Game of Thrones Exhibit (Belfast)

About two weeks ago I went to Belfast specifically to see the last day of the Game of Thrones exhibit. I wasn't sure what to expect but I knew that I've lived in Ireland for 2 years and had yet to visit Belfast. What could've been a better excuse? Anyway, here are a few pictures I took. I'm not the best photographer and it doesn't help when you have about 50 people in a small room crowding around every area you decide to venture off to. 

Below you will find....

Stark and Lannister Costumes, Misc. Items (including Dragon Eggs, and the Hound's Helmet), Wildling/Night's Watch Costumes/props, and finally Ned Stark's head and me on the Iron Throne. 

Just so ya know, it's very hard to look/feel in control or imposing on the Iron throne when your feet don't touch the floor. Short people problems...

This is the End

TRY NOT TO SHART WHEN WATCHING THIS FILM!!! (ok ok that was a little gross) BUT SERIOUSLY THIS IS FUNNY!!!

Comedies are always better when they're actually funny. That seems like a no brainer but I've often been disappointed by comedies. I get all excited, can't wait to laugh non-stop, and then leave the theater with barely giggling here or there. This movie will make you laugh, laugh non-stop to the point where it could be embarrassing. In fact you may even feel ashamed or conflicted because you laughed at some "questionable" things: mainly bodily functions, male appendages, and "poor" choices. 

Neil Young and Crazy Horse Concert in Dublin, Ireland

It feels like I've been waiting my whole life just to see Neil Young in concert and then it happened and it was AMAZING! Well, I thought it was anyway but the Irish audience had feelings of their own.

(orignal image here)

There was a good mix of people in the crowd: young children, throwback hippies, elderly folk, and young folk that consisted of heavy rockers to "i wish I were a real hippy" types. With such a mix there's bound to be some disagreement on whether or not the concert was shit or amazing. The only true criticism I have is that the sound was a bit off from time to time and it was apparent Neil wasn't happy about that (he kept signaling for the people to fix it). But that didn't stop the epic jam sessions from happening. And that's where the true disagreement lies. Many folks complained he didn't play enough hits and he could have replaced those 20 minute jam sessions with more songs. I can understand people's feelings on this but then again you have to realize this wasn't a "Greatest Hits" tour it was a tour with Neil Young & Crazy Horse and they have a certain, almost psychic, connection and all they want to do is jam, feed off one another. I will admit there was one tedious session that sounded like he was calling the whales to come home, that or signaling the mothership to land. But aside from that we got to hear a few classics mix with songs from his album Psychedelic Pill and a sprinkle of unreleased songs. I got to hear Powderfinger, Cinnamon Girl, Walk like a Giant, Fuckin' Up, Mr. Soul, Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) and a surprising encore of Cortez the Killer, which all made me very happy. I say if you wanna hear a greatest hits concert you could've gone to seen Bon Jovi at Slane Castle last night, or go see Rod Stewart in 2 weeks. Neil is still turning out new material so fuck a greatest hits tour.

Behind the Candelabra Film Review

Lots of Glitter and Palatial Kitsch!

I saw this movie last week, alone. Sometimes it's interesting to see a movie alone. It's like having a secret, but a secret that doesn't eat away at your soul. You're alone, no one knows who you are, you can laugh at whatever you want and sometimes open up a space time vacuum thing that makes you feel like you're the only one in the universe...well maybe that's going too far. But rumor is theater screens were created to have a "womb" like feeling to make you comfortable and connected. But I digress...onto the movie review...

Haruki Murakami's 1Q84

Do you like baby daddy drama, religious cults, and sexy female assassins? If so, this may be for you!

I picked up Murakami's book 1Q84 on a whim. I'd been eyeing it for months. Every time I'd go into a bookstore I'd pick it up and thumb through it but was never sure if it'd be worth my while. Eventually I caved in and got the first two books which are paired together in a single book. And I must say, I was quite surprised!

Brief Background on Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami (born 1949) is a popular Japanese novelist (writing both fiction and non-fiction). And his books often reference popular music, films, and events. His books (fiction) often focus on very lonely and alienated characters who are placed in surreal worlds surrounded by colorful and memorable characters. Other fiction novels include: The Wind Up Bird Chronicle, A Wild Sheep Chase, Kafka on the Shore, and Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.

Margaret

I just thought everyone should know that my brother adopted a pug puppy and named her Margaret...

My brother was inspired by a SNL sketch Will Ferrell did called "Dissing Your Dog" which can be found here! Check it out, have a laugh. 

Rimmel SalonPro and essence Anti-Split Review

Rimmel Salon Pro

I recently purchased Rimmel Salon Pro nail polish in Disco Fever and Rock 'n' Roll. Disco Fever is a purple almost on the verge of magenta purple with a very slight shimmer. And Rock 'n' Roll is a very nice classic red. It's not too orange or too dark. Rimmel promises that your nails will be chip resistant for up to 10 days and it has a gel like finish. I usually have a hard time believing such promises. But so far, 3 days into the polish, I am chip free. I know that may not be a miracle for some but for me...I usually get a chip or too the next day even after making sure my nails are "polish" ready. Maybe I'm just really rough with my hands? Anyway, so far I am really impressed. The polish glides on smoothly and is quite opaque. You can definitely get away with only using one coat.

Overall, I would purchase again and definitely recommend it to those interested. 

Essence anti-split nail sealer

Essence is a brand that I have only encountered while living in Ireland. I don't think I have ever seen it in the States. Needless to say, I have only recently began purchasing essence products. The brand is definitely aimed at a younger market, say those in their early teens, and because of that I avoided the brand as I instinctively associate that sort of branding with poor quality. Honestly I couldn't have been further from the truth. Essence products are very affordable and the quality is quite good. I've picked up a few polishes here and there but mainly bought a load of nail "enhancers" (at least that's what I'd call them). I particularly find the anti-split nail sealer to be a great product. Over the last year or so my nails have become weaker and they split and break off like crazy if I'm not diligent. I picked the product up on a whim not expecting much. But truth is when I wear this either as a base coat or on its own my nails don't split like they normally would and it seems to have lasting power. So if you're having problems with weak or brittle nails I recommend you pick this little gem up. It'll cost you very little: somewhere around 3 or 4 euro. 

Introductions!

So far I have but one follower but hope to have many soon! This is my first blog and I kind of feel all sorts of pressure to make it all kickass and such and will try my best. This blog will primarily be used to review books, movies, music, and makeup/skincare. And then there will be the odd post concerning the difficulties and joys of life...fun stuff, I know.

Anyway, just a brief introduction, my name is Ashley, I generally go by Ash, and I'm currently living in Ireland. I'm originally from Texas and often miss the searing hot sun that the Texas summer produces. I've been in Ireland for 2 years going to school, one Master's down and another to go! Woo! I must say, that'll be it for school. I can't take it anymore. Why did I do this to myself? If it wasn't school, it'd be something else. We all have our woes. I like music, all kinds of music, ranging from Rob Zombie to Neil Young. I like books and movies as well...my brother does as well, he has a badass dvd collection that he meticulously inventories...he's well beyond the one thousand mark. (Insanity). I plan on reviewing some cool stuff on here. Here are my plans for very near future posts: Haruki Murakami's 1Q84 epic trilogy, and a few beauty items like Rimmel's Salon Pro nail polish and a couple of Argan Oil products.

I hope you'll join me on my blogging journey!