From L.A. to LA: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

From Miss to Mrs: Walking the Walk

After the the wedding party took their place, the boy's cousin once again rang the large bell to announce my arrival as the bride.

Walking down the aisle is something I thought a lot about before the wedding by didn't feel quite up to blogging about. See when I pictured my wedding growing up, I picture a Jewish wedding, which meany I always pictured my dad and my mom walking me down the aisle. It was what I had always planned on do, and saw no reason why it wouldn't happen, at least until my mom's death just 10 months before our wedding.

Now I knew I could still walk down the aisle with just my dad. But I hated the fact that some of our guests would think that was normal. That they'd have no idea that my mom was missing and was supposed to walk down the aisle with us. I spent a lot of time thinking about what to do, and decided that what made the most sense was to have my dad and my grandma (as in my mom's mom) walk me down the aisle. Which is why when the doors opened to the house it revealed myself standing there with both my dad and grandmother.

I still remember standing behind the door with our coordinator waiting to hear the bell that would signal the door opening. And I remember walking carefully down the steps so I wouldn't trip in my heels or over my dress. But the rest of our walk down the aisle? Well, let's just say it's a blur, but I'm happy to have photos and videos of it to remind me.

The song we choose to walk down the aisle to was Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This isn't necessarily a song that has a huge amount of meaning to us. But it is a song the boy and I boy like, and I thought it worked well for the setting the vibe of our wedding. There wasn't really a question of what song I'd be walking down the aisle too, and still really love our choice.

Once we made it to the end of the aisle my grandmother removed my veil,

and gave me a hug. And yes, I do have quite the "ugly cry face" in these photos.

But I wasn't the only one. I'm not sure who started it, but by the time I made it to the end of the aisle my dad, and all my bridesmaids were in tears as well.

Finally after giving my dad a hug, I then took my place with the boy for the first part of our ceremony.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Day in NOLA

Last weekend my BFF, who was the MOH in our wedding, was in New Orleans for one of her friend's weddings. We weren't sure how the timing would work out, with myself working during the week and her having wedding related events to attend, but we did wind up being able to spend at least one day together. I drove down Saturday morning meeting up at her hotel, and we walked over the Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au laits for breakfast.

Now I've had beignets many a times since living in Louisiana, but this was my first time visiting Cafe du Monde since I moved here. I believe the only other time I've been was with my parents when we were in Louisiana looking for my first apartment back when I started grad school. And while all beignets are delicious, I'd forgotten just how good theirs were.

After breakfast we walked around the French Quarter and also down to the Mississippi (which is where the picture above was taken). After shopping, we later had lunch at The Bourbon House, another restaurant I'd previously only been to with my parents. And after lunch we went and got manicures (or at least she got a manicure while I watched). We later went back to her hotel to hang out and catch up before my drive back up to Baton Rouge.

With us living on opposite ends of the country it is difficult for us to spend time together, but it worked out that she was so close for a wedding. I definitely wish we were closer so we could spend more time together, but I definitely have a great time whenever we do have a chance to spend time together!

How far (or close) do you live to your closest friends? And how often would you estimate you're able to spend time together.

For me, I'm in Baton Rouge and she's in San Francisco. I'd say we normally see each other once or twice a year, but with my wedding last September, this was the 4th time we've been together in the past year.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Winter on the Chesapeake (& Giveaway)

The Long Way Home by Mariah Stewart
There's just something comforting about about reading a romance novels. Until a few years ago, I never gave them a chance, but now the more I read them the more I enjoy them. Yes, there are cliches and you know what the ends is going to be, but even so, they are such a fun escape.

The love interest in this, Cameron, is a handyman. Yes, a cliche, but the reason it's a cliche is because it works! Ellie our female lead is escaping to her family's beach house after her father's Enron-type scandal has rocked the country. Not nearly as big of a cliche as handyman, but big city girl escaping to a small town is up there.

But even with the predictably, there was a twist near the end I never could have guessed. And to be honest, that small and unexpected plot-twist is what made the book for me.

One item I've learned to love about romance series, is that the characters from the previous books all make appearance. Even though I haven't read the other books in The Chesapeake Diaries series, you could tell which character had their stories told in the previous books. And I was lucky enough to receive the earlier books in this series from the publisher as well, so I'm especially looking forward to reading those stories (Especially the ones on the cupcake baker and movie star which I'm sure must exist!).

This book was a fun escape for me, that even brought managed to bring me back to Maryland, the state in which I went to college. I think if you've never read a romance book before, you should give them a chance, and I think this one would be a great one to start with!

4.5/5

If you ready to take that chance now, or if you're already a fan of romance books, you're in luck, because I have one copy of this book I'm giving away to one lucky reader! Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.

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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, February 25, 2013

The House That Built Me (& Giveaway)

The House Girl by Tara Conklin
This book takes us back and forth between two time periods. The first is the story of the house girl herself, Josephine, a slave girl in Virginia contemplating running away to freedom. The second is a modern day lawyer, Lina, working on a case that seeks reparations for American slaves. Also included in Lina's parts are historical documents, letter specifically, that are practically chapters of their own.

Normally when I read book that alternate between time periods, I love the historical parts far more. But that wasn't true with this, since I enjoyed reading Lina's voice more. And that isn't to say that each time I read from Josephine I was anxious to be finished, as sometimes happens with books written this style. Instead, I still really enjoyed Josephine's chapters, but I found it interesting given my normal preference how modern day story was able to capture me.

It did seem to take me a while to get into this. Although part of that may be that I just didn't make the time to sit down and read. Once I finally let myself escape into the world of The House Girl, I couldn't put it down until the mystery was solved.

The book did end with a bit of a cliffhanger. Although trying not to give anything away, I kind of understand why it did, since the story that was left open isn't really the point. Yes, as a reader I was curious, but also realize that the story that needed to be told, was finished and wrapped up. Normally with such a cliffhanger, I'd cross my fingers for a sequel, but yet, I don't really feel that this needs one to be complete.

Part of me wants to say I was surprised how much I enjoyed this, but given its summary and cover, it is the type of book I tend to fall in love with. I do think if you're a fan of historical fiction this is one you'd enjoy, and I can't wait to see with what Tara Conklin follows up her debut.

5/5

I'm excited to say that I have one copy available of this unforgettable book for one reader! Winners must be in located in the US or Canada, and must enter through the rafflecopter form below.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Oscars 2013

As I'm sure you're probably aware, tonight is Oscar night! And if you've been here long enough, you know that each year I post my Oscar predictions. So without any more hoopla, here are my predictions for tonight.

Best Picture: Argo
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables
Best Director: Steven Spielberg - Lincoln
Best Documentary Feature: The Gatekeepers
Best Documentary Short: Mondays at Racine
Best Animated Feature: Frankenweenie
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour (Austria)
Best Original Screenplay: Michael Haneke - Amour
Best Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio - Argo
Best Cinematography: Life of Pi
Best Make-Up: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Best Production Design: Life of Pi
Best Animated Short Film: Fresh Guacamole
Best Live Action Short Film: Buzkashi Boys
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi
Best Costume Design: Lincoln
Best Film Editing: Argo
Best Sound Mixing: Skyfall
Best Sound Editing: Argo
Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat - Argo
Best Original Song: Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth - "Skyfall" - Skyfall

Edit: For those curious I finished with 11/24. Not my best outing overall, but I did at least get the majority of the major awards correct.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Project 365: Days 47 Through 54

I still have managed to take a photo every single day of the year. I never thought I'd be able to keep it up this far, but I'm awfully impressed with myself. Almost 2 months down, 10 more to go!

February 16, 2013 - 47/365: Spending the day with my BFF in New Orleans. We're at her hotel, The International House, here.

February 17, 2013 - 48/365: Tickets to see Beautiful Creatures

February 18, 2013 - 49/365: Lasagna with spinach. (More on this to come in a future post!)

February 19, 2013 - 50/365: Matzah ball soup and salad bar at Whole Foods

February 20, 2013 - 51/365: First Cadbury creme egg of the season!

February 21, 2013 - 52/365: Sleepytime tea with a book before bed.

February 22, 2013 - 53/365: Book club drinks at Walk-On's.

February 23, 2013 - 54/365: Grilled crawfish poboy at Sammy's Grill.

Have you had your first Cadbury egg (or choice of Easter candy) yet this year?

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!

Friday, February 22, 2013

The End of the Millennium

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
I can't believe I put off reading this books for so long thinking I wouldn't like them. Yet now, here I am finished, wishing for more.

I did enjoy this one, but I think it's probably my least favorite of the trilogy. I think the the first two you had to keep reading because you had to know how things worked out. But while there are a few smaller mysteries, the majority of the book deals with the consequences of what happened in the last book. It did still hold my interest, and I read through it very quickly considering the length. But still, don't think it was nearly as suspenseful as the first two.

I'm also not a huge fan of the title. With the first two, the titles are literal. Lisbeth does have a dragon tattoo. Her playing with fire, is what brought on a lot of the actions in the second. But while Lisbeth may have kicked a hornet's nest figuratively, unless I'm missing something, she doesn't kick one literally. And given how literal the first two titles were, I wish this one was too.

I was happy with the ending, even though it wasn't necessarily what I expected. I wouldn't say it ends on a cliffhanger, but you could easily see more could be told. And while Steig Larsson is no longer living, he has written something for I believe 4 more books in the Millennium series. So I'm hopefully that at some point, maybe in several years, but eventually we will see his other books.

If you're like I used to be, and think these books are too gruesome for you, I really would give them a chance. I wound up being pleasantly surprised by the entire trilogy, and have a feeling you're likely to feel the same.

4.5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Cleaning Out My Closest

One of the items on my 101 in 1001 list is to clean out my closest and donate the clothes I no longer wear. I thought putting it on the list would finally help me motivate myself to do it, but instead the real motivator was the boy. Over his Mardi Gras holiday he decided to clean and his closest, and told me I had two days to do the same, since then he'd be heading to Goodwill. So over an episode of The Bachelor (the one where Tierra claimed she couldn't control her eyebrow), I cleaned out my closest.

Some of the gems found were the dress I wore to my 8th grade graduation, the tank tops I bought for my 10th grade trip to Italy, the going out tops I bought for my trip to England sophomore year of college. There was even a pair of purple pleather pants I wore to my first Backstreet Boys concert that actually started to disintegrate as I tried them on. I'll let you guess which of those items I actually decided to keep.

Just based on the clothes I've listed, I think it's clear that this clean out was long overdue. And while there was a lot of the boy's clothes donated as well, between the two of us there were six trash bags to donate.

I won't say my closest is empty, but I definitely made a ton of room. Although if I really want my closest back, next on the list should probably be cleaning and preserving my wedding dress which is still hanging with the rest of my clothes.

How often do you clean out your closest? Or what's the oldest item of clothing currently hiding in your home?

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Beautiful Day to Die Hard

A Good Day to Die Hard
Yes, this is the movie I agreed to see with the boy for Valentine's Day. Call it good wife behavior or something.

Now in general, I'm not a fan of action movies. Or at least they aren't normally my first pick. But even so there are some I enjoy. This one wasn't one of those. There just wasn't much of a plot. Instead it went from one action scene to another. And let you think they were suspenseful, I just may have taken a nap in the middle of the movie.

I can't believe I'm about to say this, but if you're looking for an action movie to see in theaters I'd see The Last Stand, at least asuming you can still find a theater playing it.

Beautiful Creatures
On the other hand, this was my pick which instead we saw on Sunday. I really, really enjoyed it, and it may have even made me cry. I haven't read the books, but now I really want to. I get the feeling there was a lot of stuff that was left out due to time constraints. Not that it felt to be missing something, but more you could tell some of the details were only alluded too.

I wasn't a huge fan of the male lead. I'm not sure I could pinpoint why, there was just something that kind of annoyed me about him. I did like the girl who played Lena though, and thought they had a great chemistry together.

I selfishly do think you need to go out and see this movie, since I'd love it if they make the sequels, which they won't do unless it makes more money. Till then though, I definitely plan on picking up the books to read the rest of the series!

What movie, if any, did you see on Valentine's Day? And if you have read Beautiful Creatures, I'd love to hear your opinion on how the book compared to the movie.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Sushi Hearts

The boy and I have never made a big deal of Valentine's Day. The first year we were dating the boy told me he had made no plans, which I thought meant he was going to surprise me with something. Turns out he really made no plans but we still wound up going to dinner (Macaroni Grill, I think) and a movie (Music and Lyrics). This year we actually tried to make reservations, except everywhere we went was booked. So instead we went to our local sushi place, Geisha, which didn't even take reservations.

We had what we call our usuals. I had the house salad with ginger dressing.

I actually alternate between this and miso soup, which actually come with the boy's meal. But since he isn't a fan of salad or soup, I'm willing to eat that part!

We split a plate of tuna tataki, and I got my nigiri sampler plate. (It's pretty much the exact same meal blogged here almost two years ago.)

The boy also got a tuna roll. He claims they just had trouble rolling it, but I'm pretty sure they intentionally tried to make little tuna hearts.

After dinner we went to see a movie, although you'll have to wait till tomorrow's post to see which one.

As for presents, I bought the boy I leather bag to use to take to his classes, whereas he bought me a new set of sheets from Pottery Barn (since we never received the sheets for which we registered.)

Any guesses as to the movie we decided to see? And do you think the sushi hearts are intentional?

Monday, February 18, 2013

Among the Stars

The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley
From the first page of this book I was hooked. We are instantly in the middle of Matt Beaulieu's story as he discovers that his wife is brain dead after a simple accident. But by the chapter's end not only does he learn that his wife is on the brink of death, but that she is also pregnant with a new life inside of her.

I can't remember the last time I wanted to sing a book's praises as much as I do here. Yes, I really I might be gushing a bit, but I fell in love. I sped through this book in barely two days because I had to know how everything would end up. And now that I'm finished, I wish I was still reading.

I think a lot of people will say this book is about the issues, like a Jodi Picoult book. But even though there were many ethical dilemmas within, for me this was a beautiful love story. I can't remember the last time a book made me cry as much as I did with this. I don't mean I cried because everything was so sad, since I was also crying at the happy moments. Although a lot of the happy moments are bittersweet since as you learn about Matt's love story with his wife Elle, you know how it will end.

One subplot that surprised me, was that Elle was an astronaut. (Although it makes sense given the title.) When I was little that was my dream profession, and I love hearing the space story in here. I don't think I've ever read a story with a character who was an astronaut, let alone a story where the fact she's an astronaut isn't her main story.

I almost can't believe I've heard so little about this book before I read this. Yes, it is a bit heartbreaking and it does make you questions your wants and beliefs in certain situations. But I think if you read this, it's won't you won't be able to forget.

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Mailbox Monday (23)

Mailbox Monday is a meme created by Marcia formerly of The Printed Page to share the books we've picked up recently. MM travels to a new host every month, and for February our host is Unabridged Chick. For more information on Mailbox Monday check out the official Mailbox Monday site, which includes the hosting schedule for the year. And for more information on my books...

For Review from TLC Book Tours
The Tale of Lucia Grandi by Susan Speranza
A small week for me, which in many ways is a blessing in disguise since it gives me a chance to work through my reading pile. Although by no means am I opposed to big weeks either. I believe this one is a historical fiction about a woman looking back over her life growing up in the 1950s and 60s. It looks to be somewhat epic, so I'm sure it'll hold my attention for a while.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for Laury Falter's Fallen!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Project 365: Days 40 Through 46

One of my 101 in 1001 goals was to complete a 365, and I'm hoping 2013 is the year I make that happen. So far I've succeeded in taking a photo everyday, and hopefully I'm able to continue that trend!

February 9, 2013 - 40/365: I'm wearing the shirt we all wore for our sorority pictures back in high school. And yes, it still fits me. Barely, though.

February 10, 2013 - 41/365: Coffee & a white chocolate macadamia luna bar for breakfast.

February 11, 2013 - 42/365: The boy made pizza for dinner. Half for me, half for him. Any guesses as to who belongs to which half?

February 12, 2013 - 43/365: Mardi Gras decorations on Mardi Gras.

February 13, 2013 - 44/365: Yaki soba with chicken for dinner

February 14, 2013 - 45/365: Butternut squash soup with banana bread for lunch.

February 15, 2013 - 46/365: I wasn't a big fan of this actually. I'm not sure if it had been on the shelf at the store too long, or they have a short shelf life. But this expired about a week after I bought it, and not realizing till after, had to eat it a few days later. The overall flavor (caramel cone) was good, but water had started to separate and freeze. And while I don't remember what it cost, I'm sure considering the single serve size, it wasn't worth it.

Has anyone else tried the single serve Haagen Dazs cups? Or in general, to you buy or avoid buying single serve packaging?

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!

Don't forget to stop by and enter my giveaway for Laury Falter's Fallen!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Angel of Mine

Fallen by Laury Falter
In the past year or so I've read several different angel books. It's fun to read how each other takes the same basic themes, mostly from the Bible, and spins it into their own story. Since they're using the same basic source material, there are similarities, but each one I've read has enough difference to make them stand out on their own.

On aspect I loved about Fallen was that it takes place in New Orleans. I really felt like Laury was really able to make Louisiana come alive. Part of that might be due to the fact I'm familiar with the area, but I still felt like I was in Jackson Square with Maggie.

Although being familiar with the area and culture isn't always a good thing, and is what led to my biggest pet peeve with the story. On Maggie's first day at a New Orleans private school she calls her teacher "sir." He responds back saying, "And don't call me 'sir'. I'm not a police officer." Except after living here, I know it's far more likely that a teacher would reprimand a student if they didn't use the word sir. (Something I learned the hard way when I moved here.) Now I realize this is picky, and something most people would never notice. But with that one line, the book lost a bit of the authentic Louisiana feel for me.

Even with my mild complaint, I still really enjoyed this one. I loved Maggie, her roommates, schoolmates, and love interest. I only wish I got to know them better. This is a trilogy, so I'm hopeful that in the books to come I learn a little more of their stories. I loved mixing the angel mythology with the Louisiana culture, and am excited to see where Maggie's adventures take her next.

4/5

Did you want to read a copy of Fallen? Well, I'm giving you that chance! Enter below to win your own signed copy of Laury Falter's Fallen!
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

From Miss to Mrs: The Processional

Now that you've read the programs, it's officially time to start the recaps of our wedding ceremony! To get our guests' attention that the ceremony was starting, the boy's second cousin rang the large bell on the lawn.

From there, the boy and our rabbi took their positions.

For those curious this is the first indication we didn't have a completely traditional Jewish ceremony. There were a lot of Jewish aspects, but given that they boy is Catholic, there were a few things he would have preferred not to do. So while the groom is also escorted down the aisle with his parents in Jewish wedding, instead the boy wanted to walk down to the front first thing with our rabbi.

At this point, while my brother escorted our grandmother down the aisle, the music started playing. I couldn't decide what I wanted here, and made a choice the night before our deadline to the DJ. And while I do still love the song we picked I wish I would have chosen another.

I really thought about using the Glasgow Love Theme from Love Actually. But I associate the song with the depressing scene in the movie where Keira Knightley watches the video from her wedding. So while it is a love theme, it brought up depressing memories up for me. Which is why the boy's parents aren't walking to it. (Although part of me lives vicariously through Nora would did actually use that song to walk down the aisle.)

Instead what bridesmaid Chicago and my brother, along with everyone else, walked down the aisle to was "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. Now considering I didn't want to use the Glasgow Love Theme because it was depressing, the fact that I picked a song that start hopeful yet ends depressing ("Now life has killed the dream I dreamed,") well, part of me wishes I had just gone with the Glasgow Love Theme.

To compound the problem, I had requested an instrumental version of the song. But instead the song my SIL and her husband are walking to had lyrics. Considering all the issues with the hurricane it really wasn't the biggest of deal. As it was my DJ called saying we wanting to know why we hadn't paid a few days before the wedding. Except we had, but without power he wasn't able to use his computer to check. So again, with all the things that could have gone wrong, playing the wrong version of the song I chose isn't really that bad.

Although if I had the chance to pick again, I still would have used the Glasgow Love Theme. But since these are just pictures, if you want to, you can picture Bridesmaid NYC and one of the boy's friends from high school walking down to that.

Finally we have my MOH and Best Man. Looking through these pictures though, I really wish I had told everyone to look up as they were walking. Or at least look up once they made it down the stairs.

Finally to end the processional were the flower girl and ring bearer, our niece and nephew, who cuteness definitely deserves a second photo.