Award Shows (Okay..it's really about the dresses!)

If I ever get the chance to attend an award show I think I would pass out. Just being in the company of all those celebs would be a dream come true. Although the highlight of the evening would definitely be wearing a FABulous dress! Hollywood Award Season is culminating tonight with the Oscar's. In honor of the most luxurious night of the year I'm going to share some of my favorite red carpet dresses (not in any particular order).

What are your favorites?

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain

Mark Twain's words are so true and they are why one of my favorite things to do is TRAVEL. I'm a better person because of traveling. A more open-minded, respectful, appreciative person and it's just plan fun too. :)  I've been extremely blessed to have had so many opportunities to travel. I love every place I've been but here are some of my favorite locales (so far):

LUGANO AND LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Peaceful. That's Switzlerand in one word. Looking up at the majesty of the Swiss Alps. Staring across a pristine blue lake. Walking through a village and seeing everyone greet each other and enjoy each other's company. Everyone and everything is at peace and you can't help but feel that way too.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. " - St. Augustine

GERMANY

This country as a whole is truly beautiful. From the towering Cologne Cathedral, to the Rhine River, across the beautiful bridge of Heidelberg, through the historic and charmiung village of Rothenburg, to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. ( Big girly SQUEEAAALLL). It's a beautiful journey.

"The journey not the arrival matters." - T.S. Eliot 

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING (Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park)

I'm not sure I've ever been somewhere so beautiful and that's saying a lot. You feel alive here because everywhere you see the beauty of creation. God truly designed a masterpiece when he designed this place.

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharial Nehru

SOUTH AFRICA

I'm lucky to say that I have some very dear friends that are from SA and live there again now. So SA holds a special place in my heart because of them. However visiting there literally changed my life. At least my perspective. I don't have words to explain it. This is definitely a time where pictures speak 1,000 words.

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." - Aldous Huxley

ITALY

I love everything about Italy. The cities, the landscape, the food, the music, the people. The list goes on. I even designed my wedding around Carnival of Venice. The richness that is the Italian culture and the history that lies in every nook and cranny of every locale is almost too much for the senses. I could spend years walking around and discover something incredible and new every second. My dream is to move to Italy one day...even if I only live there for a month or two. Hopefully that dream will come true some day. Until then...I'll visit. :)

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller

I've been to a total of 160 towns/cities in 12 countries. Everywhere I've traveled has been amazing and taught me something more about myself, others, and the world in general. I wouldn't be who I am today without the places I've been. I encourage you to go and see as many places as you possible can.

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way,

Where many paths and errands meet.

- J.R.R. Tolkien

For my fellow Twilight fans

I'm a huge TWILIGHT fan. I don't call myself a Twi-Hard because well....some of them scare me. I am a Twilighter though because I LOVE the story and the characters. It makes me happy. With that being said Breaking Dawn was not my favorite of the four books. I think a lot of it had to do with the birth scene which FREAKED ME OUT! I'm a bit scared about the whole pregnancy thing anyway so reading about the baby trying to rip itself out was a bit too much. Also, I didn't expect the story to go that route. However I was excited about the movie, as always, and I must say after seeing the movie (twice) Breaking Dawn: Part 1 is my favorite movie out of the four.

*********SPOILER ALERT***********
If you have not seen the movie and don't want to be spoiled than STOP READING!

Here's some of my favorite scenes:

The kiss at the wedding
 - I loved how this scene hearkened back to the first Twilight movie when Edward & Bella attended her high school prom. The rotating camera around them while a new version of Iron & Wine's Flightless Bird, American Mouth played softly. The empty seats depicting how E&B feel as if the world has disappeared and it's just them. Beautiful!!

The morning after
- So many people were looking forward to the honeymoon scene. If I said I wasn't I would be lying. However, I'm so thankful of how it was done. I didn't want to see it all because to be honest that would have taken away the romance. We see most of the experience through Bella's memories the morning after which I think was brilliant. Well done Bill Condon.

Jacob and the Wolfpack talking as wolves
- Okay Okay....I know I know....most people think this scene was done poorly and was just awkward. I don't think so. In the book Jacob explains that when all the wolves are communicating it is confusing and a lot to take in because they can all hear every thought that the other has. That experience was conveyed perfectly in the film. Plus Jacob finally accepting his birth right as the chief's grandson and Alpha was an airboxing moment. That's saying something too because I'm not a Jacob fan.

Bella learning that she will die and the bath scene
- Breaking Dawn may not be nominated for any Oscars however I think whoever did the CGI to make Kristen Stewart look so emaciated deserves at least a nomination. It was hard to look at her at times. Especially during these two scenes. Also the soundtrack choice at this point in the movie is amazing. "Cold" has easily become one of my favorite songs on the soundtrack. The melody perfectly captures the emotions of the scene and lyrics describe things perfectly:

Crimson and bare as I stand

Yours completely,

Yours as we go over

Sing for the lion and lamb

Their hearts are haunting

Still hunts hope ever and ever

Ever

Edward trying to save Bella

- Edward fighting desperately for Bella's life is just heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The way he begs her to come back to him and then him biting her in order to ensure enough venom gets into her system so that she will transform. That scene could have been so weird however Robert plays it with such desperation that you just feel for him. For me I thought "I would do everything I could possibly do too if it meant saving the one I love".

Everyone realizing that Jacob imprinted
- The imprinting scene was done really really well. Much better than I ever anticipated since it's such an odd and can be creepy concept. However, the scene I enjoyed more was when Edward and the wolf pack realize that Jacob has imprinted. I absolutely love the line when Edward says "Whoever a wolf imprints on can't be harmed. It's their one absolute law." And Sam backing away at that point. I don't know why but it gave me goosebumps for some reason.

Bella's transformation
- I honestly don't think this scene could have been done any better. The music by Carter Burwell, including the incorporation of Bella's Lullaby from the first movie, is stunning. Watching as the venom starts to heal Bella's body and bring her back to "life". Showing Rosalie and Alice taking care of her body as she transforms. Seeing Bella remember the past two years and then seeing her open her blood red eyes. Again...couldn't have been done better.

Other Notable favorites:

• The band at the reception plays "My Love" by Sia (played in Eclipse when Edward proposes to Bella) and All Yours (theme from Eclipse).
• The chess board that looked like the board on the cover of Breaking Dawn
• Rosalie & Jacob's reaction to Bella's baby names. I loved that they mad fun.

 Can't wait for Part II.

Based on a novel by....

In honor of.....*drum roll*....Breaking Dawn Part 1 opening today (WOOHOOO...YAY....SO EXCITED!!!) I thought it would be a great time to discuss one of my favorite things which is Books turned into Movies.

Now, I know, most of the time movies are not as good as the books. I'll concur with that because there isn't any way possible to include every detail from a book into a movie. They would be 10 hours long. However, I absolutely LOVE seeing characters and scenery that I imagined in my head come to life even if it's different than what I imagined. Here are some of my favorite adaptations (not in any particular order):

THE TWILIGHT SAGA
I first read the first Twilight book before I knew they were making it into a movie. After reading it I got online to see about the rest of the books and discovered that they were casting for the movie. I was so excited because I fell in love with the first book. Not because of Edward...well somewhat because of Edward but mainly because you live through Bella and fall in love with the characters. Plus it's a love story and I'm a sucker for love stories. The movies have all been very faithful to the books which has become much more of a norm Thank God. Thank you Harry Potter!

which leads me to....

HARRY POTTER
There are NO WORDS for the the Harry Potter movies. David Heyman who produced all the films has my utmost respect and admiration for turning one of the greatest written book series and the most wonderful story into AMAZING films. Also hats off to Stuart Craig who was the production designer for each film. He brought The Great Hall, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and so on to life. I still get goosebumps when I see the Great Hall come onto the screen. Universal Studios fashioned a theme park off of his design. I mean, how cool is that? I'm sure at some point someone will think about remaking these films (for money sake) but I sincerely hope that NEVER EVER HAPPENS.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS
EPICNESS! That's all you can say about this adaptation of the beloved series. I read LOTR a very long time ago and never in a million years thought anyone could ever pull off a tolerable cinematic representation (at least not live action). Was I ever so wrong. Peter Jackson created such an extraordinary film (I think of all 3 as 1). The actors became the characters and no one will ever be able do these movies better. And they shouldn't try.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005)
There are not many people I know that don't like P&P. Even those who don't care for it still respect that it's a huge part of literary history. I've seen many adaptations however the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen is the best in my opinion. It captures the tone of the book and again the actors bring the characters to life. The fact that it was entirely filmed in England just makes it perfect. The Mist!

See video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqidX_5ZsLg&feature=player_embedded

THE HUNGER GAMES
I know I know...it's not even out yet. However, have you seen the trailer for it? It's perfect. I teared up about 10 times. Not many trailers can do that. If you haven't read The Hunger Games run out today and get the series. No seriously...stop reading this blog and GO. I really believe that because of recent adaptations of books to movies that THG has been done well. Shewwwwww. :)

What are you favorite book adaptations?

"THE LIST"

If you know me at all you know about "THE LIST". This is my list of the Top 5 hottest celebrity men that I would leave my husband for. Only for 1 night. Geez, what kind of girl do you think I am? Anyhoo, here's how you make it on my list. First, you must be HOT! Secondly, you must not be a douchebag. Thirdly, wait...no..there isn't a third. Hot and Not a Douchebag. That covers it. So without further ado here is "THE LIST":

1) Robert Pattinson - Yeah, I know what you're thinking, "It's just because he's Edward in Twilight!" Alright, I'll be the first one to admit that I fell in love with Rob because he looked so darn good playing Edward in Twilight (one of my other favorite things). However I have since seen him in many other movies and his hotness endures and translates into other characters. I think it's his eyes. He has such smoldering eyes and he's British (again, another one of my favorite things). Plain and Simple....ROB IS HOT!

2) Johnny Depp - There's not much I can say except if Johnny is not on your list or at least an honorable mention there is something wrong with you. Male or Female....everyone LOVES Johnny and cannot deny the out of this world hotness that is he. Especially when he's wearing eyeliner. Yeah buddy!

3) It's a tie between Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder. These two fine looking gentlemen play Stefan and Damon Salvatore (respectively) on Vampire Diaries. I dare you to pick one over the other. Double Dog Dare Ya!

4) David Boreanaz - David and I have had a 14 year love affair. I know....such a long time. David played Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He then starred in his own Buffy spinoff show of the same name. He now plays Agent Booth on Fox' awesome show Bones. David used to be #1 on my list. However, per my rules one cannot be a douchebag. Well, last year David confessed that he had cheated on his wife. Per my breaking heart I had to remove him from the list. Since then he and his wife have reconciled and as horrible as it may be I just couldn't keep him off my list. He's just too hot. Plus, I figure if his wife can forgive him than so can I. He's going to have to earn his way back to #1 though. Ya here that Mr. Boreanaz. I'm watching you.

5) Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - Okay Okay...it's mostly about the muscles. I mean look at that man's body. It really is a rock. Also, the man is funny. Hilar! © And have you seen him smile. Nothing like it. Oh and he looks amazing in white. Just sayin'. And have you seen his shoulder tattoo. It's amazing. And his...okay okay I need to stop. :)

Interestingly my BFF noticed that 4 out of 5 (6 if you want to be technical) have played vampires. So I guess I have a thing for Hot Vampires. Who doesn't, right?

I have other lists. I have a B List (just in case one of my Top 5 get booted). I also have a Girl Crush list (that's for another time). Oh and the all imporant "Top 5 Hottest Movie Character list". Over the course of this blog all my lists will be revealed. Until then....who's on your Lists?

My very favorite "thing" (Anniversary edition)

Okay, so I've been told that I need to start my blog with a bang.....some pizzaz.....a ta da even. Well, I can't start talking about my favorite things without giving my favorite person his due....especially since we just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary yesterday. We've been together for 10 years. Adam is truly my favorite person and some of my favorite memories of our relationship are:

1) We met as tour guides at the university we both attended. The first words I ever heard out of Adam's mouth toward me were "Whoa, you look rough!". I was sick that day or I probably would have slugged him. I remember there was a very dirty look involved.

2) Our first date was to see the movie Joe Dirt (don't ask!). It just makes me laugh thinking about it.

3) Him proposing to me at a lovely Virginia winery on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my family there. It was perfect.

4) Our wedding (ROCKED!) and our honeymoon to Italy was magical. He even danced with me in St. Mark's Square in Venice at night with a violinist playing nearby. Cosi romantico!!

5) Experiencing our Rachael Ray experience together. (Adam.....when do I get to meet Robert Pattinson...huh?)

That's just a handful of memories. We've been through so much together and I love so many things about him. I can't wait for the next 5x10 years. Happy Anniversary babe.

Next post....."The List"

"These are a few of my favorite things"

I love that song! It's one of my favorite things (HA!). It's also the inspiration for my blog....the one that I've wanted to start for over a year and finally did (Jess aren't you proud?).

Why do you ask? Why not?
I know...I know....there are a million blogs. However, that's what life is about right? Sharing life....sharing stories....sharing your favorite things with each other. So that's what I'm going to do.....share my favorite things with you. No rhyme or reason...although a lot of my favorite things include entertainment/pop culture. Just a friendly warning.

So.....check back often for commentary on my favorite things.