Winter 2014 Must-See Movies

We have reached the final week of fall (winter officially begins on Sunday, December 21). When the temperatures are below zero and the snow is falling, spending the day watching movies at your local cinema can’t be beat. There were some great movies this fall, and there are still many more to come. I fell in love with the book Unbroken, so I’m eager to see how the movie plays out. Louis Zamperini’s life story is nothing short of incredible, and if you haven’t read the book yet, I highly encourage you to do so. This American Sniper trailer really got me, and I will undoubtedly be seeing it as soon as it comes out. I love watching movies this time of year because we’re getting into Awards Season, and many of these movies will be in the running for top awards.

1. Unbroken – December 25, 2014

2. Into the Woods – December 25, 2014

3. A Most Violent Year – December 31, 2014

4. Selma – January 9, 2015

5. American Sniper – January 16, 2015

What movies are you looking forward to this winter?

{Image via Laura Ashley}

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That’s a Wrap!

This week was a busy one. From the Golden Globes to Oscar nominations to the upcoming Seahawks Championship game, there has been no shortage of entertainment. As I just mentioned, I’ll be occupied with the football game, cheering on the Seahawks (of course!) Also, the SAG Awards are tomorrow – are you tired of Hollywood yet? Until you are, let’s wrap up the week with a recap…

* Jerry Seinfeld talks comedy with his funny friends.

* I love Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Golden Globes hosts.

* Ideal winter comfort food.

* The 86th Academy Award nominations are out! Who are you rooting for? Do you agree with the nomination choices?

* Love stopping by Pike Place Market to check out the local shops and gaze at the Elliott Bay [photo above].

* Girls parody trailers. I still need to catch up on Season 2!

* I’ll most likely whip up some of these snacks for the Seahawks game this Sunday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Photo by Lauren}

That’s a Wrap!

I’m really looking forward to the official start of spring next week. Daylight Savings has really messed up my schedule and I am eager to get back on track with my routine. Starting this weekend I am going to be baking up a storm and watching a lot of movies. I also want to make it to the theater once or twice. Have a great last few days of winter! Until spring, wrapping up the week with a recap…

* Finally craved breakfast this week, and I am feeling much more myself.

* Love this “Shiny Ponies” video with Jenna Lyons – amazing shoes!

* California’s weather has been too good to be true. Blue skies, sun, light breezes [see photo above].

* What They’re Wearing at HBO.

*  This looks like the most heavenly kitchen.

* I really want to see this documentary.

* Once again craving dim sum. Anyone know of any great dim sum restaurants?

Have a fantastic weekend!

{Photo by Lauren}

Seasonal Transitions

For some people, the day after Thanksgiving is the green light to start playing Christmas music, put up the family tree, and decorate the house with jingle bells and wreaths. The entire week after Thanksgiving is the time when we start to transition from autumn to winter. It’s not only the time for trading in our rain boots for snow shoes and pea coats for parkas, but it is also a time to change things up in the kitchen.

A new season means new ingredients and flavors. With winter comes seasonal delights such as gingerbread cookies, eggnog, and peppermint. So enjoy the last of those cinnamon sticks and pumpkin pies for one more week because in just a couple of days, it’ll be time to celebrate the winter season!

{Snow, Leaves, Eggnog, Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Peppermint Sticks, Pumpkin Pie, Gingerbread}

Gifts for Any Occasion

 1. World’s Largest Gummy Worm / 2. Kissing Beagle Salt and Pepper Shakers
3. Donut Pool Float  / 4. Custom Jones Soda Label / 5. Customized M&M’s

 Sometimes when I am looking for gifts for friends, family, or for a host/hostess, I cannot for the life of me figure out what to get them. Unless I find a gift far in advance that is perfect for someone, it takes me a lot of brainstorming to come up with something special. Though there aren’t as many gift-giving holidays in the summer as there are during the winter, there are always birthdays, graduations, BBQs, just because, and thank you gifts that are waiting to be given. I laughed out loud when I saw the 3 pound gummy worm…I am a major fan of all things gummy (and sour), but this is just too much! The pool float is also hilarious. I saw it in person at a random store last weekend and it is even better in person – it’s also perfect for these hot summer days. Customized gifts can be pricey, but if the situation calls for it, I think it can be really meaningful with limitless opportunities to include inside jokes.

That’s a Wrap!

Anonymous / Anthropologie Apron / {snack & snapshot photos by A Dash of Cinema}

It’s official: spring has sprung! We can now say ‘that’s a wrap’ on both winter and the week. Now that winter is finally over, I’m looking forward to all the colors and flavors that spring has to offer, such as orange, lemon, and strawberry. After a non-stop week full of quizzes, video projects, and essay writing, I am looking forward to a day in Los Angeles, The Hunger Games, and a good night’s rest.

India Photo Diary

The Taj Mahal from a distance

 I recently returned from an eye-opening journey in India where I visited incredible locations, ate spicy and flavorful food, and learned about the fascinating culture. Everything from the smells to the sounds to the taste of Indian food was so different from the United States, and it was an incredible place to visit and experience firsthand. These are some of the pictures I took along the way…

Shops along the road

Elephants = Good Luck

Performing Monkey (Sad to see the monkey tied to a leash and trained to perform - he was a couple of inches away from me outside my bus window)

Elephant walking along the side of the road

McDonald's in India...proof