In the Mood for... Romance

I don't know whether it's all these trailers for romantic comedies (like The Vow, This Means War, The Lucky One, etc.) or if it's in lieu of Valentine's Day rearing its head — most likely a combination of both — but I have the sudden urge to make a romance-related list, so here goes...

What follows are, in my opinion, the top five TV couples of all time and why.

5. Sandy and Kirsten Cohen, The O.C.

Though the bulk of this TV drama was about the teenager characters, Sandy and Kirsten Cohen stood out week after week due to the sheer strength of their relationship. The couple had their ups and downs throughout the series but, in the end, they were the rock that held everything together. Oh, and the "mail truck" story never got old.

4. Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

I'm sure many out there may have wanted Lorelai to end up with Christopher (her daughter's biological father) but from day one it was clear — at least to me — that she was meant to be with Luke, the local diner owner. On the couple's first date you learn that he kept a fake horoscope she gave him on their first meeting in his wallet for eight years. On top of that, her parents disapproved, which basically made it a done deal.


3. Darrin and Samantha Stephens, Bewitched

Call me an old soul, but I grew up watching Bewitched on Nick at Night (or TV Land) and always loved the dynamic between these two. She was a witch, he was just your average human. They made it work. Maybe it was a little unrealistic but for a show in that day to have such a powerful female character (who could overpower her husband) made their relationship ahead of its time ... and fabulous.

2. Chandler Bing and Monica Gellar-Bing, Friends

 Where do I even begin? On top of being one of the greatest comedies of all time, Friends showcased two of the most memorable TV relationships ever. I chose Chandler and Monica over Ross and Rachel because, to me, they ended up seeming even more meant for each other (and were definitely more stable, since they never went "on a break").

1. Marshall Eriksen and Lily Aldrin-Eriksen, How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother's Marshall and Lily are the most couple-y of all TV couples and it is glorious. They tell each other literally everything and can barely function without one another. It's probably true that not every great relationship has to be this nauseating (I kid, I kid) but maybe they should be. Legen- wait for it ... -dary!

Do you agree? Let me know in the comments!

Obsession: Audrey Hepburn (and old movies!)

It's no secret that I adore Audrey Hepburn (though I may not have revealed that here until now). I also often fantasize about what it must have been like to live during Hollywood's glory days (what I like to call "Old Hollywood") a la Midnight in Paris. For no reason other than that — and the fact that I find summer the best time to catch up on film classics — I am providing the blogosphere with a list of unmissable Hepburn films. Please see them, I beg of you.

1. Charade
Honestly I find it difficult putting into words how wonderful this film is and am surprised that it doesn't seem to receive praise more often as one of Hepburn's — and Cary Grant's — career greats. There was even a remake in 2002 starring Mark Wahlberg and Thandie Newton (re: The Truth About Charlie). Check out the original trailer below.

2. How to Steal a Million
This lovely 1960s romp pairs Hepburn with Peter O'Toole and is set in Paris (like so many of her flicks) as they hilariously try to steal back a fake statue.

3. Funny Face
What do you get when you pair Audrey Hepburn with Fred Astaire? Movie magic; pure movie magic. (Let's not forget the equally wonderful Kay Thompson either.) If I'm not swaying you, maybe this Gap commercial, featuring a remixed scene from the movie, will.

4. Wait Until Dark
In this riveting thriller, Hepburn plays a blind woman whose home is invaded by three thugs in search of a heroin-stuffed doll they believe is somewhere inside. She is fantastic, but I'm sure you're sensing by now that I may be a little biased.

5. Roman Holiday
Last but not least, I've included this gem on the list because it earned Hepburn her Academy Award for Best Actress. Not too shabby.