This is the last ever season of The Newsroom. Cue tears. So far, it is at it's peak of intensity. There are only two episodes left as I'm typing this, and I honestly have no idea how they're expecting to wrap it all up.
MOVIE
Mockingjay: Part 1
As I said on Twitter, for the most part, I enjoyed Mockingjay. There was definitely moments where it was a little navel-gazey, but I did enjoy it. This, however, is not me admitting defeat to the idea of the book being split into two films. I still don't see why it was necessary. But it was good. And, The Hanging Tree. Epic.
Also, has Liam Hemsworth grown in attractiveness since the last time I saw him, or?
MUSIC
Hozier
(His new self-titled album)
I just love him, ok? He's like an Irish Blues-loving Jesus. Is that blasphemous? It wasn't supposed to be. Just take a look at him, ok. Great album. Especially loving the track 'Sedated.'
BOOK/S
The Bone Season and The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon
Dark as hell, and I had to stop midway through Mime Order, but wowzas, guys. Shit happens in the second book. I'll keep it at that.
FASHION
Purple Jumpsuit
It's really hot and this jumpsuit is made of really like fabric and it's really comfortable. That's all I really ask for during summer. Thank you Trade Secret for amazing specials.
Let's end the week with an actual, current 'things I'm digging' feature. Then, we can move onto other things and you don't have to see the same thing every other day. Ok? Ok.
TV
Outlander
I actually started watching this one back in September, and didn't think much of it, so I stopped. Then, a couple of weeks later, I was listening to a lecture for one of my classes, and there was a guest lecturer, and he was Scottish. I don't know what happened, but it was like alarm bells were raised and basically I got suckered back into watching it because of the Scottish accents. I wish I was joking.
Also, Jamie? I literally want to giggle when I think about him. It's embarrassing. Never in my life have I felt the need to giggle over a guy - real or fictional. But Jamie is a special circumstance, apparently.
MOVIE
Gone Girl
Oh, wow. This movie takes you for a spin, doesn't it? I saw Gone Girl right at the start of the month, because the Mother is a huge fan of the book and was really eager to see it. It stayed with me for a few days afterwards. So, so well done. A little graphic in places, but wow. I honestly think Rosamund Pike should be given an Oscars' nomination. She was the best.
BOOK
Sabriel by Garth Nix or The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
I read a few good books this month. I couldn't choose between these two. Sabriel is a badass, and it wasn't what I expected. The Handmaid's Tale was what I expected but so much more. Both are very different. Both are well-written. Omg. I just have a lot of feelings on both of these books.
MUSIC
Taylor Swift
Soz, not soz. I don't know why, it just is. Deal with it.
MAKEUP/FASHION
Wedges (Forever 21) and Bright Lipstick
I love, love, love the wedges. They're amazing. Ridiculously high, but surprisingly comfortable. They're appropriate for more formal events and can be equally appropriate for casual times. They're great, I just love them.
I've just been really liking the whole fresh-faced, simple makeup look with a bright lip recently. For whatever reason, orange is the colour of choice. The lipstick I've been wearing nonstop is Maybelline's Colour Sensational in Orange Edge (980). It's really good because you can go hard-core orange, and really slather it on, or you can make it look more like a stain. Either way, it looks A+. (I swear that it is orange, it's just coming up as red in the picture for some reason)
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And that is it! The end of my week of catch-up. From now on, you will only get the prescribed one 'things I'm digging' a month. Sorry, again. Hope that didn't bother you guys too much.
Anywho, what have you been up to? Anybody else stuck on Outlander as much as I am? Please tell me I'm not the only one in love with Jamie.
On a completely unrelated note, I'll be doing NaNoWriMo this year! If you're doing it, lemme know and we can be writing buddies. Click here for the link to my account.
I was gonna go with Suits this month. But then I decided to re-watch The Hour, and everything went down the hole. I've seen it being referred to as England's version of Mad Men. I've never watched Mad Men, so I don't know if that's accurate, but this is a bloody good piece of television. My utter devastation that it was never renewed for a third season is being relived as we speak.
MOVIE
The Lunchbox. It's an Indian film and it's just lovely. It's just one of those movies that are subtle and quiet but so enjoyable. Especially towards the end, I also found that there was a bit of commentary on how limited women still are in India. Was very interesting. So good!
MUSIC
I'll be honest, I haven't really been listening to any music recently. Some songs I've been enjoying though: Work Song by Hozier, and the Cloud Atlas End Title.
BOOK
Haven't been too impressed with the books I've read this month, unfortunately. One book I'm currently reading though, Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann, I'm really enjoying.
MAKEUP/FASHION
Dotti had an online sale. 50 items for 50% off. An anorak I'd been coveting was among those 50 items. Thus, we're here.
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So, they were my favourites this month. I'm back at uni now, and I actually have a lot of work to do, so I'm a little worried with how my blog is going to fare. We'll see though. Hopefully, it'll fight through the storm and triumph.
I won't lie. I was planning on saying Orphan Black. I decided that I'd finally just go ahead and see what all the fuss was all about. It's good, it really is. But then I thought to myself, 'I'm not being entirely honest with myself, am I?'
So, here we are. The TV show I've been obsessing over adoring lately is House Rules. Unfortunately, it's probably entirely foreign most of you lovely readers. It's basically a reality show (yes, I know. We *must* frown on reality shows, right?) where six couples renovate each other's houses. There's a little more to it, but the winner basically gets their mortgage paid off. I'd argue that all the contestants are winners though - they all go away with a newly renovated house. For free!
It might have been the thing that triggered the bedroom reno (not that I needed a huge push, but still). It's just a genuinely good-not-having-to-think-much show. I want Adam and Lisa to win, and The Mother has decided I need to marry someone like Adam. The more you know, amiright?
MOVIE
I saw a lovely little musical called Sunshine on Leith last month. It doesn't have a particularly complicated plot, but it's just lovely. It makes me so happy. I really recommend you just sit down and watch it. You won't regret it. It'll make a bad day much sunnier.
Also, it really makes me want to move to Edinburgh, but that is not the point here.
And the Scottish accents are amazing.
MUSIC
To be honest, I haven't really listened to any music this month. There are two albums I'm ridiculously keen on buying though: Passenger's Whispers, and Ed Sheeran's X. These two lovely humans are some of my favourite musicians. I've been streaming the songs on YouTube. They're gonna be good.
BOOK
I want to say Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas, but I can't. Because, technically I read that in May. But I'd already put my favourites post up. Don't worry though, there's going to be a review coming up. Pinky promise.
Instead, we're going with To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. This was my introduction into Han's writing, and I didn't really know what to expect. I would be lying if I said that the cover and the title really didn't draw me in, however. It was just a genuinely good book.
Someone asked me to write a full review of this one, so I won't go into too much depth here. It's just the book I needed at the time.
MAKEUP/FASHION
All the jumpers. Just, all the jumpers.
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What about you? What have you been loving this past month?
*I originally planned on writing this post way back in March when I first saw it but apparently I never got around to that. Awks.
I don't know if I've ever told you guys about my utter adoration of Veronica Mars, but I adore her. She's a badass and everything I aspire to be. I wish I had that confidence, and that ability to think up witty comebacks straight away. Unfortunately, that was never something I was gifted with.
Anyway.
I'd heard about the movie and the KickStarter campaign and was like, 'That's kinda awesome.' Then, people started talking about how amazing the TV series was. So I thought I'd give it a go. Cue: an obsession where I couldn't do anything except watch episodes. This was particularly bad because guess who had assignments? Me.
So, going into the movie, I didn't really know what to expect. I know I expected it to be good, though. I was a little weary about it all (because it's a really different medium. I think anyone would be). And now I've watched it. I don't really know how I feel?
There were some really A+ things. I adored the references and the cameos. It was great to see the characters on screen again. And I mean, it was still really well-written. But I do have problems with it.
Even though I loved what was written, I felt that there was little direction. Too many side-plots were opened and never closed. And because of this, nothing was ever fully developed. It frustrated me a little, not gonna lie. Too many questions were left unanswered.
Also, Veronica could've still taken her BAR exam? Like, you know. You could take the exam, be a certified lawyer if you ever changed your mind, but choose to do the private investigating gig for the moment. I just feel like she wasted a lot of money and put herself in a whole lot of debt for something she could use but now never will use.
Sorry. It's the little things that bother me. The little things.
But because of this, it makes me want to ask the question: Is Rob Thomas trying to build a franchise out of this?
I know he's done the movie, and I know he's doing the books. It wouldn't surprise me at this point. I just don't know what I'd do if it did happen.
I just have a lot of mixed feelings. Do you guys feel me on this? What were your feelings?
Oh my god. It's nearly halfway through 2014. I feel like I've been utterly useless. This is ridiculous.
TV
Admittedly, this one isn't actually out yet. But. It looks pretty wicked. Yes, I'm talking about How to Get Away with Murder. It just looks like it has the potential to fascinating. Viola Davis is in it. A+. Alfie Enoch is in it. A++.
MOVIE
This is a bit of a cheat, but I'm going to say The Fault in Our Stars. I know, I know. It isn't out in cinemas yet. But I've seen it. So. The Fault in Our Stars has always very finely tread the line of cheesy and good, so I was a little hesitant. I shouldn't have been. There's something so authentic about it. It isn't trying to be anything but itself. I love it. You need to watch it. Ok. Done.
MUSIC
Lily Allen's new Album, Sheezus. I still don't like the album name. I don't think I ever will. But it's a good album. She's matured, and her songs have along with her. There's still the special Lily Allen Snark and Cheek, but it's good. Really digging it. Some of her songs just make me smile (I'm looking at you, L8 Cmmr).
BOOK/S
Unsurprisingly, I have two book recommendations this month. Unlike last month, I read a whole bag of goodies. I tried to keep it to a non-fiction and a fiction book though. My non-fiction choice for this month is Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. This is a bit of a feminist manifesto. It's about women in the workplace and taking on leadership roles. When I was talking to the Mother about it, all I kept saying was, 'It's like all these things I'd been taking in subconsciously were being voiced.' If I had to critique anything, it'd be that as the book progressed, it became clear that it was aimed at women older than myself (it discussed having children, balancing motherhood and work, etc. etc. as an 18-year old, you can understand why it was a bit out of my depth). Not to worry, however! If you, like me, are on the younger scale of womanhood, Ms Sandberg released a new edition! Lean In: For Graduates! Needless to say, I'm definitely picking it up soon.
The fiction book I absolutely adored this May was The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski. I'm only mildly obsessed. I can honestly not wait till the next book. I kind of want to say that if you're a fan of Throne of Glass, you'll like this, but I'm not sure if I should. Where Celaena is a badass killing machine, Kestrel is much more of a strategiser. Where Celaena is very sure of herself from the get-go, Kestral takes a little time to develop. And I'm still not sure where I stand on Arin. What I am, however, is absolutely fascinated to see where the story will go next. Basically, it's already on my list of top reads of 2014.
MAKEUP/FASHION
I'm going to have to go with the L'Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim (in Intense Black) for this month. It just makes applying liquid liner so easy (and coming from someone with little to no hand-eye coordination, that's the highest compliment you can get). I've tried a couple of liquid liners in my life, and this is the best, by far.
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What about you guys? Any books that are new favourites? Movies you're forcing everyone to watch?
I'd like to call myself a 'casual viewer' of this show. If that's possible. Basically, The Brother decided to force The Mother to watch the first season of Game of Thrones with him. His xBox's internet wasn't working. He was bored. He decided to pester her. She got hooked. I got home for a week's break from university, and The Mother is staring, wide-eyed at the TV.
I decided to pop in and out of the living room and watch it. The Brother begrudgingly let me do this. So, yep. It's good, I guess. I can see why it's addictive. Love the world. Love the dragons.
All I think you need to know is that Sansa is A+ and I think one of the women are going to end up on the throne. Happy? Happy.
Movie:
I didn't watch a whole lot of movies last month (Read: probably zero. Unless we're counting re-watches. Then 'Stuck In Love' wins by a mile). But the If I Stay trailer was released. I was close to tears watching it. I'm so unbelievably excited for this movie. So bloody excited. The casting is A+ (hello Jamie Blackley) and it's all how I imagined it when I read it and omg. Just very exciting.
Music/s:
Ok, I couldn't decide between 'Say Something' by A Great Big World and 'Song for Sienna' by Brian Craine. They're quite different. One is pure instrumental and the other isn't. Because of that, I thought they both deserved a spot.
I've been mildly obsessed with 'Say Something' since (you guessed it) the If I Stay trailer. Plus, I'm going to see A Great Big World when they tour in Australia later this year (Best Friend Mel is obsessed). They're basically Mika2.0. I'm not even kidding. Their songs are so happy, it's ridiculous.
The other is 'Song for Sienna' which is just the loveliest piano piece. So good to write to, too. Basically: I'm trying to learn it on the piano now.
Book/s:
I didn't really read a whole lot of books that wowed me last month. I'm gonna say the Mary Quinn Mysteries Series by Y.S. Lee. While not necessarily realistic, it's just a really gorgeous little set of books. You fall in love with James and Mary and the author does an A+ job at recreating Victorian London (which is probably a good thing given she has a phD in Victorian literature and culture).
Make-Up/Fashion:
My obsession with Dotti continues to grow. They had a 30% storewide sale. I got a little excited. Thus, we're here. I got a big, chunky cardigan that is ridiculously warm. I'd been eyeing these pleather shorts for a while, and the sale finally kicked me into gear. I don't know why I wanted them. I just did. Don't question me on this.
Earlier this year, I also made a pledge to myself. I wouldn't buy as much jewellery. Instead, I'd buy fewer and better quality pieces. Then I found The Silver Shop. It's been my best friend since then. While in there, helping The Mother find a present, I came across this ring. In love was I, and I bought it. It's just so gorgeous and delicate and ahhh. Feel the love.
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So, what were some of your favourites from last month? Did you do anything exciting?
I'll be honest here, I don't really like the novel Emma. She irritates me to no end. It's just one of those books that I'm not a fan of. I adore this mini-series though. It's witty and funny and omg. All the love. I don't know whether it's convinced me to re-read the book but I really adore this adaptation. It's a must-watch, I think.
MOVIE
I can't really make up my mind with this one. I didn't actually watch that many movies this month. I would say Captain Phillips but technically I watched that in November. Do you see my problem? I might say Thor 2.
I mean I really enjoyed it. It's a superhero movie so you know what you're getting yourself into. Bloody Loki, though.
MUSIC
Didn't really buy any new music/listen to any new music this month. Will say that this song is gorgeous and have been listening to it on repeat though.
BOOK
None of the books really wowed me this month, to be honest. But I've recently (read: last night) gotten into slam poetry and omg I just really love this piece. It's so badass. I'm obsessively watching them now. It's not healthy. At all. But poetry is still literature, right? So, here is goes.
MAKEUP/FASHION
The loveliest Susie sent me this (along with a couple other goodies) and I just really love it. It's Rimmel London's Show Off Lip Lacquer (I think it's called Apocolips in the UK) in the colour #400 Big Bang. It's pretty amazing. I always love bright reds and this is right up my alley. It isn't exactly a lipstick, but it isn't a lip gloss either. Gr8 stuff though.
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So that's me for the month of October. What about you guys? What've you been loving?
I recently went through my annual re-watch of everything Castle, so I'm going to say Castle. It's one of those shows that just gets better and better with age. One of my biggest worries was that when *spoiler alert* happened, it would ruin the show. Surprisingly, it did the opposite. It made me love it so much more. The episodes are always incredibly well-written, and I mean. Nathan Fillion. Is there anything else I need to say? I won't lie though, I'm a little nervous to see where things'll go for season 6.
MOVIE Stuck in Love
Stuck in Love is my movie recommendation of the month. I'd been wanting to watch it for a good while now. This is partly because of Kayley, who sung all the praises about the movie. It's also partly because Lily Collins. And also Nat Wolff (I mean seriously, when did he get sogood-looking?) But mainly, it just sounded like a genuinely funny and well-written movie. It did not disappoint. I loved it. It's easily one of my new favourites. It's witty and deals with relatable things. It's just great, ok?
MUSIC Lorde
I'm going to go with Lorde. She's wonderful. Insanely smart, and gorgeous voice. Also, her hair.
BOOK Sleeping Dogs and The Bone Season
This is a little difficult because, as you might've seen, I read a lot of books in September. I want to say either Sleeping Dogs (by Sonya Hartnett) or The Bone Season (by Samantha Shannon). Both books might not necessarily be your cup of tea. Sleeping Dogs is a Southern Gothic set in Australia and deals with your basic family feud, incest, and unlikeable characters. While I found it a little slow, it was honestly like watching a psychological downfall in the characters. And wow. That ending.
The Bone Season, on the other hand, I think is a lot more likeable. I'm planning on writing up a full review soon, but I found it all a little insane. There are a few issues that I had (and that I know other people have had), but as a debut novel? It's pretty impressive. I'm eagerly anticipating the second book. (I say second book, because it's a series of seven. Seriously).
MAKEUP/FASHION A globe necklace and Calvin Klein Lipstick (in Dangerous)
(The necklace Best Friend Rachael gave me)
(Calvin Klein Dangerous)
Again, it's a toss-up between a piece of jewellery I got as a gift, and a new lipstick I purchased. I absolutely adore this necklace. It was a late birthday gift from Best Friend Rachael, and omg. All the love. The globe actually swings and I just love it. Couldn't tell you where it's from though, so sorry about that.
The other favourite last month? My Calvin Klein lipstick. Right, so I feel like this needs to come with a back story. It was late August, and I was wandering around the internet, revelling in my new-found freedom. I could finally buy things! Online! Omg! And then I'm on fishpond.com.au and I see something amazing. Calvin Klein lipstick for $10. I looked at the colour and it looked similar to one that I was after. It was fate. So I bought it and it came, and it's a little darker than I had thought it would be, but I love it. It's amazing. And that concludes the story part of this blog. Oh, and if you're after the colour it's: Dangerous (#113)
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So those were my September favourites. What about you guys? What's tickled your fancy in the last month?
