Pinterest Experiments

I've decided that I'm going to try something new, and every month (hopefully) do a post of something I've tried from Pinterest. It can be a craft, food, nail design, anything that I've seen on Pinterest and tried to recreate.

For those of you that don't know what Pinterest is, it's basically like a giant online cork board. You basically have boards for as many categories as you'd like (food, clothes, crafts, nerd stuffs, etc etc) and "pin" or post related pictures or recipes or tutorials to the board. It's mildly addicting.
I have a bunch of recipes and crafts that I've pinned that I really should try and make, which is why I've decided to do this.
My plan is to post the original pin, and the recipe or instructions, and then add a picture of how my version turns out, and a brief explanation of how the creation went. I have a feeling quite a few of them will turn out as "pinstrosities". If you would like to know what a pinstrosity is, check out this website.
As it is almost the end of the month, and I just decided to do this now, I may or may not actually have an experiment for January. If I find something relatively easy that doesn't take a lot of planning, I'll have something by the end of the month.
Until then, happy pinning :) haha

New Year's Resolutions and a Look Back at 2013

Alright so the first part of that title might be a lie. I've decided like for the past few years, I'm not going to make resolutions. I always say I will and then never follow through. Or I make them and fail miserably. I could say I'm going to do lots of things this year; read more, work out more (ok, at all), blog more, be a better friend/girlfriend/sister/daughter, eat less crap, keep my house clean, take more pictures, travel, just all around do more, figure out what the eff I'm going to do with my life. I'm just too pathetic and lazy to actually follow through. And I hate it but it s true.

So I figure if I don't make resolutions, I can't fail.

So now onto the second part of the title. Looking back on 2013. I felt like it was uneventful. And I honestly can't even remember what all I did. And sadly I just went on Facebook to see if looking at pictures would remind me, and I have not put many photos up. Ok let's see,

January

Not a whole heck of a lot happened. I was unemployed. Which sucked. Took pictures for Josh at his wrestling shows. 

February

Still unemployed. Still sucked. From what I can recall, nothing super exciting happened. 

March

I made banana cream pie for the first time for Josh's birthday. Went to a cruise ship workshop. That has gotten me no closer to a decision. Also took a photography course. Which has not gotten me any better at taking pictures. 

April

I turned 23. Super exciting... Started this blog. That seems to be going nowhere. Started ropes job (again). 

May

I moved to Collingwood. 

June

Rode a Segway. Pool party with people from work. 

July

Got a freaking flat tire. Apparently my July was not eventful at all.

August

I went to fan expo. That was an adventure. My soccer team also won the championship. 

September

Created 2 cupcake bouquets. Went to BP (shocker) for Amberella's birthday. Went to the Great Northern Exhibition (Collingwood fall fair) with some girls from work. 

October

Run for the cure! I raised $450 and ran almost the whole 5km run. 

November

I started a new job (post on that to hopefully follow eventually). Went to Toronto for my sister's event and my uncles's soccer game. My first unofficially official photography gig haha. 

December

This was frickin last month and I don't even remember what I did. I got an iPad. Not exactly newsworthy. Oh, went to St. Catharines to visit my sister. And Christmas. Obviously. 

Took a lot of pictures, but really not as many as I should have. Baked a crap ton of cupcakes this year. I'd hazard a guess at at least 12 batches. Hiked the mountain once a week all summer. 

So that's last year in a nutshell (what I can remember at least). How's your reflection on last year? Do you have any resolutions for 2014?

Upcoming January Movie Releases

I fail. I seem to always forget when the end of the month is coming up. I actually would have forgotten to leave rent if my land lady hadn't sent me a message reminding me it was the first.
But the point of this post is not my crappy memory. It's time for upcoming movies!
I think January is going to be rather disappointing, I haven't heard about many movies coming out but let's just see shall we?
Yep. January sucks for both theatre and DVD releases. Absolutely nothing coming out that I want to see.
Well this has proven to be a very uneventful blog post. I apologize for that. But really Hollywood should apologize, it's their fault for coming out with a bunch of crappy movies and no good ones.
Are there any movies that you're looking forward to this month?

Mini Movie Review: Catching Fire

I'm so slow at doing these reviews. I went to see this almost two weeks ago and am just starting this now. I also realized it's hard to review this movie without giving anything away. I figure most people have probably read the book, but if you haven't (shame on you); I'll try my best but prepare for possible spoilers.

Katniss Everdeen has returned home safely after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

I didn't reread the book before watching the movie this time, which I think was probably a good thing. I either would have gotten annoyed at the movie while watching, or I would have just annoyed Josh. There was only one or two things I remember from the book that wasn't in the movie, but from what I remember (honestly not much) and discussing with other people it seems to be on par with the book.

For the most part, it was super depressing. I mean what can you expect when the premise of the book is to have 24 kids locked in an arena trying to kill each other, but the movie was about much more than that. Katniss is inadvertently starting a rebellion and is being forced to try and stop it, all the while trying to keep herself and her family alive. I think Jennifer Lawrence did a phenomenal job once again as Katniss.

I enjoyed the movie, it kept me interested and engaged. I liked being the one to have to explain something to Josh for a change (as opposed to all the Marvel movies...). I will be buying this when it comes out, and I can't wait for Mockingjay Part 1 (November 2014).

Upcoming December Movie Releases

It's that time again. Time to start listing off the releases for next month.

First up are releases in theatres, starting with The Hobbit:The Desolation of Smaug on December 13.

Bilbo Baggins continues his journey with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Having survived the beginning of their unexpected journey, the Company continues East, encountering along the way the skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant Spiders in the treacherous forest of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood-elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake-town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all-a creature more terrifying than any other; one which will test not only the depth of their courage but the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself-the Dragon Smaug.

I have to say I'm not a huge LOTR/Hobbit fan, and was even a little unsure about watching the first movie. I was pleasantly surprised and ended up enjoying it, so I decided I'd give the rest of the trilogy a chance. It also doesn't hurt that Martin Freeman is awesome, Smaug is voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, and Legolas is back! Haha. I'm such a dork.


The second and final movie I'm interested in that's coming to theatres is Saving Mr Banks on December 20.

Walt Disney spent twenty years in pursuit of the film rights to P.L. Travers' popular novel, "Mary Poppins," a quest he began in the 1940s as a promise to his two daughters. When Travers travels from London to Hollywood in 1961 to finally discuss Disney's desire to bring her beloved character to the motion picture screen, Disney meets a prim, uncompromising sexagenarian not only suspect of the impresario's concept for the film, but a woman struggling with her own past. During her stay in California, Travers reflects on her childhood in 1906 Australia, a trying time for her family that not only molded her aspirations to write, but one that also inspired the characters in her 1934 book. None more so than the one person whom she loved and admired more than any other-her caring father, Travers Goff, a tormented banker who, before his untimely death that same year, instills the youngster with both affection and enlightenment (and who would be the muse for the story's patriarch, Mr. Banks, the sole character that the famous nanny comes to aid). While reluctant to grant Disney the film rights, Travers comes to realize that the acclaimed Hollywood storyteller has his own motives for wanting to make the film-which, like the author's, hint at the relationship he shared with his own father.

I just recently saw a trailer for this so I haven't heard too much about it yet. But it's based on Disney so it seems like it could be interesting.

DVD releases this month start with 2 releases on December 3. First is The Smurfs 2

In this sequel to the hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster comedy The Smurfs, the evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants, and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world's greatest sorcerer. It's up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus ¬ or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue? Returning cast includes Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vegara, Hank Azaria as Gargamel and Katy Perry as Smurfette. Brendan Gleeson joins the cast as Victor Winslow.

Unfortunately I have yet to see this movie, I never got the chance this summer. However, it's The Smurfs, I liked the first one, so I will definitely be watching this soon.

Second movie being released on December 3 is The Wolverine 

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality.

I have not seen this one either. Josh will likely at some point be getting it so I'll probably just wait until then.

Being released on December 10 is Despicable Me 2

Now that the ever-entrepreneurial Gru has left behind a life of super-crime to raise Margo, Edith and Agnes, he, Dr. Nefario and the Minions have some free time on their hands. But as he starts to adjust to his role as a suburban family man, an ultra-secret organization dedicated to fighting evil around the globe comes knocking. Now, it's up to Gru and his new partner Lucy Wilde to discover who is responsible for a spectacular crime and bring him to justice. After all, it takes the world's greatest ex-villain to catch the one vying to take his place.

This movie was awesome!! I loved it just as much as the first one. You can read my review for it here. I don't care if it's meant for 10 year olds, it's a really funny movie. And I'm pretty sure I'm getting it for Christmas and I can't wait!

Also coming out on December 10 is Fast 6, which is weird since it was released in May...

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of all-stars as the global blockbuster franchise built on speed races to its next continent in Fast & Furious 6. Reuniting for their most high-stakes adventure yet, fan favorites Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Elsa Pataky are joined by badass series newcomers Luke Evans and Gina Carano. Since Dom (Diesel) and Brian’s (Walker) Rio heist toppled a kingpin’s empire and left their crew with $100 million, our heroes have scattered across the globe. But their inability to return home and living forever on the lam have left their lives incomplete. Meanwhile, Hobbs (Johnson) has been tracking an organization of lethally skilled mercenary drivers across 12 countries, whose mastermind (Evans) is aided by a ruthless second-in-command revealed to be the love Dom thought was dead, Letty (Rodriguez). The only way to stop the criminal outfit is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks Dom to assemble his elite team in London. Payment? Full pardons for all of them so they can return home and make their families whole again.

I don't understand why synopses need to be so long. This movie was pretty good. You can find my review here. I'm probably not going to be buying this, Josh has the rest of the series so he will probably get it sooner or later. I'm not in a rush to watch it again.

So, those are the movies I'm looking forward to for December. Anything else you want to see?

Mini Movie Review: Thor: The Dark World

This past Tuesday my boyfriend Josh, and I got to finally see Thor: The Dark World. I wasn't super thrilled about having to go see it in 3D, but I figured since Catching Fire has taken over our little theatre I wouldn't get to see it in 2D.

First up, the poster and synopsis.

Marvel's Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's Thor and Marvel's The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

I'm just going to start off by saying this movie was hilarious. Slightly upsetting (and a little confusing for me) at some points, but I spent most of it laughing. It was mostly little stupid things that amused me, but Darcy (played by Kat Dennings) cracked me up every time she was on screen.

Jane gets to visit Asgard in this movie, which was interesting to see her in Asgardian clothes and meeting Thor's family. Loved the part when she punches Loki. She has to help Thor, his friends and Loki defeat the Dark Elves and save the Nine Realms.

Since I don't know a whole lot about what's supposed to happen in the Thor/Marvel universe (which amuses Josh immensely) I can't tell you how accurate it was. Josh seemed happy with it, so I'm gonna guess they did ok. Even though I don't know much about it, and I'm not a super huge Marvel fan, it was still enjoyable. So if you happen to have a boyfriend who loves these movies, be nice and go see it with him, he will thank you and you will enjoy it.

Also, make sure you stay to the very, very end. We didn't and I found out later that there are 2 scenes in the credits. Guess that just means I'll have to buy it when it comes out :) haha.

Toronto Adventures Part One: Book Buzz

On Thursday November 7th, my sister Kaley of Books Etc. helped to plan and host Book Buzz Toronto. I was fortunate enough to have time off from work, and my mom took some time off as well, and we headed on a big city adventure.

Book Buzz was an event started in NYC, but Kaley and a few authors decided to bring it north of the border. The event is a mix and mingle with authors of women's fiction, books for sale and the opportunity to get them signed. Each of the authors had at least one of their books for sale, for $10 each, so it was a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas presents (I know Kaley did).

Look at all the books!

The event took place at a bar in Toronto called The Crest and had a great turnout. There were the authors, of course, as well as bloggers and other people in the industry, and just general book lovers. There were quite a few men there as well!

There were hors d'oeuvres passed around, I didn't have any (picky eater) but they seemed to be getting grabbed off the trays. Their was also a free signature drink offered, we got a ticket as soon as we got in the door. The Pink Stiletto's were pink lemonade and vodka, rimmed with pink sugar and had a raspberry garnish. I drank half (not a big drinker either), licked the sugar off and gave the rest to Kaley :) haha.

Pink Stiletto

Being the only non author, Kaley got the job of introducing all the lovely ladies involved in the event. Even though I know she was super nervous, she did a fabulous job. Must have been all those pink stilettos :P haha.

Back from left: Meredith, Heather, Chantel, Kate, Kaley, Lydia, Romi
Front from left: Cat, Samantha, Samantha

I was "hired" as the unofficial photographer, and I had a pretty good time taking pictures. If you would like to see more, you can check out the Book Buzz pinterest board.

It was great to see my sister, and I'm so proud of her for putting this event together. She was so excited to be a part of this and to meet all these great and talented women who write the books she loves.

Hopefully they can do it again next year, and I can be the photographer again. If you're interested in hearing more about the event, most of the authors have blog posts up, including Kaley.