Classic Movies - An American In Paris

So, although I am currently away on our first holiday in Pip, I have magically created myself a wireless hotspot using my iphone, and thought I had better finish off my trio of classic films! I had meant to post this before we went away but we were really rather busy and I ran out of time... anywho... on to classic film number 3, and I think my favourite of the bunch... An American In Paris!

This film won me over straight away with it's opening sequence. Gene Kelly's character, a struggling American artist living in Paris, wakes up in bed in a considerably small room. He then proceeds to gracefully turn the minute room from bedroom to artist's studio, in a beautifully choreographed ballet! Much like how Chris and I have been changing the van from bedroom to living room everyday. Maybe not quite as graceful though, I have lost count of the times I have bumped my head, it is probably about an inch bigger on all over now!

Gene Kelly's character is immediately likeable, so when he falls in love with a young woman it is hard not to hope he gets the girl! I won't ruin it for you if you haven't seen it, but of course there are a few obstacles in the way of true love!  It all culminates in a rather trippy dance number, but beautiful none the less (though at this point I had no idea what was going on!)

This one is really worth a watch! I found it more captivating than South Pacific, and I was far more attached to the characters. Next on my list to watch is 'Singing in the Rain'. Judging by this film Gene Kelly is a Gene-ious, so I'm going to start swatting up!

I will be back soon to update you on our adventures (and misadventures) in Pip. We are in Cornwall, currently camping near Wadebridge, so if you have any suggestions of where to visit please do let me know.

Laura xXx

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Classic Movies - South Pacific

So, you remember that little collection of classic films I bought the other day? We'll it's time to talk a bit about the second one I watched... South Pacific!

I hadn't really heard much about this film so I didn't know what to expect, even though it is super famous.  I did enjoy it when a couple of classic numbers popped up that i new the words to! 'I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair' and 'Happy Talk' (which was accompanied by a rather strange but entertaining dance number). It's great to know where these songs originated from, I had no idea before!

People seem to fall in love and decide to get married very quickly in old films don't they? This one is no exception! Two relationships form in this fashion, one of which happens in less than a day and they can't even speak the same language!

The film centers around the relationship between Nellie and Emile (shown above), although there are other characters in my opinion that over-shine them and are perhaps a little more likeable.

I think I would like to watch the stage version of this, as apparently the film is quite different. Have you seen this on the stage before?

Laura xXx

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Classic Movies - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

You may have noticed on one of my recent adventures I purchased 3 films - all classic musicals from the 50's. I am loving classic movies at the moment and thought I would do a little review for each one. Today I'm featuring Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. 

I'm not sure why this movie was given this title, given that both the brunette and the blonde seem to get quite a lot of attention! Having said that, Marilyn Monroe does look stunning! I actually can't quite believe she was a real woman, she seems beyond perfect!

Actually I have timed this review pretty well as the film features the entire men's Olympic swimming team in several of the musical numbers!

The movie revolves around Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell) who are taking a trip to Paris. Unknowingly they are being pursued buy a  private detective hired by Lorelei's suspicious Father in law to be. The women receive much attention from the men on board, and silliness ensues!

The women's outfits are gorgeous, particularly the one above worn by Marilyn. If only we had an excuse to wear such glamourous dresses these days!

If you haven't heard of this film before I am sure you would recognise it for it's classic show tunes 'Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend' and 'Bye Bye Baby'. You can always have a good singalong to those ones!

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Perfect for a rainy sunday afternoon! Kind of makes me want to go back in time though. If I had to pick an era to time travel back to, it would probably have to be the fifties. Of course, I would expect everyone to burst into song at various intervals throughout the day, but that's not too much to ask is it!?

Can you recommend me any classics to watch? I'd love to know which ones you enjoy.

Laura xXx

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Vanishing of The Bees

I watched a brilliant documentary the other day called 'Vanishing of the Bees'. I really found it fascinating and as a result have a  found a new appriciation for Mr Bee.

For those of you that don't know, bees are responsible for pollinating a huge portion of the food we eat. Without the humble bumble foods that we take for granted simply wouldn't exist. And Bees are dissapearing at an alarming rate! Even experts aren't 100% sure what is causing this but it seems that a the insecticides we use are partly responsible - bees who are collecting from plants which have been sprayed with this insecticide (Goucho I think it was called) are becoming disoriented, and when they take this back to their hive it is effecting it several generations down the line. It seems that they probably leave the hive and just can't find their way back home. Oh no! :(

All the more reason to buy organic food! The conclusion was that to help the situation we should have as many bee friendly plants in our gardens, and anyone that can should get a bee hive of their own. And don't forget to buy lots of yummy honey!

I highly reccomend watching this, if nothing else it will surely increase your appriciation of the bee. You can watch it on netflix.

To show my appriciation I have found some un-bee-lievable bee related items. They are literally the bees knees. Absolutely amaze-wing... ok, I ran out. Here they are.

First on my list is this gorgeous bee locket necklace from ModCloth. Must...resist...the...temptation.

I've always liked the prints you can get on etsy that are made on dictionary paper and this one is no exception. Kind of reminds me of a natural history museum. Find it at this shop at Etsy

Talking of natural history. Isn't this ring from an etsy seller the best? There's also a swallow and a frog that are pretty awesome too, but back to the bees!

I can't ignore the fabulous products that 'Burts Bees' do. I've got a lipbalm and I love it! I'll be purchasing more soon I'm sure.

This honeycomb swimsuit from Modcloth is adorable! As long as you don't mind people swatting you occasionally.

So there we have it, some bee-autiful products (ok, I promise to stop now).  I've been busy taking lots of photo's of the bee's in my garden so you will probably be introduced to them in the near future.... To bee continued ... (sorry, I lied).

Laura xXx

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