The Viewing Files: 365 Movies in 365 Days - Week Five

Well that was a depressing week.  One meh kind of  movie followed by two depressing movies makes for a bit of downer.  Ending the week on something light and fluffy was definitely needed.  That and a ton of chocolate.  Which, as you know, is always the answer to everything.

Hopefully this week's viewing goes a lot better.

Early Man
Starring: N/A
Original release: 2018
Synopsis: Set at the dawn of time when dinosaurs and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of how one plucky caveman unites his tribe against a mighty enemy and saves the day.

I really thought I would like this but I didn't.  A so-so movie that just didn't quite work for me.

Wall.e
Starring: N/A
Original release: 2008
Synopsis: WALL·E is the last robot left on an Earth that has been overrun with garbage. For 700 years he has continued to try and clean up the mess, but has developed some human-like qualities. When a ship arrives with a sleek new type of robot, WALL·E thinks he’s finally found a friend..

This on the other hand was totally sweet.  And all with very little dialogue. Easy to see why it makes just about every list for 'Best Kids films'.

Sunset Song 
Starring: Agyness Deyn
Original release: 2015
Synopsis: The daughter of a Scottish farmer comes of age in the early 1900s.

A bully of a father, rape, suicide and yet more rape, it's no wonder I couldn't watch this to the end.  Just endless torment and depressing as hell.  So not the kind of movie you want to watch on a wet and windy winter's day.

I'm actually amazed it gets such good reviews. Maybe I'm just a light and fluffy girl at heart.

The Bookshop 
Starring: Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy and Patricia Clarkson
Original release: 2017
Synopsis: Set in a small town in 1959 England, it is the story of a woman who decides, against polite but ruthless local opposition, to open a bookshop, a decision which becomes a political minefield.

I really should have read the detailed synopsis on Wikipedia. 

Totally serious and totally depressing. Definitely not what I needed or expected.

A Quiet Place 
Starring: Emily Blunt and John Krasiniki
Original release: 2018
Synopsis: A family is forced to live in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound.

So good.  Like seriously good.  And thank God no gore because I generally watch those kind of things with my eyes covered and my fingers in my ears.  Luckily in this case I didn't have to do that.

Creepy in a good way.

The Kissing Booth
Starring: Joey King.
Original release: 2018
Synopsis: When teenager Elle’s first kiss leads to a forbidden romance with the hottest boy in high school, she risks her relationship with her best friend.

Sometimes you need something gooey and sweet and totally not good for you.  Especially after watching two depressing I-want-to-put-my-head-in-the-oven movies.

Silly and fluffy and totally unrealistic and just perfect.  One that will definitely be added to my collection of romance movies for when you need a little fluff.

Nova Scotia: A Magical Misty Wonderland

And here we are.  Finally a post about Nova Scotia.  Land of rocks and more rocks and really pretty houses.

Like seriously pretty.  All in pretty colours and looking like something out of Little Women or a Gothic romance novel.

Halifax, the main town, turned out to be a pretty drab which was a bit surprising and kind of disappointing but luckily we spent most of our time out of Halifax sightseeing.

Once again hiring a car for a few days turned out to be one of the best decisions we made as we were able to visit some of the lovely little villages and coves that are scattered along the coastline.  Without a car we would have been stuck in our hotel room, watching endless rounds of Love It Or List It and eating Tim Horton's cookies.

Luckily we managed to avoid this fate and the rainy mist helped to make our travels even more magical. 

From misty magic to rocky shores, one of the best places we visited was Peggy's Cove.  It's a big tourist attraction and can get really crowded but as we were there in the off season it was lovely and quiet.  Absolutely perfect for us.

Much walking and taking of photos was once again involved before we rewarded ourselves  with a hot chocolate (for me) and a lobster roll (for him).

Because yes yummy food and drink are always the best way to round out a day's outing.

With such lovely houses everywhere I even played around bit practicing my photography skills.  Something I desperately need to do more often.

Even with my rather haphazard approach to taking pics i.e. point and shoot I'm pretty happy with the results.

Now I just wish i could have a little house like the one below.

Peace and quiet, beautiful scenery and colourful houses - what more could you ask for.

The Viewing Files: 365 Movies in 365 Days - Week Four

Woo Hoo.  I feel like I should have a party or at the very least a slice of cake.  Because yes I have managed to do a whole month of movie watching.

First hurdle done and dusted, only another 11 months to go... 

A United Kingdom
Starring: David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike
Original release: 2016
Synopsis: The true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments.

So many people told me how good this was so I totally had to have it on my To Be Watched list.

And here it is.  Watched.

Not a story I knew anything about and a bit of an eye-opener about the deals that governments do - especially the unsavory ones.

Life of the Party
Starring: Melissa McCarthy
Original release: 2018
Synopsis: Dumped by her husband, longtime housewife Deanna turns regret into reset by going back to college. Winding up at the same school as her daughter, Deanna plunges headlong into the campus experience – embracing the fun and the freedom.

A feel-good movie that, surprisingly, touches upon female empowerment and how women treat other women. 

I went into this one with a pretty low expectation and yet it's actually not that bad.  Yes it has it silly moments and it's a little bit far-fetched and yet despite that it has a nice message.

A movie to see with your besties or as a mother/daughter duo.

Basic   
Starring: John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson
Original release: 2003
Synopsis:  A DEA agent investigates the disappearance of a legendary Army ranger drill sergeant and several of his cadets during a training exercise gone severely awry. 

How had I not heard of this movie?  In fact why as nobody ever heard of this movie?  Because it was seriously good.  Lots of twists and turns and surprises.

Totally got me completely hooked.

Directed by the guy who brought us Die Hard, the best Christmas movie ever.

Ice Age 1,2,3,4 and 5 
Starring: NA
Original release: 2002-2016
Synopsis: With the impending ice age almost upon them, a mismatched trio of prehistoric critters – Manny the woolly mammoth, Diego the saber-toothed tiger and Sid the giant sloth join forces.

A quin-trilogy it was.  I know.  Completely insane.  Still luckily for me the movies aren't that long which at least helped and I was able to use the time to do some much needed laundry folding and ironing and sewing.

See.  Watching movies can be productive.

Kids movies that are funny in parts and completely silly (and to be honest a bit annoying) in others, an okay way to pass an afternoon.  Okay to watch once but probably not again.

The Limehouse Golem
Starring: Bill Nighy
Original release: 2016
Synopsis: A series of murders has shaken the community to the point where people believe that only a legendary creature from dark times – the mythical Golem – must be responsible.

Yes, Bill Nighy - again.  What can I say except that I adore him.  This time he plays a detective in a Victorian gothic Jack the Ripper style thriller.  Who the killer is will keep you guessing but be warned though, it's kind of gory in parts so you may want to close your eyes in some scenes.

Anatomy of a Murder
Starring: James Stewart
Original release: 1959
Synopsis: A small town lawyer takes on the case of an army lieutenant accused of killing the man who raped his wife.

A movie about rape made in 1959??? I know right?  I was totally amazed too.  

Shocking in its day for not only its subject matter but for the use of the word 'panties',  which they even showed on screen in their ripped horror, this movie is soooo good.  Totally see why it gets talked about.    

Loved it.

James Stewart is also at his laid back best.

Buyer's Archive: A Year Of All The Spending

And the total for the year is... 

$670.91 for 31 items, not including beauty products and stationary.

Okay then.  Definitely a bit of a blow out compared to last time.  I also brought less second hand items and lot more newer items which is most unlike me.  I'm definitely going to try to buy more second hand and spend less this year - cross fingers.

Even though I brought mostly new I have given my wardrobe I major clear out and gotten rid of quite a few things that I had had for years.  Some I threw into the rubbish due to having holes etc in them and others I have put into a pile ready to sell.  So even though I spent more than the year before I'm looking at it on the plus side, especially as I brought things that I am hopeful of getting a lot of wear out over the next few years.

So here's what I brought...

1 lot of bangles
1 pair of socks 
1 pair of sneakers
1 nightie
2 bottles of nail polish  
2 camisoles 
2 jumpers
2 knit tops
3 dresses 
3 long sleeve t shirts
5 cardigans
6 short sleeve t shirts
6 skirts.

Now that I brought some new clothes and have had a clear out of my wardrobe I can definitely see the odd gap in my clothing selection and that I also need to do some replacement buying for some of the things I threw out.

Who knew I could get more shopping out of spending money last year?

The Viewing Files: 365 Movies in 365 Days - Week Three

And that's three weeks done with another selection of movies and documentaries, all of which I enjoyed which is a first.  Will be interesting to see how next week selection goes. And remember I am more than happy to receive any suggestions for movies I could watch.

Minimalism A Documentary
Starring: NA
Original release: 2015
Synopsis: Examines the many flavors of minimalism by taking the audience inside the lives of minimalists from various walks of life.

I know, right?  Me?  A minimalist?  The woman who loves cardigans and socks and who probably has way too many but keeps buying even more anyway.

Yep minimalism and me probably won't be going hand-in-hand but thats okay as I still found this documentary really interesting.

Wind River
Starring: Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen
Original release: 2017
Synopsis: An FBI agent teams with the town’s veteran game tracker to investigate a murder that occurred on a Native American reservation.

Just a plain good thriller.

The Age of Adaline
Starring: Blake Lively
Original release: 2015
Synopsis: After 29-year-old Adaline recovers from a nearly lethal accident, she inexplicably stops growing older. As the years stretch on and on, Adaline keeps her secret to herself until she meets a man who changes her life.

Beautiful people doing beautiful things and looking all glowy and romantic.  A nice movie but not a great movie.  Could have done with just a few changes in the story, some of which annoyed me, though I still kind of liked it despite those flaws.

Might have worked better as a mini-series or TV series.

Their Finest
Starring: Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin.
Original release: 2016
Synopsis: During the Blitz of World War II, a female screenwriter works on a film celebrating England’s resilience as a way to buoy a weary populace’s spirits.

Bill Nighy always gets my vote so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this movie.  

Carb Loaded
Starring: NA
Original release: 2014
Synopsis: The film traces the origins of our beliefs about healthful and unhealthful food. Experts from all over the world talk about the problems as well as short and long term solutions.

A surprisingly interesting documentary about the impact of certain foods on our health and some of the history about why this is so.

Certainly makes you think.

Pride
Starring: Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton
Original release: 2014
Synopsis: A group of gay and lesbian activists decides to raise money to support the families of the striking miners. 

Bill Nighy yet again.  Funny, sad and interesting all at the same time.  I really liked this.  And it's a true story.

Crooked House
Starring: Max Irons
Original release: 2018
Synopsis: A private investigator helps a former flame solve the murder of her wealthy grandfather, who lived in a sprawling estate surrounded by his idiosyncratic family.

You can never go wrong with anything by Agatha Christie.  Mysteries and twists galore plus beautiful clothes and period details and I am so in.  

And even though I guessed the killer I was still a bit surprised mostly because it was definitely a brave move by Christie.  I really didn't think they would go there but I am so glad they did.

See if you can guess who the killer is.

Six Month's of Buyer's Archive: November Through to April

How I've gotten behind on these posts I have no idea, so welcome to a serious catch up on what I have been buying for myself over the past six months.  Once again I'd like to thank Elise the inspiration behind the Buyer's Archive posts. 

As usual my spending was very up and down, with me doing a bit of a spend in November then being completely frugal and not spending a cent in December, January and February but having a mini blow out in both March and April.

It will be interesting to see how I've done in the last 12 months.  But more about that in a future post. 

As for how the year befores buys held up I'm actually really pleased.  All three items from November's have been heavily used and are still part of my wardrobe; from March only the floral A-line skirt remains as sadly the camisole got a stain on it that wouldn't come out and the gorgeous navy swirly skirt kept getting hooked on things and being repeatedly ripped until no amount of mending could hold it together; April's faired a lot better and all four items are still in use.  So all in all some good buying.

Now on to this six month's buys...

Orange Floral Dress - $5 from TradeMe

A super pretty dress that was an absolute bargain.  Less red and more orange than the pics show.

Black Floral Dress - $10 from TradeMe

Another super pretty dress that I've been wearing at special occasions like lunch with friends. 

Black and White Gingham Dress - $79.99 fro Max

I normally don't like to spend quite so much money on clothes but this was on sale and I just loved it.  It also looked amazing on AND it had pockets.  Pockets I tell you.  The absolute heaven of dresses and one which I worn heaps this summer.

Soap and Glory - $45 from Mecca

I've been wanting to try Soap and Glory products for ages.  Finally I did just that and treated myself to a small selection of items.  I loved the scrub but sadly was allergic to the body butter which made my eyes water.
 
And that was November's purchases.  After that it was no spending until March when I brought myself these.

Pink Sneakers - $5 from KMart

Would you believe these were just $5?  $5 for a brand new pair of sneakers.  And they are pink.  So course I had to get them.  And of course I love them.  Super comfy and super pretty.

After that it was April's big pre winter splurge.  Everything I brought was new which was a first for me.  Luckily I had some vouchers so it meant everything I brought I got for half price. 

Green Short Sleeve Knit Top - $25 from Jacqui E

I really wanted some colour in my wardrobe for winter so I was really pleased to find this which I loved so much I got another one.  Even better it is a gorgeous emerald green which makes a nice change from my usual pink.

Dark Pink Short Sleeve Knit Top - $25 from Jacqui E

Speaking of pink I got one in that colour too.  Though it's more of a purple pink.  Either way I love it.

Long Pink Cardigan - $49.99 from Just Jeans

Having seen this in the shop window I couldn't resist it.  Even more so when I tried it on.  Super soft and comfy and swirly.  It's so me.

Blush Pink Cardigan  - $14.99 from Jay Jay

I know.  It looks exactly like the one above but trust me it is different.  Shorter and a much finer almost see through knit in the palest of baby pinks.  And at that price how could I not get it.

Grey Cardigan  - $39.99 from CottonOn

Yes more cardigans.  What can I say except I am a cardy person.

Bright Pink Cardigan - $39.99 from CottonOn

Yes I know.  Another pink cardigan.  Hey at least it's darker.  Seriously love this and the above cardigan, both of which I have already worn.  Pretty sure they are going to be this winter's favs.

Silver Blue Pleated Skirt - $49.99 from Max

Love, love, love.  So soft, so swirly, I just wish I could wear it all the time.

Bunny Rabbit Nightie - $5 from The Warehouse

Brought in preparation for the colder weather we have already begun to experience in our new home.  Warmer clothes are definitely going to be something that I will be wearing a lot more of.

Total spend for the six months - $394.94

The Viewing Files: 365 Movies In 365 Days - Week Two

The end of week two and I'm actually doing pretty well keeping up with this 365 Movies in 365 Days thing.  Last week I watched a mixture of old and new movies.  And they were... 

Atomic Blonde
Starring: Charlize Theron and James McAvoy
Original release: 2017
Synopsis: An MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.

What was I thinking of?   

Seriously this movie only has two good things going for it: An awesome 80's soundtrack and James McAvoy giving his all.  Other than that it was kind of bad and boring.  Which is something an action movie should never be.  Especially one that has spies in it because I love things with spies in them.

This movie though was just... meh.

Rope
Starring: James Stewart (directed by Alfred Hitchcock)
Original release: 1948
Synopsis: Two young men strangle their classmate, hide his body in their apartment, and invite friends and family to a dinner party as a means to challenge the “perfection” of their crime.

I tried to get into this one.  I really did.  But after 20 minutes or so of just talking... and talking... and yet even more talking I gave up.

I didn't even get to see James Stewart arrive for the party which might have made the movie a little more interesting.

Sadly one of the few Hitchcock movies I will probably never watch. 

North by Northwest
Starring: Cary Grant (directed by Alfred Hitchcock)
Original release: 1959
Synopsis: Advertising man Roger Thornhill is mistaken for a spy, triggering a deadly cross-country chase.

This on the other hand was so much better.  Great leading man.  Sexiness and style.  And a much more tighter and actioninger story and of course it had spies in it doing things that spies do.

Loved it.

Only disappointment - the ending.  Like what was Hitchcock thinking? 

Avengers Infinity War
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr.
Original release: 2018
Synopsis: The universe is in danger (isn't it always)

What can I say except it has a badass Thor in it with the shorter hair which I love and adore and hope they never let him grow back, Loki being Loki and sexy as hell and Chris Evans aka Captain America looking totally swoon worthy in a beard.  Let him never change.

Denial
Starring: Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall
Original release: 2016
Synopsis: An acclaimed writer and historian must battle to prove the Holocaust actually occurred when David Irving, a renowned denier, sues her for libel.

A true story would you believe and one I had never heard of.  A fascinating movie which I really liked.

Little Women
Starring: Winona Ryder
Original release: 1994
Synopsis: The story of four sisters at the end of the American Civil War. 

I'm pretty sure I saw this when it was first released but as I couldn't remember much about it and there's a new TV version that I'm planning on watching I decided to watch this again.

Not a movie to love but not a movie to hate either. It's a nice and gentle and the kind of thing you can curl up with on a cold winters day.

Really though neither Laurie or Professor Bhauer were worth the fuss.

X-Men First Class, Days of Future Past and Apocalypse
Starring: James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender
Original release: 2011, 2014 and 2016
Synopsis: The X-Men.  When younger.

Somehow I never watched any of these when they originally came out so it seemed fitting to watch them all in one sitting especially since I had skipped a day and needed to do a 2 movie catch up. 

A trilogy it was then.

I enjoyed the first two but the third was just okay..  Bad guy turns up, wants to rid the world of pretty much everyone and start a fresh with a clean slate... yada, yada, yada.

James M and Michael F were pretty much wonderful in all 3 movies.  I also had some serious swoony feels for Michael F while ignoring some of the less the finer points of the story.

Mindless actioners that you can enjoy without thinking too much.