One of my most favorite things in the world to do is go to the movies. I really love watching movies. If I could find a way to read books during the day and go to the movie theater at night for a living, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, books and movies are the best kinds of “escape.” To be sucked into another world? I love it. I love the way stories fold out in books and that your imagination is heavily relied on when picturing what’s been written. But going to the movie theater is an experience in and of itself.
Sometimes I’m deterred from going because it’s insanely expensive (especially in the city… $5 for a bottle of water!?), but when I have a free night and just want to tune the rest of the world out for a bit, it’s my favorite place to go. Phones off, tons of popcorn, and a dark theater is really the best way, in my opinion, to take a break from whatever craziness is going on in my life. (I should also note that I love going by myself too. Just me, a bucket of popcorn, and a box of Sno-caps.)
Without getting into too much detail, I’ve been feeling kind of overwhelmed. Not by the daily to-dos which have been very manageable recently… but more so the big things on the horizon that I just feel weighted down from. Good things still can feel heavy! (And there’s a lot of unknowns and maybes and keep your fingers crosseds.) I typically work a little bit every Saturday– only a couple of hours… but I crushed my to-do list on Friday and found myself with extra free time this weekend. TO THE MOVIES!
I can really go to the movie theater and be happy watching anything, but there were so so so many good options in theaters right now that I didn’t know what to see! I’d heard amazing things about Boyhood (it was filmed with the same cast over TWELVE years!) and my parents really recommended Chef… and then there’s Tammy because Melissa McCarthy is the funniest person on Earth. But… I went with Begin Again.
Oh. My. Goodness. I loved it. Really, really loved it. I like Kiera Knightley enough, but this has to be my favorite role she’s ever played and Adam Levine surprised me as an actor. Every role was played perfectly. It also made me kind of fall in love with New York City again– the movie greatly romanticizes the city, success, and love.
The best part, however, is hands down the music. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack on Spotify on repeat. It’s better than watching a musical because the characters aren’t just breaking out into song at random… ha!
My parents actually saw it at the same time as me so it was fun to call them afterward and talk about it. (They loved it too!)
Have you seen Begin Again?! Anyone else love going to the movies?
As a film student I used to go to the movies on my own ALL THE TIME. I find it weird that some people don't like to – it's the perfect solo activity! You have to sit quietly in the dark and not talk to people.
Nowadays because I work in the industry I tend to go to more screenings than just actually go to the movies for fun – but when I get the chance it's just as much fun as when I was a kid.
Definitely want to see Begin Again, although I think I would have been swayed by McCarthy!
I could not agree more with you that books and movies let you "escape" for awhile. I was never a big reader until mid-way through college but once I finally jumped on the book reading wagon I refuse to get off. 🙂 Movies is definitely a favorite for me to do on my own when I just me time. I am officially adding Begin Again to my list.
I love going to the movies it's one of my favourite things to do. I really want to see this film, I'm trying to persuade someone to come and see it with me as I don't have the courage to go see a film myself yet.
I LOVE going to movies alone! People make fun of me for it all the time, but you don't even talk during a movie…why must it be a social activity? I smuggle a water bottle and some candy into the theater and have myself a great little time.
I am also a movie fanatic! I've been making my way through your documentary list and am loving so many of them. And actually- I saw this movie with my mom and loved it! I am also obsessed with music and I loved how they incorporated the songs. You tweeted about seeing the film right as I was walking out of the theater! Overall it was amazing and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
I've been wanting to see Begin Again! I love Adam and can't wait to see it. I recently saw Transformers and the Purge 2 in theaters. They're both great!
I want to see this movie very badly! Thanks for the review. I loved Once so I am pumped to see something else written/directed by John Carney. I'm a sucker for musicals, even though I can't sing worth a heck 🙂
I loved Begin Again as well! I can't wait to own it when it comes out on DVD. I haven't checked out the soundtrack yet, but I'm already ten times more excited about work tomorrow so that I can listen to it on Spotify while I work. 🙂
You MUST watch Boyhood!! It's not a crazy, intricate storyline, but the act of having filmed over 12 years just ties the whole movie together more perfectly than any other movie I've seen. I found myself totally growing and relating with the character and especially Mason, the main character. Also, I'm the same exact age as Mason when the movie ends so it was crazy relatable and the soundtrack pretty much was just the cherry on top. Starts with Coldplay with the Parachutes album and ends with Arcade Fire with The Suburbs album. The overall interconnectedness of the movie. Amazing.
I have to go see this movie! I love going to the movies, sometimes I've seen most of the ones they are playing for a couple of weeks haha. Wouldn't dare to go alone though 😉 This one seems to be a good mix of romance, happiness and sadness! If you haven't seen About Time, you definitely should! xoxo
Carly, if you love this movie, you MUST watch both Once and Sing Street, which were written and directed by the same person who created/directed Begin Again (John Carney). They have the most beautiful soundtracks and are so incredibly raw and entirely authentic in both writing and acting. Sing Street is also set in 1980s Dublin, which is absolutely marvelous. Please, please at least watch the trailers <3 I think you would fall in love.
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
Motherhood is pure JOY to me– nothing makes me happier than being with my boys! I wear my @haverhillcollection personalized jewelry every day as a symbol of my love for them– it’s a constant reminder for me of my greatest purpose. To celebrate my first Mother’s Day with TWO boys, I sent in my Haverhill necklace to add Rory’s birthstone and initial alongside Jack’s! I also got a second bracelet to stack with Jack’s. Love that this personalized jewelry can be altered as our family grows. Haverhill’s jewelry is designed to be lived in (perfect for busy moms!) made from solid 14k gold with high-quality birthstones so I never have to take it off to exercise, shower, or sleep. Use code MOTHERSDAY15 for 15% off!
We got a mama-approved family photo of the four of us 👏🏻 I wasn’t really paying attention to our calendar while in the end of pregnancy/newborn bubble and realized quite late that Jack had some time off from daycare and preschool this week. Mike and I quickly decided to book a last minute trip to Florida to visit my family and enjoy the warm weather ☀️
As a film student I used to go to the movies on my own ALL THE TIME. I find it weird that some people don't like to – it's the perfect solo activity! You have to sit quietly in the dark and not talk to people.
Nowadays because I work in the industry I tend to go to more screenings than just actually go to the movies for fun – but when I get the chance it's just as much fun as when I was a kid.
Definitely want to see Begin Again, although I think I would have been swayed by McCarthy!
Sorcha x Bright Field Notes
I love going to the movies solo, too! I used to think it was awkward, but if I want to see a movie, I'm seeing it.
I just wrote a post about Begin Againbecause I enjoyed it so much! Going to the movies is so wonderful and I do actually really like going by myself.
Alyssa | Keep It Simple
Oh my gosh this looks so cute!! I love seeing good movies too, always so inspirational.
http://www.taylormcunningham.com
I could not agree more with you that books and movies let you "escape" for awhile. I was never a big reader until mid-way through college but once I finally jumped on the book reading wagon I refuse to get off. 🙂 Movies is definitely a favorite for me to do on my own when I just me time. I am officially adding Begin Again to my list.
Have a great Sunday!
Brittany
Going to the movies is the best way to spend a summer afternoon, especially because they have air conditioning, and going alone is the best way.
xo,
Zoe
La Vie en Zoe
I've been dying to see this movie, but small-town life means limited options at the theater… Will have to wait until it makes it to red box 🙁
Sydney
Toodlebelle's Blog
Oh that movie looked amazing!! I really want to see it. And I love movies too, such a great place to just tune out the world for a bit 🙂
Annie Belle
I love going to the movies it's one of my favourite things to do. I really want to see this film, I'm trying to persuade someone to come and see it with me as I don't have the courage to go see a film myself yet.
http://daisylovexo.blogspot.co.uk
I watched the trailer for this awhile ago and it looked great, but I have not yet had the chance to go see it.
~Sophia
http://plaidismyfavouritecolour.blogspot.com/
I LOVE going to movies alone! People make fun of me for it all the time, but you don't even talk during a movie…why must it be a social activity? I smuggle a water bottle and some candy into the theater and have myself a great little time.
Love, Gigi
Dolce and Gabriella
That looks SO good. I must see it!
http://iolablog.com/
i just saw "Obvious Child" and completely recommend it! Hilarious!
I am also a movie fanatic! I've been making my way through your documentary list and am loving so many of them. And actually- I saw this movie with my mom and loved it! I am also obsessed with music and I loved how they incorporated the songs. You tweeted about seeing the film right as I was walking out of the theater! Overall it was amazing and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
I wholly intend to watch Boyhood this summer. And now you've put Begin Again on my radar!
http://itsjpei.wordpress.com/
I'm really looking forward to this movie, I'm not sure when it will be released in Hungary… 🙂
it is really good movie. Keira Knightley is my favorite star:)
http://www.colorfulland.net/
Definitely listen to your parents! Chef was one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time!
I've been wanting to see Begin Again! I love Adam and can't wait to see it. I recently saw Transformers and the Purge 2 in theaters. They're both great!
http://preppylittlelesbian.blogspot.com/
I want to see this movie very badly! Thanks for the review. I loved Once so I am pumped to see something else written/directed by John Carney. I'm a sucker for musicals, even though I can't sing worth a heck 🙂
I also loved this movie SO much. I listen to the soundtrack all the time. It definitely earns a spot on my top movie list! So so so good.
Michaela || The Monogrammed Midwesterner
I've been obsessed with Boom Clap and Simple as this off of The Fault In Our Stars Soundtrack, so I definitely have to check out this movie!
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
I loved Begin Again as well! I can't wait to own it when it comes out on DVD. I haven't checked out the soundtrack yet, but I'm already ten times more excited about work tomorrow so that I can listen to it on Spotify while I work. 🙂
You MUST watch Boyhood!! It's not a crazy, intricate storyline, but the act of having filmed over 12 years just ties the whole movie together more perfectly than any other movie I've seen. I found myself totally growing and relating with the character and especially Mason, the main character. Also, I'm the same exact age as Mason when the movie ends so it was crazy relatable and the soundtrack pretty much was just the cherry on top. Starts with Coldplay with the Parachutes album and ends with Arcade Fire with The Suburbs album. The overall interconnectedness of the movie. Amazing.
I have to go see this movie! I love going to the movies, sometimes I've seen most of the ones they are playing for a couple of weeks haha. Wouldn't dare to go alone though 😉 This one seems to be a good mix of romance, happiness and sadness! If you haven't seen About Time, you definitely should! xoxo
Carly, if you love this movie, you MUST watch both Once and Sing Street, which were written and directed by the same person who created/directed Begin Again (John Carney). They have the most beautiful soundtracks and are so incredibly raw and entirely authentic in both writing and acting. Sing Street is also set in 1980s Dublin, which is absolutely marvelous. Please, please at least watch the trailers <3 I think you would fall in love.