Inspiration: Jacques-Henri Lartigue

Okay, so I'm supposed to be transcribing a stakeholder's meeting right now. Shhh. I figure I can take an uber-short break to write about another one of my all-time favorite photographers: Jacques-Henri Lartigue. Like Cartier Bresson, Lartigue captured everyday life. He too was a trailblazer with street photography and documentary photography. Lartigue's fascination with modern machinery and inventions are apparent throughout his work. His candids are lovely -- they have so much energy and, well, life, just oozing out of them. Here are some of my favorites:

Those French photographers, gosh darn it -- they're just so good. Sigh.

Back to transcribing. Fun times!

Cappuccino Muffins

One more post before dinner.

Gosh, I'm starving.

Earlier today, I made Via Cappuccino Muffins. And. They. Are. Delicious.

Look at that ooey gooey chocolate deliciousness.

Oh man.

Now I really need to go eat some dinner before my stomach eats itself.

Here's the linkity link to Via Cappuccino Muffins recipe if you wish to indulge in the delicious chocoately-coffee-cinammon yumminess.

Coast Guard Beach and Nauset

So when I was home last week (well, the last last week), my mom and I decided to go to the beach for a walk. On our way, the sky darkened and rain started spitting. We went anyways, and this is what we beheld:

All I have to say is those surfers are crazy! That water looks cold, man.

And then, literally minutes after leaving the beach, the sky lightened and the sun came out. And it looked like this:

Okay, well, maybe not exactly like that (seeing how that picture was taken last summer...) But almost. Just a few degrees colder. Okay, like a lot degrees colder.

sigh.

I want spring. Can you tell?

Movie Review: Rango

I know, I know. Two reviews in one day?! I'm on a roll here.

The facts
Director: Gore Verbinski

Writers: John Logan, Gore Verbinski and James Ward Byrkit
Stars: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin and Timothy Olyphant
Release Date: March 4, 2011

The summary
A pet chameleon ends up in the middle of the desert by accident (literally! The car almost ran head-on into another car going in the opposite direction). There in the "Wild West," he finds the town of Dirt where the people have lost hope. He becomes "Rango" and attempts to save this dried up, hopeless town.

The verdict
Okay, so I love Johnny Depp. My best friend and I decided to go see this movie because of Johnny Depp. When the movie ended and the credits started rolling, we looked at each other and simultaneously said, "Well. That was interesting."

Okay, let's go through the positives first. Johnny Depp, of course. Even though it was just his voice, it still counts. Also, animation and the world that was created was really interesting. How they personified different desert creatures was pretty neat -- like the "outlaws" were groundhogs (or maybe those were prairie dogs) that dug around, looking for ways to break into the bank. The crooked mayor was an ancient tortoise in a wheelchair. The town of Dirt was made up of human trash -- a port-a-pot was an old Pepto Bismol bottle. Old milk cartons and rusty bicycle chains were also part of the landscape. Water was their money, so a large water cooler was housed in the vault in the bank.

And that's kind of where the positives end. In general, the movie was just...well...weird. I love Johnny Depp to pieces, and this movie is certainly a project that Johnny Depp would take on. But. It's weird. Like, really weird. And I'm not entirely sure I would call it a kid's movie. The whole tone of the movie was kind of on the dark side. For example, the movie begins with three owls dressed in sombreros, singing about the hero's demise and certain death. And some of the characters were a little grotesque -- one had an arrow going through its eye. And some of the subject material brought up was kind of gross too. Lots of bodily functions. I guess that's what kids find funny these days. I would have been freaked out by the arrow and grossed out by the bodily functions if I were a kid. Actually, I was freaked out by the arrow and grossed out by the bodily functions.

Now that I sound like a old lady, I'll get on to my next point about this movie. Actually, this is going back to the positives. The message in the movie seemed to be understanding who you are. In the beginning, Rango didn't really know who he was. He didn't really have much purpose in life. His only friends were a plastic fish, the torso of a Barbie doll and a palm tree. And a dead cricket-coakroach-insect thing. Once Rango got out into the world, he found his purpose. He found out who he was. Rango had the ability to be a hero, despite his seeming inadequacy. He made friends, he found his place and purpose in life.

Though I don't feel as though I wasted my money, I would recommend to wait until this goes on DVD. Then Netflix it. Or Red Box it.

Grade: C

Book Review: Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

The facts
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
Published March 10, 2005

The summary
Rachel and Darcy have been best friends since, well, forever. The book starts out with Rachel remembering looking up the days of their thirtieth birthday in the fifth grade. They just recently had their birthdays -- Rachel's on a Wednesday, Darcy's on a Friday. Rachel relishes in the fact that her thirthieth birthday will be on a Sunday, while Darcy's will be on a Monday. Thus, giving us the backdrop of Rachel and Darcy's relationship. Darcy constantly outshines Rachel. Their friendship is a competition -- and Darcy always comes out on top.

Fast forward twenty years. It's Rachel's thirtieth birthday, and Darcy is still taking the spotlight. Darcy put together a "surprise" birthday party for Rachel at a local bar. But really, it's all about Darcy. As Darcy gets incredibly drunk, her fiance, Dexter, persuades Darcy to go home -- she's had quite enough tequila. Once Darcy leaves, the party dissapates, leaving Rachel with Dex. Rachel and Dex end up going to a few more bars. One thing leads to another, and Rachel finds herself in bed with Dex the next morning.

At first, Rachel is horrifed that she slept with her best friend's fiance. Slowly, Rachel realizes that maybe it wasn't such a horrible mistake. Throughout the book, Rachel poses the situation as if on trial (she went to law school and is now a lawyer). She puts forth to the reader the wrong-doings of Darcy, and how sleeping with Dex is justified. Rachel waffles often though, thinking about the times Darcy was actually a good friend. And they've been best friends forever. Regardless of this fact, Rachel and Dex continue to see each other behind Darcy's back. Rachel finds herself falling in love with her best friend's fiance. Two of Rachel's good friends whom she confided with urge her to make a decision with Dex: either he leaves Darcy, or she leaves Dex. Rachel keeps on putting off the big discussion as the wedding date gets closer and closer. As Rachel delves into her past, trying to grapple with her situation, she realizes how much of a push over she was and how she let Darcy win. Rachel doesn't want Darcy to win anymore. Dex is Rachel's soulmate. Now, the question is, who will he choose?

The verdict
I enjoyed reading this book, however, I felt a little uneasy with it. Firstly, Rachel is having an affair with her best friend's fiance. Don't ever have affairs with your best friend's fiance. Not a good idea. And not only is Darcy her best friend, Rachel is also the maid of honor. Oy. Secondly, this affair goes on for MONTHS without any decisions made. The book really makes you feel uncomfortable and on edge with Rachel and Dex with Rachel's flashbacks to her childhood with Darcy and then the way Rachel is so deceptive with Darcy. I kept on flip flopping between who I wanted to win -- Darcy or Rachel. Thirdly, Rachel seems way too obsessed with Darcy. Like Notes on a Scandal obsessed. It's a little unsettling.

Anyhow, moral lessons and weird obsessive behavior aside, this was a pretty good read. It definitely pulls you in. I like the transformation of Rachel from a quiet, closed-off push-over to a more assertive, independent woman. It's kind of an underdog story -- Darcy is certainly painted in an unkind light for most of the book, and you do end up rooting for Rachel. Though she still sort of acts like a push over. And you do sort of feel like screaming at a fictional character to grow a pair and do something. But, SPOILER ALERT, Rachel does end up winning at the end. But at the cost of a lifelong friend.

I kind of wish Rachel dumped Dex. Sheesh.

Grade:  B

Obsession: shoes

March 20th marks the spring equinox for this year. We're so close! So close to ditching the five bajillion layers, down coasts, scarves and hats and slipping into cute flats, flip flops and shorts. Okay, so it probably won't get that warm until May, but we can pretend. And we can also look at cute spring shoes and pretend that it's already springtime. Here are some of my favorites:

 NordstromCorso Como 'Fuller' Flat$98.95
Oh, I love these perforated flats. So cute. Unfortunately, my wallet can't afford this particular pair, so here's a pair from Forever21 that won't break the bank.


 Forever21
Peeptoe Leatherette Flats
$18.80

 DSW
Michael Antonio Love Me Pump
$34.95

LOVE that color!


 Piperlime
Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan
Air Renfrow Sling
$178.00

Yellow just makes me happy.

 Forever21
Sequined Floral Flats
$15.80

SO cute. SO spring. And my wallet likes that price.




 Piperlime
Hunter
$125.00

Because you're gonna need rainboots. And I love that deep purple color. Gorgeous.
 Nordstrom
Bronx 'Heather Bee' Oxford
$78.95

I'm really into oxfords lately. I want this pair.
 Nordstrom
Naughty Monkey 'Peekaboo' Pump
$54.95

So nautical!

 Forever21
Canvas Anchor Shoes
$7.50

Speaking of nautical, aren't these so cute?



Forever21
Polka Dot Peeptoe Pumps
$22.80

These don't have too much to do with spring, but I love the polka dots.
 Forever21
Floral Whimsy Flip Flops
$5.80

Because I LIVE in flip flops. 

Nordstrom
Poetic Licence 'Danty Doll' Flat
$98.95

Love the colors and whimsical patterns!




Now go forth, pretend it's spring, and buy cute shoes!

Inspiration: Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson is one of my all-time favorite photographers. I discovered Cartier-Bresson in the school library one day when researching photographers for an assignment for Photo I. I honestly didn't know of many photographers before that class -- actually, I don't think I knew any. Well, besides Annie Leibovitz. I think everyone knows about Annie Leibovitz. You'd have to live under a rock to NOT know about Annie Leibovitz. Anyhow, that day in the library I fell in love with Cartier-Bresson. He is considered as the founder of modern photojournalism, the first to do "street photography." I love the candid quality of his photos. They're so beautiful in their simplicity.





*sigh* Sometimes I wish I lived back then. And in France. I would so live in France. Anyways, I just love his work. His photographs give such delicious little slices of life -- I love that.

Book Review: Priceless by Nicole Richie

The facts

Priceless by Nicole Richie

Published September 28, 2010

The summary

When New York socialite Charlotte Williams returns home from Paris, she finds that her life has completely changed. Her father has been arrested for embezzlement and sent to a federal prison. Charlotte's pampered lifestyle is no more. In order to escape the chaos and scrutiny of New York City, Charlotte runs away to New Orleans where her former caretaker, Miss Millie, lives. There, Charlottle befriends Kat, fashonista and owner of a vintage clothing store. Kat is from a very influential family in New Orleans, and Charlotte ends up getting a job at her father's restaurant. She also starts singing with Miss Millie's son, Jackson, and his jazz band. As Charlotte and Jackson wow New Orleans with their music, they discover feelings for each other. Charlotte's life in New Orleans seems to be taking a turn for the better: she has found love, friends, a job and a renewed passion for singing. However, Charlotte has a murderous stalker on her tail from New York City and a malicious website posting cruel things about the ex-socialite. Things get dangerous when Charlotte lets her guard down.

The verdict
It's pretty much your typical spoiled-brat-fancy-pants-socialite-falls-from-grace-discovers-she-was-a-horrible-person-and-then-betters-herself-and-her-life. It's also a bit unrealistic in some parts as well (she burns down a Yale building because things weren't going so well with her boyfriend. Really? And, SPOILER ALERT, her stalker jumps off a train into a fountain and impales himself on the fountain. Really??) The suspense is lacking and it's a bit predictable (of course Charlotte and Jackson end up together. Even though he hated her guts when she came to New Orleans. But she's so darn pretty. AND she can sing!) That being said, I did enjoy Priceless. It does have a good message -- not-so-good people can change and become truly good and better people. Also, even if the situation looks bad, you can turn it around if you work hard and try. It was also entertaining, though ridiculous at times. But ridiculous isn't always a bad thing. Another good beach read for when it's (finally) summertime!

The grade  
B+

Book Review: Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

The facts:

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

Published: February 26, 2008

The summary:

25 year old Lexi Smart is just going about her normal life, trying to get by working at a carpet store. During a night out with her friends, Lexi takes a tumble and ends up in the hopsital. When she wakes up, Lexi is bemoans the fact that she missed her father's funeral. However, Lexi slowly realizes that things seem a little funny. For starters, her teeth are perfectly straight -- nothing like that former teeth she had that earned her the nickname "Snaggletooth." Her body is toned, her hair sleek and shiny. When Lexi asks for her things, the nurse hands her a Chanel purse. This is nothing like she used to be. How could have her whole life changed so much over the course of a few days in the hospital? Lexi has a revelation when the doctor asks her what year it is. She was convinced that it was 2004, but upon looking at the newspaper, Lexi realizes that it is 2007.

Lexi can't remember the past three years of her life. She finds out that she was in a car accident (in a Mercedes!) that landed her in the hospital this time. She has a millionaire husband (!!) and lives in an expansive, expensive loft with a housekeeper. Lexi has landed herself in the most perfect, fairy-tale life. But is it so perfect? At work, her friends have turned on her, calling her "bitch boss." Her husband, though a millionaire and completely gorgeous, slowly becomes not-so-perfect. Lexi pieces together the puzzle of her former life as she tries to figure out what to do with her current life.

The verdict:
Remember Me? is really funny and witty; I certainly enjoyed reading it. It's a little slow at the beginning, but picks up once Lexi realizes that it's 2007, not 2004. As I was reading it, I kept on thinking about Confessions of a Shopaholic. I LOVED Confessions of a Shopaholic (there's another review I need to do), and kept comparing the two. I felt that Remember Me? wasn't as funny as Confessions, but I still highly recommend it. It's definitely a good beach read, or travel-read (that what's I did -- read it in the airport and on the plane on my way back from Savannah!)

The grade: A