I have been in a television show rut lately. I was re-watching one of my favorite shows Torchwood just for the hell of it but I wanted something new to watch that gave me just as much as excitement that Torchwood did the first time I watched it just about four years ago. After doing some Googling ("good BBC dramas", "Channel 4 dramas"), I stumbled upon the Channel 4 show Utopia. I watched the first few minutes of the first episode from the first season and was instantly hooked. The violence, the mystery, the colors, the cinematography and the soundtrack were all things that intrigued me at once. I'm currently on the fifth episode out of six in the first season and I am completely addicted. In a nut shell, it's about a group of internet friends that unwilling unravel the secret conspiracies behind a popular comic book. It's extremely violent so it's not for the faint hearted but I definitely recommend if you're looking for some smart and visually stunning T.V.
Top Shelf: Fiercely Fabulous O.P.I. nail polish + Simple hydrating lotion
Somehow I acquired a tiny bottle of Sephora for O.P.I.'s (or O.P.I. for Sephora?) Fiercely Fabulous a few years back. Only when I run out of it do I realize that it's the perfect shade of red orange. I searched at Sephora for a replacement bottle but found nothing (purchased Clinique's Dramatically Different moisturizer though). Instead I ordered it online and to my surprise the bottle is two times bigger than the average O.P.I. bottle!
Before I use the aforementioned Clinique product, I'm finishing up Simple's hydrating lotion. For a sample I got last year from Target, I'm actually really impressed by it. It's the right amount of thick while still remaining light enough to wear on my face in the middle of August. I can also use it on my body (took it with for a vacation weekend in northern Wisconsin) so it's good for travel.
Tech Check: Duolingo app
I can't remember where or when I read about this app I've been using to teach myself the basics of French. It's called Duolingo and it works two ways: the user learns a language or brushes up on one all while simultaneously translating text from the Internet. This visually stimulating video explains it so much better. The point, though, is that it's free, you're learning or re-learning a language as well as helping someone out.
Jams: The Dead Weather
I have fallen head over heels in love with Jack White this summer and along my journey discovering his musical talents I have stopped at the Dead Weather. There's something a whole lot darker about the Dead Weather compared to The Raconteurs, The White Stripes or his solo stuff and I'm totally hooked. I'm a massive fan of The Kills as well so I am always pleased to listen to Alison Mosshart. Favorite tracks (and videos) include Hustle and Cuss, I Cut Like A Buffalo, Treat Me Like Your Mother and So Far From Your Weapon.