APRIL FAVORITES ♥

Alright you guys, I’ve got some AWESOME favorites (and there are a lot of them, too xD) lined up for this past month, so without further ado, let us begin~!

Film

The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron

Oh man, where do I even begin.  There is so much that I would like to say, but I feel like most of that is spoilers, lol.  Hmm…I think I will just give some fairly general comments here, because I’m feeling lazy anyway. x’D

          Pros: 75% of the comedy is spot-on and absolutely hilarious.  The plays on Thor’s hammer, LOL. >D> Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are awesome; character development, costume, and the interpretations of their superhuman abilities were cool.  One of my favorite scenes in the movie was the sequence when Scarlet Witch’s magic is manipulating the Avengers’ subconscious minds.  The fight scene between Iron Man (in the Hulkbuster suit, of course) and the Hulk, as well as the “final battle” are fantastic.  Ultron is a really unique antagonist and it was refreshing to experience his odd sense of humor and eerie perspective of existence.  EVERYTHING about Hawkeye is A++++.  Omg.  Finally, the Vision.  THE FREAKING PAUL-BETANNY-IS-GOING-TO-EPIC-YOU-INTO-OBLIVION VISION.

          Cons: The other 25% of that comedy were either cheap shots or raunchy comments that really weren’t necessary.  This movie is definitely more mature than the first installment in the series.  Loki didn’t even have a tiny cameo—that was really disappointing for me.  Although, I imagine that they’re saving his face for the next Thor film… And seriously, guys?  No after-credits bonus scene?  Way to break tradition!

          Anyway, yeah, a great movie.  Not perfect, but as most Marvel movies have been for my personal tastes lately, pretty damn close (sorry, Captain).

TV Series

Love Rain

I’m not going to spend too much time discussing this kdrama because I tend to fangirl a lot over this sort of thing, and I’m already worn out after semi-spazzing about The Avengers. x’) Basically, this drama is about a stylish guy (Jang Geunsuk, one of the only guys who can actually pull off hairstyles such as a messy ponytail and a “manbun”) and a sweet girl (Im YoonA, who has the cutest facial expressions ever) who together embark on one of the most perilous journeys that exist in this extraordinarily ordinary life: dating.  Their ups-and-downs are heartwarming, and unlike many kdramas, this series has great closure.  Also: the fountain kiss scene is one of the best in kdrama, in my very unhumble humble opinion.

Book

The Book of Lost Tales 1 by J.R.R. Tolkien

This is another case of a lucky thrift-store find; I picked up this treasure for 99 cents at my local St. Vincent’s.  I haven’t finished reading it yet, but I love the magic and lore so far.  I mean, come on, it’s Tolkien.  What’s not to love.

Music

EXO The 2^nd Album EXODUS

Because this group’s stellar first album, I have to admit that initially I was quite disappointed with their follow-up.  While I like all of the songs on XOXO, I was only drawn to half (5/10) of EXODUS’s tunes: ‘Call Me Baby,’ ‘EXODUS,’ ‘El Dorado,’ ‘What If..’, and ‘Beautiful’ after the first few listens.  The other five songs, however, grew on me with time!  Particularly ‘Hurt,’ which has interesting sound and lyrics.  My favorite aspect of this album is the line distribution.  It made me so happy to hear my Yixing’s lovely voice so frequently, and to hear the usually non-existent vocals of Chanyeol.  Please SM, let all my babies sing.  This album is a lot like Overdose, at least composition-wise, with the addition of three ballads.  Overall, it’s a great buy.  I’m looking forward to a repackage album.

Game

Super Mario 3D Land

Everything that I love about Wii U’s Super Mario 3D World, condensed into a cute, portable form on my 3DS.  These games never fail as a quick go-to gaming pick-me-up for those bleh moments in life.

Makeup

CoverGirl Professional loose mineral powder

This product has actually been part of my daily routine for a few years now, but I never really gave it much thought until I recently tried a different drugstore loose mineral powder—one that I didn’t care for at all!  Of course, I went right back to the CoverGirl one, which I can say in all honestly that I think is a great dupe for Bare Minerals powders, which I used during my first few years of wearing makeup.  I’ve never had any issues with it.

Product

Neutrogena 3-in-1 acne facial scrub

Long story short: I was on the market for a facial scrub and a treatment for mild acne, so when I came across this product at the drugstore, it seemed like a no-brainer.  It was very affordable so I decided to give it a try without much research, and I am quite pleased.  It doesn’t irritate my dry, sensitive skin (you do have to use a moisturizer afterwards, though, as you would with any other salicylic acid treatment), smells nice, and really does help with what it claims: to clear up “acne’s past, present, and future.”  Next time, I think I will go for something a bit more organic/natural, but I would recommend this product to anyone who’s looking for a different type of treatment for milder cases of acne.

Random Randomness 10/2/12

Hola! :)

This post is really going to live up to the title “Random Randomness”, I think.  I have been busy with work, so I haven’t had much time for internet (although my Twitter would say otherwise…xD), and there have been so many things I’ve wanted to blog about.  So…let’s get started, shall we?

For one, I have been having so many OTP feels lately.  It is ridiculous, really.  I didn’t think I was an OTP kind of fan.  My numero uno couple has always been, is, and will always be Link x Zelda.  Playing Skyward Sword has definitely fueled this one.  They are so stinking cute in this game.  Don’t get me wrong, all the ZeLink is not the only reason why I love the game.  Not quite!  Skyward Sword is a feast.

            Secondly, Sasuke x Sakura, my favorite couple from Naruto.  I think they look so great together, and their unique storyline leaves open many romantic opportunities that Kishimoto-sensei really needs to take advantage of…I hate Sasuke, though.  I’m not even sorry.  I don’t believe that what he’s gone through is enough to justify his actions.  However, I think Sakura deserves the man of her dreams, which is why I ship them.  I really hope this couple is canon.  Either way, though, I’ll be interested to see how Kishimoto-sensei handles this couple.  On that note, I have been reading a lot of SasuSaku doujin.  Okay, I admit it, a lot of it is garbage, but I was very impressed with some of the artwork and storylines that fans have come up with.  Maybe in the future I’ll blog about my favorite doujin suggestions.  …On a side note, there is a CRAPLOAD of hate involved with this ship…And, I may or may not be working on my own SasuSaku doujinshi...

            About a week ago, I was re-reading Inuyasha, and I was reminded of how much strife this series put my heart through.  There is so much sexual tension between Inuyasha and Kagome.  It’s insane!  I’m glad that I watched/read this series when I was much younger, because now I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to handle the stress. lol

            Clintasha (or BlackHawk).  They just need to shut up and kiss already.  I’m looking forward to Captain America:  The Winter Soldier.  Have you been following?  *wink wink*

            All of my recent OTP feels have not been positive, either.  Some people’s ships drive me crazy.  I mean, if a ship makes enough sense, even if I hate the couple (*cough* for example, Naruto x Sakura *cough*), I dispose myself to accept it.  Because it is possible for them to be canon, so I can’t just ignore its existence.  The exception being Link and Zelda; I can’t stand them being paired with anyone else other than each other.  It just irks me.  Just.  Don’t mess with them.  Please?  Thanks.

            So when I see, for example, Sasuke x Hinata, Black Widow x Loki, or Sesshomaru x Kagome, it drives me up a wall.  I’m usually a very tolerable (or extremely passive) of people’s opinions and I DO NOT get involved with shipping wars, but SRSLY PPL.  Y U NO MAKE SENSE?

            OK, I’m done discussing this.  Next.

So, of course I got the Avengers DVD.  I’ve already watched it twice.  I also had a chance to watch the deleted scenes and Marvel’s first-ever gag reel.  *confetti*  I’m glad they decided to change the Agent Hill scenes that they originally had in the beginning and end of the movie.  I thought those scenes were weird and somehow didn’t fit in the grand scheme of things.  I liked the scene between Hawkeye and Loki, particularly the part where Loki is standing under the crack in the ceiling and the light is on his face.  It gave me chills!  I can see why the scene was cut, but it was still interesting.  Also interesting was the extended Steve Rogers scene in which he is getting used to the modern world.  I found this cute and amusing, although it was serious in tone.  It was quite long (which is probably why it was cut) but I enjoyed watching it.  …Oh Stan Lee.  Ha ha ha.

            The gag reel was hilarious.  Instead of trying to describe it, here, you can watch some of it here:

But really, you should buy the DVD if you haven't.

And we are getting closer and closer to The Hobbit with every passing moment.  The second the presale tickets come up I’m buying one for the midnight showing.  Here is the 2^nd theatrical trailer, with my compliments.

Before I let you go, I would like to direct your attention to my latest deviantART journal: [link], in which I talk about my writing hiatus and my October art projects.

That’s it for today!  ‘Til next week!

Random Randomness 6/6/12

I haven’t really had all that much to talk about lately, hence the lack of posts!  So here are just a few random updates.

I like to note, though, that 1) I am now quite active on Twitter, I post several times a day.  I may not be a tweet freak but at least you all can get a glimpse into my secret life.  And 2) I think I’m addicted to Tumblr.  I find the concept quite fascinating.  Although there are many…rather…odd…people there, I just love posting my poems and pictures that I find.  I always get a good laugh out of visiting Tumblr.  Though other times, I just stare at the screen thinking “What the heck did I just watch/read”?

As for my PayPal account and my online store, nothing has been resolved as of today.  I hope to get it fixed soon because I also offer art commissions during the summer.  Anyway, I’m still working on it.  Thank you for your patience.

Also, I think the Avengers have taken over my life.  About 99.9% of my everyday conversation is relating to the movie in some form or fashion.  It is quite amusing though; my whole family quotes the movie all the time. “Thank you. For your cooperation.” Ha ha ha…

Anyway, I think that’s pretty much it for today. OH, before I go:

It’s coming. Wait for it.....

Random Randomness 5/15/12

Just a couple of things today.  This past week, I've started three new short stories, all very different in substance and style.  I will be submitting each of these stories for publication to various magazines, websites, and compilations.  I will keep you all updated with my Facebook Page, so check back often.  Oh, I just realized that I haven’t announced my Facebook page here on my blog.  Ahem.  Well, yes, I have a fan page now.  Please do me a HUGE favor and “Like” it!

Back to the short stories, number #1 is about a charismatic young woman with some interesting stories to tell; #2 is doused with faerie dust; and #3 concerns a beautiful but dangerous romance between a girl from a troubled family and a seasoned fighter with a score to settle.

#3 is not something I would usually write, but, last week I had a lengthy conversation with a writer friend, and it went something like this:

Friend: Have you ever considered writing a story about a girl who falls in love with a guy twice her age or older?
 Me: Romance isn’t really my thing.
 Friend: BS.  You write good romance.  And you can throw your fantasy-action-drama-whatever it is you write stuff in there too.
 Me: I’ve never considered it, but eh, I could probably do it.
 Friend: EWWWW, Ash!! lol
 Me: I don’t see what’s wrong with it! XD If you’re in love, you’re in love, and you can’t fight your feelings.
 Friend: I suppose now you have to write this story now.
 Me: I suppose so.
 Me: (after the conversation) Crap.

So yeah.  That’s how that story came to be.  I’m actually quite pleased with how it’s coming along.  And I’ve modeled the guy in it after actor Jeremy Renner, who happens to be forty years old but still totally drool-worthy.

Speaking of Jeremy, he stars as Clint Barton/Hawkeye (*random fangirl moment*) in the EPIC superhero movie The Avengers, which came out this past Friday.  I got to see it on opening day with a few girlfriends, and let me tell you, The Avengers was one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.  It’s fun, exciting, hilarious (good, clean humor!), and full to the brim with great acting talent and deep character.  A few days ago I watched the movie again in IMAX 3D.  I don’t care for 3D or IMAX (I think it’s too loud, lol), but hey, it’s Avengers.

If you haven’t seen this movie, shame on you.  But here’s the trailer, just to wet your appetite a little.

 And, if you like—here is the second trailer, which has different music and shows different scenes from the movie: Avengers trailer #2

And that’s it for today.  I hope to put up some artwork on my Tumblr tonight, but we’ll see how that goes.