The Librarian Suggests

Three back to school flicks that will get you in the mood for fall, cooler weather, blankets and hot tea, blazers and loafers and especially going shopping for school supplies even though you haven't been a student in forever. What's your favorite back to school movie or television show?  

What Are You Watching?

What have you been watching lately? I took a break from watching television a few months ago as apart of my summer challenge and then after that, I realized there was so much more I could do besides sit down in front of the tv all night. With the lack of sleep from the past few weeks, last weekend I decided to be a little lazy and catch up with a few shows. I can now (mostly) keep up with Game of Thrones conversations since I officially caught this weekend even though I feel confused about so many things and characters. I also binged Silicon Valley in the past few days; seriously one of the best shows ever! And since my guy is watching Gilmore Girls, I figured I could watch one of his favorite shows, Hannibal. I'm also waiting for the last season of Bates Motel to show up on Netflix. What's your favorite show? Do you stream or watch in real time on your television?  

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Camp Walden for Girls

Now that summer is in full swing, all I can think about is summer camp? What is your favorite camp flick? 

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Saturday at the Movies

Since it's practically summer and nostalgia hits me hard this time of year, I'm channeling the 80s this week in my movie selection. What is your favorite 80s flick? 

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Top 5

Five TV Shows I started way after the fact and loved: 

The Vampire Diaries - I literally just started this series. My sister and sister-in-law seriously love this show and can talk about it at length. The other night while eating dinner and talking about new shows to start, my sister jumped for joy when I said in a whisper I was thinking about watching it. I tried to keep a straight face as my sister was trying to tell me the plot-line, she was so invested and emotionally involved with these characters, I couldn't help but want to laugh at her. But, I have to admit, it's a really good show and I'm totally Team Stefan!!!

Hart of Dixie - After watching Sweet Home Alabama on repeat for a week, I was in a 'I want to move to the South' vibe and started watching Hart of Dixie. Not exactly the greatest show ever but I really like Rachel Bilson. It totally hits the spot if you are feeling something girly, rom-comesque and cheesy. 

Game of Thrones - With six seasons down and one to go, I'm just now getting into Game of Thrones. Seriously everyone around me was so excited that I finally hopped into the bandwagon of freaking out over every ninth episode. I can finally be included in Game of Thrones Season Dinner parties and I can be apart of conversations about Jon Snow and understanding what really happens north of the wall. I'm so happy I finally get what 'Winter is Coming' means! At this point, I've watched three seasons but really what is the point after 'The Red Wedding' episode? Now the question is - will I get caught before the final season airs in just a couple months!

Black Mirror - I remember reading about this show a few years ago. I'm not really a sci-fi person but in the last year, I've opened up to reading outside my chick-lit an ex-pat travelogues range and rave about the few sci-fi books I've read. The same goes for television shows. Black Mirror is one of the best shows on television, philosophically speaking. In my opinion, The BBC knows how to make excellent television. Every time I watch an episode, I have to go outside, leave my phone indoors and go swimming or frolic in the grass. Because of it's voyeuristic and realistic nature, it can be pretty warping. We're not that far away from some of the ideas the show presents. Which is kind of scary, if you stop to think about it!

Silicon Valley - I cannot get through an episode without laughing to the point of crying or my stomach hurting. TJ Miller and a bunch of nerds, there's nothing more a comedy could ask for. With a masters degree in information science I can understand some of the computer lingo on a basic level; so it's nice that I'm not completely clueless when they talk code. Erlich Bachman maybe one of the best television characters ever created.

What are you watching?  

Book to Screen

What are your five favorite book to screen adaptations? 

1. Matilda

2. Harry Potter

3. Pride and Prejudice 

4. Jurassic Park

5. Bridget Jones' Diary

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Sunday Movies

I grew up watching Beauty and the Beast every other weekend. It was my favorite Disney movie and I'm sure I was Belle at least twice for Halloween. The last time I saw a live performance of Beauty and the Beast, I was about five or six years old. My mom is treating me to the musical this evening and I cannot wait. 

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Lessons We Learned From Mary Poppins

Five Lessons We Learned from Mary Poppins:

(and should not forget)

1. Strive to be practically perfect in every way. I'm not saying to be perfect but set the bar high for yourself and strive to meet your goals, both big and small.

2.  In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.  Even if you absolutely love your job, there are going to be projects or tasks you don't enjoy. Change your perspective on whatever you are working on and make the job a little more fun. 

3. The importance of laughter. 

4. Use your imagination.  This one is really important especially for kids today. With so much information easily available, why bother?! 

5.You don't have to always explain yourself. Although a bold statement, you don’t have to explain all of your decisions and why you like certain things and dislike others. You get to be who you are without always explaining yourself.

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The Librarian Suggests

What I'm Reading:

Besides what's assigned to me in class, I've been enjoying another reading of Marina Keegan's short stories and essays, The Opposite of Loneliness. A beautiful collection of very real stories for twenty-somethings and touching essays that makes us ask ourselves what do we want in this life. Whatever it is, Marina urges you to go after it. I'm also reading e.e. cummings poems after looking through the lovely picture book about his life, Enormous Smallness. And if you need some down to earth philosophy, I just finished The Art of Living by Epictetus. 

What I'm Listening too:

The Broadway Sensation, Hamilton. I cannot get enough of the music, by the way did you see the acceptance speech at the Grammy's?! If not, here it is. Your welcome :)   

What I'm Watching:

 Serendipity, I LOVE this movie. It's seriously impossible to get sick of.

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Work Wardrobe Inspiration

Nancy Meyers is one of my top five favorite directors and writers. Everything about her movies are fantastic; the story, the scenery, the homes (and decor), her characters are always so charming and the wardrobe, oh I always love the characters wardrobe. She is always so spot on. Her latest movie, The Intern was perfection. I suggested this movie to my parents (my mom never goes to the movies) and now they talk about it all the time. While I love everything about this movie, let's just focus on Anne Hathaway's wardrobe for a second! Current work attire inspiration-classy, bold and modern.

 

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Fran Fine's Style Moments

I loved The Nanny growing up, Fran Fine was an inspiration and somewhat of a role model to me as a little girl growing up in the 90s. There was something about her nasally voice, her thick New York accent and her fashion style that I just loved. I recently came across this article   a few days ago and it made me excited that her wardrobe in that show is having a moment right now. These outfits look fantastic on Fran, however, me trying to recreate some of her fashion choices did not exactly work out in my favor. What are some of your favorites from the show?

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Friday Morning

Happy Friday, TGIF and Happy Halloween!!! I'm so excited yet extremely tired this weekend, so it will  be a short Friday post. I'll definitely be handing out candy and enjoying what the little ones will  be dressing up as, I've been seeing it all week at the library. Whatever your plans whether you'll be at a party, having a scary movie marathon or just handing out goodies to all the trick or treaters have a good one and see you Monday :)

AMC Fear Fest Schedule 

13 Nights of Halloween 

Stephen King Thriller Fest 

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The Librarian Suggests

What I'm reading at the moment: I have never read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. I know, you are probably thinking how did she not read this in middle school?! Well to introduce some classics (and not necessarily award winning books) into the tween book club at the library, I wanted to read and talk about  this wonderful book with my kiddos. What is your favorite children's novel? I also just started reading Cooking Light, I'm thinking I just need to start subscribing since I've been making their recipes on the regular. What I'm listening too at the moment:   Diane Birch and Sylvan Esso!  Speak A Little Louder came out a few years ago and is still just as awesome now as it was the first time I heard the album. I recently came across Sylvan Esso, her self titled album that was released last year has been on shuffle on my drive to work. And lastly, I cannot get enough of the show, Bates Motel. Freddie Highmore makes the perfect Norman Bates, don't you think?

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The Holiday Wardrobe

While I love the fashion that Nancy Meyers chooses for her two leading ladies in one of my favorite romantic comedies, The Holiday, Cameron Diaz looks amazing in this movie. These days my fashion inspiration comes from those hot power suits Kerry Washington wears in Scandal and the cozy and soft colors Cameron Diaz wears in The Holiday. What are your favorite fashion moments in tv or film?  

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The Librarian Suggests

What are you reading this month? I'm reading a whole mess of things these days, everything from books and articles to focus in on my thesis for my senior portfolio and lots of poetry (which is making me really excited and anxious that grad school is wrapping up). I recently came across an adorable children's book that was illustrated by Barbara Cooney about Emily Dickinson (and the Stickman Odyssey graphic novel series, hilarious!!!) . So I've been settling in early these past few weeks to read a little of Emily Dickinson, Anne Sexton and Sylvia Path. I'm also reading The World is Round by Gertrude Stein, we just got it in the children's room at the library, so I made sure to grab it before anyone else did. Realizing it was Thursday while packing up the car this morning, I quickly tuned in for the latest episode of Serial. By the end of the episode I was screaming at the radio, I'm pretty sure the guy waiting at the light right next to me assumed I was crazy. And if you haven't seen the film, Snowpiercer, then you need to see it :) 

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Fall TV

Being someone who finds comfort in dvd collections (specifically one show) of favorite television shows, popcorn and in pajamas is a regular weeknight in my home. With so many choices and endless channels, choosing just seems impossible; give me HGTV and Travel Channel and I'm a happy camper. I've just never been one of those people who have a show for every night of the week. Being the big fan I am of Zooey Deschanel, I couldn't help but watch her show, then I fell hopelessly for Max Greenfield and Jake Johnson. Which of course then led to The Mindy Project (which is currently number one on my list of tv shows right now). Mindy Kaling is simply hysterical, her screen writing is superb and I can't recommend her book enough. And while I love the comedy and romance of these two shows my guy introduce me to the greatness that is The Big Bang Theory, I seriously have been waiting all summer. What's on your list of must see shows to watch this season, what are some of your favorites? (I also can't wait for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Orphan Black to premier in early 2015!!)

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Sunday Movie

Inspired by a true story of Pierre Dulaine, Take the Lead is one of my absolutely favorites when it comes to dance flicks. Want to see something other than 'Pop, Lock and Drop it' moves, indulge in the sexiness of salsa and the tango in this fun and upbeat movie starring Antonio Banderas. 

Friday Movies

When the holidays come around there's nothing I love more than bringing out delicious treats for appetizers, decorating the house, getting cozy and tuning into the Hallmark Channel for their cheesy Christmas Movies. They're relaxing, enjoyable and a big guilty pleasure. Do you have a particular favorite, I actually love Mrs. Miracle Comes to Town.

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Christmas Flicks

 Home Alone

A Miracle on 34th Street

 A Christmas Story

It's A Wonderful Life

The Santa Clause

What will you be watching this Christmas?My personal favorite, Home Alone! Have a lovely and happy Friday everyone!