4 out of 5 stars
(too many stinkin' almost-naked ladies...)
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
6.09.2011
5.20.2011
5.12.2011
Our Movie Rating: Soul Surfer
****/*****
I watched this with Natasha a few weeks ago and it was very well done. AnnaSophia Robb did an excellent job, especially in the crucial sharkbiting scene.
4.04.2011
Our Movie Rating:Tess D'Urbervilles
Quite possibly the most depressing story I have ever watched. I don't even know how to rate it.
***/*****
3.09.2011
...Up To?
As in... What have you been?
Thanks for all your kind messages, verbal or written, about our big news.
Changes, changes, changes are what we've been up to. Good ones, of course. Franco made a page-and-a-half long list of "Things to do before we move" on Monday. I'm letting him take care of most of them because he's just more capable of taking care of things like, "close our current lease," "prepare to sell our car," "get a new car," "find a place to live in july," "and possibly the scariest, "apply for financial aid." Did you know that optometry school costs $30,000 a year? Yep. Gulp, is right.
One of the things Franco asked me to do is to plan how and where I will work when we move. I know what I don't want to do: work at an insurance agency. I may keep doing some remote work at my home computer for a while to help with the transition, but that's still undecided. In my dream world, I'd be a successful graphic designer, mainly focusing on event invitations or logo designs. I am not a career woman. Looking back, I wish I would have taken a business class or two (instead of all the English classes I took instead, back when I was an English major) because I honestly don't know anything about the business world. How to start a business? I have no idea where to start. If anyone has any suggestions or tips, they are most welcome.
But anyway, this post wasn't meant to be all about my petit problรจmes.
I've been on a BBC & Masterpiece Theater kick lately and thought I'd share some of the latest and greatest series I've had the pleasure of watching. I assume that a lot of you either have access to a computer with internet, or have a Netflix subscription, or at the very least have a library card and can have access to these great titles, so if you're looking for something to watch alone or with your hubby, these are some great picks.
Here they are in the order I liked them the most:
1. First up is Jane Austen's classic, Emma. (2009)
Light, airy, and romantic. At first, I didn't know what to think about the actress who plays Emma, Romola Garai, but I warmed up to her and really enjoyed the transformation she portrayed as Emma went from a self-possessed, nosy, meddling matchmaker to a forcibly humbled, repentant woman. Mr. Knightley wasn't bad, either.
Available on: Netflix DVD (2 discs, 4 episodes) (It's also available on YouTube) I actually borrowed it from my city library.
2. Next is Sense & Sensibility. (2008) (Sorry, I'm such a sucker for Jane Austen!)
These "modern" adaptations aren't bad at all. The 1995 version with Emma Thompson will forever hold the #1 position for a S&S adaptation, but this one was longer and dealt with the little details and emotions the older version just couldn't get into because of time.
Available on: Netflix DVD (1 Disc, 180 mins) I watched it on YouTube but can't find the link just now.
3. I just finished Wives & Daughters (1999), a BBC production of a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell.
It reminds me of a Cinderella story only because Molly's father remarries after her mother dies and the stepmother, while not exactly wicked, is very annoying. Molly is loyal, humble, and thinks of everyone else but herself, keeping secrets others tell her, even though they visibly burden her. She's very patient, though not a very take-action person, but something in her finally snaps and she takes a leap of faith to win over the man she secretly loves.
I watched it on Netflix Instant, but it's also available on DVD (3 discs, 4 episodes).
4. To continue with the Austen adaptations, Persuasion (2007) is my next favorite.
I didn't know the storyline before watching this, as I've never read the book or watched any other movies, but I liked the character of Anne Elliot. I am a person who is easily persuaded, too, but in matters of the heart, Anne and I are both founded on rock. I related a lot to her and was impressed by her depth of emotion and regret, and then resolution as she finally decides for herself what she wants to do, and then does it.
Available on: Netflix DVD (1 disc, 93 minutes) and on YouTube.
I also watched Daniel Deronda (2002) on Netflix Instant, but I didn't really like it. It was not predictable in some parts, I'll give it that, but I couldn't really relate to any of the characters and it was just not my cup of tea.
Next up on my To-Watch list are Northanger Abbey (2007) Mansfield Park (2007), and Tess of the D'Urbervilles (2008) (starring my doppleganger, Gemma Arterton. Do you see it? =).
I've said it before, but I inarguably spend way too much time watching movies. I hope to change that once we get rid of our Netflix subscription, which is sadly one of the "Things to do before we move" list. I'll miss it, but I'll still have the library and YouTube. Please, don't ever take away my YouTube.
Enjoy your week!
Thanks for all your kind messages, verbal or written, about our big news.
Changes, changes, changes are what we've been up to. Good ones, of course. Franco made a page-and-a-half long list of "Things to do before we move" on Monday. I'm letting him take care of most of them because he's just more capable of taking care of things like, "close our current lease," "prepare to sell our car," "get a new car," "find a place to live in july," "and possibly the scariest, "apply for financial aid." Did you know that optometry school costs $30,000 a year? Yep. Gulp, is right.
One of the things Franco asked me to do is to plan how and where I will work when we move. I know what I don't want to do: work at an insurance agency. I may keep doing some remote work at my home computer for a while to help with the transition, but that's still undecided. In my dream world, I'd be a successful graphic designer, mainly focusing on event invitations or logo designs. I am not a career woman. Looking back, I wish I would have taken a business class or two (instead of all the English classes I took instead, back when I was an English major) because I honestly don't know anything about the business world. How to start a business? I have no idea where to start. If anyone has any suggestions or tips, they are most welcome.
But anyway, this post wasn't meant to be all about my petit problรจmes.
I've been on a BBC & Masterpiece Theater kick lately and thought I'd share some of the latest and greatest series I've had the pleasure of watching. I assume that a lot of you either have access to a computer with internet, or have a Netflix subscription, or at the very least have a library card and can have access to these great titles, so if you're looking for something to watch alone or with your hubby, these are some great picks.
Here they are in the order I liked them the most:
1. First up is Jane Austen's classic, Emma. (2009)
Light, airy, and romantic. At first, I didn't know what to think about the actress who plays Emma, Romola Garai, but I warmed up to her and really enjoyed the transformation she portrayed as Emma went from a self-possessed, nosy, meddling matchmaker to a forcibly humbled, repentant woman. Mr. Knightley wasn't bad, either.
2. Next is Sense & Sensibility. (2008) (Sorry, I'm such a sucker for Jane Austen!)
These "modern" adaptations aren't bad at all. The 1995 version with Emma Thompson will forever hold the #1 position for a S&S adaptation, but this one was longer and dealt with the little details and emotions the older version just couldn't get into because of time.
3. I just finished Wives & Daughters (1999), a BBC production of a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell.
It reminds me of a Cinderella story only because Molly's father remarries after her mother dies and the stepmother, while not exactly wicked, is very annoying. Molly is loyal, humble, and thinks of everyone else but herself, keeping secrets others tell her, even though they visibly burden her. She's very patient, though not a very take-action person, but something in her finally snaps and she takes a leap of faith to win over the man she secretly loves.
4. To continue with the Austen adaptations, Persuasion (2007) is my next favorite.
I didn't know the storyline before watching this, as I've never read the book or watched any other movies, but I liked the character of Anne Elliot. I am a person who is easily persuaded, too, but in matters of the heart, Anne and I are both founded on rock. I related a lot to her and was impressed by her depth of emotion and regret, and then resolution as she finally decides for herself what she wants to do, and then does it.
I also watched Daniel Deronda (2002) on Netflix Instant, but I didn't really like it. It was not predictable in some parts, I'll give it that, but I couldn't really relate to any of the characters and it was just not my cup of tea.
Next up on my To-Watch list are Northanger Abbey (2007) Mansfield Park (2007), and Tess of the D'Urbervilles (2008) (starring my doppleganger, Gemma Arterton. Do you see it? =).
I've said it before, but I inarguably spend way too much time watching movies. I hope to change that once we get rid of our Netflix subscription, which is sadly one of the "Things to do before we move" list. I'll miss it, but I'll still have the library and YouTube. Please, don't ever take away my YouTube.
Enjoy your week!
2.23.2011
Our Movie Rating: You Again
Yes, we're back to watching a lot of movies. Franco has a class at Northridge twice a week so I'm stuck at work during lunch time. I'm too much of a wuss to go outside when it's below 60 degrees, so I stay in and watch Netflix instant during my lunch hour. I definitely watch more movies than Franco. I watched three movies in the last week with the same actress, Romola Garai, inadvertently--Emma, Nicholas Nickelby, and Daniel Deronda. Didn't know she was in all three movies until they started to play and she came on screen.Isn't it funny when that happens? Last night we were both so tired, but You Again had come in the mail, so we just lay in our bed watching it on our computer. Clean, cute, funny.
****/*****
Oh, and we finally saw Tangled on Monday night. A typical, beautiful Disney fairytale-retelling. We loved it. Franco and I talked about how we're living our "Happily Ever After" already. I'm so incredibly lucky. =)
1.31.2011
Just The Two Of Us: A Few Lists Of Romantic Movies
By now it's no surprise that I love to watch movies. I say "I" and not "we" because though Franco watches most movies with me, I don't know if he particularly loves to do it. I'd say he mostly goes along with it because I ask him to, and he's just incredibly nice like that.
Valentine's day is coming up, so I put together a few lists of "romantic" movies to give you some ideas if you're like us and prefer to stay home instead of braving the crowds on V-day weekend. Or if you need some ideas for cute and clean "stay-at-home date night" flicks, or even just something to watch while you go about doing your normal duties--folding laundry, sorting mail, unloading groceries, sewing, quilting, painting, menu-planning, what have you.
First, we have my All-time Romantic Favorites: Pride & Prejudice (2005), The Princess Bride, Ever After, and While You Were Sleeping.
I've watched each of these countless times but you'll never find better, cleaner, more heart-fluttering romances than these.
Next is the Cute & Quirky Romantic Comedy list: Penelope (not particularly a comedy but it makes me laugh), Dan In Real Life, Leap Year, When In Rome. With a little touch of magique or some characters with real grace and wit, you can't go wrong with any of these pairs of star-crossed lovebirds.
Valentine's day is coming up, so I put together a few lists of "romantic" movies to give you some ideas if you're like us and prefer to stay home instead of braving the crowds on V-day weekend. Or if you need some ideas for cute and clean "stay-at-home date night" flicks, or even just something to watch while you go about doing your normal duties--folding laundry, sorting mail, unloading groceries, sewing, quilting, painting, menu-planning, what have you.
First, we have my All-time Romantic Favorites: Pride & Prejudice (2005), The Princess Bride, Ever After, and While You Were Sleeping.
I've watched each of these countless times but you'll never find better, cleaner, more heart-fluttering romances than these.
Next is the Cute & Quirky Romantic Comedy list: Penelope (not particularly a comedy but it makes me laugh), Dan In Real Life, Leap Year, When In Rome. With a little touch of magique or some characters with real grace and wit, you can't go wrong with any of these pairs of star-crossed lovebirds.
I couldn't bear to leave any of these Animated Love Stories out: Beauty and the Beast (Disney), Anastasia (Dimitri is still my one and only cartoon crush!), and Corpse Bride. These are great to watch if you're left at home without a babysitter, or for your kiddos to watch with the babysitter. =)
I don't think anyone can resist the innocence of Teen Love (as paranormal or creepy as it may seem): Twilight, 17 Again, and Flipped.
I combined these two lists, Romantic Remakes and Unforgettable Series, since each story was initially either a movie or a book.
Romantic Remakes: Sabrina (the newest one), and You've Got Mail. Unforgettable Series (you may need to plan out from 6-9 hours of watching time for these, but they are so worth it): Pride & Prejudice (A&E version) and Little Dorrit.
And finally, a few Endearing Oldies to make you smile and wish you'd been alive during the era of black-and-white: It Happened One Night, Some Like It Hot, and An Affair to Remember.
And there they are. My list started after I read this post, which also has some great recommended titles.
Did I leave anything out? Let me know what you think!
1.26.2011
Things As Of Late
Days: work, school for Franco, hoping and praying that he'll get into optometry school this year
Nights: family & church activities, not cleaning our home, and watching "Little Dorrit" until really late. Have you seen it? It's the next best series after A&E's Pride & Prejudice, I would say. Mr. Darcy's in it, the one from the newest P&P. Yes, you must see it. We're finally finishing the last three episodes tonight. Can't wait! I got a little ahead this morning while Franco was showering and when he came out, he said, "You're watching it without me? We have to watch it as a family! Wait until tonight!" It was cute.
Hope your rest of the week is fantastic!
Nights: family & church activities, not cleaning our home, and watching "Little Dorrit" until really late. Have you seen it? It's the next best series after A&E's Pride & Prejudice, I would say. Mr. Darcy's in it, the one from the newest P&P. Yes, you must see it. We're finally finishing the last three episodes tonight. Can't wait! I got a little ahead this morning while Franco was showering and when he came out, he said, "You're watching it without me? We have to watch it as a family! Wait until tonight!" It was cute.
Hope your rest of the week is fantastic!
1.14.2011
You've Got Mail + The Shop Around The Corner
"That's a very interesting mixture of poetry and meanness."
"Meanness? Let me tell you something about meanness--"
"Oh, now, don't misunderstand me. I'm only trying to pay you a compliment."
I never knew that You've Got Mail was a redo of the Jimmy Stewart classic The Shop Around The Corner in the way that a lot of the dialogue and scenes are exactly the same. Now I can't decide which one I like the most!
1.03.2011
Cancelled New {New To Me, Anyways} Show, Rita Rocks
I love Netflix instant, but it makes me sort of miss regular t.v. where I could actually watch shows "live" instead of two years after its pilot, and then find out it was cancelled after only two seasons, both of which I watched in a little less than two weeks. Good t.v. shows are so hard to find nowadays. Oh well, I guess we're stuck watching Wizards of Waverly Place once again. I wonder if Modern Family will keep going? Now that Steve Carell is leaving The Office, I'm afraid I will never find anything I like on t.v. again. But that's what I said after Pushing Daisies was cancelled.
Are there any shows you like that you recommend? Preferably ones that we can watch online? And preferably ones that don't involve crime scenes, runways, or dancing? Or singing high school students? I just can't get into those shows for some reason. =)
Are there any shows you like that you recommend? Preferably ones that we can watch online? And preferably ones that don't involve crime scenes, runways, or dancing? Or singing high school students? I just can't get into those shows for some reason. =)
R.I.P. Rita Rocks
{Yes, that is the guy, Pete, from the show Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place.
Who knew Ryan Reynolds would become the Sexiest Man Alive just 10 years later?}
12.31.2010
Our Movie Rating: Flipped
****/*****
This is my sister's favorite book. She's read it 49,999 times and was quoting lines from the book as she watched the movie, so I'd say the movie follows the book pretty well. Such a cute and relate-able story, despite some language that pops up in the movie that isn't in the book {hence the 4 out of 5 stars}. Loved it!
12.29.2010
Our Movie Rating: Tron Legacy
***1/2/*****
We saw this on Christmas day.
There were 5 people in the theater.
It was exciting, but rather complicated for a Disney movie.
My favorite part was the "game" with the motorcycle.
What did you think of it?
12.13.2010
Our Movie Rating: Ramona & Beezus
I'll admit it. I have a little thing for Josh Duhamel. And Selena Gomez. They were both great in this movie. But Joey King, Ramona, unarguably stole the show.
Did you ever read Beverly Cleary's Ramona series?
Did you ever read Beverly Cleary's Ramona series?
10.05.2010
8.18.2010
Friends Etsy Shops!
I'm so excited to invite you to visit a couple of my friends Etsy shops! I should have done this a while ago.
I must say, I have some pretty talented friends.
First, Kim's shop called "Dainty Blooms." She describes her shop:
I must say, I have some pretty talented friends.
First, Kim's shop called "Dainty Blooms." She describes her shop:
Thank you for visiting Dainty Blooms--your source for beautiful felt and fabric flower accessories for infants, toddlers, girls and women of all ages! I love custom orders! If you see something you like but want it in another color, send me a convo and I'll let you know what colors I have available for you!Don't you just love her banner? Her flowers are meticulously made and so--no better word to describe them--dainty! And her photos are so beautiful!
I'm on a strict budget right now...but I've got my eye on the black felt poppy hair clip.
Love!
¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨¨¨¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨¨¨¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨¨¨¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨¨¨¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨¨¨¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨¨¨¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨¨¨¨°ยบ©©ยบ°¨
Next is the talented Leanne's shop called "Elle Apparel." {Visit her blog, too: Elle Apparel} She says:
Welcome to Elle Apparel! Each item in my shop is one of a kind and has been hand crafted.
She also handcrafts beautiful flower headbands. My favorite part is reading the names of these beauties:
I'm just so impressed by the creativity of my friends. It's cool to see someone close to you successfully share her talents--and make a little money on the side! Thanks for visiting, maybe sometime soon we can all coordinate a giveaway!
7.22.2010
Young Victoria
I recently saw the movie The Young Victoria and instantly placed it in my top ten romantically beautiful {and beautiful to look at, too} movies of all time. I was thinking of it again just a couple days ago, and then today I saw this post dated July 20th. I think the ladies at Design*Sponge were reading my thoughts.
Did you see this movie? Did you like it?
I really like Emily Blunt. The fact that she married John Krasinski,
Jim from The Office, a couple weeks ago in Italy helped boost that like up a bit as well.
6.26.2010
5.20.2010
Classic Book Sets
Chances are you've heard of and swooned over {I know I have} the gorgeous Penguin Classics book set, originally from England. Chances are you slept, ate, and dreamt about all the ways you could use these colorful hardbacks...{because of course your first thought was "How pretty these would look on my shelf!" and not "Ooh, I want to buy these so I can read each and every one!"} I know I did.
But, you bookmarked the page and after a while you "forgot" about them as I did.
Last week I came across this book set from Deseret book and was once again reminded of the beloved + popular Penguin Classics. But now the Deseret Classic set is looking a little more alluring pricewise~ over $150 for 10 books verses $80 for 8. {Okay, the covers do say "Classics for LDS homes..." but still...}
Tempting...but I will always have a soft spot for the penguin's...
Tempting...but I will always have a soft spot for the penguin's...
What do you think? Which set do you like better?
{a.k.a. which would look better on your shelf?}
3.23.2010
The Book Is Better Than The Cover
What caught my attention about these books was Ibbotson's style of writing. It's very sophisticated, and sometimes I forget I'm reading a young adult book. What I love most is the places these books are set. Austria, Russia, South America~ it's a whole new world. I pictured the covers in the order that I liked the books, with my favorite being A Countess Below Stairs. I'm reading The Reluctant Heiress currently and it's moving up the line, so we'll see. Pick one up and let me know what you think.
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