The King's Speech

Netflix has been updated! Every time Netflix comes out with new movies and seasons to tv shows I love, I do a little girl dance in my living room out of pure glee. And this time I think I did a full on salsa because I saw the The King's Speech was on there! 

I have literally been dying to see this movie for ages. Like I've mention, I don't do rated R. It's just not for me, too shady. But I heard that the only reason The King's Speech was R was because he drops the F-bomb a few times, plus some other profanities. So really no different from real life. I had been scouring the library, red box, and my friends houses with the chance that I might find this movie, watch it, and be satisfied that I can check it off my bucket list. Well now I can (and you can TOO)! Because wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, The King's Speech is on Netflix! Girlish squeals of excitement are erupting from my mouth!

I can say with definitive authority, that this movie was amazing. Colin Firth is an absolute genius of a man. I've always loved him, from Pride and Prejudice to What A Girl Wants, he's been my favorite. But this just cements it into my heart that he is a pure magician. He literally transformed himself into King George VI. It's like he was George (or is George? I dunno, I hate verb tenses anyways). 

The movie follows the life of King George VI - who was never really supposed to be the King. As the second son of King George V, he was never expected to inherit the throne, and only did so when his older brother Edward abdicated his right to the crown in order to marry a divorced American socialite, Wallis Simpson. (Quickly I'll explain - the British don't look kindly upon their King marrying an American nobody, especially a divorced American nobody). Now you may be thinking this is all very fine and dandy, King George VI becomes King, whoop-de-do. But! There is a problem. George (first name Albert, known as Bertie to family), has a stutter. And rather a bad one at that.

This is where the genius of Colin Firth comes in, Colin is an amazing actor regardless, but his abilities in this film were just mesmerizing. Bertie grew up with the stutter, was teased for it, made fun of for it, and endured a lot of hardship because he wasn't able to speak in public. He was considered an embarrassment to a lot of people - and Colin portrayed all of that hurt and even guilt I believe, of King George into his portrayal of him. The stammer was also amazing and heart-renchingly sad. Really, when you think about it, it's hard to stutter on purpose. Colin made it seem a real struggle for Bertie to talk in front of people, you could see his throat basically constricting and tightening as he tried to form his words. Every time Bertie tried to talk and it became too difficult for him, and often emotional, my throat would literally constrict as he was talking. I just naturally reacted to it, and it's a little difficult to explain, but really I guess you just have to see it for yourself. 

So much of this movie consists of amazing imagery as well, I loved the cinematography of it. And tried to capture a few scenes that were the most interesting, from a visual point of view, and an audience point of view. 

Another of my favorite elements was that the movie focuses on the relationship between Bertie and his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. I love those movies that show you how one person can help change the course of history, or effect another person's life so much that it changes who they are. The King's Speech is really all about how Lionel and Bertie become friends, and bolster each other up in their trials. It sends shivers down my spine because of how inspiring it is.

I also have to really respect Colin Firth for taking on this role. Being a British actor, portraying a British King (and the father of the current Queen, Elizabeth II), must have been daunting. But Colin, you were certainly up to the task.

The King's Speech won 4 Academy Awards, plus 86 other awards, and 103 nominations.

Deuces

Movie Must See's

Sometimes when I get really bored and there's nothing to do, I spend hours watching movie trailers on Youtube, IMDB, and Apple Trailers. I cannot be the only person who does this, I swear. But I have come to the conclusion that these next few years are going to be some epic movie years. I can feel it in my bones.

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Welcome to the Percy Jackson fandom. Were we fangirl about the sequel to a movie that we didn't even like. Really though, how many of you out there have read the PJO books (and now HoO books), and were absolutely nauseated by the first movie!? CRIMES AGAINST THE FANDOM WERE COMMITTED. AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET IT. I know I'm going to loathe this movie, but that's not gonna stop me from going to see it along with all of my other crazy fangirling friends. It's just something we do. We fangirl.

(In theatres August 7)

Catching Fire - I think we can all pretty much agree that this movie is going to be kick butt awesome, because there is not a person on this planet who doesn't adore Jennifer Lawrence, and Josh Hutcherson. These are facts set in stone.

(In theatres November 22)

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Who else saw The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey? Because it was aawweesooooooooome. You can just picture me singing that and dancing around, that's how awesome it was. 

(In theatres December 13)

Thor: The Dark World - Yet another sequel, so not much more to say at this point, except that I hope Natalie Portman dies. Ugh. Don't judge me, I'm a hater, but I just don't like her. Except for maybe in Star Wars, I liked her in Star Wars. But that's not the point, the real reason everyone is going to see this movie is because of Loki. I LOVE YOU TOM HIDDLESTON.

(In theatres November 8)

About Time - I can't even tell you how much I want to see this movie. It's rated R, and normally I don't go for the rated R ones because that's just a bit shady. But hopefully this movie isn't like that, and I guess I'm willing to take the chance because a) it looks adorable and b) it has Rachel McAdams, who I absolutely love.

(In theatres November 8)

R.I.P.D - Holy smokes I am so excited for this movie! I abso-tute-ly love Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges, plus this looks hilarious. Kind of like Men in Black but for dead people? Most certainly on my "To See" list.
(In theatres July 9)

The Butler - This movie looks simply amazing. It's one of those movies that you know you're going to see, and come away with a whole new perspective on the potential of individuals and how one person can effect change. I am also excited because it has Oprah. I mean, come on, it's Oprah.
(In theatres August 16)

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones - I've talked about this movie before in my book post, so you should know a little bit about it. Before you see the movie, I suggest you read the book, as it's most likely to be a movie that relies on the fanbase to know what's going on because they've all read the book. You know what I mean? But obviously you must see it. Because it will be epic.
(In theatres August 21)

These are only the top 8 of my list! There are so many movies coming out next year as well that I'm dying to see, but movie posters/trailers haven't been released yet, so I'm waiting in suspense! E-mail me with any cool movies you're looking forward to seeing, or comment below!

Deuces

Summer Reading

Every year when Summer rolls around, new booklists start popping up. I don't know what it is about summer - maybe the bliss of cool afternoons, or the blazing sun in the daytime - that makes us suddenly remember our brains are in our heads and we can read words with it! Imagine that! So we dust off our library cards and head for the local library, or book shop, and buy just about 20 books that sit on your night stand for basically the rest of the summer. Sound about right? 

Well. I'll admit it right here right now, I am no exception to this rule. Although, I am trying to conserve my money for college in the fall, so I tend to spend most of my free summer time (aka when I'm not working either of my two jobs) at the library. Gosh darn it, I love my library! It's the perfect indoor temperature, and has these big windows that you can stare out of and see the tops of the trees swaying in the hot summer breeze. Just thinking about it right now makes me giddy, it's my favorite place in the world! And recently, because of my data-entry job, I've been checking out tons upon tons of books on tape to listen to while I sit at a computer 8 hours a day. 

The Gemma Doyle series, by Libba Bray (historical fiction/fantasy) - I have to tell you first that I absolutely hate every character in this series, and yet this is one of my favorite series to read. And I'm sure that if you're part of any kind of fandom, you understand something of whaT I mean by that. Honestly though, Felicity is a witch, Pippa is a brat, Anne is a complainer, and Gemma just annoys the heck out of me. I suppose the only person I actually like is Kartik, because he's a sexy beast in my head - I picture him as a kind of hot Indian Aladdin. Just do me a favor and read these books. READ THEM. Although I did like listening to them (the narrators do a very good job of making the story and details interesting, and admittedly I understood a lot more of the plot and magical elements of the book after listening to it), I really prefer to read books and turn the pages with my own two hands. 

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare (historical fiction/fantasy) - These books will ruin your life. Hands down. I can absolutely 100% promise you, that you will go topsy from these books. Quickly some background; as you may have heard, one of Cassandra Clare's books is about to become a major motion picture (City of Bones) in August (watch trailer here). That movie is part of a larger series called The Mortal Instruments, this is the Infernal Devices series - kind of like a prequel series. It takes place in Victorian London, and even includes some of the same characters as Mortal Instruments (Magnus Bane *squeals*). If you've already read Mortal Instruments, you will love this as well. With these books I'd say read them if you have the time, but if like me you can only get your lit. fix by listening to them, that's a brilliant option as well. Part of the Clockwork Prince is voiced by Ed Westwick of Gossip Girl! He makes me melt. Let's just look at him for a while:

The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek - Ok this is one of those books that has been sitting on my night stand, and I will get around to reading it when this data entry job ends! But in the meantime, read it and tell me how you like it! I mean, the title kind of speaks for itself don't you think?

The Diviners by Libba Bray - Another Bray novel (I just really like the way she writes), again this is another book I picked off the library shelf but haven't had the time to read yet. But if it's Libba Bray I'm game to give it a shot!

So far these are the only books on my Summer Reading List (besides Harry Potter of course, I re-read Harry every summer. It's basically a tradition). So if you have anymore recommendations please leave a comment below!

Deuces

SYTYCD - Season 10 Ep. 9

I know I'm a little behind in getting this episode up, and in my defense I've been super busy these past few days and also I have to feel into it in order to really get into the episode. But here it is!

1. Oh this opening sequence is fun!

2. I love this music

3. Wait are they actually singing to it?

4. NIGEL IS DANCING WAHOO

5. I love these red shoes they're all wearing

6. Dang Jasmine went aaaalll out.

7. YEAH MALECE!

8. Cat is just my favorite. favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite.

8. Holey moley that baby is adorable

9. BATTLE COMMENCES

10. I like it when Wayne Brady judges, he's a boss

11. Wait what happened to her feet?I mean teeth. What happened to her teeth?

12. That beginning thing was weird, she didn't land it well.

13. She needs more energy in her feet

14. Ok his slide flip was super cool

15. That last kiss/push thing wasn't my favorite

16. Okay now I want cucumbers

17. This is why I love Wayne Brady

18. I feel like Mariah's face is plastic when she smiles like that

19. How does Cat even remember all of these numbers? I hope there's a prompter because that's crazy

20. Cat lover? I want to be her new best friend

21. What. This is not okay. Blind folds? Uuuuuhhhh

22. The whole world of eye related humor, and you choose "wait and see?"

23. She is so graceful I want to die

34. Oh my goodness my heart just crumbled

35. Wayne gets me. I never worried about them falling over, they were just perfect

36. Everything Wayne just said is how I feel. Why do I even bother doing this? He just said it all

37. Oh poor Nigel

38. Jasmine is even better than a butterfly. She's like as graceful as a cool summer breeze

39. Okay that was a weird comparison but whatever

40. Oh I dunno about this pairing....

41. I love story dancing

42. Okay I loved how they hit every pulse with a sharp movement, it was so synchronized and sharp I loved that

43. Jade did a lot better than I thought he would, it was super mature too

44. Just take everything that Wayne Brady says as my thoughts. Because we are synced

45. One point, I felt like this music and style of dance was just super different than the concept of the dance, the whole classic movie star story, and I don't think they pulled off the clashing concepts very well

46. Oh Tucker, Merman? You're amazingly nerdy and I love it

47. I think they're gonna be a super couple

48. Hahaha I love how dance teachers use funny sounds to describe what they're saying!

49. Team Tuna? Yeah I knew they were gonna be my favorite

50. THIS DANCE IS HOPPIN

51. How many times do I have to say that Wayne Brady is amazing? Basically every time probably

52. GO TEAM TUUUNNAAAAAAAAAAA

53. Cat is probably my favorite host of any show ever

54. I just like the name of this style.... afro jazz

55. Holy sexy. This dance is so animalistic and sexy

56. This is so Tarzan and Jane <3

57. "You have the motherland in you" - Wayne Brady everyone

58. Nigel knows what's up

59. NIGEL IS DOING WHAT!?

60. Nico is the hottest dancer on there

61. Oh Nico, boys have swag, men have class 

62. Nico Nico Nico Nico Nico Nico Nico Nico Nico Nico

63. I agree with Nigel though, it wasn't down and dirty like I wanted it to be

64. Did she just hit him in the face?

65. Love this song!

66. Love the use of the umbrella

67. They're certainly doing better than I thought they would, but I just don't feel like she's in character enough

68. Oh dear. Sonja. She scares me

69. She always does swampy, ugh it freaks me out

70. They obviously look like a power house couple, but I guess we'll see

71. Her splits at the end where amazing

72. "Man, you are a sexy cat"

73. "Jasmine, where were you when I was 20?"

74. I just died from laughing, holy cow. Wayne Brady

75. Nigel you old creepy man, talking about her legs....

76. CALLED IT. POWER COUPLE

77. Haha Cat says "H" like a British person; "Haysh"

78. Kiss of Death? You mean, Like a dementor? Daaaaaaaaaaang

79. CURTIS GET ON THAT

80. Holy Crow Curtis has got those sexy moves

81. OOh yes, it was stunning and smoking hot

82. I just love that in reality Haley and Curtis are super dorky in real life, but that dancing was amazing!

83. His lip smacking made me really happy

84. Cat just said it all

85. I've mention my love for Fiction before on this show right? Cause it's real

86. I don't even know how to think right now

87. I think Sonja is crying

88. Everyone got the chills Cat, don't worry

89. My heart is in his hands. My heart is in his hands. 

90. AAH WAYNE BRADY STOP

91. They are my favorite couple, they just are. It just is. 

92. NIGEL I UNDERSTAND YOUR SPEECHLESSNESS

93. Ugh I just love you Fiction

For the record, if I could vote I would vote for Tucker for the boy, and Jasmine H for the girl (H? I think it was Jasmine H... the girl who moves like the wind and has fantastically curly hair. That Jasmine)

Normally I would vote for Fiction, but I just think that he's super secure in the show right now, so I want to support some other dancer. And Tucker is definitely my second favorite.

TUNE IN NEXT WEEK FOR SOME MORE AMAZING DANCES OF THE NIGHT

Dueces

DIY Laptop Sleeve

Hey there! Many of you may have seen me post on facebook, twitter, instagram whatever, that I made a laptop cover for my new Macbook Air! And as promised, here is the tutorial + some basic tips and tricks.

In case you didn't catch the link up there ^^^ just click here for the full tutorial from Design Sponge. 

But in this post I'll include my own tips and things you should probably know before starting this tutorial for yourself.

I got my fabric at JoAnn's fabric store, in the other tutorials I've seen online they've just used a thicker material that would provide a lot of protection - such as wool - and they always have a liner for the inside. Personally I wanted to make my cover look a little more Vera Bradley, so I opted for quilting material. Which is thick, as requested by the tutorials, and quilting fabrics are two sided so you don't have to buy several different fabrics if you don't want too. 

In my case I just bought one yard of the quilting fabric you see above, although I might have been able to do it for 3/4 of a yard. But this way I have enough extra fabric to do something interesting with! (If I ever get off my lazy butt that is...) 

I followed the pattern to the letter. At first I was worried because the quilting fabric looked so much thicker than the wool they used in their pictures, but eventually I was like, "Screw it. I'm doing this." And I promise you it worked out fine. 

I cut out 4 pieces of fabric to the exact dimensions they tell you to (Tip #1 - make sure you cut the fabric EXACTLY. I did it a little wonky and it caused me grief in the next steps)

The first challenge is the zipper, my zipper was about 14-15 inches long I believe, which was just a little shy of my measurements for my fabric, so I opted to put the zipper at the shorter end of the case instead of the long way (opposite of what they did in the tutorial, but it really doesn't make a difference).

Tip #2 - when aligning the zipper, it's okay if it doesn't completely come to the edge/corners of your material. I was a little worried about that but It turned out to be not a big deal.

This is what the seams look like on the zipper when I was all done with that part. Honestly I should be receiving awards right now for this zipper - it's kind of amazing.

At this point, I was so relieved that I got that zipper in and it was working, that I kinda sorta maybe just a little bit raced through the ending and ended up with a weird mess of fabric that I somehow contorted into a proper case. 

Tip #3 - When sewing up the lining and exterior fabrics, make sure to read the directions VERY CAREFULLY. I just sorta skimmed and then did stuff. It was whatever, but I kind of wish I had been more careful about sewing up onto the edge of the zipper, because there's a little hole in mine where the zipper ends sometimes stick out.

This is the side seam when I was done sewing both the lining and the exterior, and finally flipped it right side out.

My laptop fits in it perfectly! 

Tip #4 - Keep on using your laptop to make sure that the seams aren't too tight, or too close together so that the rectangle shape you make is too small for your laptop! The tutorial doesn't give you an exact inch mark to start the seam at, so it's really up to you!

 It's a good thing you can't see it, but I will tell you, that the right side of the lining is completely not sewed. I just stuffed it in there without sewing it, and I am totally not ashamed to say that.

The inside fabric/lining/other side of the quilted fabric.

Note: I am literally a beginner sewer. Like you may think I'm just saying that, but seriously. I started this with absolutely no knowledge. Sure I've made the occasional pajama bottoms, pillowcase, etc, but it's been such a long time that I didn't even know what a bobbin was when I started this project. My mother and my sister had to teach me most of the set up at the beginning because I am completely hopeless. So if I can do this, you can do this. Cross my heart and hope to die. 

The completed project!

Please excuse my crazy eyes, it was a little late and I was a little excited about finishing the case.

Dueces