Cherry Blossoms... & Hunger Games

It was like a scene straight out of Anne of Green Gables. Or a vision in Narnia. Perhaps I was daydreaming in Pride & Prejudice land... whichever it was most like, it was simply beautiful. Sitting on a hillside, a good book in my hands, spring breezes flowing through the trees, petals softly fluttering to the ground... It was a perfect afternoon. A scene almost straight out of a movie. I would look up from the pages of my book every few moments and just smile. Smile for the weather (Virginia is seriously amazing!), smile for the aromas (between the smells of spring and the local bakery up over the hill, my sense of smell was on overdrive!) and smile for God's beautiful care in His creation. Every spring, the earth comes alive. Without hesitation. His handiwork is seen in every blossom and in every birds' song. 

Speaking of Hunger Games! Who saw it this weekend?? I was the girl who started book one two days before the movie premiered. Yup. That was me. I had two afternoons to get the thing done and I made it happen! I may or may not have read the last 1.5 pages literally IN my theater seat, but I finished it in time! I never do anything (at least I strive great lengths to) that hordes of people flock to; if something is popular, chances are I run the other way. I felt nothing one way or the other over Hunger Games, but my family flew through the series over the last few months (even my hubby!). So, I finally caved when I realized Strom would see the movie with or without me. 

So, to whoever saw it, what did you think? I now wish I read the books sooner, because I was able to point out every single missed detail, it having been so fresh in my mind... But I enjoyed it!! (And honestly, it's 2.5 hours, how much more detail does a movie even have time for?) It follows the book as close as I have ever seen a movie do. The characters are all well represented, and the action well-done. The relational intricacies and emotional elements aren't fully conveyed (yet another time issue, I'm sure!) but overall, it was great and extremely enjoyable! My word of advice is to definitely read the books first. You get so much more out of the movie knowing the extra details and thoughts of Katniss Everdeen, the lead character (the book is written in first person, so all the narrative is missing). I'm not one that likes movie spoilers, but in this case the books are a plus beforehand! And that's my two cents! 

The Christmas List

And so, I bring you my second annual "For the Last Minute Shopper" list!

If your gift-giving adventures this Christmas season have been anything like mine, you have experienced confusion, cluelessness (yup, I make up words!), and even frustration. My husband will tell you that I typically disregard the gift ideas people give me in sight for my idea of a perfect gift. He always says, "Just give them what they are asking for!" But I can't. I know better than them! ;) 

With that being said, I feel for you. That is why I am here! Compiled is a list of personally tested, personally loved and personally adored items. It's a smaller list than last year, but hey, we all need to be wise in our spending! If I help just one person find a little holiday shopping peace, then it is an accomplished mission!

Books

1. If history holds little interest for you, perhaps it is because it has always been told in a boring fashion. Give Being George Washington a chance and have your mind blown. Learn of George Washington in a way you never heard before!
2. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas is one of the greatest reads I have had this year, and quite possibly in my lifetime. Your life will be changed by Bonhoeffer's amazing character.
3. The Zion Covenant Series - quite possibly the greatest series I have had the joy of reading! Another way to learn history in an exciting adventurous way!

Entertainment

1. The Help was the best movie I saw in the theater this year. I don't typically purchase movies anymore, but this is one I would own myself. I promise you will love it!
2. Each year I find new music artists that capture my attention, and this year's artist is definitely Gungor: Beautiful Things. Simply amazing talent with a splash of pure funkiness!
3. ClearPlay is an amazing product that allows you to load filters for movies that actually silence and remove unwanted language and compromising scenes. My family has been a huge fan since they hit stores years ago!

Unique Ideas

76 Garments is a company I am excited to share with you! What better way to share their ethics and values but in their own words? "Doing it the hard way means doing it right. Our shirts are made and printed in the United States because sometimes shortcuts just don’t cut it. We’d rather support American industry and pay honest wages than save a few bucks. Embracing the truth means wearing it on your sleeve, chest, or wherever our shirts are emblazoned with uncompromising food for thought..."  (Continued...)

My Favorite Things

1. I'm not kidding when I say I want to eat my hands every time I use my Vanilla Bean Noel lotion. The scent is Christmas in cream form. (I am smelling my hands right now!) 
2. BlogStomp just might be the greatest invention in the blogging world. It uploads, formats, sharpens, and stomps your photos in seconds. It's perfect for the photographer or blogger in your life! It's pure awesomesauce. 
3. My husband treated himself to this unique hat from Gasden & Culpeper this fall, and I must say, it's pretty cool! There are many styles and features to choose from for the hat-wearing man in your life!
4. For the impossible person on your list, Shari's Berries can come to your rescue! They are truly as delicious as they look - even more so. Worth. Every. Penny.

Thankfully, I am done our Christmas shopping! And thanks to Dave Ramsey, we don't owe anyone a penny this Christmas! It seems frustrating to be putting money away for Christmas presents in March, but I will tell you, come December when you look at your budget and realize it's all paid for!! It brings a happy smile to your face!

Merry Christmas and happy (and wise!!) shopping!

Soul Surfer

You know those little adds to the right of your Facebook profile? The ones that seemingly stalk your every move and cater to your interests? Yeah, they drive me nuts. I hate them. Really hate them. But today, I will admit that I appreciated those irritating advertisements.

Do you remember Bethany Hamilton? She was the young girl who lost her arm in a shark attack back in 2003. I remember the story very well and recall following how amazingly and determinately she handled the attack. Well, that little ad on my FB news feed told me there is a movie coming out on April 8th about Bethany's story. I'm pretty psyched. I dig an inspirational movie, and this looks like an awesome one! And not to mention, Carrie Underwood has a role in it. (I don't care what you think, I love her!) 

Check out the official trailer and tell me what you think!

(For more info, you can check out the official movie website and enjoy the sound of the waves!)

Almost Valentine's Day

 

{Image Source}

It's almost that sappy Hallmark day again. I am not going to pretend that I don't like it and that I think it's a ploy for florists and card companies to make a buck (even though I know it is), because in reality I absolutely love Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day is great because it is the perfect excuse to shower someone with love. It doesn't have to be extravagant love (i.e. diamonds or a weekend in NYC) and you don't have to be in a relationship to enjoy the day. Before my handsome hubby came along, my precious dad used to send my sister and me roses or actually mailed cards to us (we lived at home!) just so we knew how much he cared. Can someone say precious? My adorable mom always made heart shaped cookies (sometimes a cake) with us as kids and let us make colored frosting to top them off. These are memories I will always keep with me. So, whoever passes over the day without a second thought is missing out on some sweet moments in life. 

And on that note, a word to the guys out there (though I know the only ones reading are either related or married to me. Ha.) Don't think for one second you can skip Valentine's Day. You might have a precious gal who tells you to save your money and not to worry about it, but I promise... She still wants you to show some love. Maybe she hates flowers -- bring her some chocolate. Oh, she's on a diet? Bring her some strawberries! Don't have the money to take your girlfriend/fiancee/wife out to dinner? Give her the night off from cooking and make dinner. Make her some food. You aren't the cook in the house? Doesn't matter, she would love a night off! Perhaps you have little ones terrorizing your house and no sitter in town will come over. After feeding them heart shaped sugar cookies (and of course, them coming down from a sugar high), get those kids to bed and pop some popcorn and watch a chick flick for your woman. Deployed? (Been there). CALL HER. Send her flowers -- ProFlowers has some good deals and I promise you will make her cry. Happy tears that is. If you can't afford the flowers and the line at the MWR is a mile long, at least send an email. The little arrow (<) and the number 3 make a heart. Put them together and press send. It's honestly that easy. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to be our knight in shining armor. And I promise you, you don't have to ride into battle on a white horse to make us smile. We already love you. Don't forget to ask your girl to be your Valentine. Yes, it's utterly cheesy. I feel like a total nerd if I beat Strom to it, but I'm telling you, a man who is willing to be a cliche nerd is one who makes happy. We act like it doesn't matter to us, but let's face it, it does. (Okay, now you ladies can show that entirely-too-long speech to your man!)

I promise you men out there, when women feel loved we show respect. And hey, when you feel all big, bad and respected, you're going to show even more 

love. It's the crazy-cycle set right. 

To you girls out there who have the heart to do something sweet, but no time to imagine on your own, there are some EASY things to do to make the day special! Everyone knows that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Go to Allrecipes.com and put together a 3-course meal. Bruschetta, chicken parm and chocolate mousse. It doesn't matter, just pick it. Stop by TJMaxx on your way to the grocery store and pick up some candles and cute serving dishes. Make a card. Buy a card. It honestly doesn't matter! Valentine's Day is the day that rings, "It's the thought that counts." So think it and do it! The institution of marriage is on the brink of destruction and these little steps make a world of difference. When the family thrives, society thrives (I'll save that for a later post...)

So, to summarize my soapbox: Valentine's Day is next Monday, don't pass over it! Make it special for your kids, make it special for your man, make it special for the lady in your life, and when you do, life will be special for you.

Here are some last minute ideas for the clueless people out there: 

1. Shari's Berries has a deal right now - 6 hand-dipped berries for $19.95. I am still dying to try these someday! 

2. Proflowers- can't go wrong with flowers! They too have a few really great deals on last minute gifts. Go to the radio icon in the right hand corner and type in "Beck" and you will get a few additional promos (I know people!)

3. When all else fails, put on a chick flick. This is my hubby's favorite chick flick (probably the only one he can stand, thanks to Ryan Reynolds).

Yeah, the world is a total disaster and writing about flowers and candy is seemingly unimportant. I realize this. But when it comes down to it, the only things that matter are God and relationships. So, go better your relationship and make next Monday sweet! Now! <3

For the Last Minute Shopper

I feel a little bit like Oprah right now if I'm being honest. But I had this idea after weeks of Christmas shopping (and weeks of pulling my hair out, in all seriousness!). Why not do my own "Favorite Things" post? Maybe it will help spark some ideas for all you last minute shoppers with that one person on your list that makes you want to scream! 

There is nothing easier than to wrap a book or movie and put it under the tree. I'm a bit of a book snob, so my list consisted of mostly books this year. These are a few favorites that I have thoroughly enjoyed this year:

1. Want to truly understand our Constitution? 5000 Year Leap

2. Want to understand why our country is the way it is? Broke

3. A wonderful cookbook that I personally love is Mastering Your Metabolism

4. I'm not a Tom Cruise fan, but I *love* this movie: Knight and Day 

5. Another fun movie night with Date Night 

6. If you want to blow your mind with God's amazing greatness, check out Louie Giglio's How Great is Our God

7. One of my all-time favorite novels, Francine River's Redeeming Love

8. The best Yoga workout out there: Jillian Michael's Yoga Meldown

 

9.  The Game of Things, the most fun you'll have playing a game! ~ Walmart, Target, or wherever games are sold

10. The best bridesmaid gift I ever received was my amazingly comfy Victoria's Secret Kimono Wrap

11. Freshen up your living room with an endless assortment of Pillow Covers

12. I cannot imagine living without my Kitchen Aid Mixer!

13. Costume Jewelry! Rings! and more Rings!

14. Lip Stain, the best lip color while not breaking the bank! ~ Anywhere makeup is sold

15. Coffee Syrups ~ Found at your local grocers and coffee shops

16. I've been dying to receive this delicious chocolate covered goodness

17. One of my favorite wedding gifts are our ColorWave Dishes

18. One of my favorite kitchen gadgets is my Ice Cream Maker!

Good luck on your last minute shopping!! Hopefully one of my favorite things was a little inspiration for your friends and family! 

Happy Shopping! 

 

The Perfect Comfort Movie

When I have a horrible day and am too exhausted for words, the only thing I seem to have the strength for is a movie and a fluffy blanket. I suppose I could lose myself in a book, but it is so much easier to let the movie transport me into another world. Sheer laziness, I know. Without fail, the one movie I could always put on is...

After an exhausting day, a homesick week, or even after viewing horrible movie that needs to be erased from my recent memory, I could put on "You've Got Mail" from now until forever without ever hating it. It's my temporary escape to New York City...It provides that perfect feeling of the City in the fall. Between the quaintness of the bookstore, the endless snapshots of Starbucks (before Starbucks truly took off in the country!), and the corner flower stands and street festivals, I am left with a euphoric feeling of home. And yet, I've never lived in a brownstone, nor have I owned my own bookstore...but the movie captures that sensation of all things familiar and cozy. 

The music in the movie is perfect (a mixture of 70's-flavored tunes, The Beatles, and Stevie Wonder...not to mention a wonderful rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Harry Nilsson in the end). The color scheme is soothing...And I do believe Kathleen Kelly was the first to truly capture the shabby chic look. Have you ever realized how nothing matches in her adorable apartment? It's cluttered and eclectic and I would absolutely love to have my mail forwarded to the address and call it home. 

{It's just so...homey!}

{Do you remember how popular her hairstyle was after this movie took off?}

 {Her comforter changes throughout the movie. And each time I want to crawl in and nap the day away...}

{One thing I realized recently was that hutch/bookshelf to the right (green and off-white) is part of a set that you can see throughout her apartment.}

{If I were a kid, I would never want to leave this bookstore. It's as quaint is could be.}

{Twinkle Lights. It makes me want Christmas to arrive.}

{This scene marks the best part of the movie.}

 

{I love watching seemingly evil Joe Fox win over Kathleen Kelly. He has yet to lose his charm!}

{All images via Hookedonhouses.net}

{Note the green and off-white table. It matches the hutch in the dining room! And how cozy is her kitchen? It's a cluttered mess and I love it. How ironic.}

I realize this post is pointless. I suppose this is one of those days classified under "homesick." And you know the worst part about it? Since moving away from home...I no longer own a copy of "You've Got Mail." So sad... End of the world, right? These pictures will have to suffice! Maybe Walmart will have it in a $5 bin sometime in the near future.