Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Something Borrowed

"Something Borrowed" has been one of my favorite books ever since freshman year of high school. It was a quick read with a great plot that kept me on my toes. I was ecstatic to learn last year that it was being adapted into a movie this spring, and was even more excited to learn that John Krasinski was starring in it (my favorite!).


This movie came out last Friday and you can believe that my friends and I went to see the matinee showing right before we had to move out of our dorms for the summer. It was a wonderful romantic comedy about friendships being tested when guys come into the picture... especially when the guy may or may not be the best friend's fiancee. Yikes!

I think the movie did the book justice and I was very pleased with the actors' portrayals of the character. Kate Hudson's character was conniving, confident, and crazy all at once. Ginnifer Goodwin's character will make you feel sympathetic for her, even if she was the "bad girl". Colin Egglesfield will make you swoon every.single.time he was on the screen, guaranteed. John Krasinski's character was sarcastic and charming at the same time (much similar to his Jim Halpert character on The Office). At one point, he says "Well I'm the only asshole that gives a shit about you!" Um, who ever knew that my heart would melt at such a line!?


"Something Borrowed" was funny, charming, and heartbreaking all at once. It's a great movie to either see by yourself or with a group of your girlfriends. I highly recommend going to see it and reading the book too if you haven't already! (Plus, there's a great dancing scene of Kate and Ginnifer dancing and singing to "Push It" by Salt n Pepa)


Have you read the book or seen the movie?
Did John Krasinski make you melt too!?

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Beyond the Blackboard

I was flipping through the channel guide earlier tonight when I came across this Hallmark movie on CBS. I took one glance at the plot and turned it on right away.


Beyond the Blackboard was an inspirational, moving true story about Stacey Bess, a young teacher right out of college, who placed her prejudices and fears aside to establish a classroom at a homeless shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Through the trials and tribulations of caring for her family, her students, and herself simultaneously, Stacey Bess defied the odds of being an unexperienced, brand-new teacher and guided these once helpless children down the right path to a positive future.

As much as I wanted to be a teacher when I was deciding what I wanted to study in college, my head and heart led me elsewhere. Regardless, I strongly believe that there is a "teacher" in me that wants to come out from time to time and after watching this movie, I definitely felt that "teacher" in me start to emerge to the surface. To see how much of an impact that Stacey Bess made on these children only strengthened my desire to have the same impression on others in my future.


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Water for Elephants

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Newport Public Library and found out that they had a "bookstore" in the basement of the library. I had never even seen a bookstore in a library before, but what amazed me even more was that the books were all donated by either the library or frequent readers. I could tell that many of the books were barely read so I decided to take full advantage of this. I was able to snag all of the following books for only $7! What a bargain!

1. Prep :: Curtis Sittenfield
2. The Last Lecture :: Randy Pausch
3. For One More Day :: Mitch Albom
4. Bitter is the New Black :: Jen Lancaster
5. Water for Elephants :: Sara Gruen

I've been wanting to read Water for Elephants for quite some time and have heard great reviews so I was very excited when I found it for $1!
Not to mention, the movie will be coming out on April 21 and I can't wait to see it! I simply cannot turn down a Reese movie. This role seems very different than any other role she has played before so I am looking forward to seeing her performance in this movie.



Have you read Water for Elephants?
Are you going to see the movie?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I've seen many of my daily reads participate in WILW with Jamie, so I decided to hop on the train and play along!

1. "I'm His Coral Friend" polish from OPI.
(This color is more pink than orange, fyi) It may be spring but the snow that arrived today says otherwise. However, I just have to look down at my nails and I'm reminded that warm weather will be here soon!
2. This adorable floral eyelet dress from F21.
I recently purchased it and I already cannot wait to wear it!

3. Trader Joe's mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups
For Lent, I gave up all sweets again (bye bye cakes, cookies, ice cream, desserts, breakfast pastries, candy, etc.). However, the priest at my school's chapel said that we could "rest" from Lent on Sundays. His exact words: "If you're giving up chocolate for Lent, feel free to eat it on Sunday!" I have never heard this before, but you better believe I am taking full advantage of my "sweet Sundays". I do feel like a cheater, but once that first PB cup hits my tongue, I just close my eyes and smile.

4. My new Sauconys
I bought these at TJMaxx's for only $25 last month and I'm only beginning to wear them now because I didn't want to dirty them up due to the snow. There's nothing like new running shoes to get me motivated to run!

What are YOU loving on this Wednesday?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Springtime Staples

Spring fever is in the air! It's supposed to reach up to a high of 65 degrees in  Boston this Friday, the perfect temperature to venture around the city and go shopping on Newbury Street! Oh, the joys of living in Massachusetts...

With sunshine on the brain, here are some of my "springtime staples" for this season.

1) 3" chino shorts. I always say, the brighter, the better! The appropriately named "shocking pink" shorts from J.Crew are a perfect addition to any springtime wardrobe. If that fluorescent hue doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will!
2) A simple striped boatneck tee. This nautical navy blue boatneck from Vineyard Vines tee is a fantastic match with the bright lemon twill shorts as pictured above.

3) A great pair of sunglasses. These Ray-Ban new wayfarer sunglasses are a classic piece to any outfit. I would love to own a colorful pair, such as a yellow or magenta pair, but you cannot go wrong with the timeless black or tortoise pair.
4) A simple sundress to dress down and up. You can wear this dress to class on a nice, sunny day or pair it with a blazer to be more "business cas".
5) Cardigans, especially the Jackie cardigan from J.Crew. I cannot say enough about these cardigans! I am always looking for a color that I don't already have to add to my collection. The radiant orchid is one of my favorites and I have a headband adorned with flowers that matches perfectly with it. Pastel colors are great for the springtime and can easily be worn over a flowy tank top or over a shift dress during this transition season.
6) Espadrilles. I'm loving this cute navy pair from AE with the paisley straps. Too cute!

What are some of your springtime staples?