A Three-Sentence Movie Review

1. The Imitation Game

Well done and interesting that all this happened in real life. More proof that many of the 'greats' are not appreciated until after death. Keira Knightley and Benedict Cumberbatch in a period piece and all is right with the world.


2. Beginners

I liked this one a lot. The movie taps into the need for all humans to connect to each other, including the effects of repressing feelings/emotions/sexuality. It's a good love story, for both father and son.



3. Life Partners

Accurate, telling, and honest depiction of what it's like to transition from your late-twenties into your thirties, as well as the notion that not everyone matures at the same speed (crucial theme when it comes to best friends maturing at different speeds). Organic dialogue that reminded me of the way I (and my friends) talk. Out of the movies listed here, this was surprisingly my favorite!


4. Fruitvale Station

So very powerful. You will feel angry, upset, confused, and distraught after this film--all signs that they did a good job affecting the audience. If you don't know the premise, look it up; this is obviously a poignant topic for the time.


Photos Credits: 1/2/3/4

Central London Snapshots

I'm a majorly prideful Ex-London Expat. Which basically means that it's super hard for me to bring out my camera in Central London and look like a tourist. How about you learn some humility, Ashley?? Yes, I just talked to myself in the third person. That's neither here nor there.

The good news is that I did humble myself enough for one crazy half-rainy, half-sunny day on my last week in London Town. I'm glad I did, because now I have some pretty pics of my fave sites. Enjoy the beauty of one of the most beautiful cities--that's a lot of beauty going on!

Travel tip: People always spend tons of money on overpriced double decker site-seeing buses. If you feel like you'd like to skip the sometimes annoying tour guide, just hop on any usual London bus which will cost you less than 2 pounds. All the buses you see in this photo (the 9, 3, 13) are just a few  of the MANY that drive through Central London. Otherwise, I think Westminster Station is one of the best to get off of to start your walk by Parliament.

Travel Fact: Big Ben is actually the name of just the bell (and people sometimes tell me it's the name of the clock as well). This tower is actually named Elizabeth Tower. Of course, I often just call it Ben because I'm lazy.

 Not many cities offer better views than my dear London. 

And so the sun has set on my London posts (until I go again, that is). London and I will always have our special relationship. But for now, I'm content will all the opportunities before me Stateside. It's been awhile since I've said such a thing! (Gasp!)

Good Eats in Prague: U Hrocha

You may not be a big sausage fan, but in Prague YOU WILL BE! With a side of horseradish, onions, and mustard. 

I was lucky enough to get a solid recommendation for a Prague pub from a friend who once lived in the Czech Republic. U Hrocha is a place you CANNOT MISS. I say this because I believe this place to be the true Prague experience.

There were not a lot of tourists here (I looked rather conspicuous pulling out my camera and snapping away). But it's exactly the kind of homey, small, hole-in-the-wall that every tourist wants to find.

Pass the paprika, please!

The group of men on the left were getting incredibly drunk. Of course they noticed me taking photos and asked me to come over for a shot. Never one to refuse free alcohol, I sat with these "jolly" men for 45 minutes, hearing tales of their lives and places they have lived. 

 The shot I had was the one on the far left, Becherovka, which has a sweet, herby/cinnamon-y sort of flavor. IT'S REAL GOOD! Apparently, it's the national drink of the Czech Republic.

This was one of the highlights of my trip! If you go to Prague, don't skip this little gem. 

Address:

U Hrocha

Thunovská 10

118 00 Praha 1

Czech Republic

Introducing The Little Turkish Lady

I've had this blog for a long time. 10 years to be exact. With 10 years of having a blog comes a unique set of challenges, one being blog names. I created the name (and the domain) for this blog when I was 20 YEARS OLD. I was 20, guys. I was but a babe!

"She's Come Undone" was the name of my blog for almost all the 10 years I've had it. When I made the name, of course I thought I was being artsy...or something. I still like what She's Come Undone stands for:

• letting go of inhibitions
• being okay with the occasional breakdown
• throwing away the idea of being perfect

However, for the past year or two I've wanted to switch it. But to what? Little Turkish Girl? I'm not a girl anymore (although there is something to be said for keeping a child-like curiosity). 

I settled on Little Turkish Lady. It's the grown-up Little Turkish Girl. I don't have to remind myself to "come undone" anymore because I've already succeeded in my goal. I am now a woman who takes chances, travels by herself, moves to different countries, stands up for what she believes in, and most of all, is open and honest about who she really is. 

I'll keep my domain as it is for awhile because...sentimental value...ya know? And for those of you that have just stumbled on my blog and are asking, "Wait...you're Turkish?" Yep, half, to be exact. Turkey was my first real inspiration in life. It inspired me to travel and to think outside the box. For that I still owe it my blog's name. 

♥ The Little Turkish Girl Lady

Prague: All About That Architecture

If you were to ask me what my favorite part of Prague was, the proof is in the pictures. Prague's buildings had me smiling from ear to ear. Every turn was a new photo that I happily snapped. Luckily, I have spared you the 200+ photos I took of buildings, and have chosen to only showcase a few so you don't go completely mad reading this post. And there's not much else to read, really; these beauties speak for themselves.

 The famous astronomical clock, built in the 1300s and has movable parts (the little men move!)

 Statue of Kafka. 

Prague is certainly up there with the likes of Rome, Paris, and London (some heavy-hitters when it comes to the most beautiful architecture). Even better? It's cheaper than all three! Prague, I love you. 

Say Yes

I've been reading Bossypants and I thought Friday would be a good time to share a great quote from it. It's where Tina Fey extracts life lessons she learned from improv school:

"The first rule of improvisation is AGREE...at least start from an open-minded place. Start with a YES and see where that takes you. As an improviser, I always find it jarring when I meet someone in real life whose first answer is no. 'No we can't do that.' 'No that is not in the budget.' 'No I will not hold your hand for a dollar.' What kind of way is that to live? The second rule of improvisation is not only to say yes, but YES, AND. You are supposed to agree then add something of your own...To me YES, AND means don't be afraid to contribute." 

This works well for life, doesn't it? When faced with a big opportunity or decision is my first inclination to say yes or no? In some instances I think quite grand, but sometimes I default to a small-minded way of thinking. I limit myself. I like Tina's idea of learning how to lead with a yes and seeing what comes from it. Even more, I like the "YES, AND" bit of the quote. It's the part of the quote that makes us responsible for what we bring to the table both professionally and personally. Some questions to ask:

• What am I (and are you) contributing to the world? 
• Do I share new ideas at work? 
• Am I contributing positively to my friends lives? 
• Am I being kind and generous to my parents? 
• Am I contributing to my own well being (health, mind, soul)?   

What do I have to contribute? The answer is PLENTY!! Spending too much time thinking negatively or diminishing my own value takes away from the time I can be DOING SOMETHING/CONTRIBUTING SOMETHING.

Obviously, I've been on a positivity kick lately. I want to continue that trend. I'm choosing to start with a yes. Thanks, Tina.

Five Reasons I Fancy Prague

I'm going to do a few posts on Prague, because, WOWWWWW WAS I STUNNED BY IT! But I thought a "Five Reasons" post would be a nice introduction. So here are the five reasons I fancy Prague:

1. Absolutely Gorgeous Architecture 

Every turn down a street had me flabbergasted. This place is just drop-dead gorgeous; like, your heart might stop from the beauty of it all. The above photo was taking in the Jewish Quarter, arguably the prettiest part of Prague. 

2. Great Street Food  

Think sausage, warm deserts (with Nutella), potato and cheesy goodness, all for mere pennies!  

3. Cheap, Delicious Beer

Overall, Prague is very cheap. I could get a full meal with two beers for under 10 USD. Now I wouldn't say Czech beer is any better than German, Belgian, or Swiss beer, but it's equal to them. And again...CHEAPER. Total win! 

4. European Cheekiness

Found this eatery in a mall. I love Europeans. 

5. A City That is a Photographer's Dream 

I happily snapped away at all the good things around me! Prague is a well-kept, well-designed, well-EVERYTHING kind of city! 

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Have you been to Prague? Were you as enthusiastic about it as me?