Here Comes the Boom: A Movie Review

On the way home from Italy, I needed a little pick me up as our romantic vacation was coming to an end. Here Comes the Boom was the perfect choice to lift my spirits. Kevin James is the epitome of good, clean humor in my humble opinion. I have yet to see a film or show with him as a character that I did not find funny. He is pure genius. And he can make a wacky story-line into a great comedy.

A worn out and unmotivated teacher, Scott Voss (James), hates his job more than most. The principal (Germann) is a real pain the arse and does nothing but cut, cut, cut budgets. But when the music teacher, Marty (Winkler), reveals that his wife is expecting and the school is cutting his job, Voss cannot bear to stand by and watch. So he pledges to raise $50,000 before the end of the school year to save Marty's job. Unfortunately his tutoring gig isn't contributing much extra dough so he sets out to become an MMA fighter. A loss gets him a few thousand bucks so he figures getting knocked out is better than teaching English to immigrants. As the story unfolds, Voss restores a sense of pride and respect into his students, the school, and his crush Bella (Salma Hayek).

Here Comes the Boom is a reminder to us all that we can make a difference, big or small, in the lives of others. We simply need to give ourselves and others a chance.


 

Playing for Keeps: A Movie Review

A major perk of flying internationally is the ability to catch up on movies that I haven't gotten around to seeing...either in the theater or at home. Imagine that, someone with a baby doesn't get to watch movies as much anymore?!

On the way to Italy, I decided to watch Playing for Keeps as opposed to get sleep on this 8 hour trek. A romantic-comedy starring Gerard Butler and Jessica Biel Mrs. Timberlake about a washed up ex-pro soccer player who relives his glory days on the field coaching his son's team. Known as a ladies man, George (Butler) encounters a few yellow cards along the way to winning the mother of his child's, Stacie (Biel), heart back. Filled with wit and charm plus a taste of competitive nature, Playing for Keeps is a sweet story that makes you realize it is never too late for love.

Music Mondays: Adelaide's Favorite Jam

Heard this tune & saw the video at a cafe in Italy...currently Adelaide's favorite jam to shake it to!

Italy 2013: Museo Ferrari

Before we left for Italy, my dad mentioned that it was a must for us to go to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. I casually dropped a hint to Ryan on our way to the airport...but sneaky him had already planned for us to go there on our last day. Now most people girls aren't interested in cars. But growing up in the car business AND with a dad who has a certain affection for sports cars, I was super pumped to see the life-line of Ferraris. Ryan, of course, was beyond thrilled to get a little man-time in on our trip.

We worked up such an appetite viewing salivating over the Ferraris that we headed into Florence one last time to grab an early dinner. Pizza in the center of town nonetheless.

And no trip to Italy anywhere would be complete without a bit of retail therapy if you will. On our second to last day, we had a "free" day to wander around so I hit up The Mall where all Italian designers are 30-70% off...yes I'm talking Gucci, Prada, Valentino. You might spy a Gucci bag...I treated myself to a pair of black riding boots as well as a Furla handbag. 

We had an amazing trip. A week of rest & relaxation as well as adventure & culture, food & wine, love & romance. I highly recommend Italy to any travelers out there who are looking for the perfect vacation with a variety of activities. There is something for everyone in Italy ;)

Italy 2013: Cinque Terre

Sunday we had another early rise as we ventured down to Florence to hop on our bus and headed to the Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera. You have most likely seen photos of this glorious place on Pinterest. It is made up of five villages: Monterossa al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, & Riomaggiore. Each village is unique and beautiful all of its own. 

We were dropped in Manarola to walk around the town with picturesque views from the start. Then we boarded the train to Corniglia where we enjoyed lunch (after hiking up 350 stairs). The intimate restaurant overlooked the sea and was complete with a delicious assortment of Italian seafood.

After lunch, we hiked from Corniglia to Vernazza. The terrain was slightly muddy due to the rain from the previous day, but it was great to work up a sweat and burn some calories in the sunshine. Once we arrived in Vernazza, I decided to take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea to cool off. And yes it was cool!

Next we trained it to Monterossa and downed a glass of vino to refresh from the hike & swim. In a rush to get to Riomaggiore, we sprinted back to the train station and hopped aboard. With all of the walking we could handle for the day complete, our entire group parked it at a bar overlooking the Mediterranean and enjoyed a few glasses of vino & antipasta. It was the perfect ending to a fabulous day.

The Cinque Terre is a must see in Italy. You could theoretically stay there for a week and hop from town to town. But at the very least, for a day, go see the beauty of "the five lands."

Italy 2013: Tour of Tuscany

Saturday we awoke bright & early to get into Florence by 8am. We had an all day tour of Tuscany which included three gorgeous cities: Siena, San Gimignano, & Pisa. The weather was not too cooperative, but we managed to lift our spirits with lots of cappuccino, vino, & chocolate croissants. 

We started out in Siena where they host a version of the Kentucky Derby circa 1930's. Apparently it is mayhem there in July & August. Our guide kept explaining that she knows it is crazy for people to get so excited about a horse race...I didn't think it was crazy at all ;) We also enjoyed solace in the Duomo while it poured rain for basically the entire time we were walking the city. Beautiful inside from the ornate flooring to the crafted doors. The beauty of the churches in Italy amaze me.

Next up we visited a local farm just a few steps from San Gimignano. We had a brief tour of the property before sitting down to an organic lunch with new friends. The vino was flowing to keep everyone warm and conversation was sweet amongst our fellow travelers. 

After lunch we headed into the medieval-walled down where hail made for an exciting adventure as well as an excuse to shop! The entire town is surrounded by walls, much like the country San Marino on the eastern coast of Italy. They also have a gelateria which serves the best gelato in the world. Just ask Ryan.

Lastly we ventured to Pisa...you know the city with the leaning tower. There are three main attractions at the tourist square: the tour, the duomo, & the baptisery. We opted for a few snapshots of the Leaning Tower of Pisa (it really does lean) and to hear a demonstration at the Baptisery. It was incredibly neat to hear a whisper turn into a musical song. 

Despite the weather, we had a great time seeing beautiful cities with such bright character & rich history. If you are ever in Tuscany, be sure to check out these little gems along the way!

Italy 2013: Florence

**Disclaimer: nothing I write, nor pictures I post will do justice the much needed, perfection of a trip to Italy that we had; however I will do my best to capture some of our favorite moments here for your enjoyment!

For my 30th birthday celebration, Ryan surprised me with a trip to Italy. I was given a card back in February (the 18th to be exact) with a little riddle leading me to the conclusion that we were headed to Tuscany. Those were all of the details I was given.

Fast forward to last week and we were off for 9 days of adults-only adventure in Europe. We trekked to Florence via trains (home to Grand Central), planes (Alitalia to Rome), and automobiles (Ford Kuga to Montegufoni). We arrived at our beautiful Castello di Montegufoni with breath-taking views of the countryside almost a day after leaving the U.S.A. Our first day was spent relaxing, unpacking, and catching up on some much needed sleep.

The next morning we awoke refreshed and ready to take on Italy. We zipped down to Florence and wandered the cobblestone streets before landing at a pizzeria for lunch. After lunch we made our way past the Duomo and over to the Piazzo Vecchio. We may have stopped to have a look at the map where I was so delicately tapped in the back with a mini-Fiat. Typical Italian driver tourist mishap I guess!

Then we spent the afternoon riding Vespas through Florence, up to the Piazza dei Pitti, and through the countryside. Gorgeous views of the entire city as well as the back roads of the petite Italian neighborhoods. Not to mention a thrilling experience of driving like a local. We enjoyed antipasta & wine in a tucked away spot thanks to our guide Julian to complete our day.

Friday we decided to get our history on by spending the morning at the Gallerie dell' Accademia which features the Statue of David by Michaelangelo as well as some other amazing statues and pieces of art. After a long lunch of salade caprese, pizza, and cappuccino, we learned more history of Florence from our tour guide at the Galleria degli Uffizi. Featuring several pieces by artists in the Renaissance period including Botticelli's The Birth of Venus which was my favorite. The story of the Medici family who came to rule Florence for many centuries was intriguing and enhanced the experience of the arts.

The Birth of Venus

We concluded the evening with a very romantic dinner at La Giostra. Recommended by our friends Elizabeth & Barry, we made a reservation for early evening. Greeted by rustic decor and mood-lighting, we shared an intimate dinner for two lost in our own little world. The food was beyond delicious as was the wine. The setting allowed for great conversation and dreaming for our future adventures which was something that we desperately needed. Definitely a must do if you are ever in Firenze (Florence to the locals ;) ) especially to rekindle the love flame in your relationship!

Next up: Tour of Tuscany!