The Queue: Books + Films for May

by Brooke

Books for May

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers—and I couldn't help but throw some great floral arranging books in the mix this month. The Martha Stewart title has been a go-to for many years for me, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the newly-released book (#1) by Ngoc Minh Ngo and one of the gals behind Little Flower School. These four books are a great place to start if you want to try your hand at learning the art of floral arranging—from formal to more natural and loose styles, you can get a great idea of where to start with one of these well-ranked picks below.

(1) Bringing Nature Home by Ngoc Minh Ngo and Nicolette Owen (2) Jane Packer's Guide to Flower Arranging
(3) Arranging Flowers by Martha Stewart (4) Flowers for the Home by Grayson Handy and Tracey Zabar

Films for May

Given that I've had flowers on the mind lately, I also thought of 4 films that feature flowers in the storyline. From Meg Ryan's character receiving daisies from her suitor/nemesis in You've Got Mail, to Eliza Doolittle as a flower girl in London, it's funny how flowers work their way into such memorable parts of the movies we see. 

(1) The Wizard of Oz — While on their way to the Emerald City, Dorothy and her entourage encounter a large poppy field directly in front of them which has been conjured up by the Wicked Witch of the West to prevent them from entering the city. Both Dorothy and the Lion fall asleep and when their companions are unable to carry them, Glinda sends a snowfall which kills the poppies and stops their power, enabling Dorothy to waken.

(2) You've Got Mail — One of the most classic of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' love stories, in my book. And the daisy scene us priceless. Kathleen Kelly: "I love daisies." Joe Fox: "You told me." Kathleen Kelly: "They're so friendly. Don't you think that daisies are the friendliest flowers?" Joe Fox: "I do."

(3) To Catch a Thief — I watch this film of Alfred Hitchcock's whenever I am missing France and warm weather, and the flower market that Cary Grant is chased through is beautiful and reminds me of the big flower markets in Paris. The abundance of so many flowers (and the huge amounts he plows through while being chased) is incredible.

(4) My Fair Lady — Though I've mentioned this movie before in a previous month's recommendations, I couldn't leave it out when it comes to movies and flowers. Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle is not to be missed. The small little bouquets she sells outside are charming and simple, and her spirit and personality are infectious.

The Queue: Books + Films for April

by Brooke

With garden planting on the mind and some dietary changes in the works, I wanted to share 4 cookbooks I've been turning to more and more, as I integrate more fruits and veggies into meals. These are also great cookbooks to turn to if you're part of (or are planning on being a part of) a local CSA, like Sarah mentioned a few weeks ago. Sometimes you'll get your box of food and see a whole lot of one thing and wonder what in the world you can make it into and not get sick of it. I've used all 4 of these books over a span of a few years and have been happy with the recipes and results. 

For films, I picked 4 feel-good movies being released soon. They all have great previews and cover the gamut from religious to food, and from salmon fishing to ballet. There are some great films hitting the theaters now through these next couple months. 

Books for April:

The first thing you should know about Culinary Artistry is that it's not a cookbook per se—and you shouldn't be put off by the fancy title, either. What this book is, is a down and dirty approach to learning how to compose dishes. My two favorite parts of the book are the lengthy sections, broken down by ingredient, outlining "Food Matches Made in Heaven" and "Seasoning Matches Made in Heaven". This is great for any cook, because you can improvise as you cook and by consulting the entry on a certain ingredient, you can know exactly which other types of food or seasonings complement it. It's a keeper.

The other 3 cookbooks are pretty straightforward and I love them for their narrow topic: just fruits and vegetables. Cooking from the Garden is a great compilation of easy recipes that are broken down by things fresh from the market or garden—shallots, basil, okra, radishes, etc. The two Chez Panisse cookbooks are divided by ingredient and are full of tasty recipes like Raspberry Souffles, Grilled Salmon with Citrus Sauce, and Roasted Tomato Sauce. 

(1) Culinary Artistry (2) Cooking from the Garden (3) Chez Panisse Fruit (4) Chez Panisse Vegetables

Also noteworthy: The Food Matters Cookbook by Mark Bittman and Recipes from an Italian Summer by Phaidon.

Films for April: 

Click the links below to view the preview for each film shown here.

(1) Jiro Dreams of Sushi in theaters now (2) First Position in theaters May 4th (3) We Have a Pope in theaters April 6th (4) Salmon Fishing in the Yemen in theaters now

The Queue: Books + Films for March

by Brooke

The inklings of spring are finally arriving and hope of warmer (and longer) days is on the horizon. Here in North Carolina flowers and trees are budding and our neighbor's magnolia tree is in full effect, which has led to an interior flurry of rearranging rooms and starting some intense spring cleaning. I've also been thinking about the importance of having creative space and setting aside the time to be creative—whether it's writing, cooking, music, or art. One of my favorite reminders of the importance of creativity is here. 

Books for March: 

This month, I though I'd share 4 memoirs by or biographies about creative people. Over the past year, there have been quite a few great books released by actors, writers and artists. Diane Keaton's acclaimed new book shares the story of dealing with the eventual death of her mother. I haven't finished it yet, but some of the passages where she shares exceprts of her mother's journals are inspiring. Then there's a family memoir by the epic Joan Didion*, as well fun insights by Cary Grant's daughter into their life together, and an interesting biography following the rise of Georgia O'Keefe.

(1) Then Again by Diane Keaton (2) Good Stuff: A Reminiscence of My Father, Cary Grant by Jennifer Grant (3) How Georgia Became O'Keefe by Karen Karbo (4) Blue Nights by Joan Didion 

*For an interesting article on this new book by Joan Didion, NY Magazine published a long article last fall about her and the tragic background of the book. 

Films for March:

Sticking with the theme of creativity, there have been a barrage of creative process and artist profile videos that I have been coming across in my blog reading. Etsy has been a fantastic resource for short films about normal people doing interesing things. I could dedicate a single, neverending post to the amazing-ness of Sophie Blackall, illustrator of Missed Connections. I also love the idea of a secret bookshop in NYC. It's fun to know there are so many creative, wonderful people in the world with fun ideas! 

Sophie Blackall:

Marionettes with Geahk Burchill:

Butch Anthony's Museum of Wonder: 

Brazenhead Books: 

The Queue: Books + Films for February

by Brooke

It's official. Whether you're into Valentine's Day or not, February is already here. When I sat down a couple weeks ago to think about which books and films I would recommend for February, it was easy peasy: Paris and Audrey Hepburn. Paris, because it's not only the City of Lights, but the City of Love. And Audrey Hepburn, because who doesn't like a classy, well-dressed girl who stars with the likes of Gregory Peck and Cary Grant? 

BOOKS FOR FEBRUARY

These are 4 of my favorite books when it comes to the subject of Paris. I'm leaving out quite a few more French favorites, including David Lebovitz's A Sweet Life in Paris and A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle. The books below capture the wonderful, magical spirit of Paris and are perfect for some evening reading, I think. Paris by Julian Green has become a fast favorite. When I get homesick for France, it's books like these that hit the spot, so I hope you'll find something new that you'll like.

(1) Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnick (2) Paris by Julian Green (3) A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
(4) The Most Beautiful Walk in the World by John Baxter

FILMS FOR FEBRUARY

These are just a smattering of my favorite classics that Audrey Hepburn's been in. Breakfast at Tiffany's* is far and away my absolute favorite and I can watch over and over again and never tire of it. I've planned naming an entire barnyard of animals after all the characters in the film, to be quite honest. And does everyone who watches her zip around on a Vespa in Roman Holiday just want to wake up in that little apartment in Rome, or what?! These flicks are perfect for a night in with a loved one or friends—enjoy!

(1) Roman Holiday (2) Breakfast at Tiffany's (3) My Fair Lady (4) Charade

* A quick sidenote: Have you ever read the book by Truman Capote? It's SO different than the movie. I read it and was so surprised. I liked it, but in a different way. It's actually a sad, pithy story and I have to say that Hollywood's interpretation of it is much more rosy. Find it here. Also, if you want a fantastic read on the background of the movie (and how nasty George Peppard was to work with!) check out this book, too. Excellent stuff.

The Queue: Books + Films for January

by Brooke

BOOKS FOR JANUARY

More than a few people I know have set resolutions to read more this year and I couldn't help but think that reading a classic usually ends up on our "To Do" lists at some point in life. It's always so hard to know where to start, being that there are so many great classic reads to choose from, so I thought I'd share 8 of my favorite classics that I have read over the past year or two. It's funny how we approach reading classics—with a little bit of dread and a slight fear of boredom, most likely left over from harrowing literature assignments in school. I have to say, though, that in most every case of reading these classics I regretted that I hadn't done so sooner. 

Willa Cather's My Antonia is one of those. How have I lived without reading this story of a Bohemian immigrant coming of age on the desolate prairies of the Midwest? Cather's descriptions are intensely captivating and I'm better for having read it. James' Turn of the Screw had me biting my fingernails in suspense, while I devoured Selected Stories of O. Henry during lunch each day for a few weeks—his short stories have the most amazing twists and turns, earning him a place on my list of master storytellers. 

If you're interested in reading a classic this year, get started now so you have the year ahead of you to get through it. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the Barnes & Noble Classics series because they're so economical, but be sure to check Amazon for other options as well. 

(1) My Atonia by Willa Cather (2) The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (3) Walden by Henry David Thoreau (4) The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (5) The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (6) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (7) Selected Stories of O. Henry (8) The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

FILMS FOR JANUARY

Sylvain Chomet has fast become one of my favorite movie animators and if you haven't yet seen either of his two recent films, you are definitely in for a treat. His first full-length animated film was Triplets of Belleville, followed up by The Illusionist. (Tip: Click the links on the titles to get a description)

One of the most unique features of Chomet's films (and many other French animators) is that aside from the music, there is little or no verbal dialogue. It's incredibly creative to see how so much can be conveyed through movement and surroundings. 

For me, what also makes Chomet's animation so incredible is the tactile, hand-drawn 2D quality of it—he has a fantastic sense of humor and loves to poke fun at the perceived (and sometimes, real) difference between the French and Americans. If you poke around on the internet you might be able to watch either of the two above online, but otherwise, check Netflix, iTunes or Amazon.

There are so many great animated shorts coming out of France right lately and Fabrice Joubert did one of my favorite animated shorts, French Roast, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2010. If you (or your kids) have 8 minutes to spare, you'll love it. I promise.