5 Movies You & Your Mom Should Watch This Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day weekend everybody! I hope you and your mom are having a great day. Whether she's near or far, right next door or the next room, take the time to time wish her a wonderful day. And if she's deceased take the time to remember her and give thanks for her. The Bible says: 



Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. - Proverbs 31:30

My mom and I love watching movies - everything from chick flicks to comedies - and nothing says I love you more to her than chilling on the couch and having an at-home movie fest. So, in honor of my mom, here are 5 movies you and your mom should watch this Mother's Day. 

1. Disney/Pixar's Brave
Ok, so when you think of Mother's Day the movie Brave probably doesn't come to your mind right away but hear me out, Brave touches everything a mother/daughter relationship consists of. For those of you who've never seen it, Brave is the story of a princess named Merida who makes a wish for her fate to change. As a result her mother, the queen, turns into a bear and the rest is as they say history. 

Merida and her mom find out that if they don't appreciate each other soon her mom will stay a bear forever. So it's up to Merida and her mom to find a way to see each other's strengths and realize that even if they have they're ups and downs, they'll always love each other.

2.Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias movie is what Mom and I like to call a "good, old-fashioned cry-fest" film. It's about Shelby and her Mom, Mlynn, and not only the ups and downs of their relationship but their friendship with four other women. Plus it was shot in Natchitoches, Louisiana (shout to LA!) and had some amazing actresses before they hit it big - like Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Field, and Daryl Hannah just to name a few. 

This movie will make you cry and laugh. Like Trudy (Dolly Parton) said in the movie, "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."

3.The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood 
The next movie, The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, is also shot in Louisiana (go figure) and my mom and I absolutely love it because it chronicles the rocky relationship of a woman named Sida Lee and her slightly eccentric mother, Vivi. When things go south (no pun intended) with Sida and Vivi, it's up to the Ya-Ya's to help bring them back together. Like Steel Magnolias, it's another tear-jerker but it'll definitely make you both laugh. 

 4. Monster-In-Law
Mother's Day is not only for your mom. If you're married you might have a mother-in-law to celebrate the day with. And if you do I have the perfect movie for you - Monster-In-Law. This movie is basically J.Lo vs. Jane Fonda and it's one fight you'll never forget. It'll touch your heart and make you smile and even laugh. 

5. Gilmore Girls the Entire Series
For the last movie on this list - it won't actually be a movie - but a tv show - Gilmore Girls. Mom and I have been a fan of Gilmore Girls since it first came out and we totally feel like we've grown up with Lorelai and Rory. We've laughed with them, cried with them, have even gotten mad at them during a few episodes but we always come back for more. This is the kind of show you and your mom can sit down and binge watch together. It'll be hours and hours of fun.

So there you have it, folks, 5 movies you and dear old mom can sit back, relax, and watch together. I hope you all have a great Mother's Day and if you know of any more great films of tv shows that you and you're mom love please feel free to let me know in the comments. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Until next time . . . 

XOXO,

Nellie

I Can Only Imagine: Movie Review

 

 

Hello everybody and welcome back to my little corner of the internet. For today's post I wanted to tell you all about a movie I saw this past weekend that really inspired me. I'm talking about the film I Can Only Imagine. It was released to theaters this past Friday, March 16, 2018, and it's been soaring up the box office ever since.

Denis and I couldn't wait to see it because he's a big MercyMe fan and I love a good movie with a good storyline. And this movie definitely has a good storyline. It's actually a biopic about the lead singer of MercyMe, Bart Millard, and some of the events that led and inspired him to write the song, "I Can Only Imagine."

The film starts off with Bart being about 10 or 11 years old and you get a first-hand look at the verbal and physical abuse he and his mom received from his dad, played brilliantly by Dennis Quaid. As the story progresses we see how Bart's mom's abandonment and his dad's ongoing abuse affected him through his teen years to adulthood. And trust me, there were some parts where my heart was breaking for him.

But things finally turn around a little when Bart's dad realizes that he needs to make things right with his son. But Bart quickly realizes that forgiving his dad might be the hardest thing he's ever had to do.

I found this movie to be a lovely story of forgiveness and redemption. Bart had to do something I feel more of us need to do - let go of the pain of the past and step forward into a future of forgiveness.

 

Not to give too much away but the film also goes into how MercyMe was formed and how they went on to become the awesome praise and worship band they are today. We also got to see how quickly God can make something beautiful out of something painful and use it to inspire the world.

 



This song holds a very special place in my heart because it was one of my grandma's favorites. She's been deceased for four years now but every time I hear it I think of her.

I highly recommend you go and check this movie out. It's got everything: drama, comedy, and even a little romance thrown in for good measure. But more importantly, it's got heart. I feel that's something a lot of today's films are lacking: heart. While watching it, I laughed a little and cried a little but even more I walked away in a good mood. And in my opinion, if a movie can leave me with a smile it was definitely worth watching.

So that's all for now. Until next time . . .

XOXO,


Nellie

My 5 Favorite Ellie Goulding Songs

Hello everyone and welcome to today's post. It's been a while since I wrote a post on music so for today I wanted to share with you all my top 5 Ellie Goulding songs. Before we get started can I just say that I think Ellie Goulding is one of the most talented singers in the music business. I mean, seriously, the notes she can hit is unbelievable. Plus her songs won't only make you dance, they'll make you think. I'm definitely a fan of hers and if you're reading this post I'm assuming you are too. She's got the kind of voice I could listen to all day.

So . . . grab a comfy seat, a cup of your favorite drink, and let's jump into Ellie's music >>>>

5. How Long Will I Love You - Halcyon Days

This will be the slowest song on the list but don't let that put you off. This song is beautiful, genuine, and heart-touching. Yes, it's your quintessential love song but who doesn't love them? When I heard this song for the first time all I could think was I wish I'd heard it before I gotten married because Denis and I would have definitely danced to it. Yeah, it's that kind of song - the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

There's a vulnerability to Goulding's voice that I really like in this song and it's such a simple melody that you can't help but remember it.

Favorite Lyrics: "How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I may"

4. Burn - Halcyon Days

If you need a song to work out to this is definitely the song for you. For me, this song is my go-to when I need some motivation. The beat is fast-paced and the lyrics are so catchy I find myself singing them in my car. And yes, other drivers do look at me like I've lost my mind. But I just wave and keep on singing because this song is that good.

If you don't get pumped while listening to this song then you need to call it a day.

Favorite Lyrics: "Light it up, like we're the stars of the human race, human race"

3. We Can't Move to This - Delirium

To be honest, I'm not much of a dancer - meaning I'm not good at it. But even me, with my stiff moves and lack of rhythm can't help but get up and move when this song comes on. This song has such an awesome beat (especially the chorus) that you have to get up when you hear it. The first time I heard I pictured a party on the beach. This song would be perfect for something like that. Plus, it's got this independent woman message that a girl just can't deny.

Favorite Lyric:s "We can't move to this
We can't even talk, boy
We don't even kiss
You're not in love"

2. Army - Delirium

I read online that Ellie wrote this song for her best friend, Hannah, and her fans and I think it's a beautiful testament of their friendship. I like the simplicity of the song in the beginning and how it builds as the song continues. Ellie's vocal power shines through as the song progresses and by the end of it you feel like you can grab your best friend's hand and go take on the world.


Favorite Lyrics: "And yet you understand
Yeah like no one can
We both know what they say about us
But they don't stand a chance because"

1. On My Mind - Delirium

Where do I begin with this song? This is by far my favorite Ellie Goulding song so far and honestly, it's one of my favorite songs in general. I find everything about this song to be perfect - from the lyrics to the beat to the production of the song. It was produced by pop music geniuses, Max Martin and Ilya, and I that's one of the reason it's so catchy.

I love how Ellie repeats the lyrics over and over again and how certain phrases layer over the other ones. And while I know this song is about a one night stand that really messes with your head I can't help but sing along to it when I hear it. You can bet your last dollar that this song is on repeat on my phone.  

Favorite Lyrics: "Why I got you on my mind (you think you know somebody)"

So now that you know my favorite Ellie Goulding songs what's yours? Let me know in the comments and thanks for reading.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie

3 Reasons to Watch (and Re-Watch) The Vow

 

Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to today's post. Today I want to talk about one of my favorite movies, The Vow. This movie - gosh, what is there to say about this movie - well, for starters it's one of the best chick flicks on the planet. There's so much romance in this film it's almost too much to take. It doesn't matter if you've seen this movie one time or a thousand times, it'll never get old because a good story never does.

For those of you who don't know The Vow is about Leo and Paige, a married couple who get in a car accident on a date night. Paige loses part of her memory in the event and she can't remember anything about Leo, just her life before meeting him. So it's up to Leo to try and win her heart back, even though she doesn't know him anymore.

So, just in case my little description doesn't inspire you to watch it, I thought I'd give you 3 reasons to watch (and re-watch) The Vow.

Let's jump right in >>>>>

3. Channing Tatum Is In It & He'll Steal Your Heart

I'd seen Channing Tatum in the Step Up movies and Dear John and while I'd found him to be good-looking and likable he never really stood out to me as an actor for me. But that all changed when I saw him in The Vow. There's just something so genuine about him. He plays a character named Leo who falls in love with Paige (Rachel McAdams) and refuses to let go of that love - even when he has to let her go.

I guess what I liked about him in this movie was that was a real gentleman and he wasn't going to give up on the love of his life. He was likable, yes, but even more than that he brought a sincerity to that role that few actors could've done.

2. The Relationship Between Leo & Paige

It's kind of rare to see inside a loving couple's marriage in a chick flick. Usually, the chick flick is all about getting the two people together to happily ever after. But this chick flick takes the audience after the happily ever after has worn off. Leo and Paige have a lot in common because they're both creative, artist-y types. But even more they're best friends as well as lovers.

Leo is really patient with Paige after she loses her memory and Paige seemed to be very supportive of Leo before she lost her memory.

1. It Will Make You Appreciate Your Loved Ones

The first time I saw this movie I left the theater with a since of deep appreciation for all the people I love. It's really easy to take your loved ones for granted, but this movie reminds us that life is short and it's important for us to take a moment to cherish the memories we've made and the people we've made them with.

So if you're looking for a really good chick flick to snuggle up and watch or you've seen it a million times like me and just needed some reasons to watch it again, give The Vow a chance. It's worth every minute.

Until next time . . .


XOXO,

Nellie

Movie Review: Forever My Girl

 

Hello, everyone! I hope you're all having a lovely day and thanks for stopping by. In today's post I want to talk about a movie that I went to see recently that I think is worth sharing. If you're looking for a chick flick that's clean but equally entertaining then you have to check out Forever My Girl.

This movie is about a guy named Liam and a girl named Josie. They were high school sweethearts and the movie opens on their wedding day. Everything looks like it's going to turn out like a fairytale . . . until Liam jilts Josie at the last minute and doesn't show. 



Eight years go by and life goes on for both Liam and Josie. Liam becomes a famous, country singer, touring the world and performing every night to thousands of screaming fans, while Josie opens her own flower shop and keeps a very big secret from Liam - she was pregnant when he left and now they have a daughter named Billie.

Liam comes back to his hometown for a friend's funeral, reconnects with Josie, and learns the truth about their daughter. And that's when things get really interesting. You see, Liam's been living the rock star life - drinking, drugs, partying - because he's still grieving the loss of his mom from when he was a little boy. So, when he finds out that he has a 7 year old daughter he begins to realize that maybe there's more to life than just living in the fast lane.



 

The more Liam gets to know Billie, the closer he starts to get to Josie, and in time the two of them rekindle the flame they thought they'd lost. I really enjoyed watching Liam and Billie interact. Liam finally began to mature when he saw how full his life could be with a family of his own.

  

This movie is one of those films that make you feel good after watching it. It's the perfect date night movie because it's clean so it won't make you feel awkward or uncomfortable to watch. Plus, Billie is adorable. Honestly, she made more sense to me than both of the adults. She was really smart for her age and spoke with wisdom beyond her years. A real stand out in the film.

If you're looking for a feel good movie that will touch your heart and leave you smiling definitely check out Forever My Girl. 

5 Chick Flicks You Should Watch this Valentine's Day

Hello, everyone! My name is Nellie and I have addiction - to chick flicks. They say the first step to healing is acceptance. Anyway, if you've read some of my previous blog posts you'll see that I love movies. And there's an very special place in my heart for chick flicks.

So with Valentine's Day upon us, I thought I make a little list of the 5 Chick Flicks You Should Watch this Valentine's Day. It doesn't matter if you'll be spending the holiday with your boo or your best friends these movies are worth watching (and re-watching).

Enjoy >>>>

5. Me Before You

I feel that with any good chick flick you must cry at some point. And if you're watching Me Before You, you will definitely cry - and laugh - and sympathize - and relate - and cry again. But in the end you'll find that you'll really enjoy this film.

Long story short: it's a film adaption of Jojo Moyes novel by the same name. The main character, Louisa, is a young woman trying to figure out who she is and what she wants. Along the way she meets Will Traynor, a young man who's had a terrible accident and is now completely paralyzed. Together they learn that maybe life has more to offer them than what they first thought and that maybe another person can bring out the best side of you. It's an A+ drama with just the right amount of comedy.

4. P.S. I Love You

This was the movie that made me fall in love with Gerard Butler. Up until this point he did a lot of action movies and I just didn't dig him, but when he played Gerry in this film he stole my heart and the hearts of hundreds.

Holly and Gerry are a married couple who love each other deeply and are trying to get by in New York City. Everything seems rosy until Gerry dies and while that may seem like the end of the story, it's not. It's just the beginning. On Holly's 30th birthday she starts receiving letters in the mail (and other places) from Gerry, who's dead. Freaky to some, romantic to me.The letters help Holly learn who she is without her best friend and eventually teach her how to move forward without the love of her life beside her. 

PS I Love you will not only have you tearing up and sighing, it'll have you laughing because it has these really delightful moments between Holly and her friends. Definitely a movie I enjoy more the more I watch it.

3. The Notebook

What Valentine's Day movie list would be complete without The Notebook? This is the holy grail of all chick flicks. I mean, it has everything - romance (of course), a little action, and most importantly, Ryan Gosling.

I'm not going to into detail on what this movie is about because I'm pretty sure most of the world has seen it and re-watched it about a million times. But I will say Allie and Noah had a love I think everyone secretly wants - one that lasted a lifetime. My favorite scenes are actually when Allie and Noah are the old couple in nursing home. Even though Allie had dementia and couldn't remember Noah, he never left her side. And truly, that's what all of us want - someone who won't give up on us no matter what.

2. A Walk to Remember

This movie has been one of my top 10 movies for a long time. And I feel that out of all of the chick flicks I've seen so far A Walk to Remember is the best portrayal of true love because the two main characters - Jamie and Landon - learned a very important lesson few of us learn: you must first accept someone for who they are before you can love them.

Also, this is the only movie I've ever seen that was actually better than it's book counterpart. All in all, this movie is amazing and who doesn't want to watch Mandy Moore in first acting role?

1. Valentine's Day





No Valentine's Day movie binge night would be complete without the Valentine's Day movie. This film has an ensemble cast of Hollywood A-listers and it manages to weave all of their stories into one cute and interesting movie. It follows different people who are all somehow connected as they try and get through the Day of Love in one piece.

It has it's funny moments and it's heart-warming ones too. I really liked how it followed couples of all ages and how love affects their lives in one way or another. Which is why it's my top choice for a chick flick you should watch on (or close to) Valentine's Day.

So now that you know my 5 picks for V-Day, it's your turn to share. What's your favorite movie to watch at this time of year? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie



Music Discovery: Gabrielle Aplin

If you like soft-hearted vocals and meaningful lyrics then you'll love Gabrielle Aplin. She's a British singer/songwriter with a lot to say. Her debut album's called "English Rain" and is available now on iTunes. She's got a coffeehouse sort of thing going on - laidback and mello. But her lyrics are clever and genuine. You can really tell the girl's writing and singing from the heart.

Her first single is called "Please Don't Say You Love Me" and let me just say I loved it. Here's a little sample:

"Just please don't say you love me,
'cause I might not say it back,
doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that.
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at.
Just please don't say you love me, 'cause I might not say it back"

Cheeky, huh?

Well, even though she's been on the music scene a while in the UK and US, I'm just now discovering her and I recommend her to fans of Birdy and Christina Perri. So check her out. The link to her Youtube channel is below:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Gaberrz

Hope you enjoy!

Peace & Love,

Nellie

If You Liked Downton Abbey then You'll Love This . . .

Hello, everyone and welcome to today's post. Out of all of the television shows I've seen none of them have touched my heart like "Downton Abbey." My mom and I LOVED this show. Every Sunday, we couldn't wait to gather around the TV and catch the latest episode. So you can imagine that we were beyond devastated when the show came to an end in December 2015 . . . .

But out of the blue something amazing happened - I was introduced to Doctor Thorne - and suddenly, my TV spirits were lifted.

Doctor Thorne is a television show based on the Anthony Trollope novel by the same name. Set in the 1850s it's further back in history than Downton Abbey but it captures your heart just the same. Julian Fellowes wrote the script so of course you get the same smart, sophisticated dialogue as Downton but with different characters delivering it.

Basically, the story centers around Dr. Thorne and his niece, Mary, as well as the wealthy (but sometimes snooty) Gresham family. The Greshams are close to losing their fortune and are indebted to the drunken Sir Roger Scatcherd much to their dismay. Lady Arabella Gresham decides that she will save the family by marrying her son, Frank, off to a wealthy, American heiress named Miss Dunstable, only to have her plans thwarted when she learns that her son is in love with Mary - a lowly doctor's niece. So little time, so much drama. I loved every minute.

As it turns out this story is much more than what meets the surface. There's mystery and intrigue and a love triangle. But even more there's heart. Yes, the faintest whispers of Downton Abbey can be heard throughout the show but I truly feel that even if you didn't like Downton you can appreciate this show.

You'll see a familiar face in Phoebe Nicholls, who also played in Downton Abbey as Rose's mother, Susan, which helps tie in this show with Downton.

 So if you're still mourning over Downton Abbey's cancellation or you're just looking for an awesome British drama to indulge in check out Doctor Thorne. You can stream on Amazon Prime or buy it on DVD.  Either way this show will not disappoint.

Until next time ...

XOXO,

Nellie

5 Reasons to Love "The Greatest Showman"

Nothing brightens my day more than going to see a good movie. To me a good movie can take me away, make me forget my problems, and put a smile on my face. So as you can imagine I do a lot of research before Denis (my husband) and I go to the movies. When there's a movie we want to see I'll Google everything I can about it - from the actors' bios to the directors' information to where the movie was shot - just to see if it's something we'd actually want to pay money for to watch.

Well, on Christmas night Denis and I headed to the movies and for the first time in forever I hadn't researched any of the films that were showing. So, on a whim, we got tickets to "The Greatest Showman" (completely unaware of what it was about) and history was made . . . 

As soon as the lights went down and the previews were done the first song - "The Greatest Show" came on and we were hooked for the rest of the time. For those of you who don't know it's loosely based on P. T. Barnum - one of the founders of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Hugh Jackman plays P.T. and we get to see his rise to fame and fortune, his crashing and burning (literally), and then his rise out of the ashes as he realizes that everything he really needed had been in front of him the whole time.   

But just in case you haven't seen it (which most of you likely have by now), I came up with a quick list of 5 Reasons to Love "The Greatest Showman."

Enjoy >>>>>

5. It Has Awesome Dance Numbers

Who doesn't love an awesome dance number? I know I sure do and this movie didn't disappoint. From the opening number to the more serious ones there was a dance to match.

My absolute favorite one was the "Rewrite the Stars" number with Zac Efron and Zendaya. I mean they literally flew across the room hanging from the ceiling. But to be fair that was more acrobatics than dancing. But I don't even care because I enjoyed it anyway and who knew Hugh Jackman was so light on his feet?

4. The Costumes Were Gorgeous

Gorgeous costumes are a must for any good movie. And just because this movie was supposed to be set in the late 1800s doesn't mean that the costumes had to be drab. The costumer designer(s) on this film brought life into the costumes by using bright colors and beautiful fabrics for the Barnum family and circus performers.

3. The Soundtrack is the Business

Click this link to hear the entire soundtrack >>

Can I just say that the music on this movie was incredible? Denis and I were both surprised to find out that this movie was a musical - and we were even more surprised when we found out that we actually liked all the songs. This soundtrack makes me smile. I honestly can say that this was one of the best original musicals I've seen in a long time. Our favorite song is "A Million Dreams." It's just the best. Feel free to click the box below and listen to it on YouTube. 



2. Zac Efron Was In It

Who cares if Zac Efron was in it, you may say. It's just Zac Efron. But need I remind you that High School Musical was one the main reasons our society fell in love with Zac in the first place. Also, this was his first musical since Hairspray and I don't know why but there's just something undeniably likeable about Zac Efron singing and dancing across the silver screen.

1. It Emphasized Self-Acceptance & Acceptance of Others Which is Never A Bad Thing

Keala Settle (she played the Bearded Lady) brought the house down when she sang "This is Me" because she reminded audiences everywhere that we should never be ashamed of who we are. (You can follow her on Twitter here.) Honestly, I feel like there's not enough shows and movies that endorse self-acceptance and the acceptance of others - but this movie definitely did.

Watching this film I was reminded that every single person is beautiful and unique in their own way and they have wonderful things to bring to the table because they have a different point of view. And that we shouldn't look down on people just because they're different than us. We should appreciate them.

All in all this movie was amazing - definitely one of the best I'd seen in 2017 - and Denis and I can't wait to buy it when it comes out on Blu-Ray later this year. So, if you're looking for a movie that'll keep you singing, make you want to dance, and brighten your day definitely check out the "The Greatest Showman." You'll be glad you did.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie