Wednesday, June 25, 2014

There's More Than Meets the Eye: Exploring YouTube

     Hello Lovelies,
     As it is summer, and I have more time on my hands, I have recently been exploring YouTube. Not only is this a great source of entertainment and humor, but I have discovered that it is also a source of inspiration. There are few channels I have stumbled upon that have really impressed me with how they have used YouTube to its full potential. These few have shown me how much one can gain from a website that simply shares videos with the world. 
      Subsequently, I have been inspired to create a list, or compilation, of YouTube channels that fulfill the various facets of internet entertainment. 
      I hope you enjoy!
      Stay Gold,
      Kayla
Comedy
ThatcherJoe, it'sGrace, MyHarto

Joe Sugg of ThatcherJoe began his channel about one year ago. Many may know him from his sister's channel, Zoella, but he has certainly made a name for himself. He now has over 2million subscribers and generally creates comedy videos. His content always seems to make me laugh out loud. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXb8iOYUGx8&index=3&list=PLk9cDzNGR4-j4CA_yAd5Qzb8NPw3j0eLM

it'sGrace is Grace Helbig's second YouTube channel. Many know her from her first channel, DailyGrace. Her videos are different from most comedic videos. Repetition, frequent jump shots, and a dry sense of humor all rolled together create a lighthearted video that never gets boring.

MyHarto is a channel run by Hannah Hart. Her success began with her segment "My Drunk Kitchen" and quickly spread to collaborations and advice videos. If you like cooking and puns then this is the channel for you. She is quite entertaining.

Short Films
sawyerhartman, Bertie Gilbert, PleasantRyan

Sawyer Hartman not only films typical YouTube videos and collabs, but also wonderful short films. They are extremely well made and vary from  horror stories to comedies with everything in between. Each film has a different feel, and it is clear that Sawyer works really hard to produce these films.

I just recently stumbled across Bertie Gilbert's channel, and I am thrilled I did. Simplistic, well thought out, and abstract, his work is so realistic it's touching. (So prepare to tear up a bit...I sure did!) I think we can expect big things from him in the near future.

I literally found the PleasantRyan channel yesterday and I love it. Ryan O'Connor really only has two short films on his main channel, and I want more! He takes a humorous, narrative approach to some of the deeper questions we come across in life. I really hope to see more from him.  

Music
Tom Rosenthal 

If was asked to play one song that summed up my general taste in music, I would play a song by Tom Rosenthal. All of his music is pure and simple...and I love it. Not to mention his voice is angelic. He has songs that tell silly little stories, and others that are more than that. Regardless, all of them are quite beautifully done.

Daily Vlogs
Mr Ben Brown, FunForLouis 

Both Ben Brown (Mr Ben Brown) and Louis Cole (FunForLouis) are amazing people. They literally film their lives everyday and share it with the internet world. That is quite a feat, and they should be commended for it. Unlike some people that sit at home and watch their videos, these two men venture out into the world and experience all that it has to offer. They are truly living their life to the fullest.

Pure Brilliance  
Will Darbyshire, JacksGap

Will Darbyshire is fairly new to the YouTube world, but he is fitting in just fine. As far as I have seen, Will takes a different approach to creating and filming his videos. Instead of doing tags or challenges he comes up with a topic for the week and discusses it on camera. He generally keeps them short and sweet with various examples or images that drive his points home. His filming style and choice of music are just brilliant, and I really admire the videos he creates. 

JacksGap, created by Jack Harries was originally began as a hobby or something fun to do over the span of his gap year. He was one of the first famous "British YouTubers". Now, with over 3.5million subscribers his channel has become much, much more. Teaming up with his brother, Finn Harries, they are creating content that is unmatched by anyone on YouTube. I believe this started with their trip to the Rainbow Centre in Sri Lanka and peeked on their trip to India to participate in the Rickshaw Run. Jack and Finn are using the success of their channel to film videos that are not only beautifully done, but also educate viewers on parts of the world that need our help. They are true philanthropies. They should be applauded for the work they do.  
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Friday, June 20, 2014

In The Kitchen: Cake Pops

Hello Lovelies!
A year or two ago I was on the search for a good Cake Pop recipe or helpful directions. There's many different ways to make them, by using a kit or special trays, but I think I've found the best way to make them and they taste amazing! They're really not that difficult to make, but there's a lot of trial and error. But, I'll try to add some tips that I've found work best that maybe others have yet to discover. Also, I apologize for the pictures. They're not the best I've ever taken!

 Ingredients:
White or Colored Melting Chocolates (From Michael's)
Food Coloring (if needed)
Cake Pop Sticks (From Michael's)
Any flavor of Cake Mix (Ingredients for Cake Mix also: Eggs, Water, Oil, etc.)
Compatible Frosting (ex: Vanilla Cake + Vanilla Frosting)
Crisco
Any kind of Styrofoam Block or Circle
Sprinkles (optional)

 Steps:
1) Bake the cake as you normally would following the directions on the back of the box. Let cool for an hour or so or you can even do it the night before you plan on putting the cake pops together. 
2) In a bowl, take the cake and crumble with hands as finely as you can. This will take some time and isn't very fun, but it's worth it. 
3) Add about half the can of frosting and mix with a spoon or hands. (Hands are easier) Add more icing as needed until it is sticky enough to roll into a ball and not stick to your hands. I put mine on a baking sheet with some wax paper.
4) Next take a bit of the melting chocolates you plan on using and microwave a bit in a bowl. I do about 1 minute and then add a bit of Crisco and then microwave for another minute. The problem a lot of people find with these melting chocolates is that they are too thick and difficult to use. By adding Crisco, you add a bit of oil to help make it easier to use. I know it's kind of gross, but it works. Don't try using water to thin out the chocolate, trust me, it doesn't work and ruins the chocolate.
5)Then take your sticks and swirl a bit on the end and stick into each cake ball on the pan. I then like to refrigerate them for about an hour so they don't fall apart when I try to put the outer coating on. I did this first with the white but used purple and blue as the outer shells.
6) After refrigerating them, melt the chocolate you want to use and if you're using white you can add the food coloring and Crisco. I like to take the cake pop in one hand and then use a spoon to pour over it a bit and smooth it out. I also added some sprinkles to make them pretty and then I stuck them in my Styrofoam. 
6) Lastly, I refrigerate for a couple hours and then they're ready to eat! :)


 All my love,
Hailey
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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Sam Smith: In the Lonely Hour

     Hello Lovelies!
     I first discovered Sam Smith while randomly browsing on YouTube and stumbled across one of his first singles, Money On My Mind. After the first chorus dropped I was in love. Next I heard Stay With Me. And oh my goodness, guys. The feels. I was hooked. I knew when Smith's full album came out I would forever be a dedicated fan of this amazing artist. I just listened to the full deluxe album and I simply couldn't wait to tell you guys about it! In all seriousness, this album is absolutely brilliant!
     In today's music industry we hear the same songs over and over again and the charts are full of crazy party music that has practically no substance. The iTunes Top Singles right now include Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea) by Ariana Grande, Fancy (feat. Charlie XCX) by Iggy Azalea, Wiggle (feat. Snoop Dogg) by Jason Derulo, and Kiss Me Kiss Me by 5 Seconds of Summer at number one. It makes me question the taste of today's consumers and really makes me wonder where the true art of music has gone. 
     But In the Lonely Hour is a true breath of fresh air. Smith's album has restored my hope in the industry today. The combination of Smith's angelic voice, the soothing yet powerful music, and the touching lyrics create a truly beautiful album. This album holds top prize for diversity. One song is a deep ballad, the next a throwback, and the next with a gospel feel The whole time I was listening to the album I couldn't help but be moved by the music. My foot was tapping, and my body was covered with chills.
     Sam Smith has a talent that has yet to be matched in today's music industry. I have a feeling there is more greatness to come. I encourage you listen to In the Lonely Hour and appreciate the art of music that has been restored within it's tracks. Let me know what you think of Smith and his new album in the comments below. 
     Stay Gold,
     Kayla


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Monday, June 2, 2014

To The Beach! A Seasonal Playlist

Hello, Lovelies!
I can't believe it's already June! Since summer is starting it's time for another seasonal Playlist! These are some of my favorite songs for summer. Some of them are old and some are new, I like a good mix. Hope you enjoy!












All my love,
Hailey

(Photo from Pinterest)
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