the hunger games

Pictured: Abbey, Meg, Kelly, Luke, Rebecca, Clark, Luke (Rebecca's bro). Not pictured: Conner, Bekah, David, Emily, Andrew, Katie, Miss Lori & Mr. Ken, Jonathan, his friend and mom, my dad, and Mr. Shimer. This was all the people that went with us to the movie.

These are my thoughts on that movie that just came out...you might've heard of it. It's kinda sorta popular I think. It's called The Hunger Games. <--- Total sarcasm right there. If you've even looked at my blog within the past couple days we know I'm a huge fan and went to see the movie.

And fair warning, this post is completely spoilery in nature. I can't talk about THG without giving things away. So if you've haven't read the BOOKS, don't even dare look at anything movie related. That includes this post. Get thee to a bookstore, buy the book, and thank me after you've read it. For those that have read the book AND seen the movie, proceed! I can't wait to fangirl with you.

Basically, I have nothing to say bad about the movie. It was perfect. It was different from the book, yes...but I didn't go into the movie expecting it to be because what movie that's based off a book is exactly like it?! Not one.  Sure, things were left out (Madge giving Katniss the Mockingjay pin and Peeta's leg) but they were only in the first book and were barely touched in the other two. And yes, the timing was off a little (like Katniss finding water within two hours instead of two days like the book said...and the fight with Cato on top the Cornucopia). Minor details. I'd rather them leave those things out then THE CAVE SCENE.

I went into the theater knowing what would happen at each stage of the events taking place but left feeling like I did when I finished the book. There's something about reading the words of a book and not really knowing if anything that is concrete because you were simply left to imagine it what the characters looked like and did (to a certain degree).

But to see it acted out? It's a whole new ball game. I cried when Rue died because OHMYWORD she is precious. Seeing Josh Hutcherson play Peeta better than my imagination could ever dream up?! It made me fall in love both him AND Peeta all over again. Jennifer Lawrence made me realize just how kick butt Katniss is and how emotionally stunted she is to not realize that what she's feeling towards Peeta is love. I hated Secena Crane with a passion (but loved the beard), and don't get me started on Snow or Cato (or any of the tributes). Caesar Flickerman was portrayed excellently...I always viewed him as genuine. The movie did nothing but solidify the fact that he cared about the tributes. Cinna was just as calm and collected as I thought he was. I hated Haymitch before for being so rude and seemingly not caring about what happen to his mentees, but the movie showed me that he & Effie were what happens when you are affected by the Capitol. And I loved them. Mad props to Woody from Cheers and Elizabeth Banks.

The cinematography was amazing. Woot woot for it being filmed in NC! The outfits were done so well. And the fact that the movie was all scores, no music with words? Perfect. There's more I could say, but let's leave this post where it is. I fear it's so fangirly that if I utter the name Peeta one more time my blog with explode. Basically I LOVED THE MOVIE. And want to see it again and again and again. Who wants to come with me?

The countdown to Catching Fire has begun...

today

pictures via Dad's phone

This is happening at presicely 3:55. We'll be there way earlier though because it's a party and there's a dozen people going.

I feel like this post should be in all caps because sometimes that's the only way I can convey my excitement semi-properly. But I'll spare you guys. If you've seen it, let's fangirl in the comments tonight when I get come back from the dead that is Peeta, mkay?

Happy Hunger Games Saturday readers!

sleepover with Emily + Rebecca

Yesterday, Becca and I met up with Emily at the new CFA (we meet there after the boys co-op) to begin our amazing sleepover. Lots of laughter, food, and name calling was about to ensue. Don't worry, it's a thing between us...nicknames are a big part of whatever get together all three of us have. But first, get in mah belleh waffle fries!

The rainy weather slowed us down considerably, so we didn't get there on time. Plus? Hot CFA already waiting for me.

With CFA happily in our tummies, we made a mad dash to the car and piled in...7 people in a minivan can get kinda crazy. Thankfully, the ride was short and we arrived at the Nichols, unloaded the van with the sleepover gear, and chilled. Lots of Instagram pictures taken on Emily's iPod touch, words played on Words with Friends, and tweets sent from Rebecca's Twitter. We are such nerds, bonding over our electronics.

At some point, I went to take a shower and Emily & Rebecca watched old home videos. I was sad I missed it even though I had seen Emily sing her heart out when she was just a little things.

Popcorn was also thrown into the mix. Now it REALLY felt like a partay.

It was late when we finally settled down to watch the first movie (27 Dresses...one of my favorites)...then, after everyone else was in bed us girls got the crazy idea to watch another movie which meant we were up until 3 swooning over the manly man in Leap Year. Pretty sure we fell asleep wishing whatever-his-name-is was keeping us warm rather than Pooh (Becca), Dale Jr. (Emily), and Petey the Pirate (moi)...

Up & at 'em! At ten, the boys couldn't stand the fact we were still sleeping so they came in and woke us up...I was a total bear. Homegirl loves to sleep in on a Saturday. Thankfully, Mr. Eddie knows me and had a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit waiting for me. Tradition for us to have biscuits, so Rebecca got to join in on the artery clogging fun!

After the biscuits, we played spoons. Fun times.

Clark brought a weapon to the table. No worries, it wasn't loaded. The clip wasn't even in...he just likes the dramatic effect.

This picture sums up what we did all weekend: chill...

It was definitely a FUN sleepover...thanks for the memories, guys!

the Help {movie & book review}

 {Book Review}

If you haven't heard of this book/movie by now, you must live under one huge rock...Everywhere you turn you're bombarded with the Help's success both on & off the silver screen. It's such a wildly popular movie! That, coupled with the fact that I love love love books that are made into movies & comparing them to each other, I knew that I had to give both the book and the movie a shot. And, of course, share it with you readers :)

I first heard about the book even before the movie was announced & wanted to give reading it a try, but didn't buy the book until I saw it at Sam's Club for less than ten dollars. Score!

photo credit Google Images

I loved the book...one of the best I've read in a while. Sure, it was so super sad & I felt so bad for the characters at times, but it was lighthearted as well...gave you an insight to what it was like back then when the help was just that: the help. Never to be thought of unless you needed something. That and so many others things made me realize WHY this book is a bestseller. You'll have to read it for yourself...


The only downside that I had with the book AND the movie was the language ::sigh:: Of course they had to throw it in there, but I guess it's just something we have to deal with as Christians, am I right? I'd just be reading along and BAM! they use God's name in vain, totally out of context if that's even possible {because when it is OK to curse our God? never, that's when}. There was other language, but nothing like the Fword...in all honesty, those words don't bother me as much as when someone uses God's name in vain.

In fact, I was so taken aback by it that I stopped reading the book for a little while, intending on returning it. But I felt like I needed to give it a second shot and I'm so glad I did! If you can get past the language, it's an awesome read!!

{Movie Review}

Samantha & I both wanted to go to the movie but since we knew it was going to be crazzzyyy opening weekend {not to mention the fact that we were both down at the beach that particular Friday and everything is more expensive at the beach}, we decided to wait a little longer. Scheduling conflicts kept us away from the movie theater, but we finally got to go see it, along with Emily!

I loved it. Like, as much as the book! It was great...so emotional & the characters were portrayed excellently. Emma Stone is awesome, as are Viola Davis & Bryce Dallas Howard.

And again, the language was the only drawback to the movie. GD, the Sword and the Fword made their appearance numerous times. The only drawback in my opinion.

So what are you waiting for? Go rent the Help!!

monte carlo {movie review}

During the epic Nichols sleepover last weekend, we made a trip to the grocery store {for nutella and Dr. Pepper, DUH} and stopped to get a movie as well. After debating and getting frozen to the bone because man oh man it was windy, we decided on Monte Carlo and hoped that is wasn't as cheesy as it sounded.

And it wasn't! Trust me, it is a fun movie to watch with your girlfriends. Certainly not the best movie ever made {I'm still trying to figure out which one is MY favorite} but lighthearted all the same. By the end I was getting REALLY into it and wanted everything to work out for the character's no matter how cliche is was.

It's really pretty obvs that everything works out, though...hence the cliche part of things. Lovers are reunited after a nasty breakup, and many people find love. With that being said, there's really no spoiler aspect to the movie or my review.  But, read on only if you want to!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

photo credit Google Images

Here's the synopsis from Monte Carlo's FB page...

"Grace (Selena Gomez) is an ordinary girl who becomes an accidental princess when a family summer trip to Paris turns into the fantasy of a lifetime. Living like royalty, Grace, along with her two best friends, discovers who she really is – by assuming another person’s identity."

I've never really been a fan of Selena Gomez, but she was sing relatively well {and the songs are catchy, so what?} and act well to but I was surprised at her skills in this movie. It was the first time I'd really seen her play a different role. She was rocking the clothes too! I love each and every one of her outfits.

love Grace's bag, the blue striped top and blazer, and skirt on the right.

BEAUTIFUL dresses in this scene. And modest in my opinion!

Grace's "alter ego"

The two other main character's paled in comparison to Grace but I like them as well.

It had pretty well known actors in it but I squealed when I saw that Catherine Tate was in it. DR. WHO FOREVER.

The end scene was my fave for not so obvious reasons. It was so awesome!

 {I love how throughout the whole movie they had access to MANY gorgeous clothes but wore, like, 4 outfits a piece. And they were awesome, mind you.}

Like I said, it was a sweet movie! Go forth and watch with the intention of having a fun afternoon with the girls :) But beware, there are about 3 cuss words {a sub of the Fword, the Sword, and Aword} but other than that, it's a clean movie. 

Happy movie watching viewers!