Thursday, March 31, 2016

A Walk in the Woods Movie

You may remember that I wrote about how much I enjoyed reading the book, A Walk in the Woods. Since, I loved the book, I was hoping I'd love the movie too.

What the movie did that the book couldn't was actually show the beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Trail. The landscape was breathtaking and is now on my list of places to see! Thankfully, the movie was also funny!

The actors chosen for the movie were much older than their characters in the book. Robert Redford played, Bryson and Nick Nolte played, Katz. Wow, Nick Nolte gotten old! Emma Thompson played Bryson's wife.

Other than swapping for older characters the book and movie were pretty similar. The ending was different and left something to be desired. The scenery, story of friendship, and adventure are the key takeaways from the movie. I think, the trailer sums up the movie really well. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Creed

Let me start by saying how much I love the Rocky series! Growing up I watched the movies a lot with my dad. So, I'm up for checking out any movie Sly Stallone is in. I wasn't the biggest fan of Rocky Balboa; sometimes you can't neatly wrap up an iconic series. Sometimes, it really does have to end. So, while I was skeptical about the new Creed movie, I really did want to like it. So, over spring break I finally saw it.

The story line is unique; the deceased legend, Apollo Creed has an illegitimate son, Adonis. He fights his way through foster homes and juvenile detention; becoming hardened. In a plot twist I'd never expect, Apollo's widow adopts and raises Adonis as her own in a lavish mansion. He grows up, has a good job and gets a promotion, but he's most passionate about his side gig as a boxer. He does well in that arena and soon quits his job, to his mom's disappointment.
The first gym he visits knows about his family ties and won't give him a chance. He moves to Philly, looks up Rocky, introduces himself, and asks Rocky to train him. Rocky says no, so Adonis trains himself at a local boxing gym. There no one knows him or pays him any attention.

He lives in an empty studio apartment with neighbors who blare their music so loud he can't sleep. He knocks on their door and is surprised to be met by a beautiful girl. He talks to her about the noise, but nothing changes. They get to know each other over time and he learns that she's a singer with progressive hearing loss. They fall in love; no shock.

He battles on in his workouts. He asks Rocky for some "quick hands" drills. Rocky says no, but then gives Creed some workout suggestions. Adonis gets to work on the new drills.
Finally Rocky comes to the gym. Everyone greets him with lots of fanfare, then everyone sees that he's there for Adonis. So people start noticing Adonis and how well he's doing. The gym owner wants to have a match between his talented son and Adonis. Next thing you know, they're training for the fight, which he wins. That win draws the attention of promoters looking for a match for their hot-headed Irish fighter, "Pretty" Ricky Conlan. Conlan had another match, but at the press conference he broke the jaw of his opponent. So, they set their eyes on Adonis. Soon, everyone learns that he's Creed's son. His mom is against the fight.

Meanwhile, Rocky's health takes a dive. He gets diagnosed with cancer. The doctor recommends treatment, but he saw Adrian go through all that only to die, so he denies treatment. Adonis learns of Rocky's cancer and wants him to fight it. They decide they'll both fight to win; Adonis against Conlan and Rocky against cancer. The side effects are brutal, but Adonis is there for Rocky.

They make it to London for Adonis's fight. His mom sends American flag boxing shorts with his last names on them. The American flag design is just like his dad always wore. The fight is brutal from the start. The crowd favors "Pretty" Ricky. Adonis takes some hard hits. Rocky struggles to know if he should call off the fight as Adonis's eye swells shut, but he lets it go. Adonis makes a strong comeback, maximizing on Ricky's weak areas. What's the result? "Pretty" Ricky wins and Adonis gains respect and a name for himself.

I guess, if this is the series end, it's a good one. Or will this be a new angle and the first of many more movies? I'm not quite sure. I didn't love this movie like I did all the Rocky movies. It felt like it was missing something.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Sephora, Part 2

I couldn't wait for Christmas to get more make up from Sephora. Here were the items on my list:
-I was dreaming of an eye liner in my favorite color and now I wear it all the time.


-I'd wanted the Buxom la-la-lavish eye shadow since my first Sephora experience in August, but they didn't have it at the time. They also call it an iridescent lavender. I love it and use it all the time. It's fun, yet something I can wear to work.
-I'd tried my friend's Tarte Skintuative gloss in August and thought it was super cool, despite being gooey. I ended up getting their tint. While I really think it's neat, it doesn't last long. For those who don't know, the color is unique to each wearer's "natural pH and energy." I like unique things. On me, it's normally a cherry color.
-Buxom's Patent Leather eye shadow stopped me in my tracks. It's super glittery a kind of sparkling blackberry, as they call it. I now kind of hate it; it gets everywhere, especially in the "fallout" zone. Maybe I'll change to mainly use this for evening looks.

I love having new make up to play with!

Friday, March 11, 2016

Comedian Dennis Swanberg

Cheers to my new readers from the Netherlands!

Last month, my parents and I went and saw Comedian Dennis Swanberg. I'd seen him on TV, years back. His show was at the Beacon Center Mission. He was hilarious! He's a Christian Comedian and used to be a full time Pastor. It was fun to laugh about the things related to faith, family, and everyday life. I needed a good laugh. Several times, I'd look over at my parents while laughing my butt off and they were gasping for air too. :) Check him out!

Friday, March 4, 2016

Clarks Feature Film Flats

Hello to all my new reader from Brazil!
On my previous shoe buying trip, I also bought these beauties. They're so cute and trendy; my new favorite shoe! I love that they go with any outfit; skinny jeans, bootcut jeans, dress pants, skirts and dresses. So, I can wear them to work, church, and socially. I love the little strap around the ankle. I added a little arch support at Olson's Foot Health and Shoe Service. Perfect! My dad even remarked that he loves my new shoes!