Letters to Juliet

We watched Letters to Juliet tonight. What a nice movie. I really enjoyed it. First anything with Tuscany in it I will watch. The scenery is gorgeous. Vanessa Redgrave is in it - she does a great job. Amanda Seyfried of Big Love and Mamma Mia was also good in it. I would definitely recommend it!!

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

As you can tell from the Books by the Bed I am now reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - this is the second book in the trilogy. The first was Hunger Games which I could not put down - it was great. This second book is just as good. I know what you are thinking - not another book series - this one is definitely great - but Twilight still is the best!!

Deco Accessories

Deco
WHY IT'S HOT: Bring pizzazz to a plain shift with beaded bags, etched clutches and cone heels.

SHOP THE LOOK: (top to bottom) Rabbit fur and glass bead necklace, Sachin + Babi for Ankasa, $260; 212-966-3626. Metal clutch with crystals and semiprecious stones, Judith Leiber, $1,995; at judithleiber.com. Suede and leather beaded platform sandals, Donald J Pliner, $400; at donaldjpliner.com. Silk and crystal clutch, Moyna, $250; at moynabags.com. Suede, lizard and stingray sandals, Chrissie Morris, $1,120; 212-753-4000. Oxidized silver, Swarovski crystal and oxidized gold-leaf cuff, Soo Ihn Kim, $165; 212-675-6693.

I love old vintage, antiquey things especially deco!! instyle mag

Cozy Accessories

Cozy
WHY IT'S HOT: Snuggle-worthy materials don’t sacrifice warmth for style when paired with skinny jeans and a blazer.

SHOP THE LOOK: (from top) Mongolian lamb fur bag with metal chain, J.Crew, $395; at jcrew.com. Leather and fox-fur boots, Stuart Weitzman, $498; 303-355-2828. Suede, leather and shearling boots, Tory Burch, $325; at toryburch.com. also from instyle mag!

Pearls are Hot!!

Pearls
WHY THEY'RE HOT: Black leather and thick chains transform the demure into the daring.

SHOP THE LOOK: (top to bottom) Calfskin purse with resin pearl and metal chain, Moschino, $1,345; 212-243-8600. Metal, glass pearl and crystal necklace, Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel, $180; at leeangel.com. Satin pumps, Badgley Mischka, $200; solutionsdenim.com. Enamel, sterling silver, cultured pearl and sapphire bracelet, M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza, $1,365; at Bergdorf Goodman.

Pearls are my favorite - these are a bit pricey but oh so pretty to look at!!

Accessories you'll love right now!

Fall Tones
WHY THEY'RE HOT: Richly hued suedes and skins add a sophisticated, lush touch.

SHOP THE LOOK: (top to bottom) Snakeskin clutch, Via Spiga, $158; at viaspiga.com. Suede pumps, Geox, $150; at shopgeox.com. Suede boots, Brian Atwood, $1,355; 416-861-6251. Embossed leather belt, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $32; at Nordstrom. Suede bag with metal hardware, Roger Vivier, $2,385; 212-861-5371. Some are pricey, some are not! All from instyle mag

James MacArthur RIP

James MacArthur - the original Detective Dan Williams "Danno" from Hawaii 50 passed away this morning at the age of 72. He played Danno for 11 seasons. A little bit of trivia - he was the son of theater legend Helen Hayes and screenwriter Charles MacArthur. You might also remember him from Swiss Family Robinson.

The Speculation is Over!

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon have finally announced that they are going to have a baby!! Congratulations - she is about four months and due in the spring.

The Sound of Music-Oprah Show

The whole cast of the Sound of Music will be on Oprah today to celebrate 45 years since the movie has premiered. Can you believe it - that movie is one of my favorite movies and it is still a joy to watch!! Check out the show. I know I will.

The movie's original cast, including Julie Andews (Maria), Christopher Plummer (the Captain) and Charmian Carr (Liesl), are marking the milestone and the Nov. 2 release of the Blu-Ray edition of the beloved film, still one of the highest-grossing of all time.

These decades later it may be hard to imagine that there were doubts at the time of its release that the movie would strike such musical gold – critics found it too sweet, and its studio, 20th Century Fox, was still reeling from the massive loses of Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra. As Plummer, 80, now recalls, he himself called the movie "The Sound of Mucus".

Everybody Loves Whales

Everybody loves whales is being filmed in Anchorage, Alaska. Rumor has it that the stars of the film, Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski and his wife Emily Blunt were seen at the Moose's Tooth a pub in Anchorage, Alaska. Very interesting!!

Winter Coat Season is Upon Us

Here are some gorgeous coats for winter.

Back to the Future

We watched Back to the Future yesterday!! It was so great!! I had forgotten some of it but it brought back a lot of memories. Today the cast was in New York City for a reunion. Whitney Matheson of Pop Candy for USA Today was there. She said everyone was there (well, except for Crispin Glover): Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, director Robert Zemeckis, writer/producer Bob Gale, even Huey Lewis and Mary Steenburgen, who appeared in Part III. During the Q&A, she mentioned the big Back to the Future prop and wardrobe auction I wrote about last week. "Did you hold on to any items from the movies?" Whitney asked, thinking Michael J. Fox might have a hoverboard stuffed under his bed.

Gale noted the historic copies of USA TODAY come from his personal collection and that proceeds from the auction go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Thompson said she still has her pink prom dress. "Every Halloween my kids try it on," she said, nodding toward her two daughters in the audience.

"What I wish I had was that guitar," Fox said, adding that he thought he'd kept some Nikes from the film. "I think I'm still tired from the movie. Does that count as a souvenir?"

Lloyd kept a "yellow shirt with trains on it." Steenburgen kept a pin that said "Clara."

Said Huey Lewis: "I have nothing."

Though everyone onstage got along remarkably well and had fun reminiscing, the filmmakers were adamant that there will be no sequels, no remakes, no re-imaginings of the series.

"We love Back to the Future the way it is," Gale said. "We don't wanna screw around with the space-time continuum."

Tis the Season - Have you picked out your boots?

Here are some boots for the upcoming winter? What do you think? They are priced anywhere from 99.00 to 595.00. What are your favorites?

Babies, Babies, Babies!

It seems to be raining babies!! Matt Damon and his wife welcomed their fourth daughter - Stella Zavala Damon. Celine Dion and her husband had their twins early - two boys - both healthy but will be staying in the hospital for a few days. Congratulations to all!!

Prince William

Prince William has been in the news recently. Some say he will be getting engaged to Kate Middleton. They do make quite a pair. Can you believe that it has been 13 years since his mother Lady Diana has passed away. She was one classy,elegant woman.

Tom Bosley

Mr. Cunningham (Tom Bosley) passed away this week. He was 83 years old. Most of you will remember Tom from Happy Days where he portrayed Howard Cunningham - the patriarch of the Cunningham Family. But did you know that he had an extensive career before that show. He originated the title role of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Fiorello!, earning the 1960 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. He was also in Love with a Proper Stranger, Yours, Mine and Ours and then later on after Happy Days he was on Murder She Wrote and Father Dowling Mysteries. He was also a voice actor in many animated series. He will be sorely missed.

Breakin Dawn

I almost forgot to tell you - the cast of Breaking Dawn has descended upon Baton Rouge, LA. The principal actors, Rob, Kristen, Taylor, Kellan, Ashley, Jackson, Nikki and Mackenzie have arrived in Baton Rouge. This week is for rehearsals and camera testing. Rumor has it that the script is great!! I can't wait for November 2011.

Back to the Future

Can you believe that it has been 25 years since Back to the Future came out with Michael J. Fox and Lea Thompson - I just loved that movie. What a great idea to go back in time and then back to the future. The Delorean was also very cool!! I just might have to rent it!!

Harry Loves Lisa

I watched this show last night- The six-episode docu-soap premiered in October featuring Lisa Rinna and her heartthrob husband, Harry Hamlin. The series centers on the relationship between Rinna and Hamlin as they navigate the highs and lows of a devoted family living a hectic Hollywood lifestyle. Harry Loves Lisa brings to life the romantic notion that opposites attract as Lisa's playful spontaneity differs from Harry's more reserved demeanor. Audiences will watch as the two balance their differences in the midst of insane professional lives as working actors and entrepreneurs who are parenting two pre-teen daughters. One of Hollywood's most enduring couples, the Hamlins' contradictory personalities make for amazing chemistry, both on screen and off.

I thought it was good and very real. I have always like Harry since the days of LA Law. I enjoyed it. You should give it a try.

Breaking Dawn Casting

They have casted the covens in Breaking Dawn:

Summit Entertainment announced today the following have been cast in THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN for roles in The Amazon Coven, The Egyptian Coven, The Irish Coven and The Romanian Coven as well as the American and European Nomads as outlined below.

THE AMAZON COVEN
· The Amazon Coven is comprised of Tracey Heggins as Senna and Judi Shekoni as Zafrina.

· Among the oldest vampires in the world, Senna and Zafrina are descendants of an ancient Amazonian tribe. They have lived outside of civilization for centuries and therefore make no attempt to keep up a human facade. Though they drink human blood, the Amazons have long been allies of Carlisle.

THE EGYPTIAN COVEN
· The Egyptian Coven is comprised of:
o Omar Metwally (RENDITION, MUNICH) as Amun.
o Andrea Gabriel (Lost, House) as Kebi.
o Rami Malek (NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM) as Benjamin.
o Angela Sarafyan (LOVE HURTS, THE GOOD GUYS) as Tia.

· The Egyptian Coven consists of Amun, Kebi, Benjamin, and Tia, with Amun as the leader. It is stated that even though they are not a biological family, they could pass for one. Amun is extremely protective of his family and fearful of Aro.

THE IRISH COVEN
· The Irish Coven is comprised of Marlane Barnes (THE TREE OF LIFE) as Maggie, Lisa Howard as Siobhan and Patrick Brennan as Liam.

· The Irish Coven, a relatively young group, was founded by Siobhan and Liam, but Maggie’s talent made her an important element of it. They are not vegetarian but they are civilized.

THE ROMANIAN COVEN
· The Romanian Coven is comprised of Noel Fisher (THE PACIFIC, FINAL DESTINATION 2) as Vladimir and Guri Weinberg (MUNICH) as Stefan.

· The Romanian Coven is one of the oldest covens in the world and they were the ruling vampire family until they were unseated by the Volturi. For that reason they harbor a centuries old resentment of the Italian coven.

THE AMERICAN NOMADS
· The American Nomads are comprised of:
o Lee Pace as Garrett (Pushing Daisies, THE GOOD SHEPHERD).
o Toni Trucks (MUSIC AND LYRICS) as Mary.
o Bill Tangradi (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) as Randall.
o Erik Odom as Peter.
o Valorie Curry (Veronica Mars) as Charlotte.

· Turned during the Revolutionary War, Garrett has chosen to live a nomadic existence, wandering the world on his own. Garrett has never lost the rebellious spirit of his human life, and loves a good fight, always rooting for the underdog. Though not a vegetarian, Garrett is among Carlisle’s closest and oldest friends.

· Mary and Randall are American nomadic vampires.

· Peter and Charlotte are nomadic vampires and mates. They were created during the aftermath of the Southern Vampire Wars, in which Jasper was a key player. They have remained friends with Jasper ever since.

THE EUROPEAN NOMADS
· The European Nomads are comprised of Joe Anderson (THE CRAZIES) as Alistair

· A nomadic vampire from England, Alistair has a misanthropic, brooding personality and a deep mistrust of all authority. Although he counts Carlisle as his closest acquaintance, he doesn’t visit more than once a century.

Is there something in the water in Hollywood?

This week in Hollywood three famous couples either announced that they were separating or divorcing. First we had Laura Dern & Ben Harper - married five years, two kids. Next was Courteney Cox Arquette & David Arquette announcing their separation this week. They have been married for 11 years and have one daughter Coco. Last but not least is Christina Aguilera and her husband Jordan Bratman - they had been married five years and have a son. It is sad when someone divorces especially with children. Hopefully they can either get back together or have an amicable divorce for the children.

Doing the Dishes in Style

Here is a great pair of gloves to use in the kitchen - everyone needs a little vintage look in their kitchen.

Amy Butler switch plate

I love anything Amy Butler - and with this switch plate you can add a little pop of color.

Tommy Hilfiger 'Rooftop Terrace' Shower Curtain.

I love this shower curtain - it is so pretty - This curtain is made of cotton and is machine washable. Dimensions: 72 inches wide x 72 inches long.

I love anything green

What do you think of this chair? This Coventry Armless Nail Button Chair in Green will bring a touch of juicy color to your room. The upholstered chair features nail button trim and it is only 299.99. I like it. Do you?

Mirrored Furnishings

Elle Decor had some beautiful mirrored furnishings: what do you think? Very pricey but beautiful!!

Fall

Fall is my favorite season - from the changing leaves, the cool temperatures, wearing sweatshirts, apple picking, cider, pumpkins, apple pie you name it I just love fall.

Project Runway

I have loved Project Runway since it first started eight years ago. Yes it is the 8th season. I have loved to sew since I was in grammar school. I learned to sew in home ec - I have made a jumper, rust corduroy skirt and lined vest, a button down shirt, tee shirts, halters, and pants. I haven't made clothes in a long time. I moved on to making things for my home - table runners, placemats and napkins and curtains. I also made some cute jean purses for my nieces and friends.

Every season I watch Project Runway with jealousy - wanting to be a contestant on it. This year I especially like Mondo's clothes. His win for American Sportswear/Jackie Kennedy Look was gorgeous - he is not afraid of mixing color and patterns - nice job!

His win for High Fashion Look where they had to make two outfits - his gown was beautiful - bright sassy colors and his wearable look with just a simple black and white dress with a belt. I loved them both.

His win for the Hewlett Packard challenge where they make their own design I thought was so nice - the high waisted pants and halter top. He is not afraid to put different things together.

I can't wait until Fashion Week - hopefully Mondo will be there. I do think he is going to go all the way !!

New shows this seasons

What do you think about the new television shows this fall? I love Hawaii Five-0. I loved the original and this one is good too. How can you not like it - sand, ocean, the scenery - it is gorgeous. The chemistry between Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan is great - reminds me of the Odd Couple. We also watched Nikita. That is also good.

Some of my other shows came back. I love the Good Wife with Juliana Marguiles and Chris Noth- that is a very well written show. I also enjoy Parenthood - one of my favorite actresses - Lauren Graham (Lorelai from the Gilmore Girls!) is on that one.
Chuck was renewed from last year. We enjoy that one also.