Movie Must-See: The Intouchables

This weekend, Greg and I ventured out to see a movie on our date night. Since we were already in downtown Dallas, we decided to go to the Angelika to goo see a smaller independent film. After watching some trailers on our iPhones, we both collectively decided that The Intouchables seemed like it was going to be a great movie. And what a good choice we made! I can't remember the last time that we laughed so hard throughout the entire movie (along with the rest of the theatre), but also found ourselves tearing up at other points during the movie. We both agreed that it was worth the late showing that we chose. We even both woke up the next morning and talked AGAIN about how good it was over breakfast. That's sayin' something...

The movie is actually a French production, so the entire thing is in French with English Subtitles. In no way does this take away from the film itself. There is some choice language occasionally used throughout the movie, but bottom line, this storyline of this movie will charm your heart.

The Synopsis:

A rich quadriplegic, living in a mansion in Paris, requires a live-in caretaker. A young offender from the projects turns up for an interview, but he is not looking to get the job. However, to his surprise, he is hired. As the movie unfolds, the two men, from opposite walks of life, develop and form a close friendship that cannot be replaced.

The Trailer:

     Makes me smile every time!

Bottom line, everyone should make it out to see this movie. Not to mention, Omar Sy (the caretaker), ended up winning a Cesar Award (France's version of the Oscars) for Best Actor for 2011. Seriously, it's that good.

5 Dallas Restaurants You Should Visit

If there is one thing that Greg and I love to do all the time, it is definitely to eat. We love food. We love discovering new restaurants, trying new things, and just learning to appreciated the complexities of nice dishes and drinks. We currently live in a city that's 4.35 square miles (in the middle of Dallas), and in that tiny little footprint, there are over 170 restaurants. It's insane. So, because of that I just wanted to share some of the favorite places that we either frequent, or have visited and are dying to go back! In no particular order:

1. Uncle Julio's - Fine Mexican Cuisine

• This has always, always, always been one of my favorite Mexican Food Restaurants. If you are craving some good fajitas, or queso, or even some delicious Sangria Swirls, I would recommend Uncle Julio's in a heartbeat! It is definitely a little bit more expensive that your average On The Border, but you WILL NOT be disappointed. When El Fenix was named "Best of Big D" for their margaritas and food, we were severely confused as our experience at El Fenix was sub-par. Regardless, Greg and I frequently go to Uncle J's and share some fajitas and some queso and it is easily enough to feed the two of us. This makes me hungry just thinking about it!

2. Houlihan's - Restaurant & Bar

• This restaurant is located less than a mile from our house and Greg and I had driven by several times before we decided it was time to venture out and try it. Again, this restaurant offers an amazing assortment of good eats and drinks. When classifying or comparing this restaurant, I would say its similar to a Chili's in that it has a bunch of different types of dishes, but the quality and presentation is more like an upscale restaurant. YUM! We've only been there once, but I had one of the most delicious Entree Salad's that I've ever had in my entire life. I cannot wait to go back!

3. Nick & Sam's Grill

• Not to be confused with the original Nick & Sam's Steakhouse, this is another "Upscale Chili's" that is to die for. Greg and I recently went here with our "Best Couple" from our wedding, Will and Neely, to celebrate Will's Graduation, Will's moving to Dallas, and just a celebration of good time with friends. I'm pretty sure that everything we tried, we loved! This can get pricey if you go all out (which we did in lieu of all the celebrations) but would make a great date night venue if you're looking for a upscale experience at less-than-upscale prices. 

4. The Pearl Cup - Coffee & Espresso

• Oh My Goodness. Greg and I went here one day when we were visiting Milk & Honey Boutique as it was literally two doors down from the shop. It was a cold and rainy day and their signature Pearl Cup Latte was the perfect accessory for the weather. Voted "Best Coffeehouse" in Dallas, I could clearly see why. It was chill, modern, edgy, and quaint. This definitely reminded me of all the cool and trendy coffeehouses in Seattle and I fell in love. Their coffee was delicious! If this coffeehouse was closer to our house, we would be in trouble. We would spend WAY too much time there and consequently WAY too much money. If you haven't ventured to The Pearl Cup yet, its worth the trip. 

5. Bacci's Pizzeria

• Bacci's is literally a hole in the wall pizza place near our home that I think we discovered on accident one day. My favorite. They have Chicago pizza, pasta, & sandwiches and they couldn't be more delicious! Not to mention, they are super affordable! Greg and I can go and get two massive slices of pizza with the toppings of our choice, two salads with their homemade house dressing, and drinks and make it out of there for around $15! That's almost as cheap as Chick-fil-a (Almost)! We love this place and it's perfect for a meal out when you're on a budget! 

We are always looking for restaurant and good eat suggestions! If you have any to add to this list, let me know! 

What Every Household Needs: A Dyson

Having a dog means having a house that must be cleaned often. Well, that is if you don't want to live with dog hair taking over your life. We end up vacuuming our house once a week and every time we do, I get a little giddy about getting to use our Dyson DC24 Animal Ball.

I am a firm believer that every household needs one of these. If you have animals or not, it is worth the high price tag. It's unbelievable, astonishing, and rather disgusting how much dirt, dust, and hair this thing will pick up when you vacuum. But on the contrary, it leaves you feeling very much accomplished and that your house is ridiculously clean.

I recently had a co-worker buy one who has two children. He too was astonished about how much it seemed to pick up that his previous, really nice vacuum was missing. They say when you buy one, to first vacuum with your current vacuum and then to go and re-vacum your house with your new Dyson. The outcome paints a picture of how much your old vacum was missing over the years. Gross.

So, all in all, if you're getting married and creating a registry, or if you care about the cleanliness of your home, or just want a new gadget for your home, spring for the Dyson. You WILL NOT regret it!