My Monthly Favorites ~December 2013~

Last of my favorites for a month! Here's what I loved last month!

MOVIE

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

If you saw my yearly favorites, this shouldn't be a surprise. I went with my family for my mom's birthday, and it's now my favorite movie of all time.

Check my review here: http://lorienlobrien.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-hobbit-desolation-of-smaug-review.html

BOOK

The Fall of Five by Pittacus Lore

This was one of...seven books I received for Christmas, and it's the only one I hadn't read before. Once again, Pittacus Lore has done it. Amazing novel! I love the twists, though I very sad that someone dies. Recommended for all fantasy/sci fi lovers!!!

VIDEO

Bubz does Gwuiyomi

Okay, the way Bubz does it is a little...creepy. Too cutesy and just weird to watch. But after...OMG, AFTER! Her husband does it. You've GOT to see this vid, it's just too funny!!!

FOOD

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Okay this is NOT a picture of the pumpkin cheesecake I made that had everyone who tasted it fall in love (with my cooking skills). I actually was so busy eating it that I never took a pic! Out of four pies!!! ><

BUT! 

It is SO good! It's a Paula Deen recipe, and I've never seen anything online with such a high rating! 4.9 out of 5 stars, man! You can check it and try it for yourself here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/index.html

MUSIC

I've been in love with a lot of music this past month, so I don't have 3, I've got 4!

I See Fire covered by Peter Hollens

I was in love with the original, but this version is better. Love it!

The Phoenix by Fall Out Boy

The video's a little disturbing, but I love this song. I was in a bad mood when I first heard it and it totally pulled me out of it. Still addicted.

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fall Out Boy

I was addicted to this song first, so I got the album from the library and then discovered The Phoenix. I really like it and it's been playing non stop too.

Same Old War by Our Last Night

Last of all is this song. I was looking for rock covers of pop songs for my latest W.i.t.c.h. chapter and these guys do that! But this isn't a cover, it's an original. And MAN you've got to see the video! So well done!

Check the vid here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojeNjpogoqk&list=PLC8734D3A19F68257&index=197

So that's my past monthly favorites for 2013. Wow that year flew by, and now I'm in 2014. Holy crap, as a little kid I couldn't see myself living this long, not sure why.

What were your favs for December? And did you find new loves from Christmas, like I did?

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My Favorites of 2013

Hey Guys!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

So, the new year is coming fast, but I've *finally* compiled my favs of the whole year! (There WILL be a December favorites, but I wanted to get this out of the way first).

Here's my favorites of the whole year!!!

MOVIES

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

In case you didn't know, this is my fav movie of all time. You can read my full review here: http://lorienlobrien.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-hobbit-desolation-of-smaug-review.html

Man of Steel

If I had to choose between Thor 2 (and I did) or this one, this would come on top. It's so well done. I am NOT a Superman fan, but this movie made me one. While I loathe who they got to play Batman (Daredevil? REALLY!?) I'm going to watch it because I want to see this Superman again. And again.

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Wow. Just...WOW! OMG, this movie is so well done! Too bad a knucklehead at church thought I was a complete blockhead and totally gave away the big secret. Everyone who already knew asked me how I found  that twist. My response: I've know for a month already.

-_-+


TV SHOW

The Legend of Korra Book 2: Spirits

The best episodes in both series were in this season of Korra, and HOLY COW, were they GOOD! The latter half of the season had me on the edge of my sit, and everything I thought would happen did and didn't. So well done. SO WELL DONE!!!

BOOKS

LA Knight has come out with an amazing novel, a whole new amazing fan fic (that I was certain I would hate. LOVE IT), and more content to her amazing fanfic ONCE. But, again, if you were to say I was being biased, editing all of these and providing ideas, and knowing the majority of the plot months ahead...

...then I'd choose Percy Jackson. HATED book 1, really liked book 2, addicted by book 3. Currently waiting for Book 4 of the SECOND series to come in at the library for me :)

FASHION

My moto boots is a fav. They haven't been mentioned much, but I've worn them out 3/4 times since I bought them. LOVE them!

MAKEUP

Covergirl Lip Perfection in Hot Passion

I love this lipstick. Even after it's faded, I have a hot pink stain on underneath. Def my fav makeup product this year

HAIR

I'm almost out of this, but it's really saved my hair! Love it, and getting some more soon!

FOOD

Loft House Mini Pumpkin Cookies

I love pumpkin anything ('cept fraps and lattes), and I love cookies. When I tried them together? HEAVEN!

VIDEO



Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Like a Broken Vessel

This video is the most powerful talk about mental health and making yourself better that I've ever heard in my life. I never felt so loved, and so understood by the leaders of my church. I bawled when I saw it the first time, and every time after. I love this talk. If you're battling depression, you MUST watch this.

To see my immediate response I wrote right after watching this the first time, read here: https://www.facebook.com/llobrien13/posts/517823241627909
If you want this posted on my blog, let me know.


MUSIC

I'm gonna have a whole blog post about this, but here's what my year on Spotify looks like

(click to enlarge and see what it says fully)

That's my favs of this year! Expect more about music in it's own post, and my December only favorites soon!

Hope you had a good year, and a better one next year!

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Monthly Favorites ~November 2013~

Hey guys!

It's already December! Where has this year gone? I mean, seriously, it's disappeared! Hard to believe I've been doing this monthly favorites for over a year! I'll have so much to choose from when I do my year favorites, which will be in under a month. DANG!

Anywho, I'll have time to reminisce later, but onto my favorites from the past month, and I've got a lot. So here we go:

 

BOOKS/READING

 

 

LA Knight's Darkness There, and Nothing

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9333899/1/Darkness-There-and-Nothing

 

This isn't a book, but an Avengers/Thor fanfic that redeems Loki. I actually *hate* these kind of fanfics, but LA has corrupted me. I'm in LOVE with this story, and she's just wrapped it up. There will two more coming, so if  you haven't read it, GO! It's not super long, really short and sweet and I'm in love!

 

 

 

LA Knight's Once Upon a Time

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5161461/1/Once-Upon-a-Time

 

Yes, I'm biased in my pics this month. If you don't know, I'm LA Knight's editor for her fantasy novels, and these two fanfics. No others, just these two. But again, I'm not a fanfic fan, I actually hate them as a rule. But this was the first exception. She had to bribe me into reading it, and chapter one is the most powerful writing she'd written at the time (her novels and later chapters in this and Darkness have risen above that first chapter).

Now, this fanfic is HUGE. As in, something like 10 novels worth of writing. But some fans have literally sat down and read the whole thing, ALL of it, in two or three days. I couldn't do it, but more than one person has! I love this story that starts long before the movie and will (eventually) go through the movie to a different conclusion!

 

 

MOVIES

 

 

Thor 2: The Dark World

 

Me and my girls have been WAITING for this movie! And then LA got sick, so we had to push it back twice...but we did see it! LOVED IT! Fav line: Tada!

If you haven't seen it, but liked the Avengers, GO SEE IT! If you're broke, do the early bird specials. Three of us saw it for under $20.

 

 

 

Oz: The Great and Powerful

 

So, I know, this came out forever ago, but we just never got around to seeing it. I really liked it! Super fun, cute, funny and the special effects! STUNNING!!! OMG, the imagery was just beautiful. Very well done, Disney. And because I saw it on DVD, I saw Disney's trip to OZ, which was really cool.

 

 

TV SHOW 

 

 

Legend of Korra Book 2: Spirits

 

I know I picked this last month, but the season wrapped up in November, and WOW it was AMAZING! Everything I thought happened in the finale did and didn't. First with Beginnings, then with the last four episodes, it just took the whole series to a new level. I'm super exicted for the next season, like I haven't since Avatar the Last Airbender, season 3. GREAT series!

 

 

YOUTUBERS

 

 

AprilJustinTV

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1wpYTu2dLT6U2kxqOWQeew

 

This is the vlog

 channel for AprilAthena7, one of the two youtubers I choose last month. Her and her husband Justin are just so stinking cute! Love them. And they're also cat lovers, which is awesome, since I am too. Oh, and she's expecting her first child, a son, in April! :)

 

 

 

BubzVlogz

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEt-shvshHduBTAZju3kOQ

 

This is the vlog channel for my other youtuber from last month, BubzBeauty. Just like with Justin and April, Lindy and her husband Tim are super cute and fun to watch. They're dog lovers, but I can overlook it ;) J/K

And unlike so many other vloggers, they don't tell you what day it is, it's just a bunch of fun clips of them living their lives and having fun. Or fighting. With paint. lol!

 

 

VIDEO

 

 

So, I'm a super Zelda fan. I remember sitting for days after school and just watching my brother play Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. I fell in love with the story, which was a heavy inspiration for Warrior, BTW. That Link has been in more games than any other except one (Legend of Zelda 2, Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Oracle of Seasons, and Oracle of Ages are all one Link). This video shows his story, which is WAY more messed up than any other so beautifully. It's actually from a Tumblr post which you can check out here: http://llobrien13.tumblr.com/post/67393519989/caffeineandcarpaltunnel

Although, the original creator loves this vid and has commented!

 

 

FASHION 

 

 

Winter is here in Tucson (aka, the temps below 70 degrees), so I've been wearing some sweater dresses with either leggings or my sweater tights and boots! It's just so comfy to wear them!

 

 

MAKEUP

 

 

ELF Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths

 

So, right after Thor 2, I got some gas to run a few errands before me, LA and Megan headed back to my place. And the gas...sprayed all over me. I had to make a run to LA and Megan's apartment where I changed into some borrowed clothes, and showered (again). They didn't have any makeup remover (they seriously don't wear makeup at ALL), so I just used face wash.

...

Yeah, I looked like a dead bride come to kill her ex husband or something. It was terrible. Ran to Target and picked these up. I got all the rest of it off and looked normal again. I've used them since, and they get my waterproof mascara off better than anything else I've ever used!!! At $3, that's AWESOME!!!!

 

 

FOOD 

 

 

Attain Crave Blocker and GC Control Shakes

 

For the past two or three months, this (or an Attain Crave Blocker bar) has been my breakfast. When it's cold, I heat the water and mix it up in a large thermal mug, or if it's warmer, I just put it in a large water bottle and shake it up. It's yummy and has really been helping me lose weight! I'm already down to a size 30 or 10!!! Hard to believe last year I was a size 14-16! And they're really yummy!

 

 

MUSIC 

 

 

1) Katy Perry - Unconditionally

 

This song is AWESOME! The video's beautiful, and so is this song. Little surprise it's in my top three on Spotify.

 

 

2) Superchick - Stand in the Rain

 

This is actually an old song from high school that I rediscovered this past month. I love the message to just hold on and stand in the rain. Very powerful and brings back good memories of hanging with my friends and watching anime!

 

 

3) MKTO - Classic

 

This song came out in the summer, but I fell in love with it when Bethany Mota featured it in a recent video. Very fun, upbeat, and I totally approve of the message of being a lady and having guys think it's hot! 

So that's my monthly favorites! Whew! It's a lot, but I just had a lot to love.

Anything cool happen to you this past month?

Monthly Favorites ~October 2013~

Hey ya'll!

Halloween's tomorrow, which means it's the end of the month! So here's my monthly favorites!

BOOK

 

 

Nurarihyon no Mago or Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan

 

I know, I've blogged about this at least once before, but once again, I've been blown away! Seriously this manga is perfect for this month, just creepy enough for me (who can't handle scary at ALL), with a GREAT storyline that hasn't let me down EVER, unlike most manga.

You can check it out online here: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/nurarihyon_no_mago/

 

 

MOVIE

 

 

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

 

I didn't get a chance to see it in theaters, but I did see it right after it came out on DVD. And I watched it again recently. The only one of the trilogy that I don't currently own, I adore this movie. I think it's just as good as the other two and I'm so sad they won't be continuing with The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magicians Nephew, or my favorite after Prince Caspian, The Last Battle. A great series, the world deserves to see it in its entirity.

 

 

TV SHOW

 

 

The Legend of Korra

Beginnings Part 1 and Part 2, specifically

 

I wrote last month that this show was bugging me lately, and that's true. Until this hour long special (aka, two episodes shown back to back).

O

M

G

This is AMAZING!!! I heard that it was perhaps the best episode in the entirity of the series, Korra and Airbender. And I agree that it's up there with Blue Spirit, Zuko Alone, and several others. Very, VERY well done! Can't wait for the next episode on Friday!

 

 

YOUTUBER

 

 

Promise Phan/Promise Tamang

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/dope2111

 

I'm not certain I wrote about Promise, but she's the one who introduced me to youtube beauty gurus. I saw her transformations, and I was hooked. Then I discovered Michelle Phan, her sister-in-law, and thus the beauty junkie in my awakened, and now I know more about makeup than all the rest of my friends, and my mother!

The reason she's on the list this month is because while many of my beauty gurus have come up with Halloween tutorials, her's were the best last year, and this year, hands down! Congrats, queen of transformations! You won yet again! ^^

 

 

VIDEOS

 

 

This Is Halloween by HagarenGao

 

First of all, if I've posted this video on here before with a different creator name, I apologize, just discovered right now that the vid I always watch is NOT by the creator, THIS is the creator, and this is HIS vid, not the other dude.

Secondly, THIS AMV IS AMAZING! I've played this over and over again for the past two or three Halloweens, and this year is no different! Had to add it again!

 

 

 

Creepy Stiched Doll Look by Promise Phan

 

Another AMAZING vid! I will be going as a tweked version of this tomorrow. Hope I don't scare the little kids who come to ask for candy, since I really freaked my cats out! Except for Mighty, he just kinda glared at me for playing music while he was trying to sleep :)

 

 

FASHION

 

 

Okay, so this isn't a flattering look, but I was having a heck of a time trying to get this picture to work for me! But this dress! I absolutely love it! I found it at Last Chance in Phoenix (http://shop.nordstrom.com/st/last-chance-clearance-store) for only $12! I did screw up and dry it, so it shrank, but then when I washed it again, I hung it up, and then pulled on it to put it back to the proper length, and it worked!

With my dress I paired my brand new moto boots! Not sure if you can see them really well, but I'll put a pic of them all close up in Saturday's My Week in Pics. I love them and found them on clearance at Ross for about $16.50

 

 

MUSIC

 

1.

 

P!nk - Are We All We Are (clean version)

 

I heard this once, and was addicted. I found a clean version on youtube here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su9tD26rr6Q&list=PL7AD2FF1D5B419407&index=21) and I'm totally in love! Even LA was addicted when I played it for her!

 

 

2. 

 

Within Temptation ft. Tarja - Paradise (What About Us?)

 

I've been waiting for this duet ever since I heard the two of them way back in 2006. I love both of them, and just as I imagined, their voices are amazing together, and I love this song! In fact, it is my number one played song according to Spotify! Beautiful!

And check the music video here, because it's pretty darn amazing too!

http://youtu.be/Dy6MpsDPKts

 

3.

My Halloween Playlist on Spotify

 

As I type this up, actually the WHOLE time I've typed this up, I've been listening to this playlist to get ready for tomorrow! (Actually it's 12:04 AM, so TODAY!)

 

I'll share this playlist on Facebook and Twitter, so you can check it there, or you can join Spotify and follow me on there! It's free, and you can find me by my name, Lorien O'Brien or my username lorien13.



That's what I've been up to this month! What about you guys? Any new shows, or has some old ones won you over yet again?

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August/September Monthly Favorites

Hey Guys!

I know, it's been forever since I've done a Week in Pics post, as well as a Monthly Favorites, but as  you know from all my other posts, things have been nuts!

But!

I have list (a long one) and pics for all of them! This will be a double monthly favorites, with a return to your regularly programmed blogging schedule from here on out, I promise! I'll probably post the weekly pics late Thursday night, since Fridays are now my work day, where me and LA Knight come together to hang, watch tv and movies, and edit until we're done, which lately has been about 3-4 AM. We don't leave things half done (except watching stuff, we often only see a tiny bit of what we want to) so that our work is done and available for your viewing pleasure ASAP!

Anywho, onto the favorites!

 

BOOKS

 

August

 

 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

 

OMG, all of August, I started and finished this series. The first one was blah, I only read it because I love the movie (yes, I love the movie and dislike the book). But it gets better with each book! Totally a great series

 

September

 

 

The Heroes of Olympus Series

 

Percy Jackson's sequel series. OMG, this series. Absolutely amazing. Each book is better than the last, and I can't wait to read the next one, House of Hades. I'm getting this series from the library, and I'm on the waiting list for it!

 

MOVIES

 

August

 

 

Star Trek: Into Darkness

 

THIS. MOVIE.

Wow. Just...wow. I didn't think it could top the first one in the new movies, and it totally did. Benedict Cumberbatch was absolutely awesome, the plot is great. Just, WOW!

 

September

 

 

Man of Steel

 

I literally watched Star Trek one week, and this the next. I went with LA Knight and IK Scott to see Star Trek, but it was out of theaters, so we saw this instead. And this movie is AMAZING! Love it! Although I'm miffed about the new Batman choice, because this movie rocks, I'll watch it. Because of this movie!!!

 

TV SHOW

 

September

 

 

Agents of Shield

 

August was pretty dead, but several shows came back this fall, and this one is brand new. And I gotta say, this is beats Legend of Korra. Korra hasn't matured, and while Coulson's return is kinda dumb, I love the team's dynamic. Loving this show!

 

YOUTUBERS

 

August

 

 

AprilAthena7

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AprilAthena7

 

Currently watching a vid as I'm writing this right now. She's so upbeat and funny, cute and her tips are great. Love her!

 

September

 

 

 bubzbeauty

 Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/bubzbeauty

 

Her Sleeping Beauty video is hilarious! I was hooked, just from that vid. She's super sweet, and I love her accent! Check her out!

 

VIDEOS

 

August

 

 

This is a commercial in Thailand. I've seen it on Facebook and Tumblr (check out my Tumblr here: http://llobrien13.tumblr.com/). I get chocked up just talking about it, because it's so amazing and beautiful. A must watch!

 

September

 

 

In case you weren't aware, I'm LDS, and this past weekend was our General Conference. This was Elder Jeffrey R Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, his talk called Broken Vessels. In case you didn't know from this post here: http://lorienlobrien.blogspot.com/2012/08/ptsd-explanation.html I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which includes several anxiety disorders and depression. So this talk really touched me. I've never heard a leader of my church talk admit suffering from it, nor mention of any previous leaders dealing with it. I think any one dealing with these kind of problems should watch this, because it's simply beautiful.

 

SHOES

 

 

I bought these boots from Forever21 last year during Black Friday, and I've been obsessed ever since. No, they're not leather, but they're holding up really well. I also injured my foot Thursday, and these have been holding my foot very well while it returns to normal (almost there!).

 

FOOD

 

 

Loft House Pumpkin Mini Cookies

 

This is a recent love, as in the past two days. But DUDE! So yummy! Too bad they're terrible for you... o.o'

 

RANDOM

 

 

Bath and Body Works Candle in Pumpkin Cupcake

 

DUDE! Amazing scent. It smell EXACTLY as what it says. I haven't burned mine at all, since it is a mini, not a large, 3 wick one. But I don't really need to! I keep it by my bed, and I smell it as I fall sleep, and it's so relaxing.

 

MUSIC

 

Okay, this is not my top 3, it's my top six, in order, not by month

 

1

 

 

Waiting for Superman by Daughtry

 

I don't know if this is for the movie, because I don't know anything about the movie, but this song totally speaks to me. I love it!

 

2

 

 

Young & Beautiful by Lana Del Rey

 

I haven't seen the movie The Great Gatsby, and I'm probably not going to, but this song! There are two versions, and I love them both! When LA and I were working, this came on my music player in an ad, and we had to hear it. We both stopped working and just listened, because it's so haunting and stunning. It's on a bunch of my playlists now. Beautiful

 

3

 

 

In Your Arms by Kina Grannis

 

First of all, have you seen the video? It's amazing! Check it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOu0DuxFAT0

But the song is addicting and super cute. Love it!

 

4

 

 

Just to Get High by Nickelback

 

This song has so much heart and is so personal. The passion in this song just speaks to me. And the message is wonderful! A must hear!

 

5

 

 

Unsinkable (Never Giving Up) by Sam Tsui and Elle Winter

 

This song was written for the Music is Medicine campaign for a 16 year old girl battling cancer. Watch the video here for more information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6DYX-RpGNA

But if you can, buy it! All profit goes to benefit pediatric oncology research at Mount Sinai, where Cindy, the girl, goes. And it's just a great song about never giving up!

 

6

 

 

Amphetamine by I Can't Go On, I'll Go On from Bandslam

 

This song is so awesome. In fact, ALL the songs by this band in the movie is amazing! But this one has been on repeat lately! Check out the soundtrack, and the movie. So good!

 

So, that was kinda HUGE! But I hope you enjoy it, and I *PROMISE* that it won't be this long between posts, and the posts will be a little smaller.

 

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