Thursday Tunes: Chennai Express

Last week we went to the opening night of the Bollywood film, Chennai Express.  It was a lot of fun.  Bollywood films tend to have bright colors and lots of music and dancing (that sometimes has little to nothing to do with the film...).  The third song (below) has a dancer who was not part of the film other than this song.  Oh, and the actors are all lip-syncing - but it's all so colorful and fun!

Cream Patisserie Cake Carrier

I think I saw this in Country Living, but I think it's sweet: a French cake carrier from World Market.  My beginning French class is beginning in a couple of weeks, so this is some fun inspiration.

Sky Lanterns

Sky lanterns are so beautiful, but they worry me.  I found some that are eco friendly, but I'm thinking that they would still pose a fire hazard...  They look so magical, though!

Wisconsin State Fair Cream Puffs

I know I've mentioned these before, but the Wisconsin State Fair has the best cream puffs ever...

Friday Featured Art: Jay Paul Bell

I recently learned of a local artist named Jay Paul Bell.  His landscapes of northern Illinois are spot on.  This is pretty much exactly what it looks like around here.

Thursday Text: DK Eyewitness Travel

My favorite travel guides are the DK Eyewitness Travel books.  They have tons of pictures, of course.  Some of them are fascinating cutaways of buildings and other sites.  The information is not as detailed as other guides, but you can always go to the web after seeing something of interest.

Chevron Cardigan

We had a couple of days last week that almost felt like fall was on its way.  (Now it's feeling like summer again...)  I was inspired by this cute chevron cardigan from Lands' End (until I saw the price - I'll have to wait for a sale!).

Jaarsma Bakery

During my travels out West and back, I passed through Pella, IA.  It's a fun Dutch town, complete with an authentic bakery.  Jaarsma Bakery sells traditional treats like these almond crispies.  They also have gifts, like these cute Delft windmill earrings that I bought (I found this picture online - not sure why it's showing up sideways...).

Friday Featured Art: Greater Love Hath No Man

I was fascinated by this painting when I saw it in the Ensign.  Casey Childs is working on a diptych of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.  This half is finished and is called Greater Love Hath No Man.  It depicts the scene in the bedroom of Carthage Jail.  The other half will show the scene outside the door.  I spent time at Carthage last month, so I find this portrait especially riveting. 

Thursday Tunes: The Piano Guys

Have you seen The Piano Guys?  They are incredible.  I especially like the piano-cello songs.  I was going to embed the Code Name Vivaldi (Bourne Soundtrack) song, but it wouldn't let me.  So here's the link, and here's a picture: