Night 7 of the 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway

Welcome to night 7 of the 5th annual 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway. Stop by the main Giveaway Post and enter to win a $200 Prize Pack full of decadent treats from 8 fabulous shops! Tonight we have the next movie in the Valentine Movie Marathon. Follow along daily for extra entries and the chance for a bonus 20 entries at the end of the giveaway. Test your movie knowledge and play the Guess the Movie game for even more entries. Enjoy and have fun!

Art Deco Pink Pendant ~ Style H

Shop Laughing Vixen Lounge and receive 10% off your order through February 28th. Use code FEBRUARY10 at checkout.

14 Nights of Valentine's Day Movie Marathon
Follow along with us for 2 weeks full of classic and modern love story movies. Each day there will be a review of the next movie in the marathon. Leave a comment on the post, with your opinion of the movie, and you can receive 1 entry in the giveaway. Each day you comment you can receive 1 entry. You will find the daily entries on the Rafflecopter on the main Giveaway Post.
*You may start following the marathon at any time and comment on past posts to catch up.

Comment on all 14 movies and you can receive a bonus 20 entries. On the last day of the giveaway you will find the magic phrase to unlock the bonus entries on the Rafflecopter.
*You must comment on each movie to qualify for the bonus 20 entries.

Guess the Movie Game
Each day there will be a clue to the next night's movie. Leave your guess on the Rafflecopter widget, on the main Giveaway Post, for 1 entry in the giveaway.
*Guesses must be posted the same day as their clue to receive the 1 entry.
*The Rafflecopter widget will reset to a new day 24 hours after you left your last guess.
*Please do not post guesses anywhere else on the blog or they will be deleted and not count.

Tonight's Clue ~ The end might be near but that doesn't mean you can't find love.


Night 7 ~ Across the Universe
 

Tagline - All you need is love.


Directed by Julie Taymor (Titus and Frida) and released on October 12, 2007 by Columbia Pictures/Revolution Studios (rated PG-13). The music of the Beatles is used to tell the story of Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachael Wood) as their love story spans the turbulent Sixties.

Jude, a dock worker from Liverpool, travels to the US where he meets Lucy, the daughter of a privileged family. Their story is told against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Anti-War Protests and the Civil Rights Movement with the power and emotion of 30 Beatles songs as it's driving force.

Across the Universe is a musical that uses Beatles songs to tell the story. It starts in the seemingly more innocent Sixties and quickly slides into the turbulent reality of the decade. Yes, the characters do sing and yes, it is all Beatles songs. I found it quite interesting how the songs really did further the story instead of just being filler. While it may not always be what the songwriters were originally thinking when they wrote the songs, they are creatively used to effectively capture the emotions of the film. Or maybe the songs are what gave the film so much emotion? Maybe a bit of both.

People seem to either like this film or hate it. Personally, I am a Beatles fan and I think the power of the songs really did enhance this movie. I love it. My sister saw it with me. She is not a Beatles fan nor a fan of that era of music. She is also not a fan of musicals. So I think it says something about the movie when she is telling people afterwards how well done she thought it was.

Across the Universe should be available to rent or stream from most DVD services.


Take a look at the original trailer.



Some trivia about the movie.
1. Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney and Olivia Harrison praised the film after seeing it.
2. Daily Variety reported that the filmmakers had to pay the owners of the rights to the songs of The Beatles, publisher ATV/Sony Music and Michael Jackson, about $10,000,000 for the 30 songs used in the film (roughly $330,000 for each song). As a condition of the songs' use, the advertising posters for the film could not mention The Beatles nor the songwriters' names. However, the owners of the rights to the songs of The Beatles were unable to ban the names of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the film credits.
3. Jude's life progression is similar to John Lennon's. As John Lennon did, Jude first lived in Liverpool then soon after that moved to New York City to work as an artist like Lennon. Jude then encounters trouble with the law and is deported (Lennon was arrested as well, but an attempt to deport him failed).
4. A scene when Prudence locks herself in the closet and has to be serenaded out by the other cast members - is a reference to a real occurrence in 1968 at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India where The Beatles, Mia Farrow, Donovan, and others were studying. Mia Farrow's sister, Prudence, was reclusive and did not leave her living quarters to join the other students, inspiring John Lennon to write the song "Dear Prudence." The film also uses the song as a subtle reference to the fictional Prudence character's reluctance to 'come out of the closet' in relation to her sexual orientation.
5. Sadie, with her fiery red hair and passionate temper, is a reference to Janis Joplin. Sadie is even seen drinking directly from a Jack Daniels bottle during her downward spiral, an action that Janis did regularly with Southern Comfort. Even Janis' throaty singing voice is used by Sadie in the movie.
6. The character of JoJo is a clear reference to Jimi Hendrix. Sadie dresses him up in the purple shirt and bandanna - one of Jimi's most famous stage costumes. JoJo also plays a Fender guitar - the same brand played by his prototype, Jimi Hendrix.
7. The musical arrangement of "With a Little Help From My Friends" starts out being closely tied to the one used by the Beatles' original 1967 studio recording, but then it segues into sounding much more like Joe Cocker's radically re-orchestrated 1969 cover version of the song, which he performed at Woodstock (this was the version that was also used as the theme song to the TV show "The Wonder Years" (1988). Cocker performs on a different Across the Universe (2007) track, "Come Together" (with Martin Luther McCoy).
8. Some scenes are derived from actual 1960s events, such as the violent student protest at Columbia University. The actual explosion at a New York townhouse was the work of the Weather Underground and took place at 18 West 11th Street in Greenwich Village; a photograph of the actual house appears in the movie. The Beatles were also stopped by police while playing a rooftop concert in London while filming Let It Be (1970).
9. Studio head Joe Roth disliked Julie Taymor's initial cut of the film, and had it re-edited to better suit mass audiences. While Taymor's contract gave her "final cut" rights, Roth hoped to persuade her to allow his version of the film to be released instead. This was unsuccessful though, and Taymor threatened a lawsuit if Roth failed to release her version. Moreover, in exchange for participating in the DVD release and the film's publicity campaign, Taymor forced the studio to sign an agreement that all copies of Roth's edit would be destroyed without ever being released to the general public, and that no further re-edits of the film (barring television edits) could ever be released without her express permission.
10. The non-existent joint in the "With a Little Help From My Friends" sequence is non-existent to ensure that the movie is not R-rated.
11.  The painted bus and Dr. Robert (Bono) singing "I am the walrus" is a reference to psychedelic painted bus The Beatles had in their film Magical Mystery Tour (1967), as well as Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters who traveled around the United States in his bus. The punch at the party is of course then "electric" Kool Aid, just like Kesey used at his parties. Finally, when Dr. Robert stops at "Dr. Geary's" place, this refers to Timothy Leary who also experimented with LSD and was often at odds with Kesey.
12. According to Julie Taymor she used 30 songs of The Beatles as a basis for the script that covers events from 1963 to 1969, but in the film those 6 years are compressed into two years.

Fear Friday ~ A Different Kind Of Love Story

Welcome to another Fear Friday here at Laughing Vixen Lounge. All month long the movie selections will be love themed in honor of Valentine's Day. This film is a beautiful and sweet yet ultimately twisted tale of love and longing to be loved. For anyone who has felt like the odd one in the room. For anyone who has felt too shy to talk to that one special boy. And especially for all of those who like their love stories dark and creepy, this is the love story for you. This is a Lounge favorite. Enjoy!

Make sure to stop by the 5th annual 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway for the chance to win a $200 Prize Pack. Leave a comment on this post with your opinion of the movie to get an extra entry. Find full details on the main Giveaway Post.

Every Friday at the Laughing Vixen Lounge Blog is Fear Friday. Fear Fridays are a celebration of all films spooky. Horror is a very broad genre and the Lounge loves it all. Each Friday you will find a review of a different film. These can range from Classic Horror (black and white and cheesy), Thrillers (suspense, jumps and a good mystery), outright Horror (chop chop, slash slash, die die) and anything else in between.

So pop some popcorn, kill the lights and enjoy tonight's selection. And please, share your comments on the film. Bad or good let me know what you thought of it. And now, my little ghouls and dolls, the Laughing Vixen Lounge Blog is proud to present this week's film.

Fear Friday - May

Tagline - Be Careful... She Just Might Take Your Heart.


Directed by Lucky McKee (The Woods and Red) and released on June 6, 2003 by Lions Gate Films (Rated R). May (Angela Bettis) has always been "different" and has trouble finding friends. Her best friend is Suzy a creepy old doll kept inside a glass box. May tries so hard to connect with the people around her like Adam (Jeremy Sisto) the boy she likes and Polly (Anna Faris) the girl she works with. But no one seems to understand May and no one sticks around for long. As May's mother once told her "If you can't find a friend make one".

This is a wonderful movie. It's so much more than a horror film. Angela Bettis is so good in her role as May that you can't help feeling for this character. We can all see a little bit of ourselves in her. The wanting to be accepted, trying to get the attention of a certain boy, wanting someone to like you for who you are and all the other insecure feelings we all have. May just happens to be a little closer to the edge of sanity then most. It's both sad and scary to watch her slide into madness.

The look of the film and the music work well. There is some blood but it's not over the top. It's just used effectively. The scene with the blind children, Suzy and May is hard for me to watch but wonderfully done. The best scene here will come at the very end of the last scene. The first time I saw it I was creeped out. It is so unexpected and so wrong on so many levels!!! It's subtle but very effective. You should really go check this one out.

May should be available to rent on most DVD and streaming services.


Take a look at the original trailer.




Some trivia about the movie.
1. Director Lucky McKee has a cameo as the man with his girlfriend in the elevator, both times.
2. Originally the film opened with a lengthy introduction to May as a child. But when the film appeared to be taking too long to get to its point, most of those scenes were cut. The opening with the adult May, specifically the first scene with her and her doll, were shot quickly and only to make the point that May was lonely as quickly as possible.
3. The scene where Blank and May meet was a re-shoot. In the original scene, May was not cold and vague, but angry, and insulted people as they walked by on the street. The scene ended with the two of them in the park. That scene is still in the film but entirely replaced and reedited. It is now the scene where Adam and May meet and have their final talk in the park. The scene is told only through close ups, with both May and Adam glancing off camera. They were originally looking at Blank who was sitting beside her but he was edited out of the scene completely.
4. There is a movie called "Roman" which is directed by Angela Bettis and stars Lucky McKee. A reversal of roles.
5. The teenage girl who asks May "got any cold ones in there" is dressed up as a zombie cheerleader in the exact same costume and makeup from Lucky McKee's very first movie, _All Cheerleaders Must Die (2001) (V).
6. In the very beginning of the film we see young May with a black patch over her left eye (the right eye, from an audience perspective). Skip forward a few minutes and May is now a young woman with a "lazy" right eye (the left eye, from an audiences' perspective).
7. When May takes a cigarette out of the Bilson box, a camel cigarette logo can be seen along the bottom part of the cigarette.

Night 6 of the 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway

Welcome to night 6 of the 5th annual 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway. Stop by the main Giveaway Post and enter to win a $200 Prize Pack full of decadent treats from 8 fabulous shops! Tonight we have the next movie in the Valentine Movie Marathon. Follow along daily for extra entries and the chance for a bonus 20 entries at the end of the giveaway. Test your movie knowledge and play the Guess the Movie game for even more entries. Enjoy and have fun!

Hot Rod Rumble Compact

Shop Laughing Vixen Lounge and receive 10% off your order through February 28th. Use code FEBRUARY10 at checkout.

14 Nights of Valentine's Day Movie Marathon
Follow along with us for 2 weeks full of classic and modern love story movies. Each day there will be a review of the next movie in the marathon. Leave a comment on the post, with your opinion of the movie, and you can receive 1 entry in the giveaway. Each day you comment you can receive 1 entry. You will find the daily entries on the Rafflecopter on the main Giveaway Post.
*You may start following the marathon at any time and comment on past posts to catch up.

Comment on all 14 movies and you can receive a bonus 20 entries. On the last day of the giveaway you will find the magic phrase to unlock the bonus entries on the Rafflecopter.
*You must comment on each movie to qualify for the bonus 20 entries.

Guess the Movie Game
Each day there will be a clue to the next night's movie. Leave your guess on the Rafflecopter widget, on the main Giveaway Post, for 1 entry in the giveaway.
*Guesses must be posted the same day as their clue to receive the 1 entry.
*The Rafflecopter widget will reset to a new day 24 hours after you left your last guess.
*Please do not post guesses anywhere else on the blog or they will be deleted and not count.

Tonight's Clue ~ Can one band's music tell the story of a decade and the story of love?


Night 6 ~ Grease
 

Tagline - Grease is the word.

Directed by Randal Kleiser (Blue Lagoon, White Fang and Honey I Blew Up The Kid) and released on June 16, 1978 by Paramount Pictures (Rated PG). Good Girl Sandy (Olivia Newton John) and Bad Boy Danny (John Travolta) spend the summer together falling in love. All is good because Sandy is heading back home to Australia and they will never see each other again. But wait...Sandy's family decided to stay. And now she is enrolling in the same high school. Will their love be torn apart by the social differences of their friends? Or will summer lovin' turn out to be true love?

This is teen love circa the 50's by way of the 70's. It's my favorite musical. I love that it's set in the 50's and, being a child of the '70s, it's fun to see just how much 70's influence there is on the movie. It's funny, it's cool, it's sweet, it's silly and you know you love to sing along with it!

I mean what girl didn't want to be a "Pink Lady"? And, having been a hair dresser in earlier years of my life, I find the whole "Beauty School Dropout" bit to be most fun. Got to love Frenchy's pink hair.

So, if you haven't seen it for awhile, take a night to indulge. It's peachy keen Jelly Bean!

Grease is currently available to stream on Netflix and should be available to rent on most DVD services.


Take a look at the original trailer.




Some trivia about the movie.
1. Henry Winkler, who became a sensation as "Fonzie" on "Happy Days" (1974), was considered for the role of Danny Zuko. However, he turned down the role for fear of being typecast.
2. Susan Dey and Deborah Raffin were the first choices for the role of Sandy (Dey declined the role after her manager advised against it). Marie Osmond later claimed on "Larry King Live" (1985) that she had been also been offered the role but declined "on moral grounds" though she later admitted this to be untrue.
3. Due to a zipper breaking, Olivia Newton-John had to be sewn into the trousers she wears in the last sequence (the carnival at Rydell).
4. Jeff Conaway had to walk slightly stooped so that John Travolta would appear taller.
5. When Olivia Newton-John was cast as Sandy, her character's background had to be changed to accommodate Newton-John's own background. In the original Broadway musical Sandy was an all-American girl and her last name was Dumbrowski. In the movie version, she became Sandy Olsson, foreign-exchange student from Australia. Also, because of Newton-John's casting, John Farrar (Newton-John's frequent songwriter) had to write two new songs for the film while other songs from the Broadway musical were dropped.
6. Several musical numbers were not used in the film. They appear, however, as jukebox tunes, or band numbers at the high school dance. Among them "Freddy, My Love", "Those Magic Changes", and "It's Raining on Prom Night" all of which were performed by characters in the stage musical.
7. Carrie Fisher was considered for the role of Rizzo.
8. The film was released in Spain as Brilliantina (Brilliantine) - because its English title translated as "fat" in Spanish.
9. Danny's blue windbreaker at the beginning of the film was intended as a nod to Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
10. The scene in Frenchy's bedroom while Rizzo is singing the line about Elvis was actually filmed the same day that Elvis Presley died.
11. Randal Kleiser hated the opening title song, "Grease" (he thought that the cynical lyrics and disco beat were inappropriate for a film set in the 1950s).
12. In the song "Look at Me I'm Sandra Dee", it originally references Sal Mineo in the stage version. However, due to Mineo's murder the year before shooting began the reference was given to Elvis Presley.
13. The official premiere after-party was at Studio 54.
14. The original Broadway production opened at the Eden Theater on February 14, 1972 and ran for 3,388 performances, setting a record. Adrienne Barbeau and Barry Bostwick were in the original Broadway cast. John Travolta appeared at some time as a replacement on Broadway in the role of "Doody". Marilu Henner, an alumnus of the original Chicago production, appeared as a replacement in the role of "Marty". Patrick Swayze and Treat Williams were both replacements as Danny Zuko. Richard Gere is also listed as an understudy to many male roles, including Danny Zuko. Gere played Zuko in the London production in 1973.
15. Rydell High is a reference to teen idol Bobby Rydell who had a million selling hit with "Swingin' School" in 1960.
16. The production had a product placement plan with Coca-Cola, but it fell through. The Coke products were taken out or blurred. There is a huge hanging picture/advertisement in the diner that was blurred out. Photos on the inside flaps of the soundtrack album have Pepsi products.

Night 5 of the 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway

Welcome to night 5 of the 5th annual 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway. Stop by the main Giveaway Post and enter to win a $200 Prize Pack full of decadent treats from 8 fabulous shops! Tonight we have the next movie in the Valentine Movie Marathon. Follow along daily for extra entries and the chance for a bonus 20 entries at the end of the giveaway. Test your movie knowledge and play the Guess the Movie game for even more entries. Then take a look at tonight's Featured Shop "Kitsch Bitch Vintage". Enjoy and have fun!

Vintage Kiss Bracelet or Necklace

Shop Laughing Vixen Lounge and receive 10% off your order through February 28th. Use code FEBRUARY10 at checkout.


Featured Shop ~ Kitsch Bitch Vintage
Kitsch Bitch Vintage is run by Erin from Nowheresville, California. Her shop is filled with lots of vintage goods.

Vintage 1950's Sunglasses

How did you choose your shop name?
"Kitsch Bitch, well that one sums it all up."

 

Retro 1980's Sundress

Why did you choose to make/sell what you do?
"I've been a vintage lover and crafter for a long time, they just blended together. I love finding unique vintage treasures looking for their special home, along with taking a few and giving them new life."

Vintage 1950's Glasses

Erin's shop is full of great vintage clothing and accessories. You're sure to find something that strikes your fancy.

Vintage 1940's Beaded Dress

What new designs/creations would you like to add to your shop in the future?
"This year I'd like to concentrate on listing more goodies every day!"

Retro 1980's Glitter Kitties

You'll have a chance to win a $20 Gift Certificate from Kitsch Bitch Vintage. Enter now on the main Giveaway Post.

Collapsible Polka Dot Hat

Visit Kitsch Bitch Vintage on Etsy and use coupon code  FEB14 at checkout for 14% off your order.

Since it's February, I asked the shops to share their favorite love story movies.
"Gilda is probably my favorite romantic classic. A fine line between love and hate which makes for a great story. And who doesn't wanna spend the evening with a young Glenn Ford?"

14 Nights of Valentine's Day Movie Marathon
Follow along with us for 2 weeks full of classic and modern love story movies. Each day there will be a review of the next movie in the marathon. Leave a comment on the post, with your opinion of the movie, and you can receive 1 entry in the giveaway. Each day you comment you can receive 1 entry. You will find the daily entries on the Rafflecopter on the main Giveaway Post.
*You may start following the marathon at any time and comment on past posts to catch up.

Comment on all 14 movies and you can receive a bonus 20 entries. On the last day of the giveaway you will find the magic phrase to unlock the bonus entries on the Rafflecopter.
*You must comment on each movie to qualify for the bonus 20 entries.

Guess the Movie Game
Each day there will be a clue to the next night's movie. Leave your guess on the Rafflecopter widget, on the main Giveaway Post, for 1 entry in the giveaway.
*Guesses must be posted the same day as their clue to receive the 1 entry.
*The Rafflecopter widget will reset to a new day 24 hours after you left your last guess.
*Please do not post guesses anywhere else on the blog or they will be deleted and not count.

Tonight's Clue ~ A sing-a-long story of good girl meets bad boy.


Night 5 ~ Pillow Talk and Down with Love

Tagline - It's what goes on when the lights go off!

Directed by Michael Gordon (For Love or Money and Move Over, Darling) and released on October 7, 1959 by Universal Pictures.  Interior decorator Jan (Doris Day) and composer Brad (Rock Hudson) share a phone line. Brad keeps the line occupied all day talking to his girlfriends, which annoys Jan terribly. The two have never met and when by chance Brad sees Jan, he decides to add her to his list of conquests. The problem is Brad starts to fall for her. Will Jan find out his plan? You'll just have to watch and see!

I saw this movie a few years ago. Until then I had only seen the opening ten minutes or so. Rock Hudson and Doris Day are a lovely on screen duo and make this movie the gem that it is. I love the era, love the clothing and the silly, slightly politically incorrect humor of the day. It's a fun lighthearted comedy to enjoy anytime.

In 2003 "Down With Love" was released and is a fun remake of "Pillow Talk". With Renee Zelweger and Ewan McGregor in the lead roles, it's a wonderful update that lovingly pokes a little fun at the original. The colors in this movie are to die for. Just gorgeous! With a supporting cast of Sarah Paulson, David Hyde Pierce and Tony Randall (who also was in the original) it's a fun throw back to this era of romantic comedies.

Pillow Talk and Down with Love should be available to rent from most DVD services.


Take a look at the original trailer.



Down with Love Trailer 2003



A little trivia about the movie.
1.  In the diner scene near the end, the restaurant patrons were supposed to deck Tony Randall, who would fake a reaction to the blow and slide down "unconscious" in the booth seat. However, during filming the actor overestimated his hook and accidentally knocked out Randall for real. The shot wound up being so good that the accidental knockout is the one shown in the film.
2. This movie would be the first of three to showcase the trio of Doris Day, Rock Hudson and Tony Randall all together. It was followed by Lover Come Back (1961) and Send Me No Flowers (1964), with all three actors portraying different roles in each.
3. Rock Hudson turned down the film three times, believing the script to be "too risky".
4. Ross Hunter wrote that after he made this film, no theatre managers wanted to book it. Popular movie themes at the time were war films, westerns, or spectacles. Hunter was told by the big movie chains that sophisticated comedies like "Pillow Talk" went out with William Powell. They also believed Doris Day and Rock Hudson were things of the past and had been overtaken by newer stars. Hunter persuaded Sol Schwartz, who owned the Palace Theatre in New York, to book the film for a two-week run, and it was a smash hit. The public had been starved for romantic comedy, and theatre owners who had previously turned down Ross Hunter now had to deal with him on HIS terms.
5. Director Michael Gordon is the grandfather of actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
6. Michael Gordon had hoped to make a sequel to this film in 1980. It was to star Kristy McNichol as Jan and Brad Allen's daughter and Gregory Harrison as her boyfriend. Unfortunately, Gordon was unable to lure Doris Day out of retirement to make the film.

Night 3 of the 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway

Welcome to the 3rd night of the 5th annual 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway. Stop by the main Giveaway Post and enter to win a $200 Prize Pack full of decadent treat from 8 fabulous shops. Tonight we have the next movie in our Valentine's Day Movie Marathon. Follow along daily for extra entries and the chance for a bonus 20 entries at the end of the giveaway. Test your movie knowledge with the Guess the Movie game for even more entries. Then take a look at tonight's featured shop "Miss Bohemia". Enjoy and have fun!

Love in Black and White Charm Bracelet

Shop Laughing Vixen Lounge and receive 10% off your order through February 28th. Use code FEBRUARY10 at checkout.


Featured Shop ~ Miss Bohemia
Miss Bohemia is run by Jen from the UK. It is filled with literary, modern and fairytale clothing, accessories and jewelry.

Be My Valentine Pug Mug

How did you choose your shop name?
"Miss Bohemia originated from the word ‘bohemian’. I was drawn to this word as it is a term taken to mean 'free of rules' and unconventional! This seemed perfect for both me and my artistic creations, which often fuse everything from dark fairytales to literary classics."

Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice T-Shirt

Why did you choose to make/sell what you do?
"I have always loved to express myself through being creative. My shop ‘Miss Bohemia’ allows me to see my dreams and designs come to life through jewellery, accessories and clothing and it’s such a rewarding process!"

Edgar Allen Poe Mug

What inspires the designs/creations you make?
"I tend to draw inspiration from everywhere and believe that beauty and magic can be captured from almost everything. I like to combine a mix of modern and vintage elements in my work and this probably developed from my love of art, costumes and jewellery from different eras. I also love reading and my choices vary from fairytales to literary classics, to thrillers and I love books that are able to fuse these elements together. You will see this spill over into my work in the form of romantic, fairytale and literary designs fused with darker elements like the Phantom of the Opera Jewellery and Wuthering Heights."

Be My Valentine Pug Mirror

What new designs/creations would you like to add to your shop in the future?
"I would love to add engraved jewellery to my shop and hope to do so soon!"

Jane Austin Mug

You'll have a chance to win a Valentine's Day Prize Pack from Miss Bohemia. Enter now on the main Giveaway Post.

Phantom Prize Pack

Visit Miss Bohemia on the Web or Etsy and use coupon code VALENTINES10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Follow on Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram 

Since it's February, I asked the shops to share their favorite love story movies.
"The movie I have chosen is not a typical love story but 'Bridget Jones's Diary' became one of my favourite rom-coms :-) I liked the mix of romance and comedy and also that the heroine (complete with her imperfections) is a complete contrast to the typical female lead. It's witty, it's sharp but with romance at it's core and Bridget even finds her own 'Mr Darcy'!"

Wuthering Heights T-Shirt

14 Nights of Valentine's Day Movie Marathon
Follow along with us for 2 weeks full of classic and modern love story movies. On each daily post  there will be a review of the next movie in our marathon. Leave a comment on the post, with your opinion of the movie, and you can receive 1 entry in the giveaway. Each day you comment you can receive 1 entry. You will find the daily entries on the Rafflecopter on the main Giveaway Post.
*You may start following the marathon at any time and comment on past posts to catch up.

Plus, if you comment on all 14 movies you can receive a bonus 20 entries. On the last day of the giveaway you will find the magic phrase you can use to unlock the bonus entries on the Rafflecopter. *You must comment on each movie to qualify for the bonus entries.

Guess The Movie Game
Each daily post will have a clue to the next night's movie. Leave your guess on the Rafflecopter widget, on the main Giveaway Post, for 1 entry in the giveaway.
*Guesses must be posted the same day as their clue to receive the 1 entry.
*The Rafflecopter widget is on the Pacific Time Zone and will reset to a new day at Midnight PST. *Please do not post guesses anywhere else on the blog or they will be deleted and not count.

Tonight's Clue ~ A bachelor meets boy kind of story.


Night 3 ~ The Vow

Tagline ~ Inspired By True Events.

Directed by Michael Sucsy (Grey Gardens) and release on February 10, 2012 by Screen Gems (rated PG-13). When a car accident robs Paige (Rachel MacAdams) of the last 5 years of her life, and all memories of her marriage, can her husband, Leo (Channing Tatum), find a way to have his wife fall in love with him again?

Loving couple, Paige and Leo, are out for a romantic evening. On the way home a terrible car accident happens which steals the last 5 years of memories from Paige. Unfortunately that includes some life changing experiences one of the most important is meeting Leo, her husband. Not only does Paige not remember her current life she is left at a point in time when she is in love and engaged to someone else. Confused by the person she is told by Leo that she is and the person she feels to be of 5 years ago. Is it possible to rebuild love a second time around?

This movie is loosely based on a true story. While Hollywood has clearly added extra plot points and soap opera elements this story is still one to make you believe that love really can conquer all. If you are a romantic this one will not disappoint.

The Vow should be available to rent on most DVD services.


Take a look at the original trailer.


Some trivia about the movie.
1. Loosely based on the story of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter. The Carpenters liked the movie but were disappointed by its omission of their faith in Christianity which was an important factor in their resilience.
2. The café that Leo and Paige frequent is called Cafe Mnemonic. A mnemonic device is a learning technique used to help memory.

Night 2 of the 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway

Welcome to night 2 of the 5th annual 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway. Stop by the main Giveaway Post and enter to win a $200 Prize Pack full of decadent treats from 8 fabulous shops! Tonight we have the next movie in the Valentine Movie Marathon. Follow along daily for extra entries and the chance for a bonus 20 entries at the end of the giveaway. Test your movie knowledge and play the Guess the Movie game for even more entries. Then take a look at tonight's Featured Shop "Deep Midnight Perfumes". Enjoy and have fun!

Funny Vintage Ladies Compact ~

Life Unnoticed

Shop Laughing Vixen Lounge and receive 10% off your order through February 28th. Use code FEBRUARY10 at checkout.


Featured Shop ~ Deep Midnight Perfumes
Deep Midnight Perfumes is run by Cat from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her shop is filled with some of the most wonderful smelling perfumes around.

Dark Desires Perfume Oil

How did you choose your shop name?
"Deep Midnight refers to the darkest hour of the night...not true midnight. It's more around 1:30-2:30. It seems I am always up at this time like a good vampire." 

Walking Dead inspired Perfume Sampler Set

Why did you choose to make/sell what you do?
"I love artisan perfumes and love creating them! I cannot wear alcohol/aerosol based products and I am also very allergic to a lot of chemicals. I started making perfume oils for myself back in 1996. In 2003 I began selling locally and started on Etsy in 2010. I love creating scents and enjoy the challenge and fulfillment of a truly great scent that myself and others can enjoy."

Ramblin' Rose Perfume Oil

What inspires the designs/creations you make?
"History and fantasy are the really big inspirations and the real people and characters found therein. I love Ancient Britain and Ireland, Victorian England, Ancient Egypt and Rome, and other eras. I also love classic and fantasy books, and theater as inspirations. I have college degrees in history and anthropology and minors in chemistry and English literature so all that helps!"

The Hobbit Inspired Perfume Sampler Set

What new designs/creations would you like to add to your shop in the future?
"Some new things are already in the shop! Have a look!"

Love Letters Perfume Oil

Cat, the magic behind Deep Midnight Perfumes.

You'll have a chance to win a $20 Gift Certificate from Deep Midnight Perfume Oils. Enter now on the main Giveaway Post.

Perfume Heart Bottle Pendant

Visit Deep Midnight Perfume Oils and use coupon code LVL10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Find out more about Deep Midnight Perfumes here.
Follow on Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog

Since it's February, I asked the shops to share their favorite love story movies.
"The Princess Bride would be in my top five. It’s romantic and funny and I loved the theme song. I still love watching it after all these years."

14 Nights of Valentine's Day Movie Marathon
Follow along with us for 2 weeks full of classic and modern love story movies. Each day there will be a review of the next movie in the marathon. Leave a comment on the post, with your opinion of the movie, and you can receive 1 entry in the giveaway. Each day you comment you can receive 1 entry. You will find the daily entries on the Rafflecopter on the main Giveaway Post.
*You may start following the marathon at any time and comment on past posts to catch up.

Comment on all 14 movies and you can receive a bonus 20 entries. On the last day of the giveaway you will find the magic phrase to unlock the bonus entries on the Rafflecopter.
*You must comment on each movie to qualify for the bonus 20 entries.

Guess the Movie Game
Each day there will be a clue to the next night's movie. Leave your guess on the Rafflecopter widget, on the main Giveaway Post, for 1 entry in the giveaway.
*Guesses must be posted the same day as their clue to receive the 1 entry.
*The Rafflecopter widget will reset to a new day 24 hours after you left your last guess.
*Please do not post guesses anywhere else on the blog or they will be deleted and not count.

Tonight's Clue ~ Love may be forgotten but never really lost.


Night 2 ~ Waitress

Tagline - If only life were as easy as pie.


Directed by Adrienne Shelly and released on May 25, 2007 by Fox Searchlight (Rated PG-13). Jenna (Keri Russell) is a waitress who makes amazing pies and is stuck in a loveless marriage with a cruel husband. She dreams of leaving him but now finds she's pregnant. Feeling like she is out of possibilities Jenna finds her world is about to change.

I love this movie. Why, I'm not really sure. But then I watch it and it's just so obvious that this is a great little movie. It's sweet, sad, funny, a little heartbreaking in places but leaves you in a feel good mood by the end. The characters are quirky, fun and likable. Except for her husband Early who is just terrible but is played so well by Jeremy Sisto. Another favorite here is Nathan Fillion as her doctor.

The only side effect of this movie, I feel the need to bake pies! I love how she creates the pies in her mind around what's happening in her life. The colors in this movie are beautiful especially the pies. So vivid and lively. If you haven't seen this yet go watch it now! You won't be sorry.

Click here for some of the recipes for the pies made in the movie.

Waitress should be available to rent from most DVD services.

Take a look at the original trailer.



Some trivia about the movie.
1. Adrienne Shelly's final film. She wrote, directed and played Dawn in the movie Waitress. While still working on the movie, Adrienne was found murdered in her Manhattan office/apartment. She was 40 years old.

2. Writer-director-actress Adrienne Shelly wrote the screenplay while she was pregnant with her daughter, Sophie.   

3. The toddler who plays Lulu in the movie's final scenes is Adrienne Shelly's daughter, Sophie Ostroy.   

4. Release prints were delivered to theaters with the fake title 'Broken Dishes'.

5. The idea for the five minute date Dawn (Adrienne Shelly) goes on was inspired by Adrienne's experience with them years earlier.   

6. Had a 20-day shoot.

Night 1 of the 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway

Welcome to night 1 of the 5th annual 14 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaway. Stop by the main Giveaway Post to enter to win a $200 Prize Pack full of decadent treats from 8 fabulous shops! Tonight we have Rosemary's Pick, the first movie in the Valentine's Movie Marathon. Follow along daily for extra entries and the chance for a bonus 20 entries at the end of the giveaway. Test your movie knowledge and play the Guess the Movie game for even more entries. Enjoy and have fun!

Key To My Heart Necklace

Shop Laughing Vixen Lounge and receive 10% off your order through February 28th. Use code FEBRUARY10 at checkout.

14 Nights of Valentine's Day Movie Marathon
Follow along with us for 2 weeks full of classic and modern love story movies. Each day there will be a review of the next movie in the marathon. Leave a comment on the post, with your opinion of the movie, and you can receive 1 entry in the giveaway. Each day you comment you can receive 1 entry. You will find the daily entries on the Rafflecopter on the main Giveaway Post.
*You may start following the marathon at any time and comment on past posts to catch up.

Comment on all 14 movies and you can receive a bonus 20 entries. On the last day of the giveaway you will find the magic phrase to unlock the bonus entries on the Rafflecopter.
*You must comment on each movie to qualify for the bonus 20 entries.

Guess the Movie Game
Each day there will be a clue to the next night's movie. Leave your guess on the Rafflecopter widget, on the main Giveaway Post, for 1 entry in the giveaway.
*Guesses must be posted the same day as their clue to receive the 1 entry.
*The Rafflecopter widget will reset to a new day 24 hours after you left your last guess.
*Please do not post guesses anywhere else on the blog or they will be deleted and not count.

Tonight's Clue ~ Bake your worries away.


Night 1 ~ Love Story

Tagline - Love  means never having to say you're sorry.


Directed by Arthur Hill (The Out-of-Towners and The In-Laws) and released on December 16th, 1970 by Paramount Pictures (rated PG). Harvard student Oliver (Ryan O'Neil) and Radcliffe student Jenny (Ali MacGraw) meet and fall in love. Can they overcome their opposite backgrounds and make love work?

It has become tradition with the Valentine's Day Giveaway for my mom, Rosemary, to pick the first movie. Her past choices have included Raintree County, Hatchi and The Man From Snowy River. This year she chose the classic 70's tearjerker Love Story.

Oliver, a Harvard law student from a wealthy family, meets Jenny, a working-class Radcliffe student. Despite an instant and constant battle-of-the-wits these two fall madly in love. Upon deciding to marry, Oliver's father does not agree and severs all ties to his son. The two must make their dreams happen by modest means and lot of hard work. But as happens all too often in this type of movie things take a tragic turn.

This movie is a example of the changing roles of woman and men at the beginning of the 1970s. Jenny is outspoken and a bit of a smart-mouth. And it is she who tries to stop the budding romance due to the realization of the difference in their backgrounds. Their story is enjoyable to watch and definitely worthy of tears once you enter the final stretch. If you are a fan of tragic love stories this is one of the greats.

Love Story is currently available on Netflix streaming and should be available to rent on most DVD services.


Take a look at the original trailer.


Some trivia about the movie.
1. In What's Up, Doc? (1972), Barbra Streisand tells Ryan O'Neal, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." O'Neal responds, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."
2. The movie's line "Love means never having to say you're sorry." was voted as the #13 movie quote by the American Film Institute.
3. Film debut of Tommy Lee Jones, an actual Harvard graduate. Writer Erich Segal based Ryan O'Neal's character on Jones, and on his Harvard roommate, future Vice-President Al Gore.
4. Ryan O'Neal learned to ice-skate and Ali MacGraw learned to play the harpsichord in preparation for their roles.
5. According to Robert Evans in his memoirs the 8 actors who declined the role of Oliver were Beau Bridges, Jon Voight, Michael Sarrazin, Michael Douglas, Michael York (who turned it down because he didn't believe it would be a hit), Peter Fonda, Jeff Bridges and Keith Carradine.
6. Author Erich Segal wrote the screenplay first, then adapted it into a novel - which was published before the film's release and became a runaway bestseller.
7. This movie marked Ray Milland's first film appearance without the hairpiece he had worn for decades.
8. Both the Cornell and Dartmouth hockey teams were played by Dartmouth's actual team. Cornell hockey coach Ned Harkness only allowed Cornell jerseys to be used in the film on the condition that Cornell win the game with Harvard.

2015

Here's to a bright and shiny New Year. Make it a Fabulous one!
~Laughing Vixen Lounge

Ho, Ho and Ho!

Have a Fabulous Christmas from 

Laughing Vixen Lounge.