Books, Movies, & TV

Hello, dear friends.  I hope that you had a great week.  Newsflash:  book readers live longer.  Read all about it here.

I haven't done any book or movie reviews for awhile.  As you will see, there are some good ones and some duds.

Synopsis

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I think it is probably difficult for authors who have a hit with their first novel.  Everyone says the new ones are never as good as the first.  This is the case with this one. 

Synopsis

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Ugh.  The Mister and I listened to this one in the car on a road trip.  The author couldn't say a nice thing about anyone except the Obama girls.  We turned it off midway. 

Synopsis

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I thought this one was beautifully written, and the story definitely kept me captive until the bitter end.

Synopsis

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I really had high hopes for this one, but it didn't hold up.  If you want to read about a narcissistic entitled couple in the 1960's who forget that they have kids, this is the book for you. 

Synopsis

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This book is an exciting page-turner chock full of twists and turns.  There is one problem, though - the author drops the ending like a hot potato.  It was almost as if his editor told Hawley that he only could write so many pages so when he got there, he ended the story.  It's a shame because I loved the story.

Synopsis

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Because I really enjoyed Hawley's writing, I gave him another chance.  This novel has an interesting premise and moves along fairly quickly most of the time but is a bit of a struggle at other times.

Synopsis

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This book is basically an argument for Michael Skakel's innocence in the murder of Martha Moxley.  I've read almost all the books pertaining to this sad tragedy.  Kennedy spends the entire book pointing fingers at everyone, including the victim's mother and brother.  He paints Skakel as an average guy who went to daily Mass and performed many good samaritan acts.  Kennedy did no favors for Skakel with this ridiculous diatribe. 

Synopsis

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A terrorizing tale of the "perfect couple."  
It sizzles with tension. 
If you're a Gone Girl fan, you're going to love this one.
Doesn't get better than this one.  

Synopsis
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This is one of Karen White's best.  Great storyline, likable characters, and a wonderful ending - the perfect recipe for a delicious summer read.



The following books are on my reading list.

Synopsis

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The reviews are unbelievably good on this one and after reading reviews of this book, I am still at a loss as to its premise.  Some people consider it a love story and some don't.   My curiosity is piqued. 

Synopsis

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This one has mixed reviews but it involves a woman being thrown off a luxury ship.  This sounds right up my alley.

synopsis

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This one centers around a picture-perfect neighborhood which harbors more issues than Vogue.  Good reviews so far.  Comes out Sept. 1.

synopsis

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I've had good luck reading books about bookshops.  This one looks charming.  Release date: Sept. 20th

Synopsis

Purchase here If you think I put this on my list because I like the title, you are one hundred percent correct. Release date:  September 2nd.

Amazon

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Speaking of reading, I gave the Mister a Kindle Oasis for our anniversary.  It took a month to get it because they are in high demand.  He absolutely loves it.  Evidently, it is smaller and has a much longer battery life.  Hopefully, he is not on the lookout for Wife #2 with the same qualities. So I just thought I'd mention it if you are looking for a gift for a reader or a student in your life.

Have you heard about Library Reads?  One of my favorite readers, Susan, sent me the link.  If you love to read, check out this site.

On to tv

The Mister and I finished watching Doctor Thorne.  The good news is the script is sharp, and each actor gives a stellar performance.  The bad news is that it is only three episodes, and it still is up in the air as to whether there will be a second season.  It has left us wanting more.

At the movies.

Trailer

A sweet movie featuring Meryl Streep at her best.  

Side note:  Hugh Grant only gets better with age.

Move over, George Clooney, you're about to be replaced.

Trailer

I was pleasantly surprised with this one.  I'm not a big fan of Woody Allen's or the Twilight chick, but I really enjoyed this movie.

Any recommendations for me?


Until next time...

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A Thrifty Hodgepodge

Hello, dear friends.  Hope you are having a great week.  Is it wrong for me to say that the Olympics is one week too long for my tastes?  Bring back my regularly scheduled reruns!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending the majority of the day with a 20-year-old genius at the Apple Store.  This is the place where even the most confident, well-dressed, successful business people look lost, dazed, and confused. The place is also always packed to the doors, even when the rest of the mall appears to be  a ghost town.

By the way, my 2-year-old phone couldn't be saved.  I had to bite the bullet and buy a new one.  In the process, a lot of data was lost, so if I haven't returned your phone call, don't take it personally.

  

1.   I read here four creative activities to try this month.  They were - calligraphy, make your own cookbook, dance or learn a new type of dance, and letter writing.  Which activity on the list appeals to you most?  Will you add it to your August?

If I wrote a cookbook, it would be the smallest book in the world.  It would probably include my recipes for chocolate milk and peanut butter and jelly.

I took calligraphy in high school and loved it.  It was one of the few classes that I got a passing grade.  

2.  Bertrand Russell is quoted as saying, 'to be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.'  Agree or disagree?  Explain.

Disagree.
I can't help but think that I might be a teensy bit happier if I had a killer bod and a lickety-split metabolism.

3.  August 17th is National Thriftshop Day... are you a 'thrifter'?  If so, tell us about one of your best and favorite finds.

I love to buy old books and pretty serving ware at thrift stores.  

4.  On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 = almost none and 10 = loads), how would you rate your sense of wanderlust?  What kicks your wanderlust into high gear?

My wanderlust freak number is fairly low.  
I am a homebody.  

It probably has to do with the fact that we have moved around so much, and I considered shorter moves really long vacations.

5.  Has life felt more like a marathon or sprint so far this month?  How so?

When my girls were young, it felt like a marathon, always trying to remember the minutia that is attached to school supplies and sports. 

I always knew I was in trouble when one of the girls would ask me after dinner if we had any poster board.  It was never a good sign.

Empternesterville, on the other hand, is more of a stroll in the park. 

6.  What do you need to get a jump on before fall officially arrives?

What can I say... I'm a few seasons behind.

7.  What's the last thing you did with friends or family where you lost track of time?

The last time I lost track of time was when I was on a solo voyage to my home-away-from-home.

This place is why I am behind in my spring cleaning. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I hate to air my dirty laundry, but I feel compelled to do so.  My two hoodlums decided that it would be fun to drive Mom crazy by never looking at the camera when she attempts to take a picture of them.

Those days will soon be over.  I just ordered this little jewel from Amazon.  They will be begging me to take a snapshot when they get a load of this one! 

Are you a thrifter?
What's been your gold medal of a deal?



Until next time...

See what I mean?
This is what they do when I tell them to look at the camera.

Say Hello to The HighBoy

Hello, dear friends.  During my blog hiatus, I not only caught up on Real Housewives and Fixer Upper, but I also spent a lot of time on the computer.  I did some pinning, blog hopping, Instagram ogling, and oodles of googling.  I found a few great websites - one that I will share with you today and the rest at a later date.

If you've read my blog for awhile, you know that the Mister and I enjoy browsing antique shops.  We may or may not be looking for anything in particular.  We just enjoy the hunt, especially if it includes a fattening lunch.  

The HighBoy sent me a link to their site.  You may have heard of it from other bloggers.  Evidently, I came late to the party because this site is hot. The HighBoy is an online curated marketplace for antiques and fine art.  It deals with the most trusted dealers.  The Wall Street Journal, as well as many other stellar publications, have written glowing reviews about this groundbreaking company.

Let's go shopping!  

Maison Janson Ebonized Louis XVI style desk

19th Century Mohagony Classical Carved Work Table on a single Baluster

I have the perfect spot for this table in my den.  Now all I have to do is break the good news to the Mister.

English Mahogany Butler's Desk 

Love the desk.  
Now all I need is the butler!

19th Century English Mahogany Tilt Top Table

Adore this table.  It's perfect for the room that has just enough furniture but can always use another table when entertaining.  

Louis XVI style Mahogany and Marble Top Bouillotte Table, 19th Century

My parents used to have a side table just like this one when I was growing up.

Spanish Catalan Desk or Writing Table

On my wishlist!!

Pair of Louis XV Style Beechwood Painted Bergeres Manner of Jansen

I'm trying not to overuse the word "love" too much, but it's becoming more difficult.

Pair of Mason Jansen Bergeres, Louis XVI style

I could use a pair of these.  Stunning fabric!

Antique French Walnut & Needlepoint Fauteuil

I could tell my needlepoint friends that I graduated from my sad little Christmas ornament worked on this all summer. 

Renaissance Revival Lapis Stone and Pearl 14 Karat Gold Ring

Did I mention that they carry estate jewelry, too?

French Vintage Gilded "Butterflies" Chandelier

And breathtaking chandeliers?

Pair of Blue & White Double Knob Delft Vases

And lamps and lighting fixtures?  
Be still my heart - some more items for my wishlist! 

The HighBoy also posts a blog called The Weekly which covers the marketplace, personalities, and style guides.  Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop.  There is an article about Eight Jawdropping Vintage Kitchens and the photos are to die for.

Enjoy your Monday.

Until next time...