If I ever found myself on a ski trip, this is what I would wear at the lodge with the addition of some comfy tights. That skirt looks amazingly comfortable and the sweater is perfect for curling up on the couch.
$935 - harrods.com
escada.com
maurices.com
neimanmarcus.com
$375 - harveynichols.com
barneyswarehouse.com
bergdorfgoodman.com
Here's my randomness this week:
Title: John Wick
Year Released/Rating: 2014 R
Starring: Keanu Reeves; Michael Nyqvist; Alfie Allen
Directed By: Chad Stahelski; David Leitch
Written By: Derek Kolstad
Genre: Action
Star Rating: 5/5 stars
Where I Got It: Server
Trivia:
Summary: An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.
Review:
This has been on my radar for awhile now... so glad we downloaded it. What a great action revenge flick. The action sequences were amazing: choreographed perfectly, shot great. No shaky cam here. John Wick was a great character. Loved him! And all the supporting players were fun especially Perkins. Definite must see for action fans.
Best Bits:
Joy is the feeling of grinning on the inside. -- Melba Colgrove
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.
Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!
I am currently in two different book clubs: one personal and one with the parents group. In both groups the members are free to suggest choices for upcoming months. Here are my suggestions for upcoming selections:
Title: Ascension
Year Released/Rating: 2014
Starring: Tricia Helfer; Gil Bellows, Brian Van Holt; Brandon Bell
Directed By: Stephen Williams; Mairzee Almas; Nick Copus; Robert Lierberman; Vincenzo Natali
Written By: Adrian Cruz; Melody Fox; Philip Levens
Genre: Science Fiction
Star Rating: 4/5 stars
Where I Got It: Server
Trivia:
Summary: A young woman's murder causes the subjects of a century-long mission to populate a new world to question the true nature of the project as they approach the point of no return.
Review:
Decent little miniseries from Syfy. J and I called most of the twists, but I still enjoyed it. They could have kept the big reveal until the second night, but whatever I was still okay. Viondra was definitely the best character in the series. Love her so much!
As I just finished reading Amanda Palmer's The Art of Asking, I've been diving back into her music lately. My first experience with The Dresden Dolls...
Title: The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help
Author: Amanda Palmer
Publisher: Hachette Books 2014
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: 337
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W3; OLW Home
Rock star, crowdfunding pioneer, and TED speaker Amanda Palmer knows all about asking. Performing as a living statue in a wedding dress, she wordlessly asked thousands of passersby for their dollars. When she became a singer, songwriter, and musician, she was not afraid to ask her audience to support her as she surfed the crowd (and slept on their couches while touring). And when she left her record label to strike out on her own, she asked her fans to support her in making an album, leading to the world's most successful music Kickstarter.
Even while Amanda is both celebrated and attacked for her fearlessness in asking for help, she finds that there are important things she cannot ask for-as a musician, as a friend, and as a wife. She learns that she isn't alone in this, that so many people are afraid to ask for help, and it paralyzes their lives and relationships. In this groundbreaking book, she explores these barriers in her own life and in the lives of those around her, and discovers the emotional, philosophical, and practical aspects of THE ART OF ASKING.
I'm not sure where to start with this book. It was an amazing read, but I feel like I'm still processing a lot of the ideas and concepts. I've been a fan of Amanda Palmer since "Coin Operated Boy." This book gave me insight into who she is and why she does what she does. Not just the music, but the social connections, the media, the side projects. I loved learning more about her. That part of the book I got. The larger scope of the book about asking and human nature, I'm still processing. I think this is one of those books that I will have to read a few times to truly understand everything. An amazing project that will stay on my shelves for years to come.
As an added bonus, here's Amanda's TED talk:
Title: Cavedigger
Year Released/Rating: 2013
Directed By: Jeffrey Karoff
Genre: Documentary
Star Rating: 3/5 stars
Where I Got It: Server
Summary: In this OSCAR® NOMINATED documentary short, artist Ra Paulette digs other-worldly, sculptural caves using nothing but hand tools. But, as patrons cut off his projects due to lack of funds or artistic differences, Paulette's frustration mounts. This penetrating portrait examines the cost of Paulette's obsession and tracks him as he rejects commissions for his own 10-year Magnum Opus.
Review:
An interesting little short, but ultimately I was not a fan of the person being documented. Paulette's art cannot be denied. The caves are amazing both in their beauty and technicality. But his attitude toward his friends and wife really bugged me. Really not a fan of him...
I love the look of wearing white in winter, but the trick is not to look too summery. This dress is structured enough to pull off for January. I also didn't want to do all white and overwhelm the dress. I love the contrast of these strong heels with delicate gold jewelry. And of course every winter outfit needs a great coat!
Yves Saint Laurent short dress
farfetch.com
pinkqueen.com
What Goes Around Comes Around vintage handbag
shopbop.com
neimanmarcus.com
neimanmarcus.com
Fun misconceptions about driving.
I do love movies about art.
Alan Rickman and Stanley Tucci? Yep, it's going on my list.
Must see it.
Love me some Hank Green and his crazy videos...
Title: Craigslist Joe
Year Released/Rating: 2012
Directed By: Joseph Garner
Genre: Documentary
Star Rating: 4/5 stars
Where I Got It: Netflix
Summary: In a time when America's economy was crumbling and sense of community was in question, one guy left everything behind to see if he could survive solely on the support and goodwill of the 21st century's new town square: Craigslist.
Review:
It started out a bit cheesy and weird. But as the month passed, I became more invested in Joe's connections. I loved seeing all the weird and wonderful people he met through Craigslist. The documentary renewed my faith in the human race. People are willing to help if you just ask. After watching, I had to check out our local Craigslist page. I didn't find anyone to help today, but I'll remind myself to periodically check...
One of my new features. Every other week, I'll be filling out a Currently card for my Project Life album. It's a quick snapshot of life...
Watching: Documentaries for my New Movie January. I was watching fictional movies, but seem to have gotten on a documentary kick this week. Today, I watched Craigslist Joe (review posting tonight).
Reading: Right in the middle of The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer. Really enjoying it so far. Would like to finish by this weekend so I can attempt Outlander before January ends.
Listening: Our ice machine is really loud some days...
Making: Project Life spreads. I need to finish off Arthur's 2014 pages before I allow myself to start January's.
Feeling: Tired. I don't know why, but I kept waking up last night. Today I am just tired.
Planning: Our weekend activities. We have a parent group social on Saturday and book club on Sunday. I need to prep for those. I also need to make my weekend project list for around the house stuff. First thing on my list: fix Arthur's bookshelf. First thing on J's list: put together Arthur's tricycle.
Loving: I forgot how much I love having a couch. Three years in an apartment that could only fit two nice chairs just isn't the same. J and I have staked out our seats on the couch, one at either end, with Arthur right in the middle. He loves sitting up with us after dinner.
Title: Mansome
Year Released/Rating: 2012
Directed By: Morgan Spurlock
Written By: Jeremy Chilnick, Morgan Spurlock
Genre: Documentary
Star Rating: 4/5 stars
Where I Got It: Netflix
Summary: A documentary that explores the question: In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, and grooming products galore - what does it mean to be a man?
Review:
An interesting little documentary about men and grooming. While the documentary doesn't have any large breakthroughs, it was fun. I enjoyed it. That's about it. Nothing too exciting...
Title: Prohibtion
Year Released/Rating: 2011
Directed By: Ken Burns
Genre: Documentary
Star Rating: 5/5 stars
Where I Got It: Netflix
Summary: The story of the American activist struggle against the influence of alcohol, climaxing in the failed early 20th century nationwide era when it was banned.
Review:
For the past three nights, we've been watching this great documentary. One of my goals is to watch all the Ken Burns documentaries. I've watched a fair amount, but never this particular one. I do love me some U.S. History. Even though I have a fair amount of knowledge about the time before, during, and after Prohibition, I learned a lot watching the documentary. Very enjoyable few nights of TV viewing.
Really digging this song...
Listening To: Ella Henderson new album. I am obsessed with "Ghost" right now.
Book finished: Lives in Ruins; Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania; Midnight in Austenland; The Killer Angels; A Hundred Pieces of Me
Reading: The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
On the Nightstand: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon; Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Making Lists: Grocery lists (yep, back to that), home projects (long and short term), boo club selections, and retreat to-dos.
Around the house: So many home project ideas floating around my head. I did get started on the playroom for Arthur this past week. Still need to assemble some furniture before taking pictures for the blog.
From the kitchen: I made some blueberry crescent rolls this week. Yum yum! Other than that, I stuck to old favorites. Next week I have a few new recipes I want to try.
On the Web: Attempting to catch up on my blogroll. I am way behind...
Crafting: I finally got my craft room sorted out. Now I can get down to the real business of crafting... Check out the picture tour on my craft blog.
Watching: Catching up on some of our currently airing shows -- Elementary, Once Upon a Time, Sleepy Hollow. Oh yeah, and Archer's back. Woohoo! Plus last week J had me watch the complete web series Video Game High School. It started out at a fun web series, become a proper sitcom, and ended as a drama. I loved it! Amazing series.
Wondering: How do I baby proof the electronics? J has a plan, but it will take a few months to complete. I need something for the interim.
From Nature: So excited to be back to the nice mild weather. We need to wear a jacket/sweater in the mornings, but the sun has been glorious. Our new house is in the clouds most morning. Very beautiful...
Shopping Scores: I made a huge trip to The Container Store and Ikea this past week. Lots of items for the new house. Love to organize everything!
Project: The house of course.
Exercising: I bought a Jawbone over Christmas. My goal is 10,000 steps a day. I've only made it to my goal once in the past two weeks, but I am being more mindful of how active I am.
Picture: I swear there is a very large hill somewhere in that cloud.
Title: A Hundred Pieces of Me
Author: Lucy Dillon
Publisher: Berkley 2014
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 447
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z - H; New Author; OLW Home
Reeling from her recent divorce, Gina Bellamy suddenly finds herself figuring out how to live on her own. Determined to make a fresh start Gina knows drastic measures are in order.
First up: throwing away all her possessions except for the one hundred things that mean the most to her. But what items are worth saving? Letters from the only man she’s ever loved? A keepsake of the father she never knew? Or a blue glass vase that perfectly captures the light?
As she lets go of the past, Gina begins to come to terms with what has happened in her life and discovers that seizing the day is sometimes the only thing to do. And when one decides to do just that...magic happens.
Our book club selection for January. This one spoke to me from the back cover. I really wanted to find out more about Gina's journey. While I've not gone through a recent divorce like the main character, we have just moved and I feel like we've made a huge change in our lives. I'm currently loving the idea of re-examining our possessions and memories attached to those possessions. Gina was a great character to follow along this path. While I wanted to smack her a few times for her thoughts/actions, I grew to love her. She seemed so real. I felt that I was reading a memoir instead of a novel. At times I wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that things were going to get better. Somehow Dillon made Gina so real to me. I really got sucked into the book.
Connection to OLW: One of my reading challenges this year is to read books related to my One Little Word: Home. Initially I didn't connect this book to my word, but by the end it was screaming at me. Part of creating a home is examining the contents. Are they things you love, hate, or are neutral about? Are there specific memories associated with your possessions? This book made be realize that I want to take a closer look at some of the things in our house. I want to only buy things that I love or are absolutely essential (like toilet paper) for our new house. I love that a novel made me connect to my OLW.
Title: We're the Millers
Year Released/Rating: 2013 R
Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts
Directed By: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Written By: Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders, John Morris
Genre: Comedy
Star Rating: 3/5 stars
Where I Got It: Server
Trivia:
Summary: A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.
Review:
Just one of those movies we've had on the server for awhile. Not good, not bad, just a middle of the road comedy. I'll admit that there were a few scenes that I laughed out loud. But most of the movie was so-so. And the feel-good message was a bit forced in parts.
Best Bits:
I love the girly bohemian look, but every once in awhile I go back to black, black, and more black. I love the subtle mix of patterns with the shirt and pants. Not super bold, but a great look. And I really want that bag!
BCBGMAXAZRIA sequin short sleeve top
bcbg.com
Topshop vegan leather moto jacket
$140 - nordstrom.com
$27 - chiarafashion.co.uk
jserene.com
simplysoles.com
amazon.com
Paula Bianco striped infinity scarve
simplysoles.com