I Am

I'm quite head over heels with Netflix.
              

Especially since giving up cable in August (again), it's so nice to still sit down and enjoy a good flick.  Most recently I watched House of Cards with Kevin Spacey, holy good friends, he knocked my socks off in a creepy old man, but somehow I still like you, kind of way.  While I was immersed in that show for a few weeks, I had left my beloved documentaries to the wayside. 
                  

Last night, I was "recommended" a recently added doc on Netflix called I Am.  I immediately assumed it was going to be biblical, since Jesus said those exact, albeit famous words.  But was surprised it was written/directed/about the director who made slapstick comedies: Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura, etc.  And thought, hmmmm, I'm not so sure. 
                              

I have to say, the film felt a little cheesy at first, but the more I watched it, the more "into" I became.  It wasn't necessary religious, but it did have those undertones (which became major points) that everyone is connected to each other, everyone should be kind to each other, everyone in the entire world is a community in many ways. 

To say I was in tears by the end is a bit of an understatement.. it was late, I was emotional, it happens.  But more so, I do need those reminders sometimes that people are good; that we should stop caring so much about ourselves and start caring for our communities around us.  And this was a really good reminder. 

Check it out.

Inside Our Book Club

(via)

Besides the great book discussions we have during our book clubs each month, I always take home a sheet of notes filled with even more book titles or films to check out, plus all kinds of exciting and useful info that I've learned from the ladies in our club. 

Last Sunday, inside our book club:

• Risotto is worth all the hassle of stirring, or whatever kind of love you have to add, because it tastes amazing every single time I eat it. 
• A recommendation to watch Tiny Furniture after chatting about the show Girls (Lena Denham and her mother star in the movie).
• I'm a little scared, but I hear I need to read some Agatha Christie.
• Lip stains vs lipstick.  Lip stain wins.
• 10 pages into White Teeth and heard it's worth a read. 
• Another YA trilogy that I will be reading of course.

Can't say enough how much I love this group of women. 

Breaking Dawn Part 2

That's right, I saw the new Twilight flick

...twice.

And I liked it a whole lot.  It's sort of the best one (we're talking movies, not books.. don't get me started on the book).

Seriously though, if you haven't already, go see this one.  Or go again, it's just as good.

Happy Friday!

On our scren lately: Documentaries (surprise surprise)

First Position - I must say that this documentary made me love the Aussie TV show, Dance Academy all over again.  First Position is centered around one of the biggest competitions in the ballet world -- the Grand Prix, which is where Dance Academy ended it's second season.  

This documentary follows the lives of 6 young dancers, their training schedules, support systems, family values, and relationships with other dancers (2 are bf + gf, and they are quite adorable and encouraging with each other).  

These kids are amazing, in every sense.  They have such a strong passion for dance and work incredibly hard to achieve their goal of working within a company.  

Really enjoyed this one!

No Impact Man - An ambitious project of a young family living in New York City to change their lifestyle in hopes to benefit of the environment and their overall carbon footprint.

For 1 year... they switched to cloth diapers, ate local & seasonal food, got rid of their personal vehicle, and eliminated any extra waste (no take out, ending magazine subscriptions, buying milk in reusable bottles, shopping in bulk bins at the grocery store, old clothes for rags instead of paper towels, etc. etc.).

I wish everyone would watch this documentary.  Not to necessarily jump on board with such an ambitious 1 year goal (though if so I would support you wholeheartedly), but to educate yourself about the environment and our huge HUGE impact on it, and then to take on any changes you feel you possible.  Every little bit helps, every individual can do something, and from my experience, the changes have a domino effect.. and that's a very good thing for all of us.  "Is it possible to have a good life without wasting so much?"

Any good documentaries you've seen lately?

On the bookshelf: another YA series

The Maze Runner Series is definitely a set of young adult novels you should pick up and read.  So far, I've read the first book, The Maze Runner (in a day, it was that good!).  The book revolves around a boy named Thomas who wakes up in The Glade, along with 30 or so other boys.  No one can remember their past, where they came from, or any other personal information. But they believe they are being watched and the only way to get out of this bizarre world is to solve a maze, located just outside the doors of their new jungle-like home. 

The Maze Runner kept my attention until the very. last. page. When I finished, I immediately set out of for the second book, The Scorch Trials.  I must know what happens next!

If you're looking for an easy to read, young adult series, you should definitely check this one out. (warning:  I just began the second book and it's a little more graphic than the first, quite like the Hunger Games, but still an intriguing read!)

Anyone read a good book lately to share??  

I'm starting Cloud Atlas after this, then hoping to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. 

On the bookshelf: the end of summer reads

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Once I finished with this book, I immediately sent a text to my friend asking if he had read it and could explain what the heck I missed.  I knew I must have missed something... I needed my high school English teacher to help me break down the book, find the hidden meanings.  I've heard from many that The Alchemist is their favorite book, so I thought it would have many more "ah-ha" moments where I wanted to run through the streets shouting its message. Okay, probably not, but I thought it would be bigger somehow?

Though to my surprise, everyone at our next book club had the same response:  It was a beautiful book with a very simple message, be kind, listen to your heart, and follow your dream. That's it!  Now I'm very happy and content with the simplicity of the story.

Insurgent (Divergent Trilogy book 2) by Veronica Roth - Read about my thoughts on the first book here.  While Divergent really explored the factions that make up this new world and how Beatrice and her brother make their way through initiations and training. This second book puts these skills to the test as the world turns upside down with corrupt leads and war.  It's quite a thrilling ride.  Now, we have to wait until next year to find out what happens!  This young adult book is a great, easy read.  I'm really enjoying the series.  Now,  write, write, write, Veronica. 

Don't Breathe a Word by Jennifer McMahon - Our book club pick for the month was a creeeeeepy one; gearing up for Halloween it just made sense, but I'm a huge wimp and I had to read this book in the daylight with someone else next to me.  I just finished it up on our recent trip to Oklahoma and by the last page, still had no idea how it would turn out.

It was quite the thriller, and a really good one, if that's your sort of thing.  I'm just glad I finished it! 

Into the Wild

“...so many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” 

                                                                          Christopher McCandless, 'Into the Wild'

On the Bookshelf: recommended reads

Instant Love: How to Make Magic and Memories with Polaroids by Susannah Conway, Amanda Gilligan, Jenifer Altman - I'm a big fan of Ryan Marshall, author of the blog, Pacing the Panic Room. A couple months ago he posted a video he made for the project and book, Instant Love and I knew it was a book I wanted to dive into.  The photos looked amazing and to hear a bit more about Polaroid from 3 talented photographers was something I knew that would keep my attention.  It was a great little read and I actually learned a thing or two or twenty about photography!  I picked this book up on sale at Urban Outfitters.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns) by  Mindy Kaling - This book was recommended by Valerie and then I recommended it to my Book Club!  Kaling is one of the writers for The Office and also plays a character in the show.  In the book she talks about her time working for The Office, being a female writer in a predominately male field, and her real life friends and actors, among many other things.  She's witty.  So witty, and a good story teller with quite the interesting life story of trying to make it big in New York City. 

Divergent by Veronica Roth - Oh, young adult trilogies.  I love you so.  This first book of the trilogy was a recommendation from  friend's mom (who loves YA as much as I do!). The book felt like a mix between The Host and of course, Hunger Games.  It takes place in a dystopian world with 5 factions that you can belong - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).  The book follows a young girl, Beatrice, as she struggles with following her families values and setting off on her own into adulthood, following her heart as she chooses a new faction. There might be a little love story in there too.. for good measure.  Go read it!

On our screen lately...

As much as it might look like we're out and about all of the time, we really do relax at home quite a bit.  We're the family that eats dinner around the TV, gasp I know.  We always cook dinner together, so that's our time to catch up on our day, then when it's time to eat, we pick a show to watch for the rest of the evening. 

Lately we've been glued to the Olympic Trials, I can't wait for the real deal in just a few weeks.  Each commercial makes me tear up too, they are so inspiring! 

Every Monday a few of us girls get together to watch The Bachelorette.  We're all on edge wondering who Emily is going to choose as her fiance!  (I personally thought Arie was going to take it home, but Jef and Sean are both creeping into the lead, in which I'm A-okay.)

On Netflix we're in Season 3 of Friday Night Lights and just started Parenthood, both really great shows.  The latest documentaries I've enjoyed are The Business of Being Born and Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, both inspiring in their own ways.  We're not talking about having kids any time soon, but the documentary about home births was very interesting.  And Being Elmo is just a great, feel good story of a boy who had a dream that he worked hard to make into a reality. 
 
What are you watching?  Any recommendations for us?

On the bookshelf: books in May

Little Bee by Chris Cleave - my second book club suggestion (I was the lucky one to get my name drawn twice in a row).  This novel is about the relationship between a young refugee from Nigeria and a married journalist living in England.  It's told from each of their women's perspectives and follows the winding path of their relationship together and their past individual histories.  Book club thoughts:  the majority enjoyed it, one thought it was too wordy and another thought the ending was.. well, you might just have to read it, I don't want to give too much away!  And actually, the back of the book says to not share the storyline at all and to let others take it in for themselves, so I've already told too much.  I personally enjoyed this book (though inevitably sad at times) a lot. 

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner - oh Jennifer Weiner, you're such a great beach-read-author.  I hope she doesn't take offense to that!  But seriously, all of her books are easy breezy, always focused on a group of women who somehow come together in the end to overcome all the obstacles together, and always enjoyable.  This book was no exception, and really, I would recommend any of her books (Little Earthquakes is my favorite so far).

  

The Road by Cormac McCarthy - another book club pick, which had a similar mood as Little Bee.  The story focused around a young boy and his father, traveling the road in search of hope in a post-apocalyptic world.  McCarthy writes such a detailed story, I read through this book in few days, always wondering what was going to be happen to the duo with a pit in my stomach the entire time.  A captivating story, and one that I would recommend, but it's a nail-biter.  I warned you!  

On our screen lately...

We quit cable!  I was inspired by this post and after talking to Ryan about all the outdoor fun we would be having this spring/summer, it was a pretty easy decision.  Though, if Ryan was living all by himself, he probably wouldn't even have a tv!  It was easy to sway him, so we quit a few months ago, and are doing A-okay.  Especially with Netflix, because it's awesome and has so many documentaries streaming!  And other great things like Portlandia, The Office, and The Wonder Years.  So, for the days we're not outside playing, I like to sit and relax and watch a flick.  Here are a couple we enjoyed lately:
  

Man on Wire - I'm scared of heights and ledges, so this documentary was pretty much the ultimate for me.  An inspiring tale of a Frenchman who devoted his life to tight roping.  When he heard word of the World Trade Center being built in New York in the late 60s, he set his goal to one day walk across the two towers.  I had a mix of emotions watching this, not only for the tight roper and the danger alongside, but also watching the footage of men building and working on the World Trade Center.  

For the Bible Tells Me So - This documentary follows 5 families and how they handle the realization of having a gay child.  It puts bible stories and versus in perspective (i.e. Sodom and Gomorrah) and relates the context to the time period it was written.  Truly an interesting and touching film.

      

Any Netflix shows/movies/documentaries I need to watch??  My queue is getting low!

On the bookshelf: book club reads

I've been slacking lately and haven't read anything other than our book club selections.  But none the less, they were great reads that I wanted to share!

Habibi - The first graphic novel I ever read!  It follows the story of a woman who adopted a young boy, and the love that grows between them.  It encompasses quite a few themes: lust, greed, hope, and the many similarities between Islam and Christianity.  Even if you aren't interested in reading this novel, I would suggest renting it from the library just to marvel over the beautiful leather cover and artistic images inside.  I was pretty knocked off my feet when I picked up my copy.

(My book club buddy, Beth, gave a great little summary here along with many other book recommendations).

The History of Love - A novel that follows the stories of 2 main characters: Leo Gursky, an older man who lives by himself, always recalling the love he lost & Alma, a young woman who is in search of happiness for her mother who lost her husband (Alma's father) to cancer.  The stories of both individuals begin to entwine and they are able to form a bond.  It's quite a sad story, but one with a lot of comic relief to keep the reader moving right along.  I would say our book club was 50/50 on this one - some loved it and some really didn't like it.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - I read this book on our very first girl's trip to Scottsdale and deemed it my "favorite book ever", hand's down.  Mostly, I loved how quirky the characters were and Foer's writing in general. I'm a big fan of Foer.  So, I shared my love with the book club and they all read it this past month, though almost no one liked it!  Whoops!  I didn't re-read it, but now I wish I would've to see what all I missed.  If I have suggested this book to anyone (everyone), be aware, it's not a definite "love it" consensus as I expected. 

Fun fact: The author of The History of Love is married to the author of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close!  They even have "to my love"-like sweet nothings to each other at the beginning of their books. How cute is that?!

On the bookshelf: Fall finds

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass - Classic novels from Lewis Carroll that I just read for the first time.  I really enjoyed the simple stories of little Alice and her big imagination.  Both books follow her through the mysterious wonderland, accompanied with new found friends and a few foes.  It was really great reading the original story of Alice in Wonderland that we have heard in various forms many times.  Bonus:  the novel I bought included both stories AND had interesting footnotes that told of Carroll's various meanings behind each poem or phrase.  I brought a wealth of knowledge to my first book club gathering!

Sweet Little Lies - The second novel from Lauren Conrad that was just as entertaining, if not more, than the first.  The fictional story follows Jane and her life as a reality starlet, with the highs and lows of being placed in the Hollywood limelight.  Yep, still sounding like The Hills to me.  I've passed it along to Val, then onward to Sam.  I hope they like the breezy read as much as I did!

The Shadow of the Wind - An incredible mystery that circles around a book, titled Shadow of the Wind (confusing right?), that a young boy named Daniel discovers in a cemetery of forgotten books.  The story unfolds chilling secrets of romantic affairs, tragedies, family struggles, and friendship.  Quickly, Daniel's story and the stories of the Shadow of the Wind begin to connect in haunting ways.  The writing and imagery are beautiful; even though I've never been to Barcelona, I feel like I know it so well after reading this novel.  The entire book club group enjoyed it and now want to read more from Zafon. His writing and storytelling is superb!

On the bookshelf: summer reading

The Host - At first, this book was a struggle.  I didn't understand where the plot was going or connect with the characters at all.  The urge to quit halfway through was strong, but it's a pretty hefty sized book, and I hated to read all about this building plot for nothing.  So, I kept on and actually really enjoyed it!  Finally about 2/3 in, things made sense and the story "got good".  I would recommend this book if you are up for a little snooze fest at the beginning and an exciting roller coaster at the end.  Personal preference here, of course, I had 2 friends hate it and 1 friend love it.  Anyone else read it??

Sloppy Firsts - A recommendation from my friend Val ...and who doesn't love a good young adult selection?!  Let's be real.  Loved the book -- I can't wait to finish out the series (there are 5) and cross off one more item from my summer list of must do's. I'm running out of time with fall right around the corner.

Sarah's Key - A compelling story about the connection between a young Jewish girl during the time of the Holocaust and a middle-aged journalist living in Paris during present day.  The story jumps back and forth between each woman's story and in the end you see their worlds collide in their own time.  Grab a tissue box and block off a good amount of time because you are going to want to read this straight through!  I lost many night's sleep staying up reading.  I'm pretty sure they are making this book into a movie too.

L.A. Candy - Oh, Lauren Conrad. I've followed her life since Laguna Beach days and still really like this girl.  The book is about a reality show called L.A. Candy, which sounded pretty familiar to The Hills.  I'm sending it along to my book club girls and looking forward to her next one!

Past book reviews:
A Catchup
2 Goods = A Great
Prep
Fly Away Home

Half Off

I ventured into my first half priced bookstore last week and was hit with a thousand thoughts: everything is half priced?!, why haven't I discovered this sooner?!, where is the young adult section?!.  I was so excited that I kept babbling on to the checkout lady how great the store was and how the books were incredibly easy to find, blah blah.  She just shook her head amiably.  I bet she has had a lot of customers like me, thoughts exploding, with one clear motive: I’m going to cheat on Barnes and Noble… and I’m totally okay with that.

First up, The Jessica Darling series and then L.A Candy when my fellow book clubbers are ready.  Summer reading, here we come!

On our screen, lately.

The past few days have been filled with boxes of tissues, hot tea, and a strict ban on the outdoors (boo!).  The Oklahoma spring pollen has officially won the battle.   "I'll get you next year, Mr. Fun Hater".

What movies have you watched recently?  Any good recommendations?

On the Bookshelf: a catch up

It's been too long since I've shared a book post...

MockingJay - All I can say is, if you haven't read the Hunger Games Trilogy you need to get your buns to the store ASAP.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Confession:  I've only read half of this book.  Somehow I lost it on the way back to OKC from Thanksgiving.  I mean, I read it ON the way home and haven't seen it since.  Weird.  But, the first half was really really good.  And I look forward to getting my hands on another copy and finishing it.

Pretty Little Liars - Another young adult book!  3 of my (adult) friends are reading the book series and I recently joined the crew.  I've heard the series on ABC Family is really good too.  So far, the book is a little creepy and I can't read it right before bed (I was warned) but during the day, I really like the story lines of each girl and look forward to solving THE mystery.

I'm always looking for new reads if anyone has any suggestions!  I try to switch between young adult and big kid books. 

Just a Saturday

A little secret:  One of my favorite things to do during a Saturday morning with no plans, or errands, is to lay in bed and watch a film with the director's commentary.  During college I would do this about every weekend and recently I've kind of forgot about my love for it  (I choose trashy reality TV instead I suppose).  But the commentary is so interesting to me - to know "why" and "how".  I took one film class in college and I'm hooked.   

Today I spent my morning with Zach Braff watching an old favorite.  I fell in love with it all over again.

On the bookshelf: Fly Away Home

I must start by saying I've read every book by Jennifer Weiner.  If you are more of a movie fan and saw In Her Shoes with Cameron Diaz you experienced Weiner too!  At least, in a way.  I really enjoyed her newest book - it wasn't my favorite (that would be Little Earthquakes - hilarious!), but I love the way she writes with all the detail in the world to make you feel as if you are right there with the characters, experiencing the things they experience too.  So in the end, it wasn't the story line that was captivating to me this time, but the characters that were created and the relationship I feel like I have with them now.  Clearly, I invest a lot in the books I read!

This was one of my first experiences with a down-loadable book as well.  I guess Kindle makes a program for your computer?  I had no idea.  But it was pretty handy to have right on my computer whenever I wanted to read. 

Next up?!
MOCKINGJAY which comes out on Monday night.  Yes, I will be in line to receive my copy.