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Monday, March 6, 2017

My 15 Top Obsessions of 2012

You know me...I get obsessed with things rather easily. Like seriously, I have obsessive issues that sometimes need to be dialled back before people think Im crazy (case in point: I get asked to put Christmas decorations up. The first thing I think of is to put up tinsel Batmans in honour of The Dark Knight Rises which came out four weeks before Christmas). However, heres some which I havent been able to control over the year. The fact that Ive made a list of 15 and still missed out a whole lot of them is rather disturbing.

15. Independent cinema
Ive always loved independent cinema, but moreso this year, because it has become increasingly easier to get my hands on. Luckily, a lot of the stuff is going through Madman (a supplier here in NZ), meaning I get to catch up on them a bit earlier on the preview discs. While I may not have seen bigger films like Argo or The Hobbit just yet (nor will I until they come out on DVD), I have seen wonderful films like Your Sisters Sister and Bernie already thanks to that wonderful preview drawer. Just keep em coming, Madman.

14. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Ive always loved JGL, too, but the guy has been really flying this year. Sure, there was Premium Rush, which must have been quite a big flop since it has been delayed until March next year here (meaning it will go straight-to-DVD), but he was also in Steven Spielbergs Lincoln, and in The Dark Knight Rises - in a performance which I thought had its own wonderfulness about it. By far the best thing of his year, though, was Looper, which was a freakin awesome film itself, but JGL, weird eyebrows and nose and all, was so badass it almost hurt. I also saw 50/50 for the first time this year, where I completely fell for him. Hes also doing awesome stuff with his HitRecord project and hes just finished shooting his writing/directorial feature debut. Do the wonders ever cease? It would appear not - he also did some Magic Mike moves on SNL. Lawd.

13. The Great Gatsby
I finally read this whole book this year and it is safe to say, it is probably my favourite book of all time. F. Scott Fitzgerald really had a way with words. Also falling under this umbrella is Baz Luhrmanns forthcoming adaptation, which was my most anticipated movie for the year after The Dark Knight Rises. Why? Because a) haters gon hate but I love Baz Luhrmanns films, b) the trailers were just effing divine and they literally inspired a 1920s phase I had going on for a little while, c) Leonardo DiCaprio looks fiiiiiiiiiiine and d) that poster with Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker also looks fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine. Im honestly so excited for this film I combust everytime I think about it.

12. Michael Fassbender
I loved him last year but seeing Shame and Prometheus this year just reaffirmed my love. Shame was by far the best performance Ive seen all year, and one of my favourites ever. And even though David had a few issues in Prometheus, I couldnt believe I was watching my darling Fassy up there. Seriously, he is one of the best actors out there right now.

11. Daniel Craig
When I was 11, I had a huge crush on Daniel Craig. With Skyfall and last years The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo being released this year, that crush came right on back. He was brilliant in both of those films, but heres why I love him:

10. Princess Merida
I loved Brave more than most it would seem, and theres one huge reason for that: Princess Merida. With her curly red hair (who definitely made me appreciate my ringlet curls a lot more), cute Scottish accent and badass archery skills, it is hard not to love Disneys latest heroine. Which is also why I dressed up as her for the Christmas parade.

9. Tom Hiddleston
Easily my favourite part of The Avengers. Also, he seems like the nicest person on Earth apart from someone else on this list. And his tweets are incredibly sweet, especially around Oscar time when he got almost as excited as I did when Rooney Mara got nominated for Best Actress. I imagine he and Loki couldnt be more different.

8. Shame
This film floored me in a way that no film has ever done before. It was just so wonderfully put together that it is just about flawless. Plus, Steve McQueens style has left me in a daze that I still cant click out of. That guy knows how to set up a camera.

7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
While The Great Gatsby is my favourite book ever, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky pretty much changed my life. I definitely wasnt expecting it to be that affecting, but by the end, I was bawling my eyes out. I dont need to remind anyone of how excited I am to see the movie, and how high the expectations that I have for it. Which Im sure will be more than met.

6. Lana Del Rey
I rarely branch outside of movie music (terrible, I know), but in September, I decided to give Lana Del Rey a go. Then I bought her album Born to Die, and I pretty much havent listened to much else ever since. I got the Paradise edition for Christmas, so guess what will be accompanying me while I clean shelves? Seriously, I love her style, her voice, and her rather different music. Shes the best.

5. Ezra Miller
Ever since I saw We Need to Talk About Kevin on that earthquakey night of July the 3rd, I have been in love with Ezra Miller. I tried to deny it for a long time because that was just weird as he played a killer in that movie, but after seeing the trailer a few too many times, Ezra Miller became my husband. Hes just so worldly, even though he is so young, and so different. And then theres his cheekbones. Sigh.

4. Matthew McConaughey
This may come as a surprise, but I must say, nothing has brought me joy quite like Matthew McConaughey turning his career around. He used to be one of my least favourite actors, but I saw The Lincoln Lawyer last year which just hinted at what hes capable of. But when I saw the wonderfully crazy Killer Joe last month, I was completely stunned by his work. And then there was Magic Mike and Bernie to back up his roll into becoming a sought after actor. I cant wait to see what he does in The Dallas Buyers Club next year - his dedication to that role is kind of scary.

3. The Dark Knight Rises
I know, you probably all thought that this would be number one. Alas, while I loved going to see this and Ive been pretty much obsessed with it all year, there a couple of others that beat it. However, I would love to go back in time and see it that first time again. Even on my fourth watch earlier this week, I still cried like a baby and had my eyes glued to the screen the entire time. Nolan, you beast.

2. Downton Abbey
Before the end of the Christmas holidays earlier this year, I decided I would finally watch Downton Abbey to see what all the fuss was about. I was finished those first two seasons a lot faster than I thought I would be. I just love this show so much - it is well written, performed, put together. It has everything. And no, Im not to be deemed as an old lady for loving it so much. Most of my friends are really into it now. But I still cant forgive it for that terribly awful thing that happened in season three (I cried so much for a whole hour after seeing it - and it wasnt just tears, it was full on crying), and now I hear the Christmas special for this year was quite sad. I honestly dont know why I keep watching it when all it does is break my heart.

1. Jessica Chastain
The most wonderfully perfect human being on this Earth. Words cant even describe how much I love her so Im not going to try.

What do you think? Got any favourites here? Or any obsessions of your own for this year?

Available link for download

My Top Secret Weekend Recap!

I wish writing about my "top secret weekend" would include stories of how Dewayne "The Rock" Johnson professed his love for me, took me on a tropical vacation, and romantically proposed... but... not so much, ha. My top secret weekend was all about surprising my mom and dad, and I could not write about my plans on here before since they read my blog. I really put my heart into this weekend so I did not want anything to ruin it. It was both Fathers Day and my moms birthday! Both of them I had no idea I was coming. I made little white lies stating why I couldnt come. Little did they know...
Friday after a crazy busy day at work, I went to the gym for a leg workout. I pushed hard and felt great. After I went to get groceries. Once I got home, I got to work preparing my mothers birthday cake. Her favorite dessert is "smores" so I wanted to make a cake going with that theme. Naturally I checked on Pintrest earlier in the week, but the ideas on there were too grandiose for me. Thus I made my own! Yall know I love creating recipes so I thought I would give a shot. I made a chocolate fudge cake with vanilla and marshmallow mix as the icing, then topped it with graham cracker crumbs and a caramel drizzle. It did not look at that pretty, but everyone loved it.

I then put moms gifts together. She has had a really hard year; between her MS, separation, and other family problems, it has been really, really difficult for her. So for her birthday this year, I really wanted to make it personal and fun. I got her a sterling silver necklace engraved with the word "Gammy" and a personalized photo book filled with pictures of me, my brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and other family members. My nephew Brantley means the world to mom - he is her reason for living. She loves being a "gammy". After I finished her cake and putting her gifts together, I packed, got a shower, and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow on my bed. I was worn out.

Saturday morning when I woke up, I wanted to go to the gym before making the drive back to my hometown. But I was so sore I could barely walk. When I got out of bed, I felt like a walking zombie. So, I scratched that, threw the rest of my things together, and took off. I arrived to my brothers around 2 PM. I walked in with mamas cake and gifts, and the look was on her face was priceless. Can you guys believe she is 51 years old? She looks so good, and not a drop of plastic surgery. I know I look older than I am, but so did she when she was my age, so I am looking forward to getting older, ha!

The rest of the afternoon my sister-in-law and I did my "Hot Mess Express" workout outside then came back to start getting ready. Mom thought her cake and gifts were her birthday, but no, I had more up my sleeve! My extended family is not very close. I wish we were-- I want the kind of family where you get together for dinners, parties, events, and such every weekend. Unfortunately everyone has their own thing going on, so it isnt like that. However, for my moms birthday, because she has been having such a hard time, I knew I had to get everyone together to surprise her for dinner. Everyone came through and mom was literally shocked when we got to the restaurant; she could not believe everyone was there. I felt the same way. It filled my heart with so much joy to have my family together like that!

We literally had the best time. My mom had a lot to drink - I totally have her hooked on Fireball whiskey now! Actually, everyone had quite a bit to drink... except me. I am getting old and boring now. I ordered my favorite shot "Royal Flush" and only drank about half of it, I just wasnt feeling it. But I had a blast listening to everyone else.I dont even remember how many shots of tequila and whiskey my family consumed. I have to give a big shout out to my old high school friend and fellow cheerleader, Tara, for taking such amazing care of us!

We even ordered my nephew a virgin Strawberry Daiquiri so he would not feel left out, ha!

This morning I was up bright and early to drive to the next town over to surprise my dad at church. I was actually really worried about surprising him! When I talked to him on the phone yesterday, he sounded really disappointed that "I couldnt come". I felt so bad that I almost told him. Also he was telling about how his new cancer medication is hurting his legs and feet so bad that he probably was not going to go. But God knew my step-mom and Is plan, and I got a text this morning from her saying that he felt well and was going to church. When I got there, tapped my dad on his shoulder, I saw him slightly turn his head to politely say hello back, and finally after about 10 seconds or so, he realized it was me. He was so shocked and it was the best feeling. My dad is such a fighter, and despite of his awful cancer, he tries so hard everyday to live as normal as possible. It was "Youth Sunday" at church and one teenager shared her testimonial about her faith, and it was really moving. I related so much as she spoke about going through such a difficult heartbreak. Once church was over, we had lunch together, then dad and I watched the DVD I got him. My dad LOVES "The Beatles" so I bought him all of the episodes of "The Ed Sullivan Show" that they starred on. We had a blast watching it -- he was singing and dancing around in his recliner.

I left my dads around 3 PM to take off to Greensboro to spend time with my wonderful grandparents. I am SO close to them - they are like another set of parents for me. I had to spend time with my papa for Fathers Day. My grandmother and I had a relaxing time sitting outside in her new outdoor room that she recently had screened in. There is nothing better than sitting out in the country, listening to the birds, feeling the warm sun, and talking with people who means so much to you. Then for dinner, papa made his famous porkchops on the grill. It was a lot of fun.

Im now in my "bedroom" at their house -- the upstairs loft. I decided to stay the night with them because I simply love staying here; its home. Plus I am exhausted. I am happy to be off of work tomorrow, but have a lot to do when I get back to Charlotte. Food prep, cleaning, and the gym, of course. I am ready to break my plateau and see some good results! But first, a good night of sleep. Tomorrow I will resume taking on the world...

Available link for download

My Top Five Stephen King Good Guys

I first wrote this list as part of my Friday Top Five series a few years ago, And I thought it was worth revisiting!!!

So its not new information that I am a Stephen King fan. Look to your right.. over there... yep, check out The Illustrated Stephen King Universe Flow Chart if you havent already... its kinda like my 4th child....

Anyhoo, I know I have spoken about my favorite SK books before, but today, I thought I would look at my favourite:

Stephen King GOOD GUYS

1) Jack Sawyer (The Talisman/ Black House)

In the Talisman, Jack is the eternal little boy lost on a big adventure (a character that is seen in many books/ films- parentless kids out trying to save the world eg: Harry Potter) Jack is just so likeable and charismatic and essentially GOOD. Everyone roots for him. Everyone wants him to win. And then to give him a big hug. Then we get to see him as a grown man in Black House. And we still wanna hug him, but now its because hes a big, handsome cop.

2) Eddie Dean (The Dark Tower series)

Yes, Yes, I am finally reading the DT series! I have just finished The Wolves of Calla (my favourite so far). For me, the star of the series is junkie-turned-gunlinger Eddie Dean. Eddies character is reminiscent of some other fast talking, wise-cracking jokers in SK literature- think Richie Tozier in It or Teddy Duchamp in The Body. Eddies smart-assery is awesome, but I am intrigued by his transformation and redemption. I will be very sad if he dies. Dont tell me. I dont wanna know.

3) Frannie Goldsmith (The Stand)

Frannie is awesome. She doesnt take any bullshit from anyone. She shoulda know better than to let creepy Harold Lauder tag along with her when she left Oganquit, but whatevs. SK writes strong women expertly. Frannie, Polly Chalmers (Needful Things) Sussanah Dean (The Dark Tower Series) are all kick ass chicks who arent perfect and handle all the crazy shit going on around them with style and grace.

4) WOLF! (The Talisman)

As I read Talismans sequel Black House, all I wanted was for Jack to go to the Territories and find another Wolf. Man, I loved Wolf. In the same way I love Tom Cullen (The Stand). Stephen King manages to write these mentally challenged characters with dignity, warmth and extreme love. Characters like Wolf and Tom (and Dudders in Dreamcatcher and Sheemie Ruiz in The Tower) often have the answers that the protagonists cant see. They are often more than they seem. I like to think that these characters remind us that people who are often marginalised in our society are so valuable and important.

5) Ray Garraty (The Long Walk)

I remember the first time I read the long walk, I developed a bit of a crush on Ray Garraty. I visualised him as about my age (I was probably 14/15 at the time), sensitive and handsome, willing to do anything for his family. That story is harsh, dude. The Long Walk is a story ahead of its time. Rays world, where teenagers are disposable pawns used for the entertainment of the masses came way before The Hunger Games. King builds the desperation, injustice and violence of this world. It is shocking and so very sad. But Stephen King still manages to create these compelling, developed, intriguing characters. Ray was my hero. Go Go Garraty!

OK, there it is. I would love to think that someone who isnt a big King fan may think, Oh, OK, I might give one of his books a read, I didnt realise there was more to the Stephen King Universe than rabid dogs and creepy clowns.

There is, people. Heaps more. There is time traveling and love stories and humour and gunslinging and a fair amount of bad swears. All the bestest stuff.

Cheers,
Gillian

Available link for download

My Top Five David Bowie Songs

On Sunday the tenth of January, 2016, the world lost one of its most iconic superstars: David Bowie. Not only was he a fantastic musician, but an amazingly talented actor who lent himself to The Hunger and Labyrinth, two amazing movies beloved by many a Gothy sort, along with many others. In his memory Ive been listening to a few of my favorite tracks of his, so I thought Id post my favorites here for you now.

What were your favorite Bowie moments?

Available link for download

My Top 13 Products of 2013

There are two days that make sense for a "Best of the Year" post: New Years Eve and New Years Day. Unfortunately, I am a procrastinator. If youre being generous, you could call me a prioritizer. However, that train of thought is only consistent if my priorities are:

Actual Important Stuff
Watching Arrested Development in My Pajamas
Not-Quite-So-Important Stuff That I Still Made a Commitment To Do

For my "top products of 2013", I am not looking a products that were released in 2013 (since Im not Temptalia so I dont try shit right when it comes out) and Im not looking at products that I tried for the first time in 2013 (since thanks to my previously-acknowledged procrastination, that method would require a fair bit of reflection). Rather, for simplicitys sake, Im looking at my favorite products that I reviewed in 2013. These are the products that, in my opinion, deliver on quality, cost-per-ounce, and excitement value. In no particular order:

1. Sleek i-Divine Acid Palette

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: It feels like a cop-out to say "This is awesome because it is cheap", but Im going to say it anyways. At $9.99 for 0.36 ounces, this is the most cost-effective neon eyeshadow palette on the market. Its vibrant, pigmented, and inexpensive as fuck.

My eyeshadow skills are seriously SO MUCH BETTER, you guys.

2. Paul and Joe Color Powder in Inseparables

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: This is a creamsicle orange blush that feels like a wearable coral. It gives the perfect natural finish without being overly or insufficiently pigmented. And, seriously, dont pretend you dont see how beautiful that packaging is. I could stare at it all day.

3. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: Rapture is the ideal mix of "this is totally a natural shade that you could wear while doing adult things like your taxes" and "WOOO THERE IS PURPLE". Add in their lovely sheen and excellent lasting power and its hard to find fault. This is one of the only makeup products that I keep in my purse in case I urgently need lipstick for some reason.

4. TheBalm Time Bomb Concealer in Lighter than Light

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: Not only does theBalms color range do justice to those of us who are fair-skinned, this product has ample coverage and a lightweight formula that makes it suitable for both undereye circles and blemishes. As an added bonus, this huge pot will last forever!

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse in Taupe

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: This cream formula adds definition to my brows without looking penciled on. Its easy to use and to build up to any desired level of intensity.

6. Sigma Beauty Crème de Couture Eyeshadow Palette

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: Its hard not to get excited about such vibrant, pigmented pastels. This palette is completely unlike anything else. Beyond that, its significant in size! At $32 for 0.85oz, I paid a mere $37.65 per ounce of product here.

7. Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: Hollow is so easy to use and blend that it makes contouring virtually foolproof. Even flat-faces like myself can fake cheekbones with its easily blendable formula and natural-looking, shadow-mimicking color. Its the holy grail of contouring for pale skin.

8. NYX Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Blue

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: Not only is this color electric, this eyeliner is all-but-permanent. This will last through tears, face-rubbing, and exercise, all while being the color of an aquarium crayfish.

9. My Pretty Zombie "Drugs Like Me" Blush in MDMA

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: MDMA is a natural, glowing pink with a huge kick of golden shimmer. Its the kind of universally flattering shade that will remind you of springtime and/or let you plaster your love of springtime on your face.

10. LORAC Pro Palette

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: The LORAC Pro Palette is, by a large margin, the best neutral palette I have ever tried. The wide range of shades and the 50/50 mix of mattes and shimmers makes this versatile as fuck. The shadows are so buttery and smooth that they blend like nobodys business-- making it a great "I AM IN A HUGE RUSH BUT AM TRYING TO PRETEND THAT I HAD ENOUGH TIME TO PUT ON EYESHADOW" palette. These eyeshadows are my standard for what quality eyeshadow should be like.

11. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

Original Review: Here (And the tutorial that got more peoples attention here.)

Why Its Awesome: This foundation has almost unparalleled coverage and a natural-looking finish. It also lasts effectively and has a decent color-range for fair skin. Plus, at $22.35 per ounce, it is super reasonably priced.

12. Shiro Curaga Mineral Highlight

Original Review: Here

Why Its Awesome: This product is a recipe for cheekbones that go "Pow". You + Brush + Curaga Highligher = Everyone will think you are going to poke their eye out with your face bones.

13. Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy

Original Review: Here

Pixie Epoxy giving a boost to Fyrinnaes Are You My Mummy?, Glitterboi, and Pteranodon.

Why Its Awesome: This product is a miracle for loose eyeshadows, keeping them on your face, enhancing their color, and bringing out characteristics that would otherwise be hidden.

Available link for download

Defenseload

Monday, March 6, 2017

My 15 Top Obsessions of 2012

My 15 Top Obsessions of 2012

Sunday, March 5, 2017

My Top Secret Weekend Recap!

My Top Secret Weekend Recap!

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

My Top Five Stephen King Good Guys

My Top Five Stephen King Good Guys

Saturday, January 28, 2017

My Top Five David Bowie Songs

My Top Five David Bowie Songs

My Top 13 Products of 2013

My Top 13 Products of 2013