Posts
Must See no.1:
A friend and I have been plowing through the Masterpiece Theatre version of Emma this past week and I can't help but share how much I love this series. It's incredibly well done on many levels--cinematography, costumes, choice of actors/actresses, etc. It's much better than the condensed Gwyneth Paltrow version, and I am a huge Gwyneth fan so that's saying something. We finish up the last hour on Monday night and I can hardly wait. Just wait until you catch a glimpse of Mr. Knightly :) Grab some friends, host an impromptu tea party, and get ready for a an evening of worthwhile entertainment.
You can rent it on Netflix here or buy the 2 DVD set in the PBS shop here.
Must See no.2:
Ever since I viewed Food, Inc., I find myself constantly thinking about the issues presented in the film and how important they are to each of our lives...and not just in a food-sense. I have a greater desire to be in control of my life, what I feed my family, and who I am supporting monetarily. Awhile back, just shortly after watching the film with my husband, we made some changes in our household and I wrote about them in this post. Basically it sums up how to eat responsibly on a budget. Anyway, regardless of whether or not you make changes, or what changes you make, I believe very person who eats food made here in the US should watch this film.
If you subscribe to Netflix, you can add it to your queue or watch it instantly here.
and a Must Read:
Oh my goodness I finally finished In Defense of Food this week! I've tried to finish the last chapter for months now. Things have been so incredibly hectic upon concluding the renovation of La Maisonnette that I've hardly had any downtime. However, there's nothing like feeling under the weather to create a little downtime :) It's a great excuse to catch up on the books piling up on your nightstand! I enjoyed Michael Pollan's straightforward approach to getting back to basics when it comes to food. While it makes you realize how far we've strayed from simple rules of nutrition, it encourages and motivates you with simple techniques to quickly get back on track. I appreciated ending the book with added knowledge that did not make me feel overwhelmed.
You can find a copy of the book here or likely at your local public library.
What are some of your "Must-Reads" or "Must-Sees"? I've love to know...
All three are perfect recommendations! Merci!
ReplyDeleteAlong the lines of In Defense of Food, I'd also recommend Kingsolver's Animal Vegetable Miracle (one of my favorite books ever), Dan Buettner's The Blue Zones, and T. Colin Campbell's The China Study. All excellent books that have substantially impacted the way our family eats.
ReplyDeleteAnd j'adore My Life in France, but I'm sure you've read that!
A oui Rachael, it's wonderful!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.stephmodo.com/2009/07/julias-life-in-france.html
food inc was amazingly eye opening...it is crazy all of the GMO food that is available on the shelves at the grocery store. it should be required viewing by everyone.
ReplyDeleteloved in defense of food too.
oh, and i can't wait for jamie olivers new show!
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI heard an interview with Michael Pollen on Utah's NPR radio show, Radio West a few months ago. Did you hear it? He said some things that were so spot on that I actually went back and listened to it again, taking notes! My favorite quote:
“If you go back and look back…you find there was a reservoir of wisdom, our manners, language, good sense called culture….Culture is just a fancy word for your mom Mom’s have lost their confidence in modern culture." So true.
Regarding Food, Inc. there is an interesting article concerning monsanto and seed prices in the nytimes today.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/business/12seed.html?sudsredirect=true
I keep hearing about Food Inc. I'm almost scared to watch it! I know I need to...ok next, i'm going to my netflix. I'm excited to see Emma! Especially if you liked it better than the Gwyneth Paltrow version.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, I don't know you personally but I feel like I do. I have made similar post on my blog...We are in sync girl! I enjoy your blog immensely. Thanks for the constant inspiration.
ReplyDeleteElena
I loved Emma! I have had "In Defense of Food sitting by my bed for over a year...it is still on my to read list. I am very curious about Food Inc. as well.
ReplyDeleteI also loved that Masterpiece Theater Emma. All of their stuff this season is fantastic. But I still love the Gwyneth version a tiny bit more. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for books, you should really jump on the bandwagon and read The Help. It really is a great little book.
I second your opinion of Emma...I loooove, looove this version. I ate it up!! Food Inc. freaked me out. I'm a bit of a conspiracy theorist and this didn't help. Makes me want to farm myself for our family.
ReplyDeletejennifer
I recently bought that version of Emma at Costco for $25 ($10 less). This movie has become one of my favorites! My husband even watched it with me (and then my 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son!). I had that same idea recently to host a "girls' night" to watch it. :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I have to say it must be something in the air... I just finished watching the new Masterpiece Theatre version of "Emma" last night too! (Um, for the second time this week.) Simply so lovely. Planning to do an entire 'National Jane Austen: Emma' blog week... next week or the week after. Want to join in the fun?
ReplyDeleteRight after I watched food inc, I went to get that book and yes- I'm constantly thinking about my food choices! It's a good thing...
ReplyDeleteJohnny Lee Miller as Mr Knightley was indeed a perfect choice.
ReplyDeleteYou must read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The attention it's getting lately is well-deserved.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to check out this version of Emma! It sounds fantastic.
kendallsimmons.blogspot.com
After Cherilee's post re: Michael Pollan, I went straight to Amazon.com and ordered "In Defense" (done), "Food Rules" (done but look thru it almost daily!), "The Omnivore's Dilema" (1/2 done) and his book geared towards kids PLUS "Food Inc" all for less than $40 - wow! So you've convinced me that this weekend's viewing will be "Food Inc". We've made very big changes around here too and there is no going back. I'll have to wait til hubbie is out of town before I hit "Emma" :)
ReplyDeleteI watched Food Inc. & there were so many moments where I was so angry. It's such an eye-opening doc & everyone should watch it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kendall - read "The Help". It's fabulous! I just watched the entire Emma miniseries last week - I preferred it to the Gwyneth version because it detailed more of the story (just like I cannot stand the new Kiera Knightley version of Pride & Prejudice).
ReplyDeleteI think anything Masterpiece Theater is pretty solid!
I read both Pollan books and watched Food, Inc. They make me overwhelmed because it feels like something that is too big to change. I look forward to going back and reading your post about eating healthy on a budget.
I loved that version of Emma as well. (I am pretty much a Masterpiece Theater junkie.) I wasn't prepared to like it so much because I loved the Gwenyth version as well but this exceeded it.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the recent version of Northanger Abbey? One of Jane Austen's books I wasn't as familiar with and the show was really well done. With an adorable cast.
I thought that this Emma was really good too. Food Inc. was hard to watch, but was really good. We already are Real Food folks at our house, but it made such a difference for my sister. It has revolutionized her world!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved the new version of Emma. I finished watching the episodes last week and I just keep thinking about it. It was so lovely in every way.
ReplyDeleteIn Defense of Food is on my to-read list for this month. I've heard such good things about it and I'm glad to hear you liked it too.
And thank you for the other movie recommendation. I'll have to get ahold of that one. It definitely sounds like something I'd be interested in.
I loved the new Emma. Romola Garai had such energy. The only drawback was that they stretched it out over three whole weeks, when I was eagerly anticipating each next installment! (And I'm about to start Omnivore's Dilemma. In Defense of Food is next on the list!)
ReplyDeleteI saw Food Inc. a year ago in a small indie theater when it first came out. I still think about scenes from that movie sometimes.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well at La Maison:)
Oh, that Emma was perfection. Did you see Mansfield Park (not the BBC version, but the movie theater one from about 9 years ago?) The actor who plays Mr. Knightley was also the romantic lead in that. Such a cutie.
ReplyDelete(this is Lynne - didn't realize that I was logged in under my husband's name :) )
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info - I love not wasting my time on trash.
ReplyDeleteRecently when I was sick, I REALLY enjoyed 'Under the Greenwood Tree' instantly on Netflix. Its a clean and fresh love story from long ago. Give it a try!! love~ali
I saw The Young Victoria this weekend and absolutely loved it. For any Emma lovers, it's right up your alley!
ReplyDeleteanne
Not raelly along the same lines, but another AMAZING documentary to check out is "The Cove," which also just one an Oscar. (Wahoo!) Plus, it's available at Redbox.
ReplyDeleteall of yours are on my must-experience. included is dr. frankl's must-read man's search for meaning. It's a short read, but life changing.
ReplyDeleteBack in 2008, Masterpiece theater did a bunch of Jane Austen movies. All of the ones done by Andrew Davies (he did the 1996 Pride and Prejudice) are worth seeing. I especially liked the Sense and Sensability he did. While I loved Emma Thompson's, this one is truer to the book.
ReplyDeleteisn't that Emma version fabulous! so different than others i've seen. and i LOVE Michael Pollan's books. Omnivore's Dilemma was great as well - his books make me want to rotatill my whole yard and plant a ginormous garden! I still have yet to see Food Inc., but that is on my to-do list. Kingsolver's book was terrific too. With yummy recipes, even!
ReplyDeleteon a different note, have you read North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell? she was a peer of Austen, so her novel is set in a similar time, but MUCH different. the movie is fabulous! (and is about 4 hours long! but once you start watching, you can't stop!)
other recent faves of mine:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett,
Three Cups of Tea and Stones Into Schools, both by Greg Mortensen,
The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, both by Suzanne Collins, and
Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado.
Enjoy!
I loved Food Inc. I was already semi-vegan and it just pushed me to get rid of meat forever and I have been meat free ever since.
ReplyDeleteMichael Pollan's book is brilliant. I've yet to see Food Inc - will add it to my to watch list.
ReplyDeleteTo round it out, I recommend adding "Just Food". We too have made changes based on Food, Inc. After the hog slaughter scene, I have been unable to purchase commercial pork. I stand in the bacon isle and all I can see is the horrific way those pigs die. Great post, Steph.
ReplyDelete