December Favorites

The holiday season is typically jolly but winter tends have a negative effect on my mood. So far, this winter has been especially cold, dark, and snowy, and it has me wishing I never have to leave the comfort of my bed again. In December I wanted to fill my time with entertainment that captivated me and made me forget all about the weather. Luckily that was pretty easy to find.

Podcasts, podcasts and more podcasts. I've been on a huge podcast kick since last month. Mostly Gilmore Guys, Ladies Who Lunch, WTF with Marc Maron, Anna Faris is Unqualified, and The Nerdist. I can't get enough.

Jane the Virgin. I started watching this show at the beginning of December and sped right through the first two seasons. Jane the Virgin is an hour long dramedy that mimics a telenovela. Although things can get a little crazy and over the top, it does not shy away from real life issues. I had heard nothing but good things since the show originally aired and it did not disappoint. If you haven't seen Jane yet, go watch it. Right Now. And no, I'm not caught up with any of season 3 so no spoilers.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. In the past I've mentioned my mom's long term obsession with Star Wars and the family memories I have growing up with the films. When Rogue One came out this year my mom and I were both busy and we weren't able to see the film opening night. Honestly I wasn't even sure I wanted to see the film in theaters, but when my brother mentioned going to see it as a family my mom guilt tripped me into going along. Thankfully Rogue One was spectacular. Now I can't believe I almost missed it.

Bluetooth Speaker. I got a Bose portable mini speaker for Christmas and have been loving it. I now have mini surround sound while watching Netflix on my laptop.

Troye Sivan's Blue Neighborhood album. This album came out in 2015 but I only listened to the entire album for the first time last month. All the music on Blue Neighborhood feels dreamy and youthful in a way that reminds me of summer time or warm vacations. There is something comforting and nostalgic about Troye's music that took me from dancing to total relaxation and back again.

Kindred by Octavia Butler - Best book of December if not the whole year. Kindred is a modern classic that was originally published in 1979. The novel follows Dana, an African American woman living in the 1970's, who travels back in time to meet her ancestors. This story took off right from page one and had me hooked the entire time. It's a sit on the edge of your seat, stay up until 3 AM, give you all the feels kind of book. I read Kindred for January's book club meeting and I can't wait to discuss these characters with the group.

My last favorite of December,
Holiday spirit and Christmas traditions. The holiday season is usually filled with warmth and cheeriness, but this year seemed more merry than usual. I was amazed with the number of people who made a point of telling me "Happy Holidays," "Merry Christmas," or "Happy New Year" while I was at work. Each time someone said something nice it brought a smile to my face. It's the little things that make that time of year special. One of my favorite holiday traditions over the last four or five years has been watching the movie White Christmas at the State Theater with my friend Sandy. Now I get to experience one of my favorite classics with one of my favorite friends. Christmas traditions and all the lovely holiday decorations also made this year special. My family made new traditions by spending Christmas day at my parent's house instead of my Grandparent's like we've done ever since I can remember. The change was different but the day was just as fun! My dad and I even made a new egg casserole dish in addition to our traditional Christmas breakfast.

December wasn't too bad in the end. Thankfully I had plenty of help getting me through. I'll probably be enjoying some of these favorites throughout January as well!

- S

My Week In Links 2

Hi guys and gals,

I've been a bad blogger recently and haven't kept up on things for the last couple of weeks. So let's get up to date, shall we?

My brother and his girl friend got engaged last week in Disney World! Disney is one of her favorite places and I had a hunch he would do it there, but none of us actually knew before it happened. We're all pretty damn excited about it though. They're adorable and I love them.

This illustration reminded me of them (source)

I really hope everyone saw this video of Anne Hathaway's lip sync battle with Emily Blunt. So perfect.

In case you haven't seen this either. OMG the excitement!! Like for reals this needs to come out already.

(source)

Also, apparently Adam Carolla made a movie about Paul Newman's racing career and it looks super good. What's better than one of Hollywood's finest men and car racing? Well probably a lot of things, but I'll definitely watch this movie.

I'm really late to the party on this one, but I just discovered Casey Neistat (yeah I know I'm behind the times). So I've been watching way too many of his videos lately and they're absolutely inspiring. Talk about someone who has worked hard and is living the dream. Just a reminder to keep doing what you love because you never know what kind of opportunities it will bring.

Saturday was Record Store Day. I picked up the two special releases shown above, but it was surprisingly disappointing this year. My dad and I got to RPM Records at 8:08 am (they opened at 8:00) and by then everything we really wanted was gone. Neither of us thought there would be so many people there right when it opened. I guess now we know for next year.

This is so accurate.

Candles, candles, I want all the candles.

I painted and redecorated my room last week. I'm currently working on a more in depth blog post about it, but there's still a lot of finishing touches that need to be done. I might wait until everything is done before showing it off. (hopefully it won't take too long though)

This pillow would be a perfect addition to the new room.

I also really love this Dirty Dancing poster.

I'm thinking this will be the next mug in my collection. Nothing inspires more confidence than Agent Carter. Know your value ladies and gents. They better be bringing that show back in the fall or else I'm gonna be pissed.

Finally, these because they're too funny not to share.

-S

Cinderella Movie Review

Like I mentioned in my last post, I went to see the new Disney Cinderella movie last Sunday. Besides feeling excited to finally see the movie I was also quite anxious about whether or not it would meet my expectations. Guess what? I had no reason to worry because the movie surpassed anything I had in my head. Cinderella was a beautiful, heart-warming, and fresh movie. A classic for all ages that I can't wait to see it again.

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Growing up my family never owned the Disney animated version of Cinderella. We had a copy of the Rodgers and Hammerstein 1965 musical that I loved very much (even though I was always bothered by Lesley Ann Warren's voice). I knew all the words to every song and would sing and dance along pretending that I was Cinderella. I also have good memories of watching the premier of the 1997 edition with Brandy and Whitney Houston. Besides those beloved classics, Ever After is one of my favorite movies of all time. So like I said, the new film had a lot to live up to.

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Cinderella is a very well known fairy tale. The story has been retold so many different times it's hard to believe people can still come up with something new. Disney did a great job of keeping all the little things we love about the animated version while adding in certain details that made it feel more real. Unlike the animated version where all the characters were very much one dimensional, we finally got to see more of the character's humanity. There's a depth to each character that wasn't there before. I particularly loved the prince's interactions with his father, as well as the stepmother's confession to Ella that illuminated her past and certain feelings about the situation. The audience is finally able to see that the stepmother is not an "evil" person; she has her reasons for being the way she is, even if that doesn't justify her actions.

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The film was really well cast and the actors did a phenomenal job. Not only did each person physically fit their role, they personified the little elements of each character that I love. Cate Blanchett killed it as usual. Helena Bonham Carter's quirky self was perfect for the role of fairy godmother. Richard Madden's smile actually made me blush and Lily James lit up as Ella. Even Jaq and Gus Gus were adorable as ever.

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Seriously that man is ridiculously handsome with or without facial hair.

The movie itself was absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. From the costuming to the set designs every little detail was accounted for. That is one thing I love about Disney, they are incredibly meticulous about everything they create. The film was infused with a great deal of color without ever feeling overwhelming. Bursts of emerald greens, vibrant pinks, vivid reds and shimmering blues were all tied together with delicate gold details. Ella's dresses were stunning (even the rags). There's nothing more magical than the part when her dress changes from the torn pink one to the big beautiful blue one. Though that skirt definitely looked like it would have been difficult to dance in.

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This is now the dress I want for my wedding. I mean seriously it's perfect. I'm so in love.

At it's core Cinderella is a story about love and kindness. The movie was able to highlight love in the familial sense as well as a romantic one. Ella had a beautiful relationship with her parents who taught her that having courage and being kind were the most important things to remember. "Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is magic." Being kind to other people, even when they're not so kind to you, is a great message. We should all be a little kinder to one another.

Besides being a more serious and at times sad movie, there was still a lot of fun and joy throughout the film. My heart felt a little lighter after leaving the theater. Watching Cinderella always reminds me to have hope in the future because you never know who you'll meet or when things might turn around.

It's hard to explain what the story of Cinderella means to me. Whether it was watching different movie versions of the story as a child or getting the chance to dance the part, the story holds a lot of my most cherished memories. Cinderella was the first ballet I ever attended with my grandma and I can still remember being in total awe of the dancers. Even though I was already taking ballet classes, after that performance I knew I wanted to be one of those girls some day. I was never the best dancer in the company but I really worked hard for that part. That ballet included some of my happiest moments and my greatest friendships. I don't think I will ever watch Cinderella without thinking about that time in my life. It's good to look back on those experiences with a smile, but I'm ready to make new memories to be reminded of every time I watch this movie. Just like the old fairy tale got a fresh update, my life also continues to change and improve.

The stories we hold close when we're young have a way of staying with us forever. Disney has introduced a whole new generation to the magic of Cinderella. Hopefully one that will grow up remembering to have courage and be kind. The new film was everything I could have hoped for and more. A joy-filled celebration of love and magic. Now I can't wait for the upcoming remake of Beauty And The Beast!

-S

Yes I colored this three years ago. Coloring is the bomb and you're never too old for Disney Princess coloring books. 

TFIOS Thoughts

Friday afternoon I finished rereading The Fault In Our Stars for the second time. I originally read the book when it came out in 2012, but I wanted a refresher before seeing the movie with my mom yesterday. There's so much I want to say about this book and this story, but it's extremely hard to put into words how much this book does for me. I guess you could say, "my thoughts are stars I can't fathom into constellations".

I'm sure people love (or don't love) the book for all sorts of different reasons. For me, the books that I like best are ones that I can relate to on some personal level. My favorite books also force me to consider questions about the world and human nature; things that everyone can relate to. John Green writes in a way that encompasses all of these aspects in each of his books.

I've never personally experienced the type of love story this book holds, nor have I encountered the type of pain and seriousness that accompanies cancer (thankfully), but I have spent many hours in the hospital. I know what it's like to feel like a pin cushion. I know what it's like to wish for the good nurses. I know what it's like to try and sleep in the ICU with a nurse at the end of your bed and the constant beep of your fellow patient's monitors. I know about pain levels and the 1-10 scale. I know what it's like to feel different from everyone else.

When Hazel refers to herself as a side effect it summed up many of the ways I feel about myself. I tend to see myself as an anomaly, something that evolution is set up to get rid of. I'm a hopeless cause with no cure, but aren't we all really? Eventually, we all meet the same fate and return to the place we came from. The amount of time we are given on this planet, in this particular life, doesn't actually make a difference. We are all fatal. "What a slut time is, she screws everybody."

We never know the size of our own infinity, but we can choose who we love during that time. Who we effect and who effects us. This book reminds me that loving people is what we are meant to do with this life. And it doesn't matter how many people we love, but how strongly we love them.

The book isn't just about two kids who have cancer, it's about humanity. It's about what it means to exist in this world and to share our lives with other human beings. It's about love, in all of it's forms. Everyone can relate to that.

- - -

Now I just want to briefly talk about the movie. Firstly, I thought the movie was excellent, but the book will always be better. Books always are, you really can't compare them too closely because you can develop and reveal characters to a much larger extent in writing. The movie wasn't quite able to capture the same level of wittiness that Hazel and Augustus speak with in the book.

But they did get a lot right.

I was however very pleased with the little ways they edited the story to work as a film. I loved the text bubbles and the way they did little firecracker pops at different parts. I also really loved Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as Hazel and Augustus. They both did a great job of playing out those characters. So did everyone else in the movie.

Lastly, don't go see this movie if you hate crying in theaters because I don't think I've ever cried that much in the presence of total strangers. I was trying to hold back but there was still a river of tears running down my face (and that's not even an exaggeration). 

But also, you should go see the movie. And read the book.

Have you read The Fault In Our Stars? Have you seen the movie yet? What are your thoughts?

-S

Don't Change My Movies

I went to go see The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug with my mom yesterday. I have so many mixed feelings about the movie. I finally read the book last year, which was after I had already seen the first movie so I didn't realize how many liberties Jackson took with the story line. I understand wanting to make more money and splitting the story into three movies (even though I'm not fond of that decision), but adding so much extra stuff was totally unnecessary. For one, The Hobbit is supposed to be a children's book and is very much written as one. The book is shorter than any of The LOTR trilogy and, although the story is complex, the writing is simple. Adding all this fluff to the story seemed to distract from what I loved about the book to begin with.

Seriously go home. We don't want you here.

I know movies aren't always going to be exactly the same as the books, which makes it particularly difficult to judge one without comparing it to the other. Yes The Hobbit itself was a good movie, but not when compared to the book. The story has plenty of action on it's own without adding in all the orc battles along the way. Not to mention all the extra characters Jackson seemed to think were necessary. Don't get me wrong, I really liked Tauriel (and all the extra action Aidan Turner got during this movie) but if she wasn't needed in the book she shouldn't have been in the movie.

I can't deny that she kicked serious ass.

I guess for me the thing I care about most when it comes to book to movie adaptations is staying true to the main story line. I envisioned certain things like the woodland elves and some of the settings differently, but everyone imagines fictional worlds in their own ways. I don't mind if little details are changed or if you leave parts out because they would make the movie too long, or it's too hard to explain everything within the confines of the film. But I will automatically distrust a movie that changes important endings (cough My Sisters Keeper) or adds in completely random main characters.

This part was breathtaking.

Spoilers: My two favorite parts of the movie were when Legolas is fighting the orcs in Lake-town and he stops to look at the camera to wipe the blood from his nose. All I could think of at this moment was the line from Dodgeball when Ben Stiller's character says "no one makes me bleed my own blood." And the part when Smaug is just waking up and Bilbo turns around to take a knee.  I about lost it laughing in the theater during both of those scenes.

Have you seen The Desolation of Smaug? What were your thoughts on the film?

-S

My Favorite Christmas Movies

I love holiday movies and luckily there's plenty of places to find them on TV this time of year. Many Christmas movies hold special memories for me (as they do for many), so I decided to share a few of my favorites. Besides White Christmas being at the top of the list, I wouldn't exactly say these are in any particular order.

1. White Christmas: I love this movie for many reasons. One: the music, two: the dancing, three being that my grandparents introduced me to the movie. There were certain things I could only do at my grandparents' houses growing up, mostly because they owned something my family did not. The limit of those things helps make them extra special through the years. Growing up, my grandpa and grandma Strong were the ones who owned White Christmas on VHS and once I had seen its magic there was no tearing me away. I fell in love with the dancing, the dresses, and their voices. I spent hours contemplating Vera-Ellen's tiny waist and the tone of Bing Crosby's voice. The movie is everything I love wrapped into a wonderful Christmas package.

2. Elf: This movie is always good for a laugh. There are so many hilarious quotes come from this film. Plus I love Will Ferrell.

3. It's a Wonderful Life: What better way to remind yourself how wonderful life really is. Value the life you have! An amazing movie that will warm your heart in the winter cold.

4. The Year Without a Santa Claus: Let's face it the Misers and their little song and dance is what puts this movie above the other holiday claymation movies (at least in my mind). I wanted to add all the wonderful claymation and animated holiday movies like Rudolph and Frosty to this list, but there just wasn't enough room. Also, Santa is important.

5. The Santa Clause: It came out when I was a kid and we have watched it as a family a lot over the years. Some good memories are tied to this movie as well. I wish they would have stopped after the first one though, 2 and 3 aren't that great.

6. Home Alone: This was another movie I could only watch at my grandparents. Home Alone was the one movie I always (literally every single trip) watched when we visited my grandparents in Grand Rapids. I have no idea how many times I have watched this movie (or really any of these) but it's a lot. I always tear up at the end, it never fails.

7. Love Actually: Speaking of crying, this is another movie that gets me going. Love, man. There's so many good aspects to this movie. I mean it's a bunch of famous English actors with lovely story lines. Love Actually is the type of movie that makes you simultaneously laugh and cry, it does stuff to your emotions.

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Animated Short): I'm not the biggest fan of the newer movie with Jim Carrey, which is why I felt the need to be specific about this choice. The animated movie is another classic in my house. It was one of the movies we had taped on VHS along with a bunch of other holiday movies. I wish we still had a VHS player because one of my favorite things about watching our old tapes instead of them on TV now is the old commercials.

9. Miracle on 34th Street: I'm putting the newer version on this list mostly because it was the one I watched as a child (even though it is equally as good if not slightly better). I didn't actually watch the original version until a few years ago. Anyway, another great movie about the importance of Santa Claus, as a symbol for hope, faith, and all the good that can happen during the holiday season.

10. The Polar Express: There's a lot of Christmas traditions in my family, and one of those special traditions is my mom reading The Polar Express on Christmas eve to my brother and I. My mom has done this ever since I can remember. We still do it, even though both my brother and I are in our twenties and no longer believe in Santa. When the movie came out we all went to go see it together. I love Tom Hanks and everything that was added to the story.

Honorable mentions include,

- The Holiday: I love this movie (it might even rank up there with all time favorites), but I watch it all year round. I don't limit this movie to the holiday time period like most of the movies listed above, so I'm putting it here instead.

- It Happened on 5th Avenue: I just watched this for the first time last week and felt the need to include it on the list.

What are your favorite holiday movies? Is there anything I need to add to the list?

-S

Reasons I Love Old Films

I'm no expert on old cinema, but I have discovered a great appreciation for films made back in the day. I have really been taking advantage of my free Wednesday mornings recently by going to quite a few of the 25 cent classics shown at The State Theater. Today they were playing "Woman of the Year" staring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The movie was made in 1942 and was in black and white.

I love black and white films because they are forced to rely more heavily on lighting. The lighting in "Woman of the Year" was flipping amazing; I just could not get enough of it.

I also love the softening affect old films can have. I'm sure much of it is due to lighting, but I've noticed at times there is a lack of sharpness that adds a certain level of romanticism to an old film. The softness of femininity is enhanced on slightly blurred out close ups of actresses, especially when they're crying.

Part of me gets annoyed that even when there's a strong female character they are always portrayed as somehow "lesser than" or subservient to a man, but then I have to remind myself that life was different 60 (or however many) years ago. (Actually I can argue in some current movies this is the case, but I won't go into that now.) Also just as a note, there are plenty of female characters that challenge those beliefs as well as those that fulfill them.

Oy with the poodles already. Stop grabbing her like you're trying to shake a doll.

Just the same, there's something about a man whisking a woman up into his arms to kiss her that just makes me so happy. Seriously some guy needs to come along and kiss me like that one of these days. Speaking of kisses, those really meant something back in the day. Since there were no sex scenes in old movies, every bit of passion was stuffed into those kisses. On screen smooches were pretty next level electrifying in old films.

Now on to one of my favorite topics, fashion. Oh the fashion, how can I even express in words my love for vintage fashion? From the dresses, to the skirts, to the shoes, to the jackets, to the hats and the gloves, I just can't get enough. It's all so pretty. Seriously with the polka dots and the stripes, the velvet and the beautifully structured jackets. Plus the gorgeous silhouettes of Katharine's ball gown in "Woman of the Year," or her wedding dress. And lets not forget all the spruced up men in suits, always topped off with a hat. There was just a different level of quality that was upheld when someone left the house 60 years ago compared to today's society.

What are you trying to do to me people? This dress is too perfect for my eyes. Ugh.

On top of everything, most of my favorite old films are musicals. Maybe it's not true, but I feel like there's more emphasis on music back then. All actors and actresses seem to know how to play an instrument or have impressive voices. Movies really showcased all of the person's talents.

I guess all of this stuff can be applied to movies that are made today. Modern movies still harness the power of lighting, provide plenty of women with gumption, help showcase other talents, and give us amazing wardrobe and costume designs. Despite all the similarities, there's still something that provides a different level of excitement and romantic feelings for old Hollywood films.

That look ladies and gentlemen. 

Do you like old films? What's your favorite film made before 1960?

-S

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my 23rd birthday... never a more appropriate time for this song.

Nobody likes you when you're 23...

I spent the morning downtown. Since it's over 90 degrees and sunny outside I was a puddle of sweat by the time I got down there. I should have taken my mom up on her offer to drive me down. Oh well it was a nice walk anyway and there was a nice wind by the water.

I went to see the Wednesday Classic at the State Theater this morning. Today's movie was The Long Hot Summer with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

They sure made one great couple. On and off the screen.

Well hello there Paul. Seeing this site on the big screen wasn't a bad way to spend my birthday morning. Boy is he attractive in this movie.

I did find it ironic though that I was watching a movie about a 23 year old woman who's father was trying to marry her off because she was getting old. I guess I'm glad I live in a different time and don't have a father like that. Although if I was supposed to marry a man that looked like Paul Newman maybe i wouldn't object.

After the movie I walked over to Horizon Books to get an iced coffee at Cuppa Joe. I'm pretty sure I have gone there every day this week for an iced coffee... so good. I love mine with soy milk and a packet of raw sugar. I sat inside for a bit reading Ender's Game and relaxing before walking back in the heat.

On the way back I stopped by the water. It looked so beautiful today.

Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful summer day!

-S

Unashamed Movie Viewing

Today I walked into a theater packed with women to watch a movie about a bunch of male strippers. It was definitely worth the $4 ticket and weird moment you realize you're in the theater behind a line of women who in their late 60's maybe mid 70's. Hey, whatever, I got to get a nice view of Alex Pettyfer, Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matthew McConaughey, and Matt Bomer's bare asses. Whoever was on the casting project for this movie had some lucky days on the job.

I mean really... can it get any better?

Overall, I was surprised by the fact that the movie's actual story line wasn't too bad. I figured they'd focus most of the energy on the hot guys that the movie in general would completely suck, but it didn't. I haven't seen Beastly or I am Number Four, so I was kind of blown away by Alex Pettyfer. Anyone who can steal the spotlight from half naked Channing Tatum deserves some sort of award.

Oh wait, yes it can

The movie is certainly not lacking on eye candy, I can tell you that. My recommendation, make it a girls night, buy your tickets, get out of the heat (or into it) and sit back and enjoy.

All I'd really like to know is what they all had to do to get their bodies like that? And can I touch those abs?

Movie number 20 was Brave (I believe)

21 Terms of Endearment

22 Magic Mike 

I'd give them all 4 out of 5 stars