This Weekend, Steal A Million

My friday night movies have become few and far between but I have decided to post movies when I can, and not worry too much about the weekly idea. They will however always be on Fridays. Except for today, because I forgot to post last night, so you are getting it tonight instead. Hope that's ok with you all.

This is number 3 of Daniel's favorite classic movies. I also ADORE this film.

Starring

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole

Filmed in 1966, these two stars were at the top of their careers. Peter has the bluest eyes I have ever seen and Audrey's wardrobe in this movie is to die for!

This romantic heist comedy is about a woman who must steal a statue from a Paris Museum to help conceal her father's art forgeries. Meanwhile, a handsome young detective begins investigating these forgeries and ends up falling in love. . .

Let's be honest here, the main reason why this movie is on Dan's favorite list is because of this car

A canary yellow E Type Roadster Jaguar

Please see this movie, it will make you happy. I promise.

The Chicago Skyline

During the week of Thanksgiving, we road the train a lot.

We had fun sitting on the top level, watching all the little towns go by on our way into the city.

Dan got a popcorn treat in the station before we left that was mucho delicioso. I don't know why I look so scowlly, is that a word? I really was having fun.

Excuse me sir, you look like a smart, successful, Chicagoite, do you have the time?

One of the greatest things about Chicago, is that it's on the shore of Lake Michigan. The water was so blue and clear, and the air didn't smell like fish or salt, thank the heavens. BEAUTIFUL. We walked down to where we could get the best view of the city. WOW, did we get the money shots.

Um, my jump was way better then Dan's. Sorry babe. He thinks my finger points are dumb. I say, rock on.

We spent most of the day, walking and enjoying all the scenery around us. To make things even better, the wind wasn't blowing, there wasn't any snow and since it was Thanksgiving Day, there weren't many people out and about. It really was an amazing day.

Trestle Design

My dear talented sister Emily, has created a new design blog. She is extremely good at what she does, you have got to see the stuff she can do! Right now she has a new batch of Christmas cards available. Those of you who saw them last year know how awesome they were. Please check it out right now! And add her button to your page. More examples of stuff to come: wedding announcements, baby announcements, birthday invitations, shower invitations, and blog headers. Click below!

www.trestledesign.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving in Chicago

Well, it's about time I came back to the blogging world. I am sorry for the absence. A lot has been going on, including our trip to the windy city.

It was WONDERFUL.

Let me just say first of all, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to our hosts Jeff and Aimie. They were so wonderful to let us stay the whole week with them. It was so nice to be around family playing games and eating wonderful food.

We shopped, wandered around the city, visited the botanical gardens, and enjoyed the Thanksgiving Day parade. Gosh, it was fun.

First up, downtown Chicago.

That's Dan on the left, his little bro Jody in the middle, and Jody's friend Steve on the right

It's hard to describe how beautiful this city is. It was stunning. One of the greatest places was Grant Park, we spent a lot of time there taking pictures by the sculptures,

watching the ice skaters,

and admiring the incredible outdoor amphitheater. You might recognize this theatre from when Oprah did a show here last year. The pictures don't do it justice.

This is just a peak into our trip, I will post more this week, I promise.

PS

Friday night movies will return this week too.

Friday Film Noir

It's week 2 of Daniel's favorites, and this one's gonna amaze you. . . The Big Sleep

This 1946 Film noir classic is a stylish Hollywood crime drama that keeps you wondering throughout, who done it. Film noir is a screen genre that was developed during the early 1940s and is usually associated with a Black and White picture, unique cinematography, cynical and dark characters, and crime. Makes for a great movie if you ask me. Or you can ask Dan, he LOVES this one.

starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall

Here's the plot: Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a rich family. Before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail, and what might be love. . .

How great is her hat?

Well, I'm off to a little town called Chicago

for Thanksgiving. I really can't wait.

Happy Friday folks.

The STING

For these next five Friday Night movies, I will be posting all of Dan's favorites.

Big H and Uncle Dan

I am lucky to have a husband who loves the classic movies as much as I do. It did take some time to convert him though. So to all of you out there (or your not so excited husbands slash skeptical wives) who are having a hard time seeing the awesomeness in old movies, try these next five recommendations on for size. Believe me, you will LOVE them. Dan sure did, hehe.

First up, and possibly one of our all time favs . . .

Thanks Emily and Tim for watching this with us last weekend, wasn't it great?

Starring the very handsome

Robert Redford and the great Paul Newman

this 1973 film won 7 acadamy awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Costume Design and Best Musical Score.

The Plot: In 1930s Chicago, a young con man (Redford) seeking revenge for his murdered partner teams up with a master of the big con (Newman) to win a fortune from a criminal banker.

This movie is SO GOOD. The music and the acting? In the words of my Mother, "wowie zowie." Please rent it this weekend. I promise EVERYONE will love it.

For your information however: there is a bit of language and violence in this one, and one questionable dancer who could be covered a little better but that's it, really not bad. If you need to know the details click here for a full content rundown.

Happy weekend everybody.

Carving

We carved a lot this year. Dan did really excellent with his headless horseman and spooky tree.

Wait Until Tomorrow Night

It's All Hallows Eve and this Friday night you're in for it, this is a scary one . . .

Wait Until Dark was nominated for 1 Oscar in 1967, and is considered one of the most thrilling and suspenseful movies ever made.

Audrey Hepburn plays a blind housewife who is terrorized by a trio of thugs while they search for a heroin stuffed doll they believe is in her apartment.

If you are an Audrey Hepburn fan then you'll love this movie. It's nothing like her other movies though, so be prepared. Her acting is so great in this, I think you will be surprised how good.

If you watch this movie tomorrow night (or any other time or that matter), then may I suggest watching it with someone, it's not one to watch by yourself. TRUST ME.

Happy Halloween . . . Mua ha ha ha

Turning 40?

My dear uncle, Peter Simpson Cook, has created this book. . .

Please click here to see a revealing preview, and here to see more of his incredible work!

It's a Week Before Halloween. . .

This week and next week I have some SPOOKY movies for you.

Rear Window starring Jimmy Stewart, and Grace Kelly

Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat. This movie is thrilling, intense, spine-tingling and AWESOME. I am not into creepy Halloween movies, but a good intense mystery I totally love.

It's about a wheelchair bound photographer who spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. Yikes.

I haven't seen this one in awhile but I am pretty sure it's not one for the kiddos- just because of the intense plot and scary scenes. In case you want to check it out before renting, click HERE for a complete content rundown. Just looking out for you guys.

Looking for a lighter, funnier Halloween classic? Remember this movie?

Happy Fall Friday, check out this easy and ghoulish snack. . . thanks Mitchy

For You Mom and Dad

Hi Mom, Hi Dad. You wanted to see some of the improvements we have made around the house right? Here are some pictures of the new furniture, the new vanity for the downstairs bathroom, and my spray painted door handles. Now, who is going to come visit me???

The Big 5 + A Lemony Treat

It Happened One Night,

on a night like this, Friday, October 16th . . .

This romantic and delightfully funny movie is one of my absolute favorites. In 1934, it swept the Academy Awards. The big 5- Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Writing. Honestly folks it can't get much better than that!

Once again we see the charming Clark Gable and the beautiful Claudette Colbert- what a cool name she has, sooo Hollywood.

The story follows a spoiled heiress, running away from her family, and is helped by a man who is actually a reporter looking for the next big scoop. But then he falls for her. . .

Here's what I think you should make tonight:

the infamous and delicious Clason Lemon Bars.

My brother John is the master at these, NO ONE could make them better. Sorry Mom, not even you. No one can touch your homemade bread though. Mmm, with your apple butter. . .

Ok sorry, back to the Lemon Bars. Here's the line-up:

1/2 cup soft butter

1/4 powdered sugar

1 cup flour

CREAM together. Spread in 8ish x 8ish pan

and bake @ 325 for 15-20 mins

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 tblsp flour

2 tblsp lemon juice

Zest of half a lemon

COMBINE well and pour over hot crust

Bake again @ 325 for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar to taste.

Triple this recipe to fit a 10 x 15 inch pan.

So there you have it. Easy peezy lemon squeezy.

Literally.

Have a great weekend everybody and enjoy the show!

Blue Chairs and Sunflowers

Hi friends, I entered a photo contest at BLOOM and was chosen as a finalist! Visit here to see all the awesome entries. Happy fall.

ps. . . this isn't the photo, but these blue chairs are my most recent thrift store find.

I LOVE them.

"Frankly my dear. . ."

Ok people, its Friday. My absent post from last Friday is noted, and I completely apologize, my forgetfulness is totally unacceptable. And so, this week you are in for a treat. You deserve something EPIC.

Gone With The Wind

An incredible Clark Gable performance and 10 time oscar winning movie, this 1939 classic will tug at every emotion. With a running time of 4 hours you might want to split the show with Saturday night. Definitely worth watching though. The cinematography and costume design alone will keep you riveted.

This American classic follows a manipulative woman and roguish man that carry on a turbulant love affair in the American south during the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Pop a double batch of popcorn, grab the reluctant husband, willing best friend or devoted sister and prepare for a long one. Alert! Watch for one of the most famous movie quotes of all time, (see title).

SO GOOD, folks . . .