidentally, seeing all of Rooney Mara’s movies was one of MY resolutions!

  4. Dana says:
    January 21, 2013 at 9:44 am

    I enjoyed “Contagion” and this one looks equally like something that will drive my brain crazy! Added bonus: it looks like a movie both me and my husband would want to see 😉

  5. Rachel @ painfreekitchen says:
    January 21, 2013 at 9:48 am

    Yes! This is awesome. My boyfriend and I saw this trailer in the movie theater and immediately put it on our “to watch” list. Not only does it have Jude Law (::sigh::) but it’s a great thriller that will keep both of us entertained. Thanks for hosting this!

  6. Rachel @ painfreekitchen says:
    January 21, 2013 at 9:55 am

    PS. Also tweeted for the additional entry. Here is the link like asked – https://twitter.com/painfreekitchen/status/293415586577391616

  7. Tamara says:
    January 21, 2013 at 10:02 am

    You have no idea how much @metalia and @houseofjules and I have made fun of this movie already. SO OF COURSE I WANT TO SEE IT.

  8. Therse says:
    January 21, 2013 at 10:22 am

    I would love to see this movie as a date night with my husband…sigh…all we’ve seen lately are kids movies!

  9. Linh Burnsed says:
    January 21, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Because I want to get out of the house and the movie sounds like fun.

  10. Kim Ericksen says:
    January 21, 2013 at 10:58 am

    I’ve NEVER seen a movie with Channing Tatum, and I like that he’ll have his shirt on. Not that I don’t find him to be a total babe, but I like to leave a little to the imagination. 🙂 I want to see my first C.T. movie in NYC!

    Also, I have been doing Whole30 this month, and what a treat this would be to celebrate all of the hard work I’ve put into it! I NEED this. Gimme. XO

  11. Malaika says:
    January 21, 2013 at 11:29 am

    This movie absolutely looks thrilling from beginning to end!

  12. JulieVK says:
    January 21, 2013 at 11:52 am

    Honestly, I had never heard of it, but I’m excited NOW.

  13. Carmel says:
    January 21, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    I love smart thrillers, and I’m a fan of Soderbergh’s previous movies. Also a Rooney Mara fan!

  14. Ellen says:
    January 21, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    I’m stressed just from the preview. A pharmaceutical thriller. It appeals to the science nerd in all of us. And the amorous Channing Tatum-lover in all of us. Woohoo, NYC.

  15. Katie M says:
    January 21, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Channing Tatum! A date night in New York City! There are too many good things to list!

  16. Caitlin says:
    January 21, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    Jude law, Channing tatum, and a thrillernplotline? Be still my beating heart!!

    Plus I’ve sadly never been to NYC!!

  17. Courtney Barts says:
    January 21, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    I love movies AND Channing. Bring it!

  18. Alicia says:
    January 21, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Holly, I’m the same way with balancing productivity/planning and relaxation. You better believe I have scheduled dates with myself written in my planner (color-coded of course). Books are my way of relaxing more than movies, but Side Effects looks like a thrilling and fun way to spend a couple hours!

  19. Sarah says:
    January 21, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    I love matinee shows and this movie has some great actors in it! Excited to see it!!

  20. Elizabeth says:
    January 21, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude. What an awesome give away! Channing Tatum, need I say more?

  21. Tiffany says:
    January 21, 2013 at 10:29 pm

    “Why are you excited to see Side Effects?” Two words: hot men. Two more words: Soderbergh Thriller (almost just as good as Michael Jackson’s Thriller but entirely different).

  22. Mary says:
    January 21, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    Because I rarely see contemporary movies…. and I wouldn’t know any of those folks mentioned if I passed them on the street! I need some NYC (and evidently Hollywood) culture lessons!

  23. Joanna says:
    January 22, 2013 at 7:04 am

    I saw the trailer in the theater and put it on my list of movies to see! I generally like Steven Soderbergh flicks. 🙂

  25. Breanna says:
    January 22, 2013 at 7:29 am

    I love a good suspense/thriller movie and I will basically see any movie with Channing Tatum in it!

  26. Kerry says:
    January 22, 2013 at 8:12 am

    I’m excited because I love suspense movies and this looks like it has some great actors in it too!

  28. Maureen says:
    January 22, 2013 at 11:18 am

    I’m excited because I’m a fan of Jude Law!

  29. lesliecooks says:
    January 22, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    i love a good thriller and jude law. yum… id love to win!

  30. Ashley Hatten says:
    January 22, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    I’m excited to see this because the cast is AMAZING and the movie plot sounds like one we would love! Thanks for the chance to win!!
    ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com

  32. Rachel says:
    January 22, 2013 at 8:00 pm

    A movie is always a fun/relaxing thing to do. I LOVE suspense movies, and I also love Jude Law and Channing Tatum! Cannot wait to see this!

  33. tara pittman says:
    January 22, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    a cool movie

  34. Lauren Jones says:
    January 23, 2013 at 6:48 am

    I’m excited to see Side Effects because I have a feeling it’s one of those movies that makes you think. And you almost have to be present so you can watch every detail so you don’t miss anything! Can’t wait to see it!

  35. rachel says:
    January 23, 2013 at 8:22 am

    I love going to movies with my husband…and eating tons of popcorn! hehe

  36. Dani says:
    January 23, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I stopped breathing during the preview!! That’s the kind of movie I love to experience. My bestie and I promised to get to New York by our 40th birthdays. I would love to surprise her five years early.

  37. Erika says:
    January 23, 2013 at 11:01 am

    I’m excited to see this because I really love psychological thrillers…and Jude Law isn’t too bad either. 🙂
    chambanachik at gmail dot com

  38. Nicole says:
    January 23, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    The cast looks amazing — even with Channing’s shirt on :/

  39. Sophia says:
    January 23, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Jude Law + a thriller … that sounds great. I’ll probably have my eyes covered half the time, but I love these kind of movies.

  40. Merle M says:
    January 23, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    I like Catherine Zeta-Jones and this film looks interesting

  41. sandra says:
    January 24, 2013 at 5:52 am

    i’m excited because i love jude law

  42. Amelia says:
    January 25, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    I’m excited to see Side Effects because it has such a great cast!

  43. Lindsey @ I Run in Heels says:
    January 25, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    The preview got my heart racing (and not just because Channing Tatum was in it). It looks like a wonderfully suspenseful story! Here’s my tweet: https://twitter.com/iruninheels/status/294920680699478016

  44. amy rouse says:
    January 26, 2013 at 10:03 am

    great cast, lots of suspense. Great moviemaking.

  47. Amy Tong says:
    January 26, 2013 at 10:15 pm

    I love Jude Law! So, I’m very excited to see Side Effect. Can’t wait.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  49. Sara says:
    January 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    I love love love thrillers, but my partner is never up for it. This would get her to the theater for sure 🙂

  50. Lyndsy D says:
    January 28, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Two words: Channing. Tatum.

  51. Melissa says:
    January 28, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    I’m excited to see Side Effects because it looks so different from most things I watch… and also because the last time I went to a movie theater was before I had my three kids, back in 2006!! lol

  52. Lisa K. says:
    January 29, 2013 at 5:24 am

    I’m excited to see Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum in a thriller! It’s going to be so AWESOME!

  53. Shannon S. says:
    January 29, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    Yes! I love a thriller AND Channing Tatum!

  55. Jen says:
    January 30, 2013 at 6:55 am

    Looks like a great cast and a creepy, fascinating plot.

  56. Leah B says:
    January 30, 2013 at 11:57 am

    It has a good cast and looks like one of those movies that you leave wondering … could this really be going on? Plus a night out at the movies, can’t tell you the last time that happened!

  57. TS says:
    January 30, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    Soderbergh! And, I have some personal experience with a pill’s strange side effects (Ambien comes to mind)! Scary…

  58. Georgia says:
    January 31, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    Love a movie that keeps me on the edge and the trailer did that! Can’t wait!

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

  60. cw says:
    January 31, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    I’m excited to see it because I love suspense movies

  61. Karina Lee says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    i can’t wait to see Jude Law

  63. Wehaf says:
    February 4, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    I love psychological thrillers, and I love CZJ, so I bet I will love this movie!

  64. Betty C says:
    February 5, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    I’m excited about this movie because it is exactly the genre I love (and a great cast doesn’t hurt).

  65. Wild Orchid says:
    February 6, 2013 at 7:53 am

    I am excited to see it because the cast looks awesome!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

  66. Wild Orchid says:
    February 6, 2013 at 7:55 am

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/299184395745636353

  67. Sarah L says:
    February 6, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    I want to see it just because of the actors and the director.
    Thanks for the contest.

  69. Julia says:
    February 6, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    So excited to see this movie with a wonderful cast, especially excited to see Rooney Mara in a new movie.

  71. Elisabeth says:
    February 9, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    I’m excited to see Side Effects because of all the awesome actors in it!

  73. Denise L says:
    February 9, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    I love everyone in this cast – very excited to see Side Effects!

  75. anash says:
    February 10, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    im not totally sure why!! i have to think about! Thanks for a super giveaway! My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  76. anash says:
    February 10, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/300820423606669312
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  77. Erica Best says:
    February 11, 2013 at 11:29 am

    this not my kind of movie but i seem to be a movie with alot of turns