There’s nothing better than spending an enjoyable evening with a good friend … especially if it involves discounts and freebies!
Before the holidays I broke down and disclosed my email address to Schuler Books & Music. The holidays were upon us, I was buying books for everyone on my Christmas list, and thought that by signing up for their e-newsletter I might score a coupon or two. I had no idea that other perqs would be bestowed upon me as well. Imagine my surprise when I received in my inbox two complimentary passes from Schuler’s and Gofobo for a sneak peek of The Lovely Bones. (Gofobo is an on-line site which offers free advanced movie screenings to major cities throughout the US; check it out!) My BFF Cherri is a mom to five-year-old twin girls, and eagerly accepted the invitation for a night out as my date for dinner and a movie.
Logan’s Roadhouse … Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Love their buttery yeast rolls; fresh salad drowned in bleu cheese dressing; big, fat, juicy, 16-ounce T-bone steak accompanied by a baked potato with butter for four. But I didn’t have that. I would have regained 5.2 pounds in one fell swoop. I know, I know … there’s just something wrong about going to a restaurant known for its hand-cut beef and ordering from the “Health Nut” menu. But the Health Nut salad and mesquite-grilled salmon served with rice pilaf was delish … and under 550 calories! Once again, it’s about the company and not the food. Toss in a $5 coupon and it was all good!
The Lovely Bones is based on the critically-acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Seabold in which a young girl has been murdered and watches over her family and her killer from heaven; she must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. I actually picked up this book several years ago, but just couldn’t get into it at the time. As a result, I didn’t have high hopes for the film. But it turned out to be pretty good! Directed by Oscar winner Peter Jackson, the visuals in the movie were impressive. From the throwback to the 1970s to the horrific act at the center of the story to Jackson’s interpretation of the “in between,” the film was a combination of humor, suspense and fantasy. Susan Sarandon’s character was a hoot and a half, and I had just seen Stanley Tucci in Julie and Julia. His transition from Paul Child to the creepy George Harvey proves what a versatile actor he is. And I loved Saoirse Ronan; hope to see more of her in the future. My final rating? Three out of five stars. I don’t know that I’d recommend paying theater ticket prices to see it on the big screen, but it’s definitely worth renting once it comes out on DVD.
And I may just have to add The Lovely Bones back onto my reading list again.
2 comments:
So all I have to do to get some freebies is to give Schuler's my email address? Too bad I would never have the time to use them. Maybe I could give them to you? Yes?
dp
What a great deal! You had me fooled at first that you didn't order from the "Health Nut" menu at Logan's. Good for you! I own the novel The Lovely Bones if you would like to borrow it.
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