Watch | Read | Listen {December 2014}

Happy December! The last month of the year always means there's an amazing movie selection! I kind of feel like I should be living at the movie theater this month. In November I saw Big Hero 6 and Mockingjay and absolutely loved both of them. Did you see Mockingjay? What did you think of it? This month I'll definitely be seeing The Hobbit, Annie, and Into the Woods. What about you?

MOVIES

Wild 

Reese Witherspoon brings Cheryl Strayed's adventure to life by playing a heroin addict that destroyed her marriage. Strayed makes the rash decision to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail on her own with no experience. She goes on an incredible journey of hardships and self-discovery. (Watch the trailer.) (December 5)

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The final installment of the Hobbit trilogy arrives! Bilbo's (Martin Freeman) journey takes him to the Lonely Mountain where he must make a dangerous choice alongside the dwarves, elves, and men as Smaug the dragon rains fire down upon them and evil rises up. (Watch the trailer.) Definitely seeing this! (December 17)

Annie 

Annie (Quvenzhane Wallis), the happy and young foster kid who lives with foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz), is tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Everything changes for her when mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) takes her in as a campaign move, but her sunny outlook begins to change things. (Watch the trailer.) I want to see this so badly! (December 19)

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Night guard Larry (Ben Stiller) takes an epic journey around the world to figure out why the magical powers of the Tablet of Ahkmenrah is dying out and to save it before it's gone forever. Also starring Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Patrick Gallagher, Ben Kingsley, and Rebel Wilson. (Watch the trailer.) (December 19)

Into the Woods

It all begins with a family and the witch who tells them what they must do in order to reverse their curse. This humorous and musical movie interweaves the original tale of this family with that of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. (Watch the trailer.) This looks fantastic! (December 25)

Unbroken

Angelina Jolie brings to life the epic and harrowing tale of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini (Jack O'Connell), who survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII only to become a prisoner of war in Japan. This is a true story of what it takes to survive. (Watch the trailer.) (December 25)

Other movies:

• Dying of the Light (Dec. 5)
• Life Partners (Dec. 5)
• She's Beautiful When She's Angry (Dec. 5)
• The Captive (Dec. 12)
• Exodus: Gods and Kings (Dec. 12)
• The Color of Time (Dec. 12)
• The Gambler (Dec. 19)
• Mr. Turner (Dec. 19)
• Song of the Sea (Dec. 19)
• American Sniper (Dec. 25)
• The Interview (Dec. 25)

BOOKS & MUSIC

• The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant -- In the early 1900s, Addie Baum is the daughter to immigrant parents. Addie's life in America means short skirts, movies, and opportunities she never thought of before -- going to college. (December 9)
• Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz -- Days after Holmes and Moriarty's struggle at the Reichenback Falls and fall into the waterfall, Moriarty's death has left a vacancy in the criminal underworld and there's no shortage of people who would like to take his place. Frederick Chase, a detective at Pinkerton Detective Agency, in search of one particular criminal mastermind. (December 9)
• Clean Slate: A Cookbook and Guide by Editors of Martha Stewart Living -- This cookbook focuses on eating clean, whole, unprocessed foods and these delicious and healthy recipes will help you do just that. (December 16)
• We Should Hang Out Sometime by Josh Sunquist -- A true and hilarious story about what happens when a guy tracks down all of the girls he tried to date since middle school and asks: What went wrong? (December 23)
• Make It Happen: Surrender Your Fear. Take The Leap. Live On Purpose. by Lara Casey -- The story of how one woman chose to make "it"-- her purpose in life -- happen, and how you can too. (December 30)

She & Him's Classics (Dec. 2) | Smashing Pumpkins' Monuments to an Elegy (Dec. 9)

Charlie XCX's Sucker (Dec. 15)

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Movies I Want To See (December 2013) + Sponsor: Dream Mo(o)re

Can you believe it's already December? Every year I'm surprised by how fast the months go by! I'm convinced that each year is passing faster and faster. Am I the only one? 

Anyway, last month I saw Frozen and Catching Fire. I would highly recommend both. Frozen was a cute, heartwarming adventure about a princess trying to save her sister and her kingdom, and Catching Fire was just plain amazing. 

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The second film after last year's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a continuation of Bilbo Baggins' (Martin Freeman) journey with Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), the dwarf Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his twelve companions. They enter the Mirkwood, where they encounter a skin-changer, giant spiders, and Wood-elves. I'll definitely be seeing this with my brothers. (December 13)

Saving Mr. Banks

This biographical comedy-drama centers around the creation of Walt Disney Studio's film Mary Poppins in 1961. Pamela "P.L." Travers (Emma Thompson), author of Mary Poppins, has negotions with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) about the making of the beloved movie Mary Poppins. It brings back memories of her difficult childhood in Australia and her father, who was the inspiration for the character Mr. Banks. This film looks so great! It's like getting a behind the scenes look of one of my favorite movies. (December 20)

47 Ronin

Based on the real-life group of samurai in 18th century Japan, who avenged the murder of their master, this fantasy adventure film follows Kai (Keanu Reeves), an outcast, who joins the ronin. The ronin are led by Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), who want revenge on Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano), and along the way encounter warriors with powers. (December 25)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) is a Life magazine worker and daydreamer, who lives inside fantasy worlds of romance, heroism, and action, sets off on a journey to find a missing picture, which is needed for the final issue. Also starring Kristin Wiig, Adam Scott, and Sean Penn. Check out the trailer. This comedy-fantasy adventure looks fun and heartwarming. (December 25)

One Chance  

Once Chance is based on the true story of Paul Potts (James Corden) who grows up wanting to sing opera, but is bullied and told he'll never be able to because he lacks confidence. With the help of his friends, his dreams slowly start to come true, and one day he enters "Britain's Got Talent" and his life is changed forever. Watch the amazing trailer. (December 27)

Other movies coming out in December:

• Crave (Dec. 6)
• Out of the Furnace (Dec. 6)
• The Last Days on Mars (Dec. 6)
• American Hustle (Dec. 13)
• The Past (Dec. 20)
• August: Osage Count (Dec. 25)
• Grudge Match (Dec. 25)
• The Invisible Woman (Dec. 25)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (Dec. 25)

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Welcome Jessica of Dream Mo(o)re as a sponsor this month!

Hi there! I’m Jessica and I blog over at Dream Mo(o)re! I’m engaged and planning our wedding for June! I blog about my life, from wedding planning to family functions, to the occasional linkup, and anything in between. I love meeting new people and making new friends. Follow along as I navigate the road to wedded bliss and newlywedness! 

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What movies do you want to see this month?

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(via 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) 

Inspired By: December Best Selling Book Covers

It's the last Inspired By post of the year! I haven't read the books below, but Insurgent is definitely at the top of my list since I read Divergent (the first in the series) in only three days! I would also like to read The Age of Miracles; if you can't tell, I'm a sucker for anything fantasy / sci-fi.

Insurgent

{Click above for item info}

Written by Veronica Roth, this dystopian novel is the second in the series, after Divergent, which follows Tris Prior, who lives in a city divided into five factions. Tris grew up in the Abnegation faction, but in the previous novel chose to join a new faction, knowing that it would forever change her life. Now Tris is on the run and must accept the fact that she is Divergent. To dress like Tris, wear a green sweater dress with tights and black booties, or a gray slouchy sweater, green jeans, and knee-high gray boots.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The Round House

Written by Louise Erdrich, The Round House is a family drama about life on a reservation in North Dakota in 1988. When Geraldine Coutts is attacked, she is reluctant to reveal the details of what happened to the police, her husband, or her 13-year-old son, Joe. As his mother becomes increasingly traumatized, Joe sets out to find answers with his friends at the Round House, a sacred place of worship. Dress like the cover, by sticking to a gray striped shirt with orange jeans, patterned scarf, and gray flats, or an orange blouse with a gray sweater, gray skirt, and oxfords.  

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The Age of Miracles

Written by Karen Thompson Walker, Julia, a teenager in California, and her family wake up to find out that the Earth's rotation has begun to slow. Days and nights get longer, gravity is affected, and the environment changes, and yet Julia's normal, everyday life continues as the world is thrown into disarray. To look like the cover, put on a navy polka dot dress, orange bow belt, and colorful oxfords, or for a more casual day don a polka dot sheer blouse, loose green sweater, jeans, and bright polka dot flats.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The End of Your Life Book Club

Written by Will Schwalbe, The End of Your Life Book Club is a true story about him and his mother, who start a book club (though they are the only two members) after his mother is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal. Over the next two years, Will and his mother, Mary Ann, read books and delve into all sorts of topics, which brings them closer together.  Dress like the simple cover by wearing all black with a red sweater and nude flats, or a red dress with a nude sweater and nude heels. And don't forget your book clutch!

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

P.S. -- Check out November's Best Selling Books!

Which is your fave?

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Movies I Want To See (December 2012)

Last month of the year already? 2012 went by so fast! If we make it to 2013 (you know, considering the world is supposed to end December 21st), I think it will be a great year! Last month, I saw Skyfall, which I would recommend if you're a Bond and/or action fan, and Breaking Dawn, which I don't recommend unless you want to make fun of it or are a tween girl.

 

This month there are so many amazing movies coming out that it was so hard to pick just six! Read on to see which ones I can't wait to get a movie ticket for...

Deadfall

Addison (Eric Bana) and Liza (Olivia Wilde) are siblings on the run from a casino heist gone wrong. After a car accident, they split up to make a run for the Canadian border during a whiteout blizzard. While Addison goes cross-country, Liza is picked up by ex-boxer Jay (Charlie Hunnam) on his way to his parents; his father is a retired sheriff (Kris Kristofferson). While there, the siblings are reunited in a tense showdown. Though family drama isn't my usual thing, this movie looks so dramatic and suspensful. (December 7)

 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

A prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, this adventure follows Bilbo Baggins, who is approached by Gandalf the Grey to join a company of thirteen dwarves and go on an epic quest to save the lost Dwarf kingdom of Erebor from the dragon, Smaug. On their journey, they will encounter goblins, orcs, sorcerers, and of course Gollum and the "precious" ring. I'll definitely be seeing this movie with my family. (December 14)

 

Zero Dark Thirty

 

After collecting information and working in secret for a decade, an elite team of intelligence and military operatives are finally close to their goal: finding and eliminating Osama bin Laden. Director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker) reunited to capture the manhunt for the world's most dangerous man on film. Starring Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Mark Strong, Jennifer Ehle, Kyle Chandler, and Edgar Ramirez. This film on counterterrorism digs deep into the truth since Bigelow and Boal spent years talking to U.S. intelligence. (December 19)

 

On the Road

Jack Kerouac's novel tells the story of Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), a young writer whose life is changed by Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund), a free-spirited and fearless Westerner, and his girl, Marylou (Kristen Stewart). As they travel cross-country, Sal and Dean seek "it," the pure essence of experience, and freedom from conformity. Since I read the book, I'm interested to see how this young man's thoughts on life and love translates to the screen. (December 21)

 

Django Unchained

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Quentin Taratino's new film follows Django (Jamie Foxx) a slave who will be freed by bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christopher Waltz) if he helps Shultz find the murderous Brittle brothers. In addition to his freedom, Schultz will help Django free his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from the brutal Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). I love Tarantino's mix of twisted history, blood and gore, and dark humor. (December 25)
 

Les Miserables

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and the musical, this film is set in 19th century France during the French Revolution and follows the story of an ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) who has made a name for himself but who has been hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe). Valjean cares for Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) daughter, Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). I can't wait to see this; the acting looks superb and the singing sounds amazing. (December 25)

 

Other films coming out in December:

• Hyde Park on Hudson (December 7)
• In Our Nature (December 7)
• Playing for Keeps (December 7)
• Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary (December 11)
• Any Day Now (December 14)
• Save the Date (December 14)
• Amour (December 19)
• Monsters, Inc. 3D (December 19)
• Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D (December 21)
• Jack Reacher (December 21)
• The Impossible (December 21)
• This Is 40 (December 21)
• Parental Guidance (December 25)
• Promised Land (December 28)
   

Which movies do you want to see this month?

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(Posters via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6)

Movies I Want to See (December 2011)

I love watching movies and I'm always excited about the next crop coming up. The last month of 2011 looks like it's not going to disappoint.

Sleeping Beauty

 

In this Australian erotic film, Emily Browing plays Lucy who is willing to be put to sleep while men, let's say, admire her physically. It looks both intriguing and terrifying. What is really going on while she sleeps? (December 2)

New Year's Eve

An esemble movie about New Year's Eve. I'm not sure how great this will be with all of the plot lines, but we'll see. (December 9)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Gary Oldman plays a retired M16 agent looking for a mole within the British secret service. Not only am I interested in who the mole is, but I can't wait to find out if Oldman will be nominated for an Oscar. Fingers crossed! (December 9)

Carnage

How great is this poster? I think it shows perfectly what's going to occur in the movie: two sets of parents start out nice and civilized and slowly become angry and hostile. I wonder who's going to throw the first punch. (December 16)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

No explanation needed honestly. It's Roberty Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprising their roles as Holmes and Watson respectively. I'm also interested in seeing Noomi Rapace in this. Looks like a fun ride! (December 16)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Daniel Craig as Blomkvist and Rooney Mara as Salander in the American version of the film. At first I was wary when I heard it was being re-done in the U.S., but now I can't wait to watch it. Will there be differences from the Swedish version? I guess we'll find out. (December 21)

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

This poster is simply amazing. The hints of gray and blue and the fact that he's covering his face makes it somber. Those who have read the book, like me, will know why that is. I can't wait to see if the movie will be as fantastic as the book. I think it will be. (Limited December 23, wide January)

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Since I've seen all the previous Mission Impossible movies, I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in seeing this one. The premise looks promising since Ethan Hunt's team is now suspected of bombing the Kremlin and they are on their own. It actually looks good. (December 23)