Film Love: Harry Potter

I've said it before, I'll say it again - is it November already?

The new trailer for Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows was released yesterday and OMFG WOW!

To see the trailer in HD go view it on the official website HERE (I've already watched it 6 times).

Otherwise here's the version I found on youtube - I'd recommend you go to the HD version, it's SOO much prettier!

Glitter Love & Sparkles

x x x

Brooke

P.S I've been thinking a lot about Harry Potter since watching this trailer and reminiscing. It's been a part of my life for a long time now and I'm going to try and put it all into words sometime soon :)

Happyness is...

Getting this confirmation email:

 

Then getting this text message after my lovely friend read my blog post:

* I love that I still have her name as Skye Spinks even though she's married and has changed her name now *

* Oh and I have txt'd her since 2009 - just when I got my new iPhone 4 it reverted back to those msg's and I haven't figured out how to fix it yet - I'm not bothered *

Then planning and scheming all week = my face right now.

It's all happening and becoming a reality. We've looked at hotels and flights and planned our attack. It's nice that we're both travel agents and can email each other heaps through the day. We both know what to look at and where to get the great deals for ourselves. 

I'm allowing myself to get excited about this now.

'Scuse me while I go paint my nails black & white and watch the new episode of GLEE!

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke 

I am a Collingwood supporter

I AM A COLLINGWOOD SUPPORTER AND I'M PROUD OF IT!

I have been a Collingwood Football supporter all my life (for those internationals reading this see THIS to find out about AFL and THIS for the Collingwood FC website). Born and bred that way - both of my parents support the club and have been paying members over the years. It's something I've grown up with and it's the only club that I have known to love. 

I'm not a fair-weather supporter. I've never turned my back on them in hard times and I ALWAYS tip them in my footy tipping competitions. Back in 2004 (our second Grand Final loss in a row) I was at Victoria Park with thousands of Collingwood fans suffering together in the rain. I love my team - even in the hard times.

What I don't love is the stereotype and stigma attached to being a Collingwood supporter.

All of my life I've copped it and it's always bothered me - it's only now that I have a place to share my thoughts on the subject and with a little life perspective I can see that it's not ok.

I know we have some crazy fans - but all clubs do (did anyone watch Before the Game on Saturday night - did you see that guy after Geelong lost?). I know we have some supporters who are a little feral and yell at umpires and say inappropriate things - but all clubs do (I've heard really disgusting racist comments coming from opposing teams supporters at the footy). I know we can be a little one sided when it comes to our club - but isn't everyone when it comes down to the wire? Don't we all believe our clubs are the best even when they possibly aren't?

On Friday night Collingwood FC demolished a club who have dominated as a team in the AFL for the past 2 years - it was a thrashing in the Preliminary Final. After winning that game we've made it into the Grand Final. THIS is huge and instead of being able to enjoy it and be happy and share it on facebook I logged in to see sooooo many of my friends bad mouthing and belittling the club that I love.

As a Collingwood supporter if my teams wins and I mention it I'm being cocky, if my team loses and I try and defend my club I'm just making excuses. There is no way I can fully enjoy a win and share it on any social network site (apart from twitter because most of my followers are non-Australians or don't care about footy) or in person without someone making a comment about how my club sucks.

JUST BECAUSE I'M A COLLINGWOOD SUPPORTER DOESN'T CHANGE MY INTELLIGENCE OR THE AWESOME PERSON I AM.

I have had my Collingwood scarf hanging on my desk all week - because I am really excited about the game on Saturday - and I have had so many bad comments from customers about it. People think they have the right to say what they like to a Collingwood supporter and are shocked if you react. You get an eye roll and a "typical Collingwood supporter" look.

One repeat customer even went as far as to say "oh and I've been telling people how nice you are, maybe I was wrong". She said it as a joke but after years of these comments I don't find it funny anymore.

One lady today also picked up my scarf and scoffed and with a look of disgust said "What's this? Who does this rubbish belong to" - I was so annoyed I may have snapped at her a little and said "If you don't like it, don't touch it thanks".

I know I could just take it down and the comments would stop but I don't see why I should hide my support for my club. They've worked really hard this year, played amazing football and deserve to be where they are and I'm proud of them and I'm proud to be a Collingwood supporter! Win or lose I'll still feel that way.

One of my friends on twitter (a fellow Collingwood fan) wrote the following on her twitter feed today:

"You know, I'm kinda over being ridiculed for being a pies supporter. I chose the team when I was very small, and you can't go back."

"I hate telling people I'm a pies supporter, only for them to look at me like I'm diseased. I've had people stop talking to me altogether!"

"My husband makes up stories about how he didn't know, before we got married. He actively barracks against my team. I always support his."

"It's way worse than any racism I've encountered. I have all my teeth, I'm educated, we're in the Grand Final, STFU"

I don't bad mouth other clubs. I don't bad mouth other teams. I don't gloat when my team wins. I don't sent "haha" text messages if we beat a team a friend supports. I don't do anything that could be deemed offensive when it comes to the footy. I love the footy. I love my team. I love that we're in the Grand Final on Saturday. I know it's not the end of the world if we win or lose (though I would love a win). Footy doesn't rule my life. I just want to be able to enjoy the football without the snide comments.

What do you guys think - anyone else faced this kind of thing as a supporter of a team? I'm pretty sure it's universal and that really bothers me.

You don't need to love my club but you do need to provide me with the same respect you would any other person when it comes to football - no matter who they barrack for. My club doesn't and shouldn't define me but I love it all the same.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke



P.S Check out my sisters and I circa 1980's - we've been fans for life!

Something Corporate plus Jack's Mannequin

On Wednesday I received an email that made my heart flutter.

This was what it said:

"If you have been dreaming of a night filled with the music of both Jack's Mannequin and Something Corporate all while helping a great cause, you are in luck! The first annual concert to benefit the Dear Jack Foundation will be held on November 18th at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. This evening will mark the first time Andrew will perform with both of his bands, and he will also be joined on stage by special guests Marc Roberge from OAR and singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on September 18th via Ticketmaster.

"This is going to be a really special night. To share the stage with so many close friends is a blessing in itself, but to do so while working on behalf of young adults with cancer gives me great joy," McMahon says. "Hopefully this is a tradition that will last for many years to come."

In addition to great music, a raffle will be held at the show where fans can win special prizes including autographed gear, vacation packages, and more. An online auction featuring signed memorabilia by the band and friends will also be held to benefit the Dear Jack Foundation. Details of the online auction will be announced at a later date.

For more updates, follow Dear Jack Foundation on Twitter - @dearjackhq "

 

I know the show is in LA and I'm here in Australia - I know I've just been to London and I have plans for Africa next year - I know I don't technically have much annual leave left to use - I know all of this but I still REALLY REALLY REALLY want to try and make this happen.

 

This show is pretty much the show of my DREAMS. I've never seen Something Corporate live before and I have been in love with their music for years. To have both playing a special show together would completely blow my mind. I have tried to talk my sister into going with me for 4 days (2 in LA and then 2 at Disneyland) but she's under the impression that her work wouldn't be as flexible as mine and she doesn't have the money for it. I've tried to talk a friend into this with the same excuses given to me.

 

I want to be spontanious. I want to be there for this. I want THIS feeling again.

 

I don't care if it seems crazy to other people, I know this is something I will regret if I don't do it. I'm pretty sure I can get a really great price on some flights and I know I can get some great deals on hotels. I just feel that if they are saying it's going to be special then that means the posibility of Konstantine, of Walking By, or Hurricane. I don't know how I'd feel if I read about this later and knew I could have tried to be there.

 

This is why I'm still awake at 12.45am on a Sunday night at my computer. Tickets go onsale in about a 2 hours and I'm buying two tickets. I'll then hope that I can get some "agent" rates for flights and if that happens then I'm there. If not then I'll donate my tickets to someone else who is desperate to go but couldn't get/afford tickets.

 

*I want this*

 

I've been living vicariously through this dvd for too long. It's about time to experience it for myself.

Wish me luck in my crazy plans.
 

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Post craziness

But this was toooooooo good to not share today!!!!

Even though I enjoyed the last album (bar one song) this is a welcome return to form from my favourite Southerners.

I can't wait for you to tour here again.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x  x x

Brooke

Blue is the new purple

I've been wanting to try a different colour with my hair and after seeing Scott Pilgrim it was pretty easy to decide that that colour had to be electric blue.

I ordered the hair dye and then had to wait a painstaking week and a half (thanks Australia Post) but as soon as it arrived the adventures began.

First process was to try and bleach out the left over purple - when I took the bleach out my hair was flourescent pink! I didn't think it was a good idea to try and bleach it down anymore without fear of my hair snapping off - so I put the blue on and waited. I worried that the mixture of blue and pink would turn it purple but once I washed it out I had electric blue hair - exactly what I wanted.

It's taken me about a week to try and get photos - basically due to the fact that when I get home from work it's already dark and the flash distorts the colouring - I wanted to get photos that show this colour as close as it possibly can.

Today I had success. (I haven't edited these photos like I usually do so that you can see the actual colour rather than a manipulated colour)

I've washed it a couple of times and already I can see that the pink is trying to shine through - so I have some end bits that are turning this beautiful purple colour.

I also dyed the top part a chocolate brown because the colour I had it before just didn't go so well with the blue.

I really really love this colour and I know it'll be a while before I change it to another colour (I'm already plotting for summer).

Glitter Love & Sparkles

x x x

Brooke

P.S - I would have waited to post this until tomorrow so that it wasn't two posts in a day, but I couldn't.

Travel Stories: UK part 2 - London Musicals (and Jonas)

I think it's time for another travel story from my trip to London in June.

Crystal and I were on the tube on our way back to our apartment that we had rented for the first week. In London they have these free newspapers that are handed out at the end of the work day to commuters on the tube. I was casually reading through the paper when I noticed a picture of Nick Jonas in London. I read the article and found out that he was performing as Marius in Les Miserables for 3 weeks (and we'd be around to see it if we chose).

I was exstatic - Crystal wouldn't let me buy tickets when we were in New York last year to see the Jonas Brothers for my birthday so this time I wasn't letting her choose, we were seeing this musical.

I think we were on about day 4 or 5 by that stage and we had already decided to go see another musical (we'd already seen Billy Elliott) so we went to the cheap tkts booth to try our luck. The guy at the booth was super helpful and told us that there were no discounted tickets for Les Miserables due to a Jonas brother performing (der that was why we wanted to go) and suggested to get the best tickets we should go to the box office (which was conveniently around the corner) and pre-purchase tickets for another night.

We ended up seeing Sister Act the musical that evening and once we had bought our tickets for that we headed to the box office of the theatre where we got amazing tickets for the following week. It was to be our final night in London special event.

I have seen quite a few musicals in my time but I've never seen Les Miserables before. I have friends who have told me it's their favourite musical but for some reason or another I've just always missed it.

I was absolutely blown away by this musical. It was powerful, emotional, rough, endearing and enchanting. I was totally wrapped up in the characters and storyline and I even shead a tear or two at the end.

The most surprising thing for me is though most know him for his cheesey pop songs and boy band persona, Nick Jonas was simply amazing as Marius. Now I know I've never seen anyone else as this character before but I don't know if anyone else will live up to it anymore. He was sweet, vulnerable, loving and caring - and he sang so differently than what he does when he's a part of Jonas - he was a powerhouse!

I don't even know what it is about these boys that I like so much - they don't play the kind of music I usually like and it's not because of their music that I like them. I watch Jonas (shhhhh), I love Disney original movies so Camp Rock 1 & 2 are naturally included in that love, but there's something about them that I still can't get enough of.

* From Camp Rock 2 *

 

* The boys show us their home town *

I don't care what anyones says - I think these boys are sweethearts.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Klaxons round up

I've already talked about the Klaxons before in Music Mondays - well this time around i'm going to talk all about their show on Friday night at the Palace in Melbourne.

A new album always brings a hope of a tour and with "Surfing the Void" fresh off the presses Klaxons kindly decided to visit our shores on a short promo tour. Anticipation was high for this new album and it hasn't disappointed. It was time to find out if it would translate live.

Boy oh boy did it translate! They burst onstage to flashing lights and loud screams from the crowd and the energy and awesomeness did not disappear until they finished their set. With a set made up of mostly new album tracks it would have been easy for a crowd to get bored (especially since we've only had about 2 weeks to learn these new songs) but there was not one bored face that I could see in the crowd.

Everywhere you looked there was happyness - I think that came from the fact that the boys looked like they were having the time of their lives onstage and that poured out onto every person in the room.

** What's that you say - another setlist? Yeah Crystal got one this time **

It was a really super fun set and I still can't stop re-living it every time I listen to their album (which is a lot).

I'm even happier since I get to see them again SOOOOOON! Yesterday I booked my tickets for the Falls Festival in Tasmania - this means I'll be celebrating the new year with bands like Klaxons, Interpol, The National, Public Enemy, The RAPTURE (OMFG SOOOO EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE!!), Hot Hot Heat, and SOOOO many more bands (check out the line up HERE). I don't think this has sunk in properly yet.

I also still haven't got a great photo of my hair yet but I have got a day off on Thursday and it's my aim to snap a few then - so never fear my friends the hair update is coming .

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

P.S I find the best thing about having this blog is that I can go see bands and not have to be all professional and neutral while writing about them - I love that I can *swoon* and rave on about them and you guys can join in my on super love for bands.

I've been getting a lot of first time visitors to my blog lately and I was thinking of doing an "about me" post because I don't think I've really done that here - I usually hate trying to describe myself so if you have any questions about my life or work or travel or music etc. Or if you just want to say hi and introduce yourself -  that'd be cool too :)

Plus I've just hit 101 posts!!! WOO go me!

Music Mondays: I want to live in this performance

Seriously!!!

Glitter Sparks & Happyness
x x x
Brooke

Why I love: Lime Crime Lipsticks

I've always been a fan of red lipstick and have gone from brand to brand trying out different shades to find that perfect red. It's always been out of reach until that beautiful make up brand Lime Crime released their line of lipsticks.

Ahhhhhh Lime Crime makeup. My absolute life saver. So bright it's illegal and so beautiful I can barely stand to live without it.

As soon as I first applied my Retrofuturist red lipstick I was in love - it's bright, solid, long lasting and simply divine. It's become a staple in my going out make up as it adds a little oomph to my look.

I love it - and as a bonus everyone can enjoy a discount of 25% off Retrofuturist lipstick by clicking on the above image and using the discount code "HELLORED". This coupon is valid until September 8th so get in QUICK!!!!

I love my Lime Crime lipstick and I'm sure you all will too!!!

Glitter Sparks & Happyness
x x x
Brooke