The Life of Five Women in a Pink Honey House

I finally decided to watch this movie last night.

I read the book earlier this year, and, although I thought it was a slow start, I ended up really liking it and hanging at the end of every chapter waiting to find out what happens to little Lily Owens.

After watching Eat Pray Love and being disappointed (which I knew I would be), I was hesitant to even watch The Secret Life of Bees because I didn't want to be disappointed.

I wasn't. I really enjoyed this movie, and I thought it did the book justice as best it could. Obviously there was stuff cut out, but the scenes were chosen well, and the focus was on Lily's time with the Boatwright sisters, which was really the heart of the book. During that time, though, the movie could have shown more of Lily and August's time with the bees... since that is where the title comes from. I became more emotional watching the movie than I did reading the book, and that is the mark of a good movie to me -- it makes me feel something.

The casting, according to my own imagination built off the book's descriptions, was off. Dakota Fanning was great as Lily, but Rosaleen and August were not how I pictured them. I think Queen Latifah should have been cast as Rosaleen, who I pictured as older than Jennifer Hudson and a little more plump. August, in my mind, was thin, about 50 pounds lighter than Queen Latifah. May and June were close to what I imagined, as were Zach and Neil. T Ray could have been older, scruffier and more intimidating. He looks way too clean cut in the movie, although he does try to look awful. LOL

I gave this movie four out of five stars.

{Image via Netflix}

Does watching "Eat Pray Love" compare to reading it?

I have been anxiously awaiting this movie all year, since I saw Elizabeth Gilbert on Oprah promoting it. So, I took myself to see it Sunday afternoon.

I read the book in October 2008, while on a cruise from Boston to Bermuda. I am not exaggerating when I say this book changed my life. I will hold it dear always, and I am sure I will read it over and over, every time I need hope or motivation or perspective.

So, I was thrilled the book was being made into a movie, and when I found out Julia Roberts -- my favorite actress -- was starring as Liz Gilbert, that sealed the deal.

Julia was absolute perfection in this movie. As soon as I found out she was the leading lady, I was happy to be able to see her in a new movie, but I immediately though about the resemblance between her and Liz.

Not only do they both have infectious smiles and alluring eyes, but they have uncontrollable hair, a slightly pointed nose and a slim frame. They are both intelligent, motivated, kind, independent women, who may not always know what they want in life but somehow end up there. No one else on Earth was better suited to play Elizabeth Gilbert than Julia Roberts, besides Elizabeth Gilbert herself.

The leading lady wasn't the only perfect casting job in this movie either. Her men were chosen very well...

James Franco played the perfect David: young, sexy, intriguing, slightly aloof. The young stud to Julia's broken divorcee, the perfect man to shack up with post-divorce. He and Julia had great chemistry at the beginning of their relationship, but you could quickly see it wasn't right. He was a segue, a stepping stone, a learning experience. Liz's relationship with David was probably the only relationship in the film I felt was properly addressed and flushed out.

Richard from Texas was not my favorite character in the book, but he served an important role in Liz's development at the ashram in India. Richard Jenkins was exactly how I pictured Richard in the book, and he was magnificent. I regretted that he didn't have a larger role, though... the pivotal role he played in the book was introduced, but you would never have "got it" if you hadn't read the book. 

In fact, Liz's stay at the ashram was not given justice at all in film format. Yes, it was probably the most "boring" part of the movie, but, in the book, this was such a crucial time for her. Rome was Liz's time to physically heal herself and separate herself from her divorce. India was the point in the book when Liz worked on herself, rediscovered herself as a human and someone to love and be loved.

Liz's adventures in India, in the film, ended with a brief clip of her as the hostess at the ashram, without any detail as to how she performed in this role -- another key happening in the book.

Lastly, Javier Bardem was a super sexy Felipe; he nailed the Brazilian romantic to the wall. He was Mr. Rico Suave with a quirky, lovable streak. He plays like a school boy, which fit Liz's playful personality, but yet he was older, more experienced and traveled, which was much better suited to Liz's new world view than someone like David. Felipe was the end of Liz's abstinence and the end of her solo journey. He was the beginning of the rest of her life, and you got glimpses of this in the movie, but again, I wanted more. 

That was the theme of this movie: more. It was almost three hours, but it wasn't enough. I felt the scenes chosen were well selected and portrayed Liz's physical journey, but they didn't even scrape the surface of her internal journey. It didn't even delve deeply into the whole reason behind the trip: her breakdown and divorce from her husband. Most of her relationships in the movie were presented a bit superficially, and you wouldn't feel her attachment to these people unless you read the book. I was especially disappointed in the portrayal of her relationship with Wayan, the Balinese healer. It was so... abbreviated. You could tell they were friends, but you didn't get to see how much they truly bonded.

I went to see this movie alone as something to do while Jed was out of town (and I knew he would never go see it anyway). I thought about calling a girlfriend to go with me, but it just felt right going solo... just like Liz. I wanted to be free to laugh, cry, ponder in solitude without considering a person sitting next to me. I wasn't sure how I was going to react, and I wanted to be able to experience it and reflect in silence after.

I was glad I went alone. I teared up a little. I laughed quite a bit (even at moments when no one else in the theater did). And, I reflected in silence the whole drive home.

Even though the movie was not half as good as the book, it does make you think, and I would recommend it.

I came out of the theater feeling hopeful, happy, confident, uncertain and grateful... just like I did when I finished the book.

Grateful that...

• ... the world is overwhelmingly beautiful and curious, full of limitless knowledge, possibility and love.

• ... I was raised in a society where I am free to be the woman I want to be, the woman that I am.

• ... I am surrounded by family and friends who love and support me.

• ... the future is bright, despite uncertainty.

• ... travel is an option for me. I am truly blessed to be able to see and experience different places.

{Image credits: movie poster and Javier and Julia via Empire Movies, Julia at Thanksgiving via Celebrity Wonder, Liz-Julia comparison via, Julia and James via FilmoFilia, Richard and Julia via FilmoFilia, Julia in Rome via Watch Movies Online Site, Julia in Bali via Deceiver}

Carrie me away! (Wishful Wednesday)

'I wish' .... I could be the one and only Carrie Bradshaw in SATC2!!

Of course I have to pick Carrie! We're both writers with humble beginnings. We both spend far more on clothes and shoes and other non-necessities than our measly salaries can afford. We love our friends fiercely and loyally, and we rarely forgot how good we really do have it. We get a bit confused by our men and our feelings, but we love to the depths of our being -- even giving out second and third... and fourth... chances, when maybe we really shouldn't. Above all, we live and learn... and write about it.

I sobbed with for Carrie in the first movie, and I smiled when it all worked out for her. Ever since (I just saw the first movie about a month ago), I've anticipated the second film. Don't tell me what happens, please; I haven't seen it yet and won't for another week and a half. Yes, I've heard it's not great, and I've heard it doesn't live up to the hype, but please just let me be excited about it for now. 

Up until a couple of years ago, I saw myself more in Charlotte -- as did my friends. I was straight-laced, preppy, prim and proper, resigned to my designated role in life. They still think I'm more Charlotte than Carrie, but I relate most to Mrs. Big in more ways than they'll ever know.

{Images via Rotten Tomatoes}

Three of my favorite women...

TOGETHER!!!

{Apology for the lack of pictures today. I am under the weather with allergies and just don't have the energy. This will be a short post though!}

Did any of you see The Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday? If not, you missed a climax moment in my life. First, I must make some confessions so this makes sense.

1. Ever since My Best Friend's Wedding, I've loved Julia Roberts. It's borderline obsession. I've been trying to see all of her movies, and I can't count how many times I've watched and cried during Pretty Woman. She makes goofy smiles and big, out-of-control curly hair glamourous. For that, I thank her.
2. Ever since reading Basic Black by magazine wiz Cathie Black, I got hooked on Oprah. I subscribed to the magazine for two years, and since I heard she was ending her show, I've been watching her show. I know she's not everyone's favorite person, but to me, she is inspirational. She is beautiful. I believe she is a good soul. 
3. Ever since Eat, Pray, Love was dropped on my desk by a coworker, I've had the biggest girl crush on Elizabeth Gilbert. A lot of you are Twilight cult followers; well, I am an Eat, Pray, Love cult member. The book opened my eyes; Gilbert's writing reached into the depths of my heart and brought me with her. 

Yesterday, Oprah had Julia Roberts on her show to promote the Eat, Pray, Love moving coming out August 13 -- yes, it's already on my calendar because besides SATC2, it is my most-anticipated movie this year. I was giddy watching Julia interact with Oprah and talk about the film and her family life. She is so real. I could see a piece of all her characters in her during that interview because she brings a piece of her to all of her characters, I think.

I almost fell off the couch when Oprah introduced Liz Gilbert and she came out beaming with her adorable blond curls and enlightened eyes. The three of them sat together chit-chatting like old friends, and I WANTED TO BE THERE. If I could have saved the recording and watched it over and over, I would have. 

I think I'm going to have to re-read the book before the movie, and then I'm going to have to start reading Gilbert's next book, Committed.

So, for this Thankful Tuesday, I am thankful for Julia, Oprah and Liz... three women who inspire me to no end.

Thoughts, anyone? Are you looking forward to seeing Eat, Pray, Love? Have you read the book (or will you before seeing the movie)? Do you think I'm crazy for being gaga over Julia and Liz? (It's ok if you do.)

Friend-Making Monday: Oscar Night!

This week, let's talk about the 82nd Academy Awards. Did you watch?? What are your thoughts? Best dressed? Worst? Any other thoughts?

Ok, I only watched the second half of the Academy Awards, and even then, I was multi-tasking. I missed the Red Carpet, but there were some fashion hits and misses I noticed. First of all, all those poufy bottom dresses: big miss in my book; you looked kinda ridiculous, all of you.

My best-dressed list (I agreed with Amber on a lot of these):

Sandra Bullock 

(can kinda see the resemblance between us)

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Kate Winslet 

(love the corset top, the straight skirt, the silver, so classy)

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I liked the ladies above for their hair and make-up as well, but the hair that I swooned over was...

Jennifer Lopez -- totally rocked the messy bun.

Sadly, her dress makes my worst-dressed list; she looked like she was dressed in shimmery bubble wrap.

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Charlize Theron

(what's up with the roses on the boobs? not a good look, otherwise the color is really pretty)

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My favorite moments:

Avatar winning Best Visual Effects and Cinematography.

So well-deserved. If they didn't win in these categories, I would have thrown something at my brand new TV.

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My "look-alike" Sandra taking home Best Actress in a Leading Role.

I think she was the clear winner here, and I'm so glad she won.

I also loved her speech, so humble and real and grounded. She's incredible.

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Did I really earn this or did I just wear you all down? I would like to thank the Academy for allowing me in the last month to have the most incredible ride with rooms full of artists that I see tonight and that I've worked with before and I hope to work with in the future, who inspire me and blaze trails for us. Four of them that I've fallen deeply in love with I share this night with and I share this award with.

Gabby, I love you so much. You are exquisite. You are beyond words to me. Carey, your grace and your elegance and your beauty and your talent makes me sick. Helen, I feel like we are family through family and I don't have the words to express just what I think of you. And Meryl, you know what I think of you and you are such a good kisser.

I have so many people to thank for my good fortune in this lifetime and this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I know. To the family that allowed me to play them, the Tuohy family, I know they're in here and you'll probably hear her in a minute. Maybe not. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to... the family that made this film that gave me the opportunity to do something different. John Lee Hancock, Gil Netter, Alcon, Warner Bros., the actors, everyone who's shown me kindness when it wasn't fashionable, I thank you. To everyone who was mean to me when it wasn't... George Clooney threw me in a pool years ago. I'm still holding a grudge. But there's so many people to thank.

Not enough time, so I would like to thank what this film is about for me which are the moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from. Those moms and parents never get thanked. I, in particular, failed to thank one. So... if I can take this moment to thank Helga B. for not letting me ride in cars with boys until I was 18 because she was right. I would've done what she said I was gonna do. For making me practice every day when I got home. Piano, ballet, whatever it is I wanted to be. She said to be an artist, you had to practice every day, and for reminding her daughters that there's no race, no religion, no class system, no color, nothing, no sexual orientation that makes us better than anyone else. We are all deserving of love. So, to that trailblazer, who allowed me to have that. And this. And this. I thank you so much for this opportunity that I share with these extraordinary women and my lover Meryl Streep. Thank you.

FMM: Valentine's Day

Happy Friend Makin' Monday! 

This week let's talk about Valentine's Day! It may have been the obvious choice for today. Right?

Hey now, wait, wait, wait. Don't click away if you're not a fan of Valentine's Day!

Here's the topic options:

1) How did you spend your Valentine's Day? What did you get? What did you do?

2) A list of your top reasons/things that would have made it even better.

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I'm going to start with Saturday night, since that's when Jed and I celebrated our Valentine's Day; he had to leave Sunday afternoon to fly down to Florida for work. He got home from work Saturday evening, with this:

My very first Edible Arrangement! Yum! If you have never had one of these beauties, you are missing out. Not only are the beautiful and fun, but the fruit is some of the freshest, sweetest fruit I've ever tasted.

We didn't make advance plans for Valentine's Day, so I figured out something that afternoon. I decided we would have dinner at Olive Garden (both of us just really love that place) and then we would go see Valentine's Day, since, well, it was Valentine's Day, I wanted to see it, and it was one of the few days of the year I can get Jed to see a "chick flick."

Of course, Olive Garden was packed, so we settled at the bar for our 60-minute wait, but after about 20 minutes, a table opened up at the bar, and we snagged it. Sweet! We both tried their new pasta dish: pyramid-shaped ravolis. Jed had his with sausage in alfredo sauce, and I had mine with sauteed chicken in an alfredo sauce. It was yummy.

The movie was your typical chick flick, but I wasn't disappointed. There were some moments I smiled or laughed and some moments I felt like tearing up. It was an all-star cast -- Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Julia Roberts, two male Grey's Anatomy doctors, Taylor Swift (who played such a ditz, but I loved it!) and the hunk who plays Jacob in New Moon just to name... almost all of them! The end was very predictable, but that's ok. It was one of those movies with six different plot lines, but they all weave together somehow.


Our actual Valentine's Day was chill. We slept in, went to Mass, then spent the afternoon in front of the TV until I had to drive Jed to the airport. After I got home, I made myself dinner (leftovers) and watched the Olympics while catching up on blogs. I went to bed pretty early for me so I could get up early this morning to go skiing.


How was your Valentine's Day?

Friend-Making Monday: Inspiration

What is inspiring you right now?

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I FINALLY saw this movie Saturday night in IMAX 3D. I have one word for it: magnificent.

I loved everything about it, even that it was almost three hours long. It was so beautiful, I really didn't want it to end at all! I will definitely be buying it on Blu-Ray AS SOON as it comes out.

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I have not seen a movie that has touched me and changed my perspective so much since I saw Crash.

I am still thinking about this movie, and its message, and I really hope part of the Navi world can be realized right here, right now. I think we are on our way. I know I certainly am.

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To sum it up: the imagery and special effects were breath-taking, the acting was wonderful and the plot was totally inspiring.

If you have not seen this movie, GO SEE IT NOW!

Preferably in 3D.

Disappointment yields surprising results

As you may have read, the plan for Saturday Date Night was to go see Avatar in IMAX 3D. Yeeeeeeeah... not so much.

I logged online at 6:30 Saturday night to buy tickets for the 10:15 show. The only open seats were in the FRONT ROW! I checked the 3 P.M. showing on Sunday... no good seats for that either. Great. I was bumming pretty bad that things weren't working according to plan.

We decided to go see this movie instead.

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While the boyfriend dismissed it as a romantic comedy, I was intrigued. Sure, it was a bit slow-moving with a slight indie vibe, but I thought this was a great movie! I loved the themes. I loved the characters. I loved the sarcastic humor. I loved the soundtrack.

If you're not familiar with this film -- I really wasn't -- let me give you a brief synopsis. Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a man without a home who "lets people go" for a living. He never sees his one-bedroom apartment, except for 43 days a year. The rest of the year, he is jetting across the country to various clients. His goal is to fly 10 million miles and be only the seventh person to do so. He's estranged from his family, and he likes it that way; on the side, he gives motivational speeches about "the empty backpack" -- the concept of letting everything in your life go and living with nothing, even commitment.

Until his boss throws a kink in his plans: video conferencing threatens to replace face-to-face termination... and Ryan's executive flyer status and lifestyle.

Then there's the girl, Alex, who threatens to overthrow everything Ryan has preached.

Sounds intriguing, huh? It was! Go check it out!

And, I will be seeing Avatar in two weeks. We'll order our tickets, um, tomorrow!

In case you don't have a costume...

Stay home and watch a great Halloween movie! Real Simple did a Top 10 Halloween movieslist that I thought I'd post. You know, just in case you don't have a costume or kids to go out tomorrow night.

This might be one of my all-time favorite Halloween movies (I also love the Christmas one as well).

For families: From Linus’ unflagging belief in the Great Pumpkin to Charlie Brown’s disappointing rock-filled trick-or-treat bag, the heartfelt animated classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is full of good friends, faith, and fun.

For old-movie fans: The Haunting is “one to watch under the blankets with the lights off”. The spooky movie has it all―sinister music, lighting, and special effects―without a drop of blood.

For the squeamish: Take a classic novel, add Gene Wilder and an offcamera horse whinny, and you’ve got director Mel Brooks’ masterfully funny Young Frankenstein. This spoof of Mary Shelley’s famed story about a mechanical monster trades in ghouls for giggles.

For the not-so-squeamish: In Drag Me to Hell, a loan officer turns down an aging gypsy’s application only to face down a dark curse that threatens to steal her soul. There are plenty of jump-out-of-your-seat moments, lots of gore, and a surprising amount of laughs. “Scary movies are rarely this fun” .

For horror-movie buffs: “Some people like their vampires all handsome and sparkly. Me, I like ‘em monstrous and truly frightening.” Well, frightening is what you get withNosferatu, a chilling silent picture from the 1920s adapted from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, about the eerie Count Orlock, who relentlessly preys on victims bite by bite.

For zombie fanatics: Night of the Living Dead was released in 1968, and still holds its own today. “These flesh-eating ghouls are just as terrifying as their modern-day Technicolor counterparts”.

For thrill seekers: Start the night off with Halloween (and not just because it’s named after the holiday). Stacie Ponder, a columnist on AMC’s Horror Hacker blog, highly recommends director John Carpenter’s tale about an escaped masked murderer creeping around the fictional town of Haddonfield. Anxiety-inducing without being gory, the movie “relies more on atmosphere than graphic horror,” she says.

For the adventurous: Reminiscent of the daring Goonies before them, the kids of The Monster Squad attempt to retrieve a magical amulet, fighting off a domination-seeking Dracula and his frightening minions. Great special effects and witty writing have made this flick a cult favorite.

For people who hate scary movies: Written by Stephen King, the five short films in Creepshow are inspired by E.C. Comics from the 1950s and use comic-book conventions such as story panels and exaggerated lighting to dramatize tales of peril. Soaking wet zombies, plant mutations, and a cockroach infestation are “guaranteed to make you laugh as much as they’ll make your skin crawl,” says Ponder.

For cheesie movie lovers: Yes, Halloween III is missing the infamous Michael Myers character, but it’s still worth watching. With a silly plotline involving a small, California town run by a Celtic joke tycoon, business suit-wearing robots, and killer masks (literally), the movie “has all the hallmarks of creepy corniness,” says Ponder.

All images via Real Simple

It's Friday, let's party!

I am so glad it's Friday, and the weekend is here! After a week of being anti-social and hiding in the house (for the reason, read this post), I am going out tonight with these lovely people, who happen to be my best friends...

That is my BFF Ollie, her husband and Jed. We are heading to Good Times Pub, a local joint right down the street we've been meaning to try. Pub food, drinkie drinks and some live music. Couldn't ask for a better Friday night!

Now, for the rest of you, I have my five weekend picks...

Go out and buy...

... so you can join Carrie's book club. I'm hoping I can get my hands on it soon and start reading because I'd love to join in the first month! We all know Pride and Prejudice, a classic, but have you ever imagined it with zombies?!?! How fun!

Visit your local theater to see...

This movie, starring Jennifer Garner, is about a writer who lives in a world where lying doesn't exist. Until, that is, he discovers the little white lie and the huge elephant lie, and he starts... *gasp!*... lying! Sounds like it could be pretty funny, with a good moral attached.

Type...

.com into your browser (or click the image) to find yard sales in your neighborhood. How cool is this??? It uses Google maps and an online database to present you the bargain, outdoor outlets in your area! It's supposed to rain here this weekend, so I don't think I'll find too many, but you might have better luck in your neck of the woods.

Head to the mall...

... and find your Halloween costume. It's right around the corner, folks, and it will sneak up on you like a Jane Austen zombie before you know it! While some may be creative enough to come up with their own amazing costumes at home with mad DIY skills, I will be going to the Halloween store at the mall (or online). Jed and I are thinking of Fred and Wilma Flintstone -- we have two parties to go to Halloween night -- which is what I wanted to do last year. But, I also really like the Woody and Jesse costumes, which we could DIY with some store-bought accessories. {And it would give me a good excuse to run right out and buy my cowboy boots!}

Brave the basement/attic/back of the closet...

... and pull out your warm clothes for this cool weather we've been having! Sweaters, scarves, hats, boots... I need it all, and my cold-weather accessories are all at my parents' house still, along with my wool J.Crew coat! I'll be heading into our basement storage closet this weekend to pull out my winter clothes bins and turning them into summer clothes bins (minus the stuff I'm bringing to Palm Beach!).

Let me know what you're up to, and have a great weekend!!!

First Weekend of Fall!

This is me not being lazy and taking time to blog when I could be lounging on the couch (still doing) watching Samantha Brown's Passport to Great Weekends (also still doing).

Since I'm multi-tasking, we'll make this simple. Here are my five things to do this weekend, fall-theme since this is the first official weekend of fall, and boy does it feel like it in Rhode Island!

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Go on an adventure -- large or small. Road trip to see the foliage, try a new restaurant, read a new book, plan a vacation. And tell me about them!

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Check out the season premiere of SNL tomorrow night on NBC. I'm told it's the 35th season, wouldn't know, never really caught onto it. When the show was in its heyday, I was too young to stay up that late. Even though "everyone was doing it." Megan Fox, of Transformers fame, is hosting the opener, which should be interesting. She doesn't strike me as very funny. And, (this is for K.Law) Ryan Reynolds(!) hosts next Saturday, October 3!! Now THAT is one to DVR while you are bar-hopping!

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Go to a local farm and pick out your pumpkin! I was out driving the other day, and I saw the first pumpkin on someone's front porch. I instantly wanted a pumpkin (or two or three) for my front and side stairs.

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GO SEE FAME! I am wicked excited for this movie, mostly because it features this lovely lady, Kherington Payne from So You Think You Can Dance, along with season four winner Joshua. I love me a good modern musical film, even though I never saw the original. Maybe this will inspire me to Netflix it.

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While you are picking out your pumpkin, don't forget the apples! Apple-picking is one of my all-time, ok my all-time, favorite fall pastime. Climbing trees to reach that perfect apple (even though you're not supposed to), pulling a red wagon full of your bright red treats around the orchard, and getting them home for apple pies, warm apple crisp, apple bread and a healthy addition to your daily lunch. Hint: if you Google apple picking, you should be able to pull up a database on you-pick-it orchards in your area.

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This weekend, I am hitting up Hooter's in Warwick for some wings and cold beer after I pick Jed up from his travels this week. Tomorrow is supposed to be gorgeous so I really want to take Morris to the dog park in Providence for a frolic, then tomorrow night we're heading to my parents' house for dinner (and to move some more of my stuff to the new house). Sunday it's Mass then lunch with Jed's parents and grandfather followed by cake for his dad's birthday (which is today - Happy Birthday!). Somewhere in there, I hope to catch up on all the shows we recorded that I have not watched because I'm waiting for Jed.

Have a great weekend everyone! Let me know what you are up to!

Everyone's watching, to see what you will do...

Woot woot! The weekend is here! And I am BACK with my 5 Things to Do This Weekend List!!! I know, I know, your past two weekends were SO boring without it; you just didn't know what to do with yourself! Nah, I'm sure you were fine and had loads of fun.

But, in case you are looking for something to do this weekend, consider the below. I know I'll be doing at least two out of the five!

Oh! I just realized I forgot something... so consider this a bonus weekend! I'll post the sixth thing at the very bottom... so read all the way through!

{For picture credits, please click the image.}

Watch your favorite childhood movie. {For some memory-jogging ideas}

Or a feel-good sports movie. {Again, some awesome ideas}

Fish for your inner-child smile.

Start listing things you enjoy doing -- great or small, past or present, doesn't matter. While writing each item, consider doing it (today, this week, this year). Wait for the thing that makes you smile spontaneously and uncontrollably, that relaxes you and comforts you, that brings you home. Then you have caught your inner-child smile.

Now, go out and do that thing!

Fire up the grill or light a fire in the fire pit and roast marshmallows. I highly recommend the strawberry ones!

Go for a long walk, hike or bicycle ride and soak up the green leaves and bright flowers before they succumb to fall.

Ok, I just couldn't resist this picture! I mean, look at her face!

And what's with the sports bras for girls' night out????

Since when has that been classy?

Have a girls' (or guys') night. Whether that means a bottle of wine and a chick flick (beer and ESPN), dancing and martinis at a downtown bar (beer and being the wing-man), dinner at your favorite restaurant (ditto for the guys), or (like me) taking your chances at the casino (again, ditto for the guys)... get the ladies (or guys) together for some fun and girl talk (beer?)!

Yes folks, I am heading to another bachelorette party this weekend at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in CT. This time it is for my posh college roommate, whom I never seen anymore because she moved back to Long Island after school. Can't wait to party it up with my BU girlies and to meet the bride's friends from home!

Ok... now for your bonus...

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I know you just can't wait to see what I have in store for you!

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FOOTBALL!!!! It's back, people, so get your GAME FACE and TEAM COLORS on (like Caldwell), and get ready to do some couch jumping! This is the one thing that cheers me up as cooler (ok, darn-out COLD) weather seeps into New England, and I couldn't be more excited to see my beloved #12 take the field again. I've missed him! I have to wait until Monday night (Yes, my boys are playing MONDAY NIGHT for the first game of the season! Take that Steelers!), but be sure to catch your fav team on Sunday. {If you're a Steelers fan, hope you enjoyed the win last night; if you're a Titans fan... well, my condolences, but you had to know it was coming.}