Monday, August 23, 2010

Comic Books, Video Games and Hilarious Lines! Scott Pilgrim - The Review


So I went to see Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World the other day and I'd like to announce that I am well and truly in love. In fact this year has been big on movie love for me, first Kick Ass, then Inception and finally Scott Pilgrim. It takes a lot to drag me away from my sofa and 260 DVD collection for a $15 movie ticket (although truthfully berry Choc Tops help!) so this year has been full of a whole load of POW for me! 

For those who don't know Scott Pilgrim is the character from a series of comic books by Brian Lee O'Malley. He's 22, dating a high schooler and bassist in a band. Things change when he falls in love with the striking pink-haired Ramona Flowers after she rollerblades her ways through his dreams. 


Then Scott finds out that in order to date Ramona he has to first defeat her 7 evil exes. 

The movie has hilarious lines and is highly recommended for anyone who likes comic books or video games. 
(Sitting around during a band practice)
Knives Chau: So what do you play?
Yong Neil: Huh? Um... Zelda, Tetris, Metroid... It's kind of a big question...

Even for those who aren't big on those sorts of things, I hope people will still find it a hilarious film. I know I'm a little bit biased. While Michael Cera plays pretty much the same character he plays in ever film/TV show he's ever been in (except perhaps half of Youth in Revolt, which I'm still yet to see) and while I don't have a problem with this I think it leaves some of the stand out performances to some of the other actors. My favourites were definitely Mary Elizabeth Winstead who played the lovely Ramona Flowers and Kieran Culkin who plays Scott's hilarious hilarious housemate. 

I get that Scott Pilgrim may not be everyone's cup of tea, but even if you're not sure about it go watch it anyway... because the more people that buy ticket to go see this movie the higher chance that they'll make more amazing movies like it so that me and my couch drift apart as I get a better relationship with the cinema. From me it's 5/5 Stars! 

Have you seen it?
Did you like it?
What movies are you crushing on at the moment?
What movies are you waiting for? (If you say Deathly Hallows I love you, If you say Breaking Dawn... Erm... We'll pretend I didn't hear that!)


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The amazing combination of Ben Folds and Nick Hornby

(First of all... hi! remember me? I haven't written anything for aaaaaages, so I'm glad Roxy has been keeping you all entertained!)


So a while ago I heard some news that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end: Ben Folds (singer/songwriter/musician) and Nick Hornby (writer) were coming together to produce an album. Words by Nick, music by Ben. I'm generally a fan of Ben Folds' work, solo, with band Ben Folds Five, and side projects like the Bens (Ben Kweller, Ben Folds and Ben Lee) and his work with William Shatner. Basically I don't think this guy can put a food wrong.

So if you don't know Ben Folds used to be in a band called Ben Folds Five, who brought out some great songs most notably to me the haunting Brick about Folds' experience of having a child aborted when he was a teenager. I actually studied that song at school back in the day. In 2001 Folds went solo and has brought out a string of albums since then. He's worked with the artists already mentioned as well as others like Regina Spektor and Amanda Palmer.

Nick Hornby on the other hand is a writer with books like High Fidelity, About a Boy (Both made into films), How to Be Good and A Long Way Down. Hornby has been one of my favourite authors for quite a while. I can turn to his books when I don't want to put too much effort into a book but at the same time get a lot out of it. He also writes some interesting non fiction and so far there hasn't been a publication of his that I've read and haven't liked.

So for the last couple of days I've practically had "From Above", the current single from their soon to be released album Lonely Avenue, on repeat. It is a really beautiful song about us all having soulmates, yet generally we will never know them. Hornby's lyrics definitely bring something different to Folds' music, and it's something great. So give it a listen if you're at all interested!

Any songs that you've had on repeat recently?

Gritty Pretty's Benefit Beauty Giveaway

Roxy: 'Oh, there you are 'This and That'! I've been looking all over for you, you hawt piece of internet space.'

This and That: 'Whatever. I've been here all along, you're a liar. So sod off, biatch.'

Roxy: 'Wow. Ease up on the hostility. What's the problem? I tres care about you. Okay, so you've discovered I've been cheating on you with the Benefit Beauty pack I won off wonderful beauty blog, Gritty Pretty. But, don't you still like me? Even a little?'

This and That: 'Asking me what I think about you is like asking a dog what he thinks about lampposts...'

Roxy: 'Oh look, this is ridiculous. I've come here to confess my recent whereabouts. I need to tell you about Mr Benefit. He's got a beautiful package, smells amazing... Look, we've been seeing each other for a while now but I've kept it quiet because I didn't want to get all up in your grill, but now it's time. Mr Benefit and I are officially an item...'

And it's all thanks to Gritty Pretty. Goodness me, I love this beauty site. It's the go-to for what's hot in beauty and fashion. Win!

Anyway, it was a couple of weeks ago now that Eleanor, the editor
of GP, announced an amazing competition giving away a Benefit Beauty Pack worth a staggering 400 big ones. I really, really wanted to win the prize and well, I did! Excited much? Seeing as I reside in a beach side town about 45 minutes out of Adelaide CBD, I've never experienced Benefit beauty prodz before (not because I live by the beach, but because Benefit is not sold in Adelaide).

So when this package arrived at my door only a few days after my name was announced on Gritty Pretty's blog, facebook page and over twitter, I couldn't contain my excitement. It was like Christmas, only better.
(Yes, I was so excited that I tore into the package before taking this picture. Many apologies.)

And my loot...

Look at all of my goodies. I'm one lucky girl, right?

Right now (literally, right now - a few of these beauty products are living in my handbag) I'm currently playing and experimenting with all of the products, so I won't go into detail about them just yet. For now, please marvel at their beauty, refrain from making any Roxy voodoo dolls and look forward to my succession of Benefit Beauty Reviews. Watch this space!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Life lessons and truths.

I stumbled upon the above photograph while browsing wonderful tumblr account, 'These things we love'. I really like the site, love this simple yet thought provoking photo even more.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Beauty: MOR Little Luxuries Lip Nectar

Thanks to the lovely ladies at PRIMPED HQ, I was one of 20 lucky winners to receive a MOR lip gloss valued at $18.95. The competitions requirements were simple: follow them on twitter (@PRIMPED) and RT I've joined the @PRIMPED Pack(man) and want to win a MOR lip gloss. Please. #PRIMPEDPack(Man). Too easy people.

After a week or so of stalking the postman, I am thrilled to announce that my MOR package arrived in the mail yesterday! Wee!

Isn't the packaging just gorgeous?
And the close up:

For a while I simply starred at the packaging, basking in its beauty; I couldn't bring myself to open it! But finally, I relented and oh boy, I was treated to one amazing lip gloss. A thick and creamy nectar slid evenly onto my lips and I was delighted to find that it was not at all sticky. It was a lovely light pink colour (not too flashy and perfect for daywear) and it stayed around for hours. I'm so pleased to report that this gloss is certainly tops and I'm terribly grateful for the win.

Do you love MOR lip glosses?
Do you use any MOR?
If so, what's your favourite product?


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Fashion: Just quietly, the David Jones summer launch was amazing.

Well, I can't exactly confirm that from personal experience (I think my invite was lost in the mail?) but the pictures I've seen on various news sites and blogs have certainly left me gushing and reaching for my imaginary platinum credit cards. Anyway, let's ignore my ramblings and focus on the fashion we were previewed to thanks to our mates at DJ's....

1. Erica Heynatz looked delightful in her frock. The beige does incredible things for her skin and the cut is classy yet sexy. And would you look at those amazing pins? Yeow! You go girl! (Now please return the dress to my wardrobe Erica, thanks lovely).


2. This is my perfect 'work/evening appropriate' outfit. The pink and black is tres cute and the blazer brings class right into the outfit. Not to mention the shoes. Oh the shoes! I'm also loving the use of the top knot - it really finishes the outfit. Aside from being obviously on trend, the 'do allows you to really appreciate the models outfit (you know, we don't have flowing locks distracting us or whatever). I'm impressed and envious.

3. I'm now massively crushing on Abbe Lee. Enough said.

4. I'm pining after this bathing suit (so cute), those unbelievable heels (amazing for summer) and the bod to match (if you don't mind!)...

Do you agree with my picks from the David Jones Summer launch.
Isn't Abby Lee a stunner?
Are you lovin' beige as much as I am for spring/summer?