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It's been awhile since I blogged about a movie, but after seeing 'The kids are all right' last night I knew it was time! Starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as a couple raising their kids they had through a donor -the film tackles a lot of issues facing modern families today without being preachy. The movie seriously made me laugh and cry and I would recommend you all to see it! However, keep the rating in mind, it's not child friendly (nor would you want to see it with your parents or children no matter their ages if you get my drift; awkward!!)
Without giving any of the plot away, the part of the film I identified with most was just a small sub-plot. The daughter is going off to college and it reminded me so much of the day my parents dropped me off at my dorm room; I saw so many of my own feelings on the face of that bright young actress bringing back a flood of emotions!It's going to be another hot and sticky weekend, why not go to the movies?
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movies
The ballroom at Filoli was one which I instantly recognized, do you? It's the home gym of Warren Beatty in Heaven Can Wait! The space was restored for the movie along with other parts of the house and impresses everyone who enters it, as it should!
The flowers, seen best in the picture at top, were probably the most beautiful in the house. Not an easy feat as each room has a gorgeous bouquet fresh from the garden. The mixture of bright colors in the pale green room with gilded accents was really striking. Forget the Bagues chandeliers modeled on the ones from the 
The murals are the core of the room. They were completed in 1921 by 
This past weekend I saw the new Pixar movie, 
Without giving too much away, the premise is an elderly widower who attaches 1,000s of helium balloons to his quirky Victorian house to fly to South America! Don't ask, just go; Let me know what you think!
Drew Barrymore, who plays Little Edie, has been out and about promoting the film, doesn't she look great in this vintage dress and hairstyle? 
And if you haven't already, please check out Visual Vamp's blog 
This past weekend I was able to see a classic cult film, Harold and Maude (1971). While I loved the movie, what really caught my eye was the house of Harold's mother, Mrs. Chasen. 
The house really reminds me of the work of John Woolf: mainly because of that canopy over the front door. (Read this great article from Vanity Fair about Woolf by Matt Tyrnauer 
Caron was born in 1931 and is still living, even occasionally acting! 
She currently runs a bed and breakfast named Auberge La Lucarne aux Chouettes (The Owls' Nest Inn) which is located outside of Paris in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. I'm sure it's delightful!
Are you sick of these table settings yet? It's just fun for me to share! I had a small, informal movie night & dinner last night for a friend (hi Alex and her mom!). As it was a workday with very little time to get ready, I just used the crockpot for the meal and set the table in just 5 minutes when I got home. I try to keep the silver and china all handy, so it can be taken out at a moment's notice. It just makes even a simple dinner an OCCASION!
I bought these new gold thread & linen placemats at pottery barn today ( 75% off!) to make the table less formal than a tablecloth. The same antique irish linen napkins as usual, grandmother's silver, my minton dinner plates and my favorite (use it daily) cuckoo pattery by wedgewood for the salad plate. I think it came together nicely! Instead of candles, I just used my small alabaster lamp (sort of like an old fashioned dinner club!). 
We watched the 
Set in 1964 in a Catholic church and school, the film captures this spirit we so often hear about but also their softer side and a fun loving and effective priest to boot. I think you all know the premise; a priest supposedly takes advantage of a young boy. The actual dealing of it though is intensely more interesting with many twists and turns along the way. 
While I was raised Presbyterian, my father's side of the family is VERY Catholic (including some nuns and priests). All of my uncles and father attended Catholic school (in this same time period) and church religiously, but all have fallen away from the Catholic church. These issues left me wondering about my own family -why did they choose to leave the Catholic church shortly after this time period? This is brought up in the film, how to make the Catholic church more modern and friendly. I think this film very accurately depicts the time period based on my family photos and dad's descriptions. I would love to hear what any of you think about this! I am in no way criticizing the Catholic church at all -these are just my thoughts about the movie.
Trust me, you will love this movie. You will laugh and cry; You will be moved, entertained and touched. 
Guess what I got at the post office today?? 
Bette Davis STAMPS!! What a great way to glamourize your mail! I believe this photograph they used is from 'All about Eve' -one of my favorite movies! Run out and buy yours today!
Born in 1921, she started out with a studio contract in 1935 along with Judy Garland (the other teen singing actress!). After creating many movies though as the singing teenager, she wanted more sophisticated, grown-up roles which studios and audiences were reluctant to see her in. She retired then in 1949, married and moved to France where she continues to live in retirement.
This past weekend I watched the Julie Andrews extravaganza Star! from 1968. What, never heard of it? Neither had I till recently, which is surprising: This movie is So fantastic! If you like good acting, good music, good costumes and amazing sets (get the picture?) you will love this movie. It's 3 hours long however, take breaks..... 
Based on the life of actress Gertrude Lawrence, it chronicles her life and search for love, all the while showing clips of many of the shows she was in, her amuzing friendship with Noel Coward and the strained relationship with her daughter on her quest for fame.
This is what caused me to take notice of the sets; her NYC apt. during the 1930's chapter of her life. The walls are gold leafed with a really abstract mural painted on them: antique venetian furniture, beautiful bar, chandelier and beautiful curtains - this is the most glamorous room I've ever seen!
Right afterwards was Noel Cowards NYC apartment, also during the 30s. Notice the beautiful woodwork and detailing above. I LOVE a step-down living room and large windows, beautiful white casual upholstery and beautiful lighting. This room looks so modern! Notice the painted backs of the built ins below - an acid yellow (which matched many of the costumes in the scene).
The music: full of standards by greats such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Noel Coward, Kurt Weill and others -it will not disappoint. Julie Andrews was in top form singing and dancing as shown in the clipbelow: her voice is unbelievably smooth and beautiful. An interesting tidbit: Daniel Massey, who played Noel Coward in the film, is actually Coward's godson in real life!
I recently watched a wonderful dvd "Beau Brummell: This charming man" about the life of George Brummell (nicknamed Beau for obvious reasons). This movie was a BBC Television drama made in 2006 and based on the biography by Ian Kelly. You've probably all heard of this famous man, but aren't sure why. 
The handsome James Purefoy (from 'Rome') plays the Regency England dandy who changed male fashion. In an era when men relied on powders, wigs and perfumes in order to appear well groomed and fashionable, Brummell's comparatively simple regiment of common-sense elegance and frequent washing was revolutionary. Matthew Rhys (from brothers and sisters) co-stars as a conniving Lord Byron while the delightful Hugh Bonneville plays the prince and future King George IV.
An 1805 caricature of Brummell - compare him with James Purefoy in the movie below
We all owe a debt to 'Beau' as he went against the times and promoted daily grooming: brushing your teeth, taking a daily bath and shaving. He also advocated pants for men and a more natural style (no wigs, powders and perfumes - those were left for the ladies!). 
