Monday, 27 October 2014

Top 10 Pumpkintastic Halloween Movies

Top 10 Halloween Movies

For those who want to get in the mood this week, here is a selection of my favorite no-fright Halloween movies. Enjoy!

 
The Addams Family

A crazy family with  macabre habits and a living hand as a pet welcomes a long-lost uncle.



The Nightmare Before Christmas
Pumpkins, skeletons, and music. Doubles as Xmas starter! 
Corpse Bride

What's better than Tim Burton? Double Tim Burton.
 
Hocus Pocus

On the night of the spirits, three bad witches come back to be as evil as ever! A classic.



Sleepy Hollow
The Legend of the Headless Horseman... Follow young Johnny Depp in his quest of truth against reticent villagers, mad rumors and witchcraft! (TRIPLE TIM BURTON!)

Ghostbusters
Because ghosts and aliens. Who you gonna call?

The Phantom of the Opera
Need some creepy stalker/epic romance action? Look no further. 
Obsessive tune stuck in your head for days guaranteed.

Edward Scissorhands

The new Frankenstein. Another Xmas starter! (Okay, this list is mostly Tim Burton.) 

 
Dark Shadows

Family, con, all kinds of monsters... Basically the heir of the addams family. 
AND WITH A VAMPIRE!

 
Zombieland

 Survivors on a road trip, played by a stellar cast. Die of laughter this year!

What are your favorites?

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Wonders of the Week

Ho ho ho, kids.
Sorry for the late post, I've been absorbed in SLEEEEEP (blame the jetlag) and planning a few creative endeavors. One of those upcoming projects is my HALLOWEEN GET-UP!!! SO EXCITED!!! I cannot reveal too much pre-event but you'll get an exclusive peak later.
Here are some of my favourite things of the week, enjoy!


Drinks with my girls. <3
Some I've known for 10 years, some for 5 - some for 1. They are here, and that's what matters.



This AWESOME gift / EPIC WIN.


When your very talented best friend photoshops you and your boyfriend
 as Disney royalty... it doesn't get any better.
{ You can see more of her creativity and check out her fashion designs here }


Stackable hangers.

 Your wardrobe best friends!
(Search also "cascading" or "attachable". Photo from eBay.)



This video of John Green explaining what should be striking about Ebola, and why panicking and closing borders is not the smartest move for humanity. Really, stop screaming your head off from another continent and start supporting those in need. Paranoia is not the way.

As an additional argument, this cartoon. Thanks!

Monday, 13 October 2014

Dressing-up Frenzy

Even though Halloween isn't very traditional in France, where I grew up, I love dressing up and that makes Halloween and pretty much every costume party EVER my favorite event. Sometimes I end up wearing crazy make-up even on normal days because I can't refrain from going overboard... Pardon my frenetic enthusiasm ^^"

So here are some of the costumes I came up with over the years. I figured they could provide a little inspiration for others before the 31st... I put most of these together with things I already had at home. Forgive the faces, it was silly party time!

Catwoman, January 2008 and New Year's Eve 2008



A classic, and probably the easiest panoply to assemble at the last minute. Black clothes, boots or heels, a mask and/or some cat ears (that you can even make yourself), that's all it takes.
I made the mask myself by turning around an old cardboard mask, cutting it into shape, and painting it black. I later improved it by gluing some lace and sparkles on it.
Leather and fake diamonds also look good, and you can grab a black bag filled with anything to stage the thieving! ;)

School girl, October 2008



An old uniform, knee-high socks and a cardigan. Doesn't take much.

Snow White, January 2009

Believe it or not, this one was also made out of old stuff found in my closet... The cape and costume are part of a Snow White costume I had as a child. I just folded in the top of the dress to wear it as a skirt, and completed with a blue Tshirt. I had the underskirt and the gloves in my kid costumes as well, the apple came from the kitchen, and the yellow shoes were part of an old flamenco costume I had worn on stage. This proves that you have forgotten resources in your wardrobe! Even if it's not costumes, you might just have colored pants and tops to put together a panoply. Get creative!

Cowgirl, Summer 2010 & May 2011 





Grab a blouse, a skirt or jeans, boots, and the only accessory you need is a cowboy hat. No excuses!
Alternative: In the 2nd pic, my best friend was dressed as a cheerleader... She just took some sportswear out of her closet, and got pom-poms.

Pirate, February 2010 & Halloween 2011




Another classic that's pretty easy to put together with basic accessories and a shirt/blouse/corset from your closet. An eye-patch, a sword or some old-looking gun, that's all it takes. Add some bling and you're set!

Doll, August 2012


A baby doll dress, red cheeks. FASTEST COSTUME EVER!

Witch, Halloween 2012


A lace dress, wild teased-up hair, dark make-up. I added a red hair extension for fun and color. Look and act crazy, witch!

In short, if I have ONE piece of advice: keep your old kid costumes and all the cheap masks and fun party accessories you get as favors at events! You can always transform them later...

Any other ideas to share? 

Monday, 6 October 2014

Best Disney-inspired videos

Okay sooo I've missed a couple of articles but I had good reasons... I've been busy busy planning big life changes and my next creative projects. I'll make up for it ^^"
Now, it's starting to get colder and I figured we could all use a laugh!

Let's open the October festivities with a stroll down Memory Lane, to our favorite and fairest characters of them all, or rather... the crazier ever after new sides of them that emerge over time in the heads of all the grown-up kids they used to mesmerize. 
Disnerds & sceptics, assemble! You're about to laugh your head off with the creative follow-ups these parodists came up with. Most of those go viral pretty fast, but I am still surprised when I learn that many friends have missed them. So enjoy my Top 15 funniest Disney-inspired videos!

The New Era

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DISNEY

 by Saturday Night Live with Lindsay Lohan 

Disney trash TV? Better than Jersey Shore or the Kardashians!



The SNL staff has came up with several other Disney sketch comedies, if you wanna check them out on their channel. My 2nd favorite is definitely BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.


IF DISNEY PRINCESSES WENT TO COLLEGE 

by LeendaDProductions

Pretty much how Disney princesses would be like if they reincarnated in today's world and went to uni with you.




TINDERELLA: A MODERN FAIRYTALE 

by CollegeHumor

Yep, this one is about Tinder. Not for kids and hopeless romantics!




IF DISNEY PRINCES WERE REAL

 by BuzzFeedVideo

Or why we might be better off without Disney princes in the dating scene.




The Musicals


AFTER EVER AFTER 

by Paint

This guy is a genius. Might be the most famous Disney musical, but don't be fooled: if it's a happy ending... It's not the end yet.


aaaand if you want more: AFTER EVER AFTER II



HIPSTER DISNEY PRINCESS 

by AVbyte

YES, HIPSTER DISNEY PRINCESSES. What are you waiting for? HIPSTERDISNEYPRINCESSES!!!




DISNEY VILLAINS, THE MUSICAL

by AVbyte

Maybe Disney villains are just misunderstood divas. Maleficent, Cruella, the Evil Queen and Ursula have their own side of the story to tell...




FROZEN, THE MUSICAL 

by AVbyte

Elsa reminds the other princesses that their dreams don't have to stop after the wedding and that there's more to life than BOYS. Even the ones with crowns.


CINDERONCE 

by Todrick Hall

Masterpiece remake of the classic fairytale with a Beyoncé soundtrack!



BEAUTY AND THE BEAT 

by Todrick Hall

Yes, Belle lives in the ghetto now. She doesn't quite fit in.




SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN THUGS 

by Todrick Hall

Snow White moves to the hood as well (it's getting trendy these days). Surprisingly, she adapts quite well.



SPELL BLOCK TANGO 

by Todrick Hall with Amber Riley 

(Mercedes Jones in Glee)

The Disney Villains go theatrical in this remake of the Cell Block Tango from Chicago.



DISNEY DUDEZ 

by Todrick Hall

What if the Princes formed a Boys Band? Another epic win for Todrick Hall.




DISNEY CHICKZ 

by TraciJHines

The genius response to Disney Dudez. Meet the Spice Princesses!



CINDERFELLA 

by Todrick Hall

This... This stole my heart. 




The Happiness Bonus

KISS THE GIRL 

by Stuart Edge ft. Vocal Point & Peter Hollens

This will make you smile. Guaranteed.


I do not own any of these videos, no copyright infringement intended. Don't forget to help their makers by liking, sharing and subscribing if you enjoy them!

Stay tuned for special Halloween posts this month!

Monday, 15 September 2014

Mexican Mole Poblano [ Yum yum stuff ]

Outside of Mexico, most people think Mexican cuisine is composed only of tacos, burritos, guacamole and tortillas. That's forgetting how big the country (the United States of Mexico) really is, and  its history rich of several ancient and powerful civilizations with their own culture and customs; not even mentioning the very specific blend that happened later on under years of Spanish occupation. 
It's time to set the record straight for foreigners: there are many many specialties in Mexico, different from a region to another, a town to another, as well as a number of traditional national dishes. There is truly a Mexican gastronomy, and it is a shame it remains poorly known outside of its original borders, because it is bursting with flavors and uniqueness.

I thought the big Mexican meal we had at home this week-end would be the perfect opportunity to give newbies a sneak peak of Mexican food art, starting with my FAVORITE DISH EVER:  

Mole Poblano 

Now even though this one has been cooked by a French cook in Paris, it's based on a Mexican family recipe and made with imported Mexican products to re-create the authentic flavor. And it's pretty darn close.

"Mole Poblano" is actually the name of the sauce that gives its unforgettable savor to the dish. It means mole from the city of Puebla, as there are different types of mole encountered throughout the country. It is made with cocoa (yes, like chocolate) and chilli. It is delicious and a bit hot and it looks like this:


The rest of the dish is mainly chicken cooked for hours in a broth with spices, that you eat with rice and beans and veggies. 

Chicken in progress...
*Veggies may vary!

Frijoles = beans, they're as basic as tortillas in Mexican cuisine

Rice & avocados complete the dish nicely.

The end result looks something like this:


Don't you feel like tasting it now?

Grenade seeds are not traditional with this dish, but they are used in many other Mexican dishes. We just added them because we had some and I love them! 


My mom has made this dish a lot through the years for guests, and everyone always loved it, even those not used to spicy food. I obviously can't stop myself from ordering some any time I go to a proper restaurant in Mexico. Get it if you ever have the chance!  

These pictures are mine. Please do not use them without permission!

Monday, 8 September 2014

5 unusual fairytale movies [ Screen Gems ]

I love movies - Who doesn't? Yet there are so many now, that it's easy to wonder what to watch next, and easy to be unaware of some of the best ones out there, too. Here are some enjoyable gems with my own reviews...



The Forerunner:
The Princess Bride

A MUST-SEE. One of the funniest parody/comedy that ever lived happily ever after! Innumerable cult lines, adventure and satire... Simply hilarious, absurd, inventive entertainment. Duels with swords, giants, magicians, love, revenge, castles, bad guys, dashing youth, poison, nothing is missing!

TRAILER  (1987)













The Worthy Heir:
Your Highness

There is the traditional prince, handsome, brave, charming... and then there's the one that's nothing like it: the spoiled, gross, unrefined grown-up child. There is the (almost) traditional princess, beautiful, helpless, uneducated... and then there's the maiden who knows how to kick a monster in the balls. Big time. 
Your Highness combines the best of both worlds in an exhilarating blend of passionate, disturbing, scandalous nonsense. Fans of James Franco, Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel and Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister in GoT) will be delighted if they're looking for something different.
You know those movies, from Mel Brooks or the Monty Python, when you just have to wonder if the writers were completely sober when they put it on paper? Yeah, that one is one of those.

TRAILER (2011)                          


The Coming-of-Age Story:
Penelope

Once upon a time, there was a fairytale rom-com that took place in the modern world, and dealt with current issues that little (and not-so-little) princesses have to face everyday: the quest for beauty and appropriate appearance, for social - and marital - status, pressure from society and the media, haters and well-intentioned family members... 
Penelope offers a fresh look on our values and delivers its moral with a surprising twist. The bonus? It's performed by a great cast: Christina Ricci, Reese Witherspoon, James McAvoy and the inimitable Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister in GoT).

TRAILER (2006)



The Girl Power Flick:
Ella Enchanted

(Cinder)Ella has been blessed with a rebellious spirit... and a curse of obedience. Enslaved to those who have no second thought about taking advantage of it, she struggles to keep it a secret and do things her own way, despite a body that will do anything that is asked of her. Regaining her freedom won't be easy, but there will be no giving up... Ain't nobody got time to wait for someone to come to the rescue!
Full of colorful characters and pop culture allusions, Ella is a good watch for the whole family.

TRAILER (2004)







The Redemption:
Maleficent

A new take on the Sleeping Beauty tale, which redraws the line between good and evil, or rather redistributes the blame in a more modern way. Coming from Disney, it doesn't lack in magic and marvels. Not only does the movie not disappoint; it's full of unexpected additions. The visual effects are splendid and the movie will send everyone into fictional raptures, from little girls to big men (tested and approved by yours truly - I took two tall males with me to the theater). Angelina is flawless and gives an impressive rendering of an evil witch queen who, perhaps, had once just been a misunderstood and wronged princess - Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned... 
3D recommended for the multiple flying scenes, the rendering is amazing.

TRAILER (2014) 


Now that I shared with you some of my favorites, by all means, feel free to recommend yours in the comments cause I'm always looking for new titles. 
Have you seen those? What did you think of them? Do you know of other great and odd fairytale films? 

Monday, 1 September 2014

Wonders of the Week

I'm a bit of a collector, specially when it comes to nice things and moments of joy, so I thought I'd document and share with you some of the things that made me happy this week. Hopefully they can bring a smile to your face too! 

Dream Catcher necklace, Urban Outfitters; gift from my boyfriend.

 
Reversible black & red bag, Urban Outfitters; gift from my boyfriend.


Flower headband, Urban Outfitters; gift from my boyfriend.

Authentic Japanese kimono, gift from Japan from my sister. 

Chocolate cake with white chocolate frosting, home-made by my best friend.


It was a bit of a summer Xmas week, really; I'm spoiled! Coming back from long holidays 
and reconnecting with friends and family is even more pleasant than the gifts, though. 


I hope all of you had wonderful holidays but will also have a good time coming home to the people that matter in your life. 
What made you happy this week? A wink for your thoughts!