French Romantic Movies

Source: http://notfromconcentrate.co.uk

There's something about French love story films. A concoction of intense romance, mystery, charm, blitheness, incredibility and  at times a hint of tragedy. These movies are injected with riveting twists that they leave an impression that's hard to forget. You would want to tell a friend to watch them so you'll have someone to relate to; you can't just keep it to yourself. Suddenly you find yourself yearning to watch more French movies may it be in different genres.

Watch these for a start:

Jeux d'enfants (Love Me If You Dare)

A childhood daring game between Sophie and Julien extends to their adult years where it leads them to fulfilling their dream of eternal love.

L'appartement (The Apartment)

Max's obsession with his lost love Lisa somehow becomes a labyrinth that's headed to a tragic conclusion.

Un long dimanche de fiancailles (A Very Long Engagement)

Mathilde remains hopeful that her fiance Manech is still alive after being condemned to death due to self-mutilation to escape service in the war. In search for the truth, she discovers interesting stories of the different men who were to face the same fate with her lover.


What makes these movies interesting is probably due to the fact that it's French-- the language, lifestyle, setting. I don't really know, I can't quite explain it myself. Maybe it's just the French way; maybe... C'est la vie!

Books

I can't imagine a world without books (at least I refuse to despite having read Fahrenheit 451). There has been fear of printed media's extinction with the birth of tablets. But no... they can't get rid of books. In fact, I read somewhere there's a rise of bookstore openings in some regions of Europe. That's right, more readers  prefer the real thing. Up to now I still can't appreciate reading a book through a screen. I tackled this e-book vs. real book topic before in A Bookworm's Thought. There's a certain gratification in hearing the crisp of the page when I advance to the next page and in breathing in the familiar vanillin scent. For me, convenience of e-books cannot match the pleasure an actual one brings. And electronic versions can't fill up a bookshelf-- a bibliophile like me don't want that. *Wink*

My obsession of books caught on film:

Way back when I felt "lawyery"

"Lawyery" study-time

My little stack with Mr. Robot Disderi

A Clockwork Orange

Bookshelf at Cafe Noriter, Dumaguete

Anne Rice's The Mummy

Stack it up

Korean collection at Cafe Noriter, Dumaguete

Christmas is a time for books -- Fight Club and 1984

The Graveyard Book

My sister, swinging and reading

Norwegian Wood

Sputnik Sweetheart -- Yep, a Haruki Murakami fan here

"Lawyery" days

Academic shelf

Books for kids at the mall

Civil "Lawyery"

Beauty before my eyes

"The book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one which makes you think."
~Harper Lee

Diane Kruger

Source: http://www.thepumpkinspot.com

I'm no expert fashionista but I appreciate how Diane Kruger naturally carries her personal style like every clothes she wear is her second skin. She looks so effortless and chic may it be gracing the red carpet or just strolling along the sidewalk.

Source: http://www.empowernetwork.com

Source: http://lostintheverse.files.wordpress.com

Source: http://www.bevoguish.com

Source: http://www.sophielevy.com

Source: http://bettyconfidential.com

Source: http://2girls2cities2styles.com

Source: http://www.popbee.com

Source: http://www.tumblr.com

Source: http://belighter.files.wordpress.com

Source: http://personalstuvs.blogspot.com

Lorde

Source: http://www.billboard.com

I'm glad to have come across another budding musician with exceptional sound. These days it's hard to find genuine musicians with something striking and unique to offer. 

I'm talking about Lorde. This 16 year-old kiwi has been topping the charts with her hit single Royals. I'm amazed that at her young age she had come up with great tracks (yeah, she writes her own songs). The Love Club EP is a collection of equally awesome electro-pop songs I can't seem to choose a favorite. This 30th of September, her debut album Pure Heroine is scheduled for release. I'm looking forward to hearing more from music's next big thing.

Lorde - Royals

Lorde - Tennis Court

Lorde - The Love Club (Live on KCRW)

Listen to the full The Love Club EP
Stream the up coming album Pure Heroine

Rose Wong

Rose Wong's surreal strokes will get the viewer tangled and entwined. Looking at her art is like getting lost in a dream; lost in a good way. Her illustrations are whimsical, curious and quaint.

Her Five Faces

Hair is a salient feature that somehow constitutes mystery. Flowy patterns in artful fashion constructs images that are worthy of recognition and appreciation.

In and Out

Entangled by the Scent of Tea

She Cried Perfect Tears

Girl with the Golden Hair

Longing

D is for Dreaming

Holding Closely

Rose Wong sites:

http://www.rosewongart.com/
www.facebook.com/rosewongsart

Wild Belle

Source: http://quitmumbling.com

How about we listen to something new and different. I just learned about this sibling duo, Wild Belle, through my favorite blog Messy Nessy Chic. Their debut album, Isles, was released early this year last March. Members Elliot and Natalie Bergman grew up in a family of musicians-- no wonder where they got their talent. This brother-sister collaboration fused their jazz, reggae and soul influences into a musical style they can call their own. 

Their sound is light and laid-back but in a way edgy which is a breathe of fresh air. Thought I could enjoy their music while chilling and relaxing wherever (but of course I'd choose the beach or somewhere near the ocean sipping a nice cold drink and soaking up sunbeams). You might think the same when you hear them so have a listen.

Wild Belle - Keep You

Wild Belle - Backslider

Wild Belle - It's Too Late (Live - Conan on TBS)

Frankies Cafe

Frankies Cafe isn't hard to spot while you're out shopping at Island City Mall (ICM) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Just look for Frank Sinatra; his poster is by the counter somehow luring you to go grab a bite to eat. Their menu has a good selection of appetizing food from burgers, pastas, burritos to paninis and more. If you're already stuffed, just grab a cup of brewed coffee pair it with a muffin and just people-watch.  

There's Frank Sinatra inviting you over to take a seat and order burger

While we were there, this interesting man was there chatting with the cashier. He looked like Filipino actor, Eddie Gutierrez, or a Filipino version of Elvis in contemporary clothes. He kind of matched the vintage air of the diner. I'm not sure if it was coincidental or intentional that an Elvis Presley video was played shortly on a monitor in the cafe while he was there.

Another plus about this diner is a choice of combo meals. You can eat a good tasting burger with fries and free iced tea at a reasonable price.

Cappucino Frost

Meatlovers Burger

Italian Fettucini Meatballs

If you're planning to go to ICM, ditch the fast food and try Italian Diner food at Frankies instead.


Grab a bite to eat after shopping:

Frankies Cafe
U/F Island City Mall, H. Zamora St.
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
(038) 501-9450

The Great Gatsby

I haven't finished the book but I'm no stranger to what will happen as the pages turn. I watched the 2013 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and it was fine. I know, I know... it was a bad idea. Anyway, I'll try to not let the film adaptation change my appreciation of the story.

Enough beating around the bush-- I'm not going to discuss the story, I'm going to talk about the copy I just bought last weekend. *Wink* 

The book sleeve

While checking out new book stocks at a local bookstore, this interesting copy of The Great Gatsby was sitting at a corner of a shelf hardly noticeable. Seems like it was waiting to be appreciated and bought by the right person (yep, that person turned out to be me!). Was torn between A Clash of Kings and this all-time favorite classic. The latter was in a sleeve and was sealed so I couldn't take a good look but I had a feeling it was a handsome book.  I only had a glimpse of the blue spine with the silver embossed title.  Felt unsure if I can buy a fancy copy like it somewhere else, at another time, or at that affordable price (less than PhP 400) so I thought it was a rare find. After a short deliberation, I decided to purchase Gatsby.
As soon as I withdrew the book from the sleeve, I had a pleasant surprise! It's elegantly hardbound with nicely printed flyleaf plus the page edges are silver. These lovely details charmed me just like how Daisy bewitched Gatsby. Ha! Really. Every time I read the book, I never miss sniffing the pages, feeling the smooth texture and running my fingers over the embossed letters of the cover. I'm so proud a beauty like this is added in my collection. Actually, it's the fanciest-looking book I own so far. It makes me want to get more of these printed delight-- hardbound and vintagey-- just the way I like it.  

The silver page edges are so Gatsby!

I'm off to continue reading this gorgeous book. Ta ta for now!

P.S. The publisher of this copy is Arcturus Publishing Limited. I'll be looking out for other classics from them.  Books like these beautify shelves-- perfect for collections. Bibliophile mode on.


"Life is much more successfully looked at from a single window." 
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby