Something Borrowed

Last night a few friends and I went to the movies to see something we'd been waiting for for monthes: Something Borrowed!

We'd all read the book by the same name and loved it!

Overall, I thought the actors and actresses they chose were pretty similiar to the way I imagined each of the characters in my head. The only exception to that was Ethan. I pictured someone like Adrien Grenier playing him- but I ended up loving John Kransinski in the role!

Making up the starring cast was:

Ginnifer Goodwin as Rachel

Kate Hudson as Darcy

Colin Egglesfield as Dex

John Krasinski as Ethan

Steve Howey as Markus

Our expectations for the movie were kind of high (maybe too high?), and I wouldn't say they were totally fulfilled. On its own, the story flows pretty well , but there were some diviations from the book that we just couldn't ignore. The biggest of these has to do with Ethan. I don't want to give anything away, but his role is significantly bigger in the movie than in the book. Also, a character named Claire is made out to be a lot weirder in the movie than she ever was in the book- probably to add some comic relief.

Another thing that was interesting about the movie was it's ending. While the story was ended up a little differently than in the book, there were a couple loose ends that diviated from the book which weren't really wrapped up at all.

Overall, the movie was a fun, feel-good romantic comedy- great for a date night or a girls night!

Weekend Recap/ First Followers!

Here's a little look into what I did this weekend:

Saturday morning began with a trip to the nail salon for manicures with one of my best friends- we'll call her F. Our busy schedules prevent us from being able to hang out as much as we would like (and confession: I hadn't had my nails done since December), so some girl time was definitely in order. I know it's spring, but I couldn't resist having my nails done in OPI's "No Spain, No Gain".

I liked the color so much, I bought a bottle to take home!

I had the manicurist not trim my nails- my fingers are so short I need all the length I can get!

On the way home from the nail salon, I got to witness what I consider kind of a big moment in F's life. We made a stop at the post office so that she could drop off her college deposit! She's a super talented artist and will be attending the school of her dreams this fall! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't extremely proud of her, and I know she'll do great!

My brother, M, had to work on Easter, so my family had our Easter dinner on Saturday instead. It was a small dinner, just my family, my uncle, and my brother P's girlfriend. For pretty much every holiday celebrated at my house we have "Thanksgiving Dinner" (Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc.), but switch up the deserts- pie on thanksgiving, cookies on Christmas, etc. Since it was Easter we added ham to the dinner menu and had homemade cheese cake and fresh fruit for desert. It was a great dinner full of laughter and lively conversation- never a dull moment in my house! I ended the night with a little a little bit of relaxing TV- Sex and the City, Glamour's 25 Wedding Dos and Don'ts, and an adorable special about NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and his fiancee planning their wedding.

Sunday morning (aka today) was a late one. I slept in until 1 PM, and, I must say, it was quite nice. The day continued with a visit from my aunt and uncle, and just some relaxing and reading on my part. M had to work and P was out with friends, so Mom, Dad, and I ordered in Chinese for dinner. Later that night, mom and I wound down the weekend with the new Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie "Beyond the Blackboard"

The movie is based on the story of Stacey Bess, a new teacher who is assigned to run a school for homeless children, located within their shelter and literally referred to as "The School with No Name". Stacey, a wife and mother compelled to become a teacher due to her lifelong love of learning, takes on the challenge of educating these impovershed children, instilling a lifelong love of learning and a whole new sense of trust to children who would have otherwise gone without.

One reason my mom and I wanted to watch the movie is that both Emily VanCamp AND Treat Williams starred in it. Both actors used to be on The WB's Everwood, a show my mom and I were OBSESSED with, and it was sweet to see them working together again!

Also, an exciting piece of news- today I got not only my first one, but my first three followers! So, I'm giving a BIG thank you to:

Lauren

(my very first follower!)

http://www.prettylightsinthesky.blogspot.com/

Ciara

Ashley

Thanks so much girls!

P.S. Ciara's World puts a little note at the bottom of her posts whenever she gets new followers, which I think is a super cute idea, so I'm going to try and do that too!

Soul Surfer

Last night a friend and I went to the movies to see Soul Surfer. If you don't know, the movie tells the story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer who became a worldwide inspiration when she returned to her sport following the loss of her left arm in a shark attack.

I only had one thing to say when the movie was over: wow.

I laughed, I smiled, and I cried.

The movie's incredible story of overcoming obstacles and maintaining faith in spite of hardships left me feeling inspired, motivated, and empowered.

The only thing I didn't find believable was the ease with which they portrayed Bethany wanting to get back into the water. I feel like someone who was attacked by a shark would have some qualms about going into the ocean again, fully aware that something similiar could happen again. Maybe that was how it really happened for Bethany, but that little bit of the movie just seemed off for me.

I think casting did a really great job with all of the actors and actresses they chose for the movie. I especially liked Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid as Bethany's parents. They had great chemistry not only with each other, but also with their children in the movie as well (AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, Ross Thomas as Noah, Chris Brochu as Timmy), and their scenes together were adorable!

Bethany Hamilton also wrote an autobiography by the same name about her life before and after the attack. After seeing the movie, this book is definitely going on my list of must-reads!