I'm a YouTube freak. I'm always hanging around this site and, as a result, I stumble across new YouTubers constantly. Unfortunately, a lot of these users aren't really blog post-worthy. But a couple weeks ago, I came across this YouTuber called ClothesEncounters. She, as you can probably tell by her username, is a fashionista. She loves clothes, she dresses really well, and she has tips all over her YouTube account. I love watching her videos to pick up fashion tips. She's awesome. The best part is that short people, like me, can pick up her tips without the fear of appearing even shorter than usual. Jenn, AKA ClothesEncounters, is only 5'1.

I thought it would be great to introduce you guys to her, so here are some of my favorite videos from her channel:





Jenn knows exactly how to dress for different types of people. She's literally a fashion genius. I love her outfits and ideas.



I'm from Korea and I swear I've never even heard of some of these places/festivals. Boo. Tourists get all the fun. On another note, once again, I lurve her outfits. Her fashion style is so cute.



Not exactly fall right now (more like spring), but I seriously love Jenn's stuff in this video.



A spring version of the huge fall haul video.



This is one of Jenn's more popular videos. It's ironic 'cause her channel focuses more on fashion than makeup, but whatevs. She'd make a cool makeup guru too

I hope you enjoyed these videos. You can check out more of her stuff on her YouTube channel clothesencounters.


-Barista Mia-

Image: Jenn's Twitter Read more »

You might know who they are. By definition, nerdfighters are “people who instead of being made up of cells and organs and stuff are actually made out of awesome”. This community was started by Hank and John Green who are famous YouTubers and brothers. They have many channels, the most famous being Vlogbrothers.

So, why should you be a nerdfighter?

Firstly, Hank and John are amazing and, of course, pretty awesome. Besides being a YouTuber, John Green is a famous writer, mostly because of his book “The Fault in Our Stars” (If you haven’t read this book, you should definitely read it. Like, now.). He has other works such as “Looking for Alaska” and “Paper Towns”. But let’s not forget about our friend Hank Green. He is a great musician and he is the co-creator of the popular web series “The Lizzie Bennett Diaries” (If you haven’t watched this series, you should check it out).

Secondly, Hank and John make science, history, and any other boring subject, fun. I personally prefer their channel “Mental Floss” but they have other channels dedicated to science, and their main channel, VlogBrothers, also dedicates some of its videos to these subjects.

Being a nerdfighter is about decreasing worldsuck and increasing the amount of people made of awesome. Usually, nerdfighters are involved in many charity projects such as Project for Awesome (You can learn about this project here).

Most important of all: anyone can become a nerdfighter. Join the nerdfighteria here:   https://nerdfighters.ning.com/.

DFTA (Don’t forget to be awesome).


-Barista Alexandra-

Image: still from Vlogbrothers video Read more »

Ah, the Oscars. So much happened over the course of one night that the Internet practically exploded: meme, pictures, gifsets....temporary Twitter problems (it was worth it, Ellen!). Here are some of my favorite moments from that night.

1. Jennifer Lawrence

Just, everything about her. She started off the night with a bang- er, another trip- and things kept going from there. From being called out by Ellen, to doing the calling-out herself, to being in the most-tweeted selfie ever... it was a very Jennifer Lawrence-y night, which in my book is a definite win.

2.  The Pizza Delivery

Can we just pause a moment to think about the situation; all these celebrities, gathered for an awards ceremony, wearing their finest and on their best behavior... and then Ellen orders a pizza. And they all eat it- one of the messiest, least-dignified foods- and for a moment, we’re reminded that all these actors are people just like us. I thought it was a super cute- and yummy!- moment.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio’s [lack of an] Oscar

Oh Leo. We’re all starting to feel bad for you- even if the memes that come from your misfortune are some of the funniest. From subtitling his sad/mad movie scenes to be about the Oscars, to always bringing it up every time there’s a discussion that has anything to do with him, the internet loves poking fun at his misfortunes. And they’ll have just as much fun when he finally wins one (hey, Leo’s not the only one who wants him to win!).

4. Anything and Everything Frozen

Idina Menzel’s (or Adele Nazeem’s, lol)  rendition of “Let it Go” had many fangurls screaming into their TVs, and I thought it was just darn cute and quirky that Kristen Bell has a burrito tucked in her clutch (she also gave a French accent to the famous quote ‘Do you wanna build a snowman?’). Frozen 2, anyone? And in the meantime, check out all the super-cute fanart of Elsa and Anna at the Oscars, based off of Idina/Kristen.

5. Ellen

I already mentioned the pizza (which was her idea) and the Twitter problem (which was due to her famous celeb selfie) but let’s take a moment to really appreciate Ellen’s wonderful hosting abilities. She’s funny, intelligent, tells it like it is and knows how to make a wonderful time for everyone around her. I’d certainly want to go to a party hosted by her. Oh, and she’s the author of the best new quote for Hunger Games fans: “Who are we kidding, it’s The Hunger Games. There’s cameras everywhere, you’re starving, and Jennifer Lawrence won last year.”

Well, I don’t know how you feel about it all, but in my opinion, the Oscars this year can be described in a single word: epic.


-Barista Nicole-

Image: Ellen's Twitter Read more »

Whether you’re a regular cinema visitor or just like to watch one once in a while, we are all movie fans. Now despite there being many brilliant (or not so brilliant) movies coming out all the time. There are several things I wish were movies but alas are not likely to ever be made.

1) The Chrestomanci series

Ever since I first read Witch Week by Diana Wynne Jones about a year ago, I thought that it would make a brilliant movie. But why just that book? Why not start at the beginning? With book number one: Charmed Life. The animated film Howl’s Moving Castle based on the Diana Wynne Jones novel of the same name shows that her work can work well on the screen. Why can’t we have an adaptation of the Chrestomanci books?

2) Whatever film this is advertising

It’s been nearly a year since My Chemical Romance's tragic break-up. What would be a better parting gift than a feature length movie based on the video for “I’m not okay”? Yeah, I’m being a bit too hopeful, but no My Chemical Romance fan would deny how amazing that would be. I for one am prepared to feel the romance.

3) The Subtle Knife

I adored the book Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman. In fact, I am currently re-reading my very, very worn out copy for the umpteenth time. The film adaptation for The Golden Compass was okay apart from the fact that IT FINISHED BEFORE THE ENDING OF BOOK!!! I was always disappointed that we never got to see the sequel and now at 19, Dakota Blue Richards has outgrown the role of 12 year old Lyra. I think people would notice the seven year gap as, if my memory serves me correct, The Subtle Knife starts about 3 days after the end of Northern Lights.


-Barista Ellen-

Images: via (The Chrestomanci series), via (The Subtle Knife) Read more »

Here are some of my favourite books, movies and TV shows that I think deserve more notoriety via fandoms. Do you agree with me?

Little House on the Prairie

It's ancient- it was on TV in the '70s- but it was my all time favourite TV show growing up. (And no, I actually grew up in the '00s...) The 200+ episodes feature Laura Ingalls, a country girl with pigtails, as she grows up in eighteenth-century Minnesota. I loved this show because even though Laura had a different kind of life in a different kind of place, she was still exactly like a normal child and teenager today. She carved her crushes' name on a tree and shoved the class bully Nellie Oleson into a river!
Even now, if I'm having a bad day and need to get away from it all, I try to escape back into the past with a good old episode of LHOTP.

How I Live Now

The book is by Meg Rosoff and the film was out in October. I fell in love with them both. It's about an American teenager, Daisy, who goes to live with her cousins in England just before the outbreak of World War Three. The book is special as it's written in a really different and captivating way, and it was awesome to see it brought to life watching the movie, especially as Saoirse Ronan was in it.

Now is Good

Now Is Good is an internationally best-selling book and film about a girl dying of cancer. She makes a list of everything she wants to do before she dies- sex, drugs, fame, shoplifting. When she realises she only has a few weeks left to live, the list changes to things like laughter, seeing the sun come up one more time, watching her brother perform one more magic trick...
Maybe I love this book and film so much because Tessa is a bit like me in that we both love to savour each moment as it comes. Anyway, it's enchanting. Similar to The Fault in Our Stars, but... yes... even better.

Call The Midwife

This TV show is currently airing in the UK and I love it more with every episode. Okay, I admit it, the birth scenes are a little gruesome, but it's not all babies and bunting. There are great characters and some pretty inspirational stuff there too.


-Barista Sabita-

Image: via (Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls, 1975), Schu (How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff), via (still from Now Is Good), The Art of Doing Stuff Read more »

Every year, I like to predict the winners for the Oscars, arguably the top award an actor/movie could ever get. 2014 is no different except I decided to share my picks with y'all lovely people as well. So here are my predictions for the winners of the 2014 Academy Awards!!!

BEST PICTURE

My prediction: 12 Years a Slave

This is almost a no brainer (I say "almost" 'cause awards like these can be pretty unpredictable). 12 Years a Slave has had a streak of awards this year, including winning the coveted Golden Globe. It'll be a miracle if some other movie ends up snatching this uh-mazing movie from its naked golden man.

BEST DIRECTOR

My prediction: Alfonso Cuarón for Gravity

Again, another almost no brainer. If you've watched Gravity, you would know exactly why he's my pick for best director. I've never seen a movie so visually perfect.

BEST ACTOR

My prediction: Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club

This year is Matthew's year. He's been winning, like, every award out there for whatever the equivalents are for Best Actor. At first, I was pretty sure Chiwetel Ejiofor would win for 12 Years a Slave, but something tells me that Matthew's winning streak is not to be broken. On the other hand, I feel really sorry for poor Leo who's, unfortunately, most likely going to miss his chance for the Oscar once again.

BEST ACTRESS

My prediction: Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine

Have you seen her performance? You can't compare it with anybody else's in this category.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

My prediction: Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club

I would be extremely surprised if someone else won besides Jared. He's been missing from the acting community for a long time (which definitely helps out) and his performance was phenomenal.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

My prediction: Lupita Nyong'o for 12 Years a Slave

I've been rooting for this girl since I don't even know when. She was perfect in 12 Years a Slave. I guess, Jennifer Lawrence could give this girl a run for her money, but for some reason, I get the feeling she won't be able to win an Oscar twice in a row.

BEST ANIMATED FILM

My prediction: Frozen

You can be the dumbest dumb person ever and still be able to know that Frozen will win this category. How could it not?!

The Oscars are just a few days away now! I've got to get my popcorn ready. You wanna bet how many predictions I got right?

UPDATE!

The Oscars are over now. And it turns out I got all my predictions right! For the first time ever! Whoop!


-Barista Mia-

Image: via (Oscar poster) Read more »

Which characters do we love the most? Here's my opinion on some of them.

1. Camille “Cami” O’Connell vs Matthew “Matt” Donovan

Winner: Cami

Cami is the perfect human in a town full of supernatural creatures. She is way better than Matt whose personality isn’t the greatest. She has a great background and she grows up so much over the episodes that I just can’t get enough of her. I think no one can deal better with supernatural mess than she does.

On the other hand, Matt really doesn’t contribute a lot to TVD’s story development, which is a shame.

2. Davina Claire vs Bonnie Bennett

Winner: Davina

I really loved Bonnie in the first season of TVD but then I felt like the writers gave up on her and her development. Davina , though, is a fresh witch with a tragic life. I love how intense her story is and how she expresses herself.

3. Hayley Marshall vs Caroline Forbes

Winner: TIE

Remember when we were all furious about Hayley being in the Originals instead of Caroline? Well, that opinion certainly has changed. Hayley fits the Originals perfectly just as Caroline fits TVD.

4. Rebekah Mikaelson vs Elena Gilbert

Winner: Do I really have need to say it?

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to express how Katherine is the only reason I still watch The Vampire Diaries. She is awesome and I love her. Elena, on the other hand, is extremely annoying. The only thing I like about her is her relationship with Damon and we know how that is going…

Between these two very emotional girls, Rebekah is my favorite. She seems tough but she just dreams of a normal life. Also, she learned that girls need to stick together. GIRL POWER! Hehe.

5. Klaus and Elijah vs Stefan and Damon

Winner: TIE

I have to admit that I didn’t like Stefan till this season came out. But now, I think I like him even more than I like Damon. The two together make my heart melt.

Klaus and Elijah are perfect as well. I mean, do I have need to comment on this? The four of them are just perfection! You can’t make me choose!


-Barista Alexandra-

Image: via (TVD and The Originals posters)

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Hey guys! If you’re like me, you’re a big Youtube fan. It’s super-fun to watch videos from your fave channels, but isn’t it even more awesome when you stumble across a totally new channel and get to watch like 30 videos you’ve never seen in a row and fall in love with  them? Or is that just me?

Anyway, I’m going to tell you about a channel I absolutely love. TimmyFellDownTheWell is one of my favorite channels and dude has way more subscribers than I’ll ever have, but he’s still not nearly as well-known as Pewdiepie or Jenna Marbles. He should be. He’s a totally hilarious, down-to-earth, amazingly talented individual who makes the world a better place by what he does. His videos are a mix of comedy, parodies and impressions, inspirational, gay pride, and whatever else his amazing brain thinks of.

One of my favorite groups of videos by him is his Disney Princess Support Group spoofs. He always plays every role, so in these videos he’s Ariel, Snow White (his trademark Princess), Rapunzel, Pocahontas and more. The absolute hilarity of his takes on the princesses we all now and love will have you quickly clicking the link to each episode.

Another awesome episodic of his is Timmy’s New BFF, during which he features many of his Tiny Timmy followers who compete through various weekly challenges to earn the title of Timmy’s BFF. It’s currently in season two (I appear in the first episode although that’s as far as I got, lol). He’s got his own little reality show going on, and if you think people wouldn’t want to be Timmy’s BFF, you’re dead wrong. Because that’s another thing that’s so great about Timmy; he cares about his fans and making a difference and his loyal followers back him all the way. He’s an amazing guy who I would love to meet in real life someday and his videos are the funniest things ever. So definitely, get over there and give his channel a try!

Warning: Timmy’s content is mature; if you take issue with cursing, crudity, sexual content, etc. this isn’t the channel for you.


-Barista Nicole-

Image: TimmyFellDownTheWell Read more »

Hi there initiates! The Divergent movie is coming soon and for those who are still not sure if they want to get into this fandom, I will tell you why you should.

1.  No love triangle.

One of the things I love about Divergent is that there is no love triangle. It focuses on the action, the development of the characters and not as much as introducing silly romances. It has a love story and it’s absolutely breathtaking (*spoilers**heartbreaking in the last book*).

2. New fantastic world.

The world that Veronica Roth, the author, describes won’t disappoint you. In fact, it will (like The Hunger Games) make you think about today’s world and tomorrow’s. It will make you angry, it will make you smile but, most important of all, it will occupy your mind.

3. The love-hate relationship you will have with the main character.

Beatrice “Tris” Prior is not the typical main character. Sometimes, you will want to slap her in the face and other times you’ll want to hug her and tell her it’s alright. Also, she grows a lot over the books (and movies) so you’ll feel like you have seen her grow up like you’re friends since childhood.

4. Four

Four is the love interest of Tris. He brings the best of her and she certainly brings the best of him. They both learn from each other and that’s what makes their love so interesting. Four is the character you’ll fall in love with because he is always there to help Tris (to survive).

*spoiler*

You’ll want to hug him in the last book.

5. Veronica Roth

This young author is one of the best. Her writing will make you feel like you’re Tris and you’re jumping off a building with your heart beating like crazy. Also, she really connects with the fans so she will make your experience in the Divergent Fandom the best one ever!


-Barista Alexandra-

Image: The Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth (Harper Collins) Read more »

For a lot of us, celebrities are a part of our lives and we think about some of them in one way or another every day, like when we listen to their music or see their news online. Do we really consider them as we would an ordinary person, though?

Sure, we can worship Harry if we have to! But celebrities in general just aren't seen in the same way as, say, your friends or your teachers are, and I think they should be. Oh yes. It's not only famous people who are special, and the opposite is also true- it's not only non-famous people who are ordinary.

Let's take a look at the more "normal" sides to some celebs' lives!

Jennifer Lawrence

Jen is a derp. Jen is an adorable person who can voice the secret thoughts and feelings that everyone has; "I've just found two Mentos in my pocket!" She is serious about being foolish. Yay. She also likes to paint and knit sweaters and scarves.

will.i.am

Our fresh dope Will is going back to college to learn quantum physics! Nerdy!

Jessie J

Jessie has always liked to do those weird but almost sneakily fun things we all do- like taking and editing a million selfies and eating a lot. She hasn't let being susceptible to hateful comments get in her way if she wants to publish twenty selfies at a time. And she has struggled to learn to accept her body and how she looks as a good thing, like so many people have.


-Barista Sabita-

Images: Gage Skidmore, Intel Free Press, Eva Rinaldi Read more »

Sometimes it seems like the whole world is made up of superfans. They dominate your Twitter feed with their exclusive follow-parties and ramble on about how "utterly asdfghjkl" Zayn's new tattoo is. Sometimes they are nowhere to be seen. Most of my friends either hate or couldn't care less about Justin Bieber or One Direction. Whatever the case, there are millions and millions and...millions...okay...of those fans out there. And they are, like, really weird.

Now I don't mean that in a rude or negative way at all- in fact I am a bit of a fangirl myself at times. It's just that people who are so completely and devotedly infatuated with one pop star or another have such DIFFERENT lives to other people.

I was in the cinema yesterday with a friend (who coincidentally wanted it to be a date but I said no, I love Colin Morgan too much for that) and the trailer for Believe came on. It struck me how much the Bieber-boy means to some people, how much they've attached themselves to him, and how they basically use him as their Bible. They really look up to him as a guide and a helping hand.

It's interesting to think that there are people in the world who have put people like Justin at the centre of their lives. Some of them apparently wouldn't be around anymore if they didn't have him to keep them going, and somehow they've trained themselves to believe it matters to him whether they as individuals carry on through their hard times or not. I'm sure it does hurt him if he hears about it, but then he can't know every one of his multi-million fans' life stories, can he?

In a way it must be rather nice to have something in your life like a refuge, to occupy yourself with, perhaps especially so for those of us who don't have a religion. It must also be heavenly to have a crush who doesn't live right across the road from you so you can't ever go out for fear of having to talk to him, blushing like crazy. (Yup, that is meh.) It must also be sad, though, knowing the object of your existence will never know you as an individual person and that the obsession is only one-way. 

What do you guys think? Are superfans just ridiculous and messed-up, or should they feel blessed? Are you one? Let us know in the comments!

-Barista Sabita
 

Image: Joe Bielawa

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