8-bit Erin

Music Monday: Benny Benassi

2012-01-23T16:05:00.002-05:00

I still laugh when I hear this song ever since my sister told me that a friend of her's thought the words were "You are a single mom"

Music Monday: Florence and the Machine

2012-01-09T08:47:00.002-05:00

At 12:15am on January 1st, I declared this as my theme song for the 2012.

2011 RoundUp: Most Listened Music

2012-01-02T10:14:00.003-05:00

According to last.fm my top 10 most listened to artists of 2011 were:
10. Freddie Mercury
09. Alan Cumming
08. Relient K
07. Tinie Tempah
06. Paolo Nutini
05. The Temper Trap
04. Andrew W.K.
03. Mumford & Sons
02. Brett Domino
01. Queen

And my most listened to track of the year was:
Queen – My Fairy King

2011 RoundUp: The 100 New-to-Me Flicks of 2011

2012-01-01T10:32:00.002-05:00

In my 4th year of trying I finally did it! These are the 100 movies I watched this year:

Easy A
Get Low
Beyond the Pole
Van Gogh: Painted with Words
The Switch
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
The Damned United
Despicable Me
Eat Pray Love
Mallrats
Pranzo di ferragosto
The Social Network
Erik the Viking
Summercamp!
The King's Speech
Inception
Black Swan
True Grit
The Tooth Fairy
Barney's Version
The Invention of Lying
Metropolis
Red Riding Hood
Hall Pass
Paul
Rango
Flash Gordon
SuckerPunch
The Babysitter's Club
Arthur
Horton Hears A Who
Christopher and His Kind
Megamind
ThanksKilling
Burlesque
Made in Dagenham
Babies
Muppets from Space
Back to the Future
Tangled
The Hangover Part II
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Road to El Dorado
Doctor Who's Lust in Space
Green Lantern
How to be a Serial Killer
How to Cook Your Life
Ponyo
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Captain America: the First Avenger
Thor
Cowboys and Aliens
Iron Man 2
I Am Number Four
Source Code
Spider-Man
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 3
X-Men
X-Men 2: X-Men United
X-Men 3: The Last Stand
Young Nuns
Every Little Step
FAQ About Time Travel
Imagine Me & You
Cruise of the Gods
The Importance of Being Earnest
The Trip
Your Highness
In Time
Jim Gaffigan: Beyond the Pale
Gulliver's Travels
Wordplay
X-Men: First Class
My Kid Could Paint That
Bunny and the Bull
Bridesmaids
Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock
The Radio 1 Movie
Hugo
A Film With Me In It
Arthur Christmas
Burke & Hare
Frontrunners
Holy Flying Circus
Sarah Millican: Chatterbox
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Horrid Henry: The Movie
Valentines Day
Time Bandits
The Importance of Being Earnest [remake]
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Ramona and Beezus
Not Another Teen Movie
Driving Lessons
Beastly
The Borrowers
The Muppets
Cherrybomb
Four Lions

2011 RoundUp: Favourite Movies.

2012-01-01T09:32:00.005-05:00

My 10 favourite movies that I saw this year (in no particular order):

And my 10 least favourite:

2011 RoundUp: A Year of Tis Rhubarb

2011-12-31T16:08:00.015-05:00

This year new features were started including 52 photos , Wednesday Kitchen, Friday Foto Roundup, Last Week in Comics, tHAULsday and Festive Friday.

Some were abandoned and many will be back next year joining some returning older features which may or may not include Weekend Wishlist, Music Monday, Five Favs, What You Wearing/Wish I Was Wearing Wednesday and others.

Although I was light on posts this year, a lot really did happen. So in lieu of a list of my favourite posts (the list looked too short!) I'll give you a glimpse of my year in photos.

Festive Friday #5

2011-12-30T16:42:00.000-05:00

So, you thought Festive Fridays were over because Christmas has passed? How wrong you were!
The last Friday of 2011 brings us to the final Festive Friday which is New Years themed. Rufus Wainwright performing "What Are You Doing New Years Eve" live with Boy George. Magical.

Festive Friday #4

2011-12-23T11:47:00.001-05:00

It's Christmas Eve Eve! It's also Festive Friday!
Today featuring animated Jack Black and Jason Segel.

Festive Friday #3

2011-12-16T09:21:00.003-05:00

Gah! Zooey, y u so cute??

Unfortunately, the video for the song I chose for today won't let me embed it on the blog, so please follow THIS LINK to see the live video.

Otherwise, here is the track from their album, A Very She & Him Christmas:

Last Week in Comics: November 9 - December 7

2011-12-14T13:24:00.008-05:00

Once again I'm playing catch up! That's what 5 rehearsal nights a week will do to you!

Marvel
Journey Into Mystery #630
Buying next issue? I did! Can I just say that I LOVED this issue! Volstagg <3

Journey Into Mystery #631
Buying next issue? Yes! I was worried that with 2 issues a month I'd get burned out on it but Journey has definitely become one of my favourite series.

Wolverine and X-Men #1
Buying next issue? Sure. I wasn't blown away but I'll give it a chance to find it's feet at least.

Shame Itself #1
Buying next issue? I thought this was hilarious. If they make more, I'll definitely pick it up.

Uncanny X-Men #1
Buying next issue? See answer for Wolverine.

Avenging Spider-Man #1
Buying next issue? I will indeed.

Legion of Monsters #2
Buying next issue? I'm quite enjoying this miniseries and I'm really bummed there's only 2 more issues.

Alpha Flight #6
Buying next issue? Yep. Again, can I say how sad I am that this was changed from an ongoing series back to a mini. Two issues left. *single tear into my poutine*

DC
Action Comics #3
Buying next issue? Weaker than the previous 2 issues for me, but still good. I can see it setting up some interesting things for the next few issues.

Wonder Woman #3
Buying next issue? Yes. I am enjoying the different take on the origin story of Wonder Woman.

Dark Horse
Abe Sapien: Devil Does Not Jest #2
Buying next issue? OH YES! Love the art. Love the story. Love Abe. LOVE.

COMIC OF THE WEEK(s): Abe Sapien: Devil Does Not Jest without a doubt!
BOTTOM OF THE PACK: least favourite was probably Uncanny X-Men, but it wasn't terrible!

Festive Friday #2

2011-12-09T13:26:00.002-05:00

It's FESTIVE FRIDAY once again.
Obviously I have to slip some Brett Domino in.
And this is my favourite Christmas song.. so it works out.

Festive Friday #1

2011-12-02T12:10:00.001-05:00

Today I bring you my first of 5 FESTIVE FRIDAYs.

It's just does not feel like the Christmas season for me if I don't watch *Love, Actually*. If you haven't seen it, you really should. It's wonderful. It's hilarious. It warms my icy heart. It makes a single tear come from my eye.

As proof its fantasticness please enjoy Bill Nighy (♥) as Billy Mack singing (and thrusting) his festive tune at you.

World AIDS Day 2011

2011-12-01T13:43:00.002-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day.

It's been 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported but unfortunately the disease is still a reality today. There are currently 34 million people living with HIV and every 16 seconds, someone around the world dies from AIDS.

And it's not just an issue in other countries. From 2005 to 2008 the number of CANADIANS living with HIV/AIDS INCREASED 14%.

There is no cure... yet.

So get tested, wrap it up, be smart, be safe and help fight for an AIDS free generation by 2015.

Last Week in Comics: November 2

2011-11-09T10:00:00.004-05:00

I've been sick for a couple of weeks so I got quite behind in picking up my pulls from the shop/reading. I'm still behind but lucky for me, rehearsals and backstage are great places to catch up.

Marvel
Journey into Mystery #629
Buying next issue? Yes, I'm really getting into this book.

DC
Animal Man #3 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next issue? Yes definitely.

Swamp Thing #3 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next issue? To be honest, my love for this series is wearing off a little. However, I can't drop it because I have a feeling there is a crossover with Animal Man brewing.

Justice League #2
Buying next issue? Oh sure. Still not LOVING it but liking it enough to keep going.

Wonder Woman #2
Buying next issue? YES. Even if I wasn't digging the story (which I am) I would keep this series just because of the amazing art alone.

Batwoman #2 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next issue? Probably.

Justice League Dark #2 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next issue? Still haven't made up my mind on this one but I think I am entertained enough to continue.

COMIC OF THE WEEK(s): Animal Man
BOTTOM OF THE PACK: I didn't dislike anything enough to call it out as "worst" this time.

Friday Foto Roundup - October 21

2011-10-21T11:12:00.002-04:00

Last Friday's epic comic haul.

This is me about to start hour 1 of my 24 hour video game marathon for Children's Miracle Network last Saturday.
You can't see it but I am sitting in a TaunTaun sleeping bag.

CUTE OVERLOAD

Last Week in Comics: October 12

2011-10-19T09:05:00.005-04:00

Marvel
Alpha Flight #5
Buying next month? Definitely.

Legion of Monsters #1
Buying next month? Very similar to Frankenstein as it's a team of monsters fighting monsters. I definitely liked it though. Not sure how long I will keep both titles on my list.

John Carter: A Princess of Mars #1
Buying next month? No.

DC
Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE #2
Buying next month? Yes, though as I said about Legion of Monsters, we'll see if I end up keeping both titles around. Which monster team will prevail??

Action Comics #2
Buying next month? YES YES YES. I am so into this series already!

Batwoman #1
Buying next month? Yes!

Dark Horse
Abe Sapien: Devil Does Not Jest #1
Buying next month? HELL YES. I am so excited about this title. Hellboy has long been my favourite superhero comic/movie series and Abe is my favourite character. This was an awesome first issue and I cannot wait for next month.

COMIC OF THE WEEK(s): Abe Sapien: Devil Does Not Jest
BOTTOM OF THE PACK: John Carter: A Princess of Mars

Putting the video in video games.

2011-10-17T16:18:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday I took part once again in EXTRA LIFE.
Never heard of Extra Life before? Here's a handy video!

When playing video games for 24 hours straight, watching instead of skipping the opening cut scenes when I changed games gave my wrists and fingers a welcome mini break. It also gave my eyeballs something awesome to look at.

These are my top 3 favourite cut scenes I watched this weekend.

3. Left 4 Dead (xbox 360) - I remember the first time I started up this game back in 2008, seeing this video and thinking "HOLY CRAP what have I gotten myself into?!". I've never looked back since.

2. Marvel vs Capcom 3 (ps3) - I picked this game up on major sale when my Blockbuster was closing up. I had planned on waiting for Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 but I just couldn't pass up the $35 previously viewed price plus 25% off on top. I unwrapped it on Saturday for the marathon and my friends and I loved the opening. I sort of wish the whole game was this animation style.

1. DC Universe Online (ps3) - HOLY SMOKES. This game took 4-5 hours to install and I know why. The opening cinematic BLEW MY MIND. The animation was absolutely incredible (don't even think about viewing the video below unless it's full screen and HD) and really set the tone. THIS is how DC should be making their movies!!!

Friday Foto Roundup - October 14

2011-10-14T10:57:00.004-04:00

I noticed my niece crawling strangely and when I picked her up I saw she got her FOOT stuck out the middle of her sleeper. TOO FUNNY

This pumpkin pie was MASSIVE. Compare it to the DINNER PLATES beside it.

Relaxing Thanksgiving breakfast view.

Gorgeous colours on the drive back home.

After a weekend of turkey and the rest, actual Thanksgiving day dinner was a sushi feast!

Pumpkin scones are SO GOOD.

Got my script for the Christmas show where I'll be playing a Lady in Waiting for the Evil Queen. Excited to get started!

tHAULsday

2011-10-13T13:21:00.003-04:00

It's Thursday.
I have a haul to share.
Therefore it's tHAULsday.

It's no secret that I LOVE LUSH COSMETICS. It's also no secret that I LOVE HALLOWEEN AND CHRISTMAS. So when the Lush holiday products come out my credit card begins to silently weep. October 5th was the Lush Chat Party, where they launched the holiday items and a few limited edition items as well. Below you can see my glorious haul that arrived in the mail yesterday.

MAJESTIC! For those interested, I'll list below what all the items are. Click the photo to go to its purchase page.

Chat Party Limited Editions

Humango Bath Bomb

B Never Too Busy to be Beautiful Shower Gel

Magic Bath Bomb (x2)

Halloween Items

Jacko Bath Bomb

Cobweb Bath Bomb

Christmas Items

Bûche de Noël Cleanser

The Jilted Elf Shower Jelly

Magic Wand Reusable Bubble Bar

Bling Crosby Bubble Bar

Golden Wonder Bath Bomb

Abombinaball Bath Bomb

Rocketeer Bath Bomb

Three Gold Rings Bubble Bar

Cinders Bath Bomb

So White Bath Bomb (x2)

Free Samples

Banana Moon Soap

Aromarant Deodorant

Last Week in Comics: October 5

2011-10-12T10:58:00.000-04:00

Marvel

Captain America #1 (purchased digitally from Marvel iPhone app)
Buying next month? It was good enough for me to probably be getting the next issue.

DC

Action Comics #1 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next month? Yeah! This was a great read. I'm glad I tried this one this week.

Animal Man #2 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next month? Definitely. I am totally hooked now.

Swamp Thing #2 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next month? Yep. Still super creepy and interesting.

IDW

Doctor Who #9
Buying next month? I started a couple weeks ago but I'm still working my way through this one. It's feeling like a chore. It'd have to pull something major in the remaining pages to make me interested enough to pick up the next issue.

COMIC OF THE WEEK: Action Comics
BOTTOM OF THE PACK: Doctor Who

Weekend Wishlist: Thank You Kindly

2011-10-09T11:49:00.019-04:00

It's officially the beginning of the holiday season for us up here in Canada. The first of the many family get-togethers and parties to come in the next few months. It's Thanksgiving weekend!

Letterpress Thank You Cards

pistachiopress, PaperWheel, anemoneletterpress

1canoe2, ImpressedDesign

Autumn Wear

whitewolfsclouds, BearStateBeauty, amandaarcher

Pelece, Enderby

Fall Dining

KbOriginalsetc, LailaLu, atelierBB

tabletopdesign, zmedceramics

Friday Foto Roundup - October 7

2011-10-07T11:44:00.000-04:00

Last Week(s) in Comics: August 31 - September 28

2011-10-05T15:42:00.000-04:00

Well, it happened.

It only took a month, but I've become a "regular" at my local comic book store.

I walk in and the man behind the counter says "Hi Erin" and grabs my brown paper bag from the Pull List (FANCY COMIC LINGO!) shelf and then I pay and I'm on my merry way with my comics for the week. Yes. The week. I've become one of "those" people. And I sort of love it.

I've decided to declare my new found love of comics by sharing with you all the issues I pick up each week. Will I be reviewing them? Sort of, but not really. There are many other places that can give much better reviews (I love iFanboy for example). I'll simply be answering the question: "Will I be buying the next issue?"

Today's will be a long list, going back to when I started frequenting the shop at the end of August.

Marvel
Alpha Flight #0.1, #1, #2, #3, #4
Buying next month? YES. I'm loving this series. (Even if I didn't LOVE it I'd probably still buy it just because it is all about a Canadian superhero team. Lucky for me, it's awesome.)

Journey Into Mystery #627, #628
Buying next month? Really didn't like #627, but Loki wasn't in it, so I gave it another shot. #628 was definitely better. I'm still not totally sold but I'll get the next issue.

DC
Batman: Cacophony (Trade Paperback)
Buying next month? n/a - not finished reading it yet (and it's a book of previous issues, not a monthly comic)

Justice League #1
Buying next month? I really was not a fan of this. I do like the idea of the team meeting for the first time and not liking each other but this issue felt like a chore to read. That said, I'll give it another shot at least until Wonder Woman shows up...

Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE #1
Buying next month? yes! Really neat concept, I'm interested in where this goes.

Wonder Woman #1
Buying next month? HELL YES! The story was great but the art was AMAZING. I'm really excited for the next issue!

Animal Man #1 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next month? Yep. Probably digitally again as well. I really enjoyed this book.

Swamp Thing #1 (purchased digitally from DC iPhone app)
Buying next month? I'm a little confused and a little creeped out but there were some really neat things going on here. So yes.

Justice League Dark #1
Buying next month? Yes.

Teen Titans #1
Buying next month? Probably not.

Dark Horse
The Guild: Clara
Buying next month? n/a - it was just a "one shot" comic, but it was fun.

Vertigo
Daytripper (Trade Paperback)
Buying next month? n/a haven't read it yet (and it's a book of previous issues, not a monthly comic)

COMIC OF THE WEEK(s): Wonder Woman, Frankenstein, Animal Man
BOTTOM OF THE PACK: Justice League, Journey into Mystery

Friday Foto Roundup!

2011-09-30T12:41:00.001-04:00

Let's just skip the "long time, no see" paragraph and jump right in shall we?

I am addicted to the Instagram app on my phone. Every Friday (I know, I know. I can feel you rolling your eyes already! I'll try my best OK?!) I'll share with you my favourite photos from the week.

Since this is my first post in a long time, I'm going to go way back to give you an idea of what I've been up to all this time!

Weekend Wishlist: Wishful Thinking

2011-04-24T13:46:00.001-04:00

Is this is finally spring? I don't want to jinx it!
With the weather we've been having these past few weeks it's felt like the winter that never ends.
I'm hoping that a little positive thinking will mean the sun and warmer weather is here to stay.
How can you not feel a little springy when looking at these items?

Accessories

ayofemijewelry, katescottage2, BreatheCouture

MySelvagedLife, lovemaude

Dresses

miablaz, Clementinyclothing, jibrionline

yystudio, rocketbetty

Art

christydekoning, jolinaanthony, irenesuchocki

papermoongallery, DecouDermy

Yoga Challenge: Day 43

2011-04-22T20:07:00.005-04:00

Day: 43
Yoga Sessions: 12
$ for missed days: $32

Well, today is Good Friday which means Lent is now over and with it, my yoga challenge.
Despite only doing yoga on less than 30% I don't know if I would call it a failure.
I've raised money for a good cause, learned a bunch of new poses, discovered some awesome new yoga podcasts and videos and discovered how much better I felt on the days I *did* get some yoga in.

This definitely isn't the end of yoga for me. It was a great learning opportunity and I'm excited to get back on the mat.

Yoga Challenge: Day 25

2011-04-04T11:56:00.003-04:00

Day: 25
Yoga Sessions: 10
$ for missed days: $16

Man, did I fall off the wagon or what? Both in blogging and my yoga practice.
I've only done yoga 4 times since I last posted, including last night. I could blame all sorts of things, but that's besides the point.

At least I've raised $16 for the Outreach for Hunger so far!

Yoga Challenge: Day 8

2011-03-17T22:11:00.002-04:00

Day: 8
Yoga Sessions: 6
$ for missed days: $3

Yep. I missed another day. Had a night out at the theatre last night to see Stomp and when I got home it completely slipped my mind.

My sister and her baby are down for a visit so she wanted to do some yoga with me. I popped in Just My Size as it's the only thing I have on DVD. Practicing with a baby in the room is not great for concentration let me tell you! My sister stopped after a short while, so I was able to focus better for the remainder.

Yoga Challenge: Day 6

2011-03-15T23:50:00.002-04:00

Day: 6
Yoga Sessions: 5
$ for missed days: $2

I tried out another new podcast tonight, this time from Yoga Journal. I decided to go with their Evening Sequence. I prefer the YOGAmazing before bed sequence to this one, but I still enjoyed it. It also gave me a chance to crack out my new yoga strap.
I also found myself holding down dogs much steadier and longer.
Progress!

Yoga Challenge: Day 5

2011-03-14T23:30:00.003-04:00

Day: 5
Yoga Sessions: 4
$ for missed days: $2

Tonight I decided to practice my sun salutation. This was my first attempt at leading myself through a session, and honestly, I don't think I am ready to do that yet. I didn't have very good concentration when holding my poses because I was already thinking about which came next.

I ended the session with a nice, long legs up the wall inversion. I think this is my favourite pose ever. It is the perfect response to sitting at a desk all day. I'll probably end most nights with some time in this position, even after my challenge is over.

Yoga Challenge: Day 4

2011-03-13T22:56:00.002-04:00

Day: 4
Yoga Sessions: 3
$ for missed days: $2

Today I tried out a new podcast called YOGAmazing. I decided to go with Episode 256 - Yoga Before Bed since I was still feeling wired from a fun day and I should really be winding down about now.

Needless to say, I loved it. I really enjoy the instructor, Chaz, and this session left me feeling all melty and glorious and completely relaxed. Mission accomplished.

I will definitely return to other YOGAmazing podcast episodes!

Yoga Challenge: Day 3

2011-03-13T00:24:00.002-05:00

Day: 3
Yoga Sessions: 2
$ for missed days: $2

I had high hopes for today. I was going to wake up nice and early to try out the yoga program on my tv which airs at 6:30am.
Alas, the snooze button seduced me and I wasn't up in time.
I just got home from a busy day, and it's already tomorrow!
Whoops!

Yoga Challenge: Day 2

2011-03-11T23:32:00.003-05:00

Day: 2
Yoga Sessions: 2
$ for missed days: $1

Decided to crack out ye olde balance board for a bit of wii Fit Plus yoga which was an adventure in itself as the batteries in it were dead.

I do like the wii as it really forces me to focus on balance and breath and doesn't allow you to just go through the motions. It actually yelled at me today! I was on my very last posture and I was feeling a bit sleepy. I only dropped my legs for a second and the trainer yelled "Hey! These muscles won't train themselves you know!" Someone's sassy!

Yoga Challenge: Day 1

2011-03-10T16:51:00.006-05:00

Day: 1
Yoga Sessions: 1
$ for missed days: $1

I kicked off the challenge this evening with a DVD I rented from zip.ca called 'Just My Size Yoga'. The DVD is led by plus sized model Megan Garcia and features a beginners routine with modified poses for larger bodies.

While the introduction is almost painfully cheesey, the rest of the DVD is a good relaxing routine for beginners and people who find standard yoga routines a bit difficult.

Not sure how often I'll use this DVD as I find it too easy, but it may be good to have on hand for if I'm not feeling well or late night sessions when I am more than a little sleepy.

The Lent Yoga Challenge.

2011-03-10T09:37:00.002-05:00

A few years ago I stopped giving things up for lent. I'd either give up something like junk food only to fall off the wagon less than 2 weeks in or I'd give up something useless that I wouldn't really miss anyway. One year in college was an exception. I gave up meat for 40 days which turned into me becoming vegetarian for about 2 years.

This year I have decided to set myself a challenge to do yoga every day until Easter. I'll try to blog about each session for accountability. Also, instead of getting frustrated and giving up if I miss a day, I'll donate $1 to a charity (to be determined) at the end for every one I've missed.

Starting with $1 for yesterday.

Weekend Wishlist: My Funny Valentine

2011-02-13T21:36:00.005-05:00

You know what the best part of being your own Valentine is? You always get gifts you like!

Valentines

amyawalters, PaperWheel, ableandgame

maddesign, christydekoning

Robot Love

theDADproject, sleepyrobot13, TamaraStarr

dolphindaze, leuckit

Narwhal Love

wonderstitching, NoosedKitty, AfricanGrey

Gingiber, thelittlefox

Zombie Love

blackbirdandpeacock, walkonthemoon, missmercy

LovelyMPLS, NeverlandJewelry

Wednesday's Kitchen

2011-01-26T19:05:00.005-05:00

I an attempt to post more often I'm going to try themed days of the week. I've seen it work quite well on other blogs, so why not give it a try? And if it fails miserably, ah well, I'll just try something else!

So Wednesdays I bring you "Wednesday's Kitchen" where I'll share with you what I've cooked that day (or that week, if I happen to not eat at home etc..)

This week I tried out a recipe I found stumbling around epicurious.com.

Beef, Shiitake, and Snow Pea Stir-Fry

I served it on top of some Jasmine rice, basically because I love it so much.

There were so many great flavours in this dish! I've never used hoisin or five spice before but I really enjoyed the taste. The fresh ginger, cilantro, onions and chili-garlic sauce really punched you in the mouth with some serious flavour! I do think if I were to make it again (make that WHEN I make it again) I'll add some fresh minced garlic, but that's just because I am a garlic-a-holic.

It had some great texture contrast as well between the tender meat and shiitake to the crunchy snow peas and green onions.

Best of all, the dish was seriously easy and really quick! Perfect for a work night I say.

52 photos in 52 weeks: Week Three

2011-01-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

The theme for this week's photo was EVENING.

Many say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but for me it is always dinner. Breakfast and Lunch during the week are always hastily cobbled together meals that have to be eaten equally as fast before heading back to work, but dinner I can finally sit down and take the time to enjoy what I'm eating.

Also, I LOVE cooking.
Last night I tried out two recipes from Nigella Lawson. Lamb with Rosemary and Port along with Festive Couscous (follow the links for the recipes!). My sous-chef (aka dad) steamed some asperagus and I whipped up a zippy lemon mayo to go on them (so easy- 4 tbsp mayo and add the juice of 1 lemon. DONE).

I've never cooked lamb OR couscous before and I am happy to report the meal was a delicious success! (and since I didn't notice that the couscous recipe serves EIGHT, I'll have some delicious lunches this week too!)

Learn more about the 52 photos in 52 weeks project on Monika or Lisa's blogs!
Or check out the flickr group for everyone's photos!

52 photos in 52 weeks: Week Two

2011-01-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

I did a bit of research on the definition of being independent in order to get some inspiration for this week's 52 photos in 52 weeks theme.

In the end, I thought a self portrait would be most suitable!

in·de·pend·ent

/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/

Spelled [in-di-pen-duhnt]

–adjective

1. not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself

2. not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous; free

3. not influenced by the thought or action of others

4. not dependent; not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc.

...

11. expressive of a spirit of independence; self-confident; unconstrained: a free and independent citizen.

Learn more about the 52 photos in 52 weeks project on Monika or Lisa's blogs!
Or check out the flickr group for everyone's photos!

52 photos in 52 weeks: Week One

2011-01-06T09:07:00.005-05:00

I discovered this project through my mom, who sent me an email with a link to Monika Wright's blog. She saw a post explaining the challenge and thought that I would be interested in taking part - she was right.

The concept (stolen lovingly from Monika's blog) is:

the synopsis

Join two girls and their cameras as they embark on a journey of discovery. With one girl in Sweden and the other girl in Tennessee, they will learn more about each other through their interpretation of weekly photographic challenges.

the invite
Won’t you join us as we learn more about ourselves, and each other, through our 1 year/52 week/52 photo challenge?

Why yes I WILL join you! A new challenge is posted every Thursday, which is also the day to share your photo from the previous week's prompt.

The first week's challenge was to take a photo on January 1st 2011 at exactly 8:11pm (also known as *gasp* 20:11!)

How awesome is this clock? It looks just like a gorgeous old clock, but in reality it houses my tiny English butler, Jeeves, who wakes me up each morning with a "good morning, Madam" and then cooks me a lovely English breakfast before rushing upstairs to iron my clothes ... okay so that's not *entirely* true. But the clock DOES wake me up every morning with the voice of the amazing Stephen Fry, always starting with a "good morning, Madam" followed by one of over 120 different and equally amusing phrases such as, "The world has been very anxious to hear from you for the last eight hours. Shall I inform the news agencies you're about to rise, Madam?" and "It is time to face the day. Shall I cancel your appointments and book a hotel for a month in Seychelles? Very good Madam."
There really isn't a better way to wake up, except of course to find breakfast ready and my clothes ironed...
(There is also a "Good morning, Sir" version for any men who need a Jeeves in their life.)

Learn more about the 52 photos in 52 weeks project on Monika or Lisa's blogs!
Or check out the flickr group for everyone's photos!

Weekend Wishlist: Shiny New Year

2011-01-02T21:47:00.011-05:00

2010 is SO yesterday (or two days ago)! I can hardly believe it, but it's time to jump into 2011 with both feet and celebrate this shiny, happy new year.

Shiny

janinebasil, junkprints, Glittermortis

fairladyfashions, emeraldangel

New

carltonjlee, RobotsAreAwesome, eebits

Craftsquatch, molecularmuse

Year

naomiorana, ChelseaVictoria, moonandlion

TheGinghamOwl, decology

2010 RoundUp: Most Listened Music

2011-01-01T09:31:00.001-05:00

According to last.fm my top 10 most listened to artists of 2010 were:
10. Alan Cumming
09. Flight of the Conchords
08. Marina and the Diamonds
07. Gossip
06. Stornoway
05. Freddie Mercury
04. The Cure
03. Example
02. Mumford & Sons
01. Queen

And my most listened to track of the year was:
The Cave by Mumford & Sons

2010 RoundUp: The 70 New-to-Me Flicks of 2010

2011-01-01T09:25:00.001-05:00

JANUARY
An Education
Waiting for Guffman
Clerks II

FEBRUARY
Capitalism: A Love Story
Wristcutters: A Love Story
Confetti
Dig!
Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers
Lipstick & Dynamite, Piss & Vinegar: The First Ladies of Wrestling
Deeper Than Y
The Outsider
Women in Boxes
We Are Wizards
Towncraft
Shutter Island
Red Without Blue
Monster Camp
Hell On Wheels

MARCH
Creation
Some Like It Hot
Twilight: New Moon
The Princess and the Frog
She's Out of My League
How to Train Your Dragon

APRIL
Cooking with Stella
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Secret of Kells
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
KickAss

MAY
The Last Station
All About Eve

JUNE
Get Him To The Greek

JULY
The Last Airbender
Hated: G.G. Allin and the Murder Junkies
Jackass 2.5
Twilight: Eclipse
Couples Retreat

AUGUST
Matchstick Men
Dinner for Schmucks
Toy Story 3
Cop Out
Gentlemen Broncos
Role Models
Scott Pilgrim vs the World
Vampires Suck

SEPTEMBER
Canadian Bacon
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
Real Time
Youth in Revolt
Hot Tub Time Machine
Suck

OCTOBER
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Paper Heart
Ghost World
Foot Fist Way
Män som hatar kvinnor
Freddie Mercury: The Untold Story [By Those Who Know Him Best]
In the Loop
Run Ronnie Run
The Man Who Fell to Earth
Cemetery Junction
Survival of the Dead
MacGruber
Hawking
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

NOVEMBER
Jackass 3D

DECEMBER
Roman Holiday

2010 RoundUp: Favourite Movies.

2011-01-01T09:00:00.003-05:00

Another year, another attempt to watch 100 movies I have never seen before, another fail- though I am pretty pleased with the result. I did much better than last year , and I blame my shortfall on my rehearsal and performance schedule when I was in the musical CHICAGO. Ah well, perhaps 2011 will be the magic year for me.

My 10 favourite movies that I saw this year (in no particular order):
Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Ghost World (2001)
Jackass 3D (2010)
Confetti (2006)
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
The Secret of Kells (2009)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

And my 10 least favourite:
Couples Retreat (2009)
Foot Fist Way (2006)
Deeper Than Y (2006)
Shutter Island (2010)
Twilight: New Moon (2009)
Cooking with Stella (2009)
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
Vampires Suck (2010)
Run Ronnie Run (2002)
Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980)

Really, I had unreasonably high hopes for a documentary all about garlic...

Bacon? In my cookies?

2010-12-10T21:46:00.004-05:00

Ahh, it seems like only yesterday I was sticking bacon into delicious cupcakes but it was....
September.
SEPTEMBER?!?
Holy smokes.
Where does the time go??

I've been M.I.A. around the blogosphere due to performing in a local theatre company's production of CHICAGO. What a blast! I can't believe it's over already, but I suppose all good things must come to an end. Much like reaching for that very last cookie. Ahhhh cookies.

Allow me to make up for my long absence by sharing this amazing recipe.
I must thank StumbleUpon for leading me to this culinary delight in my hour of need. It was getting dangerously close to the annual cookie exchange we have the first Saturday of December every year with the ladies of my mom's side and I still hadn't settled on a recipe. Of course I found myself in procrastination mode 'stumbling' across the internet aimlessly when I was brought to a certain post on the blog Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy. And the rest my friends, is history.

Behold! Candied Bacon-Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
I'll just let the photos speak for themselves...

Why yes, they were as good as they look. Maybe better actually. The candied bacon really takes it to a whole other level. If I ever venture back into bacon cupcake territory I will definitely try candying up my bacon first! SO GOOD. And everyone at the party LOVED them (thank goodness there were no vegetarians!). I gave some to a friend, who brought them into work and a co-worker told her the next day that she dreamed about these cookies. That's how good they are.

DO NOT DELAY! Try the recipe for yourself!

Bacon? In my cupcakes?

2010-09-20T23:48:00.002-04:00

I've been talking about it for a while but tonight I finally did it.
I made bacon cupcakes.

I got the recipe in question from Vanilla Garlic which claims that this was the "original" bacon cupcake recipe on the internet, so I knew I was in good hands.

I followed the recipe pretty much exactly except for one component. As I was frying up my bacon for the batter I had a revelation. A BACON ROSE. The perfect classy addition, and super easy to do. I started by lining a baking sheet with foil and putting a wire baking rack on top. Then I just rolled up strips of bacon and put a toothpick through about 1/3 from the bottom. I took each roll and sort of wedged them in between the wires of the rack so the rose was standing upright with the toothpick perpendicular to the wire. Then I baked those babies for 15 minutes on 350. After I let them cool, I trimmed off the bottoms because the strips were quite wide to begin with, but if your bacon is thinner then you can probably skip that step.

After frosting the cakes I popped a toothpick through the roses and stabbed them to the tops. I skipped topping them with sea salt since the bacon was salty but I did add the turbinado sugar.

Find the recipe HERE and try them out for yourself!

A Very Freddie Cake

2010-09-06T00:16:00.002-04:00

SUCCESS!

I used a boxed cake and used an indirect heat method by only having one side of the bbq lit and placing my cake on the opposite side on an upsidedown cake pan to avoid burning the bottom. I just followed the boxes directions for temperature and cooking time! Simple as that!

Happy birthday Freddie

2010-09-05T11:51:00.004-04:00

September 5, 1946 in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Farrokh Bulsara was born.

If you've read my post from last November on the anniversary of his death, you know that Freddie Mercury is my favourite musical artist of all time, so I won't go over all of that again :P

In honour of what would have been his 64th birthday (and since I am out at the campground and the oven in the trailer is too small for baking) I am going to attempt to bake a cake in the bbq. Crazy I know! But I don't see why it wouldn't work using indirect heat.
Don't worry, I'll document the whole thing whether it is a success or epic failure.

In the meantime I will leave you with a few of my (many MANY) favourite live performances.
It's easy to see why so many see him as being the best rock vocalist of all time.

Potluck! Shotluck!

2010-08-24T20:08:00.003-04:00

What a brilliant idea! A few (okay, more than a few..) weeks ago, my friend Stacie threw a potluck party. But not just any potluck. A potluck shotluck! So everyone not only brought a dish or two to share with the group but a creative shot as well.
Needless to say, we all enjoyed some AMAZING food (and got a *little* silly in the process).

For my dishes I brought one bite Greek Salads and one bite Insalata Caprese. On the day, when I went to make my Greek Salads I realized I forgot to buy Feta cheese! HORROR! Luckily I had some mini bocconcini and they turned out delish.

My greek salad's (pictured above) consisted of skewers of english cucumber slices, halved kalamata olives, mini bocconcinis and grape tomatoes all topped off with 3 Gyros Greek salad dressing.

My Insalata Caprese were skewers of slices of buffalo mozzarella, basil leaves and grape tomatoes (that were picked from my backyard!) that were drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These were definitely my favourite of the two. I can't believe I missed taking their picture!

My shot for the shotluck was a Rootbeer Float shot!

As soon as a friend of mine introduced me to Three Olives' Rootbeer Vodka, I knew I wanted to try making a float out of it and the shotluck was the perfect opportunity to experiment! I added a scoop of vanilla icecream to a shot (and a bit :P ) of Rootbeer Vodka and topped the rest of the small cup with some regular root beer. YUM!

SLACKER!

2010-08-21T19:03:00.007-04:00

I can't even the last time I've done a proper entry!
However, though I have been in a blogging drought, I have been getting crafty.

This card I made way back in JUNE for a friend of mine who had just graduated from teacher's college (and happens to adore cats).

The base of the card was a folded blue patterned cardstock and I cannot for the life of me remember the company! Also, since I used a piece from my leftover scrap pile, I don't know what company the purple square of paper is either (grr arg!).

The 'ruled paper' patterned paper was from the 6x6 'Boyfriend Collection' paper pack by Cosmo Cricket and I edged it with the 'Bumpy Road' edger punch by EK Success.

The adorable cat is from Stamping Bella and stamped on white cardstock purchased from Staples.

To colour him up, I first created a wonky bubble shaped mask out of scrap cardboard to cover him and sprayed the 'pink sprinkles' Smooch spray over the background. Then I created a mask for the background (with a hole smaller than the original mask) and sprayed some 'spun sugar' Smooch spray. Then, just because, I sprayed the whole thing with 'vanilla shimmer' Smooch spray.

I cut him out with a square spellbinder die in a Cuttlebug machine, and something interesting happened. He was still a little damp when I put him in, and I was using a "well loved" Cuttlebug plate, so when I embossed the edge of the square the cut marks in the plate embossed this swirly pattern across the image. How's that for a happy accident??

I finished the card up by stamping the inside of the card with a rubber stamp that said "You Are The Hippest of Cats" from Paper Candy.

Thanks for putting up with my lack of posts with substance. I promise you at least two more this week with some more things I have made these past few months, and here's a surprise... NEITHER POST IS ABOUT CARDS!!

Stay tuned to see what I've been making.

Music Monday: Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP

2010-08-16T20:28:00.000-04:00

Wish I Was Wearing Wednesday: Play Date

2010-06-02T12:16:00.002-04:00

Head band by Evita Peroni
Ring by Zanzlöza Zmycken
Necklace by Tatty Devine
Cardigan by Blumarine
Jumpsuit by Mike & Chris
Tank top by Kani Ladies
Flats by Marc by Marc Jacobs
Tights by H&M

Music Monday: Liam Lynch

2010-05-24T21:09:00.000-04:00

Music Monday: Darwin Deez

2010-05-10T13:47:00.001-04:00

Calling it now. This is my song of the summer.
Bring on the Popsicle weather!!

Five Faves 05•02•10

2010-05-02T15:08:00.006-04:00

Behold my faves of the week!

1. My sister got her wisdom teeth out. And after being inspired by this video, I decided to record the aftermath. Hilarity ensued.

2. STAR WARS WEATHER. Find out what it's like outside by seeing a comparison to a planet from the Star Wars universe.
For example right now it says:

"Ahh. 22°C, Cloudy?

It's like Yavin 4 out there.

Hot, but with some cloud in the sky.

Also bits of the Death Star might fall on your head."

How fun is that??

3. I need this shirt in my life. NEED. NOW.

4. This child singing The Beatles. Hilariousness of the lyrical interpretation aside, he's actually pretty wicked on the ukulele!

5. Tim Gunn critiquing superhero costumes. I cannot even put into words how amazing this is. Tim Gunn, please be my BFF.

Come play Five Faves @ Meet Me At Mikes!

Wish I Was Wearing Wednesday: Power Lunch

2010-04-28T22:30:00.002-04:00

Briefcase by Björn Borg
Blazer by H&M
Belt by One Teaspoon
Skirt by Topshop
Top by Only
Wedges by Ayayo

Music Monday: We Are Scientists

2010-04-26T12:38:00.002-04:00

Wish I Was Wearing Wednesday: April Showers

2010-04-21T22:15:00.003-04:00

Umbrella by Vintage
Earring by Chanel
Handbag by By Malene Birger
Ring by Zanzlöza Zmycken
Top by H&M
Skirt by Hunkydory
Wedges by Din Sko

Music Monday: Mumford & Sons

2010-04-19T19:20:00.000-04:00

Wish I Was Wearing Wednesday

2010-04-14T17:44:00.004-04:00

I am in love with a website.
Very much in love.
LOOKLET.com is a site where you can browse through hundreds of clothing items and accessories and create outfits, put them on models and place them on a set.
I promise it is way more awesome than I am making it sound!

I really could spend hours coming up with that perfect outfit. Searching through pages to find the perfect necklace or headband to finish the look.

This is my first Looklet look:

Glasses by Urban Outfitters
Head band by Evita Peroni
Clutch by Alexander McQueen
Blazer by Vintage
Ring by Blimey
Bracelet by Alexander McQueen
Necklace by Vintage
Mini Dress by Andy Warhol by Pepe Jeans
Boots by Topshop
Tights by Lick My Label

Music Monday: Hot Chip

2010-04-12T16:51:00.003-04:00

Directed by Peter Serafinowicz (you may know him as Pete [the prick roommate] in Shaun of the Dead)
This video is bizarre, creepy and I can't stop thinking about it. I kind of love it.

Five Faves 04•04•10

2010-04-04T11:16:00.003-04:00

Here's five things I've been digging this week!

1. How neat is this video??

Adobe Photoshop Cook from Lait Noir on Vimeo.

2. I absolutely adore these Sock Garters from SWANclothing! AND they come custom sized! (*cough cough* my birthday is in July...)

3. The Trololo man. So bizarre, yet you can't look away. This song will be stuck in your head for weeks.

4. The new Doctor Who!
I was sad when David Tennant's Doctor died, but I think Matt Smith is going to do such an incredible job! The first episode was phenominal. I can't wait for next week.

5. Egg decorating (with a geeky twist)
Behold, my Easter Ood!

Come play Five Faves @ Meet Me At Mikes!

Music Monday: Vampire Weekend

2010-03-29T13:45:00.001-04:00

Five Faves 03•28•10

2010-03-28T16:15:00.003-04:00

1. Live Owl Webcam. I have been absolutely obsessed with this for the past week! When I started watching there was only one baby hatched and now there are 4 little baby owls. I don't know what makes this so addictive, but I just can't stop watching.

2. Sassy Gay Friend: Hamlet.
Hilarious sketch from The Second City. "Hamlet would have ended MUCH differently if Ophelia had a Sassy Gay Friend!!!"

3. I love choose your own adventure books, and I am addicted to Twitter. Imagine my delight when someone forwarded me a link to Choose Your Own Twitter Adventure!

4. I first heard a clip on BBC Radio 1 and now I just can't stop watching this little girl crying about Justin Bieber. Hilarious and adorable. Embedding has been disabled, so head over to the Youtube page and be sure to watch the follow up as well!

5. Oh sadtrombone.com. I have this site bookmarked in order to make my failures a little more bearable and other people's a little more hilarious. (Came in very handy when watching my grandma and dad attempt to use Skype.)

Come play Five Faves @ Meet Me At Mikes!

Music Monday: Florence and the Machine

2010-03-22T12:14:00.001-04:00

Weekend Wishlist: Spring in my Step

2010-03-20T13:55:00.010-04:00

Happy first day of Spring! In honour of the vernal equinox today's wishlist is brought to you by the keyword: SPRING!

Plus Size Fashions

hankietankie, poppyswickedgarden, Ananya

sandmaiden, jibrionline

Necklaces

CharmedFrog, timssally, SparklePeach

minasaez, pinkavenger

Brooches

albenaben, EatenApple, jamieguevarra

LaCadre, nati

Photography

OldHound, Kristybee, ChelseaVictoria

staceywinters, mfayrephotography

Art

LinArt, bitowhimsey, ravenrocksstudio

susannajarian, thepoppytree

Bedroom Textiles

belleandboo, DesignYourHome, WhatKnotShopByEmilie

PrettyLoot, AtelierAfra

Bags & Purses

daphnenen, pocketcarnival, rainbowswirlz

hibaNgDesigns, bergenbags

Music Monday: Marina and the Diamonds

2010-03-15T17:38:00.001-04:00

A Sensible Woman

2010-03-14T19:43:00.009-04:00

There is nothing so wrong
in this world that
a sensible woman
can't fix in the
course of an afternoon.
Jean Giraudoux

Saturday, March 6th I took part in my local Zonta Club's "Card Making Extravaganza". It was a full day of learning new card making techniques! Also, as with all of their "extravaganzas" there is an opportunity to take part in a card contest. All attendees are given the theme ahead of time, and you have the option to make a card and bring it to be judged anonymously by all the other attendees.

Since it was the Saturday just prior to International Women's Day, the theme was "women and strength".

And guess what? My card won second place!

Products Used:

Mod Girl stamp by Paper Candy
'Sensible Woman' stamp by Dawn Houser for Inkadinkado
'Polka Dot Basics' stamp by Papertrey Ink
'Easy Going' paper by BasicGrey (offbeat collection)
Distress Ink in 'Fired Brick' by Tim Holtz for Ranger
Distress Ink in 'Black Soot' by Tim Holtz for Ranger
Distress Ink in 'Tea Dye' by Tim Holtz for Ranger
Essentials 5 flowers in 'Make Me Happy' by Prima
'Vintage Hip' buttons by Making Memories
Onyx glitter by Martha Stewart for EK Success
Edge Distresser by Heidi Swapp
Heart border stamp by Studio G
Coloured Pencils by Prismacolor
Generic White and Craft cardstock

Weekend Wishlist: Pop Goes the World

2010-03-13T20:03:00.007-05:00

It's been a while since I randomly searched around on Etsy, and even longer since I posted a Wishlist Wednesday! I've decided to revisit the theme from my first WW post and use Etsy's "shop local" function to find fun items from places I hope to one day travel to.

Stockholm, Sweden

PrositStudio, majaintheshop, cristinapires

sarahscreationsetsy, latenightdrawing

Edinburgh, Scotland

MaggieMowbray, 13threads, cutcopycreate

TRAMPmillinery, thedandelionproject

Osaka, Japan

juriu, AYMK, happycakejewels

glamourouslove, thezakka

Auckland, New Zealand

cleobelle, IGottaHaveTHAT, victorianbird

BamBamCreative, thefeltroom

This One Goes Out To All My Crafty Sisters (and brothers!)

2010-03-09T19:31:00.002-05:00

Music Monday: Kasabian

2010-02-08T17:33:00.002-05:00

I first heard this song last spring and I quite enjoyed it but since then it kind of fell off my radar.
However, every day at work I listen to BBC Radio 1 online and Greg James has been playing this tune quite often. I can't get enough of it!
Thanks Greg!

Warning for my more sensitive readers... It's called Vlad the Impaler for a reason...

Music Monday: The Grates

2010-01-25T20:12:00.004-05:00

It's not quite Australia day here in Canada but it is where it counts!
So to celebrate all the rad Aussies I know I bring you a pretty rad Australian band.
Enjoy the Grates!

Music Monday/2009 RoundUp: Most Listened Music

2010-01-04T17:32:00.000-05:00

My most listened to artists in 2009 (according to last.fm) were as follows:

10. The Lonely Island
09. of Montreal
08. Robots in Disguise
07. Relient K
06. Animal Collective
05. The Wombats
04. 100 Monkeys
03. David Bowie
02. Queen
01. The Smiths

And my most listened to song of the year was The Smith's Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now.

2009 RoundUp: The 53 New-to-Me Flicks of 2009

2010-01-04T09:04:00.001-05:00

As I talked about in my previous post, 2009 was another unsuccessful year for my 100 film challenge, yet I don't deem it a failure. I mean, in the past 2 years I've watched over 120 films I had never seen before, many of which I may not have picked up if not for this goal.

JANUARY
Young @ Heart
Surviving the Treatment
Evil Remains
The Ruby in the Smoke
The Shadow in the North
Comic Book Villains
My Best Friend's Girl
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas

FEBRUARY
Stardust
Eagle vs Shark
For Your Consideration
Just Buried
Bright Young Things
The Sasquatch Gang
Repo! The Genetic Opera

MARCH
John Cleese's Wine for the Confused
Watchmen
Bande à part
I Love You, Man

APRIL
Adventureland
Twilight
Resident Evil: Apocalypse

MAY
Bedtime Stories
Love Actually
Independence Day
Ghost Town
Star Trek
S. Darko
Dragonheart

JUNE
Fanboys
The Hangover
Chasing Amy
Year One

JULY
Confessions of a Superhero
Best in Show
King Arthur
Bruno
Lesbian Vampire Killers
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

AUGUST
(500) Days of Summer
District 9
Dogma
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
Zombie Girl
Son of Rambow

OCTOBER
Zombieland
Chéri
Mamma Mia
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Where the Wild Things Are

NOVEMBER
Is Anybody There?
Disney's Christmas Carol (3D)

DECEMBER
The Boat That Rocked

I have high hopes for 2010 and maybe this year you can join me as well.
My friend BJ of For the Insane TV did last year and you can check out his 2009 list over at his blog.

2009 RoundUp: Favourite Movies.

2010-01-03T01:08:00.002-05:00

Like the year before, in 2009 I attempted to watch 100 movies I had never seen before. Unfortunately, I did much much worse this time around, only watching 53.
However, I did have the pleasure of seeing some amazing films.

My favourite movies that I saw this year (in no particular order):
Star Trek (2009)
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
District 9 (2009)
Dogma (1999)
Zombieland (2009)

Honourable Mentions:
The Hangover (2009)
Best in Show (2000)

I saw my share of stinkers as well:
Ghost Town (2008)
My Best Friend's Girl (2008)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Evil Remains (2004)

The absolute worst being:
S. Darko (2009)

Let's see if in 2010 I can make it to 100.

Music Monday: The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl

2009-12-21T22:59:00.002-05:00

On this last Monday before Christmas I bring you my absolute favourite holiday tune.
LOVE it.

Music Tuesday: David Bowie and Bing Crosby

2009-12-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

I really cannot believe that there are only 2 1/2 weeks til Christmas.
I'm late starting my shopping this year and yesterday should have been my first Christmas themed Music Monday and I am late for that as well!

The Little Drummer Boy duet between Bing Crosby and David Bowie is a favourite at our house, and we affectionately refer to it as "Bing and Bulge" (Sorry David, but those costumes in Labyrinth are hard to forget.)

World AIDS Day: 5 Easy Ways to Help Fight AIDS All Year

2009-12-01T17:15:00.012-05:00

There are an estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV.
It is not a disease of the past. It is happening now.
In 2007 AIDS killed 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children.
AIDS doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care if you're male or female, rich or poor, gay or straight.
AIDS doesn't care how many or how few people you've had sex with.
There is no vaccine and there is no cure.

But there is always hope.

Every year World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness, but the fight against AIDS doesn't take 24 hours.
There are simple ways to join the fight all year long.

5. Get tested.
For the sake of protecting others as well as yourself, if you may have been exposed to HIV get tested as soon as possible. The sooner you know, the sooner you can get the help you need.

4. Donate.
There are many amazing charities doing some amazing things to fight AIDS. Some of my favourites are: The Mercury Phoenix Trust, CANFAR and The Global Fund.

3. Buy things.
Want to donate but kind of want something in return? It's okay, I won't tell. There are lots of companies who are donating money for the sale of certain items. Check out Aldo, MAC, and all the awesome companies that take part in the (Red) campaign (including Starbucks, Gap, Apple, Dell and Hallmark.) Chances are, there is something you already need to purchase that can be bought from a company supporting an AIDS charity.

2. Wear a ribbon.
Wear a ribbon on your shirt. Post one on Twitter or Facebook. Just talking about HIV and AIDS can do a world of good in helping end the stigma.

1. Wear a condom.
Remember, HIV is asymptomatic so your partner may not even know they are infected. As my mother likes to say "Some gifts are meant to stay wrapped."

AIDS Awareness Week: What You Wearing Wednesday

2009-11-25T23:37:00.001-05:00

I am in love with this shade of lipstick. It doesn't come off nearly as well in a webcam photo. It is truly the most flattering shade of red I have ever seen, and it works on so many people!
Want to know what makes this lipstick even better? It is from M·A·C's Viva Glam collection.
When you buy a Viva Glam product EVERY CENT is donated to the M·A·C Aids Fund. How cool is that?

What else am I wearing today? Well my wristband from the Mercury Phoenix Trust (which I spoke about in yesterday's post) came in the mail today! It has the words 'Let Me Live' inscribed on it, referring to the song of the same name from the album Made In Heaven, and inside the band is the url for the Trust's website.

To join 'What You Wearing Wednesdays' visit Fi at her blog.

AIDS Awareness Week: Remembering Freddie

2009-11-24T17:35:00.001-05:00

On this day 18 years, the world lost one of the most amazing voices it has ever known. Though I was only 5 years old when he passed away, Freddie Mercury holds the spot as my favourite musical artist of all time.

I remember learning Queen songs when I took piano lessons in elementary school and listening to Greatest Hits II on my Fisher Price tape recorder.

I remember singing We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions along with the rest of my baseball team during games.

Bohemian Rhapsody had a special place in my high school career. I remember the performance piece 3 friends and I did with that song for our 10th grade drama class, and reprised for the Arts Banquet that year.

It is nearly impossible to come up with my favourite Queen song. However, without a doubt my favourite Queen music video (and probably my favourite music video period) is for I Want to Break Free.

November 24, 1991 Freddie Mercury died of bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS, just one day after publicly announcing he had the disease in the following statement to the press:

Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors, and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue.

The last music video filmed with Freddie was for the song These Are The Days of Our Lives. The words "I still love you" at the end of the video were Freddie's last words ever recorded on camera.

After his death, the remaining members of Queen, along with their manager Jim Beach, launched The Mercury Phoenix Trust with The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness. The concert was held April 20, 1992 at Wembley Stadium.

The Mercury Phoenix Trust has been active ever since, raising millions of dollars for AIDS related charities all over the world.

RIP Freddie Mercury
September 5, 1946 - November 24, 1991

Music Monday: Doctor Who Edition

2009-11-23T20:11:00.004-05:00

46 years ago today, the Doctor had his first adventure and the rest is history.
Or the future.
Time Lords are confusing like that.

In honour of the 46 years, 57 companions and 10 doctors of Doctor Who, this Music Monday is featuring my favourite rendition of the Who theme tune.

I bring you the amazingly geektastic Twin Tesla Coil cover of the Doctor Who theme!

Happy TARDIS Day!

Music Monday: The Cure

2009-11-09T19:56:00.003-05:00

So last night I dreamt about being attacked by a load of stray cats.
It was actually a substantial part of a much longer really creepy and very bizarre dream.

It may have something to do with the fact that I listen to this song daily (and probably fell asleep to it).

What You Wearing Wednesday: Halloween Roundup

2009-11-04T21:05:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I am cheating a bit. I'm not wearing these today, but I just wanted to share this year's Halloween costumes!

Here I am, looking a little disheveled as the Queen of Hearts:

And here's my scaryiest costume yet!
A crazed Twilight Fan!
I STILL CAN'T GET ALL THE GLITTER OFF!!

To join 'What You Wearing Wednesdays' visit Fi at her blog.

Music Monday: Gossip

2009-11-02T18:07:00.004-05:00

Holy crap!
How is it November already?
I did not get one lousy blog post in at all last month.
Shameful!

In better news, I cannot stop listening to Gossip's new album Music for Men. It is super.
So today's Music Monday post is my favourite from that album.
And how freaking fantastic does Beth Ditto look?
Love her and I want all her clothes. And makeup. And voice.

Music Monday: The Puppini Sisters

2009-09-28T21:22:00.002-04:00

I can't believe September is almost over!

And so draws to a close my month of cover songs.
In honour of the quickly approaching month of October, I bring you a spooky little cover by the amazing Puppini Sisters.

Eye Spy ... Something I Shouldn't Eat But Do Anyway

2009-09-27T16:42:00.006-04:00

All You Can Eat Sushi.

Somewhere deep down inside of me I know that All You Can Eat doesn't mean eat all you possibly can until you are in pain. I know this, yet every time we go I feel I haven't gotten my money's worth until I've eaten so much spider maki I have to be rolled from the establishment.

To join 'Eye-Spy Sunday' visit bugandpop.

Music Monday: Duran Duran & The Wombats

2009-09-21T19:49:00.002-04:00

Since I missed posting last Monday, today you get two (very different) covers for the price of one!
Enjoy.

Weekend Wishlist: Spooky Little Girl Like You

2009-09-20T13:49:00.002-04:00

September is quickly drawing to a close. How did that happen? This year is really flying by.
With the end of September, only one thing is on my mind: HALLOWEEN! I cannot wait.
I love everything about this time of year. The crisp weather, trees turning, dressing up, carving pumpkins, (the bags discounted leftover candy).

I started a search for ideas for this year's costume but I got distracted by all the awesome creepy and macabre things over on Etsy. This weekend's wishlist is everything spooky.

Spooky Fashion

CalypsoMineralBeauty, beatblack, freedomjewelryusa

poetsummer, wickedgems

Spooky Home

henNchicks, RunFreakRun, SaltyandSweet

CantonBoxCompany, SimpleJoysPaperie

Music Monday: Robots in Disguise

2009-09-07T21:35:00.003-04:00

Searching for some fab covers for you fine folks I stumbled upon this old video of Robots in Disguise. They look so different! And it's strange to see them not playing instruments (well aside from that little interlude).
Still, it's a fun little cover.

Weekend Wishlist: Globe Trotter

2009-09-07T00:46:00.014-04:00

That's right, another new blog feature to hopefully keep me inspired and posting when my crafting has been less than active. On my old blog I used to have a feature called Wishlist Wednesdays where I would post awesome items I came across during the week. I've been seeing some pretty neat stuff around the net lately that I'd love to share, so I hereby declare that feature resurrected!

If you know me then it's no secret that I absolutely love etsy.com.
It's a great community with some seriously amazing artist and I've gotten a lot of unique and beautiful things there. However, there are so many amazing shops on Etsy that I often don't know where to start.

I was recently reading an Etsy Finds article that I found particularly inspiring.
In it, the author, Mike used Etsy's Shop Local function to search for items from places he hopes to travel to in the future. What an awesome idea.
So awesome in fact, that I made my own list and hunted for some fab items around the world.

London, England

tiedandfeathered, alphabets, janicej

UnderReconstruction, CupOfSea

Cardiff, Wales

itsalovelycake, unknownstar, MelissaWarren

mahuahua, ojmjakon

Melbourne, Australia

printspace, MaisyandAlice, ableandgame

bridbird, Silhouettesofknights

Helsinki, Finland

RunFreakRun, Barbaershop, attiladesign

vaisto, Animaatiokopla

Music Monday: Kate Nash

2009-08-31T21:47:00.002-04:00

I know it is the last day of August but I'm using this Monday to kickoff all cover songs for Music Mondays in September.

I love this song by the Arctic Monkeys.
I found a cover by Kate Nash's that I think is pretty rad!

Music Monday: She & Him

2009-08-10T23:12:00.006-04:00

I finally got the chance to see (500) Days of Summer this weekend, and it was even more amazing than I expected it to be (and I expected it to be pretty dang awesome.)
Easily on of my top movies, perhaps of all time.
That good.
The movie stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and, my #1 girl crush, Zooey Deschanel.
Which brings me to this week's Music Monday.

As well as being an actress, Zooey is 1/2 of the band She & Him.
I adore them.

She & Him also do an absolutely amazing cover of Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want by the Smiths for the (500) Days soundtrack. Check it out!

Eye Spy ... Inspiration

2009-08-09T23:07:00.010-04:00

What inspires me?

The Day Zero Project. Beth Ditto. Red Velvet Art. The Smiths. Kristina Werner. Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories. Matthew Gray Gubler. Ghost stories. Sark. Jamie Oliver's recipes. Nigella Lawson's recipes. The Mighty Boosh. Dawn French. Tim Holtz. Russell Brand. Terry Gilliam. Edgar Wright. Operation Nice. Gala Darling. xsparkage. Tres Lola. Classical mythology. Too Fat for Fashion. Petrilude. Robots. David Sedaris. Frocks & Frou Frou. Fatshionista. Lookbook. Desire to Inspire. Poetic Home. Edgar Allan Poe. Ray Bradbury. Cryptozoology.

Music Monday: Animal Collective

2009-08-03T14:44:00.006-04:00

Animal Collective is strange and wonderful.
I really love this video for My Girls.
Be sure to watch it in HD and full screen that baby!

I've been a bad, bad girl...

2009-08-02T18:53:00.004-04:00

No posts since June 8th?
That is just shameful!
What have I been doing since then?
Moving.
Graduating college.
Working.
and of course crafting.

Speaking of crafting, I'm way behind on posting the cards I've been making!
Here's the card I made for my beautiful Godson's first birthday.

I wish I could remember the company that made that adorable pirate stamp, but I'll edit this post when I find the packaging.

I've made a bunch more cards too but I can't post photos yet as the recipients haven't received them yet ;)

I promise I'll be good and get back on the blog wagon!
Type again soon <3

Music Monday: Liam Lynch

2009-06-08T22:02:00.003-04:00

If you love to watch podcasts and you are not yet subscribed to Lynchland... What is wrong with you??
Director, musician, writer, actor, editor, puppeteer...
Is there anything Liam can't do?
The 3rd compilation album of songs from Lynchland (aptly titled "Songs from Lynchland, Vol. 3") was just released on iTunes, so this week's Music Monday comes from that album.
This song was featured in episode 20.

and just because I love this album so much and I've missed a bunch of weeks, I'll give you a bonus song with (100% less aliens)

Eye Spy ... My Karaoke Masterpiece

2009-05-24T18:03:00.002-04:00

Ah music. If I could randomly burst into song any time of the day without getting strange looks I probably would. This week I had the pleasure of coming up with the theme for Eye Spy, so I chose to find out what other bloggers like to sing along to.
Here are mine:

Favourite song to sing at karaoke:

Favourite song to sing playing SingStar:

Favourite song to sing in the shower:

Favourite song to sing in the car:

Favourite song to sing while getting ready in the morning:

Rock on.

To join 'Eye-Spy Sunday' visit bugandpop.

Eye Spy an Eye Spy Theme

2009-05-18T19:35:00.002-04:00

The lovely Cindy over at bugandpop has asked me to come up with this week's Eye Spy theme!

I want to know your karaoke song! If you were at a karaoke bar right now and could belt your little heart out to any tune in the world what would it be? Or if singing in public isn't your thing, what is your favourite song to rock out to in the shower, or in your car, or vacuuming the floor?
The one song that when you hear it on the radio you can't help but sing at the top of your lungs (with or without your own choreography.)

For more info on Eye Spy and to get in on the action head on over to Cindy's blog.

Dreams Really Do Come True

2009-05-17T23:10:00.004-04:00

Please excuse the webcam photo. I actually put this card together at the beginning of April but for some reason never posted it here.

Isn't this knight absolutely adorable? I coloured him in with some Prisma pencils and gamsol. For the life of me I cannot remember the maker of this awesome knight stamp (I also have a cute little pirate from the same folks) or the sentiment but as soon as I figure it out I'll let you all know.

I embossed some gray cardstock with a Cuttlebug folder to give it a neat, almost metal look. The knight and heat embossed sentiment were cut out with some of Spellbinders' Nestabilities label dies.

Eye Spy... green

2009-05-17T19:25:00.003-04:00

This afternoon I decided to try my hand at pilates, and being of the very inflexible variety, I enlisted the help of my GREEN pilates band...

Fact of the day: Pilates is HARD!! Please send help!

To join 'Eye-Spy Sunday' visit bugandpop.