Lizzie's Top 10 (Oops, 15) Best Couples on Film

... And TV. 

I almost don't want to post this because am I the only one who wants to spew violently when people are like "I ship them" or use the dreaded "OTP"? Please go find your own social life and stop spending so much time on the internet. Sorry that's actually quite rude of me haha, anyway, there are a few that have stuck with me over the years:

(Liz, what is OTP? this is how much tv I need to watch)

1. Rory & Jess (Gilmore Girls)

Jess didn't even need any redeeming features, Funsponge Dean was not a hard act to follow. Nevertheless he was a great character, and they will forever be my favourite couple and he will always be my dream boyfriend. He was well read and intelligent and witty and his wide vocabulary made me swoon. He listened to punk and he understood Rory and Lorelai's pop culture references, and actually had a sense of humor unlike some (Dean) people. There's nothing like a bad boy. I enjoyed watching him fight with everyone. He was exactly what Rory needed and they had so many beautiful moments that 12 year old me almost had a breakdown.

(I find it kind of funny that she has a boys name and he has a girls name. teehee. sorry.)

(Also I'd like to point out I accept that he had his very awful crazy moments but he redeemed himself later in the series and I can't not love that face)

2. Seth & Summer (The O.C.)

What a classic. Summer was actually cast as a guest star when they started filming, imagine if Seth had ended up with Anna! So wrong haha. I also like the Princess Sparkle/Captain Oats subplot. This was a hilarious scene, and the aftermath: "Ryan I was Nemo, and I just wanted to go home!" They were one of those couples who were always a couple even when they weren't a couple and I love them eternally.

3. Freddie & Effy (Skins S3-S4)

Not the most functional or official couple, but when they have their moments they are beautiful, like really beautiful. The scene where they swim to each other in 3x05 has to be one of the best of all time. Things go on a terrible downward spiral and the end of season 4 is just ridiculous, but up til then I loved watching them. An awful relationship, yes, but Freddy's determination to save her is a beautiful thing. (Cue tears). The real reason I included them is cause Freddy is a bit of a dreamboat but shh.

4. Jane & Kevin (27 Dresses)

This one kills me. I think Kevin might be my dream man. Look at his face. His cynicism and sarcasm and straight up rudeness just make my life. And when he says "I cried like a baby at the Keller wedding" my heart melts. Come on. I'm Bennie, he's the jets. Such a great couple.

5. Holly & Paul (Breakfast at Tiffany's)

While lovely, another one where she's got too many issues for my liking and she needs him. Not okay. But the movie is pretty and they have the best kiss in the rain. Obviously this is a great film but I just want to point out that's not a super healthy relationship. Still, one of the best movies of all time.

6. Lucas & Peyton (One Tree Hill)

This scene is perfection (4x09) Lucas is all "Peyton, It's you" and Peyton's all "kiss me you fool". That's not exactly how it went but whatevs. I've watched it an embarrassing amount of times actually, PS Lindsay had a stupid manface.

7. Chuck & Blair (Gossip Girl)

This is an amazing epic one because they're both such strong stubborn people and they can never quite get it to work. So dramatic, so many games, an awful relationship to be in or around, but a great one to watch.

8. Oliver and Emily (A Lot Like Love)

I actually think this is one of the most underrated love stories ever. It may be predictable but it's hilarious and loveable and sweet and Ashton is a babe and did you see how bad their hair was when they met?

(I haven't seen this, but the photo isn't making me rush to watch. . . A)

9. Emily & Naomi  (Skins S3-S4) 

Cauuuute. I think this was a wonderfully written and well developed relationship, and I applaud the writers for actually making them multi-faceted characters and not just 'the gay ones' and treating their relationship seriously. It was just two people in love and it was a great love story and Lily and Kat should get awards. Lots of them.

10. Vada & Thomas (My Girl)
Mostly because I cry when he gets stung by the bees just because he was getting the ring for her. Why would he do that? Mood rings aren't even accurate for goodness sake. Arghhhh, it's like in Romeo and Juliet where every time you tell Romeo not to kill himself but he does it anyway!

11. Cliff & Torrance (Bring it On)

They don't even spend much time together but I like the part where they brush their teeth, the part where he makes her a mixtape, the part where she dances on her bed to it, and the part where they kiss.

12. Harry & Sally (When Harry Met Sally)

The banter! I can watch this over and over and never get bored. He's so cynical, and she's so optimistic, they disagree on everything, become best friends and fall in love... While still disagreeing on almost everything. And it's got enough plot twists to keep you entertained all through the movie.

13. Patrick & Kat (10 Things I Hate About You)

Can't not put these guys in, come on. It's Heath. Obviously the classic 10 Things poem and the performance on the bleachers are fab.
"You can't just buy me a guitar every time you screw up, you know. "Yeah, I know. But then, you know, there's always drums and bass and maybe even one day a tambourine."
LOVE ME HEATHHH

14. Juno & Paulie (Juno)

Juno: "Cause you're, like, the coolest person I know, and you don't even have to try, you know."
Paulie: "I try really hard, actually."

15. Tyler & Nora (Step Up)

This one might not even deserve to be here, I don't even know, maybe I just like this movie. How is Channing such a goofy idiot yet so charming? And this scene is just beautiful. Step Up is one of my favourite movies and I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit it.
(You know how much I appreciate that this is in here. Also they are still happily married in real life, which I LOVE.).

So yup I feel like I need to make up for this post by doing something manly or blogging about bench presses and boxing. I probably should do something to keep our male readers entertained, because I did force them to like the page in the first place.
Sorry guys.
Okay bye gonna go watch Jess & Rory make out now.
I'm kidding xoxo Liz

The Up Sides of Winter

I'm doing this on dial up because we used 80GB (?!?) and now have to suffer for the next 3 days ugh, so let's all take a moment to appreciate my hard work and patience!

1. Staying inside blogging
Yes, even though I don't do enough on this blog, it's a nice way to spend your time when you're cold and don't want to leave the house (because the reason I never post is because I have such a busy social life).


2. Mid Winter Christmas
I keep meaning to do one of these but I never get around to it. Maybe this will be the year, although my calendar is overflowing with 21sts every weekend (I'm feeling like such a social butterfly!)

3. Aotea Ice Rink
Yep, if you don't know already, last week Paradice opened the ice rink in Aotea Square. It's there for six weeks this winter so get your skates on! P.S. Amy I feel you will appreciate the fairy lights.
4. Reading in bed
Yes well obviously.

5. Writing letters by the fire
Did I tell you that I have a pen pal these days? She's a babe from Australia and it's lovely to sit by the fire and practice my terrible handwriting as I tell her about my life (or lack thereof).

6. Snuggling in bed
Okay to be honest this one's not specifically for me, my cat's not really a snuggle buddy. But to all of you that do have the opportunity, now is the time to huddle for warmth!


7. Mulled wine
This one was on Sunday magazine's list twice and I can see why. Yum.

8. Spicy food
I feel like it's the optimum time for a green curry or a butter chicken (hold the chicken). What better way to warm up? Actually wine helps too.

9. Chocolate boutique
The ideal place for a dessert date (which I've been doing a couple of times a month recently... should probably up the gym hours). When you're feeling freezing and antisocial it's nice to go out and have a jaffa or praline submarino or a hot brownie or a sundae or pretty much anything chocolatey and some company. When not in Auckland, friends have taken me to Eureka in Dunedin or Sweet Mothers Kitchen in Wellington, although I'm not knowledgeable like the locals haha.

10. Ski trips
I'll get around to this some time. I haven't been to the snow in like five years haha, but I know that people like Michelle enjoy being a ski bunny all winter, every winter, so good for them! Here's a snowy chalet for you, Bowie.


11. Going to Tahiti (lucky for some...)
Yep Amy's gets to go on a 'business trip' to Tahiti and come back beautifully bronzed just in time for her 21st. So lucky! Meanwhile I will be printing out pictures of tropical islands and sellotaping them to my walls.


12. Running in the rain
I don't know, I just find this invigorating and much better than running in the sweltering heat.

13. Onesies
Currently browsing on onepiece.com. I want a union jack one because, well, I'm a freak, but I don't think they have any! :(

14. Getting all emotional watching the rain on the window
Admit it, we all get deep in thought. Maybe not. Maybe it's just me.


15. Hailstorms
I love a good hailstorm, it's the closest we get to snow in Auckland (except for last year, so much drama haha) and it makes me feel like I'm in a tiny action movie.

16. Car heaters on your feet
This is probably my favourite. When your feet have been freezing all day and you get into the car and warm heavenly air radiates upon you and you feel like your feet have been wrapped in sheep and sunshine. Maybe a little dramatic but it feels good.

17. Less leg shaving
Although if you are one of those people with a cuddle buddy, don't get lazy. That's gross. As for me, I'm not opposed to skipping a few days on the legs when I'm wearing jeans anyway. Just remember your loooong leggings/yoga pants/lululemon everything when you get to the gym.

18. Long sleeves
I find myself stressing a lot about my arms, so I appreciate the fact I can wear sleeves and not worry about them. Plus sleeves are pretty. And I like to see some cuff poking out from my jumper or jacket!

19.The Scenery!
When it snows Rangipo Desert looks amazing. So does flying over the Southern Alps. So so beautiful.

20. Parkas/anoraks/raincoats/all outerwear
I'm partial to plastic coats for some reason. Someone buy me another! Also I enjoy a good clear plastic umbrella, mostly so I walk into less things.

ASOS

21. Tea
I talk about tea in every post. Chai Tea, Lady Grey, English Breakfast, T2 teas, Healtheries Be Charged, Be Sleepy, Green Tea, Peppermint tea, Chamomile tea, Tea Total in Milford, all tea.

22. Hot baths
You've got to get the temperature perf because nothing ruins a nice bath like having it go cold super quick or burning your calves lobster red. I kind of make an event of it, bubble bath, candles, tea, a book, all my towels set out neatly, and then I slowly undress to Barry White. I'm joking, that is super inappropriate but I'm not going to delete it because I think I'm hilarious.

23. Cinnamon
I don't know okay it just makes everything taste like a winter wonderland. One of my favourite snacks (I know I'm gross) is banana sliced in half with peanut butter on one side and honey on the other side, you shake cinnamon all over it and put it back together and cut it into bite size pieces. Cinnamon on my chai lattes, orange and cinnamon everything, those yum as Israeli cinnamon balls, yes to all!

24. Snow angels
Again I haven't done this in a while but I imagine I would still find it as much fun.

25. The challenge of packing your bags for the South Island.
I'm taking less coats this year.


26. Appreciating the odd sunny day
When it starts raining and being grey every day I start to feel like I've taken summer for granted, complaining about the occasional sun shower. It's lovely to wake up in August and see that it's sunny outside, even if it is still 5 degrees. It's nice and crisp and cheerful all the same. Plus, rainbows.

27. Coffee Shops that play jazz when it's raining
If you've had a shit day, a Mocha and some jazz makes everything feel a bit better.

28. Layering
If you're feeling less than hot in either sense of the word, you can just cover up with five layers of clothing. Ideal. Lately I've been wearing merino + shirt + jumper + necklace + pants + boots + coat daily.


29. Boots
Praise. Especially the ones with shearling inside that keep your feet toasty.

30. You can get away with wearing (silly) hats
I have one that's shaped like a dog and its ears go over my ears. I don't wear that one but I do appreciate a good furry, bobbly or animal themed hat or beanie in winter. These ones aren't that silly but they're hats.

31. Better gym weather
Sometimes you feel like a dog overheating in summer and it's just too much effort to go to the gym because you feel kind of like you're burning in the fires of hell, you know? Not a problem in Winter. Plus the clothes are better and you can look all Thug Life arriving in your hoodie.

PS I need this cushion. I think we all need this cushion.

32. Headlights on a rainy day
I'm not sure why, but when I see them it just makes me feel cozy and grateful for shelter, and when I drive through puddles and see fairy light covered trees I start romanticizing and pretending that it's Christmas Eve in New York or something. Then I realise its not snowing and Auckland is crap in comparison... but it has its moments. 

33. Thunder storms
I had to drive through a the worst storm ever in the pouring rain and thunder and lightning at midnight with a headlight out (electrical fault, I didn't hit anything thanks!) a couple of weeks ago, did not appreciate that. But when you're at home in your warm lounge/bed it's quite nice.

34. Movie nights
I feel like it's more acceptable in Winter to cancel your wild night out drinking 'because it's raining' , avoid town where random sleazy men grab you and lick your face (true story), and watch 27 dresses in your pajamas with your friends instead. Here's a gratuitous image from what I think everyone will agree is the best scene ever.

35. Having more fun with makeup
Especially in Summer everyone wants to look as natural as possible, so I feel like Winter is the time to experiment. I don't mean fluoro green or lash to lid orange, but you can afford to try bold lips or darker eye colours when it's less likely to melt off your face in the heat!

36. Pants
I'm currently having a pants moment and I'm looking forward to new investments once I've lost 300 kilos for Amy's 21st. I'll be going to the pants party. Lots of interesting prints recently too!

Jessica Hart, Balmain Pants, Streetpeeper, ASOS, Olivia Palermo's pants, ASOS

37. Longjohns and a skivvy is a legit outfit
Well not really, but you can get away with wearing it around the house/to bed. Not as attractive as my sexy lace nightie (ha like I have one), but effective against the cold. And great for doing floor gymnastics in, which is my specialty.

38. Spa pools
I don't actually have one but I wish I did and I aim to use anyone else's who offers. I'm looking at you Amy, turn your spa on please and I'll be over shortly.

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39. Electric blankets
I actually haven't had my electric blanket on my bed for the past 2 or 3 years, but I put it back on and realise how much I have missed out on. So lovely to get into a toasty cosy bed. I always turn it off before I get in though because I'm scared of being radiated and dying. You should be too.

40. Novelty socks and fingerless gloves
I'll admit I have socks with cakes, scotty dogs, snowflakes, rainbows, tartan, Betty Boop, leopard print on them. Nobody can see them but I know they're there and it makes me happy. And fingerless gloves have never been so useful, ideal for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad use.

So I hope everyone feels slightly more appreciative and can overlook the terrifying power bills, frostbitten toes and dry skin that ruin Winter for us, and see there's actually a lot to enjoy!
Hope everyone's exams went well, or if you're one of those poor souls who's still going, good luck!
Love and Happy Winter from Lizzie xxx