Showing posts with label Amy Poehler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amy Poehler. Show all posts
9/27/2017
Top Five Books of 2017 x Sofilly
When I talked about doing a guest post swap with Sophie I knew straight away I was going to talk about books. While Sophie and I have a fair bit in common, including our names, the main thing we discuss is books. The thing is though, we have very different tastes in books. I wish I could read all the fancy memoirs and non-fiction type books she does, but I just can't. Not that I'm saying she doesn't read other fiction books, you're her followers you know she does!
Anyway, on with the show!
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas
I feel like I'm forever going on about these books, but as you're not my audience (some of you may be though hi) I'm going to talk about it again. Mainly because they're great books, but also because Sophie couldn't get into them so maybe this will convince her to try again!
It's your regular fantasy/supernatural type story, however, it's unlike any I've read before. Nowadays there's a lot of wizards, vampires, and demon type stories, but I haven't found one like this. If I say it's about faeries you'll probably mark this as a no already, but these aren't the twirly pixie type faeries in kids books, these are High Fae. Basically, the second and third books of the series are much better than the first so if you can make it to those you'll love it. If you need a more in-depth review, I have one here.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Sophie's probably going to kill me for this, as I know Amy is one of her faves, but I've only a few months ago finished reading Yes Please. *Hey it's Sophie aka ME jumping in here. Sophie, you are off the hook. I have tried to push this book onto a few people now and haven't succeeded so the fact you read it pleases me immensely.* I knew everyone who had read it in the past loved it, but the thing that was putting me off was the fact I haven't really seen much of Amy's work. I've barely watched any SNL episodes or clips, and I've never seen an episode of Parks and Rec (I know I need to change this), so I just didn't think I'd enjoy it.
I've read Tina Fey's book Bossypants in the past which I thought was similar, but I had seen more of Tina's work. I won't say I loved Yes Please enough for five stars but I will say that because of how Amy talks/writes it's easy to get enthralled in the stories even if you don't fully understand the context of that one episode of Parks and Rec the story came from. (Also cough it was better than Bossypants)
Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Again, another series I feel like I've been harping on about a lot recently but it's another series that has been around for a while that I knew I'd love. I just didn't get around to it until last month, where I read all five books. Gods, Demigods, and Beasts all based in New York; what’s not to love?
While there’s so much action going on throughout these books, I wouldn’t call them action books. I hate action, but I loved this. There were only a few pages of fluff throughout the entire series and placed strategically to give you that small breather before the next big ‘actiony’ part. Trust me, okay? Read them.
But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure
This is a sequel to the book ‘This Raging Light’ although it took me until I was about three-quarters of the way through to realise this. I knew they were by the same author, but it took until that moment for me to go ‘oh that flashback sounds familiar what’. While the sequel wasn’t as good as the first, as most sequels aren’t, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I took it away with me to Rarotonga and basically demolished it in a day crashed out in the shade by the beach.
While it leads on from This Raging Light, the protagonist is different, the best friend of This Raging Light is our new storyteller and introduces us to a rather different way of viewing the people of these books. You can see why I didn’t realise it was the same people, especially as I read This Raging Light earlier last year. If you haven’t read either, do it now.
Now I promised Sophie my top five books but seen as I’ve included two series that technically total us out at ten books I think we can deal. Especially as I haven’t actually read anything else that I’ve enjoyed as much as these, I don’t want to recommend books for the hell of it!
8/16/2016
5 Books To Read If You're Sad
Sadness sucks but we all experience it to some degree from time to time. Whether it's because someone's nasty comment has lingered in your mind a bit too long, or because something just genuinely lame has taken place. When I'm sad I like to find books, films or music that I can take comfort and seek some solace in. It doesn't necessarily have to be thought provoking to the highest degree. In fact, if it doesn't involve too much thinking and I'm in a bad mood then it's usually a winner. Anyway, today I thought I'd share five books I reach for when I'm feeling a bit down in the dumps. They're entertaining or bound to make me smile. If you're having a bad day, I'm sorry, bad days suck. Perhaps one of these reads will brighten your mood...
Yes Please by Amy Poehler-You'll notice a bit of a trend here. Memoirs by comedy-folk are some of my favourite to read. In fact, this whole list could have been easily comprised entirely of them. Amy Poehler's is by far my favourite though. As you'd expect, this is a hilarious, entertaining read. As well as anecdotes about Tina (Fey), SNL and of course, Parks and Rec, she shares some words of wisdom. Her "good for you, not for me" philosophy in particular is one of my favourite takeaways from this book.
Everything Is Going To Be Ok-I actually have Zoella to thank for the discovery of this book and whilst it's not one I frequently revisit, it's the sort of book that would be ideal to give to somebody else. The book that's good to let someone know you're thinking of them, in other words. It's filled with words of wisdom to remind you that just because this one day out of the year sucks, they don't all have to be that way.
Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen Degeneres-You can't go wrong with Ellen Degeneres, whether it's her well-stocked YouTube channel, her TV show or one of her books, like this one. Seriously, I'm Kidding came out a little while ago now but it's still just as laugh-out-loud funny as it was when I first read it. If you want something quick to flick through that will make you laugh, get this. It's worth it. I'm sure there's an audiobook version of it as well if that is more your thing.
Choupette by Patrick Mauries-There's something happiness-inducing about cats. That is the ultimate throwaway cat woman statement if ever there was one. Choupette has to be the most pampered cat on the planet but she's also one of the cutest. This book contains pictures of Karl Lagerfeld's feline muse as well as facts about her and even some details about famous cats from throughout history. If you like cats, more so stylish ones then you'll like this.
Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen, not pictured-Watch this first if you haven't seen the documentary. Again like the Choupette book, this is just one that will make you smile. The women photographed have such a zest for life and a real enthusiasm for every element of fashion and style. If the pictures of these ladies don't make you smile, I don't know what will.
-What books do you recommend for turning around a bad day?
7/11/2016
5 Feel Good Films To Watch
You can't beat a good movie to turn around a bad day and bring some good vibes to the table. Throw in some laughs, killer outfits and you have the perfect cure for a not so sunshiney day. Today I thought I'd share with you five of my favourite movies to watch when I want something that's going to put me in a good mood, make me laugh and leave me wanting a fictitious, never-ending closet..
-13 Going on 30: Back in the days, 11 year-old me thought it must be pretty freakin' cool to be thirty. C'mon, Jennifer Garner does make it not look half bad. Plus she kinda has, and still does have my dream life. Living in New York, working for one of the top magazines. *Sigh*. This movie is hilarious, heartwarming and awesome. You've got to love the eighties nostalgia as well. I love the fun costumes Jenna wears too. That slip paired with her coat is just the right amounts of undone chic. This scene is my favourite. Go watch it if you haven't.
-Legally Blonde: Who can forget the bend and snap, Reese Witherspoon kicking serious ass as Elle Woods and proving all them misogynistic haters wrong. Oh yeah. This is one inspirational movie. It's funny yes, but let's not forget that this movie is about a girl who totally changes the game and no doubt shook up the fictional legal system as well. I love this movie. So much. As well as all its inspirational-ness, I lovelovelove Elle's wardrobe. The sequel is pretty good too but the original always wins.
-The Parent Trap: This has to be one of my favourite childhood movies. Basically Lindsay Lohan plays twins who meet at Summer camp in America. They realise they're related, decide to switch places so they can meet their parents and hopefully reunite them. I'm sure you've all seen it. It's good old fashioned, nineties fun at its best. There's some brilliant one-liners in there as well. It's just a cute film. I'm not gonna lie, Annie's house in London is and always will be #goals.
-The Princess Diaries: Anne Hathaway (Mia) finds out she's a Princess, thanks to her grandma Julie Andrews (Queen Clarisse). This is loosely based off the book series of the same name but honestly, I think I like them both equally. Who didn't want a makeover scene like this? This is another hilarious movie and my friends and I often rewatch it now. Maybe it's a nostalgia thing but you can't beat it. Make an afternoon of it and watch the sequel as well. Chris Pine's in it, just in case you need further enticement.
-Sisters: Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. What more do you need? Maya Randolph? Good, because she's in this one as well. Amy and Tina play Maura and Kate, sisters who come together to throw one last, high-school style party at their parent's house before it's sold. It sounds straightforward but all kinds of things go down. Sisters is hilarious, laugh out funny, cry-laughing levels of entertainment. You have to watch it if you haven't seen it already.
-What are your go-to, feel good films?
1/25/2016
January Favourites
First things first, if the letters of this post start evaporating it's because it's thirty plus degrees as I write this. I'm not sure how Australians survive with this humidity, it's not a fun time! Anyway, weather complaints aside, today I have a rather hefty monthly favourites post for you all, nearly double digits! There's a lot of beauty, a book and even an accessory which I've loved in the mix this month...
Mac Foiled Shadow in Joy Toy, limited edition: Photos don't do this champagne-gold eyeshadow any justice whatsoever. It's stunning. I'm not sure if Mac have bought out the foiled shadows before but they're such a lovely formula. Silky smooth, super pigmented and they have an eye brightening effect. There are some unusual colours in this formula but you can't go wrong with the neutrals. Side note: This picture's deceptive because the pan of this would easily be double the size of a standard Mac eyeshadow. Just keep that in mind.
St Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan*: Aside from the time I overzealously applied this and ended up with orange shoulders (yep...skilled), I can't fault this one. It's a great tan enhancer and something convenient to whip out if you're paler and don't want to faff around with full on tanners. Provided you don't exfoliate too often the colour does last a good three or four days before you need to fix it up. It doesn't have that awful fake tan smell either. Bonus.
Benefit They're Real Lash Primer, available January 29th*: I've tried a couple of lash primers lately and this one is by far my favourite. Rather than being a white liquid, this one's mink brown so it looks a lot less severe on the lashes. You can wear it alone which looks amazing and I've been told by my friends that it looks like a mascara on the lashes. It really works its magic when paired with other mascaras though. I've tried it with several and it seemed to make them all look more amazing. Witchcraft perhaps? I'm impressed regardless.
Amethyst Crystal Necklace x Shop Style Conquer: After my clear quartz pendant broke (RIP), I was looking for another crystal pendant to buy and I loved the look of this one from Tara and Ellen's online shop. Let's be real, I could've bought one of the others they have too though, they're all amazing. I like longer necklaces because I feel like shorter ones emphasise my nonexistent neck and I prefer the way longer chains sit. This looks lovely on its own and layered with other daintier pieces. I do love me some versatile jewelry.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light: This is such a Summer favourites post isn't it? Bronzers aplenty. This one's on the pricier side of things but it's huge and will last ages. I love how the colour is more pale skin friendly as well. You can't go wrong with Hourglass's powders. It's a bold claim but they have to be some of the best of the bunch.
L'Oreal Infallible Matte Foundation*: After temporarily losing this foundation, I finally found it again and have been loving it. The aforementioned humidity loves to destroy my makeup and leave my skin as luminous as a CD, so matte bases and mattifying powders are my best friend. I have Vanilla, the palest shade which seems to suit my skin fine at the moment but I love the formula of this and how flawless it leaves your skin looking. It's perfect for combination or oily skin types.
Sisters: This. Film. Though. I went and saw this with Fiona a couple of weeks back and we loved it. I'm probably a bit biased because I do have a lot of love for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler but it is hilarious. There's also a ton of SNL cast members in the ensemble cast who all deliver. The dialogue is brilliant and the acting is superb. Do not be surprised if you are crying with laughter during this one.
Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum x Chanel: Coco Mademoiselle is such an iconic fragrance and I wouldn't be surprised if it's not one of the bestselling fragrances of all time. I'm terrible at describing fragrances so this one is from Fragrantica: Top notes of Coco Mademoiselle Parfum incorporate Sicilian oranges, Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian grapefruit. A floral heart is created of pure rose extract and pure jasmine extract, along with a fruity touch of litchi, while its base notes carry a combination of Indonesian patchouli, Haitian vetiver, Bourbon vanilla ad white musk. It's luxurious, lovely and so longwearing. Even though this is quite expensive, you barely need to spritz any so you can be guaranteed a bottle will last you ages. This is easily one of my favourite perfumes ever so hell will break loose if it's ever discontinued. For real.
Not If I See You First* by Eric Lindstrom: There could've easily been a few books in here this month but this one stood out to me the most. It's the story of Parker, a vision impaired teenage girl and her life as a high school student+young woman trying to make her way among the chaos that is life. It's funny, sad, heartwarming and all round brilliant. I really loved this book and gave it five out of five stars over on Goodreads. It was such a strong novel to start the year with.
-What have you loved in January?
*PR Sample
12/08/2015
A Gift Guide for Book Lovers
'Tis the season for more reading, and gifting of course, but you didn't need me to tell you that. I've done a couple of beauty gift posts but today I thought I'd bring it back to the books. Unless you're buying for someone who is really against the idea of reading, I feel like they're not the sort of gift you can go wrong with. Provided you have a general grasp of someone's tastes you should be safe with them. To make things extra easy for you, I've curated some of my book recommendations to suit a range of people. From foodies to fashionistas, we have you covered...
For the fashionista: The Sartorialist X by Scott Schuman*-Many a fashion savvy individual will be familiar with the original street style blog, The Sartorialist. Scott Schuman's released a number of books now collating his photographs into something you can hold and admire. This is the kind of book that's perfect for the coffee table, as a conversation starter or just something to flick through for outfit inspiration.
For the comedy lover+memoir enthusiast: Yes Please by Amy Poehler-I'm the sort of person who loves memoirs and autobiographies and if I put in book requests at Christmastime, there's usually bound to be at least one of these on the list. Smart Girls co-founder and all round awesome woman Amy Poehler's memoir is brilliant. It's hilarious, inspiring and such a fun read.
For the girl who likes a bit of everything: Frankie Magazine, issue sixty nine-A bundle of their favourite magazines would no doubt go down a treat, but this issue of Frankie is even more of a present. As well as all the usual Frankie brilliance, you get a bunch of rad extras like notepaper, postcards, gift tags and two calendars to tear out and make your wall look extra snazzy. It's like the present that keeps on giving.
For the foodie: Bluebells Cakery: Sweet & Savoury by Karla Goodwin*-Bluebells Cakery is a very well-loved spot here in Auckland, more so now that they have two cakeries for people to enjoy. Karla's just released this new cookbook in time for Christmas. Combining some of their most-loved items and original new recipes from their sweet and savoury menus. As well as recipes for the amazing cakes Bluebells are known for, you'll also find tasty treats like lollipops containing edible flowers and even some brunch options. If they love cooking or making an abundance of sweet treats, they're bound to love this.
For the beauty lover: Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes-I feel like a lot of beauty books are more on the lacklustre side of things, but if there's one book that's the total opposite of that, it's this one. Packed with all the information you could ever want from a beauty book, as well as some no-nonsense advice, it's one book every beauty enthusiast needs in their life.
For the beauty, fashion and style icon: Love Style Life by Garance Dore*-Something that combines the best of all worlds is Garance Dore's book. Fashion, life, and beauty are just some of the topics in the mix. It's witty and brilliantly written. She'll devour every word of it.
For the well-read: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, 150th Anniversary Puffin in Bloom Edition-This book is just beautiful and whether you're buying for an Alice fan, or a literature lover, this is such a gorgeous gift. It's illustrated by Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co so you know it's going to be stunning. It'd even be a lovely book to read with the younger people in your life too.
For the girl (or guy) who wants to rule the world: Rookie Yearbook Four-So maybe world domination is a bit extreme for Rookie but run with it guys. The fourth yearbook from Rookie recently launched and it's a good'un. This is the book you want to take away with you to the beach for some Summer reading poolside and some inspiration to see you through into 2016. There's even some rad, offline bonus content in there from the likes of Lorde, Florence Welch and more.
-What books would you gift someone for Christmas?
*PR Sample
6/24/2015
Books I Want To Revisit
Today's post is inspired by one I saw earlier in the week over on Emma's fabulous blog. Despite having a rather ridiculous 'to be read' pile, there are still books I want to re-read. Sometimes I like doing this when I can't decide what to read next, or if I feel like I need a break from a particular genre. Ironically, most of the ones below are young adult fiction. Anyway, here's some books I want to read again..
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer-After reading Off The Page a couple of weeks ago I really want to read the first book in this series again. The ideas of characters within stories interacting with people in the real world, and the idea of book characters being like actors in a play really appealed to me.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler-When things are a bit 'meh' I always like to read something entertaining and that I know will make me laugh. Amy Poehler's book is guaranteed to do just that. I also read it quite fast initially so I'd like to take my time reading it again.
Paper Towns by John Green-Given the movie is coming out next month it's the perfect time to revisit this one. I actually didn't enjoy this as much as some of John Green's other books when I first read it. Maybe I was just in an off mood reading it because I know heaps of people love it. Either way, I'm willing to give it another go.
Wildwood by Colin Meloy-This series is like Famous Five mixed with the fantasy of the Narnia series. There's magic, talking animals, a political uprising of sorts and royalty. It's really unlike any other children's book that I have read or can think of. Even adults would enjoy these books too. I loved the gorgeous illustrations throughout and I may have to add this to my collection at some point.
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell-Like Paper Towns, I liked this on the first read but didn't love it. I think because I held Eleanor & Park, also by Rowell in such high esteem that this was going to be really toughly judged by me. Is anyone else like that with books by authors they love? Again though I know this book is really popular so I want to give it another chance before the spin-off book about Simon Snow is released later in the year.
-Which books would you re-read?
1/26/2015
January Favourites
I'm sounding the monthly favourites whistle for the first time in 2015. There's a surprisingly minimal amount of makeup in here for once which can be attributed to the humidity. Who has time for makeup when it's just going to slide off your face anyway? There's also some reading material and an organisational favourite for the month year. Enjoy!
PS-I always try to put links to everything in the description box of my video so if you're interested in anything you can click those.
1/15/2015
The January Reading List
Another year, another new feature. Don't be alarmed by the title, beauty isn't going anywhere. I've just made it my mission to inject a bit more lifestyle goodness into NW this year. Variety is the spice of life after all. My Reading Challenge for the year is to read 50 books, so each month I thought I'd share with you some of the ones I'm reading or have read already. At the end of the month I'll let you know which was my favourite in my favourites posts. So here's what I'm looking at in January..
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby-One of my cousins actually got me on to Nick Hornby and after having a look through her selection at Christmas, I left knowing I needed to get onto it. This novel is Hornby's latest and while I'm not finished it at the time of writing this post, I'm very close to it. It's set in the sixties and tells the story of a young woman from Blackpool with her sights set on becoming the next Lucille Ball. She moves to London, captures the hearts of a creative writing team and lands her dream role as the lead in a new TV series. Not everything comes up roses though, for Sophie and many of the characters throughout the novel. I am really enjoying this and kinda hoping we see a movie of it sometime soon.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler-Before I start this, if you prefer listening to books download the Audio Book of this. Apparently it is brilliant. The book itself did not disappoint either. It's a memoir of sorts but it's so hilariously done and well-written. I was never bored reading this and it was one of those books that really brightened the day if it hadn't been such a good one. Her tribute to BFF Tina Fey was perfect as were the tributes to all her Parks and Rec co-stars. I highly recommend you read this one and also Tina Fey's book, Bossypants.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket-Now these are a re-read for me, but given I read them ten or so years ago I can't really remember much that happens beyond the third book. These books were written for children but they'd appeal to adults as well. The fact that they don't have unrealistic, happy endings and a lifetime of fortune makes them all the more exciting, in a cynical sort of way. I've read 1&2 this month, and have the next two waiting to be read.
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay-This collection of essays by Roxane Gay was brilliant. The fact she constantly referenced pop culture in her essays made them all the more relatable and easier to follow. Gone Girl was referenced, The Hunger Games, Sweet Valley High, there was a lot of references really. There were some ideas that I didn't entirely agree with but everyone's entitled to their own opinions. It was still really interesting and got me thinking. It also emphasised just how far we have to come with women and their representation in the media especially.
-Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?
*I hope your week's have all been great! Mine's actually been quite busy and a bit exciting with some things happening later in the month to look forward to. I saw Into The Woods on Tuesday and it was awesome. My goodness. Emily Blunt & Meryl Streep were amazing in it but to be honest the whole cast were top notch. I've been listening to the cast recording on repeat ever since. What else...oh I picked up a few more Project Life things for my new hobby. Let me know if you want to see a haul post! x
12/19/2014
A Gift Guide | The Last Minute Edition
So you've left things a little bit last minute. I'm not judging you, much. I'll let you in on a secret, I'm not finished my Christmas shopping either. It's Blogmas Day 7 and we've all rounded up some of the best buys you can gift this season. They're easy to grab if you've left things a bit late too. I'd recommend making a list before you leave though as the malls will be frantic. Here's my recommendations for the last-minute shopper..
Nars Lip Pencil Coffret, limited edition-Now isn't this a beauty? Quite literally. You get three Satin and 2 Matte lip pencils from Nars in this set. A few of the shades are limited edition colours but my favourite Cruella is in there. They come beautifully packaged in an acrylic container which can always be reused after (hello makeup storage). If you're buying for someone who loves lip products they're bound to love this set.
Amber Whitecliffe Maketu Tee-It might be obvious that I am a bit obsessed with this top and I do love supporting local designers who make their wares locally like Amber does. This top looks stunning on and the fabric is beautiful.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler-This may well be one of the best memoirs I have read this year. Amy's is hilarious and filled with entertaining stories and life essays. She also has a brilliant tribute to her BFF Tina Fey in there. If they're a Parks & Recreation fan, an SNL fan, even just an Amy Poehler fan (like me) then this will go down a treat.
Kikki K 2015 Inspire Diary-I've actually picked up this diary for myself and love it. It's colourful, but still grown up. In other words it won't look too childish on your desk. There's positive anecdotes throughout and plenty of space to write all those notes and aspirations down. Definitely check out Kikki K's diaries if you're in store. They have such a great selection.
*What gifts do you think we should buy in the last minute Christmas rush?
12/01/2014
A Collective Haul | The Video Edition
'Tis the season for feeling spendy and of course giving, whether it be for yourself or others. Let's be real, everyone deserves to treat themselves every now and again. Over the last few months I've done a little bit of shopping so I rounded it all up into one lil' haul video for you. Enjoy!
Side note: See those Christmas decorations? I kinda forgot to film them but if you are interested, they're from Bed Bath & Table.
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