Years ago back when I was in high school there was this book that my sister had to read for school (in Dutch, might I add) and she hated it. Because of that I automatically assumed it sucked and refused to read it. Not long after that it became a world wide hit, yet I remained saying it was an awful book (while never having read a word of it). Until I saw the movie and decided to give it a go anyway. Well, that book was the first Harry Potter (to be very fair I have actually read the Dutch translation now and compared to the original, it does really really suck).

I kind of had the same reaction to Twilight from Stephanie Meyers. I had read a bit of it, a couple of chapters, but my opinion was mainly formed by the many book review blogs out there. In my eyes, it seemed like a weak hyped-up rip-off from many other great vampire books. Now I haven’t read the book yet, but after seeing the movie I might actually give it a go (ah, history repeats itself).

Twilight is about Bella Swan, a teenager that moves to the small gloomy town of Forks to live with her father. As she starts her junior year in high school she becomes fascinated by Edward Cullen, a mysterious and captivating student. Bella soon discovers that Edward is hiding a secret, after he impossibly saves her life from a van with his super-human strength and speed. She is determined to unravel his secret, but the truth is more terrifying than she realizes. Edward is a vampire. Any normal person would just keep away from him, but Edward and Bella fall passionately in love with each other. And so begins the forbidden relationship between a human and a vampire.

Is Twilight a great movie? No. Not by far. It seems much more like a made-for-TV film or a regular TV show. The special effects are horrendously bad, the acting is bland, the editing seems choppy at times and the pacing is pretty slow. And yet, it’s turned out better than I expected. True, my expectations were very very low, but there’s something about this movie that makes me like it. It’s one of those guilty-pleasures type of movies, that I know will end up on the list of movies I can watch when I’m sick to my stomach lying on the couch from fever or flu.

Story-wise it isn’t original at all. Girl falls in love with a good vampire boy. Vampire boy is tempted by her blood and refuses to see her. Bad vampire boy finds out about girl and hunts her down. Good vampire boy saves her and realizes he cant live without her. Been there, done that. If the book is anything like the movie, I still remain convinced that there are way better vampire stories out there, with much more complex and interesting mythologies.

If you want a cheesy easy romantic flick for a summer afternoon, try Twilight. I liked it much more than I expected, and I’m even considering seeing it’s sequel New Moon in the cinema (not completely sure yet, depends if anyone else is interested in coming along).

Twilight is out now on DVD.

Last year I blogged about the Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Dresses; some of them I loved, but others were just plain hideous. I’m not sure when these newest dresses were released, but I’d thought share the latest additions to the line.

Now one thing I just don’t understand is the ugly backdrop of all the photos. Unlike the previous batch, the quality of these photos just aren’t up to scratch, and the colourful backdrop really doesn’t help showing off the dresses. I still think some of these dresses don’t have anything remotely “princessy” or “fairy tale” about them, and certainly don’t have anything to do with the characters they were inspired by.

Cinderella

Once Upon A Time…

Not so long ago, one girl dreamed of going to the ball and finding her prince. This famous fairy tale begins with a single wish, an exquisite dress and the dream of a lifetime.

Today, the timeless Cinderella tale comes alive with classic glamour. Silk tulle and duchess satin make these gowns fit for a true princess. Stunning touches of scattered crystal and silver threading sparkle and shine like the midnight sky.

Sleeping Beauty

With a single kiss, Sleeping Beauty’s dream comes true. She finds her prince, falls in love and discovers that she’s already a real princess.

Here, this classic tale is retold in regal fabrics of satin, chantilly and netting. The theme of pretty romance rings true with beautiful touches of crystal and pearl embellishments — perfect for any princess.

Luminous, radiant, graceful, harmonious

Snow White

The Fairest Of Them All…

The first to show us that true love lasts forever, Snow White finds her prince and claims her kingdom.

This collection captures her gentle grace and beauty in exquisite silk, chiffon and satin. Beads, pearls and lovely appliqués tell the story of sweet elegance and enduring love as this fairy tale comes true.

Jasmine

Follow Your Heart…

A new world awaits Jasmine as she follows her heart and finds true love. Here, fairy tale wishes take flight and happily ever after becomes the greatest adventure.

This enchanting collection reflects Jasmine’s bohemian spirit. Gowns drape in chiffon and satin. Exotic details include clustered beadwork, appliqué lace and just a touch of wanderlust.

Ariel

Love Changes Everything…

…As Ariel soon finds when she places her heart above all else. Willing to cross oceans for true love, Ariel discovers the world beyond the sea all that she dreamed it to be.

This romantic collection pays tribute to Ariel’s oceanic home with touches of pearl beading and underwater imagery.

Silk cascades and drapes for a sultry look that transcends time and two different worlds.

Belle

The Heart, Like a Rose, Blossoms When Loved…

Open and true, Belle sees beyond the surface, making all that she casts her gaze upon beautiful. Guided by her heart, Belle finds her prince, breaks a spell and claims her destiny.

This story continues in stylish sophistication with ribbon and bands of satin. Here, taffeta and tulle blooms pay tribute to Belle’s gracious spirit. With elegant details like scattered beading and lovely lace, this fairy tale lives on.

I think my favourites are the second Cinderella dress, the second Sleeping Beauty one, and the first and the third Jasmine dresses. I really don’t like the Ariel and Belle dresses, while I just loved those lines in the previous collections (the Ariel Collection 2 and the Belle Collection 1).

Check out all the dresses at the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings website.

(Photos courtesy and copyright of Disney)