Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

Extraordinary Measures

This was a sweet and touching movie, inspired by a true story about a father (and mother) doing absolutely everything in their power to help their sick children. Harrison Ford was a great addition to the cast of Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell.

Better Off Ted

Jenny suggested that we watch this when we were in Savannah. Heather and I hadn’t seen it before. We continued to watch it on instant Netflix during our roadtrip. It’s such a funny show and I’m so sad it’s no longer on. I love that the episodes are short, we’ve almost watched both seasons already.

Bridesmaids

I went into this movie expecting it to be the female counterpart to The Hangover. It was to some extent, but it was also a really great story. I could actually relate to Annie a little bit, which at some times was scary, haha.

Heard It

Nate Fowler: Wherever You Go

This was one of the cds on our roadtrip playlist. Besides hearing him open for Tyrone Wells I hadn’t heard him before. But when a couple of his songs came on I was able to identify them, weird!

Kate Nash: Made of Bricks

This takes me back to my California days. I hadn’t listened to it in a long time, but added it to the roadtrip playlist because I knew all of us would enjoy it. The music is so fun and the songs are unique and creative.

A Fine Frenzy: Bomb In A Birdcage

Heather and I listened to this a lot last summer while we were working. I love it. I love Alison Sudol. I can’t wait for more music from her. I won’t tell you about the time Landon Pigg opened for her (our second to last night in California) and we left before she even went on.

Rilo Kiley: Under The Blacklight

This will always and forever remind me of California (is there a theme here?), but more specifically the beach. I’d always bring my itouch along to the beach and sometimes I’d take out my headphones so we could all listen to music. This was a favorite and always fit the mood.

Finally, a different kind of heard it:

If you watched our video blog about our trip from Boise to Savannah, then you’ll know that getting from Atlanta to Savannah was our biggest challenge. We met a mom and daughter on the plane who were coming back from New York. Hannah, the daughter was a student at University of Alabama in Birmingham. She experienced the tornado there first hand and sadly lost a sorority sister to it. Her first hand account was moving and terrifying. She sent a text to her parents and brother telling them that they’d never know how much she loved them. She didn’t think she’d make it. I can’t begin to imagine.
If you would like to donate to help the tornado relief in Birmingham or Joplin you can do so HERE.

Read It

Forever Faithful Series
Waiting For Morning by Karen Kingsbury
Moment Of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury
Halfway To Forever by Karen Kingsbury

I started reading this series when I was waiting for new books from the library. Literally a sentence into the first book I remembered I’d read it before. I figured that I’d re-read them since it’d obviously been a long time. I was surprised at some things I didn’t remember from reading them the first time. The first two books of the series are separate stories and in the third book they cross over. They deal with hard issues. The first book is especially difficult because of the bitterness of one of the characters. It’s amazing though to see how God works in their lives and remains ever faithful.

Women of Faith/Timeless Love Series
A Time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury

I read this on my way to Savannah and finished it before we left on the roadtrip. It was really hard to read through the hurt and pain the characters were experiencing. It ended up being a beautiful story.

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

I didn’t start this sequel until after I had got home from the trip. When I first started it (perhaps because I had been so tired) I totally forgot it was the sequel. I loved learning more about the characters from the first book and to see their faith continue to grow through the struggles and trials they faced.

Amanda’s Blog

My amazing friend Amanda started a blog in April. She is starting a new chapter in her life and is sharing her journey. Her blog is honest and she lets you see into her heart. Amanda is an incredible woman who has been through her share of struggle and pain. She wants the best out of life and she is going to change the world. She is truly an inspiration and I’m so proud of her. Read it HERE. Follow her on twitter HERE.

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

Private Lives of Pippa Lee

This was a movie that Heather had added to our Netflix. It's definitely a chick flick. It's a story of a middle aged woman and her older husband who recently moved into a retirement community. She reflects back on her life and how to got to where she is now. I'm glad Heather suggested it!

Catfish

This movie has been on my list FOREVER! I finally got it from the library on Friday. I knew it was some kind of documentary about social media, but I really had NO IDEA. It's a must-see! I don't want to give anything away but to summarize, as one review said, "Catfish is a riveting story of love, deception and grace within a labyrinth of online intrigue."

The Virgin Suicides

Heather and I had a relaxing weekend and watched a bunch of movies on our Netflix instant queue and this happened to be one of them. It's beautiful and understated, and ultimately heartbreaking as the title suggests.

Ramen Girl

I love this story. It's about a girl abandoned by her boyfriend in Tokyo and ends up finding her calling in a ramen house.

The King’s Speech

I finally got around to watching this last week. I had been disappointed that The Social Network hadn't won the Oscar for Best Picture, but after seeing this I understand why it won. It was inspirational!

Heard It

The Voice

Technically this could fit under "Seen It" but I think it fits here too. Does anyone else love this as much as I do? Move over American Idol! I love that it doesn't bother with the bad, crazy and embarrassing singers. There's some great singers on the show and I can't wait to see what they do. Side note: I was happy and surprised to see Dia from Meg and Dia on last week's episode.

Andrew Belle: The Ladder

You might have seen some of my previous blog posts about Andrew HERE and HERE. I love his music!

The Honeytrees: Cover of Moonriver

Heather shared this with me yesterday. I'm so lucky to have an awesome sister! Aren't they amazing? This video is absolutely gorgeous!

Jaymee Dee: Cover of ET by Katy Perry

I must admit that I've been following Jaymee Dee on twitter for at least a month [if not longer], but didn't listen to any of her music until yesterday. I'm a horrible person. Brian Wurzell posted this video on his facebook and I was compelled to watch it. If you have a chance you must check out more of her videos on Youtube!

Read It

Kardashian Konfidential

I saw this on the shelf when I was walking through the library the other day. I didn't read it cover to cover, but I did skim through it and enjoyed looking at the pictures. They had some fun stories about growing up and life in the spotlight, beauty and style secrets, wisdom from their late father and lessons learn from their mom about life and business.

Remember by Karen Kingsbury

In my last Seen It, Heard It, Read It post [see here] I mentioned I read the first book in this series. I read the next three books in the series, which are all amazing. I'm waiting for the last one at the library, but right now someone else has it checked out.

Return by Karen Kingsbury

Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

While I was waiting for the other book at the library I read this one. It's an amazing story about making amends, forgiveness and redemption. Karen Kingsbury's Life-Changing Fiction trademark is serious business.

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Seasons 4-7

Heather and I finally finished watching Buffy! I think I liked how the series ended, but I'm still in mourning that it's over. I'm almost tempted to start watching it again. How silly am I?

Date Night

I had to watch this in two separate sittings because our Netflix disc was scratched and we had to get a replacement. I thought it was hilarious! My parents really enjoyed it too! I wanted to watch it again, but it got sent back before I could.

Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

This was a movie Netflix had suggested for me. I figured I'd give it a shot based on the actors and besides that, it sounded kind of interesting. I can't believe how anxious and intriguing it was! It kept me on the edge of my seat and had it's share of twists. I'd definitely recommend it. It's on instant Netflix if you want to check it out.

Morning Glory

This was a pretty well rounded movie. Not just another chick flick. It's a great story about someone who is doing their best to achieve their goals. It had a great cast! I love Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford!

Heard It

Wicked Soundtrack

Surprise! You already knew this! Some of my favorite songs include: Popular, I'm Not That Girl, Defying Gravity, No Good Deed, For Good....so basically all of them!

Ray LaMontagne Station on Pandora

I love the Pandora app on my phone. I've been listening to this station while taking wonderful hot baths & reading. It's so relaxing!

Britney Spears: Femme Fatal

I got this cd from the library a couple weeks ago. It's addicting and catchy! I listened to it on repeat in my car while driving to and from work.

Tyrone & Elina: Different As Can Be

You know how there are some couples who are just like too cute? Meet Tyrone and Elina. They made this album together and it's great! There's a good mix of funny, sweet and serious songs. Elina sang with Tyrone when at his show last fall.

Read It

Extraordinary Faith by Sheila Walsh

I bought this book a couple months ago and got around to reading it this past week. It was everything I needed to hear. Sheila is honest, insightful and funny. She did a great job of bringing in Biblical references and relating them to her different stories.

Redemption by Karen Kingsbury

I've been wanting to read all of Karen Kingsbury's books and so I asked Heather where to start. She recommended the Redemption series. I finished the first book and have the other four on hold at the library. The series follows the Baxter family through trials and triumphs and ties in the relational teachings of Gary Smalley. I can't wait to read more!

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

I'd like to introduce my new feature, Seen It, Heard It, Read It. I'm not sure how often I'll do this, maybe every other week or so, but I'm really excited about it! These are some things I've seen, heard and read lately. Have you you seen, heard or read any of these too? Any favorites or suggestions?

SEEN IT
With finishing the semester and having friends in town I've gone to the movies a lot lately. These are some movies I've seen recently and really enjoyed.

1. Burlesque





If you haven't seen this one yet, you need to change that immediately! I LOVE this movie!! I must admit I've seen it twice in theater. I don't even remember the last time I've done that. Heather and I saw it with our mom and her friend and then went again with Jenny. It makes you want to dance, sing, and find a cute bartender named Jack. Haha. I just got the soundtrack this week and every time I put it in I can't help but dance. So fabulous!

2. Easy A



This comes out on DVD Tuesday, but I was able to catch it at the dollar theater a couple weeks ago. Emma Stone is so funny and Penn Badgley is pretty easy on the eyes. Ha! It had an interesting storyline. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but I really liked it! Not only was it really funny, but I thought it had a good message.

3. Life As We Know it



Another dollar theater movie! I went into this movie kind of knowing what would happen. It was a fairly predictable storyline, but I still thought it was a good movie. Definitely made me tear up a little. I'm such a cry baby, haha!

HEARD IT
I definitely love my music. When Heather and I worked at the fire center we would listen to music 10 hours a day. I really miss listening to music all the time. I've gotten so much new music lately but I feel like I've barely touched the surface of it all. These are some that I've made time for recently (aka listened to while I finished my last weeks of school).

1. Joshua Radin: The Rock and The Tide



Oh how I love this man! I've been wanting his cd since it came out in October and I was so happy when my friend Caitlin gave it to me for our Christmas exchange. I didn't realize how much I listened to it while I was finishing up school, but Heather put it in yesterday and I was singing along. He's coming to The Knitting Factory in March and I would LOVE to see him. It's not in the budget now, but maybe a cute boy will take me on a date. Haha. Not really, but I can dream.

2. Duffy: Endlessly



I've only listened to this a couple times in the past week, but I'm sure I'll be playing it a lot. I feel like I've been waiting forever for her to release something new. I'm excited to get to know her new songs better!

3. Justin Bieber: My World



Hi, my name is Ashlee, and I have Bieber Fever. This cd was a lifesaver during the last two weeks of school! It's a little humorous to hear him singing about love, when he's still a little baby-face teenager, but I do love it. I want to be One Less Lonely Girl. Haha!

4. Schuyler Fisk: The Good Stuff



Heather and I would play this ALL the time at the fire center. I absolutely LOVE this girl! The entire cd is incredible! This cd is a must-have! Also, you might want to check out Schuyler in I'm Reed Fish on Instant Netflix.

READ IT
I haven't had a ton of free time to read lately, but I did manage to read a few books recently.

1. Francine Rivers: A Lineage of Grace



I started reading this last year and just finished it a couple weeks ago. It's about the stories of five unlikely woman who changed eternity. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Each of them were faced with different, sometimes scandalous, challenges, but each fulfilled their callings and played important roles in the lineage of Jesus. The books I just finished up were Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. It was particularly interesting to read the story of Mary at this time of year. Each story is a fast read. I loved to see the faithfulness and the hearts of each of these women. It's a little different perspective than just reading these stories in the Bible.

2. Karen Kingsbury: Unlocked



This is Karen's newest book and a few people I know are getting it for Christmas. I love all of Karen's books, but this one is especially close to my heart because of her Forever in Fiction character Kate McRae. With the donations of many generous people, Karen made Kate a character in this book. I've been following Kate's story from the beginning, so it was really neat to read this book with her in it. Besides all that, I loved this story about an autistic 18 year old boy and a girl who wants to be his friend.

3. Karen Kingsbury: Between Sundays



After I finished Unlocked, I had to pick up another one of Karen's books as soon as I could. Luckily my mom has a couple, so I chose Between Sundays, which I finished the same day. It was definitely worth staying up until 2 AM to finish. Her books are so hard to put down! This is the story of a star football player and a woman with a heart for underprivileged kids. My favorite quote from the book: "It's what you do between Sundays, that matters."