Recent Book Hauls

Book hauls have always been my favorite videos to make and are usually my favorite videos to watch. Due to good sales and cheap secondhand shops I've acquired a crap ton (official recorded weight) of books over the last few months. Below are two videos documenting those acquisitions in an attempt to show you how hard I've failed at saving money, and how my rabid consumerism has caused me to run out of shelf space.








I haven't been posting videos as often, but I'm still posting. Unfortunately my computer is getting old and iMovie doesn't work as well as it should. For my computer's health, and my own, I've had to limit the amount of time I spend editing. Hopefully this will change sometime soon, but for now I'll try to maintain a once a week schedule. Thanks for sticking with me! For more videos and updates subscribe to GetAKloo.

I swear I'll read them all eventually...

-S

More Books

Well hello there,

I bought a ridiculous number of books over the last few months that I thought I'd share with you all.

Please let me know if you find these videos interesting, if you've read any of the books that were mentioned, or if you plan on reading any of them!

-S

The A-Z Book Tag

Hello Hello!

I posted a new video last week on my Youtube channel. It's just under 20 minutes long with tons of awkward jump cuts, but I covered 26 books so I'd say that's pretty good for my second time filming. When I told my parents about it my mom immediately asked who I expected to watch such a long video and I promptly answered, no one. At this point in time I'm just making videos to get better at it. I don't expect them to be perfect, let alone good. Making Youtube videos was something I talked about doing for a long time but would always come up with excuses not to actually do it. I don't have a good camera, I don't know how to edit, I feel awkward talking to myself, I'm too ugly, I don't know what to talk about, and the list went on. Now I'm finally putting all those doubts aside and taking action in my life. You know, the whole idea of you don't know until you try.

Who knows if I will continue to make videos for the long term or if this will eventually end one day soon after realizing I don't care about it anymore. The fun thing about making your own content online is that you can do what you want, when you want, and you don't have to pressure yourself into making something you don't feel like making (unless it's your job/main source of income, then that's probably different).

Honestly if you watch this video at all I will be entirely grateful and if you happen to stick around until the end, well I'll be shocked and awed.

Oh and P.S. I recently changed the name of my channel to GetaKloo and I can't decide if I like it or not, so let me know what you think.

-S

My Week In Links 2

Hi guys and gals,

I've been a bad blogger recently and haven't kept up on things for the last couple of weeks. So let's get up to date, shall we?

My brother and his girl friend got engaged last week in Disney World! Disney is one of her favorite places and I had a hunch he would do it there, but none of us actually knew before it happened. We're all pretty damn excited about it though. They're adorable and I love them.

This illustration reminded me of them (source)

I really hope everyone saw this video of Anne Hathaway's lip sync battle with Emily Blunt. So perfect.

In case you haven't seen this either. OMG the excitement!! Like for reals this needs to come out already.

(source)

Also, apparently Adam Carolla made a movie about Paul Newman's racing career and it looks super good. What's better than one of Hollywood's finest men and car racing? Well probably a lot of things, but I'll definitely watch this movie.

I'm really late to the party on this one, but I just discovered Casey Neistat (yeah I know I'm behind the times). So I've been watching way too many of his videos lately and they're absolutely inspiring. Talk about someone who has worked hard and is living the dream. Just a reminder to keep doing what you love because you never know what kind of opportunities it will bring.

Saturday was Record Store Day. I picked up the two special releases shown above, but it was surprisingly disappointing this year. My dad and I got to RPM Records at 8:08 am (they opened at 8:00) and by then everything we really wanted was gone. Neither of us thought there would be so many people there right when it opened. I guess now we know for next year.

This is so accurate.

Candles, candles, I want all the candles.

I painted and redecorated my room last week. I'm currently working on a more in depth blog post about it, but there's still a lot of finishing touches that need to be done. I might wait until everything is done before showing it off. (hopefully it won't take too long though)

This pillow would be a perfect addition to the new room.

I also really love this Dirty Dancing poster.

I'm thinking this will be the next mug in my collection. Nothing inspires more confidence than Agent Carter. Know your value ladies and gents. They better be bringing that show back in the fall or else I'm gonna be pissed.

Finally, these because they're too funny not to share.

-S

Joining Booktube

I'm very excited to say I made my first book related Youtube video the other day. I made a video last spring talking about makeup and hadn't felt inspired to make another one until now. Since I've purchased quite a few books recently, I  thought, "why not a book haul video?" Personally I love book haul videos. I follow a lot of Booktubers so I've been contemplating making a book related video for a while but never followed through with it... until now.

There are lots of "ums" and "so yeahs" that I hope to decrease in the next video. I figure things can only improve from here, and I'm sure it'll take time for me to develop a good rhythm.

Thank you for watching! Please feel free to like and subscribe and all of that stuff.

-S

My First Video

Hey guys, I finally decided to stop putting it off and made a video. There's lots of rambling and I definitely don't have the best editing skills, but it was pretty fun to make. The video is mostly about my search for a new foundation. It's not a review of the product, which will probably come later. Hope you guys enjoy!

Like I said in the video, I have no idea if I'll make any more but if you liked this format and want to see more let me know. I'd love your feedback.

-S

Once In A Lifetime

I haven't been able to stop listening to this song lately. I don't know what it is about love songs that keep pulling me back in even with the lack of love interest in my life. I think it's been so long since I've had even a crush on someone I'm convinced I'm trying to fill some sort of gap. Love songs always balance the line of giving me hope and making me sad.

This isn't even the type of music I normally am interested in either (then again, I guess I don't really have a "type" of music), I just really love it. A byproduct of following a plethera of YouTubers is being exposed to the music they love. I found Landon Austin through FleurDeForce, though I was slightly surprised I hadn't checked him out previously by way of Luke Conard.

It's probably one of those songs I'll end up overplaying, be sick of for a year, and then rediscover my love for it again at a later date (this happens often enough). Anyway, I thought I'd share. Hope you guys enjoy!

-S

Back to J. High

So I'm a little late to the game on Fall Out Boy's Save Rock and Roll album, but I finally discovered just how good it was yesterday. Now I'm obsessed. I am loving their recent series of music videos too. I think my favorite songs so far are Phoenix, Alone Together, and Young Volcanoes.

I've also recently started liking Paramore's Still Into You and Panic! At the Disco's Miss Jackson and This is Gospel. I feel like I'm back in Junior High seeing these bands in my playlists again.

I have also still been loving Bastille and The 1975 (it's been an all summer long kind of obsession with these two). Bastille are masters when it comes to covers. I can't stop listening to this one lately.

-S

Musical Gems

This came out today and was totally worth the watch. Matthew Healy of The 1975 played some songs for NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts. I'm loving these stripped down and acoustic versions. 

Here are a few more musical gems for you all today.

Chance Waters does a cover of Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons. Not what I was expecting but it such a good way.

The lovely voice of Angus Stone singing a cover of Hold On by Alabama Shakes. All the lovely things together as one.

Crazy by Au Revior Simone.

Closer Than This from St. Lucia.

Hope you enjoy!

-S

Can We Take A Moment...

...to talk about how amazing Amy Yakima has been this season and how much I absolutely loved her and Robert's dance tonight. This girl can do no wrong, she just keeps getting better and better. Between tonights dance and her routine with Travis Wall last week, I can't decide which dance I love better, or who she had more chemistry with. Amy just seems to fit with everyone.

I wasn't thrilled to hear they're picking two winners this year, but I really hope Amy and Aaron win. I love Jasmine and Fik-Shun too, but if there has to only be two winners Amy and Aaron are definitely my top choices.

-S

Grow Up With Me

"Grow up with me
Let’s run in fields and through the dark together.
Fall off swings, and burn special things, and both play outside in bad weather.

Let’s eat badly.
Let’s watch adults drink wine and laugh at their idiocy.
Let’s sit in the back of the car,
Making eye-contact with strangers driving past making them uncomfortable.

Not caring.
Not swearing. 
Don’t fuck.

Let’s both reclaim our superpowers;
The ones we will have and lose with our milk teeth.
The ability not to fear social awkwardness,
To panic when locked in the cellar;
Still sure there’s something down there.
And while picking through pillows each feather,
Let’s both stay away from the edge of the bed, forcing us closer together.

Let’s sit in public with ice-cream all over both our faces;
Sticking our tongues out at passers by.
Let’s cry.
Let’s swim.
Let’s everything.

Let’s not find it funny lest someone falls over.
Classical music is boring.
Poetry baffles us both.
There is nothing that’s said is what’s meant.
Plays are long tiresome, sullen and filled with hours that could have be spent rolling down hills
And grazing our knees on cement.

Let’s hear stories and both lose our innocence.
Learn about parents and forgiveness,
Death and morality,
Kindness and art,
Thus losing both of our innocent hearts,
But at least we won’t do it apart.

Grow up with me”

by Keaton Henson

I encourage everyone to check out Keaton Henson and his amazing musical talents. I haven't been able to stop listening to this poem all month.

-S

A Speech Worth Sharing

I've been a long time fan of Ashton Kutcher... mostly because he's so good looking, but this speech he gave at the Teen Choice Award showed off a different side of him. He gave some great advice, not just for teens, for everyone.

"The sexiest thing in the entire world is being really smart, and being thoughtful, and being generous." It's so, so, so true.

Failed Attempts

I'm pretty sure I just unintentionally drew something resembling Ron Swanson (if he had a beard too) when I attempted Charlie Hunnam earlier.... don't even know how that happened. 

Or maybe it looks nothing like him either.

I just keep looking at the drawing then at the picture I was trying to copy and cracking up at how poorly this turned out. Not all attempts at art are going to be successful. The only way you'll ever get better is by making more art. It may be cliche, but that's really the best advice for any artist/person.

From the Neil Gaiman "Make Good Art" speech. 

Seriously, it's an awesome speech. Go watch it. Do it. Now. I get so happy every time I watch it.

-S

If You Do One Thing Today...

It should be to watch this official music video of Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford & Sons. You will not be disappointed.

I love this song. I love this band. I love all the guys in this video. Perfection.

I'm pretty sure there were tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday. I've spent the day relaxing (nothing new there) and trying to save money by not going out to get coffee. Must resist... must resist.

-S

5 Songs I've Been Loving So Far in July

How is it July 15th? How is it two days away from my birthday? Time sure does fly.

1. Instant Crush by Daft Punk (ft. Julian Casablancas) from Random Access Memories

2. Panic Cord by Gabrielle Aplin from English Rain

3. Life by The Avett Brothers from The Carpenter

4. Take Back the Night by Justin Timberlake from The 20/20 Experience: Part 2

5. Tom Ford by JAY Z from Magna Carta... Holy Grail

Enjoy!

What songs have you been loving this month?

-S

Pickwick

A few weeks ago my friend sent me this video.

I may be late to the game, but this guys voice is majestic. I have been loving live versions of songs and my friend, Gabby, has been sending me a ton of it lately. I can say I was a little disappointed to not find these songs for sale anywhere though, nor did I find more than a few EP songs available on iTunes. This is about to tomorrow though, when Pickwick releases their new full length album, "Can't Talk Medicine," that you can listen to here. Go on take a listen. It's all good stuff guys!

Feb/March 2013 Playlist

Music I've been loving throughout February and the first part of March.

• Old Pine by Ben Howard
• I'd Rather Go Blind by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa
• Dark Doo Wop by MS MR
• You Don't Care by Fallulah
• The Fear by Ben Howard
• Girl From the North Country by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan
• Always Alright by Alabama Shakes
• Sinner's Prayer by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa
• I Lay My Head by Fallulah
• Symptoms by Atlas Genius
• Millstone by Brand New
• Hey Love by Miner
• Mouths to Feed by The Epochs
• Bones by MS MR
• Cliche by Hey Champ
• Oceans by Coasts
• Wake Up by AWOLNATION
• How Come You Don't Want Me by Tegan and Sara

I made a youtube playlist of the list because some of the songs weren't working on 8 tracks. I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I have been!

Glee and Whitney

Last night I finally found the time to watch Tuesday's episode of Glee and I was actually really happy about it. With songs from such a powerful voice as Whitney Houston's I was kind of concerned they couldn't pull it off.

I mean right from the start when they sang How Will I Know, my eyes got watery... and don't even get me started on Kurt's performance of I Have Nothing. The line up of songs they chose was really great. My least favorite song was actually I Want To Dance With Somebody, I was just not feeling their version of the song, although it's definitely one of my favorite Whitney songs.

The only problem I have with Glee still after three seasons is their lack of a good story line at time. They try to tie a bunch of songs together and that often makes the story lines unbelievable or practically non existant.

Oh Darren....your face body voice.

Also this song will always remind me of dance class, because I had one teacher who always used it as one of our warm up songs.

Jukebox

Thank you Tumblr for once again introducing me to wonderful music such as Jukebox the Ghost. These guys are awesome and I'm really digging there sound at the moment.

Just a few good ones. And if you like Empire I'd recommend getting it for free by entering your email on their website.

Also, because I'm listening to this right now and it reminds me of good things...

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I keep thinking mine will get better, but we'll see.

RIP Etta James

Etta James was one of the greatest artist of her time. Her music has inspired me in every way, shape and form. Her voice, her soul, her style, Ms. James' songs have always been some of my favorite to dance to. I listen to Etta when I'm sad, when I'm happy, when I'm lonely, or just when I need something to fill my time. I thank Ms. James for sharing her gift with me and the world.

Etta's version of At Last is beautiful, but my all time favorite song is Sunday Kind of Love. I love everything about this song and will never get enough of it.