Top Tens {romance}

     Over the course of about six months, several people have suggested that I blog about my picks of my favorite movies, because honestly, I've seen many more movies than the average person watches in their lifetime. I don't really know why, but my family and I have always been "movie people" we'll watch anything from an old black and white film, to something in Imax 3-D, and its normal for us to watch parts of a movie each day while cleaning or doing homework  I don't really have a favorite genre or type of movie that i prefer, and if its good, in even the smallest way, ill watch it; and probablly like it.

     Anyways....last week when a friend suggested i share my favorite movie picks on my blog, I thought "Hey, why not?" So what I decided to do is each week pick a genre, and pick my top ten favorite movies from that genre. Keep in mind these are MY favorites, and I'm not a movie critic, so if you watch one and don't fall head-over-heels in love with it, its okay :) But i really think you'll like them, i hope! :)

     This week, i decided to pick the love genre. romance. NOT romantic comedy's, because those fall into the category of comedy movies, and are hardly ever actual stories of romance or love. So the list goes from my number ten pick....all the way to my number one!

[T E N]

The Notebook:

Although this movie has yet to make me cry, i do love the sweet story line.  The book is by FAR ten times better than the movie.Its a story of Noah and Allie, and how their lives tear them apart, but in the end, true love prevails and they end up living happily ever after.....kind of. The story is rather chicle, but the actors are wonderful, and over all its a sweet and cute movie.

[N I N E]

A Knights Tale: 

Oh where to begin with this movie. Its a great all round film as its funny, romantic, and has fighting, all set to modern music (the film supposedly takes place in the 1500's-1600's).  Although Heath Ledgers character, William is poor, he pretends to be of royal blood so that he can joust and earn a living. Little does he know that he will meet and fall in love with a girl, who actually is royal, and their love is enough to keep them together. Its really a sweet movie, and very well-done.

[E I G H T]

A Walk to Remember:

This movie is another book by Nicolas Sparks brought to film.  I love this movie so much because of just how pure their love is, and how much Landon truly loves Jamie.  I think i like this movie, because its shows true love isn't just a ooey gooey soft and chewy kind of feeling you get when you see someone you love, but that love is helping, serving and caring for one another.  It also shows how true love doesn't always mean happily ever after. Its a wonderfully, delightful movie!

[S E V E N]

Breakfast At Tiffany's:

To be honest, there is a lot I'm not so thrilled with about this movie. I don't know why, but its never struck me the way it seems to strike most of the world. However, I love the story, especially the ending. Holly Golightly does not by any means deserve such a charmer like Paul, but he loves her, and will follow her anywhere to be with her, and thats the sweet thing i love about romance movies, people never give up! And we can all be honest with each other, we all want that. and this movie delivers :)

[S I X]

Chocolat:

Okay, i adore everything about this movie, seriously if you haven't seen it, go to Blockbuster RIGHT NOW and rent it. It made me want to move to France and own a chocolate shop. Johnny Depp is ever suave and sweet in this movie. It is incredibly well made, apart from it being delightfully sweet, and so-good-you-can-almost-taste-it. Oh, and it also won best picture in 2000. Seriously people the romance between Roux and Vianne is one for the ages. This movie doesn't receive much recognition anymore, and is often forgotten, but its a keeper for sure.

[F I V E]

The Twilight Saga:

Okay, so don't kill me for putting The Twilight Saga movies on the list. I guess part of this decision is based on the books, which are the story of two people who shouldn't be together, but yet the overcome all odds to be together. Oh and in the meantime, Edward Cullen happens to be every persons dream boy. Yeah i love these movie's love storyline.  It's like nothing i've read, or seen a movie about, before and its very gentle in nature. Of course, i recommend it ;)

[F O U  R]

Titanic:

This is definitely one of the most famous love stories on the planet.  Jack and Rose and their adventure to find love on a ship, that ends up sinking to the bottom of the ocean. In many ways it kind of plays out as expected.  Rose is engaged to a mean, rich man who she thinks she loves, until Jack comes along, (and seriously....who wouldn't pick Leonardo DiCaprio.....?) and they fall madly in love with each other.  All in all tho it's an epic movie and the daring romance makes it all the more wonderful

[T H R E E]

Romeo and Juliet:

Before I sate the obvious about this film, and the love story that pretty much is the mother of all love stories, let me clarify something. The movie I love oh so dearly is Franco Ziffirelli's version, brought to the screen by Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, NOT Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of the story. Okay, now thats out of the way; I LOVE THIS MOVIE. It you haven't seen it, please do! Its the same classic R&J tragically romantic love story with a twist, the whole movie is set in modern times. The costumes, music, locations and people all look like anyone you'd see walking down the street today, except, all of Shakespeare's wonderful lines are left in tact. Basically, its the same lines and words Shakespeare penned way back when, but set in modern day times.  The Capulet's and Montague's are rival gang families, and so on. It is an amazing look at the story, and makes it so much more.....realistic i guess. The story is so much sweeter and heart wrenching when it seems like it really, actually, maybe did happen. This film is not often brought up or remembered, but it is one lovely movie. 

[T W O]

Slumdog Millionaire: 

If you haven't seen this movie you're probably thinking, "What kind of romantic movie is called 'Slumdog Millionaire?'" Those were exactly my thoughts while walking into the theater and my mom telling me how great the movie was, and how sweet it was. But as the story unfolded it became clearer and clearer how Jamal and Latika's on screen (and off screen....) romance was one of the purest, and most unique love stories to ever be placed onto movie screen across America. I cant really sum up this movie, because SO much happens, but its beautiful, and PLEASE go see it. You'll love it, and its worth the time, and money. Plus i literally audibly said "AWWW!" during one of the closing scenes ;) 

[O N E]

Moulin Rouge:

 OBVIOUSLY, i saved the best for last :) First of all, this movie has a killer soundtrack...literally Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor have serious vocal skills.  This whole movie literally gives me butterflies every time I watch it.  Christian and Satine have a secret romance, that they have to hide from everyone around them in order for their play/musical "Spectacular Spectacular" financed by The Duke, who thinks Satine loves him.  The best part of this movie is the way Christian looks at Satine while pouring out his love in song for her.  I could literally watch this film every day of my life and not get bored. It is beyond spectacular and deserves much much more recognition than it has received. WATCH IT! and fall in love. It uses pretty much every famous quote or song about love and combines them to make fantastic songs (i.e. Elephant Love Medley or Your Song). i guarantee you that you'll love it.  Theres just something magical about the characters and story that I cant explain with words. You'll just have to watch it for yourself (:

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return"

Sweet Pea!

For the last three months, I've been begging my parents for a bunny, but i never thought i would get one, because we already have a cat.  Well yesterday morning my dad and i went to see the movie Takers, and have lunch at P.F Changs.

After we had lunch, my dad asked if I wanted to go anywhere else; after some talking we decided to head to downtown LA to the fashion district, Santee Alley in particular.  We walked around and I was looking for a watch that I had wanted for a while, and seeing who i could talk down to the lowest price.  Suddenly my world changed when I saw a little girl, carrying a small white cage, with a itty bitty bunny inside.  I asked them where they got it and they told me directions to the vendor who was selling the bunnies.  So i went down and......for $17 bought a dwarf bunny. He fits perfectly in my hand and is dark brown. I named him sweet pea <3 And im in love with him.

He's probably about 6 weeks old, and he is the cutest little bitty thing ever! My mom and i were watching a movie last night (The Lovely Bones....save your time and don't see it). I brought sweet pea out to the living room to lay on a blanket while we watched. He snuggled up right next to me and fell asleep. The best part? he totally kicks in his sleep....exactly like Thumper (: (: (:  Oh and he is quite the curious one.....my dad built him a little house and we thought the walls were high enough, but when i woke up this morning i looked down and he was there hopping around my floor. Too precious.

I think everyone should own a bunny, they're so cute and fun and adorable. Feel free to stop by and see him! 

(:

My Favorite Things (:

The nice thing about summer is that you can do pretty much whatever you want.  This summer especially, I am free to indulge in some of my favorite things. In no particular order, here is a VERY modified list of some of my favorite things, and why I love them so much. (:

sushi, with lots of wasabi!! I love everything about sushi, and pretty much every kind of sushi. Its so delightful (:

Peacock feathers. All the colors are perfect, and its such a beautiful display of our Gods creativity

Starbucks Passion Tea. First of all, its pink so it MUST be good. But also its super cold and refreshing. I drink probably at least 10 cups a week!

The beach. My favorite thing about the beach is the water. I love that its so cold and untamable.  Its such a serene beautiful place to relax and appreciate our creator! 

This photograph by Scott Mutter.  I have it hanging over my bed and something about it, i love. I'm not sure why but from the time i first saw it, I adored it.

I love all zoos. I seriously could watch animals for hours upon end. But the Santa Barbara zoo is my favorite! Its not too hot, so the animals aren't sleeping, and during the week is usually isn't over crowded! I love this place (:

Deer! Over the many road trips my family has taken Ive seen thousands of deer. I love watching them graze and just walk around because of their graceful beauty. They're such calm and lovely creatures.

The Twilight Saga. I love the movies and the books. I could never read/watch them enough.

Don Cucos!!! My favorite restaurant EVER! All the food is delicious and mouthwatering. While waiting for you food there is endless chips, salsa and sour cream.  I would definitely recommend this place!

 

Avocados. Aside from being delicious, they're also good for your skin and hair. I eat them on EVERYTHING.  And theres also a salsa i make with avocados that is YUM!

The Grove. If you've never been to the grove, you're in for a real treat. Located in the heart of LA Its a beautiful shopping strip along with tons of yummy places to eat! I love going here on a summer night and walking around and grabbing a bite to eat with friends. 

Yes To Carrots skincare line.  All their products are buttery smooth and naturally good for you!

Sunflowers. Theres no flower that really looks like a sunflower, and they're so beautiful! I love the joyful air they give off.  

Quarterback Sacks in football. I am WELL aware that it is not football season yet, however I am anticipating its arrival!  My favorite part of the game is when the quarterback gets sacked and pounded to the ground. I don't know why I love it so much I just think its the most non-textbook part of the game. It doesn't seem refined or planned, which is my favorite thing about sports: everything is unexpected.

Bleu Cheese. I think this is a love it or hate it kinda food. And i definitely love it! I could eat bleu cheese by the pound.  One of my favorite treats is a bleu cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, cooked on thick cut sourdough bread. Its so rich and creamy, nothing beats it.

The Habit! If you haven't eaten at the habit, you are either living under a rock, or you don't have a pulse yet.  They make the best burgers and fries ever. Its the perfect combination of ingredients, and not expensive at all. I really wish i ate here more than I do. Its by far my favorite fast food restaurant, and if you have yet to try this place, please do! For your sake :)

 

Last, but certainly not least: Oneighty.  Oneighty is the youth group at the church i attend: Grace Community Church.  The staff is a group of the most godly people I probably will ever meet.  They always show us an example of what it truly meant to pursue personal holiness in every aspect of our lives.  Each and every event they plan us is a blast and the fellowship with the other students in the group is always great! The best part is only about 9 days away; Summer Camp in New Mexico! Best. Week. Ever.

<33

total ECLIPSE of the heart.

There are very few things that i would wait 7 hours for, but the premiere of the new movie Eclipse, from the Twilight Saga, is one of them.  At 5:00 p.m. my adorable friend, Bianka, and I got to the Burbank AMC  to get our spot in line for the midnight showing of Eclipse. When the movie ended at about 2:30am I would have gladly bought a ticket for the 3a.m. showing without a second thought, but it was sold out :( If you've never been to any midnight showing of a movie, i would HIGHLY recommend that you try it out. Theres just something so fun about waiting in line for half a day with people, seeing their excitement, and being the first person to see a movie.

I've read all the books, and i love the movies.  This one was no exception. I absolutely LOVED it. And just when you thought Taylor Lautner couldn't have any more abs!!! Everything about it was perfect, with the exception of Rosalie's makeup (if you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about ;) But really, who cares?  The night was to say the least, amazing. We met some VERY memorable people, and laughed a lot. Oh i love twilight (: Here are some pictures from the night ((((:

 

One of the funniest things was we saw SO many of our friends walking around, and they stopped and hung with us for a while (: 

First we saw Taylor !!! 

Then Becca....

Corey and Alex, who ended up selling me headphones haha! 

Isaac (: 

these are the headphones i bought!

isn't she just the cutest? 

so we went to get Starbucks about 20 minutes before they were going to let us in, and when we were coming out we saw everyone stand up and get ready to go in so we had to SPRINT back to our spot in line, but we made it ;)

So when we were inside the theater waiting, these three guys got up and started dancing and trying to make everyone do the wave. It was pretty entertaining! haha (: 

Such a blissful night!!! i can NOT wait to see the movie again!!!! (((: Happy Twilighting! (: