Don't you miss Austin Powers? So stupid, yet so funny. The ironic thing about this clip is that I would totally live in that office. Okay, maybe not completely, but I am digging the gold accessories. Maybe not the gold panthers (although those would fit nicely in my living room).
If it is gold, I will probably buy it. I have a gold watch that I wear everyday. I love it. And I was so happy when Kate Spade decided to make June's color of the month gold. Please look at this cute site. And try not to buy something. Impossible, impossible I tell you!
After you have lusted over the various items of clothing and handbags that you cannot afford (okay, maybe I can't afford), head on over the "play" portion of their website and revel in the cuteness that is Kate Spade.
When I went to see Midnight in Paris with Travis a few weeks ago, I had no idea that a few hours later I would be voraciously searching for flights to Paris and asking..."how would you feel about not eating for two of the seven days we are there"? How could I have guessed that one silly little movie would make me want to quickly spend a cool 8 grand? No, folks, I am not made of money...but I do like to travel. And this movie completely and totally attacked my weaknesses.
Let me set the scene.
This is a movie by Woody Allen. I have never seen a Woody Allen movie. I'm not even sure if I spelled his name correctly. But, I was intrigued because I like Owen Wilson and like all straight men, Travis has a crush on Rachel McAdams. And I knew it was set in Paris. And then we watched this:
Hooked. Totally and completely hooked. I didn't even have to know the plot. That music and those still shots of the city were enough for me. Se we bought two tickets (in advance...who buys tickets AT the theater anymore? Anyone?) And we the youngest people in the theater by at least fifty years. Okay, maybe not fifty, but at least twenty. We were a bit skeptical.
And then, the movie started. The first three minutes are shots of Paris. Travel Porn is another name for that. Owen Wilson is ridiculously charming and Rachel McAdams is....Rachel McAdams. Equally charming.
And then the movie got a little silly. Actually a lot silly. If you don't like spoilers, stop reading right....NOW.
So Owen Wilson's character loves the ex-pat Parisian society from the 20's. You know, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, Gertrude Stein. And he fantasizes about meeting them in Paris. And then there is time travel and he really does meet them. Yep, that is what I said. Time travel. At first I was a little skeptical. Actually a lot skeptical. But then I just decided to go with it and it was awesome. Hemingway's character was spot on. He sounded like he was reading A Moveable Feast every time he spoke. Let me just say that this English teacher was in heaven.
Travis and I left the theater actually discussing flights to Paris. And if we had enough money in our bank account for a two week European vacation. That is how good this movie is. See it. It is charming and seductive and silly. Yes, all of those adjectives rolled into one movie. Also, it gives you the opportunity to vicariously travel to Paris when the weather is fantastic and you have a ton of money. Not like watching a Bourne movie that is always set in winter and makes you never want to visit Europe because you might get shot by a highly skilled sniper.
See this movie for nothing else but the scenery of Paris at all times of the day. It is glorious.
Well, it has been a while. And I have to admit, these last few months have been a bit crazy. But alas, it is summer time, and I now have oodles (great word, huh) of time to tell you about my boring life. As a gentle (re) introduction to blogging, I'll tell you about a few things coming up that I am excited about.
1. New York
In a few weeks I'll be heading back to the great city of New York with my family. We are seeing two great shows, Catch Me If You Can and Jersey Boys. I love musicals so much. I even recorded the Tony's even though I don't get all the inside jokes because I don't see that many shows. But can I express how much I love Neil Patrick Harris? Like, so much. He is so talented. Here is a clip to express my love.
Anyway...I'm looking forward to a great trip! Have I told ya about how much I love NYC?
2. Babies
In a few months I will get to meet two new additions to the world from two of my very best friends in the world. And I am so excited.
My friends are going to be great parents. And their kids are going to be awesome. And I am going to be a great (pseudo) aunt. Get ready for gratuitous amounts of love...
3. No School
I have officially finished school. No, really, I have. No longer will I be strolling the south oval. No longer will I be buying books that pile in my office. No longer will I be going to class after work. SCHOOL NO MORE! This is the first time in my life I have not been a student (it only took about 20 years). WAHOO! But, I'm sure I'll get bored soon. I have a problem.
I find this clip appropriate because a new Muppets movie is coming out in November and I am weirdly excited. But, I'll save that side of crazy for another post.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Deux
I don't know whether to laugh or cry...I'm so emotional! I love the Harry Potter books so much. It might be a little dorky, but I don't give a rat's ass what you think. That was maybe a little harsh. Sorry about that. Anyway, I would be so happy if one day I could be a professor at Hogwarts. If that makes me a super nerd, so be it. But, I cannot wait for the final installment of the Harry Potter movies. I plan to visit Harry Potter's Wizarding World of Magic one day (yeah, it is true). Sure, I'll blame it on the kids, but really, deep down, I'll be like a small child, too excited to sleep. (See above).
Well, that is all for now. A short little post. I hope to one day be like my fellow blogger friends (Kendall, I'm talking to you) who can post a little something everyday. I admire her commitment. Just to top it off with one more video, here is a little something to welcome me back to the blog world.
I told my husband the other day that I really want to learn Spanish. Not right now...but once I finish my thesis, that will be the next thing on the table. I am also craving a little vacation as you could see from my last few posts and this might help curb my need to leave. These videos give a small little escape, and you get to learn some of the language! Enjoy!
I found these videos via lalalovelythings.blogspot.com and was smitten! I learned a few new words, too!
Looking for an authentic, cheap breakfast in Florence? Read through this post from EuroCheapo on some of the best places to find coffee and pastries. Mmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
"My favorite thing is to go where I've never been" -Diane Arbus
Over the last two weeks I have been snowed in and bored as can be. This can only mean one thing: vacation planning. I have been lusting over a few of these places in the last few weeks and did a little research just to see if they were even possible. I would love to go somewhere totally different, but the lure of Europe always draws me in. Anyone have any advice on these places?
Japan
This is the crazy one. It is so far away and so completely different! Also, I have heard that it is super expensive. Honestly, I don't know if we could afford a trip to Japan. But, man, what an adventure! Just to see some of the gardens and the crazy cities would be amazing and a trip of a lifetime.
So beautiful! Right? I will say, that flights are not as expensive as I thought. A little more than $1200. This is about the same as a flight to Europe in July. Interesting, huh?
Argentina/Brazil
I have been talking about Buenos Aires for a while, but I love the idea of going somewhere totally different. My only concern is the weather. It is going to be winter in our summer, and I would love to visit a place when it is the best. I think it gets fairly cold?
Oh Brazil. The beaches, the weather, the beautiful people. What is not to love? Also, Rio is hosting the Olympics, so it would be amazing to see the city during a big renovation. But once again, the weather is a concern.
Australia
Do you watch Oprah? Then you saw her Australian adventure.
And didn't it make you want to visit Australia? Travis has a crush on Australia and has wanted to go there for a long time. But once again, the weather is problem. We want to go on a trip this summer, and it will be winter in Australia in July. I wonder if the weather is really that cold? Also, flight prices are pretty expensive. And it is a super long flight.
Brussels
This is the European country that I would like to visit. It looks so beautiful!
Also, they have chocolate!
And beer!
It is a really close call. Now, keep in mind that this is all a dream. Money is an issue and could determine whether or not we take a big trip or not. If only I had won the lottery a few weeks ago...
After reading the following article from the New York Times, My Personal Baggage by Amanda Fortini, I have come to realize that I too have a little excess baggage. I mean, who doesn't keep two pens, old receipts, two wallets, four lipsticks, and a phone in their purse? Why not have used gladware, a nativity scene, and clothes meant for giveaway in October in the backseat of their car?
My desk at work is similar. I have piles of student work, three books, two coasters, and sticky notes galore. I am not a person who leaves my desk clean and empty, ready to start a new day. My desk is clean three times a year. The first day of school, the first day of second semester, and the last day of school. Things pile so quickly!
Also, when I pack, I tend to take too much. I will say though, a trip or two to Europe and one bag can help cure excess. I love the quote from Diane Von Furstenburg mentioned in the article, “If you can pack a suitcase well, it means you have balanced your life”. When packing, make a list like my husband. Or start to pack mentally like my mom. It helps to start from the top of your head to your toes. And remember, unless you are traveling to a third world country, you can get just about anything you might need in an emergency at a pharmacy.
Take a few notes from this article, and maybe you too can start to simplify your life. Enjoy!
This blog is dedicated to my travels, but also things I love in my everyday life. I am an English teacher in Oklahoma and my husband and I are always looking for the next great place to visit!
