The Good Life Cookbook

I want this cookbook. Like, seriously, I not only want it, but I NEED it. It is beauty itself. The perfect combo of art and food. The photos are saturated and rich, not overexposed. And I love that the titles and words are made from food items, like flour and bread. It's just wonderful!

 

This cookbook is the latest from chef Adrian Richardson of La Luna Restaurant. If this cookbook is any indication of the kind of food I would be partaking of if I attended this restaurant, then I know where I'll be visiting if I'm ever in Australia!

I love that the tablecloth on the front cover is continued throughout the cookbook in the bookmark. What a cute little touch of gingham!

Oh my, it's just pretty. I love cookbooks, but if there ever was one to be IN LOVE with, I believe it's this one. Hope you're all having a nice start to the week.

The hubby and I are off to a wedding tomorrow in Manti, I'm sure we'll have pictures from that (of food and family) to share very soon!

Jane Eyre

Only 10 more days. I am immensely overjoyed at the fact that this new and (what appears to be) awesome film version of the classic book will be released on March 11, 2011.

And I use the word "awe"some in all aspects of its meaning. I'm pretty sure I will sit in my seat, on the edge of it nonetheless, with tears in my eyes, trying to catch my breath because I am in such awe with the film. It's going to be a wonderful night!

I'll keep all of you posted on my feelings following my viewing of the movie with my dear friend Natalie, who is a crazy reader just like me. We already have our girlfriend-y date scheduled. :)

In the meantime, enjoy this clip of one of the most passionate scenes from the book. Makes me get all warm and fuzzy inside.

Deathly Hallows Part 1

Can hardly wait for November 19th to get here! This new trailer just came out on Wednesday and it makes me super anxious and excited for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1". Please tell me that I'm not the only HP lover out there. Is anybody else as excited as I am?

What do these have in common?

They are all books from Penguin's Hardcover Classics. Editions of the world's favorite books with splendid packaging created by acclaimed designer Coralie Bickford-Smith. I think they are just about the prettiest books I've ever seen.

But the outside is not only what I'm so enthusiastic about. It is what's within that lights my fire. Well, let me show you.
Sense and Sensibility
Wuthering Heights
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Eyre
Great Expectations
EmmaAlice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

All of these books I've read at one time or another, most of them in the 8th grade when I discovered my love for British literature. I had an amazing English teacher who fueled my fire and desire to immerse myself in the classics, and so I began a journey which changed my life forever.

I began with Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, enthralled by the heroine and her Mr. Rochester. After, I read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, sister to Charlotte, and was absorbed in the dark tale within. Great Expectations followed shortly, with Lewis Carroll's Alice after. The Austen novels were an adventure for a few years later in my life.

I think what I love most about British literature classics, is the depth of character and the LANGUAGE. I love the challenge of reading a book which makes me focus, as I must be absorbed in the antiquated language to fully comprehend the story and characters. It is beautiful and completely satisfying to finish reading one of these books, either being the first time or the tenth.

Sadly, during the course of many moves, I have lost my copies of these books and am without my favorites on the bookshelf. I'm mainly writing about these as a "hint" and dream for the future. Michael asked me recently about my upcoming birthday in October and what we were going to do for it as far as celebrations, etc. Well, I will state that while I love a good party, I would REALLY LOVE these books. I can just picture them, occupying a well deserved spot on our bookshelf, when I'm not reading them.

That being said, what are some of your favorite books that have enraptured you? Any fond memories of first time reads? What books do you read and reread? Please share!

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Michael may roll his eyes when he reads this post, but I'm going to share a few thoughts from seeing this movie.

First off, my friend Shantai and her husband Brandon went with us to this movie on Monday night. Call it an impromptu double date FHE. Shantai was dropping off our tiki torch oil, left at her house from girl's camp, and then she told me how she was going to make Brandon go and see the movie that night. Perfect. I had already been trying to convince Michael not five minutes before to do the same thing.

We went out to dinner and prepared ourselves for a night of fun, love, vampires, and werewolves.

The boys tried to act all "bored" with the entire idea, but us ladies really knew they were excited for the movie. In fact, when Jacob emerged for the first time, fully clothed, Michael said to me, "Ahhh...why does he have his shirt on?!?"

That is just a glimpse of the cackles, heckles, and giggles that ensued from our group that night. I'll admit that there were some scenes which were even too cheesy for me. Very teenager-esque actually. I swear I don't remember the book being that almost gaggingly full of sappy one-liners. I know the entire "vampire/werewolf" plot is unrealistic, but the LOVE part being so much that way also? Ick.

Anyway, apart from the lack of genuine acting in a few areas and the screenwriters obvious need to speak to ONLY female teenagers across the world, I enjoyed the movie. The action was great, and parts of the storyline developed more than ever before.

I do have one last confession though. I have, and always will be a Team Edward fan, in my heart. But this has become an alliance which I only associate with the books. Hollywood's portrayal has, in fact, led me to become a Team Jacob fan. Not just because he takes his shirt off and looks pretty darn good, but because I feel like the acting is more genuine and believable from Taylor Lautner's efforts as Jacob. I truly want Bella to end up with Jacob because he is so much more real and better for her. Never thought the day would come.

Now I'm off to decide whether to read Harry Potter again, or the Chronicles of Narnia because of the awesome previews for both that I saw the other night. Hmmm....tough choices!