Moneyball Review

On Sunday night we had grand plans to go see I Don't Know How She Does It. I was so excited! Nothing cures the Sunday weirds like a great chick flick. We got to the theater and my handsome boyfriend had gotten the times wrong "on accident." There was only one movie at 8pm and we were going to see Moneyball.

I knew the movie was gathering some great reviews. I knew it was getting some Oscar buzz. I knew I would probably enjoy it. What I didn't know was how she does it! And I wanted to! Desperately!

I pouted through all of the previews, including this mess, which literally looks like the worst movie of all time.

The last time I'm predicted a movie would be the "worst of all time" was after seeing the Avatar trailer while waiting for the first Twilight movie to begin. You know what movie won the Best Picture Oscar that year? Not the one that contained the line "hold on tight sweater monkey!" ::cringe:: So who knows.

Anyways, I finally sucked it up and really enjoyed Moneyball. I know nothing about professional baseball but I think anyone who sees this movie can connect with the storyline. It has a great script and wonderful acting. It is really Brad Pitt's movie and he carries the film with a combination of frustration, desperation, and the general ability to be a badass.

You know how a lot of sports movies aren't really about sports? Like how Remember the Titans is really about race relations and singing "Aint No Mountain." And The Blind Side is really about the Tuhoy family and Sandra Bullock looking good in expensive clothes. Well Moneyball is really about sports. And sports statisics. And sports management. Those might be my 3 least favorite topics in the world- but I still liked this movie. And you'll like it too. Especially if you actually show up expecting to see it!

Moneyball, rated "PG-13," drama, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, B+

Movie and a Makeover

First, is Movie and a Makeover still a thing on TBS? I never remember the makeovers, but they always play a great chick flick for a lazy Saturday.

Anyways, as you can see, CFC got a little makeover! After trying to change things up on my own- with disastorous results- I am very pleased with this update from Designer Blogs! No half-back situation here!

I wanted something that was still fun and feminine, but a little more sassy and sophisticated. Kind of like Sandy's makeover in Grease!

Except without the black pants. Because seriously, can anyone pull those off besides Olivia Newton John circa 1978?

As I was getting ready to go out for dinner and drinks on Saturday, I felt a little inspired by Sandy's makeover.

Sweater and pearls?
Sweet, goody two shoes Sandy!

Leopard print romper?

About to be a pink lady/you're the one that I want Sandy!

Except no black pants. Because seriously how is it possible to look that good in spandex?

In my dream world

I would have written this article. This would have been my very first post instead of this well-meaning mess. I love you Mindy Kaling! I can't wait to review your first romantic comedy! Let's be best friends!

"But what I’d really like to write is a romantic comedy. This is my favorite kind of movie. I feel almost embarrassed revealing this, because the genre has been so degraded in the past twenty years that saying you like romantic comedies is essentially an admission of mild stupidity. But that has not stopped me from enjoying them. I like watching people fall in love onscreen so much that I can suspend my disbelief in the contrived situations that occur only in the heightened world of romantic comedies."

Movie Quote (and Scene) of the Day

I mean, I know I cant stay. But its like I don't want to leave.

Well that's the thing about life . . . is the surprises. The little things that sneak up on you and grab hold of you.- Father of the Bride

As previously mentioned, I was in Florida the past few weeks for work. I spent most of my time in my hometown, sleeping in my childhood room, and hanging out with girls who have been my best friends since I was 14.

I know I'm "grown up" and I wouldn't trade my life today for anything. I know it's been 10 years since I officially lived in Florida and I'll be back soon enough for the holidays.

But sometimes I forget what it's like to eat dinner with my parents every night, to run to the beach to watch the sunset, and to laugh so hard I'm crying over something that happened sophomore year.

But I remember now.

Birthday wishes and Emmy dresses

Happy Monday!

First . . . Happy Birthday to my college roomie and one of my best friends Johanna!

Jo is so smart and driven and beautiful, and she makes everything more fun! She's also one of the funniest people I know!

I love reading about Johanna's adventures out west on her blog! I miss you Jo!

Also a few favorites from the Emmy red carpet:

Sarah Hyland

Claire Danes

Jane Krakowski

Kristin Wiig

And my absolute FAVORITE . . .

Sofia Vergara

As for the show, I enjoyed watching it, I'm pleased that the Modern Fam triumphed over the Gleeks and that Coach Taylor finally got some recognition.

I am also APPALLED that Steve Carrell will never win an Emmy for his portrayal of Michael Scott. Anyone who voted for Jim Parson should be ashamed of themselves!

Any thoughts from last night?

Hip Pip Hooray

On April 29th, at 5:00am I was on the elliptical and watching the royal wedding. I was sweating, crying, and in a texting flurry with my mom. Then, she stepped out of the car.

"Who IS that," I typed, "Pippa?!? WOW!" A star was born!

I spent most of the spring and summer in a Middleton sister induced obsessive coma. Kate's trip to Cali! Pippa's fun single life! I couldn't get enough!

Pippa's style has recieved a lot of attention. Is she fashionable? Is she boring?

via

What I like about Lady Pippa is that she always looks put together. She gets up everyday and makes the effort. And isn't that more than half the battle?

One look I really loved was the darling denim dress.

I've wanted a casual denim dress since I first saw Julia wander through Italy in Eat Pray Love.

But every dress I tried on reminded me of a jumper a teacher might wear. You know, with the little apple or schoolhouse designs? (Not you of course Lauren, or Jo, or any other teacher who might be reading this!) At long last, I found this dress at Forever 21 and wore it all summer long!

Farewell, summer! tear . . .

What I love the most about Pippa is how freakin fit she is! She has a rockin bod and WORKS for it! Running a 5k a few weeks after her MOH duties . . .

You know who else ran a 5k this summer? Moi! and 2 minutes faster than Pippa I might add.

Oh then she compteted in a 20 mile run and 30 mile bike ride.

Me? Not so much. However I have run a full marathon before . . .

16 seconds slower than oprah.

I don't want to talk about it.

Our Idiot Brother Review

I saw this movie over two weeks ago and am just not posting the review! This is not a reflection of my thoughts on the movie... I loved it!

Our Idiot Brother is sweet, goofy, and heartwarming- much like the main character (and idiot sibling) Ned. Paul Rudd is great as Ned, a hippie with a heart of gold who begins to irritate the sisters who pass him around after he gets out of jail.

This is one of those movies where nothing terribly stressful or dramatic or suspensful happens . . . but its is SO enjoyable to watch.

I loved seeing Emily Mortimer, Elizabeth Banks, and Zooey Deschanel as Ned's exasperated sisters. Banks had some hot outfits as an uptight magazine writer.

Actually, nothing really special about that outfit but it was the only pic I could find! But I especially loved Rashida Jones' menswear inspired wardrobe as a hipster lawyer, and the girlfriend of Zooey Deschanel.

Which leads me to my joke of the moment: Did you hear about the hipster that burned his mouth?

Yeah, he ate pizza WAY before it was cool.

Ha!

Hey Girl

Last night I had a wonderful reunion/dinner/girls night out/laughfest with my best friends All of My Reasons and Worthy of Being Storied. I don't like to brag, but I'm pretty sure I have the greatest friends in the world.

We all wore some shade of purple, completely unplanned. This is pretty typical of us. We often show up to hang out wearing varying matching outfits. Kind of like Destiny's Child?

And, as we discussed last night, we are all varying levels of bootylicious.

Anyway, I have been tentativley planning a day at Disney World when I am in Orlando in October. and recruiting friends to meet me there. Last night before dinner I bought this silly tshirt featuring two heartwarming memories from my childhood.

Why Laguna AND Mickey? Who cares! So I decided this purchase solidifed my plans. See you in October Mickey!

And while we are on the topic of Disney . . . I discovered this video on Jezebel this morning. Omg, hilarious! We know that's what Belle was actually thinking the whole time.

I'm gonna turn you into a sweater and its gonna match!

Stress Relief

This week I've been a kinda stressed. Nothing crazy, I just feel like the lazy days of summer are gone and my work and school schedule won't slow down until . . . May? Wow. As Cher might say . . .

"I felt impotent and out of control. Which I really, really hate. I had to find sanctuary in a place where I could gather my thoughts and regain my strength... "

I was in Naples for work and happened upon the prettiest shopping center/outdoor mall that I've ever seen. Really it was just lovely.

And Nordstrom was having a shoe sale, so I bought these!

Wow, I feel better already . . .

Everything Old is New Again

Omg have you seen this amazing video?

I first saw it on What I Wore. I've watched it approximately 20 times since then. I love ALL of the clothes and dances- but especially the Rosie Riveter outfit with the floral head scarf and the late 60's/early 70's wide felt hat with huge sunglasses. So glamorous.

Summer Favorites

Well today is labor day and therefore the last day of summer and the beginning of fall! Technically the first day of autumn is September 23, but if we listened to those rules we'd consider the first day of winter to be December 22nd. And everyone knows winter starts the day after Thanksgiving when we start the official sprint towards Christmas! Right?

Anyways, I had a great summer. Sometimes I can get kind of restless, but this year I enjoyed the long, lazy days for all they were worth. And in the spirit of reflection and summer appreciate, I present you with Chick Flick Chic summer favorites . . .

Favorite movie: I'm going to go with Bridesmaids. While other movies like Crazy Stupid Love or The Help might get more press come awards season, Bridesmaids stole my heart. It was absurdly hilarious and heartwarming. And it perfectly captured the mix of excitement and nostalgia that goes along with your best friend getting hitched.

Favorite vacation: I spent a week in Florida and then North Carolina beaches with my boyfriend and both of our families. A lot of reading, relaxing, and sun.

Favorite purchase: I bought this Kate Spade purse for 60% off and immediately had buyer'sremorse. However, when it arrived it was so perfectly punchy pink that I couldn't resist. I carried it all summer long and it was a hit. I'm a little sad to banish it to the back of my closet in the cooler weather.

Favorite thing I did: Dance the night away with my best friends, boyfriend AND parents at my friend Madeline's wedding. Celebrating love and 10+ years of friendship makes my heart very happy.

Favorite Book: I'm going to have to go with One Day . . . or Bossypants . . . its a tie. Both wonderful and unique in their own way. If you're looking for a good laugh and some great life lessons- Bossypants. Looking to cry your eyes out and fall in love with a fictional character? One Day.

Favorite thing I wore: Nothing too special about this dress (LC Lauren Conrad), but it was oh so fun to wear floral with my besties and fellow bridesmaids. Plus, in June I was still on a royal wedding high and loved wearing this fascinator-like headpiece.

Beautiful Duchess Kate

Well, I tried.

Favorite life change: I moved into a one bedroom apartment all by myself! It's been a transition but its been fun. At first I felt a little like Carrie . . .

Realistically? I'm a little more Bridget.

It's been a great summer and I'm thankful for every bit of it. I must confess that fall is perhaps my favorite season so I'm looking forward to some romantic movies, fun times, and cute clothes in the months ahead!

What are your summer favorites?

Sorry for the interuption folks . . .

but i always dance the last dance of the season.

And last night, on what felt like one of the lasts nights of summer, I watched Dirty Dancing. Again. This is a movie I could watch every day and never tire of it. I know every line, and a few key dance moves. Dirty Dancing isn't just one of the greatest chick flicks of all time, its one of my all time favorite movies. And here's why:

1. The suprisingly progressive story line. Baby is "going to Mount Holyoke in the fall," at a time where its perfectly acceptable for her older sister Lisa to "decorate." She wants to join the peace corps after that. She cares about starving children in east Asia and monks burning themselves in protest. Baby wants to save the world and that's exactly why Johnny falls in love with her. Now we won't even get into the whole "Penny's in trouble" plot, but let's just give the movie overall props for a pro-female story that still allows the heroine to fall in love.

2. The clothes, of course! Baby's outfits are somehow a perfect combination of 60s and 80s trends and no one will ever look as cute in white keds as she did sneaking off to dance practice. Also, her sweet natural curls . . . I've tried to cut my hair like this many a times . . . no one has ever pulled me out of a corner.

every girl wants a dress that twirls

maxi skirt and tied up shirt? totally in right now!

adorable!

3. Johnny Castle. I mean, what else is there to say?

He's a bad boy with a good heart and he genuinely loves Baby for who she is, watermelon carrying and goofy dance moves. His dance moves are divine and if you get to the end of the movie without developing a crush . . . well just wait for this part.

When Johnny lifts up Baby... er, Francis? and then sings "I owe it all to you"- I melt, everytime.

4. Dirty Dancing is the perfect summer fling movie. We don't know what happens to Johnny and Baby after their Kellerman's reunion. But lets face it. Baby goes to college, joins the peace corps, meets a Harvard grad and former Freedom Rider and they eventually settle down and raise their daughters to be confident and optimistic and brave. Johnny opens a dance studio in the city with Penny and never feels ashamed about who he is and where he came from. What? You've never thought of that? The point is, we don't need to know. We know they had the time of their life!

5. The "Cry to Me" scene. ( Sorry I couldnt embed. But you should click and watch it. Now.)

This scene goes down in history for me as the greatest movie love scene of all time. If you're ever in a cabin in the Catskills, wearing white jeans and a peasant top and pouring your heart out to a guy and a Solomon Burke song comes on . . Just ask him to dance. You'll thank me later.

"Join hands and hearts and voices, voices, hearts and hands,

At Kellerman's the friendships last long as the mountains stand."

Thanks for the good times Kellerman's- see ya next summer!

What's your favorite summer movie?