Christmas fun

It's my families last Christmas together in my childhood home and we have been really getting into it. Our halls have been decked, we've been cooking all kinds of treats, and watching as many holiday themed movies as we can handle. I've even sorted my Christmas shopping and will hopefully avoid the shopping mall and car park rage this time of year is synonymous with. Chances are I'll find a reason to go in at the worst possible time. 

My cooking contributions have been white chocolate snowballs and a yule log. 

The snowballs were a total pain in the butt to make because the recipe I used needed at least double the biscuits it requested - so sticky! I always end up deciding to cook that kind of thing (sticky, rolly, coat in chocolate, delicious pain in the arse) and I always regret it. But they are delicious and seem to get better with age.

The Yule log was a challenge and I succeeded! I hardly ever bake using eggs (allergic brother) so making a sponge is something I haven't done much of. So making, rolling, and decorating one was fun. Our biggest pan was a roasting pan so flipping the cake out was terrifying but amazingly the cake survived it all and was pretty good too. Not perfectly light as it was slightly thicker than the recipe intended due to pan size but tasty. Also in my haste to roll it I didn't follow the instructions but it still worked well. I am amazed how well it worked. As you can see in the picture I got a bit too excited adding the snow (only ever experiencing one northern hemisphere Christmas and all).

As for movies we have been watching pretty much anything with a Christmas tree featured in it. So far we have watched: Trains, Planes and Automobiles, Trading Places, Home Alone, Jingle all the way, Love Actually, Elf, Meet me in St. Louis and my absolute favourite While you Were Sleeping. Still lots of films on the to watch list with a week to go.

Hope you and yours are enjoying the holiday season however you choose to spend it. x

A Very Mumford Christmas.

This satirical article, Mumford & Sons Can't Believe They all got Each Other Mandolins for Christmas* is a real crack up. 

“To be honest, I thought at least some of the 12 mandolin-shaped packages would turn out to be banjos, dobros, or buzuqs when we unwrapped them. But I can’t say I’m disappointed when I think about the amazing sound we could create with this many mandolins."  - Marcus Mumford

I really don't know what to get my Dad for Christmas. He bought himself a mandolin earlier this year but I don't think he has even strummed it. It is a real travesty. It is locked up in a dark cupboard somewhere in the house, where hobbies go to die. 

But I totally strummed it. As if I could resist.

Unfortunately they don't have a mandolin music book for Sigh no More because he would totally hate that. Well, he referred to Mumford and Sons as Muppets** when I went to see them (which is a total British insult I don't get because The Muppets are amazeballs). Unless he secretly knows about The Amazing Mumford, now that would be an unexpected twist. 

I shall leave you with this.

*I really hope Marcus, Winnie, Ted and Ben get all the mandolins they want for Christmas. <3
** I once got called a Muppet for wearing my Ugg boots to the pub after being dragged out of bed when I lived in England. I lived above said pub, they were lucky I didn't socialise in my pyjamas.

Yes.

I'm not sorry

*driving somewhere with my sister, listening to The Lumineers album*

Sister: Why is it that all the music you listen to lately sounds like it's children's music?
Me: I'm just... I'm just really focussing on becoming a folkster right now.
Sister: That is the worst possible answer you could have given.

On Coping With Post Gig Depression

You've been waiting eagerly for months to see that band you love. The day is finally here and before you know it, it is all over. The house lights come back on and you are left feeling elated and a little bit sad that it has come to an end when they never played that one song you were desperate to hear live. The next day you feel devastated that you no longer have that gig to look forward to, you ask yourself why you didn't take time off work and become a groupie. You are suffering from post gig depression (PGD).

Living in a town which doesn't see many decent acts, going to gigs is somewhat of an event and as a result I have experienced PGD many times. I know that the number one way to combat PGD is to have a large range of gigs booked in advance to distract myself. Unfortunately I missed out on tickets to a bunch of events I wanted to attend and am at a loss.  

I am wallowing.

I am probably never taking off this band shirt, like ever.

I am listening to Mumford and Sons on repeat, trawling Tumblr and watching all the YouTube clips ever made.

And I am remembering all the little moments like when Marcus Mumford gave us permission to stand during Little Lion Man, dancing alone to I Will Wait, and when some lady yelled out "that song was so lovely" after they played Ghosts That We Knew and feeling the whole crowd must be feeling simpatico. 

I know I should try and beat this post gig depression by listening to some new music or something. Right? How do you deal with post gig depression? 

*I wrote this a month ago after seeing Mumford & Sons. I may or may not still be mourning the lack of gigs in my life due to being poor and living where I live. I have changed my t-shirt numerous times, so I guess I am coping alright.

A terrible photo I took of Mumford & Sons

Babel

I am loving this song.

In fact I pretty much love all of the songs on Babel. I remember they played a few new songs when I saw them in 2010 and thinking they were amazing then. It was easily one of the best concerts I have been too, beautiful venue, great crowd, and apart from the second band that played which just didn't fit musically (Boy & Bear opened and were perfect) the music was spot on. Such a good night. I am really looking forward to seeing them again in a months time, even though seeing international bands in my home town totally weirds me out (but in a good way!).

I saw this the other day and it is totally true for me.

So I am pretty happy they have followed through with an excellent second album, totally worth the wait. And in case you were wondering, yes, I totally think Ted Dwane is a ginger fox.

Sickie

Had to take the afternoon off work yesterday after succumbing to a stomach bug. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself so I decided to treat myself to a new show, Ben & Kate. 

I am undecided whether or not I will like it, but I usually take a couple of episodes to warm to a show. The cast is pretty great. Lucy Punch is hilarious and the kid (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) from We Bought a Zoo is super adorable. Lots of strawberry blonde action. And this ginger fox (Jon Foster).

Pity his character was a jerk! Will continue to watch for now.

Conversations With Children Volume 1

Child: You look familiar.

Me: That's probably because I have worked here before.

Child: No, I've seen you on TV.

Me: I'm pretty sure it's because I've worked here before. MANY TIMES!

(Child stares at me intently. Meanwhile I think to myself it must be the glasses as if Superman taught me anything it was that a pair of nondescript glasses make an excellent disguise which could fool almost anyone.) 

Hey, if I was on TV what show do you think I'd be on?

Child:(without a seconds thought)Farmer wants a wife .

Me: As the farmer or the wife?

Child: The wife

Me: Oh that's a bit.. Depressing, sure I couldn't be the farmer? I haven't even seen that show.

Child: The wife.

Feel Inside (and stuff like that)

I love this so much. 

I want a Mmm in box now and more Conchords! <3

Ginger Foxes: the Olympic Edition

I am not a massive sports fan, but once every four years I tend to make an exception and watch the Olympics in a kind of full on way and fulfil my sporting quotient for the next while. My favourite sports to watch are the swimming, diving, gymnastics and weight lifting. Sadly I have not seen any weight lifting this time around as I have been busy, sleeping, and the Australian coverage is pretty horrendous. Ugh. I am so disappointed in the way the media has been treating our athletes. The horror of coming second! I was lucky to be picked in teams in school full stop! (when it was compulsory to be picked mind you)

ANYWAY. Back to the point of this post. I have been feeling very Olympic lately and helloooooooo gingers! <3

I will start with my favourite, German gymnast, Fabian Hambüchen.

Then of course there is the ginger Doogie Howser, British long jumper, John Rutherford.

 

Our newest hero, Tom Slingsby. Sailing is not very exciting. But his Dad had lovely ginger eyebrows.

This was my favourite thing about it and the most I have ever liked Ms. Gillard.
 

And of course this dude, Steve Hooker. What a dude.
Pole vaulting is terrifying, but I am watching!

And to the many other Olympian ginger foxes I have missed, congratulations to them on being talented at sports and being foxy with their excellent hair follicles.  

Flight of the Conchords: 14 July - The Plenary, Melbourne

More than a week post Conchords and I'm still in full crazy fan girl mode. This is so true. Went to see Men In Black 3 for some Jemaine action on Monday, gosh he is brilliant! 

Lets travel back in time to the 14th of July, in Melbourne. It was a wet afternoon in Melbourne so we took to our hotel and watched all our favourite episodes in preparation for the night ahead. It was finally time to reveal my secret project to the world and don my homage to my second favourite of Bret's jumpers.  

Then we got all dressed up then did what they call a photo shoot. Posing, posing With my arm. Posing, posing with my leg. Posing, posing like a swan. Posing, posing for a portrait. Posing a threat!

Pretty much!

We grabbed some dinner and headed to the venue. Then I started feeling a little "bulimic" as Jemaine would put it, so I spent the rest of the evening trying to ignore my stomach and enjoy the show. 

Our view of the stage

Arj was a fabulous opening act for the boys and I loved that he joined them on stage in Dave regalia for Too many Dicks and Sugalumps.

I love them so much, those big dags. It was super laid back, like hanging out with two friends not New Zealand's fourth most popular folk parody duo. Super weird not being disappointed a band hasn't played all my favourites, they fulfilled all my wishes. But I don't think there is a song of theirs I dislike.

From the top, their costumes and subsequent jokes about said costumes were great, spinning their heads around wasn't too good on the stomach though!

Loved the new tune, F*** on the Ceiling. Well it is totally parodying one of my favourite bands. It was adorable when they stuffed up the lyrics. 

Adored when Jemaine played the flute super awesome bad in Inner City Pressure. 

Loved how their jokes about Australia went over most of the crowds heads. They know more about our country's history than many do. Sadly most of us were taught a different story at school. 

Super sad that no one requested to see their tits. Apparently that was their measure of a good show in Australia.The crowd wasn't amazing, hardly anyone was dressed up or singing along, but we were pretty far back (did not get impregnated by the Hiphopopotamus! :'( ). So I just have this photo to make up for the lack of tits shown.

It was particularly hilarious when after they mentioned how sad they were no one wanted to see their tits and someone baaed and Jemaine replied "We're going to f*** you later!" the to and throw between him and Bret that followed which involved a crowd orgy and 4000 blow jobs.

I just about cried when they played Carol Brown as I really didn't expect all my favourites.

All the songs were performed with wonderful comic timing and skill. I loved it and hope they tour again someday. 100 stars.

Brave

Had a girls movie night with my ladies and went to see the new Disney ginger movie, Brave. 

As you may have figured out from my previous posts on ginger foxes, I am not a ginger but a lover of most things ginger headed so I was truly appreciative of this film. 

And I loved it. A feel good family film. Red heads and Scottish accents.
Meridah is way more hip than the old school Disney princesses.

The plot wasn't what we expected from the advertisements, but I think it was a much better movie for it. I won't spoil it! Laughs and tears aplenty, check it out if you love all things ginger, Scottish, and Disney.

Racism essay

Inspired by my friend's inclusion of quotes by various comedians I decided to include some Jemaine action in mine, obviously making it a million times better.

Too bad the lecturer who said the best part of her lecture was the following picture isn't marking...

May I interject?

My brain is not functional today due to a massive head cold. Last night I came to the realisation that Eugene Mirman is in Bob's Burger's with Kristen Schaal, and then I wanted to post some Eugene love. After that I may have dreamt a Boosh Conchords crossover.

Yes, I did make this in paint. FOR YOU!

I love Murray and I love Bob Fossil but it just won't work. Is Mel Bollo? or Dave?!

EUGENE! Such a creepy land lord. But hilarious nonetheless. 
My favourite Eugene moments:

Bret: Do you think I dress too provocatively?

Eugene: If I may be so bold, I think you're showing a little too much arm. You look a little cheap.  

They should have given Eugene a song.

Conchords week!

Less than a week to go before we see Flight of the Chonchords and I am super excited, especially now it's been announced that Arj Barker will also be in attendance.

So I have turned the the Draw Something application into "Draw Something Conchords". Not always to the appreciation of my competitors. Have some arts.

I'm not sure why I decided to give Murray blue eyes.

C'mon sucker lick my battery!

Sexy Jemaine!

So very happy my friends have sent me some back too!

Coachella

Source: Dark Control

I wish my glasses suited me as well as Jarv's do him..

Feeling pretty happy after a weekend watching Coachella and managing to snag some tickets to Flight of the Conchords. Thought I would post some recent Pulp/Jarv vids I have been watching. I need to go have a look for some recordings of the Radio City gigs! Poor Ginger Pulp is playing with a broken hand! <3

Pulp's Coachella Set 13/4/12

Like a Friend - Jimmy Fallon (they have perfected it!) 

Part one of a seven part show on song writing Jarv did

true fact

Yeah.

Hottest 100

Every year in Australia January 26th is better known as Australia day or in some circles Hottest 100 day. The previous year's most popular tracks are decided upon by a public vote. Now I don't have the best track record remembering to vote, or using all of my ten votes. But this year I voted with 8 hours to spare and I even chose 10 songs. Without further ado I present to you the songs I have voted for in no particular order. 

1. Boy & Bear - Feeding Line 

 

2. Owl Eyes - Pumped Up Kicks {Like A Version} 

3. Noah And The Whale - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N

4. Arctic Monkeys - Black Treacle 

5. Cults - Go Outside

6. Lana Del Ray - Video Games

7. Lisa Mitchell - The Ship Song {Straight To You: Triple J's tribute To Nick Cave}

 8. Seeker Lover Keeper - Light All My Lights

9. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness

10. The Wombats - Jump Into the Fog

Gotye will probably take the crown though.

God Help the Girl

Is it a band? Is it a film? Is it a film about a band?
As I mentioned in my last post, I love me some God Help the Girl.
An exciting side project of Belle & Sebastian's front man, Stuart Murdoch. 

They are currently crowd sourcing the funds through Kickstarter to make the film. They are now just two thirds of the way to their funding goal and it is going to be tight but I really, really hope it comes off as I think it will be an amazing film with beautiful music. Also I really want my favourite band back working on their own material and touring. 

There are loads of amazing prizes which you can pledge for too, from participating in the film to film showings and rare records. Sadly I can't run off to Glasgow for a tour of the city with Stuart as I will be being a very good uni student and finishing off my degree. I would have loved a couple of guest list tickets had I a spare $500 lying around. But I have pledged to receive one of the posters used in the film by the band and a digital copy of the film which will be pretty exciting to receive when the time comes. Pledge if you can! 

And now a couple of my favourite tunes off their self titled album (buy it, it is amazing).

 Come Monday Night

Perfection as a Hipster