My New Favorite Show

I'm obsessed with PBS' Masterpiece Classic, Downton Abbey.  It's a period drama set in England in the 1900's.  The description may sound stuffy, but believe me, it's anything but.  You'll get hooked from the first episode.  If you're the type that watched Pride and Prejudice a zillion times (like me), you'll love, LOVE this show!  The entire first season is available on Watch Instantly on Netflix.  So if you start watching now, you'll be finished just in time to tune in for the second season premiering on January 8th! 

Bill Cunningham New York

What are your plans for this weekend?  I will be heading out to the Film Forum Theater to see Bill Cunningham New York.  For those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Cunningham, he is the street fashion photographer for the New York Times.  He was the Sartorialist light years before the blog even existed.  I'm so excited to learn more about Bill Cunningham's fascinating and unconventional life.

Edit: The movie was in one word, phenomenal.  You must see it!

Add to your Netflix Queue

Over the weekend I watched the best documentary I think I've ever seen: Exit Through the Gift Shop. It is the Academy Award nominated film by notorious British street artist, Banksy and it documents the underworld of that genre.  It's a documentary that has been twisted around and turned on it's head while tackling the age old question, "what is art?"  All I can say is watch it and form your own opinion.  

Funny Girl

One of my all time favorite movies is Funny Girl with Barbara Streisand and Omar Sharif. I've probably watched it at least a hundred times since I was a little girl. It's not that I'm a huge Barbara fan (actually this is one of the few movies that I can stomach her in) but I just love the romantic and stormy story-line with Fanny and Nick. And I adore the costumes. And the songs. Oh, the songs. I know you've heard "People" and "Don't Rain on my Parade" overplayed a million times, but have you heard it in context with the movie? I'm just a sap and they move me every time. And don't get me started about "My Man" at the end of the movie. I always cry!

500 Days of Summer

I used to have a huge crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt from his Third Rock from the Sun days.

Mike and I watched this fun and quirky film over the weekend. I highly recommend if you haven't already seen it. And the soundtrack is fantastic. Visit the official soundtrack website to hear a sampling of the music.

The Holiday Tent

Was watching The Holiday (one of my all time favorite movies for set design along with Something's Gotta Give) tonight on tv and I just can't get enough of Sophie and Olivia's tent. As a child I spent countless hours in my homemade "forts" loving my own private, cozy place. This tent would have been beyond my wildest dreams... it's so beautiful and whimsical. I absolutely cannot wait to make this tent for my kids one day.






Photos from Hooked on Houses

Julia Child

I'm currently re-reading My Life in France by Julia Child for the second time. It's a wonderfully written memoir of her discovery and passion for French cooking. Her vigor for life and appetite for cuisine francais is infectious and she is an inspiration for all those who love fine food. That being said, I'm so excited for Julie and Julia to come out in theaters on August 7. Meryl Streep as Julia Child... c'est ce bon!