Toxic Friends: Part I

If you have friends, then chances are you've been in a couple more fights with your GFs then you'd care for. But how do you know if the friendship isn't worth the trouble? Weigh in on some of these toxic friend types to decide whether you should salvage the friendship or dump it.

The Competitor: 

While some competition can be healthy in a friendship and serve as motivation to be a better person, a friend who is always competing is not healthy. This friend is often not truly happy for your accomplishments and probably cringes when she has to say "Congrats!" She is always trying to find a way to out-do and one-up you. She wants to be the first and the best in everything. She wants to have the better boyfriend, the better car, the better clothes, the better looks, the better reputation, the better lifestyle. She wants to get the boy first, graduate first, and get that shiny diamond on her ring finger first. She cares more about impressing others than being herself. And worse, she cares more about bettering you than being your friend. 

How to Deal:
Try your best to avoid competitive situations, which trigger her one-upper behavior. If you achieve some success at work, school, or in a relationship, sharing this triumph may come off as "bragging" to her... even though that's not what you intend. Since sharing these success stories contributes to her desire to outdo you, simply cut back on the story-sharing. The only way for your friend to really snap out of this behavior is for her to be truly comfortable with who she is, what she does, and what she accomplishes. Competitiveness is part of her nature. So if you value the friendship, you may just have to be able to listen to her bragging and put up with her one-upping. If you don't think you can handle that, the friendship may not be worth your happiness.

The Center-of-the-Universe:

This friend is self-absorbed, extremely needy, and melodramatic. Her problems are always the "end of the world!" and she uses you as her sounding board for every trivial schism in her life. But when you go to her with your own problems, you don't get the same treatment. She doesn't have a lot of time to listen to you and feels that your problems just aren't very important in comparison to hers. When she does listen to you, is listens only because she is waiting to speak. This type of friend can exhaust you emotionally and deplete your self-esteem. Beyond that, she sucks time and energy. You two can hardly have lighthearted fun together because she always has some catastrophe going on in her life---even though her problems themselves are usually petty. 

How to Deal:
If you want to save this relationship, you may want to bring up the problem in a non-offensive way. Casually mention that the give-and-take in your friendship is unbalanced---that she talks more about her life and her problems than you do. Also, changing how you hang out with her can be a solution. Cut back on going out to dinner, going on long car rides, and other activities that promote long conversations; she seizes these conversations and controls them with self-absorbed chatter, whining, and ranting. Instead, opt for more active situations. Playing a round of tennis or working out requires more physical activity and concentration rather than leaving room for those indulgent convos. Going to the movies will require her to be silent about her issues for at least the duration of the movie---while watching a movie at one of your houses may end up with her talking through the whole film or pausing it half way. Taking a class together (pottery, scrapbooking, dance lessons) will also take the focus off of her and put it toward having a good time together.

The Big Mouth: 

You know those intimate conversations where you mention, "This is just between us..." Well, this friend doesn't abide by that. She can't help herself and ends up passing along your secrets to others, be it her mother, her boyfriend, or other (even mutual) friends. She can't resist gossip and can't handle keeping a secret to herself. 

How to Deal:
If you want to confront her, bring up a specific situation in which you told her to keep something just between you two and she ended up disclosing it. If she apologizes, that's good. If she says that she was unaware that the information was such a big secret, you may need to rethink the way you tell her so. And next time make it very clear so that she understands you don't anyone else knowing. If she denies it or pretends she doesn't know what you're talking about, she may be incapable of changing this secret-telling pattern that has become part of her behavior. Be careful with what you tell her depending on how much you trust her. Protect yourself and what you say by being very selective with exactly what you divulge to her. Think twice about intimate conversations if you can't trust her confidentiality. 

This is the first of a three-part series on toxic friends... so there will be more to come!

Amore.

Easy No Egg, No Milk Cookies!

Today I've just been lounging around my grandparents' house reading, studying, cuddling with their dog Jackie and hanging out with my grandma.  

My grandma's the one that got me started on tea once upon a time.  She'd brew hot black tea for me when I was little.  With a pinch of sugar.  And eventually I discovered how amazing a dab of milk could be, too.  Today I brewed a bit of Addis for the two of us, but then realized that we had nothing to munch on!  And sadly, I found the  fridge to be fresh outta eggs and very low on milk.  (I'd need that milk for tea, after all!)  I didn't really feel like hitting up the grocery store.  All I wanted was some cookies, made with minimal ingredients and minimal effort. 

Luckily, a recipe came to mind.  A recipe I'd made one chilly midnight when I developed a serious cookie craving but was out of eggs, milk, butter milk, sour cream... etc.  I did happen to have the the ingredients for a nifty no egg, no milk biscuit.  The simple recipe hit the spot that night, and so I figured I'd give it another go this afternoon for me and my gram's tea.

What You'll Need:

1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons oil
1/3 cup water

What You'll Do:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Mix all ingredients together. Knead on floured board for half a minute. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick. Cut with round cookie-cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12(ish) minutes.  (Makes 8-12 biscuits.)  When you pull the biscuits out of the oven, slice them in half and add a dab of butter to each.  Jam tastes scrumptious on them, too.

They turned out so tasty and a perfect little compliment to our hot tea. I'm pretty sure that this won't be the last time I'll be making these bad boys ;)

You can find the original recipe at Cooks.com.  (I basically cut it in half since I didn't want to make too many.) 

Happy munching :)

Pretty Little Liars Featuring Hanna: A TV Room How-To!

Hanna's room is definitely the most feminine and fashion-forward of the four (and one that I have defiantely been drooling over for months now)... which isn't a surprise considering Hanna Marin is the popular, fashionable, girly girl of the clique.  Her bedroom fuses sleek modernity with fashionable luxe with perky charm... making for a Cheerful Glam look.

Hanna's color scheme brings together lots of white, beige, and gray... with a bit of pink and red, and then splashes of sunny yellow.  Her bed includes an upholstered headboard and lots of patterned throw pillows.  Her nightstands are shiny, white, and sharp-edged modern, accessorized with feminine lamps and girl favorites like pictures, magazines, and a colorful phone.

Here's my favorite item in Hanna's space: a dress form used as an inspiration board for fashion magazine scraps and clippings.

Hanna's desk doubles as a vanity.  Filled with perfumes, nail polishes, and cosmetics---all kept tidy on pretty trays---Hanna probably does more primping here than homework.  Another (smaller) mannequin inhabits the array of accessories.  A glass lamp gives light.  Flowers freshen up the desktop.  And a funky, ornate mirror tells Hanna who the fairest of them all is.  Nearby woven wicker boxes add storage.  And I love her white chair with its yellow cushion.

Hanna's room also features a second bed---a daybed that she often lounges on.  A huge canvas painted yellow hangs on the wall above as bright, cheerful artwork.  I love the pairing of pink and yellow all over Hanna's room.

Speaking of bright yellow... check out that lamp!  Its base adds a bold pop of color and visual interest to that corner of the room, hanging out among metallic picture frames.

A black and white photograph of the Eiffel Tower hangs on Hanna's wall.

Here's a close-up shot of Hanna's desktop/vanity.  She organizes perfumes on an antique mirror-top tray and keeps track of smaller cosmetics on a square lucite tray.  Just goes to show how organization can be glitzy and glamorous!

The other side of Hanna's desk features another square lucite tray, plus a lily-inspired jewelry stand.

Furniture: Hanna's room is a bit less eclectic than the other girls' rooms... all of her furniture is clean, white, and mostly modern.  For the bed you'll want to go with a headboard upholstered in a white, cream, or beige fabric.  (If you can't find one, there are tons of tutorials for this on the web.) Keep the bedding itself light and neutral.  Opt for nightstands that are sleek and white---same goes with the desk.  Rather than adding a daybed to my moodboard, I went with an armless chair for extra seating.

Pattern & Pillows:  On the bed, add a pink blanket.  Hanna's was a tie-dye floral design, but I love this hot geometric throw.  In your array of pillows, include a pink one, deep red one, and gray and yellow one.  Go with white curtains that have a bit of a pattern to them, like these trellis-printed panels.  If you can't have floral wallpaper, add floral patterns in other ways---for example, a rug or floral-printed furniture like the armchair I used.

Accessories:  Vintage dress forms aren't hard to hunt down if you really look. Antique stores, thrift and vintage shops, and Craigslist are great places to start.  Check those same places for a great, ornate mirror that you can paint pink, silver or lucite trays for your perfumes and cosmetics, plus bright colored vintage telephones to display.  Look for lamp bases that are clear glass or bright yellow.  Keep the shades simple and white.  Bring in some natural texture with some wicker storage bins or baskets.  Hang a statement-making Eiffel Tower print on your wall, as well as fashion-inspired art sketches.  A vase of flowers, pretty pink candles, and your favorite pair of pump amp up the feminine factor.

Just remember to throw in some girly, chic, and pink, accessories and pieces in your room, to transform it into a voguish and fashion-forward haven!

10 Picnics + What To Wear On Them!

With summer, blue skies, and gorgeous weather on my mind, I can't help but fantasize about going on a picnic. My mom had a lovely little picnic basket that just hasn't gotten the use it deserves.  And as of today, nobody in my life is safe from the possibility of a picnic.  Spreading out a blanket, sitting outside, talking, eating, drinking, and being merry... picnics are perfect for dates, friends, family, or even just yourself.  So here are my top ten picnic ideas and what I'd want to wear on them. 

I don't know why, but there's just something about country fields, a golden sunset, and wide open skies.  The Ethiopian Countryside is beautiful territory.  Imagine driving down a long dirt road until there are no (or few) power lines in sight.  Spreading out a cozy flannel blanket.  Unpacking a simple basket of sandwiches, chips, and lemonade.  Wearing perfectly worn-out bootcut jeans, mocs, a white blouse, and feather earrings.    Summery beauty of just bronzer and Burt's Bees.  A sweet honeysuckle perfume.  And brown aviators.  

Or maybe instead of open fields, you could steal away to the edge of the woods.  Spread out a heavy wool blanket and pack a picnic full of campfire basics: marshmallows, graham crackers, Hershey's bars, hot dogs, and more.  Dress simple and woodsy in a pair of distressed light-wash jeans, flirty coral tank, lightweight cardigan, turquoise jewelry, and flats comfy enough in case an adventure should come up.  Keep makeup light, lips glossy in the firelight, face bronzed, and lashes long.  Some grayish taupe nail polish and light fragrance adds just enough of a girly touch to the outdoorsy experience.  

Maybe you're a city slicker without access to the wilderness---or maybe you just despise the mosquitoes.  So get dolled up in a pretty mint green dress belted with a brown belt.  Wear it with tall but comfy wedges, a matching necklace, and bucket-style straw hat.  Coat your lashes with mascara and swipe on some bright red lipstick.  Hit the town in style with a light picnic lunch to be eaten on a park bench while people-watching from behind big, retro sunglasses.

Near a beach?  Spread out a luxuriously soft blanket over the sand and settle down for a light picnic supper of sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a little bubbly.  Worn cut-offs, a pretty tank, flip flops and lightweight cover-up make for an effortlessly stylish outfit that can handle a little splashing around in the tide.  Accessorize with a dainty gold necklace and big sunglasses.  Be sure to slick on sunscreen, tasty lip balm, and a spritz of lovely perfume like Burberry Body.  Paint your nails a sand-inspired shade of greige.  

For a more old-fashioned expedition, retreat into a manicured garden with a plush pastel blanket and picnic basket full of delicate finger-foods and desserts.  Girly up with a flowy sundress and shoes in an opposite color.  Keep makeup fresh and blushing---lots of pinky corals on your cheeks and lips.  Feminine accessories like pearl jewelry and pink shades complete the lovely scene.

Escape to the rooftop for this romantic picnic.  Sleek dark blue bootcut jeans streamline your bottom half all the way down to sparkly gold sandals.  On top wear a simple white tank and flowy sheer blouse with a vintage timepiece necklace.  Brush on a bit of bronzer and wear a golden-rosy lipstick.  Bread, cheese, and a flask of hot cocoa make for a classy evening enjoying the skyline.

If you don't have the ocean, hit up the lake.  Spread your blanket out at the edge of the dock.  (Or better yet, rent a small boat!)  Worn cut-off shorts, a bright turquoise top, leather jewelry, and a cozy cardigan ensure you're all sorts of summery lovely.  Wear sunscreen, bronzer, tasty chapstick, and a splash of fresh perfume.  Pack a delicious picnic that you can enjoy on the water as the sunsets.  

Picnics aren't just for lazy afternoons or sunsets.  Head out after nightfall with a plush comforter for a blanket, basket full of midnight snacks and something warm or ice cold to drink (depending on the weather), and a few lanterns with candles.  Spread out on top of a hill where city lights don't interfere with a starry night's sky. Wear a sleek pair of skinnies, black tank, comfy flats, and gray cardigan.  Paint nails an unexpected shade of merlot and be sure to wear a good-scented bug repellent.  Dark nights are perfect for a smokey eye.  Keep lips soft and natural with a balm.  You're all set to watch for shooting stars!

You may have trouble dragging a boy on this picnic more than you would the others.  But a tea-for-two picnic is perfect for you and a good girlfriend.  Wear a pretty frock, floral flats, and pearls.  Keep makeup pink and fresh, perfume flowery.  Spread out your blanket, pour some tea, snack of some bite-sized desserts, and indulge in some girl talk. 

So the seasonal (Ethiopian) rain spoiled your picnic plans?  :(  Spread out your blanket in the living room or bedroom!  Rent a movie!  And have an indoor picnic!  You can wear whatever you want and eat whatever you want.  But don't compromise on the picnic part: spread out the blanket, pack the picnic basket, and cozy up for a comfy night in.  

30 Simple Ways To Feel Happy and Beautiful

We all have those days, don't we?  Perhaps it starts off when your hair just won't cooperate or it seems like you have nothing to wear.  You feel like sliding into your sweatpants, jumping back into bed, and pulling the covers over your head---hoping to not see the light of day for just 24 hours.  Often, it comes down to something more than a bad hair day and outward appearance.  Usually, it's emotion at the core.  Sometimes you just don't feel lovely.  Sometimes you feel a little lost.  Well, consider this your special pep talk from me.  I've rounded up my favorite ways to turn that frown upside down, to turn that slouch into a strut, and to turn a lost day of feeling "ugly" into a rescued day of happiness and confidence.

1. Coffee.  Studies show (forgive me, I misplaced the source---but I've read this all over lately in several magazines) that women who drink three cups of coffee daily are less prone to feelings of depression.  So roll outta bed, put on the coffee pot, and get some java pumping through your veins.

2. Eat breakfast.  Whip yourself up something special.  Or make your regular feel special.  Make a delicious omelet or French toast.  Or eat your cereal out of a pretty porcelain bowl with the fanciest spoon from your drawer.  Make the ordinary feel a little extraordinary.

3. Get moving.  Whether you hit the gym, take a short jog, or work out a little in the comfort of your house/room... exercise gives you endorphins.  And we all know Elle Woods' wise words: "And endorphins make you happy."  I know, I know.  The thought of working out doesn't always make you happy.  But you do feel sooo good afterward!

4. Get Pretty.  When you're having an "ugly" day, it's hard to resist the urge to just go with it.  But put a little extra effort forth---not by overdoing it (we don't wanna see club makeup at class!) but by trying something new and fresh.  Put a flower clip at the base of your ponytail.  Put on some pink lip gloss.  Paint your nails a bright color.  Forget the sweatpants and reach for a sundress instead.  Wear what makes you feel good---that go-to item that always makes you feel like a million bucks.  There's never any harm in getting all dolled up.

5. Smile.  And keep smiling.  It sounds so simple and almost too good to be true.  But smile!  At yourself and at others.  It feels good when people will smile back.  And smiling just makes you feel good.  

6. Tune in.  Make a happy playlist to groove to on days where you need that extra boost.  Play it while you get around in the morning.  Sing along in the car.  Blast it in your ear buds as you walk to class.  Music can have a ginormous effect on mood, so pick your tunes wisely.  Resist the urge to match your crummy mood with slow, sad, forlorn melodies. 

7. Stop comparing.  Don't look at other girls and wish you had her hair, her outfit, her body.  Don't compare yourself to others and don't let envy seep into your mindset.  Focus on being the best possible version of yourself.  You'd be surprised at who wishes they could be walking in your shoes.

8. Satin, lace, and frills.  This one may sound silly, but slip into your prettiest, frilliest, cutest shirt.  Just for you.  Even if you feel like just throwing on a t-shirt and jeans--- amping up the frills and lacy-ness in your outfit will give you an extra boost of confidence.  So skip that over-sized shirt and slip into that lacy little pink number that makes you feel like a femme fatale.  

9. Splurge.  Treat yourself to something during the day.  It doesn't have to be something outrageous or extravagant.  An ice cream cone.  A sparkly bracelet.  A pristine new journal.  Indulging a little reminds yourself that you're special and you're worth it.  Just don't go on a shopping binge that will leave you broker and sadder than ever in the morning when you find yourself with an inflated closet and depleted bank account.

10. Straighten up. Out with the slouch! Maintaining good posture while sitting and walking with your head held high and shoulders back projects to the world that you're confident---even if you just aren't feeling it that day. Playing the part eventually rubs off on you a little and you'll start to feel the confidence creep back in.

11. Enjoy yourself.  When you start feeling really down in the dumps, take a break.  Do something you enjoy.  Pick up that pageturner and take in a chapter.  Whip up a quick craft.  Browse the campus art gallery for a few minutes. Relax under a tree on campus and people watch.

12. Give back. An instant mood booster is helping someone else out. Don't get caught up your own self-loathing so much that you forget others that may be worse off.  Help out a friend in need.  Volunteer your time and energy. Hold the door open for someone else every time.

13. Be polite. You may feel like grumbling or giving the world the silent treatment, but force yourself to at least mind your p's and q's when it comes to etiquette.  Saying "please" and "thank you" will make you appear and feel more pleasant.

14. Be nice. Make it a goal to give out 10 or 20 compliments during the day. Wondering why on earth you'd want to compliment others on a day you feel so crappy?  Believe it or not, making others feel good will in turn make you feel good.  And you'll probably get some compliments back that will boost your confidence as well.

15. Aromatherapy. Did you know certain scents can lend themselves to improving your mood?  Lavender can be relaxing and soothing if you're all stressed out and feeling frazzled.  The fragrance of mint is said to be mood-lifting.  Citrus is invigorating and energizing.  Even just spritzing on a favorite perfume can have a beneficial effect on your outlook.

16. Flower power. Buy yourself flowers. Seriously--why not? Sure, chocolates might make you happy, too... but there's something fresh and fun and wonderful about a bouquet of roses.  You don't have to invest in a fancy arrangement from the florist.  Just pick up a cheap bunch from the supermarket.  Display them in a pretty vase in your room.  It will add instant cheer, life, and loveliness to your space.

17. Don't sweat the small stuff. So what if you make a mistake?  So what if you're a little clumsy?  So what if you embarrass yourself?  Let it go.  Don't fret over it or dwell on it.  Laugh it off.  If you must, cry a little. But then move onward to bigger and better things.

18. Happy thoughts. The more positive you think, the more positive you'll feel.  (And vice versa.)  So don't fill your head with ugly thoughts---stressing about your muffin-top, your bad hair day, etc. When you're feeling down, it's more important than ever to focus on the things you love about yourself: your dimples, your big smile, your elegant neck, your well-manicured toes. Whatever little thing you love about yourself (everyone has something!) put an extra amount of importance on it on the days where your confidence needs some fluffing up.

19. Happy place. In addition to above, go to your happy place.  Visualize what makes you happy.  When you start feel the glum feelings seep in, call to mind memories of that recent beach vacation.  Recall fun times had with friends.  Picture your favorite place in the world--your room, your haven, your favorite corner of the library, or an open field.

20. Simple pleasures.  It's the little things in life that can add up to making a big difference.  So stop and smell the roses.  Don't underestimate the power of finding a quarter on the ground or having a bunny hop across your path on the way to class.  Take pleasure in the wonder and beauty of everyday life.

21. Define yourself. Don't exert yourself trying to prove yourself or your worth to others.  Don't try to fit in to their expectations of what you should be.  Instead, create yourself.  Get to know yourself and strive to be true to yourself.  When others see the love you have for yourself, they can't help but respect and love you, too.  And if they don't, well then... they don't matter.  Surround yourself with those who support and encourage you being the real you.

22. Daydream a little. There's no harm in letting you mind wander off into imagining a sweet flirt session with that cute guy from chem lab. There's no shame in looking up from your textbook to scout out the hotties in the library.  Indulge in some eye candy.

23. Heavy petting.  Apparently, petting an animal is good for the soul. It's said that petting a dog or cat can lower your blood pressure.  So if you have a pet, give it extra love and attention on your down days.  If you don't, offer to take a friend's dog for a walk or pay a visit to the pet store to adore some some bunnies and go gaga over a too-cute-for-words hedgehog.

24. Find peace. If you're feeling overwhelmed, find some quiet time.  If you're religious, use it to pray or meditate.  If you're not, use it as a moment to relax and refocus.  Repeat in your mind a mantra.  Reinforce your positive traits, your deserving of happiness, your favorite memories.  

25. Laugh.  It really is the best medicine.  (And it's a good calorie burner, too!)

26. Phone a friend. You know that friend or family member who is really a life saver---or just a mood saver in general?  Pick up the phone and dial them up.  Whether they make you burst at the seams with outlandish jokes or make you feel good about yourself by reminding you how much they miss you, take it all in.  Chat them up to feel better in no time.  (Note: texting and im'ing doesn't cut it.  Voices are best.  And in-person, if you can swing it, is even better.)

27. Bake. Cake, cupcakes, pie, cookies, whatever... put on your apron and get your Betty Crocker on.  Dessert sweetens life up, so don't keep it all to yourself.  Decorate your concoctions with frosting, sprinkles, and icing.  Share the sugar by passing out the goodies to friends and classmates.  

28. Un-plug.  Cut some of the tech ties.  Sitting for hours on your laptop, pouring over friends' tweets and status updates that make them appear to live perfect lives full of surprise birthday parties, shopping sprees, and perfect boyfriends will do little to improve your mood.  It will only cause you to compare or envy.  (And we talked all about that up above.)  

29. Get some zzzz's. Pulling all nighters and running on empty will not only cause unsightly dark circles under your eyes, but the fatigue will also wear down your mental sharpness and positive outlook. Get some sleep.  Take a power nap here and there if you need one.  It's good for your health and for your mood.

30. Remember the words of Scarlett O'Hara---"Tomorrow is another day!"  So you may be feeling a little down, a little "ugly", a little lost today.  Tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start full of new possibilities.  If you need to complain or whine a little, get it out of your system.  But start fresh in the morning.  Stand tall, smile, and think positively all over again.

And if all else fails, come to TheRandomnessOfMyQuirkyLife and hang out here a while. :)

Must-See: Letters to Juliett

Must-See: Letters to Juliet

Last Friday night I had a slumber party with a girl-friend of mine. :) It was so much fun and a much-needed girls' night. As much as I enjoy hanging out with my guy friends, a girl needs girly time. E and I fished out an old and forgotten DVD (Letters to Juliet) and watched it not once, but twice, because it was such a huge favorite of ours!

While the movie is definitely romantic, I would recommend this for you and your girl-friends as opposed to a date night. It's a chick flick. And a tear jerker... but not in the usual way. (I almost always shed a few tears during any movie.) I wept during this one. Good tears, though. Happy crying. Happy, swooning, thrilled crying.

Basically, Letters to Juliet is the story of Sophie (played by the amazingly talented and amazingly pretty Amanda Seyfried); Sophie's a "fact-checker" who aspires to become a journalist. She's engaged to a goofy, crazy, Italian guy who is getting ready to open a restaurant in NYC. She accompanies her fiance to Verona, Italy so that he can meet with suppliers. But once in Italy, they end up spending more time apart than together. He wants to meet with suppliers, sample noodles, visit vineyards, and go to auctions. She wants to explore and take in the beauty and history of the locale.

While wandering through Verona one day, Sophie ends up at the house of Juliet Capulet. (The Juliet from Romeo & Juliet.) There are lots of young women there, pouring their hearts into letters and posting the letters on a brick wall. Sophie lingers in the courtyard long after all the other young women leave. A woman comes, gathers the letters into basket, and leaves. Her curiosity getting the best of her, Sophie follows the woman and ends up meeting the Secretaries of Juliet, a handful of female writers that answer the young womens' letters about love address to Juliet Capulet.

When Sophie finds a letter in the wall from fifty years ago, she writes the woman and encourages her to find her long-lost first love. The letter reaches its original writer Claire and inspires her to leave England and visit Italy with her grandson Charlie. This begins a great adventure for Sophie as she accompanies the woman and her handsome (although difficult to get along with) grandson. The three journey through the Italian countryside in search of Lorenzo. Along the way there is laughter, tears, unexpected romance, heartbreak, and always present hope.

I loved this movie! There are so many breathtaking vistas of Italian farms and vineyards. The little Italian villages are so charming. Sophie is easy to relate to and like. Her fiance is out there... he's passionate about noodles. Claire is a remarkable and inspiring woman. And Charlie is soooo easy on the eyes... plus, he's terribly funny.

What I really love about this movie is how uplifting it was. It's definitely a feel-good romance as opposed to a heart-breaker.

Grab your girls and go see this movie... SOONLY. :)