The Hill Farm

I'm starting off the new year quietly, with a nod to my simpler self (the one that wants to raise chickens, live in the woods and sell plum pierogies by the side of the road).

So if things are feeling a bit too hurried or stressful, sit down and watch The Hill Farm. It will definitely slow things down and make you appreciate your uncomplicated side.

Only 402 Days Until The Great Gatsby!

When I was in middle school, I had to read The Great Gatsby, then watch the film adaptation. At the time, I was unimpressed, probably because a 13-year-old generally won't find much to admire in melodrama and Mia Farrow. Not to mention the fact that this 1920's period piece was hopelessly and incurably 1970's. Soft focus, big curls and Disco couture were and never will be Deco.

Photos: Kute Clothes, Velvet Muse

Today, I wait with bated breath for the upcoming Baz Luhrmann adaptation. Sure, a remake is generally never as good as the original, but the fact that Luhrmann is directing and producing makes me certain that I'll love this film for its aesthetic alone.

Photo: Jezebel

Just check out Gemma Ward as Catherine Wilson! Catherine's a bit part in The Great Gatsby, but if Gemma looks this lovely in her role, I can't wait to see how Luhrmann will portray the lavish party scenes. This film is guaranteed to be a Deco-lover's paradise. And it doesn't hurt that Leonardo DiCaprio will be playing Jay Gatsby opposite the precious Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan.

Is it Christmas 2012 yet?

The Age of Deliciousness

In general, my taste in podcasts is pretty low-brow. I'm an easily amused individual who isn't as well-read or bookish as she ought to be, considering having two degrees (one in writing). But hey, my strong suit is design, not rocket science, so I won't let it get me down too much.

I will say, though, that I'm a huge fan of The History Chicks. Their podcasts cover a variety of female historical figures from Marie Antoinette to Helen Keller, covering the little tidbits about their lives that I love to hear. I covet details, and this podcast has them all. Last week I listened to an older episode I'd skipped over, which was a minicast covering Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence and Scorcese's film adaptation of the novel. The podcast inspired me to re-watch the film, since the last time I'd seen it was sometime in middle school.

And what details there were! Just take a gander at all that film has to offer. I won't even go into the story - you'll just have to see it for yourself, but the costumes were downright delectable.