Thanks to the people at HelloGiggles I've been exposed to 40 Days of Dating. Meet Tim and Jessie.
These two designer friends are dating for 40 days to try and break their bad dating habits and they've invited us to join them on the ride. Jessie falls in love too quickly and expects too much too soon...sound familiar? Tim is a commitment-phobe. New Yorkers by choice, this project is brimming with NYC uniqueness. There's something about the city that instills this kind of crazy 'I can do anything' mentality. And seeing it in typeface on their site makes me realise how I need to try my hardest everyday to keep this mentality with me, even though I am so far away. I've been sat here for the last hour catching up on their 40 days. I'm on day 11 so far and have discovered the following... 1. I'm loving the insight into their daily lives not just because of their interesting journey they've embarked on but also because of references to a not-so-average NYC daily life with pit stops at familiar places to me along the way. Just seeing 39th street or the Village referenced makes my heart skip a beat. 2. Tim's video he sent Jessie on day 8 made me grin as much as I'm sure she did. It felt a little like I was in my very own rom-com and I suddenly had to remind myself that: TIM DID NOT SEND THIS VIDEO TO ME! 3. Apparently he's ended up dating a fair few girls he's met in Whole Foods in the last six years. This made me a, wonder why I never met anyone in the Union Square Whole Foods in the last year and b, I should probably try and shop in the Piccadilly Circus one more often. *Image taken from 40 Days of Dating
1. It's the only sleep drug you'll ever need. Forget ambien all you New Yorkers. 2. Saying that, it's also the best way to start your day. Invigorating. 3. When we've had the sunny weather like we have had in the UK recently, it kind of resembles having your own pool. Without the swimming. 4. But throw in a dusting of snow and your christmas lights and you're in your ski-in ski-out chalet hot tub in St Moritz. 5. It's the most effortless entertainment EVER. Future Channel 4 Come Dine With Me contestants take note. 6. A daily free massage without having to find a boyfriend. Sign me up! 7. It's the perfect accompaniment to a grapefruit margherita. Tried and tested.
Happy Friday Y'all - You'll be able to find me, as above!
I had to post this because I'm just totally taken aback by it. I referenced an Audrey Hepburn quote yesterday regarding the difficulty with taking life in when you're in the moment, to which a friend said that I reminded her of Audrey. I'm not sure I feel that way but grateful for such a lovely compliment. And then I saw the below quote on pinterest. I literally said this to someone last weekend.
So I posted this video as a little aside to THIS blog post on Sunday. This was made over a year ago for a competition when I was desperately trying to make it in the Acting World. I've done a hell of a lot of emotional roles in the past but I do love comedy and since posting this the other day, my creative juices have been flowing and I'm pretty sure this is going to turn into a series. I'm not acting right now but I do miss it, so although they may come few and far between I'm going to try and get as many little sketches on camera that I can so that I can pay homage to what I really love to do. If you've never seen the 1970 movie Love Story with Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neal you may not quite appreciate my snow (grass) angels but I've posted a video at the bottom of this post that sums the movie up in a nutshell.
The dream, to be the next French and Saunders. And, turn my mini series into Starbucks' new ad campaign.
Maybe Ellen Degeneres can make it happen. If you wanted to be a doll you could retweet to help a girl out.
In keeping with my holiday theme I chose French Kiss for today's Movie Monday, for the following reason...
That will be me Thursday morning.
The film follows Kate (Meg Ryan) as she attempts to claim what is rightfully hers, her fiance, from the clutches of a Parisian goddess. She tackles her fear of flying and defies the Canadian government by leaving the country whilst still awaiting her visa, only to jump from one crisis to another. Luc (Kevin Kline) is her unfortunate partner in crime after a chance meeting on a plane. He epitomises everything she despises and the pair immediately detest each other. Despite this Luc attempts to help the damsel in distress, much to her annoyance and manages to hatch a plan with her to win Charlie (Timothy Hutton) back.
This film isn't rocket science but it is entertaining. Ryan's highly strung, neurotic qualities adds to the humour especially when played opposite laid back, antagonistic Kline. In fact it is his comedic timing and analysis of Ryan's character that is the particular catalyst for most of the laughs. My only great criticism is the ability to empathise with Ryan after being jilted. Hutton is no GeorgeClooney.
Tune in...
If you like romantic comedies, basically anything that Meg Ryan's in.
Tune out...
If neurotic female leads make you want to poke yourself in the eye.
Perfect for...
A saturday night alone, with a bottle of red wine and baked camembert in a box avec french bread. C'est magnifique!
With the holiday looming the Bank of Louisa is looking a little sad. I've had to book champagne parties, airport hotels, purchase bikini's and travel essentials, amongst other extravagances. With pay day so rudely positioned at the end of my holiday I really have to make sure that my fun in the sun won't be compromised with any pre-vacation activity. Therefore this weekend the Bank of Louisa is closed.
This is me looking pissed off
I can think of plenty of things I can occupy myself with over the coming few days...mainly involving organising and packing (my mother is reading this right now and shaking her head in sheer disbelief before she utters the words "Louisa you won't though, you'll leave it to the last minute..."). I can also think of plenty of things I could be doing in order to procrastinate from doing said organising and packing. This scenario is far more likely. So with no further ado I hereby re-instate Something for the Weekend...the credit busting version...
Rumour has it there's a heat wave heading to England, supposedly arriving around abouts.....now. So ultimately I'm aiming to boost my potential tannage, especially with my colleague Molly due back in the office next week, post Thailand. As petty and immature as this may sound, as well as kind of a health risk (don't try this at home kids) I will only be in Marbella for 5 days and I do plan on beating Molly for most enviable tan when I get back, so some "tanning revision" is required. My first recommendation therefore is to enjoy our beautiful weather, for free! But remember, as Baz Luhrman says..."Wear Sunscreen".
If for whatever reason the British weather has lied to us, very plausible, then here's some freebies I'm vibing this weekend...
Sky Movies is showing some of my faves...
The Sound of Music. A feel good classic. If you haven't seen it, you must and if you have you'll want to again. I still desperately wish I was Julie Andrews, I still fancy Christopher Plummer in this, even though he's meant to be a meany in real life, I sill think Gretel is the most adorable child and always want to squeeze her cheeks and I STILL know all the words to all the songs. I have such an obsession with this motion picture that I am forcing the kids I teach singing to on Saturday mornings to perform So Long Farewell for their summer show.
Housesitter. This is laugh out loud funny. Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin have a one night stand only for her to seek out the house he built for his ex-girlfriend. After breaking and entering, broke Hawn, decides she needs some essentials. One thing leads to another and before you know it Hawn's passing herself off as Martin's wife, even to his parents. The white lie spirals out of control and suddenly they're a con double act, duping friends and family! Although nothing like The Sound of Music or Julie Andrews, I kind of want to be Goldie Hawn too. I'm starting to sense a theme. Basically I'm recommending films of which I wish I was the leading lady. Her outfits in this are cute too and who doesn't love a little fashion throw back.
Love Story. Personally I'm a bit of a seasonal movie watcher, aka if the films a wintry film, viewing is limited to the winter. Technically this deals with all seasons but it's melancholy nature and it's high volume of snow covered scenes means I can't quite imagine watching it this time of year. That said, this film is a beautiful story about Love (no kidding Louisa) with some of the most wonderful music, I even have the theme on my ipod, talk about depressing. I think I'll probably do a Movie Monday with this later in the year but if for nothing else, watch it for Ali McGraw's adorable tartan skirts and matching scarfs, a good cry and that famous line "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
I found a trailer with French subtitles to add a little culture to the blog...or because I couldn't find one without them. I'll let you decide.
Alternatively you can still catch The Romantics, full trailer (without French subtitles) and review on Movie Monday here!
Instead of credit busting you could do a little credit boosting. For £10 a class or £100 for twelve, Staples are holding business start-up classes on Saturday mornings, beginning this weekend. I'm working on a project currently and I have many more extreme plans that potentially could benefit from having a little know how before I jump into the entrepeneurial pool. These are really reasonably priced and only last an hour each week. That way if you decide it's not for you then you've barely made a commitment time or money wise. Or this could be the first step to making your millions! For more information check out http://www.startupsaturday.co.uk/
Finally, neither credit busting nor credit boosting I have a little social recommendation. This is very location based, as in if you don't live near Rochester in Kent then this is going to be utterly useless information. If you plan to visit some day then keep reading. One of my favourite haunts the Rochester Coffee Company are embarking on a new venture in the form of a wine and cocktail bar, Oliver's. This is very me. Unfortunately my household location makes me rather provincial and us provincials get rather excited when something a little bit cosmopolitan, read London, comes our way. The members only bar has just launched but this Saturday are opening their doors to whomever, as long as you're 21 to sample the members only life. If it's anything like their sister company then this should be a hit. I'll report back on the findings but you can get more information over at their facebook page here.
To cheer us credit busting types up here's a picture of one of my best friends with a toy monkey round her neck, just because.
As I sit here with my Christmas pudding slice and my cup of tea on this chilly night, I am reminded of the saying on my Starbucks cup today..."Stories are gifts to share..."
I am so lucky to have so many wonderful memories, including much loved friends and family, many jovial laughs, heartwarming moments and overwhelming feelings of contentment. I have decided to make Way back when... a regular piece that documents moments I keep close to my heart.
Today is Thanksgiving. In 2005 I was studying at Bridgewater State College, MA and I shared Thanksgiving with my good friend Jen Corey, her family and friends.
It was a bitter cold night and we had rehearsals for our Lab Theatre Project, the "Theatre on the Edge" Festival, that was to take place the following week. As we wrapped at 10.30pm, myself, Jen, Jamie, Mike and Alison made our way to the cinema to see Rent the movie. It had just been released at the cinema and my friends were dying to see it. I wasn't bothered either way, as had never seen it on stage anyway. We were the last into the showing and had to take seats at the very front. It was a late showing, I was exhausted and ten minutes in I fell asleep, only to wake just in time to see the final scene. We hugged and said our farewells to Jamie and Alison in the car park. Mike dropped Jen and myself back to her house.
I had visited Jen's once before but only sat in the car. We bundled into her home with her massive bag of laundry. Both her parents were still awake, their Christmas tree was up and their home smelt of freshly baked apple pie. The cinnamon was intoxicating. They were beyond welcoming and I truly felt as if I was part of their family. I even remember their distinct candied apple hand soap from Bath and Body Works, perfect for such a holiday. The following morning Jen and I headed out to Mary Lou's for coffee for everyone later and then prepared for the rest of the day. A multitude of relatives arrived to a feast of turkey, mashed potato, meatballs, amongst other delicious foods.
As the day drew to a close, numerous friends appeared for dessert. Some bringing their own but either way Jen's mum had prepared enough for all. Baklava, pumpkin pie, apple pie, brownies, cookies...the list goes on. Us college lot headed down to the basment, ate, chatted and generally laughed until late. Friends for dessert, since 2005, has been a Corey Annual Thanksgiving Event and every year, depsite the large ocean that seperates myself from all of them, I am still invited via Facebook. Next year, I hope to attend.
