Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts

Monday, September 24, 2012

Fancy

A few posts back I couldn't come up with a good answer for my favourite celebrity couple. Well duh, it's quite obviously got to be Aaron Paul and his ridiculously beautiful fiancĂ©e Lauren Parsekian. Also yay for all the Homeland Emmy wins, I am so excited for season two!

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Saturday, April 07, 2012

Things that have kept me entertained

Hi, friends! Happy Easter, et cetera. I am feeling pretty good today, thank goodness. And thanks so much for your well wishes. I need to work out how to enable the 'reply' function on comments... I tried following a tutorial but it didn't seem to work for comments in a pop-up window, which is what I prefer... let me know if you know how to get around this, and I'll do some Googling at some stage too. Otherwise might just have to change the comment display setting, because it is a great feature I should use.

So, over the past couple of weeks I've spent a LOT of time alternating between sleeping and trying to prevent boredom. I've watched several movies, but I think I'll do a brief review of each in a separate post.

I watched the six episodes in the second season of Miranda, because I'd only seen season one on NZ TV - such fun. And Tom Ellis is so cute, but in a very charismatic kind of way... in that, the Google images I just looked at make him look like Ted from HIMYM, but he's far more attractive on the show.

I sat with my phone and read through many, many pages of the STFU Parents blog, lol-ing all the way. I am probably just totally slacking on this one since the site recently celebrated its third birthday, but this shit is hilarious. The term "mommyjacking" fills me with glee (and despair, I suppose).

I also read a lot of xoJane articles on my phone - not sure whether there's an even better way of reading it, but their mobile site on Safari is great; just a list of articles and super easy to skip way back in time.

I try and watch Ellen every day even when I'm healthy, but haven't missed an episode the past couple of weeks (although they seem to be playing repeats for the school holidays which is annoying. I hate how television schedules outside of normal school hours change... by all means, put cartoons or whatever on 8-3, but why do we all have to suffer in the evenings, man? Clearly when I'm housebound I get even more passionate about what's on the box). But anyway, I love Ellen - I don't know how anyone could not. And I have most definitely been known to spend several hours watching her hidden camera segments on YouTube.

I've been playing a lot of Draw Something, although it irritates me that despite parting with a couple of dollars for the upgrade, I'm still getting the same words over and over again. It's fun though, those interactive games are so great for super-boredom - always a bunch of games waiting for you or the last resort of starting a new one with a random player. My favourite is definitely Scramble With Friends, which is the Bogglesque, less-popular sibling of Words With Friends. If you want to play me on either my username is NicetiesCoNz haha. I'm not sure how you can find me on Draw Something, because I stupidly signed up through Facebook, so I'm just Alice J, which is obviously no help.

I really don't know what I would have done without YouTube on my phone and our relatively-new unlimited broadband plan during this time. I've discovered so many new favourite channels, but I'm incredibly bad at remembering to subscribe to those I like, which later leads to searches like "facebook rant blonde girl" and such. I mostly watch beauty gurus, but Charlie and I watched a lot of mostly-'90s music videos together on Thursday evening which was fun. And I came across Sophie Madeleine's Pumped Up Kicks cover, which I mainly love because she reminds me of Marie Schrader from Breaking Bad, not gonna lie. But she does have a beautiful voice, too.

I've watched wayyy too many beauty gurus to list, but I'll make special mention of Shannon from Palmerston North who's going to be featured on NZ 20/20 in the coming weeks. Those of you who are local may have to get past her strong accent as I did, but she's pretty entertaining if you enjoy that type of thing, and I'm envious of her on-camera confidence.

Yesterday was Friday, and Charlie moved my computer and art supplies into the bedroom. Which I know is probably super bad feng shui, but we have a small house and too many computers! And mine's the desktop that can pick up wireless, so it makes sense. I also think it might be good for me in terms of creating more artwork, since I won't have the distraction of the TV and the view - though the light isn't as great... but to be honest I do most of my painting at night anyway.

Not that I've picked up a paintbrush in several weeks now, though I have used my sketchbook quite a bit. I started a portrait a few weeks ago and then abandoned it, incomplete, and when I pulled it out of a pile of paper yesterday I discovered a Wallace tooth-shaped hole in the bottom right-hand corner. So either I have to adopt that as my signature, or bin it. Bugger.

Also yesterday I imported most of my CDs into iTunes, which was great because the only other time I attempted to do that was on an ancient triangle-box shaped Mac and each disc took like and hour so I gave up. I thought having my own computer would be handy in stopping those times when Charlie and I both need to use his PC, but it's also really fun personalising it.

Congratulations if you made it to the final paragraphs of this post! I know it's not terribly exciting, but as is my life lately! I'm spending some time with my sister Emily today - we're going to do some shopping and then film a video together, so that should be something interesting to post here! I'm not sure how soon it will be ready though, as editing it will be my first attempt at using this version of iMovie so we'll see how it goes. I also have a video to edit and upload of me getting my Humira shot... but no, I didn't do it myself. I tried. I really wanted to do it. But I had to call Charlie for help in the end, and it stung like a bitch this time too which won't help my confidence for next time.

Anyway, fingers crossed I'll be visiting my parents tomorrow for Easter Sunday, so very much looking forward to that. I hope you all have a great Easter break, and scoff heaps of chocolate.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Leisure

I feel like I haven't written anything of substance in quite a while, so I'll attempt to change that some time this week! Although I suppose it's kind of a good thing, because it means I don't have anything to rant about. For now, here are a few things I've been keeping busy with lately.

Game of Thrones
Charlie watched the HBO series Game of Thrones through in about a week, and is now reading his way through the books. I've watched about five episodes so far. It's definitely not my genre of choice- I don't really enjoy any kind of medieval nor fantasy entertainment. It's well made, and there are some brilliant characters, but it's definitely not a series I would have sought out if Charlie didn't have it. I will keep watching though, because I do want to know what happens! Also, I realise it's her title, but 'Khaleesi' is such a pretty name. And Maisie Williams as Arya is adorable, her eyebrows are fantastic. If medieval fantasy is your thing, then I'm certain you'd adore this show.

Breaking Bad
I've also been watching the new season of my favourite show ever, Breaking Bad. Waiting for each Monday (New Zealand time) to swing around is torturous, although I guess it makes the whole back-to-work thing less painful. Intense, intelligent, tragic drama- that's definitely my preference. I won't spoil anything for those of you who haven't been watching (watch, watch!) but this season is sooo good! Aaron Paul's acting is mesmerising, as always. I'm not really siding with any particular character so far this season, I just love them all and want shit to go downnn!

I've been doing some work on my Monthly Painters' Challenge submission as the reveal date is next week. Definitely have a lot of work left to do but I'm confident I'll make good progress over the weekend. Check back here next week to see it, or 'like' the MPC Facebook page to stay updated about everyone's work.

While working on my painting I've been listening to Kimbra's debut album Vows which was finally released last week. I was considering going all out and writing a proper review of it, but it seemed a little redundant to write an album review on the internet. Surely it's easier for you to click some links to YouTube and listen to it yourself? I've listened to it about 10 times since I got it, and her singles are still my favourite tracks. The album version of Settle Down is even better than the version on YouTube in my opinion, and I also love Cameo Lover and Good Intent.

And lastly, I'm reading Divergent by Veronica Roth- following Lauren's recommendation on this post, I ordered it on Trade Me. I've only just started, currently on chapter two. I guess when I say I don't like fantasy it's not entirely true- I definitely enjoy futuristic worlds, dystopian fiction... oh, and films about aliens. Anyway, so far so good with this book, and I'll definitely write a review once I've finished it. I know Lauren's blog is well-followed, so is anyone else reading this book at the moment (or already read it)?

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Auckland

Hello to you most faithful of readers. I got back from my mini holiday in Auckland on Sunday night, but haven't really had the opportunity nor the energy to update until now. I had such a fantastic time. I stayed with my friend Dylan for the first two nights. During that time I did a lot of walking around the city while he was at work, and a little shopping. We went to see Bridesmaids in Gold Class at Event Cinemas which was far, far nicer than the Wellington equivalent, and the film itself was hilarious. I got tours of both New Zealand's two main TV studios, TV3 and TVNZ, which was super exciting. I met a couple of our "national celebrities" (in my eyes, anyway) and also saw a whole bunch more during the tour, working away. I spotted AMP Business presenter Nadine Chalmers-Ross at TVNZ, whom I've recently decided would be my career idol if I had any public speaking ability. Definitely wish I actually got to meet her. I also took the opportunity to pose for photos on the Te Karere/Close Up sets (sound stages?)

On the last two nights I ended up staying at two different hotels with my friend Sarah. She drove up from Tauranga, so I had the opportunity to drive around Auckland suburbs that I otherwise wouldn't have seen. Highlights were posing for awkward photos in front of the Outrageous Fortune house, incredibly cheap shopping at Dressmart and meeting Kimberley Crossman from Shortland Street at Sylvia Park. I think I reverted back to my teenage years during this trip, but whatever- it was a lot of fun. I also had my first Dunkin' Donut, which was more of a novelty than anything else- they only have Auckland stores in New Zealand.

Auckland by day, from the room I stayed in at the Mercure Hotel.

The Sky Tower from Sale St bar.

Posing at the Te Karere desk.

Standing at the Close Up podium.

Standing outside the West house from Outrageous Fortune with Sarah and Hollee.

Posing in gross tropical rain at some memorial near Mission Bay.

Getting really excited for Dunkin' Donuts. It's raining again.

Meeting Kimberley Crossman.

Flying back to Wellington on Sunday night.

I will get onto the thirty day challenge in the next couple of days. I also have a great interview with another young artist to post, so I'm definitely going to get back into regular blogging! Apologies that it has been so slack lately- the irony of actually having stuff to write about, but no time to do so in.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Michelle Keegan



The above images are of Coronation Street actor Michelle Keegan wearing Ariella Couture by Kyri at the UK Television Awards a couple of weeks ago. Not afraid to admit I love that show, thought I don't get to watch it all that often.

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Friday, April 15, 2011

Top Three TV



The New Zealand Government has passed a law which means those downloading content illegally can be fined up to $15,000. Cannot be bothered blogging about it- obviously in my last job I heard about it all the time, but now that it's in the news and I'm hearing the opinions of stupid people all day long in my current job, I am really sick of the whole thing.

It's not going to stop me watching my top three TV shows (TV is the only thing I download anyway, these days). We would be waiting a year or two to get new episodes here in NZ otherwise, and if there's one thing I hate, it's shows being spoiled!

I am loving my job, but starting to hate my country because of it. If that makes sense.

Do you watch much TV? What shows do you love?

Dexter image source.
Breaking Bad image source.
Damages image source.

Monday, March 21, 2011

I killed Jenny Schecter.

"Tim. For you, my heart... ripped from my chest. Eviscerated, I am. And if I could, I would plunge my fingers through my chest, and rip out my heart, and give it to you. A pulpy mass of morbid diathesis. In addition to my heart there are some small organs that want to give you; glands, sweetbreads, variety meats. I'm offering these gifts. Rare gifts. I know that they don't amount to much in the face of what you've given me. I've heard these organs can't survive outside the body for more than a few hours. But I'll try to get there as soon as I can. Whatever happens, it will be on me. On my heart."

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Skins

Sitting around, watching some recent episodes of UK Skins S5. It's good, it's always good- but it's no S3/4. I miss Freddie, for obvious reasons (see below).

Any Americans reading this who have only watched the USA Skins and think it's shit (you are correct) you should definitely give UK Skins a try.