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.

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?

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.
Did you wind up regretting any of your music choices or have any mistakes with the music you chose?

All photos in this post courtesy of Sabree Hill Photography.
Miss a Recap Post?
From Miss to Mrs: The Calm Before the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: There's a Hurricane Coming?
From Miss to Mrs: Here Comes Isaac
From Miss to Mrs: Weathering the Cane
From Miss to Mrs: After the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: Trials and Tribulations
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Errands
From Miss to Mrs: A Night on the Town
From Miss to Mrs: The Hangover
From Miss to Mrs: Rehearsing in the Heat
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Supper
From Miss to Mrs: Gifting the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Night
From Miss to Mrs: Oh What a Beautiful Morning
From Miss to Mrs: Getting Prettified
From Miss to Mrs: Prepping the Plantation
From Miss to Mrs: Turtle Time
From Miss to Mrs: The Photographer Has Arrived
From Miss to Mrs: Becoming the Bride
From Miss to Mrs: Dress Details
From Miss to Mrs: Ou Est le Groom?
From Miss to Mrs: A Bridge-y First Look
From Miss to Mrs: Couple Time
From Miss to Mrs: Just the Two of Us
From Miss to Mrs: Grouping the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: Ain't No Party Like a Bridal Party
From Miss to Mrs: Fun with Family
From Miss to Mrs: Making it Official
From Miss to Mrs: The Bedeken
From Miss to Mrs: The Final Minutes
From Miss to Mrs: Programming Break