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Tag Archives: dancing

Color in Films: Sucker Punch

03 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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Tags

babydoll, dancing, fantasy, films, girls, institution, movies, sucker punch

Sucker Punch is a film about a girl, Babydoll, who gets sent away to a mental institution by her stepfather so she doesn’t share the truth about her sister’s death. To help her cope with the situation, she creates another world for herself where her plans to escape are the main objective. The girls at the institution are all there against their will and forced to entertain guests in rather inappropriate ways. They all stick together to help make the plan happen, before Babydoll gets a lobotomy.

Based in the 1960s, the film is an array of colors, both light and dark. With this palette and the four items Babydoll needs to collect to escape, you are led through a fantastical journey of amazement, war, strength, and fear. Both worlds, reality and fantasy, are given codes of color to organize sequence and allow the view to feel the intensity of each one.

The story ends in bitter sweetness but its certainly a film you must see. It’s exciting, wild, sexy, and intense. I can’t refuse a movie where women kick ass, and this one was a sure winner for me.

Color in Films: Sucker Punch

Pastime Loves

05 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Shopping

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Tags

80s, 90s, animals, Anne of Green Gables, Annie, arts, back in the day, bmx, brooklyn, cartoons, children, Christian Slater, christmas, dancing, dolls, eclectic, Gleaming the Cube, growing up, He-man, jem, kids, Liquid Television, Mister Softee, Monchhichis, Pinterest, prince edward island, Puff the Magic Dragon, Ren and Stimpy, she-ra, singing, Smurfs, Strawberry Shortcake, Sylvanian Families, The Legend of Billie Jean, toys

When I think of the good old days, I remember all the toys and games I loved as a kid. Times were different back then. Growing up in the 80s and becoming a teen in the 90s, I can say that stuff back then was so much cooler. Not to mention, designed better. I see all the toys, dolls and games made for kids today and they just don’t compare. Because of this, I promise to share the best with my kids and make sure they know what cool really is.

Because I have so much love for many things in my past, I created a Pinterest board to collect all of these memorable favorites. From toys and dolls to awesome films, I continue to collect the best of the best. Here, I share some of these goodies with you guys and maybe, if you are part of my generation, it will take you back to the good old days too. And since the holidays are knocking at our door, there is no better time than now to share them with your children.

Mister Softee takes me back to Brooklyn, where I as born. I lived there till I was about 5 or so and one thing I remember so well is hearing Mister Softee down the block. It would get me so excited! I would jump up and down and run out to his truck for ice cream. And it always was the same, soft vanilla with rainbow sprinkles. To this day, I still get excited to hear his tune and its still the best ice cream out there. I love you Mister Softee!
Pastime Loves

As a child, I was always into the arts. Dancing, singing and drawing were major loves and entertaining everyone with my talents was so much fun. It was no surprise I would love Jem. What girl didn’t? She rocked!
Pastime Loves

The toys and dolls for girls back in the day were so rad. However, I will always have a place in my heart for Strawberry Shortcake. From all the characters to the beautiful little world they all lived in, this was one I couldn’t resist. I hate how the company recreated their look because it just isnt the same. The original is always better.
Pastime Loves

Oh, how I loved Sylvanian Families. Since I have always adored animals, how can I not want to play with all these wonderful and sweet characters. All kinds of animals were introduced from dogs and cats to bunnies and lambs. I used to have the little log house and various dolls. It was so much fun to play in animals heavan.
Pastime Loves

Monchhichis! That’s all I have to say about that.
Pastime Loves

Was there anyone who didn’t like the Smurfs? I had the toys, I watched the cartoon and even ate the cereal. Smurf’s rule!
Pastime Loves

When my mother got remarried, I moved to Elizabeth, NJ. My father in law had 3 sons so you can imagine how happy I was to have brothers. Although I played with girl toys, I did love the boy toys as well. They always have cool shit! The one thing my brothers and I could play with together was He-Man and She-Ra. I loved this so much. I always thought She-Ra was a bad ass.
Pastime Loves

The first time I saw Puff the Magic Dragon, I was in love. What a unique and awesome story. I guess it’s no surprise I grew up into a pot head, haha. I will always have love for Puff. I can’t wait to show my kids this film. Just the music alone is incredible.
Pastime Loves

Oh my God, did I love Annie. I even had the Annie mansion with all the dolls and little details. The movie just made me want to sing more!
Pastime Loves

As I got older, I appreciated the eclectic, weird and unique. Nothing says this more than Ren and Stimpy. It explored a different dimension of comedy and animation and I loved every minute of it. You can bet I was a big fan of Liquid Television as well.
Pastime Loves

And how could I forgot about Anne of Green Gables. Anne will always have a place in my heart. I used to watch it with my cousin Diana and we will both never forget sitting in front of the tv watching Anne’s stories unfold. I was so lucky to have visited Prince Edward Island this past October for our honeymoon. I saw everything Anne I could see!
Pastime Loves

I am sure many people out there loved Christian Slater. Not only did I love him, I bowed down to one of his best films ever, Gleaming the Cube. I was in awe of the art of skating and bmxing after watching it. So much that I even asked for a bmx bike for Christmas that year so I could start practicing my tricks. Well, I still have that wish. It turns out I never got the bike and so didn’t get the chance to be a famous bmx rider. Instead, my mother bought me a Sea Princess bike that was pink and purple with seashells painted all over it, haha. I just couldn’t win.
Pastime Loves

Another film that really inspired me was The Legend of Billie Jean. I loved how she took a stand and didn’t give up. The story of my teen years for sure.
Pastime Loves

There are many more things I adore from my past and you can check some of them out on my Pinterest board, which I am always updating with more faves.

Guest Post: Getting a Wedding Reception Spot On

22 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Guest Posts, Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bride, dancing, decorating, diy, DJ, groom, kevin mills, marriage, music, party, reception, wedding

Setting up a fabulous wedding reception is the ambition of every bride and groom in the country. From decking out the banquet tables with the right fabrics, to making sure the walls and ceiling are lavishly decorated, you shouldn’t feel the need to skimp on a single thing on your special day.

This is why you should observe the following tips to make sure everything goes by without a hitch – so to speak.

Guest Post: Getting a Wedding Reception Spot On

Allocate the floor space ASAP
Making the best of the space available to you is undeniably the most tricky part of getting your wedding reception on the right track. If dancing is the main focus of your event after eating, then make it known. To this end you should ensure that your banqueting tables remain either at the edges of the room, or are easily carried aside/stowed away after the main meals are over.

Your chairs should be just as flexible and be able to be removed at a moment’s notice. Try to avoid buying or renting heavy pieces of furniture. There’s nothing worse than splitting your wedding outfit, or seeing a family member injured because they can’t move a table!

Arrange the sound, lighting, decorations and entertainment
The chances are you’ll be stuck with the level of lighting and sound system that comes with your venue. However, if you were to hire a DJ then they might have some lights that could spruce up the areas that need it – as well as a beefy sound system to fill the space.

As for decorating, you should probably leave all of your wedding materials in the safe hands of a trusted source; be it your best man, or maid of honour. Realistically these are the only people who have time to organize – or sub-organize – your reception, as you’ll be too busy getting married to!

Guest Post: Getting a Wedding Reception Spot On

{Kevin Mills started his career as a company executive in the Reading area and later relocated in Leicestershire. He is proud father of a sweet boy and happily living with his wife and son. At present he is working at an international furniture house in Leicestershire and occasionally writes some articles on restaurant and banquet tables. Connect with Kevin on Google+}

Our Vintage Farm Wedding

07 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Real Weddings, Weddings

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

animals, antique, barn, country, dancing, dr suess, earth, eco friendly, farm, flowers, garden, hitherto, ivory, lord of the rings, may, natural, nature, new york, organic, queens, queens county farm museum, rust jewelry, spring, vegan, vegetarian wedding, vintage, vows, wedding, winnie the pooh

Daniel and I shared our vows on May 20, 2012 on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. Our wedding was held at The Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park where the surroundings are natural, rustic, earthy and filled with beautiful animals. This farm was close to our hearts as we fell in love with it the minute we saw it. Not only was it the backdrop for our wedding but a main character as well.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

I had put so much time and work into this day. You see, I designed and created everything from the decor to our bouquets and pretty much planned it all out with Dan by my side. This was my chance to put together an event that was 100% Danny and I and you can bet I was excited. Even though we didn’t have a large budget, I felt our style and my aesthetic truly shined and us as a couple were represented flawlessly. We both give thanks to our families who helped make it all happen and our friends who happily accepted to play a part in our special day.

Our wedding was very much thought out and all the details clearly show that. We made sure our natural lifestyle and love for the Earth was a main focus. From the recycled paper I used to print the invites, programs and table charts to the favors which guests could plant, we chose to be good to the planet. Our vegetarian menu expressed that as well. We both felt it was important our wedding represented who we are as well as creating a beautiful and organic environment for our guests to enjoy.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

The morning of, Dan and I along with my best friend and maid of honor, Meg, arrived at the farm bright and early to set up. Although there were a number of complications and less hands than we planned, we did our best to get everything situated as fast as we can. Since the venue was 45 minutes away from our house we only had a few hours to finish up.

Well, a few hours turned into more hours than we thought and the morning was very much rushed. Let’s just say we all sped home way past the speed limit and got ready like clockwork with Dan heading off to his parents and Meg and I taking turns getting our makeup done. My hair was being curled by my Grandmother and Meg at the same time while my friend Jen was creating my flawless face. Meg wasn’t even done when we left because we were going to be late! Due to time, we couldn’t have our first look shoot at the house either which was a bummer. But off we went determined and anxious.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

As our guests waited outside in our ceremony space, which was adorned with burlap and vintage fabric I had purchased on Etsy, the girls and I got dressed inside the barn. My mother wore a garden inspired dress from Anthropologie while Meg looked beautiful in a navy dress from JCrew. My flower girl and Meg’s daughter, Leona Faye, was absolutely adorable in her plaid dress and sandals, showing off a french braid done by my mother. I wore a Hitherto ivory sweater and ivory lace skirt along with Lulu Townsend heels. Azaara earrings graced my ears showing a little shine, a crystal bow and my love for pearls.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Then it was time to walk out and meet my future husband. As we stepped out of the barn and began our little journey over to the pavilion, I was taken back by the visitors that surrounded me, it was surely a busy day at the farm. I had great excitement to finally share our vows before our dear friends and family.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

My good friend, Hernan Feraci, played an original song he wrote for us on guitar as I walked down alongside my mother. My eco-conscious bouquet was mix of pink peonies, white and pink daises and button mums, held together with ivory vintage lace and the vintage key Dan gave me during our engagement. Meg’s bouquet featured hydrangeas along with the same as mine while Leona sprinkled dried pastel hydrangea petals down the aisle.

{These were the only natural elements we used that were taken from the Earth so I made sure they were whole trade and eco certified}

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

The groom wore gray plaid pants from Banana Republic with a wool plaid bow tie from JCrew and gray suspenders while the best man, his brother Nick, wore all gray with an ASOS vest and a JCrew wool plaid tie. Those are two handsome guys!

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

As our officiant, Mona Gulino, proceeded with the ceremony, we shared teary eyes, smiles and laughs with our guests. Filled with personal readings, chosen quotes from Winnie the Pooh and Dr. Seuss and a small dedication to my mother, aunt and grandmother, it was pure joy to stand by Dan and vow to love him forever. We shared custom vows typed on vintage paper and before we knew it we were husband and wife!

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Proceeding the ceremony, everyone joined us in the barn for cocktail hour. We wanted to have light and healthy food served before dinner because it wasn’t long for meal time.  Our guests found their place by the table charts I created and each were greeted by an earth friendly favor they could plant anywhere they chose. The tables featured various mini garden centerpieces I put together, each adorned with twine and a vintage key. Vintage fabric was used throughout the space on all the tables and all of the jars and birdcage where items from our collection.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

We had natural soda pop as well as iced tea and lemonade as refreshments. Wine and beer were served table side along with the yummy food before dinner.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Dan and I danced to Under the Milky Way by The Church which spun into Two of Hearts by Stacey Q to get everyone up and dancing. We both handpicked the playlists for the event to make sure the music we loved was a character as well. Our DJ, my friends brother Joey, filled the room with good vibes and bangin beats. There was a mix of 80s, dance, some goodies from the 90s and instrumental tunes. Our favorite bands were showcased gloriously. And as you can see I was very excited to get the party started!

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

From there, we all danced, ate and had a great time. We had an open buffet of vegetarian italian options along with salads and breads, all served on bamboo plates. The weather was perfect and I was so happy to see all our guests explore the farm grounds. This venue is truly a playground for love, joy and happiness. Dan’s brother gave a great speech, which I missed while in the bathroom!, and everyone loved. Good thing I was able to watch it on our video thanks to my good friend Craig who filmed the whole reception.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

I was also thrilled everyone attacked the cupcakes which we ordered from Georgetown Cupcake. They are the best! We also set up a little candy bar and served fresh fruit and italian cookies for dessert.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Although the day went by so fast, I will always cherish the special moments and all our friends and family who came and became a big part of making it a success. It was surely a day to remember. Now my best friend is my husband and 3 months later I can look back and say we created a fabulous day full of love. What more could a girl ask for 🙂

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Event Details:
Makeup by Jennifer Lombardo
Officiant – Mona Gulino
DJ- DJ Ello, Joseph Mondello
Catering by Buona sera
Cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcake, NYC
Filmed by Craig Webb, What! Productions
Photography by Lauren Elle
Wedding Bands: {Melissa} Rust, England & {Dan} official Lord of the Rings ring

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