Our Favourite Summer Movies

White House Down

Roland Emmerich (director of Day After Tomorrow & 2012) is the king of big summer disaster movies.

You always know what you're getting with Roland Emmerich: an implausible end of the world plot, a good cast, big explosions, destroyed national monuments, & cheesy one-liners. If you are willing to suspend reality for a few hours, you will be rewarded with some epic entertainment. 

Olympus Has Fallen (the other terrorists-take-over-the-White-House summer movie) was good too, but White House Down has our vote.

Red 2

Despite never having seen Red 1, we went to see Red 2 because it was one of the only movies playing on Christy's birthday. It was surprisingly hilarious.

Mary Louise Parker's normal-girl-looking-for-adventure is truly funny. And the whole thing is worth watching just for that scene with Helen Mirren shooting out both windows of a moving car. She is so great.

(Jenny has seen both, & says Red 2 is better.)

Iron Man 3

We love Marvel. This one gets mixed reviews but we're agreed -- Pepper Potts in the Iron Man suit was awesome.

Christy saw it twice.

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You don't have to love sports to love a good sports movie.

Jenny didn't know much about Jackie Robinson going into this film, but afterwards she couldn't stop regaling everyone with anecdotes about what a fascinating & stand up guy he was.

Plus it was refreshing to see Harrison Ford play someone his actual age.

World War Z

Christy went to this with two of her friends & they might have clung to each other through most of the film. It was properly scary.

As I like to say, vampires are for teenage girls but zombies are for everyone.

Jobs

Stories about brilliant, tortured artists never get old. This film had so much to say about the creative process & Ashton Kutcher did a fabulous job portraying Jobs' complicated personal life.

Plus we loved watching the laid back, barefoot, west coast vibe of the 70s, 80s & 90s.

It kind of felt like a preview for the book, because even though it was a long film, it left us so curious to know more about this guy.

(There is a second Jobs film being made right now by Aaron Sorkin. That one will actually be based on the official Steve Jobs biography & sounds excellent.)

Star Trek into Darkness

Jenny went into Star Trek into Darkness as a skeptical non-trekkie. But the character-driven movie was awesome even without knowing the backstory or being invested in the Star Trek world. Plus it has Simon Pegg & Benedict Cumberbatch. Need I say more?

Man of Steel

While we are not trekkies, we are major Superman fans.

Even though Man of Steel had it's downsides (too heavy on the outer space/Krypton stuff, plus some drawn out fight scenes,) we totally loved it.

Henry Cavill just IS Superman. And Amy Adams brought her usual gumption & charm to the role of Lois Lane.

There were lots of shout outs for DC fans -- Lexcorp signs, Smallville references, & a 'Keep Calm & Call Batman' poster in the background.

And our friend Ethan was an extra at the Daily Planet, which was awesome.

We can't wait to see the next one, with the hotly debated Ben Affleck as Batman.

It's been a summer of good movies.

We've also been hearing raves about The Way, Way Back but missed it in the theater, so we'll have to netflix that one.
Any other good summer movies we missed out on?

Favourite Summer Movies via: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 16

Good Books: I've Got Your Number

Sophie Kinsella is one of the few authors that consistently makes me laugh out loud.

Her books are goofy but her writing is good & her comic timing is impeccable. If you're in the mood for a light, funny book you can't go wrong with Kinsella.

There is a scene in I've Got Your Number that rivals some of the funniest moments in film (Hugh Grant dancing in Love Actually comes to mind.) The main character is trying to keep some Japanese businessmen from leaving a hotel lobby & ends up pretending to be a singing telegram messenger. She sings "Mr. Yamaguchi" to the tune of "Single Ladies". It's so well-described & so ridiculous, I still laugh every time I think of it.

For years Jenny tried to get me to read Kinsella's Shopaholic books but I could never get into them, mainly because I was busy taking myself too seriously. But once I finally lightened up enough, I started reading all of her books & she's become one of my favourites.

So if you need a good laugh (& who doesn't?), go watch Hugh Grant dancing. And then maybe give I've Got Your Number a try.

I've Got Your Number pictures via Goodreads.

Easy DIY Lavender Spray

I have a little blue bottle filled with lavender & water & I spray it on everything. Sheets, pillows, curtains, & even my hair in the morning to tame down frizz. Lavender relaxes you & smells great.

Whenever my sister sees me spraying lavender mist all over everything, she says "You're such a hippy." But she also regularly walks into my room & asks why it smells so good in there.

Lavender Spray is crazy easy to make. It's so much cheaper than buying expensive linen sprays at home shops.

How to make your own Lavender Spray

All you need is a glass spray bottle (I get mine for a few bucks at Whole Foods) & a small bottle of lavender essential oil. You can usually find essential oil for ten bucks or less at Whole foods, or you can even order it from Amazon.

They usually say to add 10-12 drops of oil to a small bottle of water, but I tend to add about double that. I put the water in first so if I accidentally overflow the bottle I don't waste any of the lavender.

And that's it, you've made your own lavender linen spray &/or hair de-frizzer. Put the cap back on, spray liberally, & wait for someone to ask you why your house smells so good.

Good Books: Alexander McCall Smith

Have you heard of Alexander McCall Smith?

I am going to make the bold statement that he is one of my favourite authors.

Alexander McCall Smith has written more than 60 books including the popular series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

A few years ago, Christy & I heard him speak at a book signing. What a fascinating guy. He was born in Zimbabwe and lives in Edinburgh, Scotland (and he's got a great vocabulary!). While a few of his books are shelved in the mystery section, he says really his characters mostly just drink tea and eat cake.

I have a theory that McCall Smith will end up being on the classics shelves in 100 years. He reminds me of P.G. Wodehouse, and that's a good comparison. I find myself talking about his characters like they're real people (Bertie! Mathew! Isabel & Jamie!), and his stories consistently make me laugh out loud while reading.

Each series is so different, so if one book is not your cup of tea, try another series. If this is your first time reading Alexander McCall Smith, I recommend starting with 44 Scotland Street or The Sunday Philosophy Club.

Happy reading!

Alexander McCall Smith photo via The Telegraph.

Rome Places: Victor Emmanuel Monument

This time last year, I went to Rome on holiday with a friend. It was sunny, peaceful, epic & oh so hot.

One of the places we went was the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Or as the Romans apparently call it, The Wedding Cake.

I'm usually a history buff. When I travel, I'm the one dragging everyone through museums, reading plaques, spouting off facts from the guide books I've been reading.



Rome is a history lovers dream. But when I was there on holiday, instead of studying the history, I did something unusual.

I relaxed.

I'm sure the Victor Emmanuel Monument has a fascinating history. Maybe someday I'll get to go back & soak it up.

But on this trip? We wandered up to the cafe on the roof, which has a view of the Colosseum & big fans that spray a cool mist.






We sat in the cafe in the baking hot sun, & ordered coffee. Illy coffee. Life-changing coffee. Italian coffee.

I went on to drink lots of coffee in my week in Rome, but the cafe at the Victor Emmanuel Monument is where I had my first sip of epic Italian coffee. Let's just say, it ruined me for all normal coffee forever.

So if you get the chance to go to Rome someday, please do me a favour. Pause in your enjoyment of Ancient Roman ruins. Go to the roof of the Victor Emmanuel Monument, look out at the Colosseum, & enjoy a cup of Italian coffee for me. Your caffeinated life will never be the same.

Dorm Room Decorating: Comfort & Ambience

Your college years can be hard. While I was in school, I went through a bad breakup, lost a beloved grandparent, & my parents moved across the country. Even when I was just dealing with stressful midterms, it was always helpful to know I could go back to my room, where I knew a cozy blanket & a nice cup of tea were waiting for me. 

Even if you get through your college years without too much interpersonal drama, sometimes you just miss your mom & your home! A cozy, comforting room is just what you need. 

Comfort

Dorm rooms are often filled with wooden furniture. Soften it up! Make sure to have lots of cozy blankets & pillows for studying, chatting with friends, & the all-important nap. 

Put down some throw rugs, have framed photos of far away friends & family, & a few favourite things from home. 

A Beverage Corner

I don't know about you, but I drank a lot of coffee in college. Make sure when you do, it's out of a cute mug! In my dorm room, my roommate & I set up a beverage corner on top of our small fridge. It included: 

a coffee pot

an electric tea kettle

spoons in a small cup

 sugar

cream in the fridge 

We hung pretty coloured mugs on the wall using 3M hooks. 

It was always fun to have girls in for a cup of tea or coffee & a study break. 

Light

  

Just say no to fluorescent lights! As if all that homework isn't already giving you a headache! In college, we were all in a Facebook group called "People Against The Use Of Fluorescent Lighting." 

Open your blinds, turn off the overhead lights, & bring in some ambience! 

Target has great battery operated candles (some are even scented & flicker like real candles!) if you can't light candles in your dorm room. 

Paper lanterns from IKEA are fun. 

Get some cheap standing lamps for lots of light. 

Clip on desk lamps & fun patterned lamp shades make it cozy & pretty! 

Put twinkle lights everywhere. These are great for getting ready on those early mornings after a late night of studying. No one needs to see you looking that tired! 

Fresh Air

It's hard to think clearly in a dirty room with musty air (plus it's kind of gross)!

Open your windows. At least once a day. 

Clean your room. Keep Clorox or Method wipes close by & shake out your throw rugs often! 

Make your bed every morning. In such a small room, it will make a huge difference! 

Spray a little perfume on your curtains to make your whole room smell good (make sure your roommate likes the scent first!). Or use a few drops of essential oil (lavendar is great!) in a spray bottle filled with water. 

Most of these ideas can be done be using things you already have plus a shopping trip to IKEA, Walmart, or Target. 

Well, we've covered creativity, style, storage & comfort. Have fun decorating your dorm room!

Christy's Summer Reading Favourites

I've read so many good books this summer that I can't stop rambling about.

These are the ones I would discuss with you, if we could sit down for a coffee & a chat...

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I finished Me Before You last month & I actually still can't stop thinking about it. It covers some pretty intense issues but it's also funny & easy to identify with.

Me Before You was written by a girl from Essex & it's full of all the little daily life details that make me feel like I'm in England again. By the end of the book, the characters had drunk approximately 3000 cups of tea.

I'm kind of tempted to pick it back up & read it all over again.

Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson

Also British. This one was first reprinted by Persephone Books, my favourite British publisher, but it's available in the States now too.

Miss Buncle's Book is a light, clever story of a girl in a small town who writes a very thinly veiled novel using the townspeople as characters. Romance & chaos ensue.

Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

I have read three novels this summer that I loved & want to give to everyone I meet, if only so we can all sit around discussing how great they are. One of them was Silver Linings Playbook. (The 2nd one was The Fault in Our Stars. The 3rd one was Me Before You.)

Quirky characters, deep problems handled with levity, & a man with a Kenny G phobia. What more could you ask for in a novel?

I also liked the movie but of course, the book was better.

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

Dude, Lauren Graham wrote a novel. Oh hey, Lorelai Gilmore.

Someday, Someday, Maybe is about a girl trying to make it as an actress in 90's NYC. I loved her insight on New York, auditions, & the tension between going for the creative life or quitting for a stable 'real' job.

It's being turned into a TV show now, called Unfamous. Lauren Graham is writing the pilot & Ellen is going to be a part of it too, so I think it's safe to say it might be funny.

Paris in Love by Eloisa James

I'm always a sucker for a good travel memoir. Paris in Love is well-written & fun to read. By the end I was wishing Eloisa James would write another memoir about her odd & fascinating life.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

I read a lot of good Young Adult fiction this summer (have I mentioned The Fault in Our Stars?)

Jennifer Smith studied at St. Andrews in Scotland (alma mater of Wills & Kate), so I like her already. She also happens to be Lauren Graham's editor.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a fun & light novel about travel, family, & meeting a nice British boy.

Relish by Lucy Knisley

I love graphic novels. Have you read one? They're sort of like comic books for adults (although really, who says adults can't read actual comic books?)

But a lot of graphic novels are intense & kind of dark, covering topics like cancer, tough childhoods, & even the Iranian Revolution.

But Relish? Relish is my favourite graphic nonfiction. It's a light memoir about food, art & family. (Complete with illustrated recipes.)

If you've never read a graphic novel, this would be a great place to start.

Mud, Sweat, & Tears by Bear Grylls

I'm so keen on Bear Grylls & his upper class, hippy, British ways. If you like his show, you'll like this story of how he got started, complete with his climb of Mount Everest, grueling SAS training, & his backbreaking parachute accident.

How can you not be fascinated by a guy who names his son Marmaduke?

Ok, those are my Summer Reading Favourites.
What have you been reading lately?

Summer Reading images via:

PBFingers, Seattle Times, here, here, B&N, here, Browsing Bookshelves, Macmillan, & BearGrylls.com 

Learning to Love Summer

Last summer, I got to go to Rome.

I wasn't a big lover of Summer. I love sweaters, rainy Seattle, & Pumpkin Spice Lattes. In other words, I love Fall.

But after living in England for a cozy, gloomy year I was sort of ready for some heat.

Then I landed in baking hot Rome. In the middle of August. When even the locals shut down their shops & retire to the coast for the end of the summer.

But instead of being miserable & running for the air conditioning... I loved it. I basked. I soaked up the sunshine.

I thought it was temporary, the result of an overdose of English rain.  But it turns out I have actually learned to love Summer.

It's a good thing to learn. I didn't know what I was missing.

Banksy & Exit Through the Gift Shop

Have you seen Exit Through the Gift Shop? It's a documentary by British street artist Banksy, & it's crazy fascinating.

Banksy is arguably the most well known street artist (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie are collectors) & Exit Through the Gift Shop was even nominated for an Academy Award.

His pictures are intriguing & any wall he paints suddenly becomes valuable.

But the whole conversation that swirls around Banksy (Is this legal? Is it ART?) is the most interesting part & Exit Through the Gift Shop does a sweet job of walking you through the story & asking the questions.

I finally watched it (it's on Netflix Instant at the moment, check it out...) & I'm sort of dying to discuss it. I love seeing the weird & interesting ways people find to live with creativity.

Have you seen it? What do you think?

Images via Banksy.co.uk & Banksyfilm

6 Reasons the Queen Is More Fun Than You Think She Is

We all love the Queen, pretty much. But she does have a kind of austere reputation... duty & tradition & all that.

Remember the opening of the Olympics in London? She came out looking all grim, & everyone kept saying "Why can't she just smile?"

To which I said -- Her Majesty the Queen of England just invited James Bond into Buckingham Palace, & then allowed a stunt double dressed like her to be flung from a helicopter while the whole world watched. She doesn't have to smile, she just proved she has a killer sense of humour.

Here are 6 reasons The Queen is more fun than you think she is...

1. Her impressions.

The Queen is apparently known among her family & friends for doing hilarious & spot on impressions of people she meets. I bet she's even better than Jimmy Fallon.

The Queen is the ultimate in the famous British reserve. But maybe she also knows a thing or two about the good ol' dry British sense of humour.

2. She laughs when she shouldn't & says what she wants.

Once in a while she seems to just do what she wants. When she saw the exhibit of Kate's wedding dress, where the veil & tiara were hovering creepily over the dress, she just said "That's horrid." Which it was.

3. She's met everyone who you think is interesting.

She has met just about every leader, pop star, & dictator from the last 60 years. Oh, J.K. Rowling? Nelson Mandela? Lady Gaga? Idi Amin? NBD.

Imagine the things she seen, the places she's been. She must be the most fascinating dinner party guest ever.

4. That time that guy broke into Buckingham.

Do you know this story? A guy literally broke into Buckingham Palace & got into the Queen's bedroom. She stayed calm & just chatted with him, until he was relaxed enough to just let her ring for tea. Eventually someone realized something was happening (maybe it was when the Queen asked for two cups of tea when she was supposedly alone?) & they came & got the guy.

She definitely proves that she can keep a cool head in crazy situations. I think just dealing with her weird life must take a certain amount of levity.

5. She occasionally busts out a seriously charming smile.

She may not smile all the time, but when she does it is charming.

6. That James Bond stunt.

Danny Boyle was actually planning on using Helen Mirren or another actress to play the Queen for the Olympics Opening Ceremony. But the Queen volunteered to do it herself.

(Watch the whole crazy thing here.)

I mean, seriously, guys. The Queen is more fun than you think she is. Right?

Images of the Queen via Daily Mail, here, NYDailyNews, here, & Telegraph