A Book and a Movie

I promise I will be back with something decor-inspired soon.  But so far my summer has been filled with fun activities and relaxing.

If you are into relaxing with a good book, I just finished "Honolulu" by Alan Brennert and would highly recommend it.

Source: goodreads.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

"Honolulu" tells the story of a girl named Regret, born in a Korean village around the turn of the 20th century.  Regret wants more for her life than the life of a repressed Korean woman can offer.  She decides to become a picture bride (basically a mail order bride) for a Korean man living in Honolulu.

Once in Hawaii, Regret quickly learns that the streets aren't lined in gold and life is not as she expected.  Regret learns to make her way in this new world.  The author does a great job of weaving real history into Regret's story and brings life to Hawaii of the 1920's and 30's.

I liked "Honolulu" so much that I'm now reading Brennert's first book, "Molokai."

Source: goodreads.com via Emily on Pinterest

"Molokai" is the story of a young Hawaiian girl who contracts leprosy and is taken from her family to live in the leper colony on Molokai.  I'm only a few pages into this book, but it already seems like it will be just as good as "Honolulu."

As for the movies, I took the girls to see "Dolphin Tale" at the dollar movie theater this week.  I don't know how we missed this movie when it was in the theater (it's already out on DVD.)

Source: amzn.to via gina on Pinterest

I am such an animal lover and love inspiring animal movies.  I rarely cry at movies featuring humans, but throw an animal in there and I'm a blubbering mess.  This movie was no exception.  The girls and I deemed this movie, "our new favorite."  If you are looking for a great family-friendly movie, get this DVD.

Have you read any good books and seen any good movies lately?

Book Recommendations....and Las Vegas?!?!?!?

I've read a string of good books recently and the latest was no exception. 

The blurb on the cover says that this book will "delight fans of Downton Abbey."  Since I've been in Downton Abbey doldrums waiting for the next series to start sometime next year, I picked up this book.

It featured the same sort of upstairs/downstairs drama in an English manor house that's in Downton.  The main difference is that The House at Tyneford takes place during WWII, while Downton's most recent season was during WWI.

Elise Landau is an Austrian Jew whose parents send her to work in England on a domestic servant visa in the days prior to WWII.  Elise is a from a high-brow Viennese family so she doesn't fit in with the servants with whom she works at Tyneford, nor does she mingle with the upper-class family and their guests.  The story follows Elise through the war.

I'm in need of another good book.  Big K and I are heading to Las Vegas sans kids later this week. 

This is only our second trip without the kids.  I'm really excited, but I've also been a nervous wreck.  Mary's preschool teacher and her college-age daughter are staying with the kids, so everything should be fine, but I'm such a worrier that I even considered cancelling the trip last week.

Source: Uploaded by user via maidy on Pinterest

We're staying at the Wynn and we've stayed there once before.  The decor can only be described as totally over-the-top luxury.  I'll be sure to take more photos while I'm there, but this gives you an idea of what it's like.

Source: frommers.com via Tessa on Pinterest

The flowers and floor mosaics are gorgeous.

Source: pages.wynnlasvegas.com via Diana on Pinterest

It's just a teeny-tiny bit different than my cluttered, dog-fur covered bedroom at home.

Source: google.com via Caroline on Pinterest

I don't know how I'm going to put on my bathing suit after spending time at this buffet.

Source: thedailymeal.com via Gift on Pinterest

Speaking of bathing suits, I intend to spend most of my time lounging by the pool with a good book.  So if you have a "must read," let me know!

We're also going to see this show, called La Reve.  It reminds me of "O" by Cirque du Soleil, which was amazing.

Source: boxoffice.wynnlasvegas.com via Alyson Paige on Pinterest

If I'm feeling lucky, I might even play a game of black jack!

Let me know if you have any other Vegas things that we should see, do, or eat!

Last Minute Gift Idea

It's almost here!  Christmas is only two days away.  These last few days before Christmas are my favorite.  All of the shopping, school parties, and preparations are mostly done and now we can just enjoy this time.

If you are in need of a last minute gift, I would recommend any of these books by Robert Sabuda (you can find them on Amazon).  While these books are pop-up books, they are not just for children.  We own these three books and they are truly works of art.

Source: amazon.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

This one is my personal favorite:

Source: amazon.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

These pictures don't really do the books justice.  Each page is beautiful and the books themselves look lovely in a Christmas vignette.

Books and Movies

I'm back!  Did you miss me?

No, I didn't think so.  Thanks to all of my fabulous guest posters last week!  It was so fun to learn about your favorite things.

We had a great vacation in the mountains, but now we are ready for the whirlwind of back to school.  My oldest two start elementary school on Wednesday and my youngest starts preschool on Thursday.  I am looking forward to getting back on a schedule, which hopefully includes getting the house back in order after a crazy busy summer.

The night before I left on vacation, I attended a Southern-style party and the movie "The Help."

Source: google.com via Annelisa on Pinterest

I absolutely loved the book.  Usually this means I won't really like the movie since movies rarely live up to a great book.  This was not the case with "The Help."  The movie was fabulous and I would recommend it to all of you.  Just be sure you bring Kleenex...lots of it.  I was sobbing like a baby.  Kind of embarassing.  Especially since the party and movie were hosted by my boss who I do freelance work for and have  met in real life just twice and most of the other attendees I didn't know.

While on vacation I read "South of Broad" by Pat Conroy.

Source: patconroy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

I really liked his other books including "The Citadel" and "Prince of Tides."  I think Conroy's writing and description is beautiful.  Unfortunately, this book was just so-so.  A lot of it seemed cliched and formulaic.  I did enjoy his description of Charleston, South Carolina.  The city and its historic homes sound gorgeous, as does its seaside location.  I'm ready to hop on a plane and visit.

I'm always looking for books to read?  Do you have any book recommendations for me? 

As for furniture and decorating...they are kind of on a back burner right now.  I have a little chevron piece that I can hopefully share with you later this week.  I have some large pieces to work on...maybe once the kiddos are back in school.

I hope you are enjoying the last days of summer!

Book Suggestion

I LOVE to read.  It is my absolute favorite thing in the world to do, especially when I find a good book.  I would happily lay in my bed or on the couch with a good book for hours and only rise occasionally to snack or use the bathroom.

Well, I just finished this book in less than 24-hours.  That qualifies it as a good book in my opinion.

Source: amazon.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

I didn't know much about the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, prior to reading this book.  I knew she cooked and since I detest cooking and will go to great lengths to avoid it, I never checked out her blog.  This book, however, has nothing to do with cooking.  It details how she went from an L.A. city girl to meeting and later marrying Marlboro Man, her hunky husband, and settling down on his cattle ranch.  It is such a great love story.  In addition, Ree is a great writer.  If you are looking for a new book to read, I would definitely recommend this one.  Beware, it will make you want to go out and find your own cowboy!