The Wonders Of My World

A collection of random thoughts...

• I would like to thank the lovely Anna Louise for featuring me on her inspiring blog this week. She had asked me a few fun questions for her interview series called "A Piece of..." You can read it here. 


• Although it's Spring and everyone else is filled with glee - I actually miss winter. I miss the warm chunky knits that hide the effects of too much good comfort food. I miss the excitement of a snow day. I miss the winter boots that I bought but never wore. I miss cozying up next to the fireplace and most of all, I miss drinking all those cups of coffee to keep warm. 


• This is a good year for SA Idols, the talent has been the best we've ever seen in all seven seasons. My two favourite contestants, Freddie and Dave are still in the running for the grand prize. It would be a travesty if neither of these two rockers won. See them sing here. P.S Don't forget to check out Freddie's brilliant rendition of "Seven Nation Army" while you're there. 


• Masterchef is coming to South Africa! As a huge fan of the reality cooking competition, I am very excited. I was seriously considering entering, but my inability to multitask, perilous knife skills and fussy food habits will probably not see me past the Audition room door. If you are a passionate amateur South African cook (without any of my above-mentioned impediments), I hope that you will enter.


• The curse of my lost camera is finally over! No, I didn't find the mysteriously misplaced camera, but my dearest brother did get me a splendid new one as a gift. Thanks bro! I can now get back to taking photos, as soon as I figure out how to work this gadget. 


• Ghd in association with Cansa will be styling hair for a charitable purpose on 1 October 2011. The style-A-thon events will be held in 4 shopping malls in 3 cities around the country, where you can have your hair professionally styled for R50 (R20 for kids), which will go towards raising funds for cancer. This worthy cause brings a new meaning to "beauty with a purpose". 


• If you're considering long-distance learning in South Africa - please don't. As a victim of this failed system, I wouldn't advise it to anyone. The country's three major correspondence colleges - Unisa, Damelin & Intec, were all under fire on a Carte Blanche exposé. Intec is by far the worst. Study material hasn't been delivered on time or at all, assignments haven't been marked, money has been embezzled and it only gets worse with more than a thousand complaints on Hellopeter.  


• In view of the previous point, I am starting to think that my streak of bad luck has turned into a recurring role in Lemony Snicket's "Series of Unfortunate Events". That did turn out well in the end though?


• It so happens that just as you get used to a great new hairdresser or beauty therapist, either they will move away, or you will. Then you will have to suffer many bad hair cuts and brow waxes before you find a stylist you can trust again. And it probably won't be long until they move too. It's a vicious circle.


• I wish there were a simpler way of knowing when to take a plunge into the deep end, and when to wade in shallow waters.

'The Vampire Diaries' Win Big at Teen Choice Awards 2011

Our favourite Mystic Falls residents took home 5 Awards at last night's Teen Choice Awards held in Los Angeles, California. The gorgeous cast of 'The Vampire Diaries' won the award for the Choice TV Show (Sci-fi/Fantasy). The individual cast members also took home surfboard trophies for:

Choice TV Actor (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore

Choice TV Actress (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert & Katherine Pierce

Choice TV Scene Stealer (Female) - Katerina Graham as Bonnie Bennet

Choice TV Scene Stealer (Male) - Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood



I was very disappointed that Paul Wesley (Stephan Salvatore) didn't win any awards. He's the main reason I tune in each week to watch the show.

These are some of the other winners at the Teen Choice Awards 2011





Movies

Movie Actor (Romantic Comedy) - Ashton Kutcher 

Movie Actress (Romantic Comedy) - Emma Stone 

Movie Actress (Comedy) - Cameron Diaz 

Movie Actor (Drama) - Robert Pattinson (Water For Elephants) Can you believe he didn't win for Twilight this year?

Movie Actor (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Taylor Lautner

Movie Actress (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Emma Watson (Harry Potter) So glad this one didn't go to Kristen Stewart

Movie Actor (Action) - Johnny Depp (The Tourist)

Movie Actress (Action) - Angelina Jolie (The Tourist)

Movie Scene Stealer (Male) - Kellan Lutz (The Twilight Saga)

Movie Scene Stealer (Female): Ashley Greene (The Twilight Saga)

Action Movie - Fast Five

Choice Vampire - Robert Pattinson (I call for a recount of the votes)

Summer Movie - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Summer Movie Star (Male) - Daniel Radcliffe 

Summer Movie Star (Female) - Emma Watson 



TV

TV Actress (Drama) - Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) What about Blair?

TV Show (Drama) - Gossip Girl

TV Actress (Comedy) Selena Gomez

TV Actor (Comedy) - Cory Monteith (Glee)

TV Show (Comedy) - Glee

TV Reality Show - Jersey Shore What is this world coming to?

Music

Music Star of the Summer (Male) - Bruno Mars

Music Star of the Summer (Female) - Katy Perry

Male Artist - Justin Bieber

Male Hottie - Justin Bieber (I am as shocked as you are)

Female Hottie - Selena Gomez

Taylor Swift won everything else

Female Artist

Female Country Artist

Country Single - "Mean"

Red Carpet Fashion Icon

Break-Up Song - "Back to December"

Ultimate Choice Award

Fashion from the event to follow

The Wonders Of My World

My monthly musings...

• Last week, I decided to throw a surprise party for my mum - two days before her birthday. With the help of a few good friends, we managed to turn a milestone in my mum's life into an enjoyable and unforgettable event. It was priceless seeing the completely stunned look on her face when everyone shouted 'Surprise' from behind a darkened room. Thanks to all our friends for making the party possible on such short notice :)


• Small Town, SA (literally) had it's fifteen minutes of fame on an episode of the TV variety show, Pasella. In the feature, our town was presented in all it's historic glory and we discovered things we never knew we had right at our front door. You can read about it on the Pasella website.


• Every time the Sanex body wash adverts appear on TV, I cringe and  quickly change the channel. It's like they're trying to repel than actually 'sell' the product. The ad is really eerie, it should come with a warning for sensitive viewers.


• Advice to friends: When a semi-cute but slightly creepy Italian boy (with an accent) offers to iron/curl your hair for free in the middle of a busy mall walkway...you should know that there has to be catch.


• I used to get mildly annoyed when people took days to respond to a simple text message. Could it really take 48 hours to type a one-line-reply? Then, I got a response to an email after one year. One year? Really? Now I'm just grateful that I get any replies to anything at all.


• This whole satchel bag trend is not working for me - and I did try. It isn't possible to fit all my junk stuff into a an A5 book-sized miniature pouch. That's why we have the oversized Alexa Mulberry bag.


• I have been putting off a much-needed trip to The Dentist, even though 'the dentist' is my kind and dear brother. You think you're going in for a routine scale and polish and then find out that you actually need 5 fillings, 2 extractions and a root canal. Having never had any of these before, I'm allowed to be afraid. 


• The one day of the year that I had to wake up early also happened to be the coldest day of the year. The temperature dropped to minus 6 degrees and there was no water because all the pipes had frozen. I'm taking this as some sort of a sign that I shouldn't be up that early again.


• I was a huge fan of Natalia Kills, until she became famous and morphed into the darker-haired but equally creepy version of Lady Gaga. Do singers have to act insane to sell records these days?


• When I asked my friend Annie what she was going to buy with her very first paycheck, she said to me that there isn't anything that she needs, only she things that she wants. It got me thinking; so often the line between 'needs' and 'wants' is blurred, that we end up with tons of things that are more 'pretty' than practical.

Vampire Diaries Casting Call

Who We'd Like To See

On Season Three of The Vampire Diaries



Season 2 of our favourite supernatural series ended on a rather intriguing note. Not so much of a cliffhanger, but more of a thrilling taste of what's to come. The cast of The Vampire Diaries could not have been better selected, they were voted as the sexiest cast on TV by Victoria's Secret. 



There are so many actors and actresses I would like to see guest star in the next season. So, as we anxiously await for Season 3 to hit our screens, I've made up a list of my guest star dream cast. I've also asked a few diehard Vamp fans for their guest cast wishlist. This is who we would like to see in Season 3.  



My Choice

1. Rachel Weisz. With Jenna and Uncle John gone, Elena and Jeremy will need a new guardian. I think Rachel is a good choice, she looks like she's actually related to them and she's acted in several supernatural movies before. Also, Alaric will need someone new to distract him from the bores of being a history teacher.

2. Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Just look at him...he was born to play the role of a vampire, preferably an evil one. He could act as another awoken 'Original', one that's more wicked than Klaus.

3. Zoe Saldana. She always lights up the screen. I'd like to see her star as Bonnie's older sister or step sister. One that she never knew existed.

4. Eric Dane. Who better to play the role of an all powerful, revenge-seeking werewolf than he? He could play a pivotal role in the war against Klaus.

5. Olivia Wilde. Up until now, Klaus has been indestructible. He needs an Achilles Heel; a past love that broke his heart (if he ever had one) and someone who has a spellbinding force over him. Enchanting beauty Olivia is perfect for the role.

6. Matt Bomer. This gorgeous White Collar star is going to be huge in Hollywood. Before that happens, I wish he could make a turn at Mystic Falls, as a Salvatore cousin. Damon is going to need the help to find Stephan in Season 3.

7. Elle Fanning. At her young age, she's an enigmatic actress. I'd like to see her guest star as a relative of Caroline's, one with a supernatural secret.

8. Victoria Justice. She is Nina Dobrev (Elena's) real life doppelganger, even prettier, if that's possible. If Nina ever gets tired of playing both Elena and Katherine, Victoria could step in.  



Viewers Choice

I took a survey of the biggest Vampire Diaries fans I know - this is who they would like to see guest star in Season 3.

1. Kristin Kreuk. 'Loved her in Smallville and haven't seen her since. I'd like to see her as a werewolf, who challenges Caroline for Taylor Lockwoods' affections.' 

2. Channing Tatum. Elena needs a 'human' love interest in the next season. Someone hotter than Damon and Stephan put together. Who else but Channing Tatum to fit that role.

3. Fergie. She should guest star as a family member of the Salvatore Brothers' who comes to help kick some Klaus' butt.

4. Taylor Lautner. This was a popular choice. Apparently people feel that his werewolf talents are wasted on just Twilight.

5. Dakota Fanning. Another Twilighter, who a fan would like to see as a mysterious newcomer to Mystic Falls, one with a dark side.

6. Jesse Williams. This Grey's Anatomy favourite was selected to be a new love interest for Bonnie. 'The whole Jeremy thing is too weird.'

7. Jada Pinkett Smith. 'Bonnie doesn't have any family members in the show.' Jada could make an appearance as Bonnie's mum, who's use of too much magic has left her slightly deranged.

8. Alex Pettyfer. He's gotten fans in a tizz since the movie Beastly. A fan said she would like to see him as the son of Klaus, 'who is completely good and virtuous.'

9. Amanda Seyfried. 'I'd like to see her as guest star as someone with supernatural powers, but who's not a witch, vampire or werewolf. Something else...'



Im thankful that no one mentioned Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart or any of the Disney crew. I am surprised no one said that Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) from Gossip Girl would make a good vampirous villian. Who would you like to see in Season 3 of The Vampire Diaries?

The Wonders of My World

My monthly musings...

• Having five email address is becoming rather confusing. I have a personal one for friends, one for my blog, another for work/academic purposes, one for my online subscriptions and finally an archive address to which I forward all my important emails for storage. I'm afraid that one of these days I will mistakenly send my college assignments to all of my friends and absent-mindedly send a very scandalous email to a potential employer. 


• I used to think that the bulletproof glass you find in banks is there for the safety of the bank tellers. After visiting the bank, I realized the the glass is actually a safety mechanism for the clients - it's there to protect them from being strangled by frustrated, irritated and infuriated bank employees. 


• I was quite disappointed when Klaus was finally revealed on The Vampire Diaries this month. I was expecting someone more dashing, macho and evil looking. This Klaus character looks like he should be on a stage somewhere acting out Shakespeare's Twelfth Night as Duke Orsino. 


• In Small Town, SA, the dry cleaners are a place where you send your delicate, non-washable clothes (such as a snow white fur-lined jacket) to be 'safely' cleaned. They will return it to you two and a half weeks later, dyed in a new ash grey colour, buttons missing and completely de-furred. And the revamping of your coat will cost you more than you originally paid for it. Small Towns, go figure.


• I desperately need to find a waterproof mascara that actually is waterproof. All the tubes I currently own and use have a special talent of making me look like Kung Fu Panda by the end of the night.


• I always mock the soapie The Bold and the Beautiful, because since it began, the same circle of 5 characters have hooked up, broken up, made up, swapped partners, snatched spouses, sabotaged relationships, cheated on each other with each other then got back together again. Then someone pointed out to me that Gossip Girl is the exact same thing, with better clothes. Sad but true. I will not be making fun of the B&B anymore.


• If your car doesn't start after putting in the key and trying to turn it 500 times, you should check if you've actually got the right key. It will save you from a whole lot of anxiety and well wasted time ;p


• We all know that too much sun is bad for you, so I did my best not to get 'too much'. Turns out this is equally as bad for you, because I now have what is nicknamed 'Vampire Syndrome', which is just a cool name for Vitamin D deficiency. No wonder I was being mistaken for a Cullen sister.


• The audition phase of SA Idols is sadly over, but you can still get some comedy relief from the Wooden Mic auditions and also enjoy the best of SA's talent here

Return of The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries

Season 2

They're back! Well almost. We just have to find some way to get through this weekend until Season Two of one of the most captivating TV series is back on our screens. For those of us who didn't obtain bootleg copies of the show, the wait has been a long and agonizing one, as the Season One finale left us with many cliffhangers and unanswered questions. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about...It's The Vampire Diaries, one of the best supernatural series on television in a long time. If you haven't yet seen it, I suggest you stop reading right this minute and get out there as fast as you can to beg, borrow or steal a copy of Season One. In this case only, stealing will not be considered a crime. This series is a serious addiction. Not since the end of the extremely popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer (almost 10 years ago), has a show of this genre had such a huge impact on viewers, obtaining a large cult following the world round. Season One was screened last year in SA, and received with much praise. With just about 3 and a half more days to go for the premiere of Season Two, I thought you may need some visual inspiration to get you through until then.

The story is centers around the life of the beautiful Elena Gilbert, who's life is in disarray after the death of her parents. She struggles to move on from this, aimlessly going through the motions of high school life in small town Mystic Falls. Then walks in the mysterious and compassionate Stephan Salvatore, who sweeps Elena off her feet and brings back light and happiness to her life. As caring and kind as Stephan is, he hides a dark secret, he is a vampire. But the good-hearted, non-vicious kind. If this wasn't enough to confuse Elena, Stephan's older, evil vampire brother, Damon enters the picture, with a fascinating interest and growing affection for Elena. She lis the splitting image of the enchanting Katherine, a wicked vamp that both brothers were in love with...since 1864. As the series unfolds, we see wholesome Stephan's slight transition to the dark side and devilishly handsome Damon's softer side appears. I am still on Team Stephan, will have to wait and see if Season Two changes that. One single hour-long episode of The Vampire Diaries has more intrigue, drama, great dialogue, twists, suspense and better acting than all the Twilight movies put together. It may be categorized as a drama, but bad-boy Damon's hilarious, snarky and sarcastic one-liners definitely steal the show. I won't give anymore away, but it's a must-see, even if you're not into the whole supernatural genre, watch it for the 'drop dead' (mind the pun) gorgeous Salvatore Brothers. Edward who?

Here are some scenes from Season Two that we can look forward to watching. Can't Wait!

You know that a show must be really good, when you never hear anything about the actors personal lives in the media. A media frenzy occurs around actors off-set to take the focus off a really bad show, as their personal lives prove more interesting than the actual series itself. That's why you won't hear anything about the cast of VD off-screen - it's brilliant. To all you Damon and Stephan fans, feel free to right click on the pics and save it as your screensaver - you know you want to :) Drop me a line for more cool posters of the show.

Set your PVR for Monday, 14 February at 8:30pm on Vuzu and join a world of thrilling entertainment like you've never seen before.

And The Winners Are...People's Choice Awards

In case you were wondering, here is a list of some of the winners at this years People's Choice Awards. The awards celebrate the best of movies, television and music.

Favourite Movie Actor: Johnny Depp (The one and only)



Favourite Movie Actress: Kristen Stewart (Yip, I don't get it either)



Favourite Action Movie: Iron Man 2

Favourite Movie and Drama: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse



Favourite Family Movie: Toy Story 3



Favourite Comedy: Grown Ups



Favourite On-Screen Team: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner.



Favourite Movie Star Under 25: Zac Efron



Favourite TV Drama: House



Favourite TV Comedy: Glee



Favourite TV Obsession: Dexter



Favourite TV Guilty Pleasure: Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Did they create this award just so The K-Crew would win something?)



Favourite TV Family: The Simpsons



Favourite Family TV Movie: Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (Are they serious?)



Favourite New TV Drama: Hawaii Five-0 (By the time this show gets to SA screens, it won't be so new anymore)



Favourite Male Artist: Eminem



Favourite Female Artist: Katy Perry



Favourite Song: “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna



Favourite Rock Band: Paramore



Favourite Breakout Artist: Selena Gomez & the Scene



Favourite Pop Artist: Rihanna



Favourite Country Artist: Taylor Swift



Favourite R&B Artist: Usher