Tuesday, January 31, 2012

January Over Already?!

I can't believe there are literally minutes left of the first month of the year. Time can't seem to run away from us all fast enough!? Needing a few extra hours in my days at the moment. I know I"m always needing such a thing... we all are... I just need to plug into a charger so I can gain some extra power from some extra sleeping that I don't actually manage to have time to do. As always...

Mainly this is a slight problem at the moment as I've just had a pretty busy week and it's not looking any less full until the weekend. Which is awesome, just a tad tiring. But anyway, in case you were wondering, Big Day Out was amazing! Will give a full review in a The Flave Big Day Out special. Also went ice skating for the very first time ever and am super keen to go again! It was rather wonderful! Between all that and Australia Day celebrations, a Wedding and other general happenings of the weekend I'm looking forward to a day of nothing hopefully sometime rather soon. Even managed to finish my second book for the year. One Day by David Nicholls. Proud!

But anyway, I best go to bed! Totally keen for sleep! Chow!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Tennis!

So went to the Australian Open yesterday! Was grand fun! My sisters came down to go with me as well as do some serious shopping which we made a start on Wednesday and will continue today!

But the Aus Open was great. We went and sat in Margaret Court and saw two of our Australian mens players. James Duckworth who unfortunately went down in four sets to ninth seeded Serbian, Janko Tipsarevic. Then we saw Matthew Ebden who went down in an exciting five set battle against Japanese Kei Nishikori. Then we were excited to be in the crowd for the exciting Gael Monfils! Who managed a comfortable looking scoreline of win in four sets against the Brazilian, Thomaz Bellucci. But the tennis in this match was just fantastic! Both players were great to watch! Love the Australian Open! Bit sad that our Australian womens singles players are all out already. Stosur didn't get through the first round which was more depressing because she had a lot of hopes pinned on her after winning the US Open. And Dokic and Dellacqua both lost in the last couple of days. So Australia's hopes are all hanging on Hewitt and Tomic! Will be keen to see them through!

Bonus, hardly even got sunburnt! Except for this patch on my upper leg. One of my sisters wasn't so lucky though! Terrible back sunburn isn't going to be much fun for her for the next few days! Hopefully it doesn't hinder her shopping ability today!

Friday, January 13, 2012

The Flave #004


The Flave #004

Tamara Drewe was one of these random DVD's I read the synopsis of on the back and thought 'hey, that could be different'. I was right about this one. It wasn't really weird different. It was a british film. And I think I watched most of it cringing. It was just cringeworthy. Not the acting, just the story. I was baffled by it. And I shan't watch it again! 1/5.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen was a wonderful read! I really enjoyed the story. It was different to anything I've read in the sense that I've never read a book that detailed life being part of a circus. It was a little dark in some ways and odd. I really loved the main character, Jacob, whom the book was written from the perspective of. And not just because I love the name Jacob. He was just interesting. And the way the story was written, being recalled by the much older elderly Jacob was really sweet. It was all interesting. And I never really got board. I just loved it. Recommend it for sure! 5/5. Super keen to watch the book come to life in the film!

New York, I Love You is a film that has been on my "to watch" list for a long while. I don't recall it ever showing at the local cinema and I've never seen it anywhere on DVD. But it was one that I stumbled across while looking at Rachel Bilson's IMDb profile, because of that same name soft spot thing. Anyway, it must have been fate because as I was checking out what movies were to be on one of the pay TV channels for the afternoon yesterday low and behold there was New York, I Love You set to be on! I got a little bit excited and set it up to record. After viewing I am so glad that I never saw it on DVD and purchased as it would have joined my collection of DVD's that I wish I didn't buy. There were moments that were good but just all together there was something missing. There was a lack of string to just tie the whole film together. It's supposed to be kind of like Love Actually, those kind of movies where it's lots of different characters stories that some how end up sort of intertwining. Well these ones didn't. Most stood alone and the thread that pulled it together in the end just wasn't that strong I felt. And most of the stories sorted of played out at one time and that was it. Though I wouldn't watch it again there was a solid performance by Shia LaBeouf. And if there was more Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more. There was also a cute little story between characters played by Orlando Bloom and Christina Ricci. The best storyline was probably this one about a boy who lost his prom date and ended up going with a method actress, not that he was aware that she was an actress at the time. It's a funny little plot. There was also of course a lot of scenery shots of New York which was kind of cool. But apart from those little things I really wouldn't rate it. I'll give it 2/5.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

I decided...

So maybe I didn't make any resolutions for the new year of 2012. Well, nothing in ink on paper or on one of my lists on my phone notes. I decided that I don't like new years resolutions. I decided this because it seems to me that people decide to put off reaching for their goals and setting them as a new years resolution and we should wait around for new years to make a goal or set a plan. Why not make it as soon as you think it? This can depend a lot on the kinds of goals your making. For example I have set a goal to improve on something from last year. I need to read more. And I plan to try and read a lot more.
I'm even joining a book club!

I've already read one book for the year! Which is a massive achievement for me. As you know it took me about six months to read the Time Travellers Wife, and then was disappointed with the film. The book I've read this year is another on my list of books made into films that I have to read the book before I watch the film. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Which I will share all my thoughts about in the next the Flave. But I did just watch the trailer for it and it sent chills down my spine and tingling excitement throughout my body and I am longing to watch it! Literally longing. There is just something so magical when they turn a good book into a film. Especially if they do it justice. I am so very excited to see it! Hopefully it won't disappoint!

Did I mention I got a mouse and mouse pad for Christmas? Not a pet mouse obviously. Just a wireless one for my McCormac(yes that is what I call my Mac as I felt he deserved a name... yep, it's a boy!). They're pretty cute! The mouse is green and of course I picked out a sweet mouse pad from Typo. Then I even made my desktop background the same as the mousepad because I love it so much. Totally co-ordinated! It's a bit cute.

At the risk of being totally predictable I am going to insert my complaints about the weather here. What is this?! The middle of summer and it's 18 degrees?! I don't care that this is Melbourne, there is just no excuse! Who invited winter back so soon? Isn't it supposed to be spending more time elsewhere in the world at this time of the year?! I really hope the weather goes back to summer soon. Not enjoying it at all. Though I do always enjoy the rain. Something to do with growing up on a farm through the recent drought has made me always glad when it rains. Even if it's not at home on the farm.

I recently gave in and joined tumblr. I'm still trying to get the hang of it. If you would like to have a look see check it out. Senseless Confessions.

Getting pretty excited for Big Day Out! I just have to get my outfit sorted. In my head I really want to get a cute playsuit but I haven't found the right one yet. Shopping tomorrow so we shall see. I've already got a hat though! I splashed out and bought this super cute one from Sportsgirl... tried to find a picture but they don't seem to have it on their online store so I shall maybe photograph and share another time. It's pretty cute! But yes seventeen sleeps to go!

Anyway, I better go and attempt something productive. Have been to the gym and done my washing... better attempt something useful!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Inevitable Vision

So I got back to the gym yesterday. Thank goodness. It's going to be rough for the next week or so I feel. Especially when I get back into Yoga. But it's so good to get back to that fantastic feeling you get after finishing a solid workout session. It really is one of the best feelings. And to make things even better I finally stepped on the scales this morning, obviously I was avoiding them not wanting to know if I gained anything from the not only gym holiday but festive season in general! But life is good! I haven't put on anything... though I may have lost a little muscle, but still, no gain was the aim! Success!

Packing up Christmas is rather depressing. I had to put away all the decorations at work the other day and it just made me a bit sad. Christmas is just such a sweet time of year. You spend all year looking forward to it and then when it's over you look forward to it all over again. Yes sometimes it can be rather cheesy, there is always far to much very tasty and guilty bad food around and it is a bit expensive if you go overboard on the gifting. But it's so much fun decorating and spreading cheer, spending that extra bit of time with family, little kids get so excited and enhance the magical appeal of the season and I had so much fun Christmas shopping and working out what to get people! It helps having younger siblings to get super excited about Santa's visit. It's just so sad to pack up all that fun. But I guess if we had it all year round it would be no where near as special!

Despite this the summer holidays are looking pretty awesome right now!

Wishing I needed glasses. Is that sad? Every time I walk past a glasses shop or see someone sporting a stylish pair I just wish I could get some and actually need them. It is rather silly, I'm sure one day when I'm old and grey and sporting some cute specs that I won't appreciate my vision deteriorating one little bit. But right now I would love some. I've always wanted to have them. It's not really because they are kind of in fashion at the moment, though there sure are some super stylish ones around. And I almost feel guilty wishing such a thing because I have this friend who does have glasses and she dislikes them so much that despite her really bad vision without them she prefers to just have them off if she can get away with it! Which is a pity because I think she looks great with them on! Oh well. It's inevitable really. I'm going to need them eventually. Should appreciate my good vision while I have it!

Anyway, I hope that you and your family and friends had a very cheery and safe Christmas and New Year!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Flave #003



The Flave #003

Up in the Air is one that I have been intending to watch for come time. And it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed it. I actually dropped my jaw at one point. At the risk of spoiling the story for those who haven't seen it I won't say when that was, but I'm sure you could work it out. I was actually surprised! George Clooney was typically charming. And I do enjoy Anna Kendrick, who played the young and ambitiously efficient Natalie. I don't know what else to say! I just really enjoyed it! 3.5/5

Have been meaning to see Tangled forever! And finally, one of my little sisters got it for Christmas so viewing was a must! And i thought it was delightful! Mandy Moore was the perfect voice for Rapunzel and the handsome prince was well and truly perfect, voiced by Zachary Levi! I just fell in love with the film. It was really gorgeous. 4.5/5

Killers was a bit more action than I thought it was going to be. Helped keep it kind of interesting though. I did enjoy it. What can I say? I have a massive soft spot for both Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher. They make a cute couple in the film. Nothing special but I would watch it again. 3/5.

Never Say Never. And take the title quite literally. I'm not going to lie. When Justin Bieber first hit the spotlight I wasn't a fan and had originally thought it was a girl singing on the radio. Since he has shot to fame though I am certainly not a massive fan I have to admit I do enjoy his music and couldn't really dislike him. Not going to lie, totally enjoyed his Christmas release of Mistletoe. Anyway, since watching this my respect for the kid has multiplied imensely. And it just shoes that you really should get the full story on these people, and I believe his is quite impressive. I just hope fame doesn't ruin him. I think I actually shed a few tears! This was seriously awe inspiring! He could be the next MJ! I could almost call myself a fan now..... just don't put me in that box with all the hysterically screaming fourteen year olds. 4/5.

No Strings Attached is one that I got for Christmas. Once again loving Ashton Kutcher as always and with the addition of the super cute Natalie Portman how can you go wrong? It is typically what it is, but we all know how I typically enjoy typical things. Loved it! 4/5

Also went and saw New Years Eve at some point over Christmas. I was super keen for the star packed, lots of different stories crossing over at some point kind of film but was quite disappointed in the end. It just lacked depth of story in too many places I think. There just wasn't enough story to most of them I feel. I did enjoy the Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer storyline. And the Katherine Heigl one. But apart from that it was just not enough for me. 3/5

Sunday, January 1, 2012

twenty-twelve already!

Happy New Year!

Hope that you have brought in the new year in style! I sure enjoyed the evening with some friends. We had a pretty good night. And now the new year has started. And I have no new years resolutions. But much excitement for what a new year shall bring, should I let it. Because life can only be as good as the effort you put into making things that you want to happen a reality! Best wishes and stay safe!

xoxox