Marvelous Movie Monday....... Bernie

Well, I just watched this movie last week while Mother Nature dropped a foot of snow on us. I give you Bernie.... a true story of a beloved assistant funeral director in a small Texas town who becomes good friends with the town's meanest richest resident. Under her increasing berating and controlling behavior the worst case senario ends up coming true.

This has been in my Amazon queue for quite awhile.... now I'm not sure why I waited so long. 

I already love Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey so I am kind of biased but, I really liked this film. The acting was superb, I love the whole feel of the movie and I especially liked the commentary of the town residents throughout.

Such an entertaining and darkly funny movie..... and Jack Black just kills it. I love seeing him in less slapstick roles. I highly recommend this one :)

Happy Watching,

♥jenny

Snowy Winter

Well, it looks like on this snowy day that I bailed on work because I didn't feel like dealing with driving on the ice this morning or this evening, I added some tags to my posts and accidentally changed one and now it's posted out of order..... all I can say is.... ooops. 

Anyhoo..... it sure has been a snowy winter here in Jersey.

This view has become a regular occurrence......

 Looks pretty nice though.

 We really got dumped on this time.....

 Just look at my table :) At least a foot of snow..... and we have two months left...... ugh. At least it's sunny out today. I can sit in the window and pretend it's spring :)

Keep Warm,

♥jenny

Friday Favorites..... Films! Moonrise Kingdom

This week is a new addition to my top 10 favorite movies. Moonrise Kingdom.

Oh, how I love this movie!!!!

I missed it in the theater so I saw it as soon as I came out to rent. I bought it shortly thereafter. Lately it has been on cable and I think I have watched it ten times in the last month ;)

Synopsis:
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore -- and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl's parents. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the boy and girl. -- (C) Focus Features

 Moonrise Kingdom, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.....

1. Visual Perfection. I literally want to live in this movie.
2. Bill Murray. enough said.
3. Killer soundtrack.... the music truly compliments the movie.
4. A funny, heartfelt dreamworld.
5. The whole cast is  impeccable.

I like all the Wes Anderson films.... even Life Aquatic and Darjeeling Limited, which both get some flack. This one just might be edging out The Royal Tannenbaums  for my favorite ;)

 If you haven't seen it yet, put it at the top of your list..... you won't regret it :)

Watch more movies!
 ♥jenny

European Work Excursion

I was lucky enough to be able to go to Europe for work again this year. We go first to Frankfurt Germany for the Heimtextil Home Textiles trade show. The place is huge!! We spend two days walking the studio section purchasing artwork and one day walking the Trend section and then whatever else we can get to..... bedding section, pillows, wallpaper or fabrics. Fun and exhausting :)

From there it's on to London!!! 

view from Debanham's Department store

 

We spent three days there. Two days shopping the stores for the new trends aaaaaaannd.... the best part....... one day off!!

the shard

I haven't been much of anywhere but, I must say..... I REALLY like London. Comfortable, clean, beautiful and super friendly people.

Oh, Liberty of London, how I love thee..... I just love walking around this store. I can't really afford much but the store is such so beautiful....

Just look at that chandelier!!!! The woodwork is breathtaking. Just look at this guy... there are animal finials all around the opening.

Friday night in Pickadilly Square

London Bridge in the morning

 

the outside of the Tower of London

On our day off we went to the Tower of London. Last year I just drove and walked around the city seeing the sights. I didn't go in anywhere so this year I wanted to make sure that I checked some stuff out :)

inside the Tower of London

changing of the guard outside the Crown Jewels

I did get to see the crown jewels but there is no photography allowed inside. Trust me though, they are amazing!! Huge gems on the crowns, scepters, robes and a gigantic gold serving collection.

the square inside the Tower of London

view of London Bridge from inside the Tower of London

suit of armor inside the white tower

How amazing is the workmanship on the horse's armor?!

inside the armory

Big Ben at sunset

Then it was off to Paris!!

Only one and a half days there.... shopping the trends the whole time. No time off :(

statue outside our hotel

Another pick as I ride past the Louvre. Maybe one time I'll get to go in.... LOL.

Mmmmm..... patisserie.

view from inside Printemps

And that's all folks!! 

(how cool is it that our cabbie made us get out and take a photo in his cab!! people like that make up for all the jerks you have to put up with in life)

Happy Travels,
♥jenny

2013 Year in Review

I have never done a Year in Review. Ans even this time, I was like..... 'I haven't really done anything this year.' Then I started looking back. And guess what?? I did a lot of stuff!! :) Go figure..... I suppose that's why people do it huh? Well, duh ;) I guess the joke's on me.

So, with that I give you..... 2013......

Went to Europe for work for 10 days. I had never been. It was really exhausting but also amazing. I even get to go again this year ;)

Moved a bunch of trees and bushes....

 

We went to Brimfield Antique fair again this year. It was awesome as always..... what's not to love about antiques??

Stopped in Sturbridge Village while we were in Massachusetts for Brimfield.
Totally worth it.

 

Went to Rehoboth Beach for the Fourth of July to surprise my Dad for his Birthday. I haven't done a family vacation in forever so it was awesome.

August we went to Niagara Falls.... amazing!!

Spent a bunch of time poolside....

Built a patio and a couple walls.....

Went to Crystal Caves. It was super cool.... I thought I would be totally freaked out walking so far under ground but I held it together :)

Since we were out in PA, we decided to hit Cabellas. If you have never been, you should. 

It is a ridiculous store. Animal exhibits like The Museum of Natural History....... so weird.

Built a stand for the hammock and started a garden around it.

Went on lots of hikes....

Diesel Truck Nationals!!! One of my favorite fall activities....

Only managed one Fair..... but hey, I could've missed 'em all so better one than none :)

Motivated to enter my living room in the Apartment Therapy Contest.

Survived the Holidays..... with some help from the Rockettes......

All in all a pretty full year. Why do I always feel like I haven't done anything good or I haven't done enough??? I gotta stop being so hard on myself...... Hmmm. was that a New Year's resolution?? I guess we'll have to wait and see ;)

Happy New Year!!

♥jenny