Movie Monday!

If you haven't seen it, you should! One of the funniest movies ever, and is actually pretty touching with its portrayal of friendship.

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Foto Friday

I can't resist.

How can this not bright up your day? Have a great weekend!

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Thoughtful Thursday: stop and smell the roses

I definitely believe in this quote.  I think it's the little things that make life worth living.  I hug from your best friend, a kiss on the forehead from the love of your life, the way grass blows in the wind, watching snow fall on a window.  These are things that make you stop and think "Life is beautiful."

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Wonder Wednesday: Rainy Days

So here's to starting a blog schedule here =) Wonder Wednesdays!

I used to really hate rainy days. A lot of the time, they gave me headaches or made me just bleh-feeling. But I've suddenly really began to like them. Especially waking up with rain hitting my window. It's just the perfect weather to use as an excuse to watch movies, read, or spend your time however you prefer. How can you not love these days?

Below are some pictures just for these kinds of days =)

You can finish that book that's been sitting on your bedside table for three weeks

You have an excuse to finally wear your Hunter boots =)

You finally have time to start knitting that scarf!

You could go to a cafe and have really good conversation with an old friend

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Schedule =)

So here is a blogging schedule I'm going to follow from now on here!  Hope you guys like it!

Movie Monday- Reviews on movies, documentaries, and shows
Timely Tuesdays- Blogs on different, inspirational time eras
Wonder Wednesday- Random!
Thinking Thursday- Quotes, inspiration, and reflection
Foto Friday- Simple photo to make you smile =)

Life in a Day

I just finished watching the documentary "Life in a Day" on Netflix and wow, it hit me.  So I had to say something about it.

The film asked for submissions from people around the world to document their life on July 24, 2010.  It's interesting, because if someone asked me what this film was about, I don't know what I'd say.  I'd just say to watch it.  It's extremely difficult to explain a feeling a powerful film gives you, and it's even more enticing that this film was powerful with such a simple concept-- a day in the life.

First, it's very eye-opening.  Watching all of these different cultures is just a reminder that there's a big world out there.  People are going about their lives right now in China, to the South Pacific, to Poland.  I know we all know this, but seeing it right there in front of you is an entirely different and moving thing. 

Second, I really liked how the film was put together.  It takes you throughout the day from morning to night switching between people.  The filmmakers also asked very simple questions for people to answer in their submissions, which allows us to be a part of the people's minds in a more profound way.  But simply following someone's day really makes you feel connected to them, even if they aren't saying anything.

Just wanted to say that I highly recommend this documentary, it was fantastic!

Finding Cinema

So the reason I wasn't posting much this week is because I went on vacation (which was so much fun) and then filmed a music video with Finding Cinema.  I began working with Finding Cinema last summer when I auditioned for them for a short film called "Colorfree."  This weekend was so much fun, so I thought I'd share some of my time with you guys!

This still is from "Conversations," a mini series produced by Finding Cinema.  We're just about to finish filming the last episode of the first season!

This is a still shot from "Colorfree" =)

Another from "Conversations."

This was taken this weekend during the music video shoot.  I played Cupid!

This is a cool shot of Cupid's necklace from the shoot =)

So there you go! Be sure to check out Finding Cinema's site and I'll keep you guys updated on the projects!

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Real Life Fantasy

Castle <3

Film Festivals

And it's Monday.

Good thing is, I'm going down the shore this week!  So yes, it's Monday, but the start of a great week.  What does everyone have planned?

So I know I'm on a bit of a movie kick, but one of my favorite things right now (and in general) are film festivals.  Reasons I love them?

1. There is just no where else where you can watch short films on a big screen.
2. The amount of creativity in the films.  You can't find it in mainstream media.  I mean, "Sundance" is where where Paranormal Activity and 500 Days of Summer got discovered.
3. You see so much at once-- animation, drama, comedy, shorts, features, everything.
4. The works are so different.  The story lines are meant to be more real and honest (that was what the independent movie wave was trying to capitalize on).
5. The soundtracks are awesome!
6. The acting is almost always incredible.
7. The atmosphere of a film festival is just too cool.






What are some of the film festivals you guys like?  I've been to local ones in Philly and the South Jersey area, and all have been a positive experience.  But my dream is to go to "Sundance" or "Cannes" one day =)

Happy Monday!

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Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

So I am a huge independent movie fan.  When I saw "The Artist" in theaters, there was a preview for the movie "Salmon Fishing the Yemen."  I wasn't counting down the days or anything until it came out, but if the opportunity came to watch it, I would.  So my boss and I went out this Friday night (and had blueberry wine, which was fantastic. Try it), and she suggested we watch it.  It was amazing.

First of, Emily Blunt's in it, and I love her.  She did a great job in this film too and really translated the lines between professionalism and personal life through her role, and the combination of the two.  I always know when a movie's good when I'm rooting for the characters and see them as real people as opposed to thinking how forced a line sounded or how unnatural a set looks.

Also, cinematographically speaking, the movie is beautiful.  It's shot in a creative way, but not so experimental where it is jarring or uncomfortable.  There were definitely creative choices made that stuck out and were great.

The story is also extremely touching.  I'm not going to give anything away, but you find yourself following people work on a project to make salmon fishing available to people in the Yemen.  And then you realize how invested you are in something that sounds absolutely unimportant and boring.  There are also insights to the characters throughout the story as their personal lives are put on display, which only attaches you to the narrative more.

Overall, I highly recommend this movie!  Tell me what you think in the comments if you watch it or have already seen it!

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Foto Friday

Hope everyone's enjoying the Olympics so far! Above is a vintage poster ad. Awesome!

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The Painted Cottage

So today I had a great day at work going to local businesses in my area with my boss and searching for good places to promote them on a video segment we're producing.  As we were walking around, there was a sign pointing between two buildings that read "The Painted Cottage" with an arrow pointed down the alley.  We looked down and there was a small, adorable building with mosaic glass decor on its walls.  So naturally, we had to go in.

Inside, the place (which was basically a large open workspace) was filled with refinished vintage furniture.  My boss and I spent at least 40 minutes walking around the place looking at every piece and all the detail in it.  It made me want to buy a house right at that second and decorate the entire thing with all of it.  This shop would be perfect if you're redecorating a space or starting from scratch!

Below are some pieces from The Painted Cottage!  Aren't they gorgeous?!

Small vanity

Desk with window door storage

Beautiful armoire. I love this.

Wire dress form

Vintage sofa

I love the dress form and chandelier!

Be sure to check out their website and their Etsy Shop! 

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Maps

What is it about maps that's so awesome?  I've always been attracted to map decor.  If something ordinary has a map on it, it suddenly becomes so cool to me.  They just add such an intrigue.  Below are some interesting ways I've come across maps being used and they definitely spark some good ideas for DIY!

Map purse, so beautiful and has so much character with the map

Map pillows! Add so much to a simple couch or chair

Look up and get surprised by this awesome map ceiling.

Map scarf from Anthropologie

This photo just reminds of a library.  There's something so scholarly it.

DIY?

String art to highlight a hometown or special place for yourself. DIY!

I saw this on Pintrest, and of course pinned it to my pintrest.  Print out google maps for the place your letter is going and use it as an envelope!

Map book covers.  Adds such an amazing, intriguing quality to them. 

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Foto Friday

Isn't this photo gorgeous?  Just exudes happiness! Happy Friday everyone!

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Thoughts

So this post is to just get some thoughts out there.

The other day, I was on facebook and scrolling through my newsfeed and saw a status update from this page I liked awhile ago.  It's a fanpage for a website that a kid I knew started with his friend, which is centered around the Philadelphia hockey team, the Flyers called The Orange Update.  Out of curiosity, I clicked on the website and wow.  Has this thing grown.

I do like sports, and I'm a Philly fan, but it's not the content of this website that impressed me.  It's the fact that a kid my age, with his friend, has developed this website they made for fun into a business.  I was just so impressed.

So this made me think about developing one's life to make it successful.  I just feel like too many people wait around waiting for things to happen as opposed to going out and doing it.  I honestly don't believe in the "things will fall into your lap" mentality.  Hard work is what gets it done.  So I guess the point of this little "thoughts" blog is just if you have a goal, just go and do it.  Because waiting for it to come to you accomplishes nothing but lost time.

If you read this little rant, thank you haha

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Photo: Bette Davis

I wish I could wear this walking down the street and not be stared at.  Maybe I'll do it anyway =)

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Some Me Time

Yesterday I got to play around on my violin! It was so good take some time to just work on a song. I love the acoustics of the instrument. The song I was working on yesterday was Sad Romance. It's so pretty!

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Litter Jewelry Line

While watching "Shark Tank" last night (which, those of you interested in business, it's an extremely interesting show), there were two sisters who came on the show asking for an investment in their business, Litter.  It's a jewelry line they started on their own by hand-making every piece out of thrift store markets or costume jewelry.  The pieces they come up with are so interesting and unique and I found myself searching their site immediately after watching "Shark Tank"!

Here are a few of their pieces below.  I'm thinking about getting one the leg pieces!

I've never seen anything like some of these pieces before, which is what makes them successful.  Check them out and let me know what you guys think!

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Foto Friday

Notecard set of polaroid pictures.  Creative!

Have a great weekend everyone!

By the way, follow me on pintrest! 

-pintrest.com/zanntoni-

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Studios

Is it me, or does everyone need some sort of personal/professional space?  Just a place that can be both zen and make you feel productive.  Sounds pretty awesome to me.  I spend more time than I'd like to admit imaging what my future studio space might look like.  But I don't think that's completely abnormal because I'm sure more people love their studio spaces more than their bedroom.

There are few ways these spaces can go, depending on what they're being used for.  I grew up as an art-lover and spend a lot of my free time drawing and painting.  So I've spent a lot of time looking up interesting ways to create an art studio.  Here's some inspiration:

Love the lighting around the easel. 

I really can't stand clutter, but there's something about seeing the art supplies out, almost as a 

decorative piece.

Bright and airy

This is a little big for me, but I like the overall feel.

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