LES MISERABLES

Sometimes this Blog will go off in another direction – in the direction of what ever I am interested in…

I will begin with the simple fact that I was trying to keep my Pirates Of The Caribbean under control. I know everyone LOVES Jack Sparrow, but for me someone else caught my eye. Focusing on Captain Barbossa, my curiosity got the better of me. Curiosity killed the Fox? I began wondering who is this man who brings my beloved Barbossa to life? You Tube searches for Geoffrey Rush lead me to video tributes, full of pictures from movies and theater, of the man. One video had a picture of Rush from Les Miserables in the black hat, I commented on the video. Please tell me what movie that’s from! No response. I googled Rush instead, found that wonderful web site “the many hats of Geoffrey Rush”

Les Miserables was the movie I had to see. Little did I know that Rush was one of the few actors that had a Triple Crown of Acting, under his belt {An Academy Award, Tony Award, Emmy Award & numerous others I could fill this entire Blog with!}

Cash in hand I head to my local video store with a list of Rush movies. Scrambling down the unorganized isles of this store to only find a couple of options, Elizabeth and Les Miserables. I felt like I would have a hard time trying to find Les Miserables if I did not grab it now. So that would be my first purchase of curiosity.

I had never seen the play in the theater nor did I read the book. I went in full naïve only to recognize the movie after the first thirty minuets. I had a friend in high school that loved Les Miserables, I remember her having a pin on her back pack of the Les Miserables Girls face. I also realized she let me barrow this movie back in the day; she had been crushing on Marius of course.

The first time I watched the movie the one thing that stuck out in my mind was “Whoa did he just slap Uma Thurman!” I could not believe it. Rush’s Inspector Javert comes across as a complex man. I would describe him like this; stern, stoic and haughty & the law is his religion – his driving force.

I do like Liam Neeson, a lot. It was nice to see him in this movie too. But Rush stole my attention. I am amazed at how well he always mesh’s with his co-stars, he’s always the Yin to their Yang. You cannot have the one with out the other, truly the best example of a supporting actor.

I do question the directors camera angles at times, Rush is 6’0 and Neeson is 6’4 but seems to tower over him at some points.

Did anyone notice  that Rush hardly blinks, he is so intense in this movie.

Favorite line from the movie; I love the part where Captain Beauvais is telling the mayor, Liam Neeson. That the new police inspector is here to report, Neeson says tell him him does not need to. Captain Beauvais says “But Monsieur le Maire, if you don’t permit the inspector to report, I think he will burst into tears!” The idea of Javert doing this is hilarious – because he is so serious.

My other favorite part is not exactly a pleasant part of the movie. Javert finds out that Neeson is who he thought he was and goes into primal rage mode. Confronts Neeson and Thurman with the ferocity of a wolverine. He blows up in Neesons face and says “Speak up, people don’t mumble when they speak to me!” & “ Are you joking, do you think that I am that stupid, I think you do” Rush delivers these lines & part so ferociously I do not think I could have responded to him if I where in Liam Neeson’s shoes. He literally acts him out of the universe in that moment....

Noticing some similarities of Javert to Barbossa? A couple of times in the movie Javert yells or barks an order and all I can see and hear is Barbossa. Rush will stand there and cross his arms high on his chest, very Barbaossa-esque. The hat he wears in the beginning of the movie, very similar to that Barbossa is sporting as a privateer in POTC4. Baldric sword / gun belt seems to be an accessory both like. Long coat, why can’t men wear these anymore? I love a man who can pull off a trench or pea coat. They are not practical in my neck of the woods, sadly.

Did anyone notice that Rush seems to just kind of fall off of that horse? The man has some long legs you would think he’d have no problem.

 

These pictures are screen shots I took while watching the movie. I was trying to get good shots of him that where not the usual ones you see on the all of the other generic reviews. During this I stumbled across this: Liam Neeson smashes Inspetor Javerts face into the wall he slowly slides down and falls into a heap. At that point, try rewinding in slow motion to see Rush smash his face & slide up the wall. It’s pretty funny! Sorry Rush.

After I watched the movie, the 1^st time. I found out that many people gave it bad reviews. Saying it was nothing like the book or the play. That Liam Neeson’s character was way off from what he should have been, etc. I have nothing to compare it to, nor did I go the extra step to read the book or see the play. All I can say is I think it stands on its own. All of the actors did a wonderful job if you ask me.

Oh, I did see Twitter blowing up Les Miserables. They are doing a remake of this movie. Apparently Rush will be Mr. Thenardiers the owner of the bar and care taker of Cosette. I am excited that that he agreed to play a part in this, but it is not my favorite character. This re-make has a stellar cast and should do well.

***Correction: Geoffrey will not be playing Thenardiers, I am disappointed because any Rush is better then no Rush at all. They cast someone else - I am not even going to comment about THAT.

 

Hmmm to see Rush in a play – that would be NICE. I have heard he is completely different from what we see in the movies.

Until next time – Your Rush Obsessed friend,

BlueFox

P.S. I think this may be a long running series on here, yes it might be. He a-MUSE's me...

 

 

Dia De Los Muertos

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 

 Is a holiday that is celebrated though out the world by many different cultures. It is a time for families and friends to gather and remember their lost loved ones.

 

How do we do it?

BIG, we begin by preparing food earning the morning of November 2^nd. The kitchen is suddenly full of foods being prepared and dropped off. Posole, Menudo, Chili and Frila [Potatoes / Bacon Soup] fill our list of comfort foods. All of the food is usually done by mid afternoon.

Then we all head out the cemetery to put out luminarios. We do it old school with a paper bag filled with a bit of sand on the bottom, and then we add a single white candle. We place about 100+ luminaries on grave sites of loved ones and friends throughout the cemetery. Once the sun starts to set we light the candles.

*notice the beer?

This time of year it’s finally starting to get a bit chilly. We all head to the house that has the comfort food. Fill up on all of the soups and treats and spend time with our loved ones.

It’s the first of the holiday gatherings for us. The big ones sneak right up shortly after. 

Until next year my friends, maybe I will actually show the food! 

Yr Friend,

BlueFox

DIY Accessories How To Make Fast & Easy Tassel Earrings

Tools you will need:

Earring Hooks, go with stainless silver or gold. You can find a packet of these at craft / fabric stores, they generally come in a package of 25+ for a couple of bucks.

Loops or Jump Rings, match the earring hook. You will find these in a package too & they are super cheap

Tassels, find these in the fabric upholstery sections of fabric stores. They have just about every color of the rainbow at Joann's, also try Micheal's.Usually find these near the trim and fringes. Tassels run hing and low on price points, so pick your budget when you head into the store. Try looking in the holiday decoration sections - this time of year you may be able to find some tassels for cheap.

 BE CREATIVE!

Once you add that jump ring you could add the tassel to anything. Add it to an old necklace to spruce it up, or your purse, hair clip or even a pair of shoes.

Consider changing the tone of the metal to gold and pick a complimentary colored tassel. I think Gold & Turquoise would look smashing together!

 

DIY Accessories - How To Make A Casette Tape Wallet / Coin Purse

Starting with an old cassette tape we will make a wallet or coin purse out of it.

How you ask? Watch the video!

TIPS

Newspaper is your friend and will make clean up a breeze. Add on your tabletops and floor to save them.

Try to find a cassette that is not clear, so you can avoid having to paint it like I did. If you have a clear cassette, spray paint or craft paint will work to make it solid.

Also try to find the cassettes that have small screws holding them together; these are a snap to take apart with a small screwdriver.

 

Make sure you buy a zipper that is long enough; it needs to cover three sides only! Take your cassette with you while you shop to insure a perfect fit.

You can pick whatever color of zipper and liner you want! Leopard liner would be PuRR-Fect!

Be VERY careful if you choose to work with a glue gun! It gets very HOT. If you choose to work with Goo Glue or A-6000 be careful not to glue yourself to the project.

Press down carefully on the fabric of the zipper, too much pressure and it will ooze everywhere too little and the fabric will not stick to the plastic.

Try your best not to get any glue in the tracks of the zipper! Otherwise you will be spending some time picking it all out!

Handle your wallet / coin purse with care. If it becomes loose re-glue it.

Until the next project my friends,

BlueFox

Outfit Of The Day ~ Thriftshop Shirt & Faux Fur Vest

As Requested per a YouTube Subscriber, I present and OOTD or Outfit Of The Day showcasing the thrifted top from a recent haul.

The Top

This is one of my favorite tops that I seem to be wearing every week since I got it. The sleeves are one of my favorite things about it, even the tab buttons. Silk blend with a slouchy fit, makes it super comfortable.

 

Jeans

Mossimo skinny jeans bought at Target

Boots

Found at Marshall’s, my current absolute favorites. I love the button detail along the sides. It makes them a little bit different from everyone else’s.

Faux Fur Vest

Found last year at a local boutique. Bringing this baby out into full wardrobe cycle since fur is back with a vengeance.

Watch & Jewelry

Bought at the Fossil Store

Bracelets Found at local Boutiques

Ring Forever 21

 Manicure

DIY ladies!

Yes, That's be a humming bird crashing my picture! He was so close I could hear his wings beating! I guess I have strong animal magnetism?

 Until next time my friends,

        BlueFox

DIY - How To Dye Fabric

As mentioned in the video this would be my 2nd adventure in dying fabric. This is an easy way to revamp a thrift shop find or breath new life into an existing item you have in your closet. Also you can save an old favorite shirt that has faded with time.

I found the Dylon fabric dye at Joann's my local fabric and craft store. Very similar to RIT dye except for the fact that you do not have to "cook" the item you have chosen to dye. 

Items you will need other then the dye and your project An old plastic bucket or trash can, something you can throw away if its ruined. An old bowl and spoon to mix the dye with. Salt and some latex gloves, plenty of time and water. 

TIPS

Follow dye's directions and be very aware of the type of material you are attempting to dye. 100% polyester does not play well with this particular dye. This dye works very well with cotton.

The RULES of color apply, blue top + red dye = Purple.

This is a messy job, I would advise wearing old clothing while dying. Keep a couple of wet wash cloths close to wipe up any spills or drips immediately.

 

Once you have finished your project you should handle your newly dyed article of clothing, with care. Machine wash on gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Wash alone for the first couple of washes to ensure that excess dye will not ruin other things. Hang to dry, but not in direct sunlight. The Dryer will fade the color of your garment quickly.

Watch the video for the full project breakdown: 

Outfit Details:

Top thrift-ed and dyed, fur vest bought at local boutique last year. Shorts with gold studs are from Forever 21, tights from Target, Boots from Payless recently. Jewelry from Forever 21 & local boutique.

Until next time my friends,

BlueFox