Thor: The Dark World

My first movie review! Let's do this!

 

 

 

video from MOVIECLIPS Trailers

 

**Please remember that I am NOT a professional. Also, all opinions are my own and I am not affiliated with Marvel Comics**

 

CAST:

Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Kat Dennings (Darcy)

 

RATING:

PG-13

 

BRIEF SYNOPSIS:

Thor: The Dark World picks up right after the events in The Avengers. The story starts in Asgard with Loki being sentenced for trying to rule Earth and Thor trying to restore peace. Jane Foster (Thor's girlfriend) is in London waiting for him to return (like he promised) when she becomes aware of a really cool phenomenon that eventually reunites her with Thor and pulls her into his world. Together they must try to stop the Dark Elves (the baddies) from using the phenomenon and a dark force called the Aether and destroying the ENTIRE UNIVERSE!!

 

THE GOOD:

* Just like with all Marvel movies Thor: The Dark World is just a really fun movie that is fast paced and action filled. The battles aren't over the top and don't overwhelm the movie (see Man of Steel for the exact opposite of this) instead they are well placed and well planned.

* The characters are super likeable and you actually feel for them. There is some drama and I did she'd a tear (although I cry at Cheerios commercials so...) which to me just means they've been well written.

* It follows the Marvel Universe story line. If you follow the Universe you'll love that fact. If you don't you can still enjoy this film but you may not get some of the references.

* Tom Hiddleston (Loki - SWOON) and Kat Dennings (Darcy). These two are seriously like the shining stars for this film. Tom Hiddleston is pitch perfect as Loki and throughout each scene you simultaneously want to hug him and punch him in his oh so perfect face. I mean just look at him:

 

 

photo from totalfilm

 

I also just ADORE Kat Dennings, seriously, we should be best friends. I thinks she's hilarious and absolutely perfect.

 

THE BAD:

* The forced love triangle between Thor, Sif, and Jane. Maybe it was for extra drama or maybe the thought the women in the audience would like more of a love story but it didn't work. It just felt weird and out of place and nobody, not even the characters themselves, cared.

* The under utilization of the Warriors 3 and Lady Sif. With the exception of the above, Thor's crew kind of got the shaft, and yes I know they're supposed to be minor characters. However, I feel like the characters and actors are way too good to shove in a corner until needed. Also, I was super excited that Zachary Levi was Fandral this time around and to not see him to get the screen time he deserves just made me sad.

* Not very exciting bad guys. Maybe it's because I love Loki and think he is just the perfect antagonist for Thor or maybe it's because the Dark Elves just reminded me too much of Lord of the Rings, but I just didn't really appreciate them as the baddies.

 

BONUS INFO:

* Like with all Marvel movies stick through the credits for 2(!) bonus scenes.

* Also, BABY SPOILER, keep your eyes peeled for an Avenger cameo.

 

FINAL VERDICT:

GO SEE IT! It's fun, the actors are amazing, and you'll have a good time.

 

Now tell me! Have you seen Thor: The Dark World and what did you think? Also leave me feed back about my review!!

 

PS: Read my Thor Marathon post here

Your Handy Dandy Guide to a Movie Marathon

Confession: I love comic book movies! More specifically Marvel comic movies. I like DC movies, but they're almost too dark, whereas Marvel always has a sense of humor about them. ANYWAY, I totally blame my older brother for all of this because he has always been OBSESSED with comic books and forced them upon me at a young age.

 

Side note: My favorite Marvel heroes are Wolverine (because he's a badass, and yes I liked him pre-Hugh Jackman, although he sure does help ❤❤) and Captain America (because Chris Evans and because he's Captain Freaking America!!). Also, I always wanted to be Storm when I grew up but sadly my super powers haven't come in yet.   

 

All of this confession time brings me to the Thor Movie Marathon Event presented by AMC Theaters. The marathon consisted of three movies: Thor, The Avengers, and Thor: The Dark World. So, I rounded up my crew and we hit the theater!!

Oh, and we just happened to be dressed like this:

(I'm Captain America -- obviously)

My dad also joined us for the day but he was too cool to join in the costumey fun.

 

Now, our AMC has reserved seating so we didn't need to get there super early, but speaking from experience if your theater doesn't reserves seats I would get there at least an hour and a half early. The first movie started at 2:30 so we got there around 1:45 so that we could get situated and get snacks!!

 

Snacks leads us to another good movie marathon tip: If your theater of choice has a rewards system - GET IT!! AMC has the Stubs Rewards card that cost $12/yr and with it you can get free concession upgrades, $10 for every $100 spent, plus other great deals. Now I am a reward hoarder so on the day of I had $50 in rewards (you do the math) and because I bought the tickets I also got some bonus rewards to use for the day. This means not only did I not have to spend a dime all day I was also able to treat my friends!!

 

Something else that makes these marathons fun is that during breaks they will often do trivia to give away prizes! Thanks to awesome nerdiness I won a pair of Thor 3D glasses:

 

(shown along with my Marathon pass)

 

All in all these events are a lot of fun. This was my fourth (previous ones include: The Dark Knight Trilogy, Twilight Saga, and Ironman) and they're just a really nice way to spend the day. To find out when these events happen check with your local theater and follow AMC on all of their social media.

 

 

Now tell me! Have you attended a movie marathon (if so which ones) and what movie franchise do you think deserves their own marathon?

 

PS: I am not affiliated with AMC Theaters and all opinions are my own.

 

PSS: I'm planning a review for Thor: The Dark World - my first one (and I'm scared!!)

Rose VoxBox

I just got my second VoxBox from Influenster!! If you all remember I received the SunKissed VoxBox over the summer (I will provide links to those adventures below). The items included in this box are from the brands: Rimmel London, Dr. Scholl's for Her, belVita, Kiss, and Lind LINDOR chocolate. And for your viewing pleasure here is a photo:

 

 

All of these items were provided complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes!

 

And now for the first impressions:

 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara: I love the original Scandaleyes and I am a huge fan of mascara in general so I am über excited to try this out.

 

Dr. Scholl's for Her Cozy Cushions: OMG you guys these are sooooo soft! I just want to use them for a pillow...that's not weird right??

 

belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits: Confession time -- I NEVER eat breakfast (I know, I know...). These however look really yummy and are convenient so maybe they will make me a breakfast eater.

 

Kiss Gradation Polishes: I received the set in Exposure. Nail Polish is my obsession. Enough said.

 

Lindt  LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles:  CHOCOLATE!!!!

 

Keep an eye out for other posts, I did individual posts the last time but I may combine this time around...also check out my Instagram (@Anniedannie) and Twitter (@lilannietweets) for updates. Click the links below to read the posts from my first VoxBox:

 

 

 My First VoxBox

Dr. Scholl's for Her High Heels

Sinfulcolors Review

Goody Hair Elastic Hair Ribbons


Olay Fresh Effects Bb Cream

Who's The Fairest of Them All

You could say that I horde nail polish, but personally I like to think of myself of a "collector."  That being said when a new collection comes out I go through the motions of stalking it in stores and through magazines and looking up swatches online and on Instagram. The one brand that never seems to disappoint is OPI and their new San Francisco collection is no exception. 

I mean just look at some their print ads:

from The Moodie Report

From babble

GORGEOUS!!!

I knew that I was going to have to gobble some of these colors up and have seen some pretty amazing swatches but then OPI had to go and post this one on Facebook:

Muir Muir on the Wall! I loved the name and OMG that color! It's like Fall in a Freaking Bottle!! Naturally this leaped to top of my must buy list and I had to rush out and get it and now it currently resides on my fingertips

This may be my new go to fall nail color, heck I may never wear a different color this fall (OK that may not be true...)! I am literally obsessed and I have a feeling that I may need to go get another bottle in fear that they won't make it permanent and then I'll run out and then I'll be sad because there will never be a color as amazing as this one....

NOW TELL ME! Do you have a favorite nail polish brand (mine is most definitely OPI!)? What color are you obsessing over? AND be sure to head to my Instagram (anniedannie) to check out photos of this lovely in action!

Fall Bucket List

Original

Yes, I know bucket lists are a little....done...but I still like them so there! Anyway, Yahoo had a list of fall bucket list items (you can read that list here) and it inspired me to come with my own little bucket list. Granted there are really only five items but it makes it just a little more attainable don't you think??

So, without further ado...here are is my Fall Bucket List

1. Go to the Pumpkin Patch!
   I adore apple orchards and we have some pretty stellar ones around our neck of the woods. One of my favorites is the Bellevue Berry Farm (visit their site here). I like this one because it's a bit smaller than the MEGA patch that we have and doesn't seem like such money driven endeavor. The staff is super friendly and their pumpkin prices are reasonable...and I really want a pumpkin.
   
   And speaking of the Berry Farm...
2. I want to go on their Haunted Hay Ride!
   I don't particularly like being scared but I've gone on this one a couple of times and it's not so bad, and their is something infinitely safer feeling being on the hay ride, because thane it's mostly just noise. You can click through to the Ranch of Terror. 
3. Corn Mazes!
   So, I have no sense of direction whats so ever, I am forever getting lost and calling my dad to get me unlost, but I still really like going to corn mazes. On a side note, I TOTALLY cheat at corn mazes and cut through the stalks...please tell me I'm not the only one!
4. Visiting a Vineyard
   I'm by no means a great wine drinker and in truth am kind of picky about the wine I drink but there is just something about visiting a vineyard in the fall that just seems lovely... If you happen to be in Iowa I suggest checking out Breezy Hills Vineyard (click here) they are pretty amazing!
                     And Last But Certainly Not Least...
5. I want to carve a pumpkin...or decorate it in some cute way... kind of like this:

   

   Original site is here
   
   
   Well there is my "Bucket List" what do you want to accomplish this fall??

   
                                               

Welcome to Cornfed Beauty!

For all of you newbies out there this blog used to be called Candy and Zebra Stripes, and while I adored the adorableness of it I felt like I needed a more concise, somewhat grown up name which led me to Cornfed Beauty!

About the Name
I am from Iowa and while I live in town (the seventh biggest city in Iowa to be exact -- trust me it's a big deal) if you travel even 20 minutes outside of our town, and even within town, you are bound to find some corn stalks! Needless to say we're known for corn..and it's not even my favorite vegetable (GASP!)

Anyway, I wanted to focus on the fact that I am from the Midwest because a lot of blogs out there (or at least the ones that I read) are written by people who live in some major cities (Chicago, LA, NYC, etc.). Well, I'm here to let you know that we Midwesteners are exciting in our own right! Kind of...HAHA

What to Expect
I am constantly trying to improve my blogging skills. Currently I am in my last year of Grad school (YAY!) so during semester my blogs are a little sporadic because I'm spending a lot of time working on school work. You've been warned. However I currently have a few blogs I want to get started working on including: a review, a book rant/review (maybe...), a products used up list, and I really want to start doing outfits of the day I just need to get a full length mirror...

I'm also planning on starting to show case some of the things the my town has to offer including things in our neighboring city (across the river) in Omaha, NE. 

Stay tuned!!

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream and the Great BB Cream Showdown!

It is now time for my final Influenster Review (I will have links to all other Influenster related things below)! I feel like I really saved the best for last on this one. I have tried different BB Creams but hadn’t really found one that I liked until I tried the Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream (really can the name be any longer!!). I really liked it and was pretty committed to it until I received my Influenster Sunkissed VoxBox and got the opportunity to try the Olay Fresh Effects (BB Cream!) Skin Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 15. That is when the Great BB Cream Showdown began **PAUSE FOR DRAMATIC MUSIC**

Before we begin a few reminders: I received the Olay BB Cream for FREE from Influenster for testing purposes. The Garnier BB Cream I purchased with my own $$. HOWEVER, all opinions and thoughts are my own!

The showdown will consist of 3 main categories: Packaging, Texture and Feel, and Appearance. Let the Showdown Begin!

PACKAGING:

OLAY

The packaging for this is really adorable and young looking. I like that it appeals to a wide range of ages from pre-teens who may be trying out makeup for the first time up to someone in their 20s like me. I’m not sure if it would pack the greatest appeal for someone older just because it is so young looking and an older woman may not want such young packaging hanging around their makeup bag.

GARNIER:

This packaging is much more sleek and sophisticated looking to me and the grown up in me really likes this one too. This packaging was definitely made for women in their 20s and older.

TEXTURE AND FEEL

OLAY:

This BB Cream is incredibly light weight. It really doesn’t feel like you’re putting makeup on and feels more like a nice moisturizer. Once on your skin it feels like it just melts into it and doesn’t feel at all greasy. These facts make me love this even more!

GARNIER:

This BB Cream is a little more heavy duty than the Olay cream. It feels thicker coming out of the bottle and takes a little more effort to get it to “melt” into your skin. It also has a more greasy feeling that I’m not a huge fan of. A little definitely goes a long way with the Garnier BB Cream.

APPEARANCE:

**I kept all other makeup items the same for these pictures. I tried to take the pictures in the same location unfortunately after the OLAY picture we had a rash of cloudy/rainy days and I had to take my GARNIER picture inside.**

OLAY:

Look at how bright my skin looks!! I LOVE IT!! This BB Cream takes absolutely no extra nonsense to make you look glowy. If you needed to rush and only had time for some BB cream and mascara this won’t let you down. Better yet, the glowy-ness lasts ALL DAY!

GARNIER:

Oh, Garnier BB Cream, I love you but you take a lot of work. This just doesn’t have the glowy-ness of OLAY. But I will say with a little effort (mostly well placed highlighter and some bronzer) it can give a very nice “Oh I just got back from a tropical vacay” effect.

FINAL WORD:

I do really like both BB Creams, but if I could only buy one I would definitely go for the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream. It’s lightweight, non greasy, and gives instaglow like crazy! I do think I may find myself reaching for the GARNIER cream during the winter months only because it is a little thicker and I tend to like thicker for the colder months (I don’t know why I just do...). Now tell me! Have you tried either of these BBs? Which ones do you like the best?

You can find both BB Creams wherever Olay and Garnier products are sold!

INFLUENSTER POST LINKS

My First VoxBox

Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles Review

SinfulColors SinfulShine Review

Goody Hair Ouchless Ribbon Elastics Review