A Smile Costs Nothing

I felt like I needed cheering up, yesterday. So I thought, ‘where have I a big list of things that made/make me happy on the regular?’

AH! My “Stuff I Love” list on ye olde blog, of course!

It worked a treat at cheering me up. Just in case any of you missed or chose not to read the list on the “Do we share a love?” Page, here’s another shot. I hope it reminds you of things you love and then gives you a little Monday morning moodboost.

Days off work: Like, does this take explaining? I love days off work because you get to sleep in, do some fun stuff and not be pressured.

Beyoncé: My absolute frickin’ hero. I love her with every fibre of my being. Don’t ask me to tell you why, you will regret it.

Reading: In particular, I love really getting into a book, not being able to put it down, and not wanting it to end.

Chinese Food: Recently discovered an all you can eat buffet dealy, cooked fresh and to order, pure delicious. Thanks, China.

Sleeping: Ah, the joys of sleep. I love nothing more than waking up on a Saturday morning and thinking, ahhhh, more sleep.

Music: Very general, I know. But I ♥ Music on every level, every day, every mood, every moment, every memory.

Writing: I am a writer. It’s probably a good thing that I love it or I’d be exceptionally inefficient and probably unhappy.

Sing, Sing, Sing: …(with a swing) by The Benny Goodman Orchestra. Probably the best piece of Big Band music I’ve ever heard.

Chats with friends: I have some excellent friends, and I love nothing more than a good aul gab about life and all it entails with them. Love you guys.

Sunshine: I really am so so much happier when it’s sunny. It doesn’t even have to be particularly warm, but I thrive in the sunshine.

Massages: I have the best boyfriend in the world who regularly, without me asking, massages me anywhere that needs an aul rub.

Garlic: Whether it’s sauce, butter, mayonnaise or teamed with chili, I just love garlic. I don’t care how it interferes with your olfactory needs.

People watching: Not in a weird stalker-y kinda way, just in a general analysis of the world we live in kinda way… No harm.

My blood type: This might be weird… I have A+ blood. A positive, obviously. It’s like you’ve been given an A+ in LIFE. Woah.

Horrible blog feedback: Yes, weird as it may seem. I love bothering someone enough to lambaste me with an insulting comment.

Children: It is impossible to be angry while in the presence of a happy small person. Their innocence is heartwarming.

Learning: Whether it’s information, a new skill, stuff about yourself or other people, I love it all. The more I can learn the better.

People: At heart, there’s good in everyone. People just want to love and be loved, and it’s that simple.

By-lines: Seeing my name in print is a joy. Quite literally a dream come true. Next stop, bookshelves.

Musicals: I am borderline obsessed with them. Ask me to quote a lyric from any Chicago, Wicked or Aida song for proof.

Holiday plans: I always have a great aul time planning my daily outfits and activities in my head. I need a holiday asap.

My sister: The older she gets, the more beautiful she gets, and the funnier she gets, the more intelligent etc. She’s such a piece of deadly.

High view counts: I love when lots of people come on to my blog. I really want people to read it and be entertained.

Lists: Packing for holidays? Make a list. Going shopping? Make a list. Eating? Make a list. Watching a movie? Make a list. Making a list? Make another list!! Things are about to get CRAZY.

Vaseline: One of life’s simple pleasures. Vaseline can transform a sleepy face and chapped lips into something wonderful, ish.

White Bread: While on Weight Watchers, I got a new appreciation for white bread. No meal is the same without it.

Stars: I’ve recently been introduced to Orion’s Belt, which is NOT O’Reilly’s Belt, FYI, by my boyfriend. I like stars.

America’s Next Top Model: Everyone I know hates it. I can’t get enough. I love those bitchy, gorgeous people…

Eggs: Acceptable as a meat in your meal if you’ve no actual meat. AND they cook in a matter of seconds. BING!

Long Days: I love when the clocks go forward, making it optimal Vitamin D retrieval time!

My friend Susie: Don’t get me wrong, I don’t rate her below 30 other things, I just felt strongly about her fabulosity on this particular day.

Rants: Sometimes people/things p**s you off so much you need to vent. Open Rant Night should be made official in clubs or something.

Accents: I am fascinated by accents, dialects and the way people speak. If I could mimic accents well, I’d do it all God damn day.

Curves: I think, on a woman they are healthy and natural. When I attempt to lose weight for confidence reasons, I fear losing my curves.

Laughing: There is literally nothing better than laughing until your tummy hurts. Instant life-happiness-enhancement!

Sneezing a good sneeze: Ever been so dying to sneeze for ages and not able to? I enjoy the sweet release when the sneeze finally arrives.

Las Vegas: I went there two years ago and it was the single most unbelievable and captivating place I’ve ever been. Go there. Be amazed.

Clemence Poesy’s lips: She’s in ‘In Bruges’, and watching her talk is hyponotising. If I was getting plastic surgery, I’d request those lips.

Nail Varnish: I don’t go a day without it, not because I’m nail conscious, but because it’s pretty and makes your nails look healthy.

Entertaining people: Some people are just naturally entertaining. Their every word, move and action makes people laugh and be intrigued. I’m lucky enough to know a few of those people.

The colourful teapot that my BFF bought me as a housewarming present: Susie, you know me so well. Multicoloured things are my calling.

My new house: I don’t own it, I rent it with my boyfriend. But I love it. And I now love Cork too. Wahey!

Clothes horses: For those times when spider webs have taken over your outdoor washing line. Gosh, this is all very domestic.

Weight Watchers Tuna and Tomato Salsa: Wow, these are delicious. On toast, over a Caesar Salad, anywhere. Yummers.

Powerful showers: Nothing worse than running around under a few drippy drops of water waiting to get clean. I want the skin on my back to fear for its life.

Solpadeine: When there’s nothing else you can do about that headache you’ve been trying to ignore, Solpadeine will fix everything.

Glee: This is rather obvious considering my blogs about my all comsuming love for the show. I love the music so much too. Hate on me and Bust Your Windows especially.

My laptop: It’s so tiny, lighter than my old biology book from school and fits into 90% of my handbags. Oh and it always does what I tell it to.

Notebooks: I have a serious, borderline obsessive, obsession with stationery. It’s bad. Although I must agree with my friend Rachel, I certainly find enough shit to write in them, they’re well used.

Strawberries dipped in freshly melted chocolate: YUM. TO THE MAX. That is all.

Have a nice Monday! Smile!

Om Nom Nominate?!

The Irish Blog Awards…
THE awards ceremony for Irish bloggers, have opened nominations for 2011.

WAH. My first year being an eligible blogger…

Deep personal dilemma. DO I nominate myself?! Is that super vain and hugely frowned upon? I asked Twitter and the consensus was YES, Aisling, you big narcissistic floozy, nominating yourself is akin to infanticide.

I decided to fill my nominations form without featuring my own blog whatsoever. It felt strangely satisfying.

So anyway, this awards thing is a great way for super Irish bloggers to get some much deserved recognition for what they spend so much time doing. I’m all for a bitta appreciation.

I’m gonna throw it out there that if anyone, (not all of you because lobbying for multiple nominations is FORBIDDEN *shivers)*, who genuinely enjoy reading this here blog, and feel it might fit into any category, go ahead and nominate it.

No pressure on filling in the ‘reason for nomination’ part. But here’s some suggestions:

1. Like, Oh emm GEEEE, this is, like, TOTALLY my FAVE blog EVAAA!!! Defo needs to win, like A-sap, like, Okay?! Lolz xoxox

2. I’m nominating this blog because the writer of said blog is currently standing behind me brandishing a weapon.

3. Ou est la gare? Je ne sais pas. BONJOUR!!

4. This blog lights up my life. MAKE IT HAPPEN, blog overlords. Or else. Ever seen the horses head scene from the Godfather?! YEAH.

5. Is this not the LIVEHOTBABEZZZ chatroom?! Oh…. I’ll be off then.

So yeah, those are just some options.

Also, apart from this blog, there are SO many hugely deserving blogs and bloggers that should be recognised by the awards. I’ll let you in on *some* of my nominations…

White Rabbit NI for Humour Blog – no competition there!
A Chick Named Hermia for Personal Blog – again, no contest!
Blanaid for Photo Blog – such inspiring images, love it.

Those were the clear-cut selections I made. The ‘Lifestyle’ section, that conveniently, *ahem* lumps fashion, style and beauty in together, is TORTURE to try to narrow down. I have the list down to a casual 13 now.

Wish me luck!

And sincere best of luck to all nominated/shortlisted bloggers. I can only deign to secure a nomination from one of you talent people.

 

 

Ten Reasons I LOVE…

Chocolate

*this post was inspired by my (always hilarious and entertaining) little sister, who randomly exclaimed, in a Spanish accent, while at dinner in a restaurant, CHOCOLATTAAAAA! quite loudly, and for no apparent reason.*

1. It’s the yummiest thing ever to be created

2. It satisfies all cravings. Even ones for chicken chow mein

3. It can be melted and magically tastes BETTER when eaten with your fingers

4. It makes you feel less sad, even when you’re REALLY sad

5. It makes your body release serotonin, which relaxes you

6. It also makes your body release endorphins (not, I repeat, NOT endolphins, FYI…)

7. It’s delicious and sweet

8. It’s DELICIOUS

9. It has so many variations and uses, all of which, I think you’ll find, are in fact…

10. …DELICIOUS.

No prizes for guessing what I was craving while writing this post. Enjoy the lovely pictures and have a great, chocolate filled weekend.

Blast From The Past

*note: some of you may have seen this post before. I originally posted in March 2010, and that day my wonderful little blog got 4 views. Yes, FOUR. So, I’m reposting it to a slightly larger audience because I liked it and I think it’s relevant. So there.*

We all have a past.

Unless you’re fresh out’ the womb, you’ve got a history, however short and uneventful it might be. Very significant days mark milestones in our lives, like the day you start ‘big school’ or your all-important first kiss or when you graduate from University.

Apart from these moments, the things that really signify our growth and movement through the years are the people we meet along the way.

I don’t just mean your best friend who stood beside you on your communion day and will stand beside you at your wedding, except without the white dress. And not the people who play a hugely significant and life altering role in your life – although they, of course, are important.

But the people you meet and form instant bonds with, in whatever way, only to lose that person again when your lives head off in different directions again. As quickly as they arrived, they’re gone.

Maybe not forever – the odd text here and there, a chance meeting at the make-up counter in Arnotts, a few casual Facebook status comments – but gone in the sense that you’ll break the initial bond that you formed.

Here are some of the exceptional people I’ve met, loved and lost in the past few years, only to have them exit stage left mid-way through the performance.

The Gaeltacht Soulmate:

Yes, I am a Gaeltacht survivor (Gaeltacht, for those not Irish, is an area of Ireland where everyone speaks in the Irish Language and young people go there during the summer camps to improve their fluency). I say that like it was the holocaust  or some ACTUAL horrific event… But yes, I spent four glorious summers in An Cheathru Rua in Connemara under the care of a wonderful lady who got drunk when we were all in bed. Once, she woke us all up for breakfast at midnight. On the whiskey hard that night. I digress.

I met Orla on one of the trips. We formed an instant friendship. Maybe it was because we both wore glasses? Maybe it was because we were both a little shyer than the rest, but still a little bit mental in our own way. Whatever it was, we were as close as sisters by the end of the 3-week stint. I really really liked her.

I was full of confidence that we’d meet up, post-Gaeltacht, to continue our bond and do crosswords together. But after one or two meetings with a group of Gaeltachters, we failed to keep our friendship afloat. I suppose if we were to meet now, we’d be vastly different than we were 7 or 8 years ago.

The Former Manager:

I got a job in a games retail shop when I was about 17. It was only recently opened, and even though I had jobs before this one, it felt like my first ‘real’ job. My first manager’s name was Martin. He had a big job on his hands, making all the staff both like and respect him at the same time. He managed it instantly.

His good humour and fun take on things made him a hit with the staff in the shop. He was like a slightly shorter version of Justin Timberlake, and had the dance moves perfected. He would frequently dance about the place, which I loved, as that’s what I often do. He was also hilariously funny and had us all in stitches, but still managed to keep us all working hard and doing a good job.

After a while, like in many businesses, Martin got transfered elsewhere and it was put upon me to get used to another manager. Few have come close to replacing the first one. Although a special mention must go to Donal… just in case he’s reading this.

The Colleague That Got Away:

This fascinating man rolled quietly into my about 2 and a bit years ago. Quiet, unassuming and genuinely endearing, his personality is easy to warm to and I found myself eager to find out more about him and become firm friends. It was like I knew we were destined to be friends and I was in charge of ensuring it happened.

Gary was a vastly different person from me. I was six years younger, interested in entirely different things and yet we got along swimmingly. I looked forward to shifts working with him because our conversation would always be captivating. He taught me a few words in a South African accent, which I still bandy about to this day – much to the malaise of my family and friends.

Like so many past colleagues, we parted ways in a flurry of inter-company transfers and while I saw him a couple of times afterward, our friendship was broken. If I saw him right now, I’m certain we’d pick up where we left off and start laughing at each other all over again. I really should make the effort.

*      *      *      *

Those are a mere few of the excellent people I’ve met throughout my life. People truly shape who you become. Friends and relatives mostly, but also interactions with everyone you meet. You come to understand who you are by understanding first who other people are. The more you know about other people the more you know about yourself.

♥

Eight Will Have To Do…

Is it bad that I struggled to think up ten things I am loving at the moment? Maybe I’m just tired. Maybe nothing is inspiring me this week. I don’t rightly know. Eight will have to do.

(1)

Oscar Nominations and my predictions

I love awards season. It’s endlessly fun to watch all the huge celebs get together and congratulate each other on being supremely talented, gorgeous and flawless as performers. I’m a mere mortal, why wouldn’t that make me weak at the knees?!

Natalie Portman for Best Actress (2nd choice Michelle Williams)
Colin Firth for Best Actor (2nd choice Jeff Bridges)
Christian Bale for Best Supporting Actor (2nd choice Jeremy Renner)
Amy Adams for Best Supporting Actress (2nd choice Helena Bonham Carter)
Darren Aronofsky for Best Director (2nd choice Tom Hooper)
Hans Zimmer for Best Original Score (2nd choice Trent Reznor)
King’s Speech for Best Picture (2nd choice Black Swan)

These are who I think will win, not necessarily who I personally would give the prizes to. But just wanted to put my predictions out there.

(2)

Blanaid Hennessy’s 50th Fancy Friday posts

…were amazing. If you haven’t read them yet, go now. I was lucky enough to have an image included, but the whole 2 posts were just gorgeous. They’ll definitely be posts to revisit in the future.

(3)

Black Swan.

In case you couldn’t tell from my review, I LOVED it. I love Natalie Portman anyway, but seriously, what a film. I’m obsessed! And I wanted to post a picture of her Rodarte gown from the gala scene but I couldn’t find a good enough picture online to include… If you’ve seen the movie you know the one.

(4)

More Than A Woman by Aaliyah

I know it’s an oldie at this stage but lately I’ve been putting it on first whenever my iPod is around.

(5)

Voting Day

Is it selfish of me to be delighted that the vote (Ireland is having a general election, for those of you living elsewhere/under a rock) has been proposed for the weekend AFTER my birthday, instead of falling on my bday weekend? It has saved me reorganising. Thanks for that, government.

The one thing in the history of the universe that I can thank you for.

(6)

Spray Tan

My recent spray tan in Kate Elizabeth Beauty Day Spa in the Omni Centre in Dublin. I’ve had tonnes of compliments on how natural it looks – one of the compliments was from my sister, the most bluntly critical person in the world (critical of me, anyway). She wouldn’t be afraid to use the term oompa loompa should the need arise.

Thanks, Kate Elizabeth! (Also, don’t spray tans make you feel thinner for some reason?!)

(7)

Seeing my friends succeed.

Whether it’s seeing one do well at an interview or get promoted or be made permanent in work, or even just seeing one of my friends really happy. It just makes me glad those important to me are doing well.

(8)

THE eyeliner. THE ONE.

Beauty junkies, listen here. I have found it. THE gel eyeliner to beat ALL others. Maybelline’s brand new EyeStudio Gel Eyeliner. Seriously, try it. If you don’t like it, I will personally refund you the money.*

It gives blacker than black coverage, you don’t even need a particularly steady hand, I got my line perfect on my first try, and it can do ANY thickness of line. I am in love! (I totally feel like I’m cheating on my old reliable Barry M Liquid Liner… but hey! Maybelline’s one is just better)

*I may or may not give you a cash refund. I will, however, send you some good thoughts. Worth their weight in gold, no?

Black Swan: Reviewed

Wow. Just WOW.

***I have delayed my review until four WHOLE days after the film was released but I promise not to litter this post with spoilers. But there might be a few. You have been WARNED.*** (thanks Robert Wallace)

So the basic premise is that Nina (Natalie Portman) is a principal ballerina in a big New York ballet company, and she gets chosen to play the Swan Queen in a version of Swan Lake.

During the course of the movie, she begins training for the role which requires her innocence and fragility to be portrayed as the White Swan, but also a darker, more seductive side to her for the Black Swan, which she finds hard to explore.

Her choreographer and dance teacher, Thomas (pronounced toe-mah, those French and their silent letters) – he’s played by Vincent Cassel - challenges her to explore her dark side and dance the part of the black swan by losing her control and her need for technical perfection.

Along her journey to discover her dark side, she encounters fellow dancer Lily (Mila Kunis) and becomes convinced she is trying to sabotage her and steal her role. Nina’s mother is another main character who is a failed ballerina living vicariously through Nina – often in a hugely creepy and psycho kinda way.

Between Nina’s freaky hallucinations and her constant desire to be perfect, she descends into madness – as does the film.

I might be biased, as a lover of dance – ballet in particular – and as a lover of Natalie Portman, but this was honestly one of the best films I’ve seen in a long while.

There’s just something about it. It’s brilliantly dark.

The score and sound effects combine with the edgy camerawork and angles to make every scene tension filled and suspenseful. You are literally on the edge of your seat, and find yourself completely enthralled by the intensity the director so cleverly creates.

You feel like you too are seeing things, experiencing hallucinations and seeing evil in everything. You will be wary of every character, afraid that he or she could do something creepy at any moment.

Special credit must go to the Rodarte designers, the Mulleavy sisters, who created the magnificent costumes for the dance sequences.

Amazing music, amazing choreography by Natalie’s new fiance, Benjamin Millipied, amazing script, amazing directing by Darren Aronofsky, amazing performances from all the cast, just all-round amazingness.

Even the littlest things make it special – like the way the screen fades to pure white at the end instead of the run-of-the-mill black screen.

One thing I will say: you are allowed laugh at the old man on the train, no matter how old/mature you are.

Personal highlights:

The moment when Nina finishes her performance as the Black Swan and she has the wings, and she throws them behind her at the end of the dance and casts a shadow on the walls behind her (even though when the camera pulls away she isn’t wearing them)

The scene in the foyer of the party where she is standing facing the birdman statue and is wearing that gorgeous white gown. So statuesque herself, and such a beautiful dress.

Go to this if:

You like psychological thrillers
You like feeling fear and enjoying it
You are in anyway interested in movie making and cinematography
You like lesbianism
You want to see a movie masterpiece
You like Natalie Portman (if she doesn’t get the Oscar I’ll eat my ballet slippers)

Don’t go to this if:

You are a 13 year old boy with uncontrollable, em… urges
You are AT ALL prudish
You get easily scared and grossed out
You hate ballet and don’t appreciate a fine film
Winona Ryder makes you have nightmares
The thoughts of Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman kissing makes you want to vomit

Warnings:

There WILL be lots of sniggering from the cinema goers whenever anything REMOTELY sexual happens. If you appreciate cinema as art, try to ignore it. If you’re twelve and still use euphemisms for body parts, don’t go.

DO NOT, under any circumstances, view this film with parents or family members who embarrass easily. There are scenes where vagina is the main character. You don’t want to be sitting next to your great auntie Margaret when Natalie gets de-pantsed.

This film is DARK. It is jumpy, there are gory moments, I say this to you now because I would like to have been warned about this in advance. SCARY.

You will want to see this film again. Make sure you can afford to otherwise you’ll be disappointed. ALSO: Go see this in the cinema. Don’t just download it and watch it on your laptop screen. It’s so beautiful it needs to be seen on the big screen first.